Committee of the Whole

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP Nov. 6, 2015 at 8:30am Present: Mayor Burns, Ald. Bruno, Burghart, Cummings, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Radecki, Seno, Singer Absent: Ald. Simonian Staff Present: McKittrick, Dawkins, Olson, Mexin, Babica, Tymoszenko, DeGroot Also Attending: SPAC Chair Brault, Facilitator Griffiths The meeting was called to order at 9:00am with a motion by Marks, second by Bruno to begin discussion. V/V: 9-0 Motion carried. A motion to waive Roberts Rules of Order by Ald. Marks, second by Ald. Bruno V/V: 9-0 Motion carried. Admin. McKittrick provided an overview of what was to be accomplished at the meeting. She also introduced facilitator Dan Griffiths with Tanner LLC introduced who provided additional insights as to the goals for the day. McKittrick then walked through 2nd qtr status of FY16 goals: • Discussion on fiber rollout and status • Discussion on Judicial Center annexation status • Discussion on Geneva Dam/TIF process • Discussion on Settlers Hill redevelopment process. Ald. Marks suggested having county representatives come to a future Committee of the Whole meeting. Ald. Kilburg suggested the City promote the project through a PR campaign. McKittrick stated she would invite Forest Preserve staff to a future COW meeting. • Discussion on the South East Industrial Park status Review of key initiatives from long-range strat plan by Admin. McKittrick • Consensus to remove V2.G (encourage special events) • Bring business district item back to goals and determine how much staff time to devote. (V5.G) • Remove V6.F (investigate hydro power on Fox) • Remove V6.N (collaborate to develop and maintain open space) • Remove V6.P (expand RiverPark – now the property of the park district) • Remove V7.A (traffic circle at Third & 31) SPAC Comments by Chairman Brault • Brault thanked staff and officials for the opportunity to be involved in the process and was encouraged by the planning thus far this current fiscal year. Review of Capital List (future/potential) • McKittrick reviewed the capital list with attendees. Review of Potential Revenues and Reductions • McKittrick reviewed ideas on cost reductions and potential revenues. Officials discussed potential additional tax revenues and their ramifications on residents, business owners, and visitors. Additional discussion on home rule and efforts to promote such was heard. Chief Olson then provided an overview of statistics and data related to potential consolidation of fire districts. Olson also provided information on state laws regarding such. Discussion was suspended at 12:20pm for lunch break. Discussion resumed at 12:53. Discuss goals from the Strategic Plan • Facilitator Griffiths asked each of the participants if they could complete any goal in the next year, what would be their top three choices. He then asked the Aldermen to share their responses, followed by the staff. There was discussion regarding the various goals that were raised. Discuss initiatives not currently included in the plan that could merit vetting by SPAC during the coming year • McKittrick explained that in the past we tried not to add new goals as there were so many already on the list that needed to be completed. This year, however, the suggestion is to see if there are any goals that could first be vetted by SPAC and then if deemed appropriate would be added to the list at the next Strategic Planning Workshop. • Griffiths asked if there were any goals that the Council would like to see go through the vetting process. o Columbarium - resting place for cremains  o Tree Nursery Pilot Program o Exterior of Police Building – something more suitable o Alternative Dispute Resolution for Neighbor disputes Conduct voting on priority goals • Aldermen and SPAC chair took about 10 minutes to cast their vote for their top five (5) priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. SPAC Chairman Brault left the meeting upon completion of voting exercise. Council-Staff partnership, roles & responsibilities • Griffiths lead the Council and staff through an exercise asking each group to identify what can they (and only they) do to move the City forward. Each group shared their various responses. Wrap-up, next steps, and adjournment • Griffiths thanked everyone for their participation. • McKittrick inquired as to whether or not the Council was interested in another workshop to discuss various issues. • Alderman Marks asked for staff to resume the weekly reports. Alderman Radecki expressed his opposition. McKittrick indicated that staff will continue to update the Council on an as-needed basis but really sees no further purpose in the weekly reports. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m. upon motion by Marks and seconded by Seno. Motion carried. -submitted by Recording Secretary Fornari and Asst. Admin. Dawkins