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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/05/1992 FC agendaFINANCE COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting March 5, 1992 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. Commission members in attendance were Richard Bachhuber, Paul Davies, John Engel, Newt Hallman, Vince Grochocinski, Jim Morrison, Tom Pekras, Ann Smilanic, and Earl Sutter. Also present were Village Manager John Dixon, Finance Difector David Jepson, Assistant Finance Director Carol Widmer, Human Services Administrator Nancy Morgan, Assistant Human Services Administrator Jan Abernethy, Fire Chief Ed Cavello, Deputy Chiefs Lonnie Jackson and Del Ulreich, Police Chief Ron Pavlock, Deputy Chiefs Tom Daley and Ron Richardson, Sergeant Dick Draffone, Village Trustees Mark Busse and Irvana Wilks, one Village resident and one member of the press. II Approval of Minutes The minutes of the February 20, 1992 meeting were accepted with the following correction. Commissioner Newt Hallman stated that the minutes should indicate that he had recom- mended that the Village use regular unleaded gas exclusively rather than a blend of premium and regular. Secondly, Commissioner Hallman wanted the minutes to reflect his concern with what appeared to be excessive maintenance costs for certain vehicles and equipment. III Budget Review Village Manager John Dixon stated that the Human Services Division and the Fire and Police Departments budgets would be presented. Mr. Dixon explained that the personnel of Human Services, Fire, and Police have the most direct contact with residents in need of assistance. Services are provided in both proactive and preventative situations, and they all work together to complement the services given. These departments represent 26% of the total Village budget. A. Human Services Division Human Services Administrator Nancy Morgan presented the proposed 1992-1993 budget of $390,355 which represents an increase of 7% over the 1991-1992 budget of $364,480. During the coming year, Human Services is expecting to receive $23,000 in grant money from Elk Grove and Wheeling Townships for the "Network 50" program and reimburse- ments of approximately $7,000 from various programs as well as donations for specific improvements. Human Services provides a wide range of programs for residents including health screening, annual health fair, short-term counseling, food pantry, and "Network 50" employment. Several new programs instituted this past year include quarterly seminars to address issues of timely importance, "Ask the Doctor," a noontime medical lecture on topics of interest and STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting), a nine -week parent effectiveness training course. In the coming year, Human Services anticipates working more closely with disabled residents, addressing the issue of gang intervention in the various areas of town, developing a STEP -teen class, implementing a drop-in blood pressure screening and providing Village Employee preventative health screening. Under the Capital Improvements section of the budget, it is proposed that $120,000 be expended for an addition to the Senior Center. Space for the professional staff is very limited and several staff members share offices. Currently, one social worker is housed in a converted closet and the Network 50 program is currently housed at the Public Works Building due to lack of space. Newt Hallman suggested that Cable TV, which is located on the second floor of the Senior Center, be phased out and that space be remodeled for Human Services expansion. Nancy explained several alternative plans were studied including remodeling the second floor of the building. It was determined remodeling the second floor was not a viable option because it would require the installation of an elevator at an estimated cost of $150,000 and remodeling bathrooms to accommodate the handicapped. Also, the space would only allow for three offices, not four. The addition will add four offices on the first floor in the area currently used as a park area. In response to a concern by Dick Bachhuber, Nancy explained that the Division works closely with other agencies such as District 214 and the Park District in order to avoid duplication of programs and services. Newt Hallman asked about the Elder Honor program. Nancy explained this program honors senior workers, volunteers and businesses who have contributed during the year. The luncheon is underwritten by local businesses and a plaque listing the honorees is placed in the Senior Center. Nancy stressed that the goal of this Division is to serve Mount Prospect residents by filling in the gaps of existing services. B. Fire Department Fire Chief Ed Cavello presented the proposed 1992-93 budget of $5,326,725 which reflects an increase of $379,960 or 7.7% over the 1991-92 budget of $4,946,765. The increase is due mainly to increases in personal services and a 14% increase in medical insurance along with the costs for testing for new hires and a lieutenant test. In response to a request from the Finance Commission for information on the utilization of the six additional firefighters hired in anticipation of the assumption of the Elk Grove Rural Fire Protection District, Chief Cavello explained the staffing of the three fire G stations. The department maintains a minimum staffing of 16 firefighters, paramedics and officers on a 24-hour basis to man the three fire stations in the Village. Seven men are assigned to the main station, five to Station 12 and a minimum of 4 to Station 14 which has the least activity. In order to maintain the 16 man staffing at least 20 people are needed due to scheduled days off, vacations, and duty injury or sick days. During the year three firefighters left due to retirement or disability and were replaced by half of the six additional firefighters. The three remaining firefighters allow for less call back or hire back and provide manpower for a fifth person at Station 14, which is a preferred level of staffing at the station. Also, maintaining the current 16 men minimum shift strength is necessary to maintain the ISO Class II Rating. Ed responded to additional questions from Commission members regarding staffing, training, and overtime. Newt Hallman felt additional information was needed in order to assess the savings in overtime costs attributed to the addition of the three firefighters and asked David Jepson to present information at the March 19 meeting regarding overtime with a 20 man shift compared to a 21 man shift. Under the Capital Improvements section of the budget, $15,000 has been budgeted for an air removal system at Station 12. This system, which will be incorporated in the new Fire and Police Building, is designed to remove harmful diesel fumes from the apparatus area and consists of a series of fans that begin exhausting fumes after a vehicle is started and the overhead door is raised. Other capital expenditures are $12,865 for a replacement of a fire vehicle and $41,000 for an ambulance re -chassis. In the Emergency Preparedness section of the Fire Department budget, $14,200 has been budgeted for replacement of one of the Tornado Early Warning Sirens. There are a total of 8 sirens in the Village and all are approximately 25 years old. The company that maintains them is having difficulty securing the necessary repair parts and the Fire Department hopes to continue the program until they have all been replaced. C. Police Department Police Chief Ron Pavlock presented the 1992-93 proposed budget of $5,896,550 which represents an increase of 5.9% over the 1991-92 budget of $5,570,210. The increase is attributable to increases in personal services and benefit costs. Other notable items in the budget include a reduction in the payment to the Northern Illinois Crime Lab from $68,000 in 1991-92 to $35,900 in 1992-93, an addition of $2,500 for maintenance of the Pistol Range, and $4,500 which represents the 3rd of four payments for the accreditation process. Also, under capital expenditures is a request for $4,500 for a Mobile Data Terminal. Several Commission members asked questions regarding overtime costs. Ron replied that the amount of time spent on court cases represents about 40% of the overtime budget and the Police Department has instituted several measures to reduce these costs. The responsibilities and training of the community service officers was also discussed. Ron explained that unlike other communities where sworn officers are assigned desk duty, animal control and parking enforcement, our department employs CSO's to perform those 3 duties at a lower cost. The CSO's have two weeks of training and extensive on the job training. Jim Morrison asked for an update on the gang units. Ron replied that our involvement in that area has tapered off because the County Sheriff department has set up a unit. The Police Department plans to participate in a computerized data base and will continue to work closely with the County Gang Unit. IV AdJournment The next meeting will be held on March 19, 1992 in the Trustees Room. Newt Hallman asked that his suggestion to phase out the Cable TV Division be discussed at that time. Mr. Jepson will prepare a list of the issues that the Finance Commission has raised along with other issues that have been identified by the Village Board. The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m. CLW/sm 4 Respectfully Submitted Carol L. Widmer, Assistant Finance Director