Committee-of-the-Whole

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 12-02-24 – 39 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE OF THE CITY OF GROSSE POINTE WOODS HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS/COURTROOM OF THE ROBERT E. NOVITKE MUNICIPAL CENTER, 20025 MACK PLAZA DRIVE, GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Bryant Council Members: Brown, Gafa, Granger, McConaghy, Motschall ABSENT: Koester Also Present: City Administrator Schulte Assistant City Administrator Como City Attorney Walling City Clerk Antolin City Treasurer/Comptroller Schmidt Director of Public Services Kowalski City Engineer Wilberding Bill Brickey, Plante Moran Representative Josh Dunn, Plante Moran Representative Motion by Motschall, seconded by McConaghy, that Councilmember Koester be excused from tonight’s meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Granger, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: Koester Motion by Gafa, seconded by Granger, that all items on tonight's agenda be received, placed on file, and taken in order of appearance. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Granger, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: Koester  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 12-02-24 – 40 The purpose of tonight’s meeting was regarding the Fiscal Year Ending 2024 Audit Report for the City of Grosse Pointe Woods and the Municipal Court. Bill Brickey of Plante Moran provided an overview of the Financial Statements, Reports to City Council, the Annual Comprehensive Reports including the Municipal court Audit, and an examination letter of the Federal funds for the fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024. Mr. Brickey stated that for over 50 years, Grosse Pointe Woods has received the Government Finance Officers Association Award for quality financial reporting portraying the city’s commitment to overall quality reporting and transparency. He also thanked the Treasurer/Comptroller and Administration for their collaboration with the audit. The Municipal Court audit received an unmodified opinion which means the statements are in compliance with all the rules and regulations with no findings or errors to report. Mr. Brickey addressed the end of audit letter stating that its purpose is to provide required communications to the community about the audit process with legislative and governmental accounting information in general. This letter is required to list any issues or findings, in which none were reported. Josh Dunn provided an overview of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. He stated that there was an unmodified opinion on the financial statement, which is assurance that the reported numbers are properly stated. Mr. Dunn discussed the budget to actuals results for the city’s general fund and emphasized the Major Street, Solid Waste and Capital Project funds. Bill Brickey addressed legacy costs and liabilities that goes with pension and retiree healthcare which is significantly impacted by the market. He also briefly discussed the Supplement Annuity Plan and OPEB Liability. In addition, he commented on City Investments, capital asset activity and the impact caused from construction projects, equipment and infrastructure. Mr. Brickey stated that the city had overall positive operating results, exceeded budgeting goals and have a strong fund balance. Mayor Bryant and Council commended City Administration, Bill Brickey and his staff for a job well done. Mr. Brickey answered questions from the Committee-of-the-Whole regarding long term debts and the advantages of paying off debts early. Motion by McConaghy, seconded by Granger, that the Committee-of-the-Whole place the Fiscal Year Ending 2024 Audit Report on the next Council agenda for consideration.  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 12-02-24 – 41 Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Granger, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: Koester Under New Business, the following individual was heard:  Treasurer/Comptroller Schmidt thanked the auditors for their guidance. He also thanked the other departments and his staff. Under Public Comment, the following individual was heard:  A Van Antwerp resident commented on the condition of city roads. Motion by Granger, seconded by Motschall, that the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole be adjourned at 7:24 p.m. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ _________________________ Paul P. Antolin Arthur W. Bryant City Clerk Mayor