03/24/2008Approved 3-24-08 COW
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MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 24, 2008
The Village Board met in the community conference room of the Village Hall at 5:45 p.m. on
Monday, March 24, 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 Eric Burk, Assistant Finance Director
William Seiden, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police
Barbara Struthers, Trustee Clint Case, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Jim Bernahl, Assistant Village Engineer
Brad Fink, Assistant Director of Public Works
Dan Busscher, Street & Utilities Superintendent
Frank Cisek, Wastewater Superintendent
Joe Carey, Administrative Intern
2008-09 BUDGET
Mr. Street introduced the discussion continuing tonight regarding the proposed 2008-09 budget.
He also noted that a letter from Trustee Rosenthal concerning the 08-09 Budget had been
distributed to each Board member in advance of the meeting as she was not able to attend the
meeting.
No specific comments were raised regarding proposed operating department budgets, and several
project or program items were discussed as follows:
* The holiday lights for the Village Center should remain at the same level as the 07-8 season;
* Reduce proposed expenses for artwork in the Village Hall.
* The calcium chloride equipment and supplies for snow and ice control should be budgeted;
* Retain use of forestry consultant rather than add staff;
* Maintain the Parkway tree cost-sharing program at the same level as 07-08;
* Perform Parkway tree survey and develop database as proposed;
* Evaluate Streetscape tree replacements with arborist to improve lifespan;
* Include prairie planting pilot areas along the west side of north Waukegan Road;
* Include any tree planting in conjunction with comprehensive infrastructure repairs as part of
the project costs, not an operational line item;
Approved 3-24-08 COW
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*Include as proposed the elevated schedule to install remote-read water meters and consider
future staffing needs as the remote-read meters are put in place;
Mayor Harris observed that limited progress was being made to address significant issues raised
by the proposed budget, such as major capital project funding and long term revenue policies.
Director Fialkowski noted that WRF replacement and Sewer Fund repairs and operations should
be more soundly funded going forward. Alternative sources were discussed, including those
used by the North Shore Sanitary District (property taxes and user fees) as well as the MWRD
(property taxes).
Additional revenue alternatives were discussed including increases to the home rule sales tax,
property tax, the utility tax, and user fees, as well as the institution of a telecommunications tax.
Several trustees expressed support for developing policies concerning revenues.
After additional discussion, staff was directed to review the proposed 08-09 budget with the
objective of further reducing expenses and identifying non-essential programs and projects that
could be scaled back, deferred or eliminated. Revenues should also be reviewed, in light of
operating costs and upcoming capital needs and specific recommendations provided for Board
consideration.
The next Committee of the Whole meeting to review the proposed 08-09 budget was scheduled
for March 31 at 6:00 pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. following unanimous approval of the motion to adjourn
made by Trustee Seiden and a second by Trustee Struthers.
Minutes prepared by:
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KENT S. STREET, Village Manager