City of Countryside City Council met July 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A. CALL TO ORDER – Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor McDermott.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
B. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Kmet called the Roll of those physically present as follows:
Present: Mayor McDermott, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn, City Clerk Kmet, Treasurer Stancik
Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Police Chief Ford, Deputy Chief Novak, City Attorney Peck, Finance Director Schutter, Deputy Clerk Peterson,
Building Commissioner Coleman
C. OMNIBUS AGENDA
1. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 10, 2020 were previously distributed to the members of the City Council. Mayor McDermott asked if there were any corrections to be made to said Minutes. There were none.
2. Approval of Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for Rebuild Illinois Grant Program for the Dansher Road Water Main Replacement Project – June 26, 2020.
3. Approval of Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for Rebuild Illinois Grant Program for the 6th Avenue Public Parking Improvements – June 26, 2020.
4. The Statement of Bills was submitted for payment through July 8: $629,760.04.
5. I move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 10, 2020, Approval of Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for Rebuild Illinois Grant Program for the Dansher Road Water Main Replacement Project – June 26, 2020, Approval of Public Hearing Meeting Minutes for Rebuild Illinois Grant Program for the 6th Avenue Public Parking Improvements – June 26, 2020, and to approve the Statement of Bills through July 8, 2020 in the amount of $629,760.04.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
6. City Administrator Paul stated that she requested City Council approval to apply for two separate Grants; they were adopted by Resolution but those Resolution numbers are not in the minutes. These Resolution numbers will be added to the June 10, 2020 Minutes –
Resolution 20-03-R for the Dansher Road Water Main Replacement Project.
Resolution 20-04-R for the 6th Avenue Public Parking Improvement Project.
D. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC - NONE
E. MAYOR’S REPORT
1. Consideration of a Block Party Request from Eileen Baehrend, 6907 Parkside Avenue for August 8, 2020 from noon to midnight.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
2. Presentation of St. Patrick’s Day Parade Donations to the Center for Independence through Conductive Education and the District 105 Foundation. Chuck & Patty Herbst are present on behalf of the Center for Independence and Amy Carroll is the President of the District 105 Foundation. Alderman Finn, Chairman of the Parade, joined in the presentation along with Mayor McDermott. Each institution was presented with a check for $8,000 – as proceed donations. Photos were taken. Patty Herbst, Executive Director of the Center for Independence, thanked the City for its generous gift. Their organization serves about 200 children with physical disabilities every year; they have been in Countryside for 20 years this year. The City has been very welcoming to the children and their families. The Center has reopened on Monday after three months of tele-therapy. They are planning a virtual lemonade stand – thank you so much. Ms. Amy Carroll, President of the Foundation, represents Ideal School, Hodgkins School, Spring Ave. and Seventh Ave. They provide scholarships to students once they graduate from LTHS – one to each school. They were unable to raise funds and eliminated the scholarships for the past two years. This money will jump-start the next round of scholarships. Many thanks. Mayor McDermott stated that the City picks an organization that gives back to the community; we appreciate everything you do for the community.
3. Swearing in of Probationary Patrol Office, Gage Brunke. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Gage Brunke, as a Probationary Patrol Officer of the City of Countryside. City Council members and the audience congratulated Officer Brunke on his appointment as patrol officer for the City; photos were taken; Star #71 was given to Officer Brunke. Official documents were signed.
F. CITY CLERK’S REPORT - NO REPORT
G. TREASURER’S REPORT – NO REPORT
H. COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - NO
2. REPORT FINANCE COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
3. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
4. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Benson sought consideration of an Agreement for Fence Installation Program for the Brainard Avenue Shared-Use Path.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
5. PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
a. City Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Ordinance for a Variance Request to increase the Permitted Maximum Height of a Monument Sign from 6 feet to 8 feet on the property commonly known as 6438 Joliet Road. At the hearing held on July 7, 2020, the Applicant appeared before the PC/ZBA seeking to install a monument sign 8 feet above the curb level, rather than the maximum height of 6 feet. After hearing all testimony and evidence, they found that all conditions for such a variance were met. There were no objections, written or oral, to the variation. It is the PC/ZBA recommendation that the variation be granted subject to the following conditions:
1. All construction and placement of the sign be in substantial conformity with the PC/ZBA Memorandum dated June 24, 2020;
2. A sign permit shall be submitted subject to the review/approval of the CDD;
3. The proposed monument sign shall be subject to review/approval of the City Engineer;
4. The original sign and remaining debris from the accident shall be removed and the area restored to grass or landscaped area;
5. A Landscape Plan shall be submitted to address perimeter landscaping subject to review/approval of the CDD;
6. All construction shall be subject to all applicable City Codes and Building Code.
A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-19-O.
b. Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Ordinance for a Variance Request to decrease the Required Front Yard Setback from 25 feet to 15 feet for the installation of a new roof structure over an existing deck/patio on the property commonly known as 10901 Joliet Road. The Applicant, Mr. Kevin Comer, addressed the City Council. Mr. Comer stated that when he got the Special Use for the decks in 2009, TVs were not included at that time. He would like to get that changed or incorporated into the current request. He would like to have two TVs, back to back. Atty. Peck stated if the City Council is so inclined a provision could be added as one of the conditions – that Applicant is limited to two TVs on the back patio. Mayor McDermott asked if City Council Members are agreeable; there were no objections.
At the hearing held on July 7, 2020, the Applicant appeared before the PC/ZBA seeking a variance to reduce the front yard setback from the minimum required 25 feet to 15 feet from the property line along Brainard Avenue for the construction and installation of a new roof structure over an existing deck/patio. After hearing all testimony and evidence, the PC/ZBA found that all conditions for such a variance were met. There were no objections, written or oral, to the variation. The Applicant met all conditions for the requested variance. It is the PC/ZBA recommendation that the variation be granted subject to the following conditions:
1. That all construction be in substantial conformity with the PC/ZBA Memorandum dated June 24, 2020;
2. A building permit shall be submitted subject to review/approval of the CDD;
3. Pursuant to Sec. 8-3-1 (E) (15) of the Code, if dumpsters are to be used on site, then a refuse and recycling enclosure shall be installed.
4. All construction and operation permitted by such variation shall be subject to all applicable codes and ordinances of the City of Countryside;
5. With the special provision that the Applicant be limited to two TVs on the back patio.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-20-O.
SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
Alderman Jasinski advised that last year the Committee approved reconditioning of the tennis courts at Countryside Park; they are progressing nicely. Hopefully by August both pickleball and tennis will be going at the same time.
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
Alderman Musillami -- FYI – the multiuse path is a great improvement to the City. The Mayor stated that there will be a Grand Opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the near future. They will advise the community in advance.
FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD
Alderman Von Drasek stated that the Golf Course Advisory Board will meet here in City Hall on Wednesday, July 15, at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
I. LEGAL REPORT- NO REPORT
J. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. City Administrator Ms. Paul sought consideration to waive the formal bid process and enter into a 3-year Agreement with Automated Logic in the amount of $42,168 for Preventive Maintenance. The new automated system is operating and tracking solar generation, electrical usage and all information needed to send to LEED for the next five years to help support the $1M Grant. Automated Logic is the sole proprietor; they wrote the software. The City seeks to enter into a 3-year Agreement for preventive maintenance of the system.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
2. Request to Amend the Redevelopment Agreement with Hoffmann Alpha Omega Development Group, LLC, to increase the maximum allowable building height to 90 feet. The City entered into the RDA with the Hoffmann Group to develop property in Ward 2. The Development includes a gas station, convenience store, restaurant and hotel. The hotel is on the Hodgkins parcel. During negotiations Hoffman agreed to limit the hotel height to 80 feet. However, the structural engineer determined in order to properly renovate the existing building, the height should be 88 feet above the finished floor. Hoffman requests that the RDA be amended to allow for the additional beams to properly support the hotel. Staff recommends approval.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
3. Consideration of an Advertising Contract with WGN Radio for $22,500.00. Ms. Paul stated that this matter just came up unexpectedly; there is no Agenda Supplement in the Board packet. The City has been advertising on WGN Radio in conjunction with car dealerships and Chamber of Commerce. In February the City Council approved a WGN Advertising Contract in the amount of $81,000. In March the baseball season was postponed. It was recently announced that the season will begin and only 60 games are to be played. Ms. Paul met with WGN reps who came up with some options. Ms. Paul recommends a two-year option – first year cost is $25,500. The first year is pro-rated based on the number of games; they will give each car dealership an additional 25 bonus spots; they are giving the City and the Chamber 50 spots to split. The second year contract will honor the contract from 2020 at $70,000 and also add the games from this year, and add any additional tickets to next year for a total of 200 tickets next year. Ms. Paul recommends approval of the two-year contract and that the City pays the full amount for the first year; that amount is budgeted. This is a good faith effort for City to assist car dealerships, who have suffered some difficult times due to the pandemic. The City did the restaurant promotion and this gesture should be well received by the dealerships and Chamber. Mayor McDermott agreed; car dealerships have also agreed. Ald. Benson asked what happens if only 30 games are played; will there be a discount. Ms. Paul answered affirmatively.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami,
Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
K. STAFF REPORTS
1. CHIEF OF POLICE
A. Chief Ford sought consideration and acceptance of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Grant to purchase the In-Car Camera System for seven patrol vehicles in the amount of $37,488.00. All three items are related. Staff recommends accepting
this Grant which was applied for in April. The Police Department budgeted $50K cameras; the current camera system is at the end of its useful life; there have been sporadic issues, no longer covered by warranty. This Grant does not cover software, maintenance or installation of the cameras. Deputy Chief Novak did all the Grant application work.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
b. Consideration and approval to waive the formal bidding process and purchase seven in-car Video Camera Systems, with 5-year hardware and software maintenance, from WatchGuard (Motorola) in the amount of $44,313.99. The above Grant does not cover warranties, software or installation. The budgetary impact will be $6,825.99.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
c. Consideration and approval to waive the formal bidding process and award a contract to MPC Communications and Lighting in Northbrook, IL to install seven in-car Camera Systems in the amount of $4,445.00. Installation is also not covered by the Grant. Alderman Musillami asked Chief Ford if the Department has considered body cameras. Chief Ford stated that they have been price checking bodycams. Officers are all for it. The new in-car cameras have a 180-degree range, which is much better than the focal range on the old system. There are instances when officers are away from the car and action is not captured. Our officers are very professional when dealing with the public. Officers have no problem wearing bodycams and they did investigate prices. Due to the budgetary impact of the pandemic, they have held off on purchasing.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
2. CITY ENGINEER – NO REPORT
3. BUILDING COMMISSIONER
a. Consideration of an Amendment to an Existing Agreement for the installation of new Subsurface Drainage Piping in City-Owned Alley Easement. On June 12, 2020, City Staff Coleman, Trent and Senna met with Mr. & Mrs. Sean McCracken, 302 -54th Avenue to discuss water ponding on the City-owned easement which is encompassed by legally installed perimeter fencing pursuant to an Agreement dated 4-13-18. After further discussion, all parties agreed to the installation of additional piping which would redirect ponding water to a larger area located in the City’s alley easement that could handle additional storm water overflow. Alderman Benson asked whether the City Engineer
has reviewed and approved the plan. Mr. Coleman stated that he has. Alderman Finn asked about payment for installation and maintenance; the residents will pay for everything. They are aware that if the City decides to pave that area, everything will be removed and the fence will be restored to their original property line.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Musillami, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
L. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON: NONE
M. MOVE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. To review City Council Executive Session Minutes of May 13, 2020, Section 2(c)(21) and to Discuss Litigation under Section 2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this meeting be RECESSED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting recessed at 8:06 p.m.
N. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
The Regular City Council returned to Open Session with the same members present at 8:22 p.m.
To approve City Council Executive Session minutes of May 13, 2020, as presented.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek that this meeting be ADJOURNED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/july-8-2020/
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