City of Countryside City Council Met June 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The meeting was called to Order by Chairman John Von Drasek at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Assistant City Administrator Peterson called the Roll of Members physically present as follows:
PRESENT: Chairman John Von Drasek, Alderman Mark Benson, Alderman John Finn Also Present: City Clerk Kmet, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Asst. City Admin. Peterson, Rec. Sec. Prokop
Public Comment – there was no public comment
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 7, 2021 were previously distributed to the Board Members. Chairman Von Drasek asked if there were any corrections to be made to said minutes. There being no corrections or additions, motion made to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 7, 2021, as presented.
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: 3 Chairman Von Drasek, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
COMMITTEE BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
Consideration of an Ordinance Amending Section 3-4-2-2 of the Municipal Code to Revise Food Dispensing Vehicles
Assistant Administrator Peterson stated that the City Code currently allows for Food Trucks to obtain a business license through the Clerk’s Office. They must pass the Health Inspection through the Cook County Department of Public Health similar to regular restaurants. Two food trucks have pending Health Inspections. The concern is where will food trucks park? One stated they want to park in the strip mall where Honey Fluff Donuts is located. They would need a letter from the landlord allowing that parking. Mr. Trent, Planning Manager, would have concerns due to taking up parking spaces in that lot. There were catering vehicles in Dansher Park; they would get a business license every year. They have not been active in the past two years.
Some surrounding communities do not allow food trucks for the above reasons; also, food trucks take revenue from actual businesses in town. The City believes a better solution would be to change the City Code to only allow food trucks at Special Events, such as golf outings, carnivals, park events – any type of gathering where the Special Event Permit is required. The City would still insist that all other requirements be met, i.e., Health Inspection and business license. The two food trucks that have already applied would be grandfathered in for this year; their license would expire December 31, 2021.
Chairman Von Drasek asked how this change applies to private parties – graduations, birthdays, parking on private property – Ms. Peterson will discuss that with the City Attorney. The Ordinance might need to be amended to include that situation.
Alderman Finn mentioned the 2nd and 3rd shift workers at Dansher Park. Is there still a need for food trucks there? Catering trucks have not renewed their license in 2-3 years. That issue can be addresses if it arises in the future.
Chair Von Drasek sought a motion to move this matter to tonight’s City Council meeting. 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: 3 Chairman Von Drasek, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Consideration of a Program to Support Local Businesses and Non-Profits
Ms. Peterson stated that Ellen Soto, Continental Motor Group, brought this to Gail Paul’s attention. The Village of Libertyville, to support their local businesses and non-profits, ran a promotion for car dealerships. The first 30 purchasers or lessees of new vehicles at each dealership during the month of October would get a voucher from the Village for $100 in Libertyville Rewards. This promotion was limited to Libertyville residents only. Local merchants would get a voucher from the Village and submit it to the Village of Libertyville to get the reimbursement. The Village did not purchase the gift cards.
Basically, customers buying or leasing a car would get certificates to use at local businesses. In turn, the dealership pledges a contribution to local charities. At program end the dealerships make the donations to the charities selected. In Libertyville, 12 dealerships over a 5-month period contributed $30K to four local charities. If the committee is interested in pursuing this matter, Gail and Sharon will get more information for an upcoming meeting, with actual cost estimates. Currently it is only a discussion item to gauge interest.
Alderman Benson asked if any particular charities come to mind. Ms. Peterson stated that no charities were mentioned. The Special Events Committee did mention donating to the Chamber of Commerce; there could be other charities, but that could be a local not-for-profit organization in town. Alderman Finn stated that the cost is only the vouchers - $3,000 cost to the City. Everything else would be handled by the dealerships.
Do we want to open it up to non-residents – or keep it strictly to residents. Chairman Von Drasek would like further research along those lines – the pros and cons. Bringing people in from the outside would entail them using other facilities, restaurants, etc. Board members agreed to give the idea further consideration. They will ask the dealerships if they are interested.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Finn, to ADJOURN the meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 Chairman Von Drasek, Alderman Benson, Alderman Finn
Nay: 0
Chairman Von Drasek declared the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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