03/15/2004MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
March 15, 2004
The village board met at 9:12 p.m. as a committee of the whole in the conference room of the village
hall following the regular board meeting on Monday, March 15, 2004. In attendance were:
Villa a Board
Steven Harris, Mayor
Robert Benton, Trustee
Jerry Kayne, Trustee
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee
William Seiden, Trustee
Vernon Swanson, Trustee
Matthew Wylie, Trustee
2004-05 Proposed Bud et
Staff
Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
John Sliozis, Chief of Police
Barbara Little, Director of Public Works/Engineering
Robert Fialkowski, Director of Finance
Ellasion Phillips, Assistant Director of Finance
Diane Mikula, Assistant to the Village Manager
The purpose of the meeting was to review budget issues identified but not discussed in detail at the
first budget meeting on March 8th. Bob Fialkowski summarized his March 12th memo on revised pages
to the proposed budget and a possible capital project funding scenario for the next three years. This
program would fund an estimated $13 million of projects from a variety of sources, including a $5
million bond issue in 2005, general reserves and existing capital project monies. A $5 million bond
issue over a ten-year debt service schedule would require approximately $575,000 per year in principal
and interest.
Of the funding options available, there was support for a home rule sales tax in the amount of 0.50%.
this would generate approximately $1.2 million in revenue. The board was also receptive to an
increase in the property tax rate, which would bring the rate back to what it was in 2001.
Discussion ensued on whether or not there should be a "sunset provision" on 0.25% of the sales tax
whereby it would expire in five years unless extended by the board at that time. Some disagreed with
the idea in that they felt that the sales tax should be fixed in order to reduce confusion on the part of
retailers. They felt that the board has more flexibility with respect to the annual real estate tax levy.
No consensus was reached on the matter.
It was also agreed that commuter fees should be increased by $.50 per day. Staff was directed to
prepare a report on the matter for board action as part of the new budget.
Bob Fialkowski reviewed an updated projection of revenues and expenditures for the Village Center
TIF District. This budget includes the village hall expansion project that would relocate the
department of community development into the main building. An amount of $2 million is budgeted,
but it is only an estimate at this point. The board agreed to begin planning for this project recognizing
that work may have to be delayed until after the township vacates the annex.
The board revisited staff s request to fill the two sewer division positions which were intentionally left
vacant in the current budget. After discussing the matter, it was agreed that the maintenance position
in sewer operations should be filled but the treatment plant position should remain vacant and
reconsidered after the study of that facility is completed.
Committee of the Whole
March 15, 2004
Page 2
The board discussed the capital item proposing a remote meter reading system at a cost of $125,000.
After reviewing it, the board elected to remove it from the budget.
Entertainment events in the downtown were discussed. Last year, the village committed $10,000 to the
Thursday night concerts in Deerfield Square. It is unknown if CRM Properties will continue the
events this summer. The board was inclined to contribute to them and to promotional events elsewhere
in the village center provided the owners are willing to share costs.
It was agreed that the board would meet in executive session following the April 7th meeting to discuss
personnel issues. The public hearing on the budget is scheduled at the April 19th village board
meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Franz,