03/31/2008Approved 3-31-08 COW
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MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 31, 2008
The Village Board met in the Board Room of the Village Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March
31, 2008. In attendance were:
Village Board Staff
Steven Harris, Mayor (6:25) 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
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee John Sliozis, Chief of Police
William Seiden, Trustee Rick Wilk, Deputy Police Chief
Barbara Struthers, Trustee Clint Case, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Barb Little, Director of Public Works & Engineering
Jim Bernahl, Assistant Village Engineer
Brad Fink, Assistant Director of Public Works
Dan Busscher, Superintendent of Street & Utilities
Frank Cisek, Wastewater Superintendent
Joe Carey, Administrative Intern
2008-09 BUDGET
The Board reviewed proposed budget reductions and optional reductions suggested by staff for
each Department. The following reductions in the proposed 08-09 Budget were endorsed:
Administration – the proposed reductions were confirmed and a reduction for the Acts of
Kindness programs was approved.
Finance – the proposed reductions were confirmed.
Community Development – the proposed reductions were confirmed.
Public Works (Streets & Utilities) – the proposed reductions were confirmed.
Public Works (WRF) – the proposed reductions and timing changes were approved.
Police – the proposed budget was confirmed.
Capital Projects – the proposed reductions and timing changes were approved. Optional projects
were also reviewed and the following decisions made:
• High School Drive intersection with Waukegan Road – include roadway lighting and
sidewalk to the north;
• Include only low maintenance landscape medians in Lake Cook Road;
Approved 3-31-08 COW
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• Include the sidewalk along the east side of Waukegan south from Lake Cook only if
Northbrook approves the sidewalk connection from the south;
• Include the countdown signals and battery backups for Waukegan crossings;
• Include the railroad pedestrian underpass along the south side of Deerfield Road;
• Include any improvements to the Lindemann parking area as part of the NW Quadrant
review;
• Do not include funding, other than a nominal amount for signage, for a railroad viaduct
advance warning device.
To address shortfalls for the general, water and sewer funds, Director Fialkowski presented
staff’s recommendations to implement a 0.5% additional home rule sales tax effective January 1,
2009 and make the previously approved 0.5% permanent at that time; to increase the water and
sewer rates by 4.5% May 1, 2008; and affirmatively resolve to implement the increases in the
property tax levy as originally proposed in the 08-09 budget. The Board considered the proposal
at length, including the possible use of added telecommunications taxes as an alternative to the
sales tax. It was acknowledged that an additional funding source for the sewer fund will need to
be identified in the coming year. After discussion, the Board agreed with the staff proposal,
including the need to evaluate our position during preparation of the tax levy.
In addition to the $5 million bond issue anticipated for capital in 08-09, Director Fialkowski
projected that funding for the new WRF would require $10 million in 2009 and 2010, as well as
$5 million in 2011. As a result, annual debt service payments of $2.4 million are estimated.
Although evaluated on a year to year basis, existing revenue sources and excess reserves would
most likely need to be significantly supplemented.
It was agreed to consider the 08-09 budget further following the public hearing scheduled for
April 7, 2008.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. following unanimous approval of the motion to adjourn
made by Trustee Jester and a second by Trustee Rosenthal.
Minutes prepared by:
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KENT S. STREET, Village Manager