City of Countryside City Council met Sept. 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
A. CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor McDermott
Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Mikolyzk. Mayor McDermott called for a moment of silence in honor of Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away last week.
Roll Call: City Clerk Kmet called the Roll of those physically present as follows:
Present: Mayor McDermott, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, City Clerk Kmet, City Treasurer Stancik
Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Deputy Chief Novak, City Attorney Peck, Deputy Clerk Peterson, Finance Director Schutter, City Engineer Fitzgerald
B. OMNIBUS AGENDA
1. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2020.
2. The Statement of Bills submitted for payment through September 23, 2020: $582,442.16.
I move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of September 9, 2020, and the Statement of Bills through September 23, 2020 in the amount of $582,442.16.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
C. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
1. City Clerk Kmet read the letter from Countryside resident, Nadine Beals, in its entirety into the record re: the purpose of the GO Bonds for $20M, payment thereof and specific cost to each taxpayer. Mayor McDermott stated that the City is not purchasing new bonds but actually refinancing the existing bonds. In doing so the City is saving taxpayers approximately $2M. Further explanation will be noted as the Agenda proceeds. Ms. Paul stated that Ms. Beals may not have seen the Finance Committee Agenda since this item was discussed at length at the last Finance Committee meeting.
D. MAYOR’S REPORT
1. Swearing in of Board of Fire and Police Commissioner Mary Louise Pisone. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Mary Lou Pisone as a Member of the Board of Fire and Police Commission. Congratulations were expressed and photos taken. The Mayor thanked her for her many years of service to the community.
2. Swearing in of Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals Member Stephen Kehr. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Stephen Kehr as a Member of the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals. Congratulations were expressed and photos taken. The Mayor thanked him for serving the community for many years.
3. Swearing in of Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals Member Ron Ward. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Ron Ward as a Member of the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals. Congratulations were expressed and photos taken. The Mayor thanked him for serving the community.
4. Swearing in of Police Pension Board Member Brandon Edenfield. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Brandon Edenfield as a Member of the Police Pension Board. Congratulations were expressed and photos taken. The Mayor thanked him for serving the community.
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 sought Consideration of an Economic Development Agreement for the Purchase and Construction of a Buona Beef Restaurant and Public Parking Lot.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
2. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Finn sought consideration of an Ordinance Providing for the Issuance of not to Exceed $20,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020, and for the Levy of a Direct Annual Tax Sufficient to Pay the Principal of and Interest on Said Bonds. At the Finance Committee Meeting Finance Director Dave Schutter and Todd Krzyskowski of Mesirow Financial discussed ways to save the City considerable sums by refunding bonds and issuing new ones with a much lower interest rate, similar to refinancing home loans. The present value savings is $1.4 Million based on current market conditions. Ald. Mikolyzk asked for further clarification re: the tax levy for residents. Ald. Finn stated that GO Bonds are backed by the taxing ability of the City to pay for them. Property taxes in the City have been abated each year because the City brings in enough retail sales tax revenue to pay for the bonds; City residents have not paid property tax for any of these bonds. There will be no property tax levied again this year; that will be abated. Thanks to Dave and Todd for putting the package together and making it easy to understand.
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
Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-25-O.
3. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
4. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Benson sought consideration of the 2020 Street Rehabilitation Program in the amount not to exceed $457,217.00. The program required some scale back this year covering mainly the streets that most needed repairs. Alderman Von Drasek lauded the committee for taking that approach and saving money for the City.
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: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
5. PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
a. Attorney Peck sought consideration to approve a 4th Extension Request for Approved Variances at 5555 Brainard Avenue – (Ordinance 18-09-O) – Paul Shukis/Michael Mallon. Several variations were granted in the past and three previous requests were made for extensions. Mr. Shukis is currently seeking a 9-month extension to continue those variances on that property. Attorney Peck will draft a letter to Mr. Shukis advising him of the Council’s actions.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Finn that this matter be DENIED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, vvAlderman Jasinski, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson
Nay: 0
b. Consideration of an Ordinance to Approve a Preliminary/Final Plat of Resubdivision at 9840 W. 58th Street. At the hearing held on 9-1-2020, Mr. Pablo Guzman appeared before the PC/ZBA seeking approval for his request. The Board found that all requirements had been met and it was their recommendation to approve the Preliminary/Final Plat of Resubdivision subject to a Revised Final Plat as approved by the City Engineer; the requirement for sidewalks is temporarily waived until such time as either adjoining properties install sidewalks; and an Address Plat for Lots 1 and 2 shall be submitted with the Building Permit to be reviewed and approved by the Pleasantview Fire Protection District.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk that this matter be DENIED 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
Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-26-O.
6. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Jasinski stated that unfortunately due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee must cancel the 2020 Children’s Christmas Party and the February 2021 Winterfest – similar situation – no way to handle people in a safe environment.
b. Halloween is on a Saturday this year; the Committee has decided that Trick or Treat will be allowed between the hours of 1-4 p.m. Residents who wish to participate in distributing treats will provide a table or tent at the edge of their driveway, with seats 6’ apart, and allowing children to come up and take treats from the table. This keeps proper distancing and allows children to have an event this year. Halloween was cancelled last year due to the unseasonal snowstorm. This information will be posted on the City website. Mayor McDermott stated that IDPH will provide guidance on this matter; the City will follow their recommendations.
7. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
a. Alderman Musillami stated that the committee will meet next Thursday at 7 p.m.
8. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD
a. Alderman Von Drasek noted that the golf course looks great; record numbers of golfers have played the course this year.
I. LEGAL REPORT – NO REPORT
J. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. City Administrator Ms. Paul sought consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement and Subrecipient Agreement for Coronavirus Relief Funds. This is an IGA with Cook County to apply To them to get federal funds via Cook County.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, 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
2. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the City Administrator to Submit an Application for Coronavirus Relief Funds Provided to Cook County Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, 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
Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 20-07-R.
K. STAFF REPORTS
1. DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE
a. Deputy Chief Novak sought consideration and Action to direct the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to Select an Officer for the Position of Police Sergeant from the Promotional Eligibility Listing.
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. CITY ENGINEER – NO REPORT
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 Musillami 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 7:55 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/september-23-2020/
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