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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/2002 FC minutes RAFT FINANCE COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 2002 POLICE AND FIRE BUILDING DRAFT CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present included Chairman John Korn and Commissioners Charles Bennett, Vince Grochocinski, Ann Hull and Ann Smilanic. Also present were Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager Dave StrahI, Director of Community Development Bill Cooney, Police Chief Richard Eddington, Deputy Chief of Operations Kevin Condon, Deputy Chief of Administration Ron Richardson, Police Commander Mike Semkiu, Fire Chief Mike Figolah, Deputy Fire Chief John Malcolm, Deputy Director of Finance Carol Widmer and Finance Administrative Assistant Lisa Burkemper. Commissioners George Busse and Tom Pekras were absent. I][. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of October 17, 2002 were deferred until the November 7, 2002 meeting. IlL REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED 2003 VILLAGE BUDGET Community Development Director of Community Development Bill Cooney began his presentation by stating that the Community Development Proposed Budget for 2003 totals $1,549,758, which is an increase o£2.3% over 2002. Mr. Cooney then discussed in detail the four basic areas of focus within the Community Development Department. The four areas are the Downtown Revitalization, Commercial Corridor Improvements, Building Permit and Development Activity and the Economic Development Program. Mr. Cooney stated that downtown redevelopment is proceeding steadily. The Lofts and Shops are nearing completion and the new Village Hall/Community Center and Parking Deck projects are scheduled to begin with the old Senior Center being tom down this Fall. Mr. Cooney also mentioned the small triangle section at Route 83, Busse and Northwest Highway as a potential area for redevelopment. Mr. Cooney stated that in 2002 building permits issued for commercial projects were down, however residential permits remained strong. Furthermore, inspections were down mostly due to the types of permits issued. The various permits did not require as many inspections. Mr. Cooney also discussed the Economic Development Program in more detail. Mr. Cooney stated that construction of the new Costco store at Randhurst has been delayed and is expected to be complete in August 2003. Chairman John Kom asked if the small triangle section at Route 83, Busse and Northwest Highway could be a TIF District. Mr. Cooney stated that the area already fell under the TIF District. Chairman John Kom also asked Mr. Cooney what he felt about increasing permit fees. Mr. Cooney stated he would not want to raise them and then have it deter residents from getting permits. He would have to look at the numbers more closely to determine if there were areas that could be increased. Mr. Cooney also stated that maybe there could be an increase on the commercial side. Commissioner Charles Bennett asked Mr. Cooney what his thoughts were regarding Randhurst. Mr. Cooney stated that with the addition of Costco he believes things would slowly turn around for Randhurst. Mr. Cooney stated he felt pretty confident that the mall will again flourish, however it may take a few years. Mr. Bennett also asked what was being done to fill vacancies in the Kensington Business Center. Mr. Cooney stated that we work with an industrial brokerage company to help find tenants. Mr. Cooney also mentioned that we advertise on our web site and provide information on the open spaces within the area. Commissioner Ann Smilanic asked Mr. Cooney to explain the sales tax rebate agreement between the Village and Costco. Mr. Cooney proceeded with a brief discussion explaining the agreement. Police Department Police Chief Richard Eddington presented the 2003 Proposed Budget of$10.4 million, which represents a 6.4% increase over last year's budget. Chief Eddington discussed the department's 2002 accomplishments and their 2003 objectives. One accomplishment ChiefEddington discussed was the implementation of the bicycle patrol unit, which is an example of how the department is trying to improve services while working within a maintenance budget. ChiefEddington mentioned that the bike patrol was very successful and well received with very little monetary costs associated with it. Commissioner Charles Bennett asked how the in-car video cameras were working and if all the squad cars were now equipped. ChiefEddington stated that they were installed in almost ail ofthe cars and are working quite well. Mr. Bennett further asked what the primary purpose of the in-car camera is. Chief Eddington stated that because of our ongoing relationship with the Department of Justice we are required to use a camera in each vehicle. Chief Eddington also stated that there is a value in the camera for training purposes and they also more easily resolve citizen complaints. Mr. Bennett also asked if the vehicle sticker served any purpose to the Police Department. ChiefEddington stated it no longer served any purpose. Commissioner Ann Smilanic asked for the approximate number of police tickets issued for vehicle sticker violations in the past year. Chief Eddington stated that there were 2,939 tickets this year and 2,208 tickets issued last year. Fire Department Fire Chief Mike Figolah began his presentation by presenting the 2003 Proposed Budget for the Fire Department, which totals $8,353,838. The 2003 Proposed Budget represents an increase of 6.4% over the 2002 Budget. ChiefFigolah outlined several of the department's 2002 accomplishment that included the completion of the preplan project, installation of the last 8 in-vehicle laptop computers, installation of the warning siren telemetry system and purchase of the new 12-Lead EKG equipment. Chief Figolah continued his presentation by highlig:Jating some of the department's 2003 Proposed Budget items. One item discussed in detail was the capital improvements project involving the renovation of Station 12. ChiefFigolah stated that the building has been completely gutted and they are in the process of installing heat and a new generator. Chief Figolah stated the estimated date of completion is April 15, 2003 and currently the project is running ahead of schedule and right on budget. Chief Figolah also mentioned that the I2-Lead EKG monitors that were originally scheduled for purchase in 2003 were purchased in 2002. The purchase was initiated sooner since the manufacturer was able to provide a $16,000 savings over the next 5 years if the monitors where purchased this year. Chief Figolah outlined the Fire Departments 2003 Proposed Budget vehicle replacement program. The Fire Department is scheduled to replace four cars, the Pierce fire engine and a command van in 2003. Chief Figolah stated they were saving money on the replacement of three of the sedans and using the money saved to upgrade the fourth car from a sedan to a Chevy Suburban. Furthermore, the command van is scheduled to be replaced with a van valued at $63,000, however the department will be looking for corporate sponsorship to enable them to purchase a van better equipped for their needs. Commissioner Ann Smilanic asked why the position of payroll/purchasing clerk was added under personal services. Chief Figolah stated that the position was merely a job title change and not a new person. Commissioner Charles Bennett asked what the slight increase in the response time was attributed to. Chief Figolah stated that it was mostly attributed to automatic aid responses. IV. CHAIRMAN' S REPORT Chairman John Korn asked the member's if they wanted to make any recommendations regarding the presentations heard to date. Commissioner Ann Smilanic moved to recommend to the Village Board that the Vehicle Sticker be eliminated and to recoup net revenues lost by increasing the utility tax. Commissioner Charles Bennett seconded the motion, after the discussion the members decided to defer th the discussion until the meeting ofNovember 7 . Commissioner Charles Bennett motioned to table the vehicle sticker motion, which was seconded by Ann Smilanic and the motion carried. Chairman Kom also mentioned to the Commission members that there hasn't been new funding for the Capital Improvement Program in two years and that this is something to consider during the budget process. Chairman Korn also wanted to bring to the member's attention that Public Works Union Members through their contract negotiations are insisting the Village contribute money toward health insurance for retired employees. Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl added that by law the Village has to offer insurance to employees who retire, however they do not have to pay for it. Chairman Kom asked about the rent for the general store ice cream shop. Mr. Korn asked what was happening and how much they are behind in payments. Village Manager Mike Janonis stated they were behind 10 months rent or $12,000. Mr. Korn then asked how the Village got in this position. Mr. Janonis stated that initially there was a dispute as to when the tenant was supposed to start paying rent. The ice cream shop was supposed to initially open in April but did not open until June because the building was not ready. The ice cream shop has stated that by not opening in April they missed out on several prime months of sales. Mr. Janonis stated that currently they are negotiating with the ice cream shop on how to solve the problem and that the $12,000 debt would not be forgiven. Commissioner Charles Bennett suggested that Finance Commission revisit this discussion in a few months and see what has been resolved at that point. Mr. Bennett stated that this was a ftnancial obligation. Mr. Bennett asked that the topic be added as an agenda item for the January 2003 meeting. V. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT There was nothing to report I. OTHER BUSINESS Assistant Village Manager Dave Strahl lead a discussion on the Village Hall/Community Center and Parking Deck project. Mr. Strahl showed the architectural plans for the project and explained in detail the various aspects of the project as combined with the Library's project. VII. NEXT MEETING: NOVEMBER 7, 2002 Commissioner Vince Grochocinski motioned to adj cum which Commissioner Am~ HulI seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. The next meeting will be November 7, 2002. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Burkemper Administrative Assistant Finance Department 4