City Council Minutes 2012 03-27-12 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE,KENDALL COUNTY ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
800 GAME FARM ROAD ON
TUESDAY,MARCH 27,2012
Mayor Golinski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
City Clerk Warren called the roll.
Ward I Gilson Present
Colosimo Present
Ward II Milschewski Present
Kot Present
Ward III Munns Present
Funkhouser Present
Ward IV Spears Present
Teeling Present
Also present: City Clerk Warren, City Treasurer Powell, City Attorney Orr, City Administrator Olson,
Deputy Chief of Police Schwartzkopf, Public Works Director Dhuse, Finance Director Fredrickson, EEI
Engineer Sanderson, Community Development Director Barksdale-Noble, Director of Park and
Recreation Schraw
QUORUM
A quorum was established.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
None.
PRESENTATIONS
Certificate of Recognition for Eagle Scout—Tyler Farnsworth
Mayor Golinski presented a certificate of recognition to Tyler Farnsworth in recognition of his
achievement to the rank of Eagle Scout. Tyler Farnsworth spoke about his Eagle Scout project.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mark Johnson,Georgeanna Street, came to discuss the City's budget. (See attached.)
Dan Lane,Heartland, discussed the tentative agreement to purchase the Rec Center. He was happy that
the Council understood the importance of the Rec Center and the programs it offers. When it is time for
voting on the acceptance of this purchase, he hopes the Council will keep in mind what the Rec Center
provides for the City of Yorkville. The Rec Center enriches the lives of Yorkville's citizens and increases
Yorkville's property values. He understands that some of the Council members do not think this is a wise
purchase. He asks that these members look at what is best for the future of Yorkville.
Jesus Alaniz, Colonial Parkway, discussed last Tuesday's vote. As a poll watcher, he had the opportunity
to listen to voters express their sentiment about the local government. He has little confidence in the
Illinois state government. In response to Governor Quinn's statement about the need for more roofs in the
state,he countered with the fact that the state has over 13,000 homes in foreclosure. He addressed the
negative impact increased gas and other energy costs have had on the country. He expressed concern over
the City's indebtedness, and he warned against spending for projects if it means increasing the citizen's
tax burden.
Lisa Peterson,Adrian Street, addressed the issue of the City's possible consideration of purchasing the
Rec Center building. She believes the City managed just fine before they had the Rec Center building.
She feels most citizens are in agreement that purchasing the Rec Center is a poor decision. She finds it
hard to believe that the City cannot find another space to rent for the considered monthly mortgage
payment of$18,333. Since citizens pay taxes for the schools, she feels the school buildings should be
available to the residents for a nominal fee. At the Rec Center, citizens still pay membership dues. There
are other options available for citizens who want to pay for exercise. Taxpayers don't need to subsidize
this project.The Rec Center has a membership base of 1,400 residents which is 8%of Yorkville's
population. The City should not be competing with private industry to fund this type of business. Personal
desires and wants must be separated by what is best for the community as a whole. She believes the
purchase of the Rec Center building should be put on the ballot as a referendum in November. Then
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—March 27,2012—Page 2 of 7
residents can decide if they want to spend 4.359 million dollars of taxpayer's money over the next 20
years. The City, first and foremost, needs to meet essential services before non-essential items can be
added to the City's budget. She wanted to clarify that she is not against having a facility for the town to
use for recreational activities. Her main issue is that the City can't afford it.
Mark Johnson, Georgeanna Street, would like to challenge everyone to go to Jc Pond and take a look to
the south to see what is happening with the state tax dollars on Blackberry Creek. The wetlands that the
state is supposed to be protecting have been destroyed. All of the trees have been cut down. It is going to
take years for that area to get back to normal. He would like to know, since the City turned down the
agreement with the state, if that means the City no longer has to spend money to maintain it. He asked is
it all in with the YBSD?If that is the case, does the YBSD have its own money or is the money coming
from City funds?He is concerned that, in the future, the City will be stuck with the bill.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Bills for Payment-$491,230.14(CC 2012-26)
2. Resolution 2012-008 MFT General Maintenance Appropriation Resolution for FY 2013 (PW
2012-23)
3. Request to Purchase Two Vehicles(PS 2012-05)
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. So moved by
Alderman Munns; seconded by Alderman Kot.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Colosimo-aye, Milschewski-aye, Spears-aye,Munns-aye,
Funkhouser-aye, Gilson-aye, Teeling-aye, Kot-aye
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
1. Minutes of the City Council—February 28, 2012(CC 2012-27)
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to approve the minutes of the regular City Council meeting for
February 28, 2012 as presented. So moved by Alderman Colosimo; seconded by Alderman Funkhouser.
Alderman Kot,page 1, 2nd paragraph from the bottom, 1st line should state golf outing.
Alderman Milschewski page 1, clarify John McCue was not talking during Lynn Dubajic's conversation,
and year should be years. On page 4,under Ann Moehring, keep capitalization consistent on Autumn Creek
and Push for the Path, clarify it was Ann's daughter. Under Jill Feishman, change I to reflect Jill Feishman.
Alderman Milschewski asked that I review the last sentence of the Jill Feishman's paragraph. On page 5,
second residents should be Push for the Path, and built should be build. Same paragraph, 3 lines from the
bottom, change wording.The next paragraph with Lynn Dubajic should be the word write. On the same
page she asked to keep the Wards consistent in how they are written. On page 6, 2nd paragraph under
Alderman Spears, it should be YEDC. On page 8 of 12,under Recreation Facility, 10 lines down, it should
be final. She asked City Clerk Warren to clarify the section under Recreation Facility.Page 11, motion
should say base bid. Under Community and Liaison,KenCom,4t"line down, least should be leased. Under
Kids Fighting Cancer shavies should be spelled shavees and the year is incorrect.
Alderman Gilson page 9, stated stock should be star. Under Kendall Marketplace starting with the
sentence the City later met with staff and EEI Engineer Sanderson, he would like the tape reviewed. On
page 9, 2nd paragraph,under Kendall Marketplace,put a comma after site and take out and. Add pays. On
page 9,2nd paragraph,under Kendall Marketplace, should state they are responsible for. On page 9, 2nd
paragraph,under Kendall Marketplace,the sentence that begins with why would the City, should end in a
question mark and Alderman Gilson wants it clear that he stated this. Alderman Gilson would like the
tape reviewed on page 9, starting with the sentence this would have been something that on site the City
would have given the developer. On page 10, take out are, and change there to their and change there to it.
Alderman Funkhouser page 6 should state there is support from the community. On page 11, Aurora Area
Convention, should state good potential but we have not seen it instead of good potential that we haven't
seen. Same place should state investment not investors.
Mayor Golinski asked the Council if they would like the minutes to come back. Alderman Gilson requested
that they come back to City Council.
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to table the minutes to the next City Council meeting. So moved by
Alderman Milschewski; seconded by Alderman Gilson.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-7 Nays-0
Milschewski-aye, Spears-aye, Munns-aye, Funkhouser-aye,
Gilson-aye, Teeling-aye, Kot-aye
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—March 27,2012—Page 3 of 7
*Alderman Colosimo was not present for the vote.
REPORTS
MAYOR'S REPORT
Ordinance Establishing Ward Redistricting and Realignment Based Upon Current Census
(ADM 2011-41)
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to approve an ordinance establishing ward redistricting and
realignment based upon current census and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by
Alderman Kot; seconded by Alderman Funkhouser.
Alderman Kot asked when this would take effect. City Administrator Olson stated the ordinance takes
effect when it is passed and signed,but the actual ward maps will be implemented the next election.
Alderman Spears brought up the discussion with City Administrator Olson about Teri Lane. City
Administrator Olson stated Teri Lane can be switched to another district through a policy decision if the
City Council chooses to do so. The entrance of Teri Lane is off Ward IT It is adjacent to Ward IV. It
wouldn't hurt the individual calculations if it were moved. Alderman Spears asked if the Council could
readdress this at a later time. If changes need to be made, City Administrator Olson stated this is the time
to make the changes. Alderman Spears proposed that the City change Teri Lane to Ward IV. Alderman
Gilson seconded the motion. Mayor Golinski asked for comments on the amendment.
Alderman Funkhouser is not sure this would fit in as being one of the criteria that the committees have
examined. This seems to be splitting a small piece out of one ward into another ward. Alderman Spears
stated Teri Lane was originally in Ward IV. Alderman Milschewski wanted to know what is driving the
change. Alderman Spears stated the residents are driving the change. Alderman Teeling has not received
any e-mails, and she would like to have known that Alderman Spears received e-mails. Alderman Colosimo
showed the map of the districts. Mayor Golinski said there is no rush on the ward redistricting.
Alderman Gilson stated if it is contiguous to Ward IV, and the residents have expressed that they want to be
served by the same alderman, he does not have a problem with.that. Alderman Teeling would like to hear
from the residents,too. She did not know that any of the residents had problems with the redistricting.
Alderman Milschewski has not received any feedback from residents. Since it is coming into her ward, she
would like to view the e-mails. Mayor Golinski asked if the Council wanted to table the ordinance or vote
on the amendment.
Alderman Milschewski made a motion to table the ordinance to the next City Council meeting; seconded by
Alderman Colosimo.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Munns-aye Spears-aye, Colosimo-aye, Funkhouser-aye,
Milschewski-aye,Teeling-aye,Gilson-aye,Kot-aye
FY13 Employee Benefits Renewal
(ADM 2012-18)
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to authorize staff to cancel the contract with MetLife and approve a
contract with Lincoln Financial Group for life insurance,to renew a contract with Eye Med for vision
insurance, to renew a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield for dental and medical insurance, and to set non
union employee contribution rates for health insurance at the following: HMO employee, employee+
spouse, employee+children coverage at 8.5%; HMO family coverage at 7.5%; PPO employee, employee+
spouse, employee+children coverage at 9.5%; and PPO family coverage at 9.0%; coverage of police
department unions and public works union will remain at rates specified in their contracts. So moved by
Alderman Milschewski; seconded by Alderman Kot.
Alderman Kot asked if this passes,will any of Yorkville's employees be paying more for their health
insurance. City Administrator Olson answered, yes. Alderman Kot stated the employees that are not under
contract are going to mirror the Public Works contract. Are those going up? City Administrator Olson
answered, yes, it would be the same for both Public Works union employees and non-union employees.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Spears-aye, Colosimo-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Milschewski-aye,
Teeling-aye, Gilson-aye, Kot-aye, Munns-aye
Ordinance Approving the 2012-2013 Fiscal Budget for the United City of Yorkville
(CC 2012-10)
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to approve an ordinance approving the 2012-2013 fiscal budget for the
United City of Yorkville and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute. So moved by Alderman
Munns; seconded by Alderman Milschewski.
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—March 27,2012—Page 4 of 7
Mayor Golinski wanted to give Finance Director Fredrickson a public acknowledgment and thank him and
his team for all the hard work they did on the budget. Mayor Golinski thanked all the department heads,the
staff,and City Administrator Olson for all the work they have done on this year's budget. This is the first
year the City has done a five-year budget. This will give the Council multiple years to address any problems
it sees on the horizon. Mayor Golinski thanked the City Council for all they have accomplished in the last
10 months, and he wanted to point out the Council's accomplishments. The City's tax rate has been lowered
by 30%, and property taxes are expected to go down each year through 2015. The City has erased its
negative fund balance, and the City will finish 2012 with a higher surplus. The proposed fiscal year 13
budget also anticipates a surplus, so the City is building its fund balance. The county is going to help with
the River Road Bridge funding. The City should be close to the 15% fund balance in fiscal year 13 for the
first time since 2008. The City was able to hire three new officers in fiscal year 12. The City is adding a
sergeant in fiscal year 13 and one officer per year through 2017. The City is quadrupling its road
maintenance budget from 50,000 to 200,000 in fiscal year 13. The Rec Center budget will be a huge
improvement for fiscal year 11 to 12. Only a small deficit is expected. The City and its budget are moving
in the right direction.Mayor Golinski wanted to remind everyone that the City's financial problems were
not created overnight, and they are not going to be fixed overnight.
Alderman Kot requested the staff put together numbers of surrounding communities in regards to what they
pay their employees and for the raises the employees receive. He hopes the Council will take a good look at
this, and he hopes the Council will review this again in six months. The City of Yorkville's employees have
gone four years without a pay raise, and now some may see a slight increase in pay with their healthcare
cost.
Alderman Gilson discussed the Countryside TIF debt, and the fact that in fiscal year 18 the City is looking
to be upside down.He discussed refinancing the Countryside TIF. He discussed the Rob Roy sewer bans,
and he is against adding$8.25 to the citizen sewer bills. He discussed the building permits, and he wanted
to know if the City budgeted on 65 building permits or on the original 30 building permits. City
Administrator Olson stated the City budgeted for 35 whole permits. The 30 permits that are in the build
program do not need to be budgeted. Alderman Gilson read part of the budget addressing streetscapes, and
he wanted to know how the City would budget for streetscapes. He wanted to know where the money is
coming from if the TIF funds do not cover streetscapes. City Administrator Olson stated the comment was
related to last year's memo, and stated that the City is not proposing in fiscal year 13 to either bond or pay
for the Route 47 expansion costs upfront. It will be stretched over 10 years. Alderman Gilson wanted to
know the update on the Beecher Center,HVAC, and City Administrator Olson stated there is no update.
Alderman Gilson discussed Fox Hill water and sewer recapture. He wanted to know when the City is due to
completely pay off the Fox Hill recapture. The answer was 2023. He wanted to know how much interest the
City would accumulate waiting to 2023 to pay that off. City Administrator Olson stated the total obligation
was $3,000,000 or$4,000,000. Alderman Gilson discussed the West Ridge water main replacement, and he
wanted to know if that has been accounted for in the budget. City Administrator Olson answered no.
Alderman Gilson recommended adding budget provisions for the Sunflower Estates Subdivision storm
sewer flooding issue. Public Works Director Dhuse estimated the cost at $125,000.
Alderman Spears questioned if this was the time that the Council should go through the budget line by line
for consensus. Mayor Golinski stated budgetary concerns should have been sent to staff in writing for
explanation for budgetary items. Alderman Milschewski asked for confirmation that the items Alderman
Gilson discussed were not included in the budget. City Administrator Olson confirms that to be the case.
Alderman Colosimo is aware of the importance of the items listed under future obligations. The Council has
to decide what should be included in this budget knowing that it is impractical to think the Council can
include everything. Certain items will have to remain as policy decisions. Alderman Gilson asked City
Administrator Olson to provide the estimated budgetary surplus. City Administrator Olson stated with the
items as originally budgeted the surplus would be $748,000. Adopting the changes discussed increases the
surplus to $900,000. Alderman Gilson prefers to address the much needed repairs than build a larger
surplus. Alderman Colosimo said a priority needs to be established for City projects as to what should be
done first.
Alderman Kot said the auditors want to see a budgetary surplus. Finance Director Frederickson said the
auditors view budgetary policy as a management issue. City Administrator Olson said that past auditors
recommended a 50% fund balance. The City's current policy is a 15 to 25%fund balance. Mayor Golinski
stated it should be the Council's priority to reach a 15% fund balance, which is our current policy. After that
is met,the Council can address other issues. Alderman Kot stated once the City has achieved its fund
balance requirement, additional budgetary items can be addressed. Alderman Kot and Alderman Gilson
discussed possible changes to health insurance benefits for Council members. Alderman Teeling stated both
the insurance benefits and establishing eligibility parameters for free senior garbage pickup were intended
to be discussed in the Administration Committee meeting, but it never was. She feels the surplus is
established to address the items the Council determines to be the highest priority. Alderman Milschewski
asked City Administrator Olson to confirm the amount budgeted for healthcare benefits. Alderman Munns
addressed the healthcare benefits. Alderman Spears addressed the healthcare benefits and gave the history
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—March 27,2012—Page 5 of 7
as recorded from past City Council meetings and the history of the elected officials past voting record. She
has been surveying healthcare benefit packages currently offered by neighboring communities. Mayor
Golinski recommends discussion of healthcare benefits should be addressed at another time. Alderman
Gilson prefers to address them now. He discussed healthcare benefits and the importance of these benefits
as part of the total compensation package.
Mayor Golinski recommends a line item of$150,000 added to the budget for employee raises. He asked for
a consensus among the alderman. In favor of employee raises Alderman Milschewski, Alderman
Funkhouser,Alderman Colosimo, Alderman Munns,Alderman Kot, and Alderman Teeling. Alderman
Spears and Alderman Gilson had reservations, and they prefer to wait to see how other budgetary items are
addressed before making their decision. Alderman Colosimo wanted to point out that this is not only an
issue of needing to compensate staff, but this is also a cost benefit analysis for the long term of the
municipality. It is going to save the City money. Mayor Golinski stated it sounds like a consensus, and the
budget can always be modified.
Alderman Gilson discussed the Kennedy Road trail. If there is a shortfall on that $357,000, where is it
covered in this budget?City Administrator Olson stated when they produced the document, it hadn't been
budgeted. It is to be determined. Alderman Gilson,Mayor Golinski,Alderman Colosimo, and City
Administrator Olson had discussion on the Beecher Center Park and its removal in 2013 or 2014. Alderman
Gilson covered the following budget issues with City Administrator Olson. He wants the City Council to
consider all of these priority issues and to think about the surplus the City is going to have. The following
issues were discussed: pari-mutuel tax for the off track betting facility, special engineering services, Route
47 expansion contingencies, Sunflower SSA, Illinois job proceeds, development fee under Public Works
capital fund,Parks and Rec capital funds, water infrastructure fee,water connection fees, equipment, Rob
Roy sewer payments, Windett Ridge sewer recapture, grants, and property taxes for the library. Alderman
Gilson discussed the cash flow surplus deficit. He believes the Council should take its contingencies and
spend it on necessity items. He discussed mosquito control. He discussed the tree replacement program. He
suggested that money should be spent to make more trees available. He discussed maintenance cost in the
budget. Alderman Gilson brought up the Police Pension Fund, and there was discussion.
Alderman Colosimo asked if the City has looked at the possibility of refinancing other bonds. City Attorney
Orr stated the City monitors that constantly. Alderman Gilson discussed the YBSD collection fee, and he
wanted to know why the huge increase in the collection fee. He discussed the Administration Department.
Training and conferences were discussed between Alderman Gilson and City Administrator Olson. He also
discussed postage and shipping. Alderman Teeling wanted to know if the Council could take care of the
suggestions from Alderman Gilson now. Mayor Golinski feels this is a good budget. He would like to bring
it up for a vote. If a Council member doesn't agree with what is in the budget,then they have to right to
vote no. The Council can always revisit this budget. The staff feels this is a good budget. The Council is
currently looking at fiscal year 13. Anything after that is highly speculative and based on very conservative
assumptions. He asked Alderman Gilson if he had any other comments. Alderman Gilson responded by
saying that if that is the philosophy, then he will stop and vote no on the budget. Mayor Golinski stated that
Alderman Gilson has had three months to ask questions to the staff. Alderman Spears stated that Alderman
Gilson asked when he could go over the budget line item by line item. The budget is the most that this
Council individually would have to pay attention to and check. She would like to see the Council go over
the budget line item by line item once again next year. Mayor Golinski agreed that the budget is very
important. That is why the City started the budget process two months earlier than normal. He asked the
Council members to submit their questions to staff.
Alderman Colosimo stated reviewing the budget process is a learning curve. He thinks the budget is
heading in the right direction. He doesn't want to force Council members to vote on a budget when they
haven't had their questions answered. He would like the Council members to have their questions answered.
Mayor Golinski stated everyone is not going to agree with everything in the budget.Alderman Gilson stated
"Shouldn't we be going through each proposal and voting on each proposal as it is suggested. If you don't
want to do that, and no matter how many times I e-mailed him and how many answers he gives me back, if
it is not discussed and there is a consensus.formed amongst us as a whole, which we can't do any other
way, then we haven't accomplished anything other than voting no on the budget. "Mayor Golinski stated
the City has a professional staff to prepare the budget.
Alderman Colosimo made a motion to table the budget to the next City Council meeting; seconded by
Alderman Gilson.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-6 Nays-2
Spears-aye, Colosimo-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Milschewski-aye,
Teeling-aye, Gilson-aye,Kot-nay, Munns-nay
Fox Hill and Sunflower Estates SSA for Mowing and Maintenance—Bid Award
(CC 2012-28)
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—March 27,2012—Page 6 of 7
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to award the contract for the Fox Hill and Sunflower Estates SSA
mowing and maintenance to the T.L.C. Group LTD,as presented. So moved by Alderman Munns;
seconded by Alderman Colosimo.
Alderman Munns wanted to know how it compared to last year. City Administrator Olson answered it
was cheaper. Alderman Colosimo stated the City has had several bids. There were two bids that came in
at the exact same amount, and one was a local company. The bid that is recommended that the City
accepts is a company out of Bolingbrook, which had the same exact amount as the company in Yorkville.
He would like to give the City's business to a local company. Alderman Kot agrees, but he doesn't
believe that everything is equal. Public Works Director Dhuse recommended the company in Bolingbrook
because the mulching and labor price was on the extra list. Mulching will be done this year.There will be
general maintenance this year, and that is why he made this selection. He would have liked to have gone
with the company in Yorkville,but their price was higher. Alderman Colosimo is concerned about the
quality of this company in Bolingbrook. Public Works Director Dhuse stated he did check on this
company before making the recommendation to use them. Alderman Funkhouser stated with his
background, he has reviewed many of these bids in the past. He knows that there is a lot of flexibility and
mark up in those numbers. It is a responsible bid.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Colosimo-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Milschewski-aye, Teeling-aye,
Gilson-aye, Kot-aye,Munns-aye, Spears-aye
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT
No report.
PARK BOARD
No report.
PLAN COMMISSION
No report.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
No report.
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
No report.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
No report.
CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
No report.
COMMUNITY& LIAISON REPORT
Agency on Aging
Alderman Spears reported on the Agency on Aging. (See attached.)
KenCom
Alderman Spears reported on KenCom. (See attached.)
Library
Alderman Colosimo said the library is grateful to the City for working with them in restructuring their
budget. They voiced their agreement of sticking to the 25,000 a year increment until further notice.
Push For The Path
Alderman Teeling reported on Push for the Path. She spoke on the power of one. There are 43 teams now
committed to raising $1,000 each. White Water Ice Cream held an event where it pledged $0.50 for every
ticket that was written up. Three hundred tickets were written, so the company sent in$150.00. There was
a jar set up for Push for the Path which raised$167. It was a great event. There was a packed event today
at Patellis. Twenty five percent of the tickets went to Push for the Path. There will be an event held on
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council—March 27,2012—Page 7 of 7
April 13, 2012, at Cobblestone Bakery&Bistro. They will have two bands and wine tasting. Ten dollars
of every ticket sold will go to Push for the Path. They are hoping to sell at least 100 tickets. Alderman
Teeling appreciates all the businesses and all the individuals that have signed up for the power of one.
Kids Fighting Cancer
Mayor Golinski attended the St. Baldrick's fundraiser on St. Patrick's Day. He was a shavee. The St.
Baldrick's Foundation raises money for childhood cancer research. He ended up shaving his mustache
which raised$250.00. St. Baldricks raised $10,000 on St. Patrick's Day.
Meals On Wheels
Mayor Golinski stated as part of Meals on Wheels, he had the honor of delivering meals for Yorkville's
homebound seniors. Meals on Wheels had a campaign in March called March for Meals. Mayors for
Meals was part of that.
Trivia Night
Alderman Spears reported on trivia night which will be presented by the Kendall County Association of
Chief of Police.It will be held at the American Legion at 7:00 in Oswego on June 09, 2012. All proceeds
will go to the Kendall County SRT. Trivia teams will consist of no more than 10 people, and they are
only accepting 10 teams. If interested, contact the Oswego Police Department.Mayor Golinski stated the
last team Alderman Spears put together took first place.
STAFF REPORT
No report.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
City Council Minutes
Alderman Spears brought up the discussion of how minutes of the City Council meetings should be
corrected. She suggested that the Council submit their corrections to City Clerk Warren, and then City
Clerk Warren can correct them and give the alderman a draft copy. Alderman Colosimo stated it would
need to be a two step process. City Attorney Orr stated it is supposed to be approved within 30 days. The
typos and misspelled words can be given to City Clerk Warren,but anything that has to do with content
needs to be done at the City Council meeting. Alderman Milschewski stated they shouldn't be approved
until all the corrections are made. Alderman Colosimo recommended that the Council should continue to
correct the minutes the way the Council has been correcting them. Then give City Clerk Warren a copy
for her records.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of litigation. So moved
by Alderman Spears; seconded by Alderman Munns.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes-8 Nays-0
Spears-aye, Milschewski-aye, Colosimo-aye,Kot-aye,
Teeling-aye, Gilson-aye, Funkhouser-aye, Munns-aye
The City Council entered Executive Session at 10:07 p.m.
The City Council returned to regular session at 10:25 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Golinski entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. So moved by Alderman Spears; seconded
by Alderman Milschewski.
Adjournment of the meeting was unanimously approved by a viva voce vote.
Meeting adjourned at 10:26 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
L
City Clerk, City of Yorkville, Illinois
Citizen Comments
Written Comment received from Mr. Mark Johnson
Good evening. My name is Mark A Johnson, 204 Georgeanna, Yorkville. I'm here to make some
comments about the City of Yorkville's budget. I will lead off by saying that I appreciate this council's
desire to make things more transparent. I have been consistent in my approach my entire 62 years in my
city. 1 have heaped praise when I thought it proper. I have criticized when it needed to be said. I have
always tried to put things into perspective and in a way most people can understand. I will attempt to do
that again tonight. If someone sees a mistake in a number or if I'm off by a year, I'm not trying to deceive
anyone. I am trying to get my conservative approach across and am trying to help.
I have lived my life conservatively and respect those who have done the same. It has served me well. For
those who do not know history I can tell you that throughout history,first in the 1920's, again in the
1940's, and in the 1960's and 1970's there were those who were for free drugs, do anything you want if it
doesn't affect someone else, and live for today because with the wars in the world-there may be no
tomorrow. Sometimes it doesn't seem like we have learned much in the last 100 years. Many people
haven't reviewed history and learned from it.There will always be those who think the glass is half full
and those who don't. Doing a budget is a daunting task even in our own lives but it must be done and it
must be followed if a family is to survive. I will try to put my comments into words that will make the
budget be more relevant to everyone. My words tonight will definitely resonate with George Gilson and
Rose Spears. They get beaten-up for the stance they take but I say,thank God someone actually
balances the other side of the argument.The glass is sometimes half full and sometimes it's half empty.
With our economy today-it is most definitely half empty. Most of this council is so new I haven't
determined if you all are half full or half empty yet.There should always be arguments over the important
things in our lives. So keep the arguments coming. Some people in our city don't appreciate the heated
discussions but believe me, it will make us all stronger in the long run.
Let's look at the city's budget as I look at my own. if we simply remove a few zeroes from the numbers I
can relate much better. Let's set the stage. Our city's revenue is$23 Million annually. Let's remove three
zeroes and make that$23,000. My Caterpillar pension is pretty close to that. My house is 40+ years old
and must be maintained.The city's infrastructure is 100 years old and must be maintained. My driveway
has begun to need repairs. Our streets are in need of repairs. I'm pretty much on a fixed income unless I
get a part time job to supplement it-which I don't really look forward to.The city is currently on a fixed
income unless it raises taxes-which my budget doesn't look forward to either. Here is my praise and
critique on the city's budget from that viewpoint.
I took the budget and tried to break it down to one main area.That area is the city's bonds or as I see it-
the outstanding loans from the banks and taxpayers.There are many other areas I could comment on but
most everyone can relate to bills coming due without money to pay them. I think a few of these loans are
actually from Vinny out of New York. In 2012 the amount we have to pay Vinny on our loans is north of
$9M.2013 is$11 M+, 2014 is$10M+,2015 is$11 M+,2016 is$12M+,2017 is$BM+,2018 is$BM+,2019
is$6M, 2020 is$7M, and it isn't until 2026 the city goes below$3M in debt payments. $8M is 35% of our
income is debt. $12M is 56%debt to income ratio. For the last 4-5 years households with those ratios
have been filing bankruptcy. If that happens, businesses don't get paid.Taxpayers don't get paid. Even
Vinny doesn't get paid-and we all know what happens when Vinny doesn't get his money.;Take a dose
look at yourselves... What do you consider is safe to borrow against your income?Most banks consider
30% is the highest they want to go. Our city doesn't go below 30% until after 2022-10 years from now.
And that is if we have to borrow ZERO dollars over that 10 years. Do you honestly believe that is
responsible?The rest of the taxpayers have to make up for those who are irresponsible or those who just
failed to plan properly. Our city is at that tipping point right now. The mayor tries desperately to settle the
nerves of the masses by making a point that this budget is headed in the right direction and that in 4-5
years we will be healthier than we are right now. I actually praise him for having the intestinal fortitude to
try to settle the masses. His calming statement may be true to a point but what if another major problem
hits our city? I'm trying not to be Chicken-Little but what could the next problem be?What if a young
person drowns at our new kayak chute?Lawsuit?What if a developer that we are giving the farm away to
thinks they are getting a raw deal?Another lawsuit?What happens when our over capacity sewer plant
needs to expand for the growth you all are expecting?What happens when we have to start paying raises
and benefits to the city employees who we have ignored for 3-4 years?What happens if Yorkville gets hit
tike Joplin or Harrisburg did with an unplanned storm?We have no money to tide us over.We will once
Citizen Comments
Written Comment received from Mr. Mark Johnson
again be forced into borrowing from the county, or the banks, or even Vnny's Godfather. I'm not here to
tell you that you haven't worked hard to get us back from the brink of insolvency. I'm here to ask you to
get a tougher skin and turn a deft ear to those who keep asking for more wants instead of needs. It's
human nature to want more.Some of us see the reality. Some will never be happy until they get their own
way-they bankrupt us-or they move somewhere else because we are a backward, hillbilly city.To
those, I say good riddance.To you, I say, good luck. Cut deeper and begin putting some cash aside for
the next disaster that will happen.
Being a Realtor I looked at many people's income over the years versus their desires for a mansion. It
isn't real pretty when you discuss the true cost of home ownership versus reality of the buyer's income.
The city has that same problem.We have a hundred year old house in a wonderful area that has aff kinds
of possibilities but we just don't see any increased income in the near future. The spouse and all our
friends see the possibilities of refurbishing the old mansion and all I see is a money pit.The flagstone
foundation has a large crack in it—not unlike the River Road bridge.The roof has leaks but we have
strategically placed pans and buckets around the house to catch the water.We just sit and pray for a dry
season.We can't see the damage being done in the attic but we know it's there—not unlike the 100 year
old sewers and water pipes under our city today.The furnace and air conditioner are old and the experts
told us we should have replaced them years ago—not unlike the Beecher Center,the Rec Center, or
other city properties.We keep painting the old clapboard siding every couple years but we know the wood
is slowly rotting and we should look at siding if we ever get the extra money.The old windows require me
to put the storm windows up every fall and put the screens up each spring. The old storms and screens
are deteriorating every time we change them but we just don't have the cash to put in all new windows
this year. I have seen this happen at least 4 times this winter in my 40 year old subdivision when my
streets have been flooded from a water main break and the city crews have had to do emergency repairs.
I haven't even begun to look at the old electrical wiring in the house. I just tell everyone in the household
to unplug the toaster before running the microwave. Or with the water pipes and water heater—don't run
a load of wash or flush a toilet when someone is taking a shower. This is the reality of the budget you are
going to vote on not only for next year but for the next 5-10 years.We can keep fooling ourselves that the
glass is half full or we can do something about it.Government has the basic needs of its people to
consider first and foremost. As in Maslow's hierarchy of needs,we must provide the basics first. Fix the
foundation or most certainly the house will collapse and we won't need to worry about the rest of our
problems. Next,fix the roof,then the furnace and A/C,the electrical and wiring.That is what most
governments have lost focus on.We have been through a time period where we wanted everything. In a
way-we were all on drugs and booze and were using the credit card without concerns about tomorrow. It
appeared that the money would always be there and life was going to be great forever.Then reality hit
Those of us who understood history and have learned from it the hard way tried to explain what needed
to be done.We are here tonight with the same historical lessons. For the next 4-5 years ignore those with
the half full glass and ignore the wants of the few.As I told you 2 weeks ago, our property taxes are the
24`h highest in the entire country out of over 3,000 counties.Taxpayers simply cannot afford to go higher
no matter whose fault it is—the schools, the library,the litigation society we live in, or whatever. Let's
dedicate ourselves to only taking care of the basic needs for the next few years. There will be those who
complain,yell at you, and even threaten you but do the right thing and re-prioritize what must be done.
History will prove that this council saved this city from itself. Life will return to Yorkville someday. Yorkville
will be in a financially strategic position to make life better for everyone if you make those tough decisions
today. Thank you and good luck.
Community& Liaison Report—Agency on Aging
Report received from Alderman Spears
LIAISON REPORT
AGENCY ON AGING OF NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS
The Agency was informed they received $650,000 new dollars from the
final Federal budget, however, at this time it is simply a promissory note.
Status of providers: Catholic Charities recently had to enact employee
furlough days due to budget restraints. Lake and Kane County's Salvation
Army is struggling to operate the meals programs.
The twelve- member congressional super committee had been unable to
agree on a package of tax increases or spending cuts, or both, to reduce
the federal deficit and eventually balance the budget. The Budget Control
Act therefore triggers automatic spending cuts of$1.2 trillion over the next
ten years. This will include $55 billion each in defense and non-defense
spending a year, starting in fiscal year 2013. The non-defense cuts could
be a combination of discretionary and entitlement spending.
Medicaid, CHIP, Social Security, SSI, most of Medicare, veterans' benefits,
some other means testing programs, federal retirements, and tax credits
would be exempt, but Medicare payments to providers and insurance plans
would be subject to cuts.
Community& Liaison Report—KenCom
Report received from Alderman Spears
03-22-12
LIAISON REPORT
KEN COM EXECUTIVE BOARD
On March 22nd, 1 attended the KenCom Executive Board Meeting.
➢ The meeting was called to order.
➢ All members were present - creating the necessary quorum for voting
purposes.
➢ The Agenda was approved.
➢ The Executive Board Minutes of February 23, 2012 were approved.
➢ The March Treasurer's Report was reviewed and approved
➢ The Operations bills in the amount of $9,206.05 were reviewed and
approved for payment.
➢ The Surcharge bills in the amount of $43,433.36 were reviewed and
approved for payment
Executive Director Farris requested the Board approved additional
anticipated expenses for the lower level facility:
➢ Purchase of improved mounting hardware for busy lamp display (the
expense is within the not-to-exceed already approved for the console
furniture.
➢ Purchase of a replacement SpectaCom Netclock clock display and
associated power supply for the dispatch room (cost not to exceed
$1,000)
1
Community & Liaison Report—KenCom
Report received from Alderman Spears
➢ Purchase of microwave and refrigerator for the lower level break
room (cost not to exceed $1,400). After a brief discussion, the Motion
included "buy local if prices are close".
Director Farris presented an update of the four tower sites and the Board
reviewed the project summaries.
The proposal for a replacement of the 9-1-1 and office telephone system
for the lower level was discussed. There are three components to the
system. They include:
➢ A new 9-1-1 phone system for the dispatch positions at both dispatch
centers
➢ Recording equipment for both dispatch centers
➢ A new administrative phone system for the KenCom offices at the
Public Safety Center
KenCom has the opportunity to purchase the telephone equipment similar
to what Grundy and Will Counties currently use through a distributor at
GSA. This system would be compatible with Grundy and Will Counties as
well as Phase ll.
In addition, there may be an opportunity to share resources for
maintenance through the other counties at a substantial savings to
KenCom.
Larry Nelson reported the County Board made minor changes and
unanimously approved the Lower Level Lease Agreement between Kendall
County and KenCom. The County's attorney will review the minor changes
2
Community& Liaison Report—KenCom
Report received from Alderman Spears
made to the lease and it will be submitted to the KenCom Board. I
indicated our attorney and City Council would need to review the lease
before I can vote on it. Larry Nelson said our Council does not need to
approve the lease agreement ... he further stated that is why KenCom has
a Board of Directors ... they are suppose to vote on behalf of their
municipalities. This procedure was discussed and it was decided there
would be a 30-day cycle before voting.
Chairman Witek informed the Board that he received a call from County
Board Chairman Purcell mentioning the premature discussion of possibility
of creating separate "stand alone" entities fora
➢ KenCom
➢ The Forest Preserve District
➢ Health & Human Services
➢ Animal Control
Each entity would be responsible for their employee's insurance, pensions
and unemployment. Currently the four entities are under the same ID
number as the County.
Board questioned if this is established, would it cost residents more?
Would there be less services provided?
KenCom Executive Director, Dave Farris, stated effective May 31, 2012,
KenCom will no longer copy and fax CAD tickets or reports that are
3
Community & Liaison Report—KenCom
Report received from Alderman Spears
available through iStatus. iStatus has been available to KenCom agencies
for status screens, local viewing and printing of CAD reports. Currently
KenCom prints, faxes and then immediately shreds the CAD ticket after
faxing.
As a reminder, effective August 31, 2012 KenCom will no longer monitor
alarms.
Total incoming police, fire and EMS calls for all departments for the month
of February were 8,339. Total 9-1-1 calls were Z662. 9-1-1 cell calls
were 75% of all calls received.
4
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Public Comment
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