Administration & Finance Committee

APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS MAY 26, 2015 CALL TO ORDER Trustee Scolaro, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. On roll call, present were Trustee Scolaro and Trustee Ciesla. A quorum was present. Also attending were Trustees Buehler and Heller; Village Manager Richard Nahrstadt; Deputy Village Manager Jeff Rowitz; Village Clerk Debbie Ford; Director of Counseling Services Nancy Vacarro; James Hutson, Director of Development, The Josselyn Center; Jane McCarthy, Executive Director, Family Service Center; Sue Shimon, Executive Director, New Foundation Center; Katie Murphy, Development Director, New Foundation Center; Judy Hughes, Northbrook Historical Society; Nestor Dyhdalo, General Manager, Northbrook Symphony Orchestra; Howard Schultz, Executive Director, North Suburban YMCA; Salvatore Manso, member, board of directors, Northbrook Citizens for Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA); Amy O’Leary, Youth Services of Glenview and Northbrook; Jill Gelb, Glenbrook North High School Grad Night Corporate Fundraising Chair; and Kathy Paleczny, Northbrook Woman’s Club Foundation. HEAR FROM THE AUDIENCE None. DISCUSSION OF CONTRIBUTIONS FOR FY 2014/15 BUDGET Trustee Scolaro invited representatives of the local not-for-profit entities that had requested Village funds to briefly outline their requests. HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Judy Hughes of the Historical Society informed the Committee that since her submittal to the Village the Historical Society has been gifted a Church. It is not in bad condition, but because of this donation this grant money is more important this year. JOSSELYN CENTER - Trustee Ciesla commented that her firm has had clients that have attended this center. James Hutson noted how grateful the center is for the money the Village has given in past. He explained they have acquired an additional 23 – 24 client. Mr. Hutson explained how tricky it is to obtain funding for mental health. He explained they provide therapy services, and their biggest growth area is in the psychiatric area. Mr. Hutson followed up on a question from last year as to how the health care changes have affected them. He explained the average client stays for four years, but that the Government only supplements so many appointments. Mr. Hutson stated the center added its fourth psychiatric doctor, but they will do fund raising around this. When asked, Mr. Hutson stated the center sees 130 residents and half of them are receiving Medicaid.  NEW FOUNDATION – Sue Shimon, Executive Director, New Foundation Center, introduced Katie Murphy. She briefly stated the Foundation assists individuals with obtaining the proper clothing to interview for jobs and assists with their employment. GBN GRAD NIGHT – Jill Gelb thanked the Committee for last year’s donation and for their generosity. She stated that if the Committee was inclined to give Grad Night more money she would not say no. WOMEN’S CLUB – Katy Paleczny explained that every year the Women’s Club gives out scholarships and grants. She stated the fundraising this year has been successful. They have given $38,000 to organizations. They also awarded scholarships at the GBN Senior Awards ceremony. How much they are able to give out each year depends on how successful they are obtaining grants. Trustee Ciesla suggested that the Village trustees cut personal checks to this organization. She stated she did not feel the Women’s Club was an appropriate organization for the Village to provide a grant to since they are taking taxpayer’s money for them to turn around and give out scholarships and grants to other organizations. She stated she was happy to donate herself, but not from the Village. Trustee Heller agreed. Trustee Buehler commented that the Village has never stated there was a problem with this in the past. NORTHBROOK SYMPHONY – General Manager Nestor Dyhdolo informed the Committee that the Symphony had a good year. The Symphony had good press and they are now seen as a professional organization. Mr. Dyhdolo stated the Symphony financials continue to get better due to obtaining additional funding from other sources, and the State gave more money this year. Trustee Heller stated he felt the Symphony is a very valuable community asset. Not everything the Village supports necessarily has to be associated to misery. Trustee Buehler stated he agreed, the Symphony adds to what Northbrook has to offer. Trustee Scolaro questioned how many musicians are Northbrook residents, and in response Mr. Dyhdolo replied about 12. Trustee Ciesla questioned how the Village cannot consider the viability of the individual organization when they do not exhibit a need. She asked if the Village should consider the resources and viability of an organization asking for taxpayer dollars. Trustee Buehler stated that is one standard to consider, but there are others. Trustee Ciesla stated that after five years she has warmed up to the Northbrook Symphony. This year she is not opposed, but next year we should consider the net income. It is relevant. If the Symphony continues to net more and have resources, they should not ask the Village for funding since they are a not for profit organization. NCDAA – Current President Jill Narens thanked the board for last year’s donation. She gave a brief history of organization, noting that many events have happened such as the Third Annual Prom Fashion Show, Friends Helping Friends, and Safe Ride. The goal of these programs is to get kids involved. Trustee Scolaro questioned the 40% that is earmarked for administration. Mr. Howard Schultz explained that goes to staff. An individual in the audience questioned the program, stating she has a senior and has not heard of it. Ms. Narens stated it is through word of mouth. Trustee Heller noted he supported the program, but he was not convinced on providing the additional requested funding. Trustee Scolaro again questioned the 40% for administration. Ms. Narens explained that some of that cost goes to donations made to speakers. Family Service Center - Jane McCarthy addressed the Committee. She reviewed last year’s request for $8,000 and then discussed their current request for $20,000 and the reasons they have asked for more funding. She noted they work with parents and students at Glenbrook North, worked with North Shore Hospital and have provided psychiatric care for students. Nancy Vaccaro, Counseling Services, noted the Northbrook Police Department Counseling Services does use them, and she elaborated as to how. Youth Services - – Amy O’Leary expressed how grateful Youth Services is for previous funding they have received. She explained their reasons for increasing the amount of their request for this year. Trustee Scolaro asked if their funding went down and costs went up. Ms. O’Leary explained they are trying to make up for reduced State funding. She noted they are adding additional fundraisers. Trustee Scolaro and Ms. O’Leary then discussed various line items in the financial statements. Nancy Vaccaro stated Counselling Services does a lot of work with Youth Services. They help a lot of families that are not insured. Youth Services works on a sliding scale or for no fee at all. She noted they provide tutoring, etc. for kids. Village Manager Nahrstadt noted that some of these organizations do overlap with their services. This is the organization we use the most. It was discussed that Glenview increased their contribution this year to $120,000. Ms. O’Leary stated 60% of their clients are from Glenview and 40% are from Northbrook. They service about 150 Northbrook residents; however this does not include study buddies, etc. Trustee Scolaro stated his concern with the noted cut back in services. Ms. O’Leary explained this allowed them to diversify. She explained they are not looking to be dependent on one financial resource. Nancy Vaccaro stated Family Services is used a lot. Trustee Ciesla concurred. She stated she believes Youth Services has earned credibility with Village. Trustee Scolaro noted his concern is that programs have been reduced, but the costs have increased. Trustee Scolaro stated he just doesn’t see spending more money to get less. Trustee Ciesla noted that clinical services have increased. Village Manager Nahrstadt suggested that Ms. O’Leary provide additional information to address the specific questions before the next Board meeting. . The Committee then discussed the various requests. Trustee Ciesla stated she would like the Village Board to vote separately on the contribution to the Women’s Club Trustee Ciesla moved, seconded by Trustee Scolaro, to recommend to the Village Board that the Village fund the following at the levels requested : Northbrook Historical Society $11,000, the Josselyn Center $9,000, the New Foundation Center $3,000, Glenbrook North High School Grad Night $500. The motion passed on a voice vote. After further discussion, Trustee Ciesla moved, seconded by Trustee Scolaro, to recommend to the Village Board that the Village make the following additional contributions: The Northbrook Symphony - $7,500, NCDAA $12,500, Family Service Center $12,000. The motion passed on a voice vote. ADJOURN At 7:33 p.m., Trustee Ciesla moved, seconded Trustee Scolaro, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed on a voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Ford Recorder