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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/2000 COW minutes MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE NOVEMBER 14, 2000 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:14 p.m. by Mayor Gerald Farley. Present at the meeting were: Trustees Timothy Comoran, Richard Lohrstorfer, Dennis Prikkel, Michaele Skowron and Irvana Wilks. Trustee Paul Hoefert arrived at 6:22 p.m. Staff members present included Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl, Human Services Director Nancy Morgan, Human Services Deputy Director Jan Abernethy, Social Worker Nina Persino, Village Nurse Peggy Florey, Finance Director Doug EIIsworth, Deputy Finance Director Carol Widmer, Fire Chief Michael Figolah, Deputy Fire Chief John Malcolm, Fire Marshal Paul Valentine, Community Development Director Bill Cooney, Deputy Community Development Director Michael Blue, Building Commissioner Bill George and Environmental Health Coordinator Bob Roels. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of Minutes of October 24, 2000. Motion made by Trustee Wilks and Seconded by Trustee Prikkel. Mayor Farley requested some minor corrections to the Minutes~ Trustee Corcoran abstained. Minutes approved with revisions. III. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD None. IV. 2001 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Human Services De_oartment Human Services Director Nancy Morgan provided a general overview of the Departmental operations and stated the Budget includes a projected 3.8% increase over the 2000 Budget. She summarized the various services provided in three basic areas - social services, health services and senior programs. She highlighted several programs that are considered revenue generators. She said there has been some discussion and planning underway for moving to a new temporary location in anticipation of the new Village Hall being constructed on the existing Senior Center site. She stated this investigation is intended in such a way not to interrupt any existing services. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items. There was a discussion regarding the Township transportation bus services. There was also some detail provided regarding the recent flu shot vaccine program and some questions regarding the continuing care option for seniors through the Northwest Community Hospital. There was also a question regarding the definition of a unit of service and a request for definitions of a unit of service for future reference during Budget discussions. Community Development Department Community Development Director Bill Cooney provided a summary of the 2000 activities and the 2001 objectives. He stated he anticipates a standard Budget increase attributed primarily to salary increases. He stated the Department has been addressing customer service issues in the Building Division but the volume continues to be very heavy and turn-around time for Permit processing has improved but will likely not change in the near term due to the existing number of staff. The Department has undertaken Saturday morning seminars in order to advise residents and possible contractors on proper installation of various improvements. He also highlighted the fact that all property has been acquired for Phase 1-A and 1-B for the downtown redevelopment project. He also stated Northwest Electric has moved out over the past weekend and the Lofts at Northwest Highway should be completed sometime next year. He also highlighted the fact that there have been improvements through a Grant Program at the Train Station and work with the Judith Ann homeowners to create a Homeowners Association for the improvement of the area. His Department has utilized the Village's Web Page and coordinated additional enhancements to the Web Page relating to their Department. He stated the Corridor Improvement Program has been incorporated into this Budget and future Budgets based on previous input from the Village Board. He highlighted the number of Permits and inspections that are being undertaken by the Department over the last year and the substantial increase over the last several years. He stated the Department objectives include continuation of the current programs and work with the downtown improvements and the Village Hall replacement. He also anticipates the Permit Tracking System will be in place for 2001 and there have not been any major issues getting into the 20% multi-family dwelling units. He stated he anticipates coming before the Board in the near future to discuss possible increase in fees in order to fund an additional Inspector and staff for the Building Division. He noted that fees have not changed since 1979. 2 Building Commissioner Bill George provided an overview of the General Store project and anticipates completion in spring 2001. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items: Several members stated that based on the number of staff and the number of Permits that are being processed, consideration for additional staff could be undertaken sooner than waiting until next year. Several Board members expressed interest in discussing a review of the inspection fees in order to address the limited staffing in an effort to improve the turn-around time for Permits and inspections. Several Board members commented on the workload level. Fire Department Fire Chief Mike Figolah provided a summary of the operations and the anticipated accreditation process. He is requesting three new Firefighters and three Lieutenants. He stated this increase would be accomplished by promoting three existing Firefighters to Lieutenants and replacing the three Firefighters with three new hires. He also highlighted the oxygen bottle replacement program. Deputy Chief Malcolm provided an overview of the Training Academy activities and the fact that three new vehicles are included as part of the replacement schedule for next year. Fire Marshal Paul Valentine stated that he is undertaking a review of the possible impact of installation of residential sprinkler systems as recently mandated in a neighboring community. General comments from the Village Board members included the following items: There was a comment regarding the proposed new Station and its anticipated location. A comment was also made regarding the existing physical training program and the need for better education in risk management programs for the public. There was a comment regarding the recognition of ESDA volunteer hours and the anticipated repairs at the Fire Station at Golf and Busse. Finance Commission Chairman John Korn spoke. He suggested an improvement in the tracking of Human Services for various activities through the consideration of computer data base. He stated the Commission supports the additional Firefighters and the suggested move of the improvement dollars from 2002 to 2001. He also supported the suggestion to review the fee structure for Permits. . ANY OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Hoefert provided an update to the Village Board regarding the painting status for the General Store. Village Manager Mike Janonis reminded the Board that the Winter Parade is scheduled for December 9. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, DAVID STRAHL Assistant Village Manager DS/rcc H:\GEN\Cow~Minutes\111400 COW Budget Minutes.doc