City of Countryside City Council met April 12.
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. Boy Scout Troop 69 led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call:
Present: City Clerk Kmet called the Roll of those physically present as follows: Mayor McDermott, Alderman Finn, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Benson, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Frohlich, City Clerk Kmet, Treasurer Bolt
Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Police Chief Ford, Deputy Chief Klimek, City Attorney Peck, Assistant City Administrator Peterson, Finance Director Schutter, Recording Secretary Prokop
2. OMNIBUS AGENDA
a. Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2023.
b. Statement of Bills submitted for payment through April 12, 2023 in the amount of $581,810.89.
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
a. Rosemary Dostal, 9521 – 56th St. discussed extending the LUKA Travel Center request for extension. She asked that the City Council deny that request. Many residents are present tonight, all are against this project. The Council has a chance to change its mind because constituents are unanimously opposed. Council is ignoring the residents request to reconsider.
b. Barbara Gleespen, 5416 – 7th Avenue, ran for City Clerk in this past election. During the campaign she spoke with many residents, all who opposed the truck stop. It will bring noise, increased traffic and truck fumes to the city. The City Council knows how opposed residents are to this project. City Council does not listen to its constituents; they have failed to do their job and failed to serve the public. Their fledgling party garnered over 35% of the vote; City Council is put on notice that they will be watched.
c. Beatriz Sutkus, 9501 W. 56 St. – also ran for Alderman of Ward 1. Council continues to not listen to residents in approving this truck stop in the old City Hall location. Council members used the term --“fueling station” rather than truck stop -- during the campaign. Many residents contacted were not aware of this project. They ask the City Council to listen to the residents; they are not dictators; this is a democracy; do not extend the Luka Travel Center request. City water lines are located directly underneath the gas tanks. Water, gas and quarry blasting do not mix. Helping Hand individuals are also at risk to noise, pollution and criminal activity right next door. Please listen to what the residents want; this is not good for Countryside.
d. Theresa Dohlen, 9722 – 57th St. – Addressing both Aldermen Finn and Frohlich who are the Ward 1 Aldermen. Resident hope they vote “NO” for the extension at 5550 East Avenue and “NO” to the extension of the Special Use for the variance. We don’t need more trucks, traffic, noise and crime.
e. Sandy Sa’id, 9722 W. 57 St., also spoke against the Luka Travel Center. The original developer has lost all of his support. She asked both Ward 1 Aldermen to vote against this extension and really think about the people in Ward 1. A new truck stop will be built in McCook at the JC’s Pub location which is better suited and more accessible to trucks than the East Avenue location. We don’t need more crime; we know that Countryside is 108 out of 122 municipalities in crime. We don’t need to add to it by putting in a truck stop. Please vote no.
f. Nico Sutkus, 9501 W. 56 St. – after residents have repeatedly asked not to extend the truck stop request, here we are again. Every single day residents face dust, noise, construction; East Avenue is half closed every single day. We don’t need any more crime; it’s upsetting that Council doesn’t listen to residents. Not one person questioned wants the truck stop. Mayor McDermott thanked all the speakers for sharing their opinions.
4. MAYOR’S REPORT
a. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of an Ordinance Reducing the Class F Liquor Licenses.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, 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
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 23-09-O.
b. Mayor McDermott presented the Parade Donations from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The City is able to donate a total of $16,000 to Boy Scout Troop 69 and the Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer – two worthy organizations. Mr. Napleton is present; he had a daughter who suffered from that condition. The checks were presented to each representative and photos were taken with the entire City Council. The audience applauded the recipients.
c. Presentation of Parade Awards - Mayor McDermott presented a $25 gift card to the best party along the parade route – this year that award goes to Sheryl Callahan. The second gift card goes to Double J Riding Club for the best parade float – this is their first time participating. Photos were taken and the audience applauded their efforts.
d. Mayor McDermott stated that earlier this evening he was honored to throw out the first pitch at the City Field Dedication. Through the Special Events Committee with the assistance of Alderman Musillami, the City refurbished the baseball field at City Park; it is in really great shape. The travel team, Highland Hurricanes, asked the Mayor to throw out the first pitch. He was happy to oblige; it was a great event.
e. Police Chief Ford has informed the City that he is retiring and the next City Council meeting will be his last. We will have a presentation for him at that time. We thank him for his ten years of service to the City of Countryside; he has done an outstanding job; he will be sorely missed. During the campaign, many, many residents mentioned the incredibly excellent Police Department in the City and the men and women who bravely handle that difficult job. Chief Ford thanked the Mayor for his kind words. If not for the support of the Mayor and entire City Council the Police Department would not function as effectively. Just to clear the record on the one comment made this evening, the City is not 108 out of 122 in the crime rate of cities in Cook County; Countryside is one of the very safest communities in Cook County.
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
b. FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Alderman Finn sought consideration of an Ordinance Providing for Supplemental Appropriations for the Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2022 and ending April 30, 2023.
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
City Clerk Kmet declared that this will be known as ORDINANCE 23-08-O.
2. Alderman Finn sought consideration of a Website Proposal in the amount of $9,900.00 (5-year Agreement) from Revize Web Services located in Troy, Michigan. The City was not satisfied with the performance of its current website provider. Staff met with Troy Carrigan, Sharon Peterson, Sue Dignin, Charity Mitchell to review another website provider. They received proposals from three companies and decided to go with Revize Web Services; they included additional security and were the low bidder.
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
3. Congratulations to Chief Ford on his retirement; it has been a pleasure to serve with you
c. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration to extend an offer to Kayla Garcia for the position of Lead Community Service Officer (CSO). This is a full-time position. She worked with the City previously as CSO.
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
d. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE - no report
Alderman Benson congratulated all elected officials on their overwhelming victory; he looks forward to working with them all for another four years.
e. PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
1. Attorney Peck sought consideration of a Second Extension Request for an Approved Preliminary/Final Plat of Resubdivision at 5550 East Avenue – Luka Travel Center 1 LLC – for an extension of six months. City Ordinance requires Applicants to establish their Plat of Resub division within six months of its approval. There was already one six-month extension; they are requesting another six-month extension that would expire on October 27, 2023. 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: 4 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson
Nay: 2 Alderman Finn, Alderman Frohlich
2. Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Extension Request for an Approved Special Use Variation for the PUD at 5550 East Avenue – Luka Travel Center 1 LLC. They are requesting a one-year extension which would expire on April 27, 2024. Alderman Mikolyzk asked why they needed the second extension. Attorney Peck stated that the developer and the City are still negotiating terms of the RDA; they have not commenced the Special Use and haven’t filed the Resubdivision because they are still negotiating; they have not brought in the final users yet. Those are the reasons for the extension.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek that this matter be APPROVED as presented; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 4 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson
Nay: 2 Alderman Finn, Alderman Frohlich
f. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE – no report
g. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
1. FYI – Alderman Musillami stated that the City Council approved the “No Mow in May” program. Residents who participate in this program will receive a yard sign indicating that they are participants. As of today 67 households have signed up to participate. The program runs through May 20. Ms. Peterson added that a section of Memorial Park at 55th & Plainfield will not be mowed as well. Signs announcing the program will be posted so the public is aware that the City is participating.
h. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD – no report
8. LEGAL REPORT – no report
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. City Administrator Ms. Paul sought consideration of a Final Proposal from Eagle Environmental Consultants, LLC of St. Charles in the amount of $17,500.00. In 2021 the City removed the underground fuel tanks at the Public Words Department. Soil testing was done and remediation work completed by Eagle Environmental. They provided a proposal to finalize all the paperwork required by the IEPA. They will also file paperwork for reimbursement from the Illinois LUST Fund – Leaking Underground Storage Tank – fund. Staff recommends approving the Final Proposal in the amount of $17,500.00.
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
10. STAFF REPORTS
a. Police Chief Ford
1. Deputy Chief Klimek sought consideration of a purchase of an Administrative Vehicle and Installation of Emergency Equipment for the Investigations Unit in the amount not to exceed $44,000 . This vehicle will replace a 2013 Ford Taurus which has over 148,000 miles. Alderman Von Drasek noted that delivery of police cars ordered has been delayed over 15 months and the City is in dire need of another vehicle.
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. City Engineer Fitzgerald – (absent) – Assistant City Administrator Ms. Peterson sought consideration of Engineer’s Pay Estimate #8 and Final in the amount of $161,294.69 to Unique Plumbing of Brookfield, IL for the Joliet road and East Avenue Water Main Project. The final cost of the project was $2,203,192.88, which was $88,000 + under the awarded cost, which was $2,292,127.30.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, 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
c. Assistant City Administrator – no report
11. BUSINESS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND, IF DETERMINED, ACTION UPON: none
12. RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. To discuss real estate acquisition under Section 2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Von Drasek that this meeting be RECESSED 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
Mayor McDermott declared the meeting recessed at 8:07 p.m.
13. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
a. The Regular City Council returned to Open Session with the same members present at 8:28 p.m.
14. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn 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 8:29 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4-12-23-City-Council-MINUTES.pdf
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