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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/31/1996 FC MinutesFINANCE COMMISSION Minutes of the Meeting October 31, 19% Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman Richard Bachhuber, Commission Members John Engel, Joseph Etchingham, Vince Grochocinski, Newt Hallman, John Korn, Jim Morrison, Tom Pekras, and Ann Smilanic. Also present were Village Manager Michael Janonis, Finance Director Brian Caputo, Assistant Finance Director Carol Widmer, Fire Chief Ed Cavello, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Figolah and Fire Prevention Coordinator Paul Valentine. Police Chief Ron Pavlock, Deputy Police Chief Ron Richardson, Community Development Director Bill Cooney, Deputy Community Development Director Dave Hulseberg, Planning Coordinator Dan Ungerleider, Building Coordinator Brad Paulson, and Environmental Health Coordinator Bob Roels later joined the meeting. II Approval of Minutes The minutes of October 17, 1996 were approved as presented. III Fire Department Proposed 1997 Budget Fire Chief Ed Cavello introduced Deputy Fire Chief Mike Figolah and Fire Prevention Coordinator Paul Valentine. Chief Cavello began his presentation by reviewing the department's 1996 accomplishments. One major accomplishment involved establishing medical engines with medical equipment similar to that found on an ambulance. These engines provide the Village with another response alternative in times of high demand for medical assistance. The department was also able to complete the warning siren replacement program a year ahead of schedule. The 1997 Proposed budget of $6,262,302 is 4.1 % higher than the 1995 budget of $6,013,095. Chief Cavello highlighted several significant changes in the Fire Department administration portion of the budget. The first is a reduction of 18.3% in the amount budgeted for medical examinations. This reduction was achieved by setting up a schedule of bi-annual medical examinations. In the past examinations were scheduled according to the age of the firefighter and this schedule resulted in large variances each year in the amount budgeted for medical expense. A new line item in the proposed Fire Administration budget for 1997 is $5,896 for a computer lease payment. This payment will provide for the replacement of existing computer equipment. A line item which increased significantly is employment testing. A total of $19,600 has been budgeted for testing new hires, lieutenants and captains compared to $5,000 in 1996. This is the first time all of these eligibility lists will expire in the same year and that is why the requested amount is so high. Deputy Chief Mike Figolah reviewed the proposed 1997 budget for Fire Operations. Included in the budget is a significant increase for turn out clothing. The amount budgeted in 1997 is $14,200, compared to $6,120 in 1996. Mike Figolah explained that the department would like to implement a program which provides for replacement of all sets of turn out gear over the course of six years at a rate of 10 sets a year. The amount budgeted for opticom maintenance will decrease 20% in 1997 because new equipment was purchased in the last two years. The 1997 proposed Fire Prevention budget as presented by Paul Valentine contains no significant changes. There is a new item to allow for a computer lease payment which was previously explained. Mike Figolah explained that the Fire Department has requested $80,000 in the Motor Equipment Replacement Fund. $60,000 of that amount is expected to be used to rechassis an ambulance. This will be the second time the ambulance will be rechassied saving an estimated $20,000 over the cost of a new ambulance. In addition, $20,000 will be used to purchase a replacement vehicle for a fire inspector. Several general questions regarding the tank farm, breathing apparatus, and incentive pay were asked by Finance Commission members. Police Department Proposed 1997 Budget Police Chief Ron Pavlock and Deputy Chief Ron Richardson presented the proposed 1997 Police Department budget of $8,115,524. This represents a 6.3 % increase over the 1996 budget of $7,636,695. Of that amount $7.2 million or 89% is related to personnel costs. Chief Pavlock began his presentation by reviewing the responsibilities of the two divisions: Field Operations and Administrative Support Services. Chief Pavlock also reviewed the department's 1996 accomplishments and 1997 objectives. Chief Pavlock spoke briefly about the department's community policing initiatives. The two officers added in 1995 under the COPS AHEAD grant are functioning in their assigned areas and two problem solving officers were added in 1996. Deputy Chief Richardson presented information on the staffing of the Police Department over the past 10 years. During that time the number of sworn officers has increased by 16 while the civilian staffing has not changed in spite of the increased paperwork associated with the activity generated by the additional officers. The civilian position of auxiliary services officer has two main functions in the department: court liaison and property control. The workload has increased to the point that the individual is unable to handle both areas of responsibility effectively and the department is requesting an additional community service officer (CSO) to handle the property control function. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the request for a new CSO. Chief Pavlock explained that, unlike other police departments, Mount Prospect uses civilians instead of sworn officers to fill many positions. The decision to have a CSO handle the court function is another means of keeping the number of sworn officers to a minimum. Commissioner Hallman expressed concern at the increase in police staffing over the past 10 years. Commissioners Morrison and Grochocinski indicated support for the addition of a CSO based on the department's increased activity. Community Development Department Proposed 1997 Budget Community Development Director Bill Cooney and his staff, Deputy Community Development Director David Hulseberg, Health Coordinator Bob Roels, Building Coordinator Brad Paulson, and Planning Coordinator Dan Ungerleider presented the Community Development 1997 proposed budget of $1,218,452. 2 Bill Cooney reviewed the functions of the Community Development Department. They include plan reviews, zoning, property maintenance inspections, long-range planning and economic development. Mr. Cooney explained that, as part of the economic development initiative, the department has designed a display for trade shows as well as a marketing brochure and a video. They have also placed advertisements in selected trade journals. The Finance Commission members viewed the video prepared by the department. Mr. Cooney listed some of the projects the department has overseen in 1996. They included improvements by U. S. Robotics, the development of a sizeable Kensington Center parcel by Braun Manufacturing, additional improvements at Randhurst including General Cinema and Jewel Foods, and significant construction progress on the Creekside and Clocktower Condominiums. The three division coordinators summarized the activities and accomplishments within their divisions. Building Coordinator Brad Paulson reported a record year for construction projects within the Village as well as a year when the division developed a series of informational handouts for residents. Bob Roels, Housing Coordinator, discussed the proactive approach the division has been taking in multi- family inspections including the recently enacted Multi -Family Interior Inspection Program which provides for the inspection of 20% of all rental units annually. An additional inspector was hired in August to assist in the inspections. Dan Ungerleider discussed the Rand Road corridor study, the United Airlines annexation study and the administration of the TIF (tax increment financing) Program. The discussion after the presentation centered on the Cook County tax structure, the legality of inspecting the interior of multi -family units, and the future plans for the Village Hall property. Members of the Finance Commission congratulated Bill Cooney and his staff for their success in bringing new development to Mount Prospect. IV Adjournment CLW!® The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held on November 14, 1996. 3 Respectfully submitted, Carol L. Widmer Assistant Finance Director