Western Springs Board of Trustees met Monday, Dec. 5 tor review the budget.
The Western Springs board of trustees includes the president and six trustees, who are elected to four-year terms.
Here are the minutes as provided by Western Springs:
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE VILLAGE OF WESTERN SPRINGS PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monday, December s, 2016
President William T. Rodeghier, Presiding Call to Order, 7:00 p.m. Elaine Haeske, Deputy Village Clerk
Board Members Present Berry Allen Alice Gallagher Suzanne Glowiak Sheila Hansen James Horvath Edward Tymick
Others Present Patrick Higgins, Village Manager Ingrid Velkme, Deputy Village Manager Matt Supert, Director of Mun Svcs Grace Turi, Director of Finance Brian Budds, Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Tracy Alden, Director of Rec Martin Scott, Director of CD Patrick Kenny, Dir. Fire & EMS Michael Jurusik, Village Attorney Jeff Ziegler, Village Engineer
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Rodeghier led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
As noted above.
Electronic attendance at meeting: None
READING OF AGENDA - ADDITIONS - DELETIONS
There were no changes to the agenda.
TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE 2016 VILLAGE PROPERTY TAX LEVY at 7:02 p.m.
Open the Public Hearing - President Rodeghier
Roll Call of Board Members - Deputy Clerk Haeske
Deputy Clerk Haeske ascertained the roll as noted above.
Acknowledging Publication of the Public Hearing Notice - Deputy Clerk Haeske
Deputy Clerk Haeske stated the notice was published in the Doings Newspaper on November 24, 2016.
Presentation of the 2016 Tax Levy Ordinance, Bond Ordinances and Tax Abatement Ordinances for Bonds - Chair of the Finance Committee Horvath, Manager Higgins and Finance Director Turi
Trustee Horvath said Director Turi would provide a presentation of the 2016 tax levy to be collected during 2017. Director Turi said the proposed property tax levy is divided into two portions, the Village levy and the Thomas Ford Memorial Library levy. The Village is requesting a total levy of $6,100,871, a 2.75% increase. The Thomas Ford Memorial Library is requesting a total levy of $1,315,817, a 3.02% increase, for a total levy of $7,41 6,688 which is a total increase of 2.7973%. The levy increase is made of 0.7% CPI and the additional 2.09% of new growth within the Village. If the new growth does not meet projections, Cook County will automatically reduce the levy on our behalf to match the EAV and new growth. Director Turi noted the levy will be adopted on December 19, 2016.
President Rodeghier said that the Library is a separate governmnent agency with its own elected officials but, due to a quirk in Illinois law, the Library cannot levy its own taxes. Because it is a municipal library, their levy must be done through the Village Board. The Board accepts the Library's proposed 20l61evy as presented.
Director Turi provided a graphic which reflected that for every dollar paid in property taxes, $. 11 goes to the Village of Western Springs. The majority of each tax dollar collected goes to the local school districts with $.69 going to District 101 ($.70 going to District 106).
Presentation of Library Tax Levy - President Rodeghier
President Rodeghier noted that the Library levy and budget presentation was made previously to the Board as well as to the Finance Committee. Thomas Ford Library Director Bodewes was present at this meeting, as well as Library Board Members Robert Milano and Mary Greska.
Questions and Comments from Board Members
There were none.
Questions and Comments from the Public and Press
There were none.
Discussion by Board Members
There was no further discussion.
Discussion of Adoption Schedule - Manager Higgins and Finance Director Turi
With no objections from the Board, the approval of the levy was added to the December 19, 2016 omnibus vote list. Attorney Jurusik and Director Turi stated the levy will be filed with Cook County by no later than December 27, 2016, as required by per State law.
Close Public Hearing - President Rodeghier at 7:06 p.m.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were none.
PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE 2017 OPERATING BUDGET IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE TAX LEVY PUBLIC HEARING
Open the Public Hearing - President Rodeghier
President Rodeghier opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.
Roll Call of Board Members - Deputy Village Clerk Haeske noted all Board members were present as noted above.
Acknowledging Publication of Public Hearing Notice - Deputy Village Clerk Haeske
Deputy Village Clerk Haeske stated the notice was published in the Doings Newspaper on November 24, 2016.
Presentation of the 2017 0perating Budget - Finance Committee Member Horvath, Manager Higgins and Finance Director Turi
Director Turi presented the 2017 fiscal year operating budget. The total budget for 2017 is projected to include revenues of $22,915,410 which represents activity in 16 funds. The General Fund, which is the fund that accounts for the majority of the services that the Village provides, makes up the largest portion of the budget. Revenue has been increased by 2.75%. Vehicle license fees will be increased by $15 for all categories and building permit fees will be increased from l.5% to l.75% of construction value.
Total expenditures are $25,025,988. Salaries and benefits for 2017 include a 2.5% increase in wages and a 3% increase in health insurance expense. The police pension contribution was increased 13.34%, while the IMRF pension contribution went down approximately 9%. Included in the General Fund budget is a contribution to LTACC for $350,000 which has been offset by a decrease in the telecommunication budget. Property taxes are the largest revenue source, followed by license and permits, income tax, general sales tax and use tax. Salaries and benefits are the largest portion of expenditures. Police and fire pension contributions have increased to 9% and are expected to go up as the funding levels are increased.
The Capital Improvement Fund includes rolling stock, building improvements, and machinery and equipment. Capital expenditures of $768,172 are broken out by fund type and which organizations are spending which amount. There are no big ticket purchases planned for 2017. The Roadway Constmction Fund for 2017 will allow for the issuance of the first installment of the 2016 Roadway Referendum Bond. The timing of issuance of the bonds has yet to be determined but is anticipated to be some time in the second quarter of fiscal year 2017. The expenditures in 2017 will include the 2017 Roadway Prograrn.
Director Turi said the Water and Sewer Fund had been vetted by the Finance and Infrastructure Committees as well as the Public Works and Water Committee. A raise in the water rate of $1.90 to $12 per 1,000 gallons is budgeted. A contribution to this fund from the Special Purpose Reserve fund is planned to fund four specific projects. The 2017 budget also contains a capital investment recovery charge of $5 per billing cycle to start funding future capital needs, which for the next five years have been identified, and require significant funding sources. The four major capital improvement projects for 2017 are identified as the Ridgewood Basin Improvements, the Flagg Creek Water Main, the Reservoir Roof and the Rose Avenue Water Main Relocation. Of the $12 rate, $2.40 is allocated to debt service, which includes the two IEPA loans and one General Obligation Alternate Revenue Source, $1.65 is obligated to capital, and $7.95 is allocated to operations.
Director Turi pointed out that the funding sources for the Police Pension Fund had to be increased l 3.34%, so the tax levy contained $1,027,000 which is going to the Police Pension Fund, On the expenditure side, we have added two additional two beneficiaries and we expect that funding source to be increased yearly as the needs increase. Director Turi noted that the proposed budget includes expenditures of $25,025,988. Manager Higgins said that although it appears the budget is running at a deficit, the budget includes a planned appropriation of monies from the Special Purpose Reserve Fund to match grants and some other planned projects. This is money that was salted away in previous years which will be spent in fiscal year 2017.
Questions and Comments from Board Members
Trustee Allen asked about the Roadway Construction Fund. He said it appeared that there was very little revenue for 2017. Director Turi said that fund is funded from the 2012 roadway referendum bond and we are reaching depletion of those proceeds. All that is really in there is revenue from the interest. Until we know the date that the bonds will be issued, a line item was not included. There will potentially be $4 million in bond revenues included in that fund. A budget amendment will be provided once the bond issuance and final amount are determined in the second quarter of 2017.
Trustee Tymick asked about the $350,000 to LTACC which includes a matching decrease in telecommunications. Manager Higgins said the reduction in cost will not equal the Village' s expenditure but the real number is not available at this time. This is the Village's one-third share of start-up costs per Trustee Hansen. Manager Higgins said the Village is sharing one-third for start-up costs and that the costs going forward will be prorated based on call volume.
Questions and Comments from the Public and Press
There were none.
Discussion by Board Members
Discussion of Adoption Schedule - Village Manager Higgins and Finance Director Turi
President Rodeghier said the approval of the 2017 budget will be added to the December 19, 2016 omnibus vote list. The 2017 budget will be filed with the Clerk of Cook County.
Close the Public Hearing - President Rodeghier at 7:21 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS
1) PROPERTIES AND RECREATION - TRUSTEE GALLAGHER
Christopher Spartz Contract Renewal
Trustee Gallagher presented an independent contractor renewal for Christopher Spartz for a basketball program which has been well-received. The Village entered into an initial agreement with Mr. Spartz in March 2016 and that agreement went thru the end of December. Both parties are happy with the agreement and the draft contract is a renewal for 2017 with terms remaining the same as the last agreement. Approval of the contract was added to the December 19, 2016 omnibus vote list.
2) GENERAL GOVERNMENT - TRUSTEE GLOWIAK
No report.
3) PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY - TRUSTEE HANSEN
No report.
4) FINANCE - TRUSTEE HORVATH
A) OrdinanceDirectingTheCookCountyClerk'sOfficetoReducethe20l6Tax
Levy in a Certain Manner According to the Provisions of the Tax Cap - Separate Calculation for Village and Library Levy
Trustee Horvath explained this ordinance, Ordinance Directing The Cook County Clerk' s Office to Reduce the 2016 Tax Levy in a Certain Manner According to the Provisions of the Tax Cap - Separate Calculation for Village and Library Levy, states that any adjustments (reductions) which the Cook County Clerk makes with regard to the tax levy will be done in two separate buckets, one for the Village and one for the Library. That is the purpose of this ordinance.
B) Ordinance Directing the Cook County Clerk's Office to Reduce the 2016 Tax Levy in a Certain Manner According to the Provisions of the Tax Cap
The second ordinance, Ordinance Directing the Cook County Clerk's Office to Reduce the 2016 Tax Levy in a Certain Manner According to the Provisions of the Tax Cap, states that any reductions made by Cook County should go directly to the General Fund, which is the corporate fund of the Village.
C) Ordinance Levying Taxes on Real Property Within the Village of Western
Springs, Cook County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2017 and Ending December 31, 2017 (2016 Levy)
Trustee Horvath presented the draft ordinance for the Board's consideration which includes the total levy of $7,4 16,688 which the Village is requesting and is for both the Village and the Thomas Ford Memorial Library.
D) Ordinances Approving Various Annual Levy Abatements for Alternate Revenue
Bond Issues
Trustee Horvath presented three draft Ordinances Approving Various Annual Levy Abatements for Alternate Revenue Bond Issues. Each of the abatement ordinances are for alternative revenue source bonds. Within the original issue, there was a statement that the Village will repay the principal and interest of the bonds, which were issued in 2012 and 2015, with funds from the levy. However, since we do have alternate sources of revenue to pay the principal and interest, we are requesting that these amounts be abated so that they are not included in the levy given that we do have an alternate revenue source to pay those bonds in 2017. The three ordinances were added to the December 19, 2016 omnibus vote list.
E) Resolution Approving the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year Ending December 31,2016
This resolution provides for passage of the 2017 budget which was reviewed during the public hearing held earlier in the evening. The resolution was added to the omnibus vote list scheduled for December 19, 2016.
F) ResolutionApprovingaBudgetAmendmentandTransfersover$lO,OOO.OOtothe
Fiscal Year 2016 0perating Budget in the General and Recreation Funds
Trustee Horvath provided a draft resolution addressing two budget amendments. The details of the budget amendments were provided to the Board in their agenda packet. Amendments were required for:
* Transfer from General Fund to the Special Purpose Reserve Fund - Transfer of funds which exceeded the reserve requirement of the General Fund to the Special Purpose Reserve Fund in the amount of $800,000. This was based on the FY 2015 Fund Balance and the Village's 30% reserve policy. This transfer was approved and recommended by Village Manager Higgins and the Finance Committee. Discussion of the reserve policy and how it was established followed. The Board concurred with this recommendation.
* Increase to the Separation Benefits Fund - Increase in the amount of $69,000 requested by Deputy Village Manager/Director of Administrative Services Velkme to cover costs associated with a number of unanticipated employee retirements this year ,000 requested by Deputy
These changes to the 2016 operating budget line items must be approved by the Board of Trustees. The Finance Committee reviewed these amendments and recommended approval. The resolution approving the budget amendment and transfers was added to the omnibus vote list set for December 19, 2016.
G) November Monthly Report
Trustee Horvath said it is likely the November monthly report will be not be available on December 19, 2016, and will be presented in January 2017.
H) Police Pension Fund Report
No report.
5) PLANNING AND ZONING - TRUSTEE TYMICK
Trustee Tymick noted that the former Tischler's and Breen's buildings are down. ComEd work to relocate the lines that need to be moved will likely begin in January. Attorney Jurusik said the Village is on track to have a closing on or before December 19 to collect the developer's monies to pay for the alley vacation.
6) PUBLIC WORKS AND WATER - TRUSTEE ALLEN
2017 Sidewalk Shaving Bid Results
Staff as well as the Public Works and Water Committee recommended approval of an award of contract to lowest qualified responsible and sole bidder, SafeStep, the company the Village has contracted with since 2012 for this type of work. This procedure reduces the tripping hazard on Village sidewalks.
7) VILLAGE PRESIDENT RODEGHIER
President Rodeghier noted that a lot of work went into the levy and budget process and this meeting and the next are the culmination of that work. Many committee and staff discussions and much hard work preceded this meeting to carefully allocate the precious resources of the Village.
8) VILLAGE MANAGER HIGGINS
No report.
9) VILLAGE ATTORNEY JURUSIK
No report.
ADJOURN
MOTION:
Trustee Tymick moved, seconded by Hansen, to adjourn at 7:36 p.m. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Haeske Deputy Village Clerk
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