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03/21/2005MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE March 21, 2005 The village board met at 9:40 p.m. (following the regular board meeting) as a committee of the whole in the conference room of the village hall on Monday, March 21, 2005. In attendance were: Village Board Staff Steven Harris, Mayor Robert D. Franz, Village Manager Robert Benton, Trustee Robert Fialkowski, Director of Finance Jerry Kayne, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee and Engineering William Seiden, Trustee Philip Kiraly, Asst. to the Village Manager Vernon Swanson, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police Matthew Wylie, Trustee Ellasion Phillips, Assistant Finance Director 2005 BUDGET The board discussed items listed in a March 3rd memo from Director of Finance, Bob Fialkowski. On personnel issues, the board agreed to the following: ➢ Increasing the weekly hours of the part-time finance clerk from 30 to 37.5 (full time) ➢ Increasing the weekly hours of the part-time secretary II position in Community Development from 25 to 37.5 (full-time) ➢ Adding a new building inspector position in Community Development ➢ Filling the unfilled operator trainee position at the sewerage treatment plant Also authorized were the following equipment purchases: ➢ Mini-excavator for public works ➢ Addition of a pickup truck for the water reclamation plant ➢ Digital security camera modifications for police ➢ Reserve alarms for the hatches at the water reservoir/pumping stations ➢ Increase in the water meter replacement program ➢ Three tailgate salt spreaders As for capital projects, the board agreed to the program reviewed at the February 28, 2005 budget meeting, with the understanding that reserve funds would be transferred as required to fund them. There is some question, given the ambitious capital program, if all proposed projects can be accomplished in one construction season. Nevertheless, it was agreed that treatment plant and satellite facilities improvements should be undertaken, even though a final decision on the long term plan for the treatment plant (regional approach or upgrades) is deferred until more information is available. Some believed that a sewer rate increase should be passed immediately, while others wanted to wait on a final decision regarding future improvements plans. Staff will present options on rate increases in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Trustee Swanson suggested that the board, at some point, should discuss a firm policy on the amount of fund balance that should be maintained in the General Fund. There was consensus that only the amount needed should be transferred, on an as needed basis. It was noted that the following capital items would not be undertaken unless and until they qualify for substantial funding by outside agencies: ➢ Wilmot Road Phase I and II engineering ➢ Sidewalk on the south side of Deerfield Road ➢ Deerfield Road pedestrian underpass. Also, the proposed walkway along Jewett Park will be deferred until other decisions are made regarding overall improvements within the northwest quadrant. Trustee Rosenthal made a motion, seconded by Trustee Swanson, to go into executive session to discuss personnel. The motion passed by the following vote: AYES: Benton, Kayne, Rosenthal, Seiden, Swanson, Wylie (6) NAYS: None (0) The committee of the whole meeting adjourned at 10:43 p.m. Minutes prepared by: ______________________________________ Robert D. Franz, Village Manager