MINUTES OF FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE – CITY HALL
MARCH 22, 2011 – 6:00 P.M. CHAMBER ROOM

1. Meeting called to order at 6:05 P.M. Present: Chairman Jasinski, Alderman Michalczyk, Alderman Smetana. Also present: Mayor Conrad, Alderman McDermott, Ald. Straza, Ald. VonDrasek, Ald. Pondelicek, City Administrator Paul, Assistant Administrator Peterson; Finance Director Drazner; Police Chief Ruth; ESDA Director Norman; City Attorney Peck.

ADDRESS FROM THE AUDIENCE

2. Representatives from two gas stations addressed the committee regarding the hardship the vehicle fuel tax has put on the owners. The representatives requested the vehicle fuel tax be eliminated or lowered. Chairman Jasinski appreciated their input and stated the fund produced about $420,000 in revenue over the past year and the topic will be discussed.

PRESENTATION OF MONTHLY TREASURER’S REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2011

3. F.D. Drazner presented the Treasurer’s Report ending February 28, 2011. It was reported the General Fund, Motor Fuel Tax and Water Fund is doing well. Chief Ruth will forward a report to the committee in response to the discussion on red light camera intersections. The report will include the number of accidents currently and prior to the red light camera installations.

CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION THAT ELIGIBLE LOCAL 150 EMPLOYEES REMAIN INSURED THROUGH THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PERSONNEL BENEFIT COOPERATIVE

4. F.D. Drazner completed a health insurance analysis. Local 150 offers a PPO and dental plan to its members. The cost for a family plan at Local 150 is $1,405 versus the current rate of $1,515 the City pays. The employees would not contribute a portion of their salary toward the Local 150 plan. The cost for a single plan is more expensive at Local 150 and there is a lifetime limit under the Local 150 plan.

Due to the lifetime cap and the associated costs F.D. Drazner recommended the City and employees remain as is with the current health and dental coverage plan.

INFORMATION UPDATE REGARDING NEW ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER FOR CITY FACILITY AT 9532 W. 56^TH STREET

5. F.D. Drazner informed the committee the City joined the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Cooperative (NIMEC) in November 2010. At that time, NIMC accepted the City’s membership under its existing contract with Exelon Energy. On an annual basis, NIMEC bids out electric rates. For the period of May 2011 through May 2012, the winning bid was accepted by Integrys Energy Services Inc.

The current electric rate the City is paying to Exelon is $.0557 per kWh. The new rate from Integrys will be $.05 per kWh, or approximately 10-percent less.

CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO DRAFT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PRINTING SERVICES

6. Asst. Admin. Peterson reported the City went out for bid in 2009 for printing services. The City awarded a contract to Hunt Printing in the amount of $30,896 for printing services for one year. At the March 2010 Finance meeting, the committee voted to extend the contract for an additional year. The current contract expires April 30, 2011. Asst. Admin. Peterson requested authorization to request proposals for printing services to commence on May 1, 2011. Committee members authorized Asst. Admin. Peterson to draft a Request for Proposal for printing services.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET REPORT AND ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION AS NECESSARY

7. Administrator Paul reported there is a surplus of $134,000 in the General Fund. The surplus is due to the fact the City was not awarded grant funds from the WCMC for a sidewalk along Brainard Avenue.

F.D. Drazner reported the surplus could be used to bring back previously eliminated programs and a back-up generator for ESDA.

Chairman Jasinski offered the options to reinstate the library and pool reimbursement program, lower the fuel tax from 4-cents to 2-cents and a choice between the Discussion included the spring clean-up program which could be budgeted biennial at a cost of about $15,000, spring clean-up program and the private tree removal program.

Committee members are apprehensive to bring back the private tree removal program due to the large amount of damage the Emerald Ash Borer may cause to the trees.

The committee members recommended to reinstate the library reimbursement program, pool reimbursement program, spring clean-up and to lower the vehicle fuel tax from 4-cents to 2-cents with the wording the City reserves the right to revisit.

OTHER BUSINESS

8. The Countryside Rotary, Diamond Achievement Awards requested a $2,000 donation. The committee members recommended approval of the donation.

ADJOURNMENT

9. No further discussion. Motion and seconded to adjourn at 7:44 p.m. to executive session.