03/17/2008Approved 3-17-08 COW
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MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 17, 2008
The Village Board met in the community conference room of the Village Hall at 5:45 p.m. on
Monday, March 17, 2008. In attendance were:
Village Board Staff
Steven Harris, Mayor Kent Street, Village Manager
Robert Benton, Trustee Phil Kiraly, Assistant Village Manager
Michelle Feldman, Trustee Robert Fialkowski, Director of Finance
Thomas Jester, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of Public Works and Engineering
William Seiden, Trustee Clint Case, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Barbara Struthers, Trustee Eric Burk, Assistant Finance Director
Jim Bernahl, Assistant Village Engineer
Brad Fink, Assistant Director of Public Works
2008-09 BUDGET
Mayor Harris noted that this meeting was intended to give staff the opportunity to describe its
preparation of the preliminary 08-09 budget and board discussion of specific items would be held
at subsequent meetings prior to budget presentation at the public hearing.
Mr. Street reviewed the direction given to the staff for modest increases and limited personnel
changes. Revenues will be further reviewed by Finance Director Fialkowski and each
Department’s staff is available to discuss proposed expenses. Major capital issues to address in
08-09 include: the WRF design and pumping station replacements; Street rehabilitation program
and the use of MFT funds; Comprehensive infrastructure repair and replacement areas; and
Village Center aesthetic/character upgrades. Items not specifically addressed in the budget, but
likely to be 08-09 work matters include: NW Quadrant redevelopment, Baxter annexation,
workforce/affordable housing, sustainability and environmentally sensitive policies, as well as
ComEd improvements.
In addition to this meeting, budget discussion is scheduled for March 24th with the budget public
hearing on April 7th and final approval of the budget and pay plan April 21st.
Director Fialkowski reviewed his February 28, 2008 report with the Board. General Fund
revenues, given the slowing economy, are proposed to increase 1.5% on a budget to budget
basis. Operating expenses are proposed to increase by 6.5% and the only request for additional
staff is a part time clerk in the Community Development Department. Overall, total expenses are
proposed to decrease 8% from the 07-08 budget. He reviewed personnel cost increases due to
collective bargaining and market rate adjustments to salaries and health insurance costs,
increased economic incentive costs for Walgreens, added maintenance service costs for the
Village Hall and several items in the Street Division, from Snow and Ice Control to capital
projects. The Police Department budget is proposed to increase 3.3%. This year, no transfer
from the General Fund fund balance to the Infrastructure fund is proposed. Water and Sewer
Approved 3-17-08 COW
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Fund Rate increases are being proposed to off-set increasing operational costs. Several major
capital projects were highlighted. He anticipates the Village issuing $5 million in bonds for
capital improvements and the general fund will also receive the final reimbursement from the
downtown TIF District prior to district closure in December of 2008.
Director Fialkowski highlighted major budget issues including: deciding on a course of action
and funding mechanism for the WRF and the Sewer Fund; Capital project funding in the
Infrastructure Replacement Fund and Water Fund; the 2008 property tax levy and the growing
discrepancy between stagnant revenues and increasing expenditures in the General Fund while
fund balances continue to shrink. Given the minimal fund balances in the other funds, the
General Fund balance projected for the end of FY 2009 is just over 30% of combined annual
operating expenses and that is the minimum recommended.
Mr. Kiraly summarized proposed budget items for the Administrative Department.
Mr. Case summarized proposed budget items for the Community Development Department. In
response to a question from Trustee Struthers, he expressed his view that given his experience
level and that of Mr. Ryckaert, both Building and Planning Divisions could continue to operate
well without filling the Director of Community Development position.
Chief Sliozis summarized proposed budget items for the Police Department.
Director Little summarized proposed budget items for the Public Works and Engineering
Departments.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. following unanimous approval of the motion to adjourn
made by Trustee Benton and a second by Trustee Jester.
Minutes prepared by:
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KENT S. STREET, Village Manager