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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/22/2001 FC minutes FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MEETING MARCI~ 22, 2001 VILLAGE HALL BUILDING I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman John Korn and Commissioners Charles Bennett, George Busse, Vince Grochocinski, Tom Pekras and Ann Smilanic. Also present were Village Manager Michael Janonis, Community Development Director Bill Cooney, Community Development Deputy Director of Community Development Mike Blue, Building Division Coordinator Bill George, Director of Human Services Nancy Morgan, Deputy Director of Human Services Jan Abernethy, Finance Director Douglas Ellsworth, Deputy Finance Director Carol Widmer and Finance Administrative Assistant Lisa Burkemper. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Tom Pekras motioned to approve the minutes of January 25, 2001 seconded by Commissioner Charles Bennett, the minutes were accepted as presented. III. DISCUSSION REGARDING BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS AND PERMIT FEE INCREASE Commissioner George Busse began the discussion by asking Mr. Cooney if the commission could see a list of the different types of permits issued, how mauy of each is issued and what the particular costs for the various permits are. Mr. Busse also asked what the historical growth has been in the number of permits issued as well as the number of inspections performed. Community Development Deputy Director Mike Blue stated that the number of inspections is growing at a faster rate than permits. Currently there are approximately four inspections performed for each permit issued. Building Division Coordinator Bill George provided examples of several scenarios in which permits are issued and how from beginning to end the process works. He provided examples of the various inspections that are performed along with examples of the work involved throughout the inspection process and lastiy, how final approval of a project is achieved. Chairman John Korn complimented Community Development Director Bill Cooney for the article in the Village Newsletter about planning a construction project. Mr. Korn stated that the article would be very helpful to residents who are having work done on their homes. IV. DISCUSSION REGARDING HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS, RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND LONG-TERM FUNDING Commissioner George Busse stated that he would like clarification on how time is allocated within the deparUnent and how money is allocated and if it can be allocated more effectively. Commissioner Ann Smilanic stated she thinks that most people in the Village think Human Services is for Senior's only. Human Services Director Nancy Morgan began with an overview of the history of the Human Services Department. Ms. Morgan stated how the department has evolved from providing only senior activities and services to the addition of services for families and youth's, home nursing care and social services and finally Community Programs. Commissioner George Busse said he would like to see the budget reflect more specific categories within the Human Services Department. Mr. Busse would like to see the budget reflect the following categories: 1-Administration, 2~Nursing, 3-Youth, 4-Social Services, 5-Recreation and Education. The commission would like to change the perception that seniors come first, therefore they agreed that Human Services should modify the way they advertise the various services they provide. Commissioner George Busse also mentioned that Human Services should review how and where their money is spent. Mr. Busse suggested that Human Services look at spending money on the programs that will make the biggest impact and have the most interest. V. DISCUSSION REGARDING MULTIPLE BOND RATINGS Finance Director Doug Ellsworth led a discussion on whether the village should go out and solicit for two bond ratings. Mr. Ellsworth stated the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining two bond ratings. After an in-depth discussion, the commission agreed that they did not see a valid reason to solicit for two ratings. Commissioner George Busse motioned that the village should continue to use only one bond rating. Commissioner Tom Pekras seconded the motion. All commissioners voted in favor of the motion. VI. DISCUSSION REGARDING CREDIT/DEBIT CARD ACCEPTANCE Finance Director Doug Ellsworth led a discussion on the possibility of accepting credit/debit cards for customer service transactions throughout the village. One dilemma mentioned by Mr. Ellsworth was the fact that there are mandatory fees imposed by the credit card companies that the village would be responsible for. If the village were to enhance their customer service and accept credit/debit card payments the cost of providing this service would be 2-3 % of the transaction. Commissioner George Busse asked Mr. Ellsworth approximately how much money this would be a year, Mr. Ellsworth stated that it could quite possibly equate to $20,000 - $25,000 a year. There was an open discussion by commissioners on their views on the acceptance of the cards and most members voiced their opinion against acceptance. They felt that there was not enough of a demand at this time from the residents to warrant the need for the cards acceptance. Commissioner George Busse motioned to not accept credit/debit cards at this time, which was seconded by Commissioner Ann Smilanic with all commissioners in favor. VII. OTHER BUSINESS Chairman John Korn handed out a draft of a letter to Mayor Gerald Farley regarding the Finance Commissions dissatisfaction with how some departments have asked for additional funds for their budget. He stated this letter would be typed and distributed to the appropriate individuals. 2 VIII. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairman John Korn summarized the topics discussed at several of the most recent board meetings. Mr. Korn mentioned that the Manager's office was putting together a survey that will be distributed to new residents to see what they like or what attracted them to the village. The Finance Commission feels that the survey should target the residents that are leaving the village instead. The commission feels that the value of the new resident's input is less valuable than that of the resident who is leaving. IX. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT Finance Director Douglas Ellsworth advised the Finance Commission that Pre Budget meetings will begin next month and that the Police Department, Fire Department and Commtmity Development Department are scheduled for the meeting in April. X. Next Meeting: April 26, 2001 Commissioner Ann Smilanic motioned to adjourn and Commissioner Tom Pekras seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. The next meeting will be April 26~, Respectfully submitted, Lisa Burkemper Administrative Assistant Finance Department