The workshop was called to order by President Pro-Tem Rusas at 7:00 p.m. and adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Councilmembers
President Pro-Tem Theresa Rusas; Councilmembers Elizabeth Heer, Kevin Ziegler, Mike Glagola
Others Present
Arthur Shufflebarger, Village Manager, Becky Jacques, Treasurer/Financial Director; Randy Sapelak, Building/Zoning Official; Chief Wayne Walli; Ann Barnette, DDA Director; Dale Feigley, DDA; Jennifer Davis, P&R; Keith Hughes, Parking Authority;
P&R
Jennifer Davis explained P&R requests to Council. Arthur Shufflebarger stated their requests were cut this year, except Concerts in the Park. He stated budget would be provided for the Concerts for two more years. Jennifer asked if there wasn’t money for P&R, what is their function. It was explained that P&R will always be an advisory committee to the Council. Finding alternate funding was an option.
Parking Authority
Keith Hughes went over the revenues and requested budget. He explained the parking meters can no longer be fixed, and will eventually need to be replaced. We have enough meters on hand to last about two more years. Parking projects included paving of east and Union St. parking lots, which Mr. Shufflebarger stated was cut this year. The Parking Authority is looking into the possibility of placing trash compactors in the lots and also working on the Liberty Street underpass project.
DDA
Ann Barnette and Dale Feigley were present. Capital outlay projects include purchase and development of TRW property, Liberty St. underpass, bike path connection, phase 2 of the Way Finding System and purchase of gas station property. Ann stated the Public Relation funding is for a Business Recruitment consultant, which is working out well. Money is allocated for the Motley Memorial, in case fund raising falls short; for the Criterium, and a Fall Harvest. DDA will be absorbing 100% of the cost for downtown and Mill Pond right-of-way mowing and maintenance. The DDA budget is also reimbursing the Village for refuse collection fees previously captured by TIF monies.
Brownfield Authority
Ann Barnette stated money is allocated for consulting purposes.
Building Department
Randy Sapelak went over the Building Department budget, stating the only significant change in this year’s budget was in vehicle maintenance. He was requesting additional money to have body work done on the Building Dept. vehicle. The vehicle is mechanically sound. Dues and memberships are to maintain certifications.
Planning/Zoning
No significant changes from prior year.
Police Department
Chief Walli stated the Police Dept.’s Capital Outlay requests covered two new vehicles, which included conversions, and replacement of the Mobile Data Computers in all nine cars and the three in-station workstations. He has also asked for money to be allocated for the delivery of the new radio system (paid mostly through grant money).
Becky Jacques explained to the Councilmembers that SEMCOG has projected a reduction in tax revenue of approximately 20 percent over the next three years. She stated that 81 percent of the Police Dept.’s budget was personnel related and explained ways should be looked at to reduce the budget. Suggestions included not replacing retirees and contracting dispatching with other communities.
Chief Walli would like to go to the voters for 1/2 mill in 2010. Discussion continued on the likelihood of any millages being passed.
General Fund
Becky Jacques and Arthur Shufflebarger discussed with Council the revenue situation and that the five-year budget was not based on the worse-case scenario; only a 15% decrease in tax revenue has been built in. Discussion was held on the refuse collection contract as the taxes collected will not cover the 2009/10 contract, requiring the DDA to reimburse almost all captured TIF monies to help cover costs. This contract will be in place until 2012, the second and third year projections show we will not be able to cover the cost of the contract, even with the total amount of the TIF collection returned to the General Fund. A special assessment or fee on the water bill could be set to help with future cost deficiencies. The Council could also go to the public for a vote to restore the millage allowed under State law.
Street maintenance costs also needed to be covered. Almost a full mill is currently transferred from the General Fund, to maintain major and local streets. It was stated that discussion needs to take place about placing a road-maintenance millage on the ballot.
Discussion was also held on cost-saving measures being discussed.
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