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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07/20/2015 - Finance and Personnel CommitteeFINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Monday, July 20, 2015 Council Chambers, 5:30 PM In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Richard Wimmer, Alderman Condon, and Alderman Curry. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Mayor Low, City Administrator Morefield, Deputy City Administrator Hobson, Finance Director Lynch; and Executive Assistant/Deputy Clerk Geraghty. Chairman Alderman Wimmer called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. PUBLIC INPUT None. DISCUSSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING TOPICS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION BY THE FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Chairman Alderman Wimmer asked City Administrator Morefield to address the committee. City Administrator Morefield stated Article II, Section 2-43 of the Municipal Code establishes the Finance and Personnel Committee as a Standing Committee of the municipality however the code does not identify the committee's responsibilities or specify what issues should be presented for consideration by the committee defined. Historically, city staff is responsible for the interpretation and implementation of the day-to-day City Council approved policies, procedures and codes. The schedule of meetings for all Standing Committees has evolved to occur on an as-needed basis. With the recent establishment of a regular schedule of meetings for Standing Committees to satisfy the Open Meetings Act, staff is taking the opportunity to present the committee with recommendations for topics that fall within the scope of the committee and asked the committee to identify other topics that may be considered. Items listed for possible consideration by the committee included: 1. Comprehensive review of municipal fees and fines for the purpose of recommending adjustments: • Community & Economic Development Residential & Commercial Permit Fees Stormwater Management Permit Fees Public Hearing Requirement Fees Secondhand Dealer/Pawnbroker License Fee Tobacco/Vending/Amusement License Fees Taxi License Fee Massage Establishment License Fee Business License Fee Misc. Nuisance Fees Finance and Personnel Committee July 20, 2015 Page 2 • Police Tow Impound Fee Warrant Processing Fee Arrest Processing Fee Taxi Cab Background Check Fee Adjudication Court Citation Fees/Fines • Administration Establishment of a Liquor License Application Fee Liquor License Annual Fee Garage Sale Permit Fee • Finance Vehicle Sticker Fee Misc. License Fees 2. Review/amend city's existing financial, capital improvement program and investment policies to ensure they accurately reflect the goals and objectives of the municipality. This would include but not limited to: • Operating Budget and Expense Policies • Revenue Policies • Fund Reserve Polices • Debt Management Policies 3. Spending Authority Policies: • Establish a policy regarding administrative approval spending authority for capital projects (i.e. over $10,000). • Review/establish a policy regarding spending authority for city administrator and department directors for amounts under $10,000. Discussion: Chairman Alderman Wimmer stated he would like a comprehensive review of building permit and impact fees for possible reduction to spark development, which would include discussions with other taxing districts. The committee agreed the city must be sure to maintain fees that cover staff and administration costs. Alderman Curry noted some fees may not be necessary and therefore should be eliminated. Alderman Condon stated adjudication fees would be worth reviewing specifically, court costs should be added as many cases are continued. She also stated Garage Sale permit fees were previously reviewed by the Community Development Committee. City Administrator More field asked the committee if they would consider a review of the vehicle sticker fee or possible elimination of the requirement. Responding to an inquiry, Finance Director Lynch reported approximately $160,000 is collected each year through the vehicle sticker program. Chairman Alderman Wimmer asked how the city would offset the lost revenue if the program was eliminated. Alderman Condon stated the city should keep the vehicle sticker Finance and Personnel Committee July 20, 2015 Page 3 requirement. Mayor Low noted vehicle stickers are used as an identifier for the city resident yard waste drop off service. Alderman Condon expressed police fees should be reviewed with input from Police staff. She further stated taxi cab fees were recently reviewed by the Community Development Committee. City Administrator Morefield asked the committee if they had a preference or priority on which of the topics they want to review first. Chairman Alderman Wimmer said permit fees are a priority and should be reviewed prior to the start of the next building season. Alderman Curry added a review of investment and budget policies should also be a priority. Mayor Low said she would like the committee to consider replacing the Community Development Director position and noted City Administrator Morefield has been performing those duties for one year. A community the size of McHenry should have a dedicated director for this department and this should be considered. City Administrator added the need for a specialized director would be beneficial to the city. Alderman Condon concurred and said she supports filling this position. Alderman Curry asked what the current spending levels are for city staff. City Administrator Morefield answered $2,500 for City Administrator and $500 for Department Directors. Alderman Curry said he supports higher spending approval authority for staff. The committee concurred that a firm policy should be established. Alderman Curry stated the city should establish the level of unassigned general fund balance. City Administrator Morefield recommended Topic #2, review of policies become part of the CIP/Budget policy review and the committee unanimously concurred. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Condon, seconded by Curry to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 PM. Aye: Condon, Curry, Wimmer Nay: None. Not Voting: None Abstaining: None Absent: None. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Alderman Richard Wimmer, Chairman