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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/11/2002 COW minutesII. Ill. IV. MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JUNE 11, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor Gerald Farley. Present at the meeting were: Trustees Paul Hoefert, Richard Lohrstorfer, Michaele Skowron, Irvana Wilks and Michael Zadel. Trustee Timothy Corcoran arrived at 7:13 p.m. Staff members present included Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl and Public Information Officer Maura Jandris. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Minutes from March 26, 2002. Motion made by Trustee Zadel and seconded by Trustee Lohrstorfer. Trustee Wilks requested a revision to the Minutes regarding her comments relating to the discussion of the Floating Coffee with Council. Minutes were approved with revision. Approval of Minutes of May 14, 2002. Motion made by Trustee Lohrstorfer and Seconded by Trustee Skowron to approve the Minutes. Minutes were approved. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD None. COMPREHENSIVE CITIZEN SURVEY WORKSHOP REVIEW Village Manager Michael Janonis provided a general overview of the project to date and summarized the options to move forward with additional study based on the information that has been obtained to date. Public Information Officer Maura Jandris summarized the data that had been collected. She stated the sampling of the data was not scientific and there was a desire to create an annual survey plan for budget consideration. The true value of the information will be the trend that compares the information from year to year. She anticipates direction from the Board to determine what the future options which are preferred. Robert Froelich of MCIC spoke. He summarized the findings from the key informant interviews from the focus group discussions and from the information obtained by way of previous surveys. Woody Carter of MCIC spoke. He stated the focus groups did not include teens or ethnic group data and recommended additional study specifically focusing on these groups and their needs. He stated that participants were generally quite happy with the community and satisfied with the level of services provided. He stated because of the overall positive service level that people receive, little issues tend to become overblown and color much of the citizens' perception of the community based on the minor issue. He stated this is partly an outgrowth of the high expectations that people have and are actually being met. He also stated that some of the participants felt the Village had a strong community feeling but lacked a central gathering place. He stated that some of the negatives that were highlighted include the community changing, the traffic levels and the ethnic community needs in the future. He stated many people voiced satisfaction with the changes occurring in the downtown but were confused about what the overall plan is. He felt that most people were interested in additional communication from the Village even though the Village covers a broad spectrum in communication mediums as it is. He also stated some concerns were voiced regarding Randhurst and its future with several residents looking for leadership and solutions from the Village. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items: It was mentioned that there would have to be additional input from specific groups including Hispanic and youth populations. Comment was made regarding the need to narrow the focus of specific group needs and the Village Board needs to decide what it intends to ask. It was also commented that there is a need to survey businesses to determine the definition of a friendly and supportive atmosphere as envisioned by the businesses themselves. It was stated there is a need to be clear on what the Village Board is looking to obtain so that when the data is brought back to the Board, there is a better understanding of linkages necessary to act. General consensus of the Village Board was to move forward with developing various survey instruments for consideration as part of the 2003 Budget discussions. It was requested that staff continue to develop possible survey instruments and suggested questions for additional review by the Village Board to determine what is desirable. 2 V. NATURAL GAS COLLECTION AGREEMENT Village Manager Janonis stated that the proposed Agreement from Nicor is intended to collect the Utility Tax on natural gas and is necessary to assist in collecting revenue from deregulated gas providers. He stated the law does limit the Village's ability to collect the tax on out-of-state providers and this Agreement would only allow collection from providers that utilize Nicor energy's billing system. He stated that it is quite possible that out-of-state providers would bill directly to customers and the Village would be unable to obtain any tax on such a bill by Federal law. He also stated that Nicor would collect a 3% service fee for its administrative expense of collecting the tax on the Village's behalf. He stated this proposal protects the existing revenue stream and is not a new tax. Consensus of the Village Board was to enter into an Agreement with Nicor Energy to collect the Utility Tax on natural gas. VI. NEW LIQUOR LICENSE CLASSIFICATION Mayor Farley is requesting the creation of a new Class of Liquor License designated as MH. Such a classification would be for complimentary beer and wine at local hotels. The property owner would be required to ensure proper enforcement of the Village's Liquor License Code in order to obtain and maintain the License. Consensus of the Village Board was to create the additional Liquor License Classification. VII. VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Janonis stated the Farmers' Market started last Sunday and will continue each Sunday through the summer. He stated the Peace Pole dedication is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on June 19. He also stated that the Village Board meetings, Committee of the Whole meetings and Planning and Zoning meetings will be relocated to the Central Community Center effective July 2. VIII. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Assistant Village Manager Strahl provided a general update regarding the Village Hall discussion and the progress of the project to date. He stated there are several items currently under discussion including utility relocations and the direct impact on a time schedule for demolition and construction start. 3 illage Manager Janonis stated that the community blood drive was moving to St. Mark's Chumh effective July 11 and continuing thereafter on the first Thursday of each month until the new Village Hall is available. He also stated there is no need for a Closed Session this evening. X. ADJOURNMENT There was no further business and the Committee of the Whole meeting immediately adjourned at 8:15 p.m. DAVID STRAHL Assistant Village Manager 4