HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/28/1999 FC minutesFINANCE COMMISSION
Minutes of the Meeting
January 28, 1999
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman John Korn and
Commissioners George Busse, John Engel, Vince Grochocinski, Newt Hallman, Jim Morrison, and
Ann Smilanic. Also present were Village Manager Michael Janonis, and Deputy Finance Director
Carol Widmer. Commissioner Tom Pekras and Finance Director Douglas Ellsworth were absent.
II Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the October 29, 1998 and November 5, 1998 meetings were approved as presented.
III. Chairman's Report
Chairman John Korn updated members of the Finance Commission on Village Board discussions and
actions since his last update in November.
IV Discussion Regarding 1999 Work Plan
A discussion ensued regarding a 1999 work plan for the Finance Commission. George Busse
proposed a four -point plan for 1999 which included:
Identifying two or three projects for the year and forming sub -committees to work on the
projects.
Meeting with Village departments in an advisory capacity to obtain an overview of their
operations.
Participating in or be invited to attend the Village Board's mid -year budget review.
Reviewing recommendations from the Finance Commission sub -committees.
Village Manager Michael Janonis suggested that the Finance Commission undertake one project in
1999 and schedule meetings with the departments for round table discussions. Mr. Janonis cautioned
that staff members had full calendars for the year and additional meetings and requests for assistance
and information from the Finance Commission sub -committees would place a burden on the
departments.
Mr. Janonis also noted that the Year 2000 Forecast Budget includes four new positions and he thought
it would be beneficial for the Finance Commission to review those positions early in the budget
process.
Chairman Korn advised that the Finance Commission has been asked to consider recommending
permanent funding solutions for the Vehicle Replacement Fund and the Capital Improvement Fund
and that those projects should be included in the proposed work plan.
Several Finance Commission members mentioned that they would like to be involved earlier in the
budget process.
Ann Smilanic mentioned that there was some concern about the building permit process and that a
new staff member was approved for 1999 in order to facilitate that process. She went on to state that
she felt that the permit process was confusing. John Kom expressed concern that we may be requiring
permits and assessing fees unnecessarily. Vince Grochocinski said he felt the implications of
reviewing department operations are too complicated for the Finance Commission and that an internal
assessment has already been performed. Mr. Janonis stated that both the Economic Development
Committee and the Chamber of Commerce were involved in evaluating the permit process.
As the commission members discussed the possible agenda items for 1999, it was decided that the
February agenda would be discussed with Mr. Ellsworth and departmental meetings would be held
during the months of March, April and May. Further consideration of the 1999 work plan would take
place with Mr. Ellsworth at a later meeting.
V Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on February 25,
1999.
Respectfully submitted
Carol L. Widmer
Deputy Finance Director
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