Admin Committee Minutes 2001 02-13-01 UNITED CITY OF YORKNULLE
ADA-UNISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2000
6:30 P.M.
In Attendance: Art Prochaska Paul James Mike Anderson
Rose Spears Valerie Burd Bob Allen
Jim Nanninga J.T. Johnson Tony Graff
Guests Sue Swithin John Bradstreet Mike Englehardt
David Cathey
PROPOSED DENTAL/VISION PLAN: NUKE ENGLE'HARDT
Mike Englehardt, representative of the City of Yorkville insurance program, began by
stating that he had discussed the proposed plan with Mr. Nanninga, and Kim. The
numbers have been put together for this, and there is $1000 to $1500 offered at a
maximum for dental. A vision proposal has been set up also. We could offer a fully
insured vision and dental program, with a $1000 per year benefit per employee and
dependants. The plans are set up as 1) preventative care (100 0 /6), 2) Basic care (80% after
deductible), and 3) Major care (50 0 %). Blue cross offers an HX40/PP0 program, which
will save the City money.
Mayor Prochaska asked what the co -pays are now with the Mil O plan.
Ix/h Englehardt stated that this is very similar to the 80/50 plan.
Alderwoman Spears asked if there are HMQ dentists within this area.
Mr. Englehardt stated that they are mostly in Aurora. There are not a lot of providers in
this area. We need the employees' feedback on this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that we need to decide on a feasible direction. He then asked
what is budgeted for this.
Mr. Nanninga stated that $30,000 is budgeted for this year. Next year $32,000 is
budgeted.
Mayor Prochaska asked what the vision costs would be.
Mr. Englehardt stated that for office visits; there would be a $5.00 co -pay.
Alderman James stated that the employees would have a choice now.
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Mr. Englehardt stated that the choice would be either the HMO or the PPO. He then
stated that the employees should be asked about the choice.
Chairman Anderson asked what the annuals based on.
Mr. Englehardt stated that the highest would run $29,634, if everyone went Nvith the PPO.
The issue is that we need immediate coverage, and Blue Cross and Delta Dental will take
us over with no pre - existing conditions.
Mr. Allen asked if the City has looked into this before.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it has been looked at a couple of times, but it wasn't as
valuable then as it is now. Vision would be the biggest benefit.
NIr. Englehardt stated that it would be very inexpensive for the City. The entire group is
less that $500 per month. He then stated that most dentists do not get into the HMO
programs. It is usually the PPO.
Chairman Anderson asked if there were any questions on this.
1\4r. Englehardt stated that if anyone would like network information on this, they could
contact
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Chairman Anderson asked if this should go to the Council before it is discussed with the
employees.
Mayor Prochaska stated that we need to find out by consensus first. We could go to the
employees, and look at a benefit outline. We need to make it available. We need
feedback first, and then we will go to the Council. Let's bring this to COI's', and then bet
the information back to the employees.
Alderwoman Spears stated that the employees need complete information on this.
Chairman Anderson stated that Nu. Englehardt should be there at the meeting.
Mayor Prochaska stated that Mr. Englehardt should discuss this before a decision is
made.
Mr. Englehardt stated that he would get a booklet together, and provide outlines for both
vision and dental.
ENIPLO YEE MANUAL ITEMS
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Mr. Nanninga opened by stating that the changes had been made regarding the allowance
per day for food and lodging, as well as Martin Luther king holiday, and the
vision/dental plan.
RARLY RETIREhfENT
1\4r. Nanninga stated that there had been a memo put together on this. It will cost the City
money, but what you will save will more than offset the costs. There are six employees
involved in this. They are: IVIrs. Pfister, lVIr. Nanninga, Asir. Johnson, Mr. Nlikkelson,
1\4r. Kramer, and Mr. Price. The replacements for these are outlined in the chart, which
shows a savings of $161,000 in the first year. We are recommending a five -year payback
with the ]LORE
Mayor Prochaska asked that if we go with this, then what would the timeframe be.
1\/Ir. Nanninga explained that it would be one year, and the employees have a 60 -day
window to notify B RF. They have to file within the first 60 days after it is passed. The
City cannot offer this again for six years.
Mderrnan James asked if there are any employees close.
Mr. Johnson stated that the employee would have to be at least 50 years of age.
Chief Graff stated that there is an early retirement plan with the Police Pension Fund.
NIr. Johnson asked about buying out military time, and asked if anyone had looked into
this.
Mr. Nanninga stated no, not as of yet.
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Alderman Junes asked who decides the retirement dates.
A/Ir. Nanninga stated that the employee will. There is some flexibility on the City to help
the employee decide.
Mayor Prochaska stated that we should pick a year to offer it
1VIr. Johnson added that this has been adopted by many cities. This brings in new people.
Mderwoman Spears asked in regards to the 18- months, "COBRA plan.
Mayor Prochaska stated that you would have to buy it. He then added that if someone
takes the early retirement, then they can no longer come back to work for the City.
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Chairman Anderson stated that he sees no major problems with this, and asked to look at
this at the next COW.
Mayor Prochaska stated that we would take this to COW on March 1St.
PROPOSED HOL1DA 1VIA]2TIN LUTHER DING, JR.
Mayor Prochaska stated that he had asked Kim to look at the cost to the City for the
Martin Luther King Holiday. Kim stated that regarding the Police, there would be a
$2100 increase, and the only other cost is if we would call out employees for snow
removal. We received a letter from the Governor's wife, about Martin Luther King Day
on `kind acts'. It is observed through the state, federal, and county. We are in the
minority on this.
Mr. Nanninga asked if there are 11 holidays.
Mayor Prochaska stated yes.
Chairman Anderson stated that we are establishing 12, with one floater.
Alderman Jaynes stated that it is up to the employee to pick his holiday.
Alderman Anderson stated that this was something to look into.
Mderwoman Burd asked if the employees should be poled.
Mayor Prochaska stated that they wanted that holiday, but not to give up any of the
floaters.
Alderwoman Burd asked if we should honor volunteers, or if we could honor an 'act of
kindness' by someone in the community.
Mayor Prochaska stated yes.
Chairman Anderson stated that this should be started in the budget year.
Alderwoman Burd asked if we give the Police the extra holiday.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the contract is set for three years. He then asked if we could
check on the '13' to see where this falls.
1\/Ir. Na nning a stated that he would check on that.
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Mayor Prochaska stated that this is not a large financial issue; it is more of a policy issue.
It would be more money if there was a. snow issue, and with regards to police issues. He
than asked about the monitoring of the wells.
Mr. Nanninga stated that the wells are checked every day. There is one person on
over for this.
Mderwoman Burd stated that this would also be an incentive for recruitment.
Mayor Prochaska agreed, and stated that he wants to find out all of the costs involved.
Chairman Anderson stated that this would then come back to the next meeting.
Mr. Nanninga agreed.
LONGEVITY PAY
Mr. Nanninga opened by saying that we went from an hourly rate to a lump sum. This
becomes difficult for Kim, and we would like to go back to the hourly rate for those who
are just hourly.
Chief Graff agreed, and stated that this is a management decision.
Mayor Prochaska asked if it was custom -made software.
Chief Graff stated yes, and the employees had brought it up. This is an issue, and there is
a disadvantage here.
1Vlayor Prochaska asked how it would be done, then.
Chief Graff st ated that we would need to wait until the next fiscal year, which would be
approximately six, months.
Mayor Prochaska added that the hours put into this are costly.
Chief Graff stated that he would look into the employee manual, and stated that Mr.
Kramer might draw up an amendment to this. The language would be given from Kim
on this, and we might end up changing the employee manual.
Chairman Anderson then asked if this should ao to COW on March 1st.
Chief Graff stated yes.
UTILITY TAVNATU to GAS
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Chairman Anderson asked if the committee had any information on this subject.
Mr. Nanninga stated that NICOR had been contacted, and that we could not be billed on
the therms used. Without the State Statutes, we cannot do this.
M yor Prochaska stated that there would be a letter sent to Toth Cross in regards to the
legislation on this.
PROPOSED BUDGET
141r. Nanninga stated that the proposed budget would be responsible for explaining the
manpower, equipment, projects, etc.
Mayor Prochaska asked what the timeframe would be on this.
Mr. Nanninga stated that the Public Hearing would be on March 15.
Mayor Prochaska stated that issues would be brought up here, in the first run.
Mr. Nanninga stated that himself and Kim went through the budget impact, and where
we're going to be. We are positive in all departments. It shows $26,437 to the good, and
this is conservative. Our receipts were totaling $393,000. We will miss two months of
business, but the NICOR bills would make this up.
Alderwoman Burd asked if that was a deficit from the previous year.
Alderman James added that the high gas bills upset this.
Mr. Allen inquired about the Illinois Gomrnerce Commission, and asked if we could take
a position to allow us to recoup this. Could we get a letter from AVIr. Framer on this. W'e
need to explore some different avenues on this, and I would like the details in front of
me.
Alderwoman Burd asked what the requirements are for this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it is included in the State Statutes.
Mr. Allen stated that he wanted a copy of the ordinance, and that he would notify Mr.
Kramer and get a letter of explanation.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there are two different amendments to this; possibly three.
Mr. Allen stated that with the Police Grants, we are still good, but we need to stay
conservative.
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Chairman Anderson asked if the committee had any information on this subject.
1\/Ir. Nanninga stated that NICOR had been contacted, and that we could not be billed on
the therms used. Without the State Statutes, we cannot do this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there would be a letter sent to Torn Cross in regards to the
legislation on this.
PROPOSED BUDGET
Mr. Nanninga stated that the proposed budget would be responsible for explaining the
manpower, equipment, projects, etc.
Mayor Prochaska asked what the timefiame would be on this.
Mr. Nanninga stated that the Public Hearing would be on March 15.
Mayor Prochaska stated that issues would be brought up here, in the first iun.
Mr. Nanninga stated that himself and Kim went through the budget impact, and where
we're going to be. We are positive in all departments. It shows $26,437 to the good, and
this is conservative. Our receipts were totaling $393,000. Z[Te will miss two months of
business, but the NICOR bills would make this up.
Alderwoman Burd asked if that was a deficit from the previous year.
Alderman James added that the high gas bills upset this.
Mr. Allen inquired about the Illinois Comrnerce Commission, and asked if we could take
a position to allow us to recoup this. Could we get a letter from Mr. Framer on this. A e
need to explore some different avenues on this, and I would like the details in front of
rne.
Alderwoman Burd asked what the requirements are for this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it is included in the State Statutes.
Mr. Allen stated that he wanted a copy of the ordinance, and that he would notify Xh
Kramer and get a letter of explanation.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there are two different amendments to this; possibly three.
Mr. Allen stated that with the Police Grants, we are still good, but we need to stay
conservative.
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Chairman Anderson asked if the committee had any information on this subject.
Mr. Nanninga stated that NICOR had been contacted, and that we could not be billed on
the therms used. Without the State Statutes, we cannot do this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there would be a letter sent to Tom Cross in regards to the
legislation on this.
PROPOSED BUDGET
Mr. Nanninga stated that the proposed budget would be responsible for explaining the
manpower, equipment, projects, etc.
Mayor Prochaska asked what the timeframe would be on this.
Mr. Nanninga stated that the Public Hearing would be on March 15.
Mayor Prochaska stated that issues would be brought up here, in the first run.
Mr. Nanninga stated that himself and Kira went through the budget impact, and where
we're going to be. I %e are positive in all departments. It shows $26,437 to the good, and
this is conservative. Our receipts were totaling $393,000. We will miss two months of
business, but the NICOR bills would make this up.
Alderwornan Burd asked if that was a deficit from the previous year.
Alderman James added that the high gas bills upset this.
Mr. Allen inquired about the Illinois Commerce Commission, and asked if we could take
a position to allow us to recoup this. Could we get a letter from Mr. Kramer on this. A e
need to explore some different avenues on this, and I would like the details in front of
rne.
Alderwoman Burd asked what the requirements are for this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it is included in the State Statutes.
Mr. Allen stated that he wanted a copy of the ordinance, and that he would notify Mt.
Framer and get a letter of explanation.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there are two different amendments to this; possibly three.
Mr. Allen stated that with the Police Grants, we are still good, but we need to stay
conservative.
Chairman Anderson asked if the committee had any information on this subject.
A/Ir. Nanninga stated that NICOR had been contacted, and that we could not be billed on
the therms used. Without the State Statutes, we cannot do this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there would be a letter sent to Torn Cross in regards to the
legislation on this.
PROPOSED BUDGET
Mr. Nanninga stated that the proposed budget would be responsible for explaining the
manpower, equipment, projects, etc.
Mayor Prochaska asked what the timehame would be on this.
Mr. Nanninga stated that the Public Hearing would be on March 15.
Mayor Prochaska stated that issues would be brought up here, in the first run.
Mr. Nanninga stated that himself and Kim went through the budget impact, and where
we're going to be. We are positive in all departments. It shows $26,437 to the good, and
this is conservative. Our receipts were totaling $393,000. We will miss two months of
business, but the NICOR bills would make this up.
Alderwoman Burd asked if that was a deficit from the pre -, &us year.
Alderman James added that the high gas bills upset this.
Mr. Allen inquired about the Illinois Commerce Commission, and asked if we could take
a position to allow us to recoup this. Could we get a letter from TvIr. Kramer on thus. VV e
need to explore some different avenues on this, and I would like the details in front of
me.
Alderwoman Burd asked what the requirements are for this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it is included in the State Statutes.
Mr. Allen stated that he wanted a copy of the ordinance, and that he would notify Mr.
Kramer and get a letter of explanation.
1\ /Iayor Prochaska stated that there are two different amendments to this; possibly three.
Mr. Allen stated that with the Police Grants, we are still good, but we need to stay
conservative.
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Chairman Anderson asked if the committee had any information on this subject.
Mr. Nanninga stated that NICCR had been contacted, and that we could not be billed on
the therms used. Without the State Statutes, we cannot do this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there would be a letter sent to Tom Cross in regards to the
legislation on this.
PROPOSED BUDGET
Mr. Nanninga stated that the proposed budget would be responsible for explaining the
manpower, equipment, projects, etc.
Mayor Prochaska asked what the timeframe would be on this.
Mr. Nanninga stated that the Public Hearing would be on March 15.
Mayor Prochaska stated that issues would be brought up here, in the first run.
1vIr. Nanninga stated that himself and Kim went through the budget itnpact, and where
we're going to be. We are - positive in all departments. It shows $26,437 to the good, and
this is conservative. Our receipts were totaling $393,000. We will miss two months of
business, but the NICCR bills would make this up.
Alderwornan Burd asked if that was a deficit from the previous year.
Alderman James added that the high gas bills upset this.
Mr. Allen inquired about the Illinois Commerce Commission, and asked if we could take
a position to allow us to recoup this. Could we get a letter from 1\4r. Framer on this. ANTe
need to explore some different avenues on this, and I would like the details in front of
me.
Alderwoman Burd asked what the requirements are for this.
Mayor Prochaska stated that it is included in the State Statutes.
Mr. Allen stated that he wanted a copy of the ordinance, and that he would notify Mr.
Kramer and get a letter of explanation.
l\/layor Prochaska stated that there are two different amendments to this; possibly three.
Mr. Allen stated that with the Police Grants, we are still good, but we need to stay
conservative.
Mayor Prochaska stated that everything would stand the way it is for now. Mr. Nanninga
has stayed conservative.
GAS BILLS — THERMS
Mr. Nanninga stated previously that NICOR had been contacted regarding this, and that
the information was that we could not bill on the therms used. Without the State Statutes,
we cannot do this.
L & D PROPOSA - INDUSTRIAL BONDS
Mr. Nanninga stated that we don't have an account to give anything.
Mayor Prochaska stated that he had spoken with 1\/Ir. Framer, and we don't have much on
this. We get some individual revenue bonds. We gave ours to F.E. Wheaton.
Mr. Nanninga stated that he thought this went into a lottery.
Mayor Prochaska stated that he was not sure. L& D is requesting that we allot this to
them. This is similar to the request that F.E. Wheaton made. The money that they still
owe the City is the issue. They were given a three -year tax. The City has a lien against
their property. There is an outstanding balance of $33,000. I have difficulties with this.
Chairman Anderson agreed.
Chief Graff stated that there could be a legal requirement on that, and it could be a
challenge on the State Statute.
Mr. Allen asked if himself and Mr. Nanninga should work on a letter of response to this.
Chairman Anderson and Alderman James stated yes.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, PARKS
DEPARTNIENT, RECREATION DEPARTNIENT
1\/Ir. Nanninga opened by stating that there is a Parks position, Public Works Director
position, and an Assistant Public Works Director position all included in the packet.
Mayor Prochaska stated that with the Public Works, we need to find out where the
responsibility will fall. We want to put together a set of job description, a system, so that
they know these responsibilities. For the Parks and Recreation departments, they are two
separate areas. The parks maintenance was considered Public Works. With the growth
of the City and Park/Rec programs, we will need to see more coordination. We are
looking at grants for trails, etc. We want one person to oversee both parts. This may
mean a possible formation of a district. This would also free up Public Woks for this.
We have discussed a ParksiRec Director, a `chief administrator' person, just like the
Chief of Police. This person would meet with developers, write grants, have direct
access to the Park Board, and would be responsible for coordinating both parts. The next
step down would be a working super-visor, or a head person for scheduling. For the
Parks, it would be a `working foreman'. Both would be equal in stature on the
organizational charts.
Mr. Bradstreet stated that between a salaried/hourly position, this would be a problem.
Mayor Prochaska stated that this would be discussed with the labor attorney. Even
salaried people should receive some kind of pay.
Chief Graff stated that whether you're exempt or not exempt, it is under `municipal'.
Mr. Johnson stated that it was under the State.
Mayor Prochaska stated that this would be discussed, and the ordinance will be changed
to specify the Parks and Recreation Director. There needs to be an amendment there.
Mayor Prochaska then stated that the next position would be the operator, and they would
be assigned to specific departments. This is an hourly position, and the Employee will be
learning specific skills for their department.
Mr. Bradstreet asked if there are charts put together for the new positions.
Mayor Prochaska discussed what the chart would look like.
Asir. Bradstreet stated that there should be clear lines of equality throughout this. We
want a team.
Alderwoman Burd stated that it should begin with the wording, and that she wanted to
make sure that they would both have the same title.
Mayor Prochakka stated that for the Public Works, it is divided into Streets, Water, and
Sewer. There will be foremen under each department, and then under foremen are the
operators. The maintenance workers 1 and 2 are not specific to any group. They will be
assigned.
Alderwoman Burd stated that the Parks are confusing.
Mayor Prochaska state that we are putting an assistant to the Public Works Director, and
we need to work with the language on this.
Aldenwoman Burd stated that we need to have this. Employees need to feel worthwhile.
Mr. Bradstreet stated that we want to strive for equality. This should be a standard.
Chairman Anderson stated that it needs to be in the language.
Mr. Bradstreet added that we couldn't be successful until we can work together.
Mr. Johnson stated that the Recreation Director would go to the Parks to tell them of the
schedule. This takes the argument out of the situation. The parks look good, but take up
much time. In other areas, there might be a problem. The Parks and Recreation Director
needs to mesh these together.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the Parks/Rec Director would be able to set up ideas, also.
We need something set up for this coming year.
Mr. Bradstreet added that there would be two positions to fill.
Mayor Prochaska agreed, and stated that we need a person who can do this. We need to
move people over to the Parks. The new Parks!Rec Director will have ideas. We also
may change the titles on these. If the person is going in to plow, for example, then they
will answer to the head of the Street Department for the time being.
Mr. Bradstreet stated that organization is important, and he would like everything to be
better orchestrated. The system is broken.
Mayor Prochaska stated that there have been issues, and that we are working with people
with no official organization.
Aldennan James stated that we should start with an organizational chart of the City now.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the Police are organized Public Works falls under Mr.
Johnson.
Mr. Johnson stated that we need someone to spend time with the residents on park issues.
With the expansion of the City, this will be important with the head person. There isn't
enough time unless there is one person to do it full- tithe.
Mayor Prochaska state that he and Mr. Nanninga could sit down and look at the current
organizational chart. We will put titles together.
Mr. Johnson stated that it is important to make sure of the titles.
Aldetwoman Spears stated that the position of Parks /Rec Director would require grant
writing.
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Mayor Prochaska stated yes, and we want to see this. With the Assistant Director of
Public Works, this will be monitoring of the work crews throughout the day. A foreman
would not be created unless there are enough workers.
Mr. Johnson stated that for the Water Dept., we would have Class A operators. I envision
that there will be an on -duty 24hrs. /day worker.
Mayor Prochaska stated that he would work on these issues with Mr. Nanninga. We will
also have an organizational chart put together for the Parks. We need to have these
positions set up. I want these in place by the start of the fiscal year.
Chairman Anderson stated that this would come back to the committee
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Mayor Prochaska stated that with regards to the letter from Torn Cross on the Illinois
First project, we are not sure of the funding. We will be notified of anything.
Alderwoman Spears asked if we have sent anything to Mr. Hastert.
Mayor Prochaska stated yes.
Chairman Anderson asked if in regards to the 3/1 agenda, should we look into a finance
director.
Mr. Nann nga stated that it has not been budgeted for.
Mayor Prochaska stated that Ave could do a table for it.
Chairman Anderson stated that it would be discussed on the March agenda.
Mr. Allen stated that he would be very interested in this.
Meeting adjourned
9:15 P.M.
Minutes by Lisa Sleezer
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CITY OF YORKVILLE GUEST SIGN -IN SHEET
DATE: l MEETING:
TIME: fo "30
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