Administration & Finance Committee

- APPROVED MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS MAY 24, 2016 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. Trustee Karagianis was absent. 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 Vaccaro; James Hutson, Director of Development, The Josselyn Center; Mari Marrinan, President, and Dr. Renee Dominguez, Executive Director Family Service 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; General Manager, Vera Mayer, Northbrook Symphony Orchestra; 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 2016/17 BUDGET Trustee Scolaro asked the representatives of the local non-for-profit entities that had requested Village funds to briefly outline their requests when they are called upon. Trustee Scolaro stated there is $156,500 allocated in the budget for contributions. The following organizations requested funds for grants: Youth Services:  Last year’s grant: $100,500  This year’s request: $100,500  Amy O’Leary took questions from the Committee.  Committee recommended $102,000 Northbrook Historical Society:  Last year’s grant: $11,000  This year’s request: $11,000  Judy Hughes took questions from the Committee. She stated last year’s grant money was used for their operating budget. Since last year the Historical Society obtained a new building  (church) however, none of the grant money was used for the new building. Mrs. Hughes explained the Historical Society has received grants from other organizations and individuals. Presently there is $49,000 in their budget. Trustee Scolaro questioned the $33,000 donation and Mrs. Hughes stated it came from an individual’s estate. These monies were used for the church because the donor was a member of the church and a longtime Historical Society member.  Committee recommended $12,000 The Josselyn Center:  Last year’s grant: $9,000  This year’s request: $15,000  Susan Resko, President, noted she is new this year. Trustee Scolaro questioned why they were looking for additional funding. Ms. Resko explained they lost funding from the State of Illinois and it will take two years for them to operationalize and streamline. Ms. Resko stated they are looking for bridge financing for psychiatric care; noting a lot of psychiatric facilities are closing. Trustee Ciesla, questioned what the “bridge financing” meant, and does it mean they will come back next year looking for less grant money? Trustee Scolaro reviewed the documents submitted and asked Ms. Resko some additional questions. Trustee Israel stated there are four groups requesting funds that deal with mental health and he questioned how they differ in services to the community. In response, Director of Counseling Services Nancy Vaccaro stated the Village refers many residents to The Josselyn Center, and she explained what each organization does. Trustee Ciesla recommended giving The Josselyn Center $20,000 this year. Trustee Scolaro stated it would be subject to reduction in future years.  Committee recommended $20,000 New Foundation Center:  Last year’s grant: $3,000  This year’s request: $5,000  Sue Shimon, Executive Director and Brent Peterson, Chief Development Officer, addressed the committee. They explained why their organizations, Thresholds and New Foundation Center, merged. Ms. Shimon explained they provide case management, etc. to the community. Ms. Shimon explained there are now 50 Threshold members that attend The Josselyn Center, explained how they are complimentary to them by being able to provide housing and employment services. The New Foundation Center serves about 20 people. Trustee Ciesla discussed the specifics of the merger with them. Ms. Shimon and Mr. Peterson explained the history of the two organizations. Mr. Peterson stated the merger benefited both organizations. Trustee Ciesla expressed her discomfort with increasing the grant this year since we don’t have financials on the new organization. She suggested that they come back later in the year to request additional funds.  Committee recommended $3,000 Grad Night:  Last year’s grant: $500  This year’s request: $500  Committee approved $500 Woman’s Club:  Last year’s grant: $500  This year’s request: $750  Kathy Paleczny and Mary Beth Smith addressed the committee. Ms. Paleczny explained every year the Women’s Club gives out scholarships and grants. She stated the fundraising this year has been successful. They also award scholarships to Glenbrook Seniors. Trustee Ciesla noted that she still feels the same as she stated last year. She again suggested that the Village Trustees write personal checks to this organization. She stated she did not feel it was appropriate to fund organizations that turn around and provide the money as scholarships and grants to other organizations. Ms. Paleczny explained that the organization does fundraisers such as fashion shows to raise money.  Committee recommended $750 Northbrook Symphony  Last year’s grant: $7,500  This year’s request: $10,000  Vera Mayer stated the Northbrook Symphony is requesting an increase for live concerts, to provide opportunities to local musicians, and outreach to schools. She reviewed the projects they are providing and looking into.  Committee recommended $10,000 NCDAA:  Last year’s grant: $12,000  This year’s request: $20,000  There was no representative at the meeting. The Committee discussed and stated they did not understand the request. It was decided to not grant an increase now. The Committee agreed that the organization can come in at a later date and provide more information.  Committee recommended $0 Family Service Center:  Last year’s grant: $12,500  This year’s request: $25,000  Mari Marrinan, President, and Dr. Renee Dominguez, Executive Director, addressed the Committee. They noted that Vera Mayer is also a member of their Board. Dr. Dominguez discussed the services the Family Service Center (FSC) provides. Nancy Vaccaro explained how the Crisis Response Team they provide goes to the schools when there is a community crisis. Dr. Dominguez also heads up the clinical work. They stated the FSC previously provided psychiatric services, however this became financially difficult to provide so now they transferred out of that. Trustee Buehler questioned the increase in Northbrook activity and they explained it is due to more referrals from the high school. Dr. Dominguez explained they have responded to GBN twice this year because of the deaths of students.  Committee recommended $20,000 After further discussion, Trustee Ciesla moved, seconded by Trustee Scolaro, to recommend to the Village Board the contributions as stated. The motion passed on a voice vote. ADJOURN At 7:31 p.m., Trustee Ciesla moved, seconded Trustee Scolaro, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed on a voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Debbie Ford Recorder