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HomeMy WebLinkAbout22 - November 11, 2009 COW (Budget) COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING SPECIAL MEETING November 11, 2009 The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 6:06 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Absent: None. Budget Discussion City Manager, Sean Stegall, recapped what had been presented to date and what would be presented at this meeting and the next. He stated that the proposed 2010 budget 1) invests in the future, 2) reduces the city’s cost structure, and 3) enhances the city’s performance through the concept of ONE Elgin, an adaptable workforce, and through the use of new technology. He also said the using the Central Area TIF and Riverboat Funds should create additional revenue for the General Fund and cited the creation of the new auto mall as an example. This new budget should reduce long term liabilities such as health insurance, pension benefits, and long-term debt, and focuses on performance versus inputs, and it is aligned with the goals of the community. Mr. Stegall then introduced RuthAnne Hall, Management Analyst. Ms. Hall stated the budget is an on-going process that meets the ten community goals, provides the foundation of the community’s future, and augments the decision-making process. She listed the goals and gave examples of projects that meet each one: A Safe Community o Police Records Management System o Warning Siren System Upgrade Neighborhood vitality o Improvement grants o Sidewalk program o Street resurfacing o Street reconstruction Economic Growth & Diversified Tax Base o Business improvement grant program o Auto mall Recreational, Leisure & /cultural Opportunities for all Citizens o Art space o Park improvements Quality Housing o Historic Architectural rehabilitation grants o Property improvement grant program o Neighborhood stabilization program o Energy efficiency o Residential rehabilitation program Committee of the Whole November 11, 2009 Page 2 River as a Resource o Airlite water treatment plant improvements o Annual distribution system upgrading o Route 20/Nesler water main connection o Water tower refurbishing An Alive Downtown o CBD streetscape improvements o Economic development A Financially Stable City Government o Reducing long-term personnel costs o Effective debt management o Contributions to cash reserves o Maintaining the city’s bond rating Excellent Customer Service o 311/citizen request management program Ms. Hall then stated the 2010 proposed budget for all funds is $276,985,960 which is a decrease of six per cent over the previous year and noted that this budget conforms to all of the city’s financial policies. She then noted that technology, infrastructure, and the neighborhoods will be key projects in 2010. General Services Director, David Lawry, then reviewed the street rehabilitation projects. Mayor Schock indicated that he would like the Highland Avenue project to extend further west. Councilmember Dunne said that he had some concerns about narrowing the lanes on Highland Avenue just east of Crystal Street. Mr. Lawry said different lane configurations would be considered, but the proposed narrowing of lanes would most likely take place west of Jackson Street. Mr. Stegall noted that upgrading and enhancing the tree inventory would also be included in any street rehabilitation, when necessary. He also said that the triangle at Highland and Larkin was city-owned and it would be desirable to create some type of neighborhood identification at that location. Mr. Lawry said that many of the bids for the street projects are coming in under budget. Councilmember Kaptain asked if any savings from these various projects could be allocated to projects other than streets. Councilmember Steffen also asked if there could be discussion later in the budget year about how to allocate the savings, if any. Mr. Stegall said there would be. It was noted that 311 units had been deconverted since the inception of the deconversion program. Councilmember Gilliam asked about the status of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program II. Mr. Stegall replied that the funds would not be received until 2011. Mayor Schock noted that the Gifford home was in foreclosure and he would like to see the city consider this property once it becomes available. Committee of the Whole November 11, 2009 Page 3 Mr. Nowicki then reviewed the General Fund and the various steps that have already been taken in order to reduce expenses. Proposed reductions in 2010 include: Downtown sidewalk snow removal Spring clean-up Fox Fire Fest Hemmens season He noted that the diversification of revenues is very important. He identified the various revenue streams, how they impact the General Fund, and the projections for the next year. After a brief recess, Mr. Nowicki reviewed the various expenditures that are related to the General Fund, the cash reserves, and the Other Post Employment Benefits liability. The Recreation Fund and the Central Area TIF Fund budgets, revenues, and expenditures were described next. Mr. Nowicki explained that this TIF was established in 2002 and ends after 23 years in 2025, and is one of three TIFs in the city. Since 2006, the city has spent an average of approximately $7.2 million annually and the vast majority of the expenditures have been infrastructure improvements in the Central Business District. He also noted that TIF funds, by law, can only be spent in the TIF district for capital expenditures. Ms. Hall reviewed the Riverboat Fund and noted the following key changes: • February/March 2009 - $5 million in projects deferred • Increased Neighborhood Street Resurfacing by $600,000 in 2010 and 2011 • Economic Development Agencies to General Fund • Not-for-profit funding reduced 15% in 2010 & 30% in 2012-14 She also noted the status of various projects funded by riverboat revenue and noted the following key projects: • Infrastructure Improvements • Bikeway Implementation Program ($1,165,000) • Bridge Rehabilitation Program ($100,000) • Combined Sewer Separation Program ($1,500,000) • Neighborhood Street Resurfacing ($1,000,000) • Neighborhood Street Reconstruction ($3,925,710) • Public Safety Investments • Warning Siren System Upgrade/Expansion ($570,000) • Police Records Management System ($1,041,550) • Technology Investments • MIS Strategic Plan Initiatives ($350,000) • Document Archival Service ($61,000) • Technology Investments ($1,000,000) Committee of the Whole November 11, 2009 Page 4 Mr. Stegall reported that staff has met with the zoo supporters and that it has been agreed that the group should expand their focus to the entire Lord Park area, not just the zoo. He said the budget does allow for the large animals to remain for another year, but the petting zoo will not be reinstated in 2010. The process will begin to replace the fencing around the zoo in phases. Adjournment Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Warren, to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. s/Diane Robertson December 2, 2009 Diane Robertson, City Clerk Date Approved