HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/9/2009 - Finance and Personnel Committee FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
`,, Monday,March 9, 2009
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
In Attendance:Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd, Alderman Peterson and
Alderman Schacfer. Absent: None.
Also in Attendance: City Administrator Maxeiner, Deputy City Administrator Martin, Assistant City
Administrator�{obson, Director of Finance Black and City Clerk Jones.
Chairman Alder�man Murgatroyd called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
City Administrator Maxeiner arrived at S25 p.m.
2009/2010 Fiscal Year Budget Discussions
Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd informed the Committee that the purpose of tonight's meeting is to
begin the budget review process for Fiscal Year 2009/2010.
Finance Director Black distributed General Fund Financial Projections to the Committee, together with
information regarding the year-to-date expenditures,through February 2009.
Director Black, responding to an inquiry from Alderman Peterson, stated that the fund balance goal for
Fiscal Year 2009/2010 is 20%. Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd noted that ideally the figure is 33%in a
gaod economy.
�, Director Black briefly outlined salary increases for non-represented employees, IMRF rates and Risk
Management charges. Alderman Peterson suggested looking at Risk Management fees over a 2-year
period rather than focusing on an annual review. Director Black stated he has projections regarding that
matter for the Alderman's perusal.
Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Peterson regarding discussing Capital Expenditures, Chairman
Alderman Murgatroyd suggested first reviewing the entire budget. He opined that following the review
of the entire budget it would be easier to then determine what Capital Expenditures need to be addressed.
Each account d�tail was reviewed and discussed. Director Black responded to questions posed by the
Committee members.
Director Black informed the Committee that he was recently informed that McHenry County has
determined that they alone will take care of the issuance of death certificates. The City will no longer
accommodate local mortuaries by executing death certificates.
Director Black informed the Committee that the City newsletter will be hard copy published twice a year,
as opposed to four times a year. The spring and winter publication will be on-line only. This will
generate a $6,000 savings annually. Additionally, he stated that the annual Christmas baskets, which in
the past have been distributed to each employee, have been discontinued. Also, in lieu of plants or
flowers,notes of condolences and/or congratulations will be sent whenever appropriate.
Alderman Peterson opined the City could save $20,000 annually by not decorating Veteran's Park at
Christmas. He reiterated his lack of support of the annual decorations in Veteran's Park. Additionally, he
stated the City should not pay for the trolley service during the annual Toys for Tots Christmas event.
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Finance and Pe�rsonnel Committee Meeting
� March 9, 2009
Page 2
Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd reiterated to the Committee that because a figure is indicated in the
budget does not necessarily mean that amount will be spent. Alderman Schaefer indicated he has no
issues with the $20,000 figures remaining in the budget, as the matter regarding the decorations and the
cost historically comes before Council prior to implementa,tion.
Alderman Peterson inquired about weed mowing. Director Black stated that the $7,000 is offset by
revenue. Responding to an inquiry he informed the Committee tha.t liens are placed on the offending
property if the weed mowing fees are unpaid.
Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd suggested that the consolidation of printing to a high performance, low
maintenance type printer and the elimination of individual printers at work stations could be utilized as a
money saving measure.
Alderman Schaefer requested clarification on some ofthe subject lines in individual Account Details.
Personnel and staffing issues were discussed.
City Administrator Maxeiner arrived at 8:25 p.m.
Alderman Peterson opined he would like to see security for Fiesta Days and Kiwanis Soap Box Derby
� reduced. In response to a comment regarding the number of police officers directing traffic, City
Administrator Maxeiner informed the Committee that only a certified officer is pernutted to direct traffic.
It was the consensus of the Committee to eliminate the Citizens Policy Academy until such time as the
budget permits reinstatement.
Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Peterson regarding whether sidewalk repair was outsourced,
City Administrator Maxeiner indicated that the bigger projects are outsourced.
Responding to Chairman Aldernian Murgatroyd's inquiry as to whether consideration has been given to
cutting back on some of the Parks programs due to budget constraints, City Administrator Maxeiner
indicated that following a preliminary review of Parks and Recreation Department programs
approximately six have been designated as not profit-making. Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd
suggested a freeze on any new programs unless they are funded in such a way as to make them a profit-
making venture.
It was noted that some field trips have been eliminated due to budget constraints.
Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd opined that NISRA cannot continue to be funded out of the General
Fund. He noted this is something that needs to be discussed and considered prior to next year's budget
process. City Administrator Ma�ceiner opined that part of the discussion regarding NISRA needs to
include the tax assessor's plans.
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Finance and Personnel Committee Meeting
� March 9, 2009
Page 3
Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd noted that the City will need to figure out funding ne�rt year for capital
projects. He stazed that matters regarding the infrastructure and similar capital projects cannot continue to
be pushed back in anticipation of a more favorable economic climate.
City Administrator Maxeiner informed the Committee that the approach Staff has taken in this year's
budget is to mai�rtain services as much as possible.
Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd informed the Committee that budget discussions would be continued on
Monday, March 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., possibly 6:30 p.m., in the Aldermen's Conference Room. The
continued discussions would include the Water and Sewer Fund.
Adiournment
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Schaefer,to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Aye: Murgatroyd, Peterson, Schaefer.
Nay: None.
Absent:None.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Steven C. Murgatroyd, Ch irman
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