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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/2000 FC minutes FINANCE COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting september 28, 2000 Village Hall Building I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman John Kom and Commissioners Charles Bennett, Vince Grechocinski, Betty Launer and Ann Smilauic. Also present were Comm~mity Development Director Bill Cooney and Deputy Community Development Director Mike Blue, Building Inspection Commissioner Bill George, Finance Director Douglas Ellsworth, Deputy Finance Director Carol Widmer and Finance Administrative Assistant Lisa Burkemper, Commissioner George Busse arrived at 7:15 p.m. Finance Commissioner Tom Pekras was absent. Chairman John Kom advised the members that the Mayor officially m-instated Commissioner Vince Grechocinski for another term on the Finance Commission. II. Approval of Minutes The minutes were accepted as presented. III. Discussion Regarding Building Inspection Process Community Development Director Bill Cooney began by discussing several improvements made in the building division. Among the improvements noted were expanded hours of operation at the customer service counter, improved customer service counter configuration and signage, updated forms and the availability of several forms on the Village's Web Page. Mr. Cooney also discussed the new simplified walk-throngh permit process provided by the addition of a plans examiner and the addition of quarterly seminars designed to educate homeowners on various home improvement topics. Commissioner Charles Bennett asked Mr. Cooney if the topics covered in the seminars require homeowners to get permits. Mr. Cooney stated that many of the jobs discussed would require permits and that they have discussed the permit process itself as a topic at seminars. Chairman John Kom asked Mr. Cooney to discuss the minor variation process that was discussed at the last Committee of the Whole Meeting. Mr. Cooney had presented to the Board a process that would help speed up the variance process on structures to be built that will replace an existing structure. The process would grant Mr. Cooney the authority to allow residents to replace non-conforming structures if they are limited to only a 10% variance. This could reduce the variance process from several months to only a few weeks. Mr. Cooney discussed the fact that the number of permits issued and the number of inspections performed by the building division is well over the national average. The department is currently undermanned with three full time clerks, three full time inspectors and a part time clerk and part time inspector. Another issue discussed was the need to evaluate the fee structure, Mr. Cooney mentioned that there has not been an increase in fees in nearly 25 years. Chairman John Kom stated he felt the fee structure should be looked at and increases were necessary. Commissioner Charles Bennett was in agreement. Commissioner George Bnsse added that some inspections could possibly be eliminated if the need was not great. Commissioner Betty Launer added that the Web Page should list the various home improvement projects that need a permit and provide a checklist of what is needed to obtain a permit. IV. Discussion Regarding Purchasing Policy and Procedures Finance Director Doug Ellsworth opened the discussion on the Village's purchasing policies and procedures. ...-,-.'~ Mr. Ellsworth stated that currently the various departments handle their own purchasing and whenever '' possible will consolidate their efforts in joint purchasing with other departments. Commissioner George Busse stated he would like to see a study to see if the Village could get discounts by volume or contracts for ordering Village wide. Mr. Bnsse stated that if all the departments used the same vendor exclusively the Village could possibly be getting discounts. V. Chairman's Report Chairman John Kom began by stating that the Finance Commission needed to appoint a Secretary and would like nominations. Commissioner Betty Launer motioned to nominate Vince Grnehocinski. All Commissioners were in favor. Vince Grochocinski accepted the nomination of Secretary of the Finance Commission. Chairman John Kora opened a discussion regarding the Village's Real Estate Transfer Tax. The members of the Finance Commission unanimously agreed that the tax should be charged to the seller. Commissioner George Busse made a motion stating the tax should be changed from a buyer charge to the seller. He further stated that a full rebate of the original tax paid on the purchase should be issued to seller if they can prove they paid the tax when entering the Village as a buyer. Commissioner Ann Smilanic seconded the motion. Motion carried. Chairman John Korn updated the members of the Finance Commission on various topics discussed at recent Village Board Meetings. VI. Finance Director's Report Mr. Elisworth had nothing to report. VII. Other Business There was no other business discussed. VIII. Next Meeting: October 12, 2000 Commissioner Ann Smilanic motioned to adjourn and Commi~ioner Charles Bennett seconded. All members were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Burkemper Administrative Assistant 2