HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/1993 FC minutesFINANCE COMMISSION
Wnutes of the Meeting
December 2, 1993
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Chairman Richard Bachhuber,
Commissioners Paul Davies, John Engel, Vince Grochocinski, Jim Morrison, Tom Pekras, Ann
Smilanic, and Earl Sutter. Also present were Director of Inspection Services Chuck Bencic,
Engineering Coordinator Jeff Wulbecker, Health Coordinator Robert Roels, Inspection Coordinator
Dan Jakes, Finance Director David Jepson, and Assistant Finance Director Carol Widmer. Finance
Commission member Newt Hallman was absent.
II ApRroval of Minutes
The minutes of the October 28, 1993 meeting were accepted as presented.
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Chuck Bencic, Director of Inspection Services, presented an overview of the activities for each of
the three divisions within the Inspection Services Department. The Building Division, whose
responsibilities include reviewing plans, issuing permits and inspecting all buildings and structures
in the Village, has experienced a change in the type of permits being issued. While there are fewer
commercial, industrial, and new residential permits being issued, interior remodeling permits have
increased substantially and the division is finding itself busier than ever. This division also provides
an advisory role relating to requirements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, EPA
soil contamination regulations and asbestos removal within the Village.
The Environmental Health Division inspects all food establishments, multi -family residential units,
public swimming pools, daycare centers, hotels and health clubs. This division also responds to
service requests from the public regarding property maintenance and public health matters. One of
the current issues facing this division is the aging rental stock within the Village which is resulting
in more service requests. Also, increasing cultural diversity and language barriers are presenting
new challenges in attaining compliance with the multi -family licensure inspection program and retail
food service inspections.
The Engineering Division provides technical advice and professional engineering services to the
Village in connection with the execution and construction of public work's projects and improve-
ments. This division also analyzes the condition of Village streets and assesses the needs of the
Village's roadway system, inspects subdivision site development, performs traffic studies, and
responds to information requests from the public regarding flood insurance and survey, boundary and
plat information.
Finance Commission members discussed the Pavement Management Program report prepared by the
Engineering Division on the condition of the Village's streets. Mr. Bencic stated that the Village has
165 miles of streets and currently 44 miles have been identified as needing resurfacing at an
estimated cost of $5.4 million. Mr. Bencic cautioned that over the past years the Village has
resurfaced only 5 - 6 miles a year and is falling behind in maintaining Village streets.
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Finance Director David Jepson reported on the status of the proposed Special Service Area V. This
special service area had been proposed in order to provide funds for additional police protection,
inspection services and social services. If petitions with the names of 51 % of the property owners
and 51 % of the residents are not presented prior to December 6, the ordinance establishing the Special
Service Area will be presented for its first reading on December 7. The second reading will be on
December 21, and if the ordinance is passed at that time, the Board will then consider a special tax
levy.
Mr. Jepson reported on the actions taken by the Village Board at the six-month budget review. Staff
asked for direction regarding the 1993 property tax levy and new revenue sources in order to begin
preparations for the 1994/95 budget. At that time the Village Board approved an increase in the home
rule sales tax from 1/4% to 1/2% with a reduction in the Food & Beverage Tax from 1% to 3/4%.
Vehicle license fees will increase from $20 to $30. The increase in the vehicle license fee will
produce approximately $300,000 in additional revenue which will be applied to the road resurfacing
program. A 2 % utility tax on gas, electric and telephone utilities and a 5 % increase in property tax
were approved at that time. In his discussion, Mr. Jepson pointed out that there has been no increase
in the amount of the general fund tax levy paying for general operating expenses of the Village since
1990. The general tax levy satisfies debt service, pensions, refuse and the remaining portion is used
for general operating expenses. Because of the amount of increase needed for the first three areas,
the portion left for general operating expense has not increased.
Mr. Jepson informed the members of the Finance Commission about the proposals received from
developers regarding the Pine/Wille block. Broadacre, the Village's preferred developer, had
originally requested that in order to obtain financing for the project, the Village would be required
to donate the land, contribute $1.5 million in public improvements, and contribute about $350,000
per year in interest subsidies for a 10 year period. However, the three local developers who have
presented plans for the property are proposing to pay from $2 million to $3.3 million for the land.
The proposals call for three buildings of 5-6 stories each including a small amount of commercial
development along Northwest Highway. The buildings will house condominiums ranging from 1 -3
bedrooms. Approximately 112 - 140 units, depending on the proposal selected, will be built. The
Village plans to use the money received for the sale of the property for improvements to Village Hall,
economic development and other capital improvements.
V Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27, 1994.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol L. Widmer, Assistant Finance Director