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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/08/2006 COW minutes MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE AUGUST 8, 2006 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m., in the Village Board Room of Village Hall, 50 South Emerson Street, by Mayor Irvana Wilks. Present at the meeting were: Trustees Paul Hoefert, John Korn, Richard Lohrstorfer, Michaele Skowron and Michael Zade!. Absent from the meeting was Trustee Timothy Corcoran. Staff members present included: Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl, Community Development Director William Cooney, Environmental Health Coordinator Bob Roels, Finance Director David Erb, Human Services Director Nancy Morgan, Police Chief Richard Eddington, Deputy Police Chief Michael Semkiu, Public Works Director Glen Andler, Deputy Public Works Director Sean Dorsey, Village Forester Sandy Clark and Fire Chief Michael Figolah. II. MINUTES Approval of Minutes of July 11, 2006. Motion made by Trustee Hoefert and Seconded by Trustee Korn. Minutes were approved. III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD None. IV. EMERALD ASH BORER UPDATE Forestry Superintendent Sandy Clark provided an update to the Village Board from the previous discussions in June. She provided information regarding the comparison of the Asian Longhorn Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. She stated this insect is much more difficult to identify and it lives under the bark and emerges from the bark periodically. She stated approximately 20% of the urban forest are Ash trees which could be vulnerable to this insect. She stated there is a readiness plan in place once an infestation has been identified. She also stated that the response for an infestation is under the control of the Department of Agriculture. Apparently, the Department is focusing on detection and preliminary estimates of cost and removal of the 4,500 public trees is in the neighborhood of $1.5 million. General comments from Village Board members included the following items: It was suggested the notification be provided to residents that have Ash trees in front of their homes on the public right-of-way so they might be on the look out for the insect. They also voiced concern regarding local funding impact for removal of possibly infected trees. 1 V. CRIME FREE HOUSING PROGRAM Police Chief Richard Eddington provided a general summary of the Crime Free Housing Program. He stated in order to achieve reasonable goals, there would be need for a five-year commitment and the need to hire a coordinator to manage the process and training aspects related to this program. He stated there is a possibility that service calls may decrease along with crime complaints as long as quality-of-life improvements are identified. He also stated that the Police Department would be supportive of including a single-family rental program as part of this general initiative. Bill Cooney stated the five-year commitment is requested in order to get out to every property during the period. He stated there would be an increase in inspections which would apply to approximately 1100 properties, up from 230 properties at this time. He stated that an increase in the licensing fee could be considered to assist in funding an additional Inspector for these inspections. General comments from Village Board members included the following items: There was general consensus of the Board supporting the program. Lee Williams, 70 North Albert, spoke. He stated he supports the program and would like it to move forward as soon as possible. VI. 2006 MID-YEAR BUDGET REVIEW AND 2007 PRE-BUDGET WORKSHOP 2006 Mid-Year BudQet Review Finance Director Dave Erb provided an overview of the 2006 Budget including the close out of the Village Hall Construction Project budget. He anticipates a General Fund surplus of 32% at the end of 2007. He has reduced his Sales Tax estimates by $600,000 and the Real Estate Transfer Tax revenue continues to be strong. He stated the Utility Tax revenues are leveling off and Building Fees and Licensing remains strong. He also stated the Village has enjoyed increased interest income over the previous year with the climbing interest rates. He also stated the enforcement and ticket revenue is down due to manpower shortages. He also stated that there is a change in the Budget whereby the Westbrook School Resource Officer has been discontinued, therefore, the revenue that was obtained through the School District has been discontinued. He stated other issues that need to be addressed include the necessity for a permanent funding source for the CIP. He stated the Water and Sewer Fund remains strong due to the changes made in 2004. He stated MFT funds are decreasing due to a shift in street improvement construction funds and the Parking System fund is currently operating in a deficit position with a limited balance to draw from. 2007 Forecast He stated the revenue estimates appear to be reasonable and there is a projection of a surplus of $573,000. He stated the changes to staffing and the increased energy costs project a Budget balance of 32% in the General Fund in 2007. The major 2007 issues include the CIP funding source, space needs evaluation, pent up demands for staffing and new programs and emergency preparedness. 2 Chuck Bennett, Chair of the Finance Commission, spoke. He stated it is good to hear about the surpluses and feels the Village must remain conservative. He suggested the difference between the 32% and the 25% fund balance policy is adequate for other purposes. He suggested a Budget Workshop early in 2007 to prepare for 2008. VII. VILLAGE MANAGER'S REPORT Village Manager Janonis stated there is a Coffee with Council scheduled for August 12 in the Community Center from 9:00 a.m. until 11 :00 a.m. VII. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Wilks commented on the Do It Yourself Sousa concert and the Boxwood Bash. VIII. The Closed Session was cancelled. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9: 13 p.m. ~S;:W DAVID STRAHL Assistant Village Manager 3