West Cook News

Village of Western Springs President and Board of Trustees met December 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Call To Order:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Pledge Of Allegiance:

President Gallagher 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.

Truth In Taxation Public Hearing Concerning The 2017 Village Property Tax Levy at 7:01 p.m.

Open the Public Hearing - President Gallagher

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 23, 2017.

Presentation of the 2017 Tax Levy Ordinance, Bond Ordinances and Tax Abatement Ordinances for Bonds - Chair of the Finance Cornmittee Rudolph, Manager Velktne and Finance Director Turi

Trustee Rudolph announced that Director Turi would provide a presentation of the 2017 tax levy to be collected during 2017. Director Turi said the proposed 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 $6,692,730. The Thomas Ford Memorial Library is requesting a total levy of $1,381,471 for a total combined levy of $8,074,201 which is a total increase of 9.39%. The operating levy increase is 4.98%. The allocation of this operating levy increase to the Police Pension Fund is $149,924, or 58%. This contribution was actuarially determined. The other portion of the levy, 39.3%, is for the debt service and non-capped items. This levy includes the new debt service from General Obligation Referendum Bonds, Series 2017, commonly known as the roadway referendum bonds. The levy increase is made up of 2.1 % Illinois Department of Revenue P-TELL CPI and the additional 2.9% of estimated 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 presented the property tax allocation. Percentage-wise, 58% will be going toward operations, 1 8% to the Police Pension levy, 1 8% will be directed to debt service, and 6% to IMRF and the Fire Pension levy. It should be noted that as the Police Pension levy request may continue to increase, the offset will be directly to the operating levy, so a $1 increase in the Police Pension Fund, will be a $1 decrease in the operating levy. Director Turi provided a sample Western Springs' tax bill allocation for a home with a $9,000 tax bill. If the sample home was in School District 101, combined with the Thomas Ford Memorial Library and Western Springs Park District, about 1 3%, or $1,199, would be going to those agencies. Approximately 69.2% of those dollars, or $6,226, would be going to school district combined 101, 204 and 502. If the home was located in School District 106, 69.9%, or $6,288, would go to the combined school districts. The rest would be distributed to other agencies. This example is provided to illustrate that, of all the dollars, the Village is capturing only 13.2%. It should be noted this example is based on 2016 tax rates. Information on 2017 rates will be presented when it becomes available.

Questions and Comments from Board Members Questions and Comments from the Public and Press Discussion by Board Members

A question and answer and discussion period followed. Director Turi noted that the 2017 roadway referendum bond issue approved by the voters represented a significant portion of the proposed 9.39% property tax levy increase which factors in new growth. President Gallagher commented that the Police Pension Fund contribution also contributed a significant portion of the increase, which was due to restmcturing of the actuarial tables, which caused an increased burden to contribute. Trustee Tyrrell asked that the average taxpayer in the Village be made aware that approximately 40% of the overall increase is due bond issuance related to the 2017 roadway referendum. Trustee Rudolph said this increase would first be reflected, and felt by residents, in the September tax bill. Director Turi said the taxpayers will see a detailed breakdown, including debt service, on the website and in Tower Topics. The next bond issue related to the roadway referendum is anticipated to be in 2020 with the third bond issue three years thereafter (2023). There will be increases associated with those two additional bond issues. This information was outlined in the roadway referendum discussions. The Village will also be retiring certain roadway bonds in 2024.

Attorney Jumsik noted that the 2.9% new growth actually has a bit of tempering on the tax levy on other properties since as other properties come on line, or increase their EAV, each existing property may or may not see the full 9.39% increase in that tax bill. Director Turi also emphasized that the 9.39% increase applies only to the Village's portion of the tax bill, not the overall tax bill of a property in the Village. Trustee Rudolph stressed that it's important to review one's tax bill and review the different agencies' portion of that bill. The 9.39% increase in the sample tax bill of $9,000 would apply to the Village' s portion of that tax bill, $1,199, and the increase would be approximately $113. Manager Velkme said some examples of what an average tax bill would look like can be prepared. Tmstee Rudolph suggested that information such as the sample tax impact depiction of the Village's portion of a resident's tax bill, reflected at various levels of assessed value, be provided on the Village website or a future Tower Topics article.

Discussion of Adoption Schedule - Manager Velkrne and Finance Director Turi

Manager Velkrne said the intention would be to approve the levy on the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list.

Presentation of Library Tax Levy - Director Edward Bodewes

Director Bodewes stated that the Library is a separate government agency with its own elected officials but the Library cannot levy its own taxes. Because it is a municipal library, their levy must be done through the Village Board. Director Bodewes said the Library budget is approved by the Library Board so he will address both the budget and levy. On November 28, 2017, the Library Board passed their 2018 budget and made a levy request. Director Bodewes presented this levy request to the Village Board. The total Thomas Ford Memorial Library levy for fiscal year 2018 is $1,3 81 ,47 l and that represents a 4.1 5% increase over last year. The operating levy request, which includes FICA and Tort, which is insurance, is $1,179,083. The expenditures from that fund includes salaries, benefits, services, supplies, media expenditures and capital outlay as well as a contingency. The Library's FICA expenses are $55,100 and insurance expenses are $12,600 as itemized in the Library summary budget. The Library Building and Maintenance levy is $131,3 88, which is a 3.8% increase from the original 20l71evy. Expenditures from that fund include contractual services, building supplies, furniture and equipment, and a contingency, as well. The IMRF levy for fiscal year 2018 is $71 ,ooo, which is a 4.7% increase from last year. In summary, the grand total is $1,3 81 ,47 1.

There were no questions on the Library levy request. The Board accepted the Library's proposed 20l71evy as presented. President Gallagher thanked Library Director Bodewes for his report.

Close Public Hearing - President Gallagher

President Gallagher closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.

Public Hearing Concerning The 2018 Operating Budget Immediately Following The Tax Levy Public Hearing

Open the Public Hearing - President Gallagher

President Gallagher opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m.

Roll Call of Board Members - Deputy Clerk Haeske

Deputy Clerk Haeske noted all Board members were present as noted above.

Acknowledging Publication of Public Hearing Notice - Deputy Clerk Haeske

Deputy Clerk Haeske stated the notice of the public hearing was published in the Doings Newspaper on November 23, 2017.

Presentation of the 2018 0perating Budget - Finance Committee Member Rudolph, Manager Velkrne and Finance Director Turi

Trustee Rudolph reported that Director Turi will present the proposed 2018 budget. Director Turi explained that the budget process started in August with a review of current operations and funding needs. Staff was directed to maintain the same level of services but the process proved challenging as we were faced with the State's financial fiscal woes. The State used a portion of our local distributive fund to balance their budget providing the Village with a reduction of revenue. Also included in that challenge is a 14.5% increase in the Police Pension Fund contribution. As a small bedroom community, with no industry, and only local businesses, we are not always prepared or positioned to weather these reductions, however, we did complete the budget process. The budget process included a thorough review by the organization and their respective committees. One final meeting, a joint Finance and Public Works and Water Committee meeting, was held on November 30, 2017, which resulted in the 2018 operating budget. The total budget for 2018 is projected to include revenues of $23,980,024 and expenditures of $25,228,710. Director Turi noted that each fund is budgeted on an individual basis. Each fund operates individually and each fund has its own revenue sources and outlined expenditures. Director Turi presented a chart of revenue sources by fund, which shows that property taxes are the largest revenue source, which total about $6.7 million dollars, and are included in all funds to provide services that we budget.

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. Property taxes are the largest revenue source at $4.7 million or 42.1 7%. Director Turi pointed out the income tax line item at l 0.56%, approximately $1.2 million, which is the local distributive fund. The local distributive fund was reduced by 10%, or $168,000, by the State of Illinois. This impacted the Village heavily as a revenue source for the General Fund. General Fund revenue for 2018 has been increased by 4.98% in property tax revenue and the Village is implementing no new fees. No increases in existing fees are included in the budgeted revenue for 2018.

Expenditures budgeted in the General Fund total$ll,264,160. Salaries and benefits, account for approximately $6 million, or about 53o/o, of expenditures which is very typical for an organization of our nature. The next highest category is contractual services at $2.8 million, or 26%. Director Turi pointed out that the third highest expenditure category is contributions to the Police and Fire Pension Fund at approximately $1.2 million, or 11 % of budgeted expenditures. Expenditures for 2018 include a 2.5% increase in wages and a 3% increase in health insurance premiums. The police pension contribution was increased 14.59%. In order to balance the General Fund, the Village has opted to utilize an IR?MA interest income credit to fund the 2018 IRMA contribution (premium).

Director Turi then provided a graphic outlining General and Capital Improvement Funds by department. The Law Enforcement and Fire and EMS Department, both of which provide public safety, represent the largest portion of the budget at approximately 58% of the budget. A breakdown of the Capital Improvement Fund by expenditure type and by organization was shared by Director Turi reflecting expenditures in the amount of $1,163,462. The funding source for those items in 2018 may include loans, notes or possibly deferral to a future period. The Roadway Construction Fund was reviewed. Director Turi noted that the 2016 Roadway Referendum was passed allowing the Village to issue $12 million in General Obligation Bonds to fund the roadway program. The first segment of $4.5 million was issued in 2017. This $4.5 million should fund three years of roadway programs. In 2018, the Village is scheduling roadway work on Lawn and Johnson Avenues as well as the post office alley.

Director Turi shared highlights of capital projects in the Water and Sewer Fund highlights. In the Water Fund, the Village plans to purchase a high service pump, which is first of three years of this expenditure. The purchase of membrane cartridges is planned in 2018, which is the first of a four year program. The Rose - Garden project, vehicles purchases and continuation of amiual replacement of residential meters are planned in the Water Fund. In the Sewer Fund, capital projects include the 2018 Roadway program, continuation of the annual televising program of sewer, repairs to the Ridgewood Oaks Basin, vehicle purchase and the sewer outfall repair project of Ridgewood Drive.

One of the outcomes of the joint Finance and Public Works and Water Committee meeting held on November 30, 2017 was to develop a s year plan for the Water and Sewer Fund. The goal is to provide a s year plan that prioritizes capital projects including distribution, flooding and Well #5. This process will include the identification of alternative revenue sources which may include grants and/or IEPA loans. Part of this plan will be to continue to analyze the Village's water/sewer rates for adequacy. The intention is to provide a presentation of this plan to the Board in the first quarter of 2018.

The final graphic presented by Director Turi presented a snapshot of funding levels for the Police and Fire Pension Fund for the period of 2006 through 2016. In 2016, the Village's funding level stagnated a bit, but it is important to note that during the period there was a move to more conservative mortality table increasing the funding contribution level and, conversely, decreasing the funding level of the Village. It is hoped that with the positive market performance of 2017, we should see an uptick in the funding level.

Director Turi thanked Manager Velkme for her guidance as well as Director Turi's fellow staff members for their work on the 2018 budget. She also thanked the Board for their review. Director Turi said the budget process was truly a collaborative process. President Gallagher thanked Director Turi as well as senior staff and administration for their hard work on this budget.

Questions and Comments from Board Members

Trustee Siffermann noted that licenses and permits are the second largest source of revenue in the General Fund. Trustee Siffermann asked Director Turi if there was any thought or prediction on whether that would be increasing in 2018. Director Turi said that is a conservative estimate. Director Scott responded that building permit fees were increased from 1.25% to 1.75% in early 2017. Director Turi stated vehicles license fees were increased by $15 to $50 per vehicle in 2017. There is no plan to make additional fee increases for a few more years. The Village improved the collection rate for vehicle licenses and those collection strategies will continue in 2018. Trustee Sifferrnann asked about predictions for new construction or remodeling activity and additional revenue generated by new or improved housing. Director Turi said 40 new houses were factored in projections for 2018 which is consistent with activity in past years. Revenue from remodels is harder to pinpoint. The biggest factor would be from teardowns and building in Timber Trails. Timber Trails' building permit fees are defined in the annexation agreement. Trustee Siffermam'i said he believed it was important for everyone to understand the distinction between expenses connected with water versus sewer rates. The Village's rate is a combined rate and there is a differentiation between water and sewer funds and water and sewer issues. Director Turi added that in the budget, water and sewer expenditures are broken out separately but in the s year plan, as recommended by the committee, the rates will be separated as to what goes to each fund.

Trustee Tyrrell asked Director Turi to provide further explanation of why the Police Pension funding level is so low and why it fell by l 0%. Director Turi explained that the decrease in funding level is due to the more conservative assumptions associated with the mortality table and also moving to a lower interest rate assumption for returns. The mortality table was changed as pensioners are living longer with higher life expectancy now factored in to the table. Trustee Rudolph added that the rate of return assumption used is 6. 75%, compared to what we have realized this year, which has been over l 5% to date. The rate of return for 2017 will not be factored in until re-evaluation of the funding level early in 2018. Trustee Tyrrell summarized that all signs are pointing upward for funding level for next year based on return to date. Director Turi stated the Village structured the plan to be fully funded by 2033 so that is the benchmark we use to determine funding level. The Village is mandated by the State of Illinois to fund according to the actuary by 2018 otherwise, the State of Illinois will attach to our distributive funds. Attorney Jurusik said that is correct and that the new amortization schedule takes municipalities out to 2040 and the Village must be funded to a 90% level by 2040 by State statute, but the Village is on a more aggressive, accelerated funding pace. President Gallagher said she thinks that is a good policy.

Questions and Comments from the Public and Press

David from the Doings newspaper asked how the budget deficit will be made up since expenditures are greater than revenues in the operating budget. Director Turi said that will be made up by reserves. Director Turi added that the Village received $4.5 million in roadway funds and that amount is held in reserves. The Village plans to use about $1.6 million of those funds which will make up that deficit. President Gallagher reiterated this is a balanced budget for20l8.

Discussion by Board Members

There was no further discussion.

Discussion of Adoption Schedule - Village Manager Velkme and Finance Director Turi

Manager Velkme said approval of the proposed 2018 operating budget will be on the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list.

Close the Public Hearing - President Gallagher

President Gallagher closed the public hearing at 7:35 p.m.

Consideration Of Agenda Items

1) Public Works And Water - Trustee Allen

Recommendation Regarding Well #5

Trustee Allen said the intent of his report is to provide some context on Well #5. At the end of his report, he planned to ask for some feedback and guidance from the Board. A joint Finance and Public Works and Water Committee meeting, with the Infrastructure Commission, was held on November 30, 2017. This group discussed the s year capital plan for infrastructure which includes roads, water production, water delivery and storm water management, their priority and the sources of revenue to fund this infrastructure plan. The group discussed how water main and storm water sewer improvements are often done in conjunction with road refurbishment to minimize tearing up roads to access. In most parts of the Village, infrastmcture plumbing resides below the roads. This group also discussed that about half of the Village's 52 miles of water mains are over 80 years old. A proposed new Well #5 was discussed, as well as Well #1 pre-treatment option, to address system-wide water quality issues, when there is a planned or unplanned shutdown of one of our two existing deep wells. As Director Supert and Plant Supt. Duffy explained last Monday, pre-treated Well #1 water would require about a $77,000 one-time retrofit capital investment to the water treatment plant and about $150,000 - $200,000 of operating costs to deploy for about one month of usage. Resulting treated water quality would be very high under Well # 1, at nearly pure H20 quality, but results in a significant loss of nearly 50% of the water and, thus, would not have been able to fully meet demand in about 25% of the days during the last two water events over the last three years. Deployment and equipment set- up would take about 3-s days.

Well #5, on the other hand, would be a new deep well, currently, targeted in Field Park. The preliminary cost estimate provided by Baxter and Woodman, in 2016 dollars, was about $3.1 million. Water quality would likely be comparable to our existing Well #3 and Well #4, as it may draw from the same aquifer. Exact water quality and depth of the well does require actual drilling to determine. The objective of a new Well #5 is to provide significantly improved water quality relative to the untreated shallow Well # 1 water during periods of maintenance, which we have experienced two events in the last three years. In addition, while only two deep wells can run through the two reverse osmosis skids at the water plant at the same time, it does provide some excess capacity to put water directly into the reservoir should water usage in the Village grow over the years. Once Well #5 is fully operational, Well #l would be permanently shut down.

In terms of financing this project, an application for a low interest rate loan through the IEPA has been approved, but it has not yet been determined when it will be funded by the IEPA and this decision could take months. There has been some additional juggling from our original loan application as the South Campus water stack painting and maintenance, which was originally scheduled for 2018, has been deferred until 2019. As an alternative to the IEPA loan, we could issue other bonds, but these would carry a higher interest rate driving up the cost of the overall project. The repayment of the loan would come from higher residential water rates than our current combined water and sewer rate of $12 per thousand gallons. The exact amount will likely be discussed in the January 2018 Board cycle. Our current combined water and sewer rates were ranked 8 out of 20 neighboring Villages.

Lastly, over the next few months we plan to roll out additional improved communication on the Village's infrastmcture plan. While no vote was taken at the meeting on November 30, 2017, a consensus did emerge to pursue Well #5 and not pursue Well #l pre-treatment, however, this was contingent on the results of the interference testing which is scheduled for this week. The Board needs to provide some feedback and guidance to staff on the timing of this. There is an unknown about when and how much the IEPA will kick-in. That could impact both the timing of the project for Well #5, should we choose to go that direction, and its cost. Tmstee Allen said the Board should consider whether to wait until we hear on the IEPA loan or to look at alternative bonds to fund Well #5, or look at some hybrid type strategy. Tmstee Allen said the concern would be that we do not know as of yet exactly how long it might take until we get exact clarification in writing and when we will know about the IEPA funding. It is a significant savings in terms of interest cost. Trustee Allen said he is trying to get a sense from the Board of the urgency to move forward with this project. Interest rates seem to be trending higher in the near ternn and this project was scoped out on 2016 dollars. Waiting is probably not going to result in lower cost as well. This topic has been discussed on multiple occasions at the Infrastmcture Commission, Public Works and Water Committee, and at prior Board meetings. Tmstee Allen said the Board owes staff some guidance for 2018 planning and when the Board would like to engage Baxter & Woodman on phase one and/or phase two design engineering for this project to get started.

Discussion followed. Director Supert said the project is approved as part of our project development report to the IEPA and we are currently in a waiting mode with a categorical exclusion classification. The change in timelines would needed to be modified in the Village's initial loan approval application. Tmstee Rudolph noted that if the Board is in agreement to go ahead with Well #5, the first step is the first part of the engineering. Those expenditures for that sort of work would not be a lost cost in the event that we had any sort of issue in the near term with the funding. We need that study and that work regardless of the timing. Tnistee Tymick agreed, assuming we had the interference testing results, which provides assurance that the site will work. Director Supert confirmed this. Staff is looking for the Board to provide direction on timing. Further discussion followed.

Director Supert said we will have a better understanding of the IEPA categorical exclusion and project plan by January 1, 2018. Attorney Jurusik said that if the Board is thinking of issuing alternate revenue water bonds rather than pursuing funds through the IEPA loan, an authorization ordinance is part of that process and would allow the Village to reach back 60 days to capture eligible expenses after adoption. The Village could two track the project and Attorney Jurusik has done that work with other municipalities on water projects pursuing an IEPA loan and setting in motion the bond issuance process. The Village would also set in motion the bond approval process. The initial ordinance that the Board approves sets the Village on the path towards going out for bonds, but does not commit the Village to anything. The ordinance sets the threshold timeframe for the 60 day reach back window and then the going forward window of eligible project expenses that you incur. The IEPA has a different review process and standard of eligible costs and that is defined in their application. The Village Board could two track the process and the Village can break up the financing for the project as well utilizing some bond money to move quicker, and some loan funds.

Manager Velkme said provided that the interference test is fine, we could build in that area, and if the Board decides to direct staff to go ahead on the Well #5, then we can explore the accelerated schedule and whatever we can do with financing and so forth. Trustee Allen added the project will take a year to a year and a half once we get started. We have a Well #4 maintenance coming in a few years. Trustee Allen asked for the Board's direction on how to proceed.

Trustee Tymick said the temporary pre-treatment option should perhaps still be under consideration given the open status of the IEPA loan. President Gallagher said what has changed is the Board's sense of urgency of the project. Discussion of the categorical exclusion status of the IEPA loan followed. The Board consensus is to move forward with Well #5. Trustee Hansen asked what the timeline is for the plant retrofit for the Well # l pre-treatment option. Director Supert said we are working to finalize that timeline. Tmstee Allen said it is important to note that the pre-treatment solution would not have fully met the Village' s needs in the last two incidents. Trustee Rudolph said that seems more of a ?Band-Aid? solution rather than a permanent solution and she would like to move forward with the construction of Well #5. Trustee Tymick said he is suggesting that we continue to pursue both approaches. Tmstee Hansen said she agrees with Tmstee Tymick on pursuit of both the pre-treatment of Well #1 and construction of Well #5. Discussion continued. President Gallagher said the Board would decide but she feels we should direct our resources toward implementing Well #5 as rapidly as possible. Trustee Siffermann agreed and said Well #5 should be a short term goal. The Board has reached out to legislative resources to help the Village with securing the IEPA loan resources. Trustee Tymick said the $70,000 is not a lot to spend for some insurance during the construction of Well #5. Trustee Rudolph said we may need to pursue both, not an either or solution. There is also a $150,000 per month cost to run the pre-treatment Well #l option. Discussion followed. Trustee Tymick said he would be 1 00oA supportive of construction of Well #5 because we need it long term as well as the other improvements to the distribution system, and, at the same time, pursue the Well #1 pre-treatment solution. Trustee Hansen said it could be the case that we would spend $70,000 to retrofit and not incur any monthly costs if we did not need to use Well#l pre-treatment. Director Supert noted the Well #l pre-treatment option can be further reviewed and discussed in January or February.

Citizen Comments:

Resident Mike Vespa thanked Manager Vellane for the answers she provided to the questions he posed last week. Mr. Vespa then thanked the Police Department for their prompt response to an alarm that went off at this home in the middle of the night. The department was very responsive and helpful in making sure everything was safe. Mr. Vespa questioned what notifications are going out because residents have to pay for the Doings newspaper so for residents that are not receiving the Doings, he wondered how they could receive notifications. Mr. Vespa asked if this is something which could be included in the email updates and notifications which residents subscribe to from the Village. Mr. Vespa asked when the Village refuse and recycling service contract will expire. Manager Velkme said it will expire in December of 2018 and that the General Governrnent Cornmittee will be beginning negotiations. His final comment was that he was a little concerned and disappointed in the Board's approach to Well #5. Mr. Vespa added that he does not feel the trustees have all the facts. It was said that the cost estimate that the Board is making decisions on is from 2016. He asked how the Board knows the cost did not come up 20 or 30% for 2018. Mr. Vespa said it was also stated that there would be a water billing increase but the Board does not know what that cost would be. President Gallagher said staff and the Board are working on that. Mr. Vespa said the residents have had two water rate increases in the past 18 months, plus the $5 assessment attached to water rates, which he thought was to pay for projects like this. Mr. Vespa said our rates are slowly creeping up and we will be one of the more expensive towns. At some point there needs to be a stop to the water rate increases. Feedback from the residents should be obtained before making final decisions. President Gallagher said the Board discussed at length improving communications at the last meeting and that is upfront in the Board's thought process. As far as the capital fee that was assessed, it will take time to build up that fund. President Gallagher said that has been in place less than a year so the funds are not yet available to apply toward these big ticket items.

2) Properties And Recreation - Trustee Hansen

No report.

3) Finance - Trustee Rudolph

A) OrdinanceDirectingTheCookCountyClerk'sOfficetoReducethe2017Tax

Levy in a Certain Manner According to the Provisions of the Tax Cap - Separate Calculation for Village and Library Levy

This ordinance 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. This ordinance will be considered on the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list.

B) OrdinanceDirectingtheCookCountyClerk'sOfficetoReducethe2017Tax Levy in a Certain Manner According to the Provisions of the Tax Cap

The second ordinance states that any reductions made by Cook County should go directly to the General Fund, which is the corporate fund of the Village. This ordinance will be considered on the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list.

C) Ordinance Levying Taxes on Real Property Within the Village of Western

Springs, Cook County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2018 and Ending December 31, 2018 (2017 Levy)

Trustee Rudolph presented the draft ordinance for the Board's consideration which includes the total levy of $8,074,200 which the Village is requesting and is for both the Village and the Thomas Ford Memorial Library. This was the levy discussed in the public hearing earlier this evening.

D) Ordinances Approving Various Annual Levy Abatements for Alternate Revenue Bond Issues

Trustee Rudolph presented three abatement ordinances, 201 2A, 201 2B and 2015Awhichinsurewearenotlevyinganytaxesforrepayingdebtservice. The three ordinances were added to the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list.

E) Resolution Approving the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year Ending December 31,2018

A resolution approving the proposed operating budget for 2018, as was discussed in the public hearing earlier this evening, was provided. The resolution was added to the omnibus vote list on December 18, 2017.

F) ResolutionApprovingaBudgetAmendmentandTransfersover$10,000.00tothe Fiscal Year 2017 0perating Budget in the General Fund

Trustee Rudolph presented a resolution approving a budget amendment and transfers to the 2017 operating budget in the General Fund which the Board Committee discussed at their last meeting. The amount of the transfer Director Schramrn requested is $4,864. The transfer is to the software account and is a reimbursement to the Village through the WSCAA as grant monies for replacement of two cameras in the Village Board Room. The resolution was added to the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list for approval.

G) Fire Pension Fund Report

No report at this time.

H) Police Pension Fund Report

No report at this time.

4) Public Health And Safety - Trustee Siffermann

Holiday Safety Reminder

Tmstee Siffermann presented Winter Safety Tips from Chief Kenny and Holiday Public Safety Awareness from Chief Budds. Trustee Sifferrnann encouraged residents to remember to insure their personal safety during this busy season. Crime and criminals never take holidays. Trustee Siffermann encouraged residents to lock doors, park in well-lighted areas, keep homes well-lit, and to secure gifts in safe places, out of plain sight. He also reminded residents to follow prudent party alcohol use and to be safe with holiday trees and lighting. Tmstee Sifferrnann said these important suggestions will be posted on the Village website.

5) General Government - Trustee Tymick

No report.

6) Planning And Zoning - Trustee Tyrrell

No report.

7) Village President Gallagher

A) Appointment of Thomas J. Brescia as Adjudication Officer for the Village of Western Springs effective January 1, 2018

President Gallagher asked for the Board's concurrence on her intent to appoint Thomas J. Brescia as Adjudication Officer for the Village effective January 1, 2018. He is a resident of Western Springs and has agreed to be the Village's Adjudication Officer. With no objection from the Board, this appointment was added to the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list for approval.

B) Appointment of Erin Piotrowski as a Member of the Recreation Cormnission for a three year term to expire in December 2020

President Gallaher asked for the Board's concurrence on her intent to appoint Erin Piotrowski as a Member of the Recreation Commission for a three year term to expire in December 2020. With no objection from the Board, this appointment was added to the December 18, 2017 omnibus vote list.

C) Flag Raising Ceremony for State of Illinois Bicentemiial

President Gallagher thanked Village staff for attending the flag raising today at Village Hall which was the kick-off of the bicentennial of the State of Illinois becoming a State of the Union. The actual date of the 200'h anniversary is December 3, 2018 but the State has asked local municipalities to kick-off the event today and celebrate throughout the coming year.

D) McCook Reservoir Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

President Gallagher attended the McCook Reservoir ribbon cutting ceremony today. The reservoir is the last bit of the TARP project which will help to alleviate overflow in the Village's combined water and sewer systems. This improvement will directly impact our combined water and sewer system here in Western Springs. She suggested residents visit the former quarry, storage facility and visitor center at 76fh and LaGrange Road. It is really very impressive.

8) Village Manager Velkme

Manager Velkme asked the Board to clarify her belief that the Board has come to a consensus to accelerate plans to go ahead with Well #5. President Gallagher said that is the consensus. The Board will vote on this matter at the next Board meeting on December 18, 2017.

9) Village Attorney Jurusik

No report.

With no further business to come before the Board, President Gallagher asked for a motion to adjourn.

Motion:

Trustee Tymick moved, seconded by Hansen, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 8 :15 p.m.

http://www.wsprings.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12042017-655