West Cook News

City of Countryside Infrastructure Committee met May 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. CALL TO ORDER.  

Chairman Benson called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. 

2. ROLL CALL  

Present: Chairman Benson, Alderman Finn and Alderman Musillami 

Also Present: Mayor McDermott, Alderman Mikolyzk, Alderman Von Drasek, Alderman Frohlich, Treasurer Bolt, City Clerk Kmet, City Administrator Paul, Public Works Superintendent Serna Administrative Clerk Saucedo, Deputy Chief Klimek, Ron McGrath from Tria 

Absent: None 

3. COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC.  

None. 

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 25, 2023.  

4.a. Approval of the Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes – January 25, 2023  

The minutes of the regular meeting of January 25, 2023 were previously distributed to the members of the Infrastructure Committee. 

A motion was made by Alderman Musillami to approve the minutes from the January 25, 2023 meeting, seconded by Alderman Finn and motion carried unanimously.  

5. BUSINESS FROM THE COMMITTEE FOR DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND IF SO DETERMINED, ACTION UPON:  

5.a. Consideration of Final Space Needs Analysis for the Public Works Facility from Tria Architecture.  

Ron McGrath from Tria Architecture stated that he would briefly go over the space needs analysis. There were three options in total and it was narrowed down to one. The process starts by doing an inventory of Public Work’s existing space. A floor plan is created of the existing building, so we can document how the rooms are used, what their purpose is and how big those spaces are now. My company then spoke with, Mr. Serna and his staff to see what their specific needs are. 

The next step is to assign square footage to each of the spaces that either exist or don’t exist. We took the option that was picked and tried to see if we could improve it to see what would work better. We divided the building by administration, vehicle garage, vehicle maintenance and shop, and utilities to get a better idea of square footage needed. We look at the vehicle inventory and break the equipment down to four categories. This will help us determine what the garage square footage should be. 

We also have the Vehicle Equivalency Unit (VEC) which guestimates how much maintenance is needed on each vehicle. It tabulates how many mechanics Public Works needs to maintain these vehicles and how many bays are needed for maintenance purposes.

Mr. McGrath went on to describe how the inside of the Public Works building would be set up. He also stated that we would be moving the fueling island closer to the street. We also try to keep non Public Works vehicles away from the Public Works vehicles during salting operations. 

Mr. McGrath concluded his presentation with the square footage of all three options. The existing Public Works facility has 12,034 square feet. The goal based on the space needs study is for a Public Works facility that has 33,401 square feet. Option A has 36,450 square feet, Option B has 34,850 square feet, and Option C has 32,425 square feet. The diagrams show the flow of the building and ease of how the vehicles can enter and exit the building. Mr. McGrath stated he mocked up prices based on square footage cost and escalated the price to 2023 dollars and added an additional percent based on the size of the building. The numbers he gave are from 2023 and if the building is going to be built in 5 years then the numbers will go up again. Alderman Benson asked what type of structure have they thought about for the building, and do those numbers include the precast structure. Mr. McGrath stated that with the square footage they are talking about they are on the cusp of masonry or precast, and he believes they could do it as a precast building. Alderman Musillami asked with this size building will masonry be more expensive Mr. McGrath said with this size building it will be close. When they get to that point they will do an analysis to see which method will be more cost effective. Alderman Musillami asked if anyone knew how big the land across the street was, Mrs. Paul responded that it was about 3 acres. Mr. McGrath concluded this presentation. 

Alderman Benson asked if anyone had any questions or comments. Mr. Serna stated he agreed with Mr. McGrath and said any design that allows for more storage will always be his number one choice. 

5.b. Discussion/Action Item on Removable Speed Bumps in Ward 1 on 56th, 57th and 58th Street During High Traffic Times.  

Alderman Benson read an E-Mail from John Fitzgerald the City engineer who was absent. Mr. Fitzgerald thinks a speed study should be conducted before moving forward with any speed bumps. The speed study can be done in house by the police department. Alderman Benson tabled this discussion until the study is completed and Mr. Fitzgerald has the final numbers. 

5.c. Discussion on Creating a Dog Park.  

Aldermen Benson stated as of right now Countryside does not allow dogs in any of the parks other than Countryside Park in the winter time. It has been brought up to a few elected officials that it would be nice to have at least one park that would be dog friendly. Alderman Musillami thought by allowing dogs on the walking path on Brainard that would be sufficient to the residents. He goes on to say he is in favor of a dog park in Countryside we just have to find the right spot for it. Alderman Finn also agrees there is a need for a dog park in Countryside but he doesn’t like the idea of having kids and dogs in the same area, he states one of the parks should be dedicated to the dogs. Alderman Benson stated we can look at City owned property, there is a lot by the water tower, and there is a draining ditch between 57th and 58th that could be perfect for a dog park. The Mayor asked who owns the area behind The Home Depot and Best Buy, Mr. Serna stated that the property management company who owns The Home Depot owns that land. Aldermen Benson believes there is a need for a dog park in Countryside but there needs to be more research done.

5.d. Consideration to Replace a Water Department Truck.  

Alderman Benson stated there was a development on this earlier in the day and a dealership in the City that previously said they didn’t have any trucks available is now taking a deeper look into it and has asked for more time to get quotes. Alderman Benson wants to table this discussion until a future date. Alderman Finn asked Mr. Serna if the cost of the truck was in the budget and he replied yes the amount that was budgeted was $70,000. 

5.e. Consideration to Approve the Attached Water Rate Ordinance as Presented.  

City Administrator Paul stated that the City of Chicago raised their rates by 22 cents per thousand gallons to McCook, we buy our water from McCook. McCook raised their rates by 26 cents per thousand gallons or 4.73% so we need to pass along that 26 cent increase to our neighboring communities Indian Head Park and Lagrange Highlands per our IGA with them and the 4.73% Increase to all other customers which is reflected in the attached ordinance. 

A motion was made by Alderman Finn to approve the Water Rate Ordinance, seconded by Alderman Musillami and motion carried unanimously.  

6. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS.  

None. 

7. ADJOURN.  

There being no further business to discuss, Alderman Musillami motioned to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Finn and motion carried unanimously. 

Chairman Benson declared the meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM. 

https://www.countryside-il.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/5-24-23-Infrastructure-MINUTES-Revised.pdf