City of Countryside Council met Dec. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A. CALL TO ORDER – Pledge of Allegiance led by Garrett Wittenberg. Mayor McDermott asked for a moment of silence in honor of President George Herbert Walker Bush.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
B. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Burdett called the Roll of those physically present as follows:
Present: Mayor McDermott, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn, City Clerk Burdett, Treasurer Stancik
Absent: Alderman Jasinski
Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Police Chief Ford, City Attorney Peck, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Asst. City Administrator Peterson, Finance Director Schutte
C. OMNIBUS AGENDA
1. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 14, 2018 were previously distributed to members of the City Council. Mayor McDermott asked if there were any corrections to be made to said Minutes. There were none.
2. The Statement of Bills was submitted for payment through December 12, 2018: $3,248,719.89.
I move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of November 14, 2018 and to approve the Statement of Bills through December 12, 2018 in the amount of $3,248,719.89.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
D. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC - NONE
E. MAYOR’SREPORT
1. Mayor McDermott and Police Chief Ford presented a Citizen’s Award from the Police Department to Elizabeth Wittenberg. The Mayor read aloud – “For extraordinary personal action during the investigation of a hit-and-run traffic crash that occurred on November 9, 2018 at 55th St. and Plainfield Road, while acting without hesitation Ms. Wittenberg flagged down responding officers, provided information that assisted officers in the apprehension and arrest of an offender. Ms. Wittenberg’s actions demonstrate a sense of concern and helpfulness to the community; she is recognized for being an Outstanding Citizen.” Ms. Wittenberg was working as a crossing guard at that time. She thanked the Mayor and the Police Chief for the honor. Chief Ford stated this was a DUI arrest at 7:30 a.m.; the individual was highly intoxicated; the offender took off and hid behind a local business. Liz did a great job in pointing him out; that is how we hope our crossing guard-citizens will always respond to a situation. Congratulations to Liz on doing a great job. The Mayor has known Liz for many years; she is not an “official neighborhood watch” but certainly acts in that capacity. She has assisted in a variety of incidents over the years. Thank you, Liz, and our congratulations to you. Photos were taken.
2. Mayor McDermott stated that Alderman Finn has once again agreed to become Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will occur on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Proceeds from the Parade are donated to charitable organizations – this year money will go to Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Merry Christmas to all! This is the last meeting of the year – many thanks to all employees in the City of Countryside for the outstanding job that you do all year long. We have the best Municipal Staff in the State of Illinois.
F. CITYCLERK’SREPORT-NOREPORT G. TREASURER’SREPORT–NOREPORT
H. COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
a. Alderman Musillami- FYI – The Speedway property has finally been sold; the new owner is waiting for ComEd to disconnect before demolition begins.
2. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Treasurer Stancik seeks consideration of an Ordinance abating Taxes levied for the Tax Year 2018 on General Obligation Bonds Series 2008.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0 Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-39-O.
b. Treasurer Stancik seeks consideration of an Ordinance abating Taxes levied for the Tax Year 2018 on General Obligation Bonds Series 2012.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-40-O.
c. Treasurer Stancik seeks consideration of an Ordinance abating Taxes levied for the Tax Year 2018 on General Obligation Bonds Series 2014.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-41-O.
Treasurer Stancik seeks consideration of an Ordinance abating Taxes levied for the Tax Year 2018 on General Obligation Bonds Series 2017.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-42-O.
Treasurer Stancik seeks consideration of an Ordinance abating Taxes levied for the Tax Year 2018 on General Obligation Bonds Series 2018.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Musillami, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-43-O.
Treasurer Stancik stated that this is the fifth straight year that the City has been able to manage this feat; Congratulations to the Staff for their excellent work. Mayor McDermott echoed the words of Treasurer Stancik; this is indeed an outstanding accomplishment for the City – five years in a row not having to levy any property tax whatsoever on the citizenry is extremely rare. Almost every municipality in Cook County – at least the pension, is automatically transferred to property taxes. We are very fortunate in having a healthy, robust, diverse retail base to assist us.
3. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Musillami sought consideration to hire a Maintenance Worker
1. John Williams, Foreman in the DPW, has announced his retirement effective 12/31/18, after 30 years with the City.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Von Drasek sought consideration of an Ordinance approving Registration of Defaulted Mortgage and Vacant Property. Ms. Peterson presented details: At the November Infrastructure meeting a Pro-Champs representative discussed their program. The City agreed to form a partnership with them regarding foreclosed and vacant properties. They agreed to keep rental inspection properties in-house. The City will split the registration fee per an agreed-upon formula. The City must pass an Ordinance and include that Ordinance number in the agreement.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-44-O.
b. Alderman Von Drasek sought consideration of an agreement between the City of Countryside and Property Registration Champions, LLC of Melbourne, Florida. Ms. Peterson stated this agreement is valid for two years with automatic renewal, unless the parties provide a 30-day notice of termination. The document was reviewed by the City Attorney, who added a 30-day termination clause as well. Attorney Von Drasek stated this agreement will help expedite the legal process.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
c. Alderman Von Drasek sought consideration of Not Amending the City Code to only allow lead flashings on roofs. Ms. Peterson stated that this matter was discussed at the November Infrastructure meeting and it was recommended bringing it to the City Council for a full vote. Staff recommendation is to keep the Code as is. Mayor McDermott stated that the International Building Code today allows both rubber and lead flashings.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson to concur, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
d. Alderman Von Drasek sought consideration of an Ordinance regulating the placement of garbage receptacles. Ms. Peterson stated that currently the City does not regulate the placement of garbage receptacles in residential districts. The Committee agreed to change the Code to have receptacles located either in the side yard or rear yard of residential properties; they are allowed in the front yard the day before pickup by 3 pm and returned to their prior location by 7 pm the day of pickup. Attached for Council consideration is the revised Ordinance. The Mayor stated that the Ordinance will be complaint-driven.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-45-O
a. Alderman Von Drasek stated there was one snowfall this year; he aided residents with shoveling; it was a very heavy snow. Thanks to DPW – they helped numerous senior residents; they plowed the aprons – so kudos to them. Merry Christmas everybody!
LICENSE COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
a. City Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Ordinance approving a Special Use to amend 18-14-O, approving a PUD at 6404 & 6406 Joliet Road (Countryside Mercy Housing) – making City inspections on the property consistent with State and County inspections. The City will not have to do inspections at different times – all inspections will take place at one time. At the hearing held on November 13, 2018 to amend Condition C of the City of Countryside Ordinance 18-14-O, which approved the PUD for the Countryside Senior Apartments upon the real estate commonly known as 6404 & 6406 Joliet Road, the PC/ZBA heard all testimony and evidence and it was their recommendation to approve the Special Use amendment to read: “There shall be inspections of the Countryside Senior Apartments to occur on a yearly basis and only charge the $135 Rental License fee per year. Copies of all yearly reports to be submitted to the Community Development Department.” Ald. Von Drasek stated that this is a really safe building for Senior Citizens. He noted Alma, the manager is present.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-46-O
Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Ordinance approving a Special Use Variation for Continental Honda at 5901 S. La Grange Road. Continental Honda wishes to expand with the addition of four more bays on the back (east side) of the property. Several years ago the City decided to make car dealerships a Special Use. Continental Honda was there prior to enactment so they were not required to get the Special Use. At this time with expansion of their location, it was recommended that they come into compliance with the special use requirement. At the hearing held on December 4, 2018, Continental Honda appeared before the PC/ZBA seeking a special Use to permit expansion of an operation already in existence, of a new automobile retail dealership with parking service facilities on the property commonly known as 5901 S. La Grange Road. Having heard all testimony and evidence, it was the PC/ZBA finding that all requirements for a special use were met; there were no objections, either written or oral, and it was their recommendation to approve the Special Use subject to several conditions: 1) that construction be in substantial compliance with the plans prepared by LaMantia Design & Building; 2) outdoor speakers will not be placed in the direction of residential properties; 3) all inventory shall be stored in designated striped stalls so as not to block aisle ways; 4) installation of bicycle parking spaces; 5) sprinkler system shall be required; and 6) all construction and operation permitted by such special use variation shall be subject to all applicable codes of the City of Countryside. With those conditions, it was the PC/ZBA recommendation to approve the Special Use.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn to concur, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-47-O.
a. Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Ordinance approving a variance at 6201 Joliet Road for T-Mobile for one additional antenna. At the hearing held on November 13 2018 the applicant appeared before the PC/ZBA seeking a variance to permit the maximum height of an antenna not to exceed 15’ instead of the permitted 7’ above the roof line on the property commonly known as 6201 Joliet Road. After hearing all testimony and evidence, the PC/ZBA found that the petitioner has established all the requirements for the requested variance. There were no objection, either written or oral, and it was their recommendation to approve a variance to permit an antenna with a maximum height not to exceed 15’ instead of the permitted 7’ above the roofline on the property commonly known as 6201 Joliet Road subject to the following conditions: that all construction be in substantial conformity with the plans contained in Exhibit A, which is the Planning and Zoning Memorandum from the City of Countryside Building Department; and all construction and operation permitted by such zoning variation shall be subject to all applicable city codes and ordinances.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami to concur, seconded by Alderman Von
Drasek, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-48-O
7. POLICE COMMITTEE—NO REPORT
a. Alderman Finn commented that the City’s ability to abate the property tax is unheard of. The DPW not only cleaned up the snowstorm but they picked up all the leaves that were just uncovered by the snow; by the end of the week they also came around and picked up all the branches – unbelievable – in one week they plowed, picked up leaves and chopped up branches – great work, fantastic job.
8. RECREATION COMMITTEE – NO REPORT – Ald. Jasinski absent
a. Ald. Von Drasek asked for the date of the WinterFest – Ms. Peterson stated that is Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 1 p.m. – at Flagg Creek.
9. WATER COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
10. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD
a. Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Ordinance approving a variance at 6201 Joliet Road for T-Mobile for one additional antenna. At the hearing held on November 13 2018 the applicant appeared before the PC/ZBA seeking a variance to permit the maximum height of an antenna not to exceed 15’ instead of the permitted 7’ above the roof line on the property commonly known as 6201 Joliet Road. After hearing all testimony and evidence, the PC/ZBA found that the petitioner has established all the requirements for the requested variance. There were no objection, either written or oral, and it was their recommendation to approve a variance to permit an antenna with a maximum height not to exceed 15’ instead of the permitted 7’ above the roofline on the property commonly known as 6201 Joliet Road subject to the following conditions: that all construction be in substantial conformity with the plans contained in Exhibit A, which is the Planning and Zoning Memorandum from the City of Countryside Building Department; and all construction and operation permitted by such zoning variation shall be subject to all applicable city codes and ordinances.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami to concur, seconded by Alderman Von
Drasek, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Clerk Burdett declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 18-48-O
10. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD
a. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration of Flagg Creek Profit Sharing Distribution for FY2018 in the amount of $144,433 – the City’s share is $72,216.50. Mayor McDermott stated it is a significant rise over last year – great job. Ald. Mikolyzk stated that thanks to Finance Director Schutter is so watchful plus Staff management; the golf course is well-managed by the City Staff. Congratulations on a job well done!
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
I. LEGAL REPORT - NONE
J. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. City Administrator Paul sought consideration of Payment Request #14 in the amount of $1,403,421 under the Project Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to Frederick Quinn
Corporation (FQC) for the new Municipal Complex.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Ms. Paul stated that on behalf of the City Staff she acknowledged the Mayor and City
Council for their praise and returned the kudos.
K. STAFF REPORTS
1. AssistantCityAdministrator
a. Ms. Peterson sought consideration to approve the Brainard Avenue Fence Installation Program. During public information meetings regarding the Brainard Avenue Shared- Use Path, it was noted that some residents’ homes are very close to the proposed path; they have discussed shrubbery and different options for screening. City Engineer Fitzgerald and Ms. Peterson have come up with a fence program that would include a six-foot fence. Residents must apply for a permit, get the fence inspected, close out the permit and submit their reimbursement. A cost estimate is between $20-50K.Total amount to be included in the May 1, FY 2019 budget is $50,000 for this program. Front yard fences are required to be four feet high.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Musillami,
that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
b. Ms. Peterson sought consideration of a change order in the amount of $14,872.04 to Schwartz Excavating Inc., of Countryside, IL for the additional work required upon demolition of the house at 10701 – 5th Avenue Cutoff – for permitting, asbestos removal and hiring the asbestos contractor, etc. A breakdown of expenses is listed on the reverse side of the memo totaling $14,872.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek,
that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
2. CHIEF OF POLICE
a. Chief Ford thanked the City Council for its support over the years. He announced that Saturday, December 15, with the assistance of Westfield Ford and Carm Scarpace, and the Fishers from Autobarn, the City will host its 5th Annual “SHOP WITH A COP” XMAS outing to take local kids shopping. Ald. Von Drasek asked for volunteers to assist with this program; it will get you in the Christmas spirit! They always need elves to help with the gift wrapping, etc. Chief Ford stated that officers’ wives and kids also come out to help. The kids love it and it makes an impact on their lives. Officer Lanzi brought the program from Brookfield. It’s a great program.
b. On December 21, 2018, the new cadet will graduate from the Police Academy - the City Police Department will be up to full strength.
3. CITY ENGINEER
a. City Engineer Fitzgerald sought consideration of engineer’s payment estimate #3 in the amount of $279,922.16 to Lindahl Brothers Inc. for the 2018 Street Rehabilitation Program.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Musillami,
that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
b. Mr. Fitzgerald sought consideration of engineer’s payment estimate #4 and final in the amount of $22,440.35 to Stip Brothers Excavating Inc. for the 2017-2018 Drainage Improvement Program.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Mayor McDermott stated that the weather became a factor on the 5th Avenue Cutoff program. This was the coldest November on record and the road was not able to be completed at that time; once asphalt plants reopen in April, it will be completed.
L. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON: NONE
M. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/december-12-2018-2/
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