HomeMy WebLinkAboutv - November 9
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
November 9, 2005
The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 5:07 p.m.
in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers,
Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Absent: None.
Approval of Minutes
Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the
minutes of the October 26, 2005, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas:
Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock.
Nays: None.
Presentation of 2006 Budget and 2006-2010 Financial Plan
City Manager Folarin gave a brief overview of the proposed 2006 budget and 2006-2010
financial plan. He stated that all of the material being presented this evening was available for
public review on the City’s website.
Police Chief Womack gave a presentation outlining how the police department lags in response
times to non-emergency quality of life calls, such as complaints regarding loud music and
abandoned cars. Also, her presentation showed that police response time for priority emergency
calls is down, but that due to the rise in violent crime in Elgin, the current police staff is unable
to respond quickly to the lower priority non-emergency quality of life calls. Police Chief
Womack stated the police department is requesting six additional police officers and one
additional detective to help with the following:
1. Reduce the amount of time for police to respond to non-emergency calls
2. Allow officers to devote more time to traffic enforcement
3. Develop quality of life team – targeted at loud vehicle enforcement
4. Allow officers to take more initiative while out on patrol
5. Permit officers to work more closely with Code Enforcement regarding
overcrowding issues
She stated that the statistics which she based her presentation on are not related to the new
construction that is currently being built on the City’s west side and that these issues need to be
addressed now, otherwise they will become bigger issues as the City grows. City Manager
Folarin proposed to raise the Telecommunications Tax by one percent to pay for the additional
six officers and one detective the police department is requesting. Some Councilmembers
questioned whether the increase in officers is really needed and stated that a possible change in
police directives and priorities would be a viable solution. Councilmembers also stated that they
would like City staff to come back with options other than the tax increase to pay for the
additional officers and asked for additional statistics supporting the need for the increase.
Councilmembers decided to continue the discussion at the next meeting.
Committee of the Whole
November 9, 2005
Page 2
Assistant City Manager Stegall made a presentation regarding the Budget Overview and the
City’s General Fund. The Budget Overview addressed the needs of Elgin as an evolving
community and key public safety needs, as well as provided information regarding new revenue
sources that were generated by development. Assistant City Manager Stegall stated that the
main expenditure for the General Fund is for City employee earnings and benefits, and the Total
Proposed Budget for the 2006 General Fund is $76,580,130 which includes $1,902,730 for
decision packages. This represents an 8.6% increase in expenditures over the 2005 General
Fund Adjusted Budget. Mr. Stegall discussed key decision packages and gave statistics
regarding the General Fund Revenues which included: property tax, building permits, sales tax,
and income tax. He also stated that while General Fund revenues exceed expenditures for 2006,
there is not a surplus of funds due to the City’s commitment to long term financial planning, and
that what happens in 2006 has an effect on the City’s Five Year Financial Plan and beyond. Due
to time constraints, Councilmembers postponed discussion regarding the General Fund
Presentation and the remaining Budget Presentation which includes the Riverboat Fund, the
Water Fund, and the Sewer Fund until the Special Meeting scheduled for November 16, 2005 at
5:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Walters, to adjourn and go
into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call
vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor
Schock. Nays: None.
Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims as Provided in the Local
Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act - Exempt Under
Section 120/2(c)(12) of the Open Meetings Act
Setting of a Price for Sale or Lease of Property Owned by the Public Body -
Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(6) of the Open Meetings Act
Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under This Act - Exempt
Under Section 120/2(c)(21) of the Open Meetings Act
The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
s/Jennifer Quinton November 30, 2005
Jennifer Quinton, Deputy City Clerk Date Approved