Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-24 Budget Workshop MinutesMINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 24, 2007, SPECIAL MEETING - 2008 BUDGET WORKSHOP OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MORTON GROVE RICHARD T. FLICKINGER MUNICIPAL CENTER -COUNCIL CHAMBERS MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS 60053 Pursuant to proper notice in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the Special Meeting was called to order at 6:13 pm by Mayor Richard Krier who lead the assemblage in the pledge of allegiance. Clerk Carol A. Fritzshall called the roll. In attendance were: Elected Officials: Mayor Richard Krier, Trustee Georgianne Brunner, Trustee Shel Marcus, Trustee Rita Minx, Trustee Dan Staackmann, Trustee John Thill Absent: Trustee Roy Kogstad Village Staff: Village Administrator Joseph F. Wade, Corporation Counsel Teresa Hoffman Liston, Finance Director Daniela Partipilo, Fire Chief Tom Friel, Police Chief Paul Tasch, Family and Senior Services Director Jackie Walker O'Keefe, Family and Senior Services Coordinator Bud Swanson, ESDA Coordinator John Hill, Community and Economic Development Director Bill Neuendorf Also Present Several members of the public President Krier announced the purpose of this evening's meeting was to conduct the first Budget Workshop for the 2008 Village Budget. Mr. Wade gave an overview of the budget process. He noted the budget represents no change in services. While the Village was not adding staff, it was not diminishing the excellent services Morton Grove residents expect. The focus on the 2008 budget, in addition to maintaining services, was the safety of Village workers and residents, and areas of investment in infrastructure. The Finance Director/Treasurer Daniela Partipilo explained the budget process and timeline. Trustee Brunner questioned when the Morton Grove Public Library Budget would be ready. Ms. Partipilo stated she had been assured the Library's budget would be ready by the first reading of the 2008 Village Budget and the Library's levy would not exceed a 4% increase. Ms. Partipilo explained the budget, as presented, anticipates a levy increase of 3.5%. The budget allowed for contingency set asides and health insurance plan design changes. Salaries for Village employees would increase by 4.25% in accordance with the recently negotiated collective bargaining agreement. Ms. Partipilo stated 2007 revenues are projected to be higher than originally anticipated but lower than that received in 2006. She then reviewed the revenues in the General Fund and detailed property tax distributions by levy year. She noted the bulk of the property tax levy increases were allocated toward increased police, fire, and general pension contributions. For example, the expenditures for the Police Pension in levy year 2004 was $456,000 compared to levy year 2007 in the amount of $1,244,599. Likewise, the Fire Pension's levy in 2004 was $501,787 compared to 2007 of $1,422,190. Mr. Wade then introduced Fire Chief Tom Friel who gave an overview of the Fire Department Budget. He noted the Fire Department currently had a staff of 45 employees. The 2007 highlights included responding to 3,425 calls with an average response time of 4 minutes and 5 seconds. Fire loss in 2007 was projected at $500,000. The Fire Prevention District conducted over 850 inspections and the Department obtained a $61,000 grant to install new warning sirens. The Department also will receive anew command vehicle as of December 2007. The 2008 budget is projected at $6,675,132. Chief Friel concluded by advising the Board, the Department would be seeking a new ambulance in 2009. ESDA Coordinator John Hill presented the ESDA budget. He summarized 2007 highlights including responding to emergencies and community events and transitioning the organization to an Emergency Management Association. The 2008 goals included the implementation of this transition, increasing the Association's members to 16 and conducting more public awareness exercises. The 2008 budget of $13,161 reflects a reduction from the 2007 Budget. Chief Paul Tasch presented the Police Department Budget. Chief Tasch noted the Department has 46 employees including two officers currently in the Police Academy. The 2008 goals included researching the feasibility of automated citations for traffic violations, the purchase of a report writing program, and an increased emphasis on liquor and tobacco stings. The Department's budget of $7,619,241 included allocations for in-car video and audio recorders, increased pension contributions, replacement of analog voice recorders with digital recorders, and a new phone system for NSECC. Chief Tasch noted the Department's request for one additional police vehicle and additional security within the Police Station had been removed during the budget process. Family and Senior Services Director Jackie Walker O'Keefe reported in 2007 the Department had four full-time employees and 15 part-time employees including seven Morton Grove senior citizen residents. In 2007, the department increased its counseling and social activities and increased the senior center's membership by 8%. The Department's 2008 goals included developing anon-medical community volunteer registry. The Department's budget of $425,877 reflects decreases due to personnel reallocations between the Civic Center and the Department of Family and Senior Services. Trustee Thill recommended the Department's Grant Program be modified to a Loan Program and a discussion ensued on this topic. Bud Swanson presented the budget for the American Legion Memorial Civic Center. Mr. Swanson stated the Center was unique due to its versatility and the many functions and programs which occur at the Center from morning to night. He noted about 5,000 guests used the center each month. 2007 saw revenues increase to $112,000, up from $33,000 in 2003. The goal for 2008 is to keep the Center in an excellent and safe condition, to raise rental rates to keep current with the market, and maintain customer service. The Center's increased budget of $262,000 reflects the allocation of salaries as noted above. Bill Neuendorf presented the Community and Economic Development Budget. He related the 2007 highlights of the Department, which included completing one public parking lot on Dempster Street, the issuance of bonds to be used in the Leigh/Ferris TIF District, the environmental clean-up of the Village's property at Ferris and Capulina, afinancial analysis of Site "J", website updates, the receipt of the Family Circle Top Ten Best Town Award, the Family Festival and Block Party, and the development of a strategic plan. The 2008 goals include the attraction and retention of businesses, the promotion of Morton Grove, the promotion of affordable housing, and the implementation of fagade improvements. The Department has one full-time and one part-time employee. The 2008 budget of $121,158 reflects reductions from 2007. Mr. Neuendorf also presented the budget for the Economic Development Fund which pays Village contractual obligations for sales tax sharing agreements and revenue sharing agreements with schools. Its 2008 budget of $316,253 reflects a decrease from 2007. Mr. Neuendorf then presented the budget for the Lehigh/Ferris TIF District. The District was busy in 2007. Accomplishments included clearing the site at Ferris and Capulina, development of a Request for Quotation for this site, update of the Framework Plan, coordination with Metra and other agencies, and the sale of the above referenced bonds. Mr. Neuendorf noted the Woodlands' project had only three units left. The 2008 goals of the TIF are to complete infrastructure improvements including the intersection at Ferris and Lincoln to develop arail-walk, improve a streetscape on Lincoln Avenue, conduct a utility study, seek grant funds, and assemble available land. Mr. Neuendorf stated he would like to also focus on encouraging new retail and restaurants, and complete ongoing projects within the District. The budget of $6,873,822 utilizes funds from TIF increment and the sale of bonds. Mr. Neuendorf also presented the Waukegan Road TIF Budget. He noted this TIF has turned a corner and has a positive revenue cash flow. The 2008 goal is to invest in underutilized properties and attract new businesses. The Fund is beginning to pay back a $1,659,000 obligation owed to the Village's General Fund. The 2008 budget of $597,220 will be used to pay the Districts current debt and pay back the debt owed to the Village. Mr. Wade then reported on efforts the Village has undertaken to attract grocery stores and restaurants within the Village. Mayor Krier asked for comments from the audience. Resident William Luksha asked questions regarding investment in technology centers and the relocation of railroad crossings. There being no further business, Trustee Minx moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Trustee Thill and approved unanimously pursuant to a voice vote at 8:13 pm. Minutes by: Carol A. Fritzshall, Village Clerk PASSED THIS 12a' day of November 2007. Trustee Brunner Trustee Kogstad Trustee Marcus Trustee Minx Trustee Staackmann Trustee Thill APPROVED BY ME THIS 12a' day of November 2007 Richard Krier, Village President Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois ATTESTED and FILED in my office This 13a' day of November 2007 Susan Lattanzi, Deputy Village Clerk Village of Morton Grove Cook County, Illinois legis~minutes~specialmeetingminutes.budget 10-24-07