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HomeMy WebLinkAboutu - November 18, 2015 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING November 18, 2015 The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dunne (arrived at 6:10 p.m.), Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to approve the minutes of November 4, 2015, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Acceptance of Law Enforcement and Prosecutor-Based Victim Assistance Services Program Grant for the Domestic Violence Case Manager Position A resolution will be presented at tonight's Council meeting for adoption by the City Council. 2016 Budget Discussion Aaron Cosentino, Management Analyst, provided a recap of previously discussed budget topics and the remaining schedule for budget meetings. He also provided follow-up information on economic development transfer, historical sales tax and alcohol tax data, pension funding levels and bond interest rates. Kristine Rogowski, Communications Director, provided details on the budget communication plan and noted the goals of the program were to make residents aware and generate their involvement. There were four ways a resident could receive information: live, electronic, print and broadcast. Rick Kozal, Assistant City Manager, provided information on the Central Area TIF noting it was the largest and most successful TIF district. He outlined the other TIF areas including the Route 20 and Bluff City districts. Mr. Kozal outlined the revenues and what type of expenditures were authorized. Fund highlights included the Elgin Tower redevelopment and bridge replacement. There was discussion on the benchmarks that determine success of a TIF district, the declining EAV (equalized assessed valuations), and the infrastructure projects that were funding through the TIF district. Committee of the Whole November 18, 2015 Page 2 Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer, gave details on the Utility Fund, an enterprise fund, comprised of the water and the sewer funds. Ms. Nawrocki reviewed estimated results for the 2015 budget and outlined the five year plan for this fund. The proposed 2016 budget reflected a 4% water rate and 8% sewer rate increase and a reduction in cash reserve to 42.5%. There was discussion regarding the reserve level and the proposal to contract out site restorations. Aaron Cosentino, Management Analyst, provided follow up on the impact of the proposed budget on the average home owner in the Kane County portion of the city. There was discussion regarding other options to minimize increases including staffing cuts for public safety and using utility fund reserves. Public Comments on 2016 Budget Benny Sowers, stated she was not in favor of the proposed budget and will submit her suggestions to the councilmembers. Chuck Keysor stated that making cuts in personnel would provide for a balanced budget without the proposed increase to the tax levy. He noted the some of the difficulties the proposed budget would have on residents if it were approved. Debra Harris asked that the funds that go out to various organizations be analyzed to see if there are any cuts that could be made in that area. Adjourn to the City Council Meeting Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn and go into the City Council meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Reconvene Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to reconvene the Committee of the Whole meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Emergency Loan Program to Human Services Agencies Laura Valdez-Wilson, Management Analyst, presented an overview of the proposed emergency loan program, highlighting the purpose, the parameters, and eligibility for the program. Committee of the Whole November 18, 2015 Page 3 There was discussion regarding the funding for Ride in Kane, the priorities of the loan program, terms of the loan agreement, and potential alternative funding sources. Also, discussed was the criteria for the review board membership, who would be involved in making the recommendations to the council and what parameters the board would use in making their decisions. Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dunne, to provide short- term financial assistance to human service agencies in an amount not to exceed $775,000 whose services have been jeopardized due to the state’s budget crisis. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Amend Chapter 9.50 of the Elgin Municipal Code Related to Smoking Regulations Councilmembers thanked the member of the Youth Leadership Academy for bringing this item forward to the council for consideration. Corporation Counsel Cogley outlined the difference between the state laws and the proposed ordinance. There was discussion regarding the exceptions to the ban, the enforcement of the ordinance and the amount of the fines. Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to provide youth with positive role models, eliminate secondhand smoke and litter from parks and recreation facilities by amending Chapter 9.50 of the Elgin Municipal Code related to smoking regulations. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Announcements from Council Councilmember Steffen announced the Elgin Symphony Orchestra would be hosting a free concert on Sunday December 6th at 2:00 p.m. at the Gail Borden Public Library. Councilmember Dunne thanked staff for their efforts in coordinating the Veteran’s Day program. Councilmember Rauschenberger encouraged residents to shop local businesses on Shop Small Saturday on November 28th. Announcements from Staff Kristine Rogowski, Communications Director, announced upcoming city events. Committee of the Whole November 18, 2015 Page 4 Adjournment Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn and go into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. 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 Pending, Probable or Imminent Litigation Against, Affecting, or on Behalf of the Public Body before a Court or Administrative Tribunal - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. s/ Kimberly Dewis December 2, 2015 Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved