The Committee of the Whole of Park Ridge, Illinois met recently and approved the 2015 tax levies and changes in the 2016 budget.
After opening the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and taking roll, the Park Ridge Committee of the Whole moved on to Finance and Budget questions. The committee reviewed the FY 2017 Capital Project requests first, including audio/visual upgrades, flood mitigation, sound system at Hodges Park/City Hall, street scaping, and police station renovations. The committee did not come to a consensus and the items did not move forward. The FY 2017 Capital Projects were voted on and approved as amended.
The committee also approved the 2015 property tax levy for the city and library of $21.9 million, and property tax abatements for payment of Series 2012A General Obligation Bonds of $454,450 and Series 2014A General Obligation Bonds of $809,225.
Changes in the FY 2016 budget included increasing red light fine revenue and red light fees, a transfer to increase Audit Fees and decrease Finance Regular Salaries, increases for IT Telecon and IT General Contractual and decreases to HR PPO, Dental and IT Software. Other approved changes affected purchase orders, with purchase orders for attorney Ronald Sandler and A-Bec Electric and increases for Lauterbach & Amen LLP, Red Speed and Wide Open West.
The committee heard the October Revenue and Expenditure Report. The state is not releasing the Motor Fuel monies, which may impact street repairs in spring.
Human Resources reported on each union, with no report for the Teamsters (Police) and ICOPS (Ilinois Council of Police-non-sworn), while IAFF (Fire) voted down the contract. FOP (Sergeants) reached agreements through arbitration and IUOE (public works) negotiation dates are being rescheduled.
The committee was also updated with the news of Civil Engineer Nick Webber's passing and Public Works Superintendent Brian Weibe's retirement on Nov. 27. The city is accepting applications or interviewing for several positions. The next Pension Board meetings are police on Jan. 26 and fire on Feb. 9.
The committee approved the amendment to the intergovernmental agreement for the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, modification to 2-5-2 property disclosure and anti-nepotism ordinance.
The committee discussed several items, including amending Article 20, Chapters 6 and 8 regarding adjudication fees; amending the Liquor Code in reference to salons and criminal background checks for city boards and commissions. Under New Business, holiday lights and caroling were discussed and then the meeting was adjourned.
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