City of Countryside City Council met Feb. 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER –The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor McDermott. Lanie Reilly gaveled the meeting to order. Alderman Frohlich led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call: City Clerk Kmet called the Roll of those physically present as follows: Present: Mayor McDermott, Alderman Finn, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich, City Clerk Kmet, Treasurer Bolt
Absent: Police Chief Ford, City Administrator Paul, City Attorney Peck
Also Present: Deputy Police Chief Klimek, City Attorney Hess, Assistant City Administrator Peterson, Finance Director Schutter, City Engineer Fitzgerald, Administrative
Clerk Saucedo, Recording Secretary Prokop
2. OMNIBUS AGENDA
a. Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2023.
b. Statement of Bills submitted for payment through February 22, 2023 in the amount of $353,683.38.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
3. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Patty Essig, 10775 Maplewood Road discussed the Lyons Township Board of Education Meeting yesterday evening attended by various City officials. At that meeting she read the letter from the City of Countryside expressing their concern about LT seeking to sell vacant property to an industrial builder. The property is listed at $55M, an amount only industrial developers could afford. The property is not zoned Industrial and is only feet away from the Pleasantdale Elementary School and Park District. The City is joining forces with the Village of Willow Springs to oppose this sale. Other local municipalities have joined with Willow Springs. Their consensus is to keep this property as green space or open lands. Many thanks to the City Council for its action on behalf of the entire community. The Mayor thanked Mrs. Essig for her participation and assistance in this matter.
4. MAYOR’S REPORT
a. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of a Class S Liquor License for Baltic Food Distributing, 5808 East Avenue.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Frohlich that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
b. Consideration of an Ordinance Reducing the number of Class U2 Liquor Licenses by one. A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Mikolyzk that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 23-04-O.
c. Mayor McDermott presented the 2023 Countryside St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen and Recognition of Parade VIPs. He introduced Alderman John Finn, Chairman of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade – this is the 7th Parade held by the City. The Mayor thanked Sharon Peterson and Liz Saucedo and everyone in the Clerk’s Office who do an outstanding job putting all the elements together for this parade. Chairman Finn announced the names of the generous sponsors who helped make this event possible.
SOLO SPONSOR – Jack Phelan Grand Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.
POT O’GOLD SPONSORS – Friends of Sean McDermott – Local 150 – Merging Technologies — Novotny Engineering – Township of Lyons – Westfield Ford.
EMERALD SPONSORS – Brainard Avenue Baptist Church – Chariot Automotive & Towing – Flagg Creek Golf Course – George J. Keporos – Groot Industries, Inc. – Holiday Inn Countryside – Hooters of Countryside – Infinity Communications – Napleton’s Countryside Mazda – Odelson, Sterk Murphey, Frazier & McGrath, Ltd. -- Park District of LaGrange – Rafferty’s Irish Pub – The Autobarn Subaru & VW of Countryside – Time Out Sports Bar – Tressler, LLP – Vulcan Materials.
SHAMROCK SPONSORS - Designer Event Chicago – Double J Riding Club – Heat Engineering Co. – Illinois Harley Davidson – Sinnott Tree Service – The Mood – Ursula Russo, Realtor.
Many thanks to our sponsors who keep this event going and enable the City to donate the proceeds to two local charities - Boy Scout Troop 69B and Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer – two very worthy organizations.
Mayor McDermott recognized our Grand Marshal, Bagpiper Kevin Dahill, who has participated in this event since its origination. In appreciation the City is making him the Grand Marshal this year. The Mayor thanked him for his service to our community for many years. Mr. Dahill received his parade sash, yeti mug and a live shamrock plant. Photos were taken.
Alderman Finn introduced the Queen, Colleen Ramicone, who was crowned by Liz Saucedo. Colleen volunteers at St. Cletus’ Food Pantry and Giving Tree; she is a member of the Environmental Club at Nazareth Academy. Colleen enjoys playing Lacrosse, skiing, art and playing with her new puppy. The Queen received her crown and sash and various other gifts. All girls received a sash, yeti mug and a live shamrock plant. Photos were taken.
Other members of the Queen’s Court are:
Isabella Broderick – Isabella volunteers with the Hinsdale Humane Society and serves with the Sisters of St. Joseph; Isabella plays hockey and Lacrosse.
Sophia Foltz – Sophia is involved in many activities at Nazareth Academy – Investment Club, Future Health Care, Youth Initiative and Smile Club.
Katie Springer – Katie’s family is involved in St. Cletus Parish as PTO member and band parents association member. Katie enjoys reading, theater, dance, baking and traveling.
Princess: Lanie Reilly – Lanie loves Irish Dancing and has entered competitions. She also loves animals, especially horses. She has a butterfly garden to help pollinators. She is a Girl Scout and her troop supports veterans and they do plan on more volunteering this year.
Mayor McDermott introduced Bagpiper Sean McDonald, who regaled the audience with his rendition of “For Love of the Princess”. After the Presentation Ceremony, the Queen and her Court followed the Bagpiper out of Chambers Room.
d. On behalf of the City, Mayor McDermott accepted an award from Cisco Construction Industry Corporation from their annual Construction Awards Program to recognize excellence in union construction in Northeastern Illinois. The City of Countryside was given the Award for 2022. A group photograph of the City Council was taken with the Award.
5. CITY CLERK’S REPORT - no report
6. TREASURER’S REPORT – no report
7. COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF SO DETERMINED ACTION UPON:
a. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – no report
1. Alderman Von Drasek wished the Mayor a Happy Birthday; Aldermen wished him a Happy Birthday as well.
b. FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Alderman Finn sought consideration to award a contract for Audit Services to Lauterbach & Amen, LLP for Fiscal Years 2023-2027, in a first year not to exceed $37,770.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Frohlich that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
c. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration of the City of Countryside employee Handbook amended December 31, 2022. Asst. Administrator Ms. Peterson stated that the Family Bereavement Act was updated; the Concealed Carry Policy and the Computer Usage Email Policy are new.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Frohlich that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
2. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration and Action to establish a Full-time Lead Community Service Officer (Lead CSO) Position and Approve the Lead CSO Job Description. This position has been very difficult to fill on a part-time basis. How long has this position been open? Deputy Chief Klimek stated that they have not been fully staffed for six years. The PD had 10 part-time CSOs; the situation has gotten worse since the Pandemic; they are down to 3 part-time CSOs.
A motion was made by Alderman Frohlich, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
3. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration and approval to begin the hiring Process to fill the full-time position of Lead Community Service Officer (Lead CSO). A motion was made by Alderman Frohlich, seconded by Alderman Finn that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
d. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
1. Alderman Benson sought consideration of a proposal for a Water Distribution System Valve Exercising Program from M.E. Simpson in the amount of $17,784.00. A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Musillami that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
2. Alderman Benson sought consideration of a contract with Go Painters in the amount of $14,560.00 for the Fire Hydrant Painting in Ward 3. Every year hydrants are painted ward by ward, one ward per year; last year they did Ward 2.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Musillami that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
3. Alderman Benson sought consideration of a proposal for the 2023 Fire Hydrant Flushing and Maintenance in the amount of $21,825 with M.E. Simpson.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
4. Alderman Benson sought consideration of a Resolution in Support of the 2023 Cook County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the Lorraine Drive, Rose Avenue and Rose Court Street Rehabilitation.
A motion was made by Alderman Finn, seconded by Alderman Frohlich that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as RESOLUTION 23-02-R.
e. PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - no report
f. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE – no report
g. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE - no report
1. FYI – There is a committee meeting on Monday at 5:15 p.m. in City Hall.
h. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD – no report
8. LEGAL REPORT – no report
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – no report
10. STAFF REPORTS
a. Deputy Police Chief Klimek - no report
b. City Engineer Fitzgerald – no report
c. Assistant City Administrator – no report
11. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF DETERMINED, ACTION UPON: none
12. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Musillami that this meeting be ADJOURNED; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
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