D. Committee of the Whole

APPROVED VILLAGE OF LAKE ZURICH SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MARCH 30, 2009 The meeting was called to order at 7:42 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present –Mayor Tolomei, Trustees Branding, Callahan, Johnson, McAvoy, and Taylor. Absent – Trustee Poynton. Also present –Administrator Vitas, Village Attorney Burkland, Finance Director Zochowski, Police Chief Finlon, Fire Chief Mastandrea, Park and Recreation Director Perkins, Public Works Director/Engineer Heyden, and Building and Zoning Director Peterson. BUDGET OVERVIEW AND DISCUSSION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009/2010: Administrator Vitas introduced the 2009/10 fiscal year budget and presented the highlights. He said the main issue had been to maintain the service level while there had been a reduction in the work force since January 2008 and still remains today. Premises included protecting the General Fund, Water and Sewer Fund reserves, addressing debt problems, and fully funding Police and Fire Department pensions at the level required by law. The bulk of the tax levy went to fund the pensions. Village Administrator Vitas said this is a balanced budget that provides for the necessary services and will keep the citizens safe, comfortable, and provide the recreation that the Village is known for. He said the Village of Lake Zurich has not overspent their budget in the past six years. Finance Director Zochowski narrated a power point presentation that addressed the role of the Board of Trustees, the budget process, cost containment measures, revenue enhancement efforts, financial planning, construction of the budget, and review of various Village funds including the General Government, Village Administration, Finance Department, Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Public Works Department, Building and Zoning Department, and Park and Recreation Department. The department requests presented were the minimal resource request that would allow the department to enable them to maintain the current level of services to the community. Director Zochowski reviewed each slide and provided additional information. Questions were asked during the presentation and answered by staff. He pointed out that the dispatch costs were moved from the Police to the Fire fund so the comparison to previous years will be different for both departments. The General Fund balance was not at 20% yet, but staff intends to plan to reach that goal. General Government, Administration, & Finance Departments: The General Fund revenue and expenditure budget was reviewed in detail. Revenue and expenditure comparison charts for previous years were included. The General Fund shows a net decrease over two years. Special Committee of the Whole Minutes, March 30, 2009 2 Police Department: Police Chief Finlon presented his department description, budget highlights, personnel allocation, accomplishments, and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year. Highlights include four positions left vacant after retirements (three patrol officer positions and the deputy chief position), expected DOJ COPS Grant through economic stimulus funding, automated traffic signal enforcement program, and construction of firearms range. Fire and Rescue Department: Fire Chief Mastandrea presented his department description including list of services provided, accomplishments, review of key areas, personnel allocation, goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, and budget highlights. He said there is a staffing issue caused by cost reduction due to less available funds. The special teams require training and there is not enough staff to fill their position when they are in training. It will be necessary to reduce the number of staff and vehicles available or to include funding for overtime. Public Works Department: Public Works Director/Engineer Heyden presented his budget overview including areas of responsibility, staff allocation, significant accomplishments, goals, and review of the Fleet Division and Engineering Division. Review of the Public Works Department and remaining departments will be continued to April 13, 2009. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION made by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Branding, to adjourn the meeting. Voice vote, AYES have it. MOTION CARRIED. The meeting was adjourned at 10:01 p.m. Submitted by: Approved: 5/4/09