North Cook News

Village of Roselle Committee of the Whole met November 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Present: Mayor Maglio, Trustees Berkshire, Devitt, Domke, Pileski, Pransky and Trejo.

Others Present: Jeff O’Dell, Jason Bielawski, Steve Herron, Roman Tarchala, Dan Anderson, Mark Bozik, Pat Watkins, Tom Dahl, Victor Ramirez and Patty Burns.

2. Approve Prepared Agenda

Motion by Trustee Devitt, second by Trustee Trejo, to Approve the Agenda as Presented.

Upon voice vote: Motion Carried.

3. Citizen Comments/Questions – None

4. FY 2018 Proposed Budget Presentation

The proposed budget includes the funding necessary to provide the residents and business owners of the community continued cost effective and efficient administrative, public safety, and public works services. The budget reflects the priorities and action items identified in the Village Board’s Strategic Plan. As a result of prudent budget planning and specific initiatives related to long-term fiscal sustainability and economic development, the budget outlook is much stronger than it has been in past years.

Highlights

• The General Operating Fund budget reflects revenues exceeding expenditures by $488,015. The projected unreserved fund balance will be $7,256,491 or 44.8% of expenditures, thereby exceeding the Village Board’s Strategic Plan Financial Sustainability Priority target of 35%.

• Funding to complete the Strategic Plan Priority for Infrastructure Improvements includes $1,170,000 for water main replacement, $1,282,500 for the annual street improvement and surface transportation programs, $850,000 for municipal building and facility repairs, and $9,041,155 for wastewater treatment plant and collection system projects outlined in the Wastewater Facility Master Plan.

• No new resident or business owner local tax, fee, license or fine increases other than the previously approved water and sewer user fee increases outlined in the 5 Year Baxter & Woodman rate schedule plan.

• Several proposed revised programs and services, including reallocation of staffing to address initiatives in public safety and code enforcement, enhancing economic development and marketing efforts, and investment in new computer software programs to improve municipal services.

• A new Information Technology Fund to account for information technology expenses in the Village, including on-site network consulting services, maintenance agreements for the website, telephone system, and computer software and various hardware such as computers, servers and switches. This fund shows 100% of the expenses in one fund.

Trustee Domke asked if reserves would ever be used to reduce debt service. Not usually, although at the end of a debt service, there may be consideration for an early payoff.

Trustee Berkshire asked about the rate of return on the Azavar contract. At least 50%.

Trustee Devitt questioned the benefit of having an outside professional group assess the sidewalk conditions in Roselle, similar to what is being recommended for the Streets. It will be costly, but staff will look into it.

Trustee Berkshire questioned the need for 3 years of engineering expense for the Rodenburg Rd. project. The engineering expense is listed just in case it is needed. Trustee Berkshire doesn’t think that the resurfacing of this stretch of road should require that much engineering.

Trustee Berkshire suggested that the amount budgeted for the Village HVAC replacement be increased to what will actually be needed.

Trustee Pileski wondered why the bike path improvement were being delayed because the paths are already in poor shape. The bike path improvements are costly and those funds are being utilized elsewhere.

Trustee Berkshire would like staff to look into establishing a contract with a tree nursery when the reforestation project gets started. If the Village is spending $30,000 every year for 4 years on trees, we might be able to get a better price on the trees.

Trustee Devitt and Trustee Berkshire both recommended that the Taste of Roselle Commission and the Sister Cities Commission should be responsible for their own financials. Since there is no real Village oversight of expenses, the Commissions should have their own checking accounts and handle their own book-keeping. Staff will check with attorney regarding making these two commissions independent financially.

5. Citizen Comments/Questions - None

6. Other Business - None

7. Motion To Adjourn Committee Of The Whole Meeting.

Motion by Trustee Devitt second by Trustee Domke to Adjourn Committee of the Whole at 9:50 p.m.

Upon Voice Vote: Motion Carried.

http://www.roselle.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11062017-22