City Council

MINUTES SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL AND FINANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CITY OF DEKALB May 9, 2012 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Special Joint Meeting with the Finance Advisory Committee on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 in the Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South 4th Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Notice was given and the meeting was called pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 2.05 of the Municipal Code of the City of DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Wright called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Mayor Kris Povlsen, Alderman David Jacobson (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), Alderman Tom Teresinski, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Brendon Gallagher, Alderman Ronald Naylor and Alderman Monica O’Leary. Absent was Alderman David Baker. Also present were members of the Finance Advisory Committee: David Conlin, Lon Clark, Connie Golden, Mike Peddle and Gary Peele. Absent was Ryan Gifford. Also present were: Mark Biernacki, City Manager; Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; Laura Pisarcik, Finance/Purchasing Director; Ron Pearson, Interim Police Chief; Wes Hoadley, Police Lieutenant; Eric Hicks, Interim Fire Chief (arrived at 6:30 p.m.); Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; and Diane Wright, City Clerk. B. CONSIDERATION ITEM: 1. REVIEW OF PROPOSED FY-2013 BUDGET Mr. Espiritu advised that tonight’s agenda will focus on public safety. He advised that tonight discussions will include Police, Fire, Pension Funds, Foreign Fire and Special Service Area Funds. He advised that Eric Hicks is currently at a fire and will be present later to present the Fire budget. Chief Pearson stated that the budget for FY13 is basically status quo with the only changes being the addition of three officers. One of the positions will backfill the Resident Officer and two will be assigned to patrol. This will bring the total to 61, he said. Mr. Biernacki added that the City Council Special Meeting May 9, 2012 Page 2 of 3 additional personnel falls in line with the Council’s strategic goals of focusing on public safety. Mr. Conlin asked Chief Pearson if the number of officers is in line with the industry standard. Chief Pearson replied that he did not have the exact figures with him, but DeKalb is below the industry standard. Ald. Gallagher requested that he be able to address an issue regarding Economic Development and referred to line item 657 8373 (Marketing, Ads and Public Info) with a budget of $12,500. He stated that one of the issues that came out of the recent Council workshop was to continue to market DeKalb. He asked for Council support to increase this line item to $25,000 to provide Mr. Hopkins and staff with more resources. Ald. Naylor stated that Mr. Hopkins did not request additional funds and he assumed Mr. Hopkins felt the budget was adequate. Mr. Biernacki suggested that Mr. Hopkins and staff advise Council what the additional funds could provide. He added that Council could then amend the budget if agreed. Ms. Pisarcik next discussed the Special Service Area (SSA) Funds and pointed out that the City administers three: Heritage Ridge Subdivision Special Service #3, Knolls at Prairie Creek Subdivision SSA #4 and Greek Row Special Service Area #6. All three funds pay for costs of various public maintenance and utility items. She added that the numbers have stayed consistent. Mr. Peddle stated that he lives in one of the SSAs and suggested breaking down where the money is spent. He added that only certain property owners pay the tax in Heritage Ridge. Mr. Biernacki replied that staff has contacted the County and they are researching this. Discussion ensued regarding the SSAs, policy and balances. Chief Hicks next discussed the Foreign Fire Tax Fund and advised that a 2% tax is imposed on fire insurance premiums on property in the City provided by insurance companies not located in Illinois. The funds are dispersed to municipalities on a per capita basis. Chief Hicks stated that the funds have been used for upgrades to the fire stations, replacement of air conditioning units, uniforms and other items for the department. Chief Hicks next discussed the Fire Pension Fund in which the expenditures go primarily toward retiree pensions. He provided balances and rates of return and stated the year should end with a $667,000 surplus this year. Discussion ensued regarding the pension fund. Chief Hicks next discussed the Fire Department budget. He stated there is a current staff of 54 which is the same as last year. He noted that overtime is currently projected this year at over $800,000. He pointed out that overtime is used every day to maintain staffing levels. Chief Hicks distributed a hand-out on recommendations to reduce overtime. He stated that hiring staff is an extremely slow process, taking nearly six months to hire staff. Council and the Finance Advisory Committee discussed Chief Hicks’ proposal at length and asked extensive questions. Ms. Pisarcik provided a brief presentation of the Police Pension Fund. Mr. Espiritu announced that the budget meetings will continue to Monday, May 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the Committee of the Whole meeting. He noted that the Finance Advisory Committee will be seated in the audience, but will be able to provide comments.  Special Meeting May 9, 2012 Page 3 of 3 MOTION Ald. Teresinski moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. DIANE WRIGHT, City Clerk Approved by City Council May 29, 2012