City of Countryside City Council met Aug. 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A. CALL TO ORDER – Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Benson.
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 Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn, City Clerk Kmet, Treasurer Stancik
Absent: Alderman Von Drasek
Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Police Chief Ford, City Attorney Peck, Finance Director Schutter, Deputy Clerk Peterson, Building Commissioner Coleman
C. OMNIBUS AGENDA
1. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 8, 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. The Statement of Bills was submitted for payment through August 12: $1,261,210.95.
3. I move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of July 8, 2020, and to approve the Statement of Bills through August 12, 2020 in the amount of $1,261,210.95.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
D. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
1. City Clerk Kmet stated that one letter was submitted from Nadine Beals, 6640 Dawn Avenue. She requested that the letter be read aloud at the 8-12-20 Council Meeting. Clerk Kmet read the entire letter aloud, portions of which are transcribed herein. She suggested holding all future meetings on ZOOM during the coronavirus pandemic for public safety reasons. Other public bodies have done so and continue the practice. Countryside should improve its efforts to hold safe meetings. ZOOM meetings should include professional sound systems and properly functioning microphones; speakers need training to identify themselves when speaking. There is poor sound projection during council meetings. Speakers hold whispered conversations among themselves; this reinforces disinterest in public participation and opinion. Beals is a 30- year resident. Mayor McDermott thanked her for the letter. Attorney Peck stated that the City is properly holding meetings per the Phase 4 recommendations issued by Governor Pritzker.
E. MAYOR’S REPORT
1. Consideration of an Ordinance Creating a Class E-1 Liquor License.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski,
Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
2. Consideration of a Class E-1 Liquor License Application for the Holiday Inn Countryside. The bar is not open but they wish to sell package goods for consumption by guests.
A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski,
Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-21-O.
3. Mayor McDermott thanked the Public Works Department for their fantastic efforts during the recent derecho – straight line winds. Residents stated that they did an outstanding job in cleaning up the damage caused by that event; they are superb. Thanks to the Police Department as well. The east side of Countryside was severely damaged, and a power line came down between 8th and 9th streets.
4. The City is working with the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity to have a Countryside Business sign added on the Stevenson Expressway at the Joliet Road exit, #276C; at present the sign says LaGrange. The sign will identify the Countryside Business District. City Administrator Paul worked on the application with the DECO to get that done; it will be a great addition for the business community.
5. On August 21-22, 2020 from 9 am to 5 pm, the City will host a COVID-19 Test Site – working with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Cook County DPH to coordinate that effort; the Police Department will assist with logistics. This service will be available to citizens of Countryside.
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
a. Alderman Von Drasek is absent. City Administrator Ms. Paul sought consideration of a Resolution Authorizing a Tax Sharing Agreement between the City of Countryside and VC Auto, LLC, d/b/a Countryside Mitsubishi. Mr. Jidd presented his case before the EDC. He purchased Continental Mitsubishi and renamed the dealership Countryside Mitsubishi. A Redevelopment Agreement was negotiated whereby the entire dealership will be remodeled per the new corporate model. The City will provide him with 24 months to consolidate plans and pull permits and to complete construction within one year. Once occupancy is granted, the City will begin to share in all sales taxes above the base level -- Continental’s current sales volume level. Tax sharing will be kept in an escrow account until requirements to redevelop the dealership are completed. The escrow account will be released at that time and the City will continue making payments. Based on Mr. Jidd’s estimate of sales the City will pay, over a 7-year period, a maximum of $1.363M. The Agreement is limited to 7 years or $1.3M maximum. The Mayor welcomed Mr. Jidd to the Countryside community. Mr. Jidd thanked the Council for their cooperation.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 20-05-R.
2. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Finn sought consideration of an Ordinance Providing for Supplemental Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Beginning May 1, 2019 and ending April 30, 2020. Finance Director Schutter stated that the TIF was finally approved in September 2019. The City never budgeted for it and the fund was not created when the FY 2020 budget was completed. The City seeks to allocate those costs into the new TIF fund recently Created; to do that the City must pass a budget amendment - $51,155 in costs.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Benson, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-22-O.
3. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
4. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Benson sought consideration of awarding a contract to PetroleumTechnologies Equipment in the amount of $88,700.00 for the removal of anunderground fuel tank and the installation of a new above-ground fuel tank.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski,
Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
b. Consideration of awarding a contract to M.E. Simpson in the amount of $37,798.00 for Fire Hydrant Flow Testing and Valve Exercising. Alderman Benson stated that this procedure is done yearly to make sure City hydrants are in working condition for public safety.
A motion was made by Alderman Jasinski, seconded by Alderman Finn, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
5. PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - NO REPORT
6. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Jasinski advised that a meeting will take place later to consider the possibility of having of children’s Christmas Party – pending the status of the virus. Alderman Jasinski also thanked the DPW for doing a fantastic job, especially along the area from 6th to 9th Streets in Ward 1 which were affected by the microburst that came through, topping the trees at 20 feet. Branches came down and went through roofs, siding came down; trees just exploded, power lines were down –City crews did a fantastic job. Everything got cleaned up the first night and streets were cleared for driving. Residents are extremely pleased; kudos to our City Department of Public Works.
7. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE - NO REPORT
8. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD – NO REPORT
I. LEGAL REPORT- NO REPORT
J. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. City Administrator Ms. Paul sought consideration of a Letter Consenting to the Sale of Lot 3A in the Countryside City Center. Lot 3A is the multi-tenant building that includes Starbucks, the Vitamin Shoppe and T-Mobile. There are continuing obligations; since the property is in a TIF District, they are not allowed to appeal their taxes below a base, which is set for 20 years. The City is required to give them a letter that allows them to sell it and transfer the Redevelopment Agreement to the new owner.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski,
Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
2. Consideration of a Redevelopment Agreement Estoppel Certificate for City Center Lot 3A. Ms. Paul stated that the City reviews the Certificate and acknowledges their compliance with the current RDA. This Certificate states that they are not in default. This is a requirement for the new owner.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski,
Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
3. Consideration of Payment Request #30 in the amount of $174,440.00, under the Project Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to Frederick Quinn Corporation (FQC).
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
K. STAFF REPORTS
1. Chief of Police
a. Police Chief Ford reminded residents to lock their vehicles. The area has experienced items taken from cars and cars stolen due to unlocked vehicles. There was one incident in Countryside and some in LaGrange – “Lock it or Lose it!” The Mayor thanked Chief Ford for all the Police Department assistance with the storm damage.
2. City Engineer
a. Mr. Fitzgerald is absent. Ms. Paul sought consideration of awarding a contract to Lindahl Brothers, Inc., Bensenville, IL in the amount of $662,989.30 for the 2020 Street Rehabilitation Program. Ms. Paul asked for a motion to award the contract in full pending further discussion at the Finance Committee Meeting on which streets to include. The City has the right to delete any streets from the overall package – due to the coronavirus causing economic uncertainty in the City budget. Alderman Mikolyzk stated that residents of Burr Oak Lane have been waiting for years for repairs/ resurfacing. Ms. Paul stated these items are above the budget; the City could be facing a shortfall this year; we cannot overspend the budget. The Finance Director will review all pertinent information and make an informed decision. It is up to the City Council to make the final decision. The Council will prioritize the streets in most dire need and Alderman Mikolyzk’s request will be taken under advisement.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
b. Consideration of Pay Estimate #7 and Final to Lindahl Brothers in the amount of $15,000.00 for the 2018 Street Rehabilitation Program. This payment regards the 5th Avenue Cutoff. Cook County just approved the work. The City is making the final payment and will put in for reimbursement for that amount.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
3. Building Commissioner
a. Consideration to approve a Fence Licensing Agreement between the City of Countryside and Mr. Paulius Valaisa. Mr. Coleman stated that Mr. Valaisa will be responsible for the maintenance of the fence area and will proceed to obtain permits and schedule inspections. Panels will be readily removable in the event of needed maintenance or access by City crews or the Police Department. A similar situation exists in the same area one block away, 302 Catherine, and a similar agreement was made.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
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 February 12, 2020, July 8, 2020 and all Closed Sessions that have not yet been released for Public View to determine which minutes, if any, may be released under Section 2(c)(21) of the Open Meetings Act.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this meeting be RECESSED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski,
Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting recessed at 7:58 p.m.
* * * * *
N. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
1. The Regular City Council returned to Open Session with the same members present at 8:08 p.m.
2. Approve City Council Executive Session minutes of February 12, 2020 and July 8, 2020, as presented.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Musillami, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
O. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Benson that this meeting be ADJOURNED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami,
Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
Absent: 1 Alderman Von Drasek
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/august-12-2020-2/
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