City of Countryside City Council met Sept. 9.
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 Von Drasek, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn, City Clerk Kmet
Absent: City Administrator Paul, Treasurer Stancik
Also Present: Police Chief Ford, City Attorney Peck, Deputy Clerk Peterson, Deputy Chief Novak, Finance Director Schutter, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Building Commissioner Coleman
C. OMNIBUS AGENDA
1. The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 12, 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 September 9, 2020: $469,594.32.
3. I move to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of August 12, 2020, and to approve the Statement of Bills through September 9, 2020 in the amount of $469,594.32.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
D. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC - NONE
E. MAYOR’S REPORT
1. Swearing in of Probationary Patrol Officer Juan Cahue. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Juan Cahue as a Patrol Officer in the City of Countryside. City Council and the public welcomed him to the City. Officer Cahue received Badge #72. Congratulations were extended and photos taken.
2. Chief Ford presented several Police Service Awards. He began with Outstanding Citizen Awards to sisters Bridget and Shannon Flynn, and Officers Rojas, Lanzi and Sgt. Stern. He stated that these are only some of the awards recognized this year; due to the COVID-19 virus, some events were missed; officers were not present due to their work schedules. This particular incident occurred on 8-27-20 in the 5700 block of Kensington when both sisters were in their car and came upon a young man lying on the ground. They stopped their car, called 9-1-1 and Bridget began CPR on the victim. Three Officers responded to the scene; they realized it was an opioid overdose and administered Naloxone at the scene; he was injected two times and began breathing. Paramedics arrived on the scene and took him to the hospital. He is alive today thanks to all those individuals. Countryside was one of the first municipalities in Cook County to have trained officers administering Naloxone. Because of their actions, Sgt. Stern and Officer Lanzi will receive a Lifesaving Award and Officer Rojas a Meritorious Service Award. Both sisters will receive Citizen Awards for their efforts; our thanks go out to them. Congratulations were expressed and photos with all participants, plus the Mayor and the Chief, with and without face masks. The Mayor encouraged both girls to apply for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen.
3. Chief Ford presented the next award to Officers Gleespen and Venem. Both officers responded to a house fire at 6928 Sunset. Upon arrival they discovered that people were in the residence; without any fear for their own safety, they entered the residence and rescued several children and an older woman. Through the smoke they saw a small infant in a highchair; they were able to save the infant and rush him to waiting paramedics; their actions represent those of all Countryside Police Officers. We congratulate them and present this Meritorious Award – Officer Gleespen is not present tonight and will receive his Award at Roll Call. Officer Venem was also recognized by AAIM as one of the Top Officers of 2019 for DUI arrests. Every year the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists – AAIM – recognizes Officers for their actions, along with Officer Batzel and Officer Maher – all doing great jobs in savings lives. Congratulations to all officers.
4. Chief Ford stated that the following Officers cannot be present tonight. Another Lifesaving Award will be presented to Officer Batzel and Officer Kalker –on 6-28-20 both Officers responded to the Taco Bell where they found a female lying face down in the parking lot. She was unresponsive -- had weak, shallow pulse, pupils constricted -- they realized it was an opioid overdose. Acting quickly they injected several doses of Naloxone, which eventually revived her and the paramedics took her to the hospital. Again, individuals’ lives are saved and they have a second chance; we can only hope they make the right decisions next time. Both Officers will be presented with their Lifesaving Awards at the next Roll Call. Their efforts are appreciated. Mayor McDermott stated that Countryside has the best Police Department in the State of Illinois. You can see by their actions; they do an outstanding job in keeping us all safe.
5. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of a Background Check/Fingerprinting Waiver request from the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana for their Door-to-Door Cookie Sales in 2020 and 2021.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
6. Mayor McDermott stated that this Friday a 9-11 Ceremony will be held at City Hall to remember all the individuals who lost their lives on that tragic date. The City is working with the American Legion to notify the Community; all are invited to participate in this solemn occasion.
7. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Everyone is affected by this in one way or another. There is an emergency Suicide Prevention Hotline number – 1-800-278-8255. If you know someone who is in the depths of depression, please reach out to them and don’t hesitate to make that phone call.
F. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
1. Consideration of a Resolution Relating to the Review and Approval of Closed Session Minutes. When minutes are released from Schedule A to Schedule B, the City acknowledges same by adopting a Resolution.
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: 6 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 20-06-R. G. TREASURER’S REPORT – NO REPORT
H. COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:
1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - NO REPORT
a. Alderman Von Drasek echoed the sentiments regarding praise for the Countryside PD. He was on scene the day of the house fire but was not fully aware of all their actions. The Officers were very modest and unassuming; they are a City treasure and deserving of our appreciation.
2. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Finn also praised the Countryside Police Department. In that vein, he sought consideration and approval to enter into a 5-year Replacement Contract (Assurance Plan) with Axon Enterprise, Inc., to include the purchase of 18-TASER 7 Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs) for a total cost of $53,493.66. Chief Ford stated that the payment is over a 5-year period so it does not affect the budget.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
b. Consideration and Approval to waive the formal bidding process and purchase Fourteen (14) Body Worn Camera Systems, with 3-year Hardware Warranty and Software Licensing, from WatchGuard (Motorola) in the amount of $26, 735.00.
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: 6 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
3. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE – NO REPORT
4. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Benson sought consideration of an Ordinance Approving Amending Section 6-3-1 of the Municipal Code Regarding Nuisances Enumerated.
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: 6 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-23-O.
b. Consideration of an Ordinance Approving Amending Section 8-1-1 of the Municipal Code Regarding the International Property Maintenance Code
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 20-24-O.
5. PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - NO REPORT
6. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
a. Alderman Jasinski advised that a meeting will take place prior to the next Council meeting to discuss the Christmas Party and Trick or Treat – Halloween. Los Angeles County has cancelled Halloween this year. The City will discuss what they can do for the children. If residents have any suggestions, please attend the meeting and bring them forth. Mayor McDermott expects some Public Health guidance re: Halloween; the City might follow that.
7. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE - NO REPORT
8. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD
a. Consideration to purchase a John Deere HPX615E Beverage Cart from J W Turf in the amount of $18,969.14. The old cart is in need of replacement. The new beverage cart will create added responsibilities for users. This cart is heavier and faster than the old one. IRMA requires certain safety procedures to be followed and there will be a training period for drivers.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
I. LEGAL REPORT- NO REPORT
J. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – NO REPORT
K. STAFF REPORTS
1. Chief of Police
a. Consideration and Action to Hire One Probationary Police Officer. Chief Ford stated that the City was short three police officers due to retirement. Currently one officer is in the Academy, another was just sworn in and a third one is completing the background check. He is looking for approval pending positive testing.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
2. City Engineer
a. Consideration of Pay Estimate #2 in the amount of $72,725.69 to Evan and Son Blacktop, Inc., for the Tennis Court and Basketball Court Rehabilitation at Countryside Park. Mayor McDermott commented on the superb work done by the company. The weather was problematic but it turned out very well. Comments from residents have been great.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Jasinski, that this matter be APPROVED as presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
3. Building Commissioner
a. Consideration of approval for a Right-of-Way Encroachment Agreement between the City of Countryside and 1508-1510 @. 55th LLC, located at 1508-1510 W. 55th Street. Mr. Coleman began with Item #2 first, since both properties are related. He stated that the building owner erected the trash enclosures to provide screening for the trash containers located in the rear (north side) of the building – Northwest Court. The site plan provided lacked guidance as to the proper location and proximity to the north property line. After site review by Messrs. Trent and Coleman, it is evident that measurements are eight feet off the building, resulting in encroachment on the City’s right-of-way. That still leaves ample room (20-24 feet) for turning radius of utility trucks, snow plows and fire apparatus. This request is for approval of Permit # BP-19-21795 issued by the City as the basis for a legally binding executed document and to memorialize the agreements and terms of the contract.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
b. Consideration of Approval for a Right-of Way Encroachment Agreement between the City of Countryside and Maas Development, LLC, located at 1500 W. 55th Street. This location is directly east of the previous property involving the same situation along Northwest Court. Maas hired the same fence company and erected the same enclosure for screening the trash containers. There are no other issues. This request is for approval of a legally binding executed document and to memorialize the agreements and terms of the contract.
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 Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
L. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON: NONE
M. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Finn that this meeting be ADJOURNED. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Jasinski, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Benson Nay: 0
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/agendas-minutes/september-9-2020/
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