City of Countryside City Council met May 24
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Aldermen Thomas Mikolyzk, Scott Musillami, John Finn John Von Drasek, Mark Benson and Tom Frohlich
1. CALL TO ORDER –The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor McDermott. Alderman John Von Drasek 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 Benson, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Musillami, Alderman Frohlich, City Clerk Kmet, Treasurer Bolt
Also Present: City Administrator Paul, Deputy Chief Klimek, City Attorney Peck, Administrative Clerk Saucedo, Recording Secretary Prokop
2. OMNIBUS AGENDA
a. Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes of May 10, 2023.
b. Statement of Bills submitted for payment through May 24, 2023 in the amount of $354,447.93.
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. Maria Nedelcu, 5603 Leitch Ave. seeks an update on the Julia Torres situation. She would appreciate a response in writing, or a phone call. There is no update at this time.
4. MAYOR’S REPORT
Administer the Oath of Office and Swearing in of newly appointed officials:
a. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Gail Paul as the of City Administrator in the City of Countryside. The audience congratulated her on the Appointment. Photos were taken.
b. Mayor McDermott sought a motion to Appoint Paul Klimek as the Chief of Police of the City of Countryside.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, 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
The Mayor stated that Chief Klimek has been Deputy Chief for a number of years; he is an exemplary individual, a family man, his Mother, Helen is present this evening; we are fortunate to have him serve in the City of Countryside. Photos were taken
c. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Paul Klimek as the Chief of Police of the City of Countryside. The audience congratulated him on his Appointment.
d. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of the Appointment of Commander James Stern to the Rank of Deputy Chief of Police of the City of Countryside.
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
Alderman Von Drasek commented that the Countryside Police Department is second to none. The City is very fortunate to have these Officers; he is proud to work with them; they are the best.
e. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to James Stern as the Deputy Chief of Police of the City of Countryside. The audience congratulated him on his Appointment; photos were taken.
f. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of the Reappointment of Mary Lou Pisone to the Board of Fire and Police Commission. She has served in this position for many years and has always done a great job; we appreciate her service.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, 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
g. Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Mary Lou Pisone to the Office of Commissioner of the Board of Fire and Police Commission of the City of Countryside. The audience congratulated her on the Reappointment. Photos were taken.
h. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of the Reappointment of Michael Wilson to the Board of Fire and Police Commission.
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
i. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of an Ordinance Decreasing the Number of Class A Liquor Licenses and Increasing the Number of Class B Liquor Licenses.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Benson 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 23-12-O.
J. Mayor McDermott sought consideration of a Class B Liquor License to Prestige Liquors – 1423 W. 55th St.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Benson 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
k. Mayor McDermott was informed that the State of Illinois Budget will include an increase in the local government distribution fund – a small portion of income tax that comes back to local municipal governments. It was cut 5 or 6 years ago and has been slowly returning to the full funding level. We are happy there will be some increase in the budget from Springfield.
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 - no report
c. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
1. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration to Promote Elizabeth Saucedo to the position of Deputy Clerk in the City of Countryside. The previous clerk, Sharon Peterson, has resigned her position. Liz has worked here for 10 years, seven of which have been in the Clerk’s Office; she is deserving of the promotion to the position of Deputy Clerk.
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
Mayor McDermott administered the Oath of Office to Elizabeth Saucedo as Deputy Clerk of the City of Countryside. The audience congratulated her on the Appointment; photos were Taken.
2. Alderman Mikolyzk sought consideration and action to direct the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to promote one candidate from the Promotional Eligibility Listing to the Rank of Sergeant.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, seconded by Alderman Finn that his 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 action to direct the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to hire one Probationary Police Officer to fill a vacancy created by a Retirement and Internal and Promotion.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, seconded by Alderman Musillami that his 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 – discussion/action on removable speed humps in Ward 1 on 56th, 57th and 58th Streets during high traffic times – the matter is tabled at this time. A traffic study will be completed and analyzed by the City Engineer so he can provide appropriate recommendations to the City Council.
2. Alderman Benson sought consideration to approve the attached Water Rate Ordinance as presented. This increase is a result of the City of Chicago raising its rates to the Village of McCook; the City must follow suit and cover its associated costs.
A motion was made by Alderman Mikolyzk, seconded by Alderman Musillami that his 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 23-13-O.
e. PLAN COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
1. Attorney Peck stated that two recommendations for the Holiday Inn Countryside, 6201 Joliet Road, are on the agenda:
The first recommendation is to DENY the Application for a Special Use for a PUD – the Applicant sought the Special Use for a PUD beginning on January 3, 2023 and being continued to May 2, 2023. After hearing all testimony and evidence, to allow a business development of commercial uses, including automobile service station and drive-through facility, the PC/ZBA stated that the Petitioner failed to establish the requirements for the requested Special Use. There were many objections to the proposed Special Use, mainly concerns about ingress/egress, landscaping issues, sufficient parking and noise concerns and to the adverse influence on surrounding properties and property values in the area. The PC/ZBA DENIED the Special Use.
A motion was made by Alderman Von Drasek, to CONCUR with the recommendation, seconded by Alderman Benson that this matter be DENIED; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
2. The second recommendation is with regard to the application for Preliminary/Final Development Plan for a PUD at 6201 Joliet Road. On January 3, 2023 and continuing to May 2, 2023, Applicant requested approval of the Preliminary/Final Development Plan for the PUD. The PC/ZBA heard all the testimony and evidence presented and it was theirfinding that the petitioner failed to establish the requirements for the requested PUD. There were several objections at the hearing, and it was the PC/ZBA recommendation to DENY the request.
A motion was made by Alderman Benson, to CONCUR with the recommendation, seconded by Alderman Musillami that this matter be DENIED; motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 Alderman Musillami, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Finn, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Benson, Alderman Frohlich
Nay: 0
f. SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE – no report
g. SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE - no report
h. FLAGG CREEK ADVISORY BOARD – no report
8. LEGAL REPORT
a. Attorney Peck sought consideration of an Ordinance Amending Deliveries and Pick-ups at Business Establishments adjacent to Residential Uses. The City Code prohibits midnight deliveries at commercial establishments that are adjacent to residentially zoned properties. Some properties are commercial in nature but have residential uses with them. There were complaints from residents living in those areas. The new ordinance will amend the City Code so that properties that are used for residential uses will be included in the prohibition against midnight deliveries. All areas will have the same protection.
A motion was made by Alderman Musillami, 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 23-14-O.
9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – no report
Mayor McDermott thanked Ms. Paul for her willingness to serve for 16 years.
10. STAFF REPORTS
a. Police Chief Klimek – no report
1. Police Chief Klimek thanked Mayor McDermott and City Council Members for their continued support of the Police Department.
c. City Engineer Fitzgerald – 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 Finn, seconded by Alderman Benson 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 8:00 p.m.
https://www.countryside-il.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/5-24-23-COUNCIL-Minutes-2.pdf