2004-05-10 - Finance Committee - Minutes Board or Commission: ❑ Finance committee
Document Type: ❑A e
g nda 0 Minutes
Meeting ate: 05/10/2004
Type of Meeting: ❑ Regular Meeting
The Village of Buffalo Grove Finance Committee convened on Monday, May 10, 2004 at the Village Hall,
Lower Level Conference Room. Those in attendance were: Elliott Hartstein, Jeff Braiman, DeAnn Glover,
Chuck Johnson, Bruce Kahn and Steve Trilling. From staff: Bill Balling, Bill Brimm, Ghida Neukirch, Scott
Anderson and Art Malinowski. Also, Treasurer Tenerelli and Clerk Sirabian.
The following matters were reviewed:
Buffalo Grove Golf Club-Food & Beverage Lease Assignment:
Staff provided an update on the proposed food and beverage lease assignment by Creative Hospitality to
Connie's Corporation. The material in the packet was reviewed as was a summary of several meetings
staff has had with the principals of both firms. Although Connie's principals were to have presented their
concepts and observations to the Committee this evening, they requested a deferral of to a later date.
This was due to the fact that both parties are apart in the overall negotiations and at this point in the golf
season, it may best defer any assignment decision until later in the year. There was some general
discussion on making sure that the interests of the Village are maintained now that we know that Creative
would like to assign. Staff is to remain proactive not only in monitoring any discussions but also will need
to make sure that quality and service issues do not deteriorate during this golf season. Also, the Village
will need to remain diligent to protect our lease and property rights relative to the operations and facility.
Status of Health Insurance Consulting :
Peter Wright of Wright Benefits Strategies presented an overview of the work efforts believed necessary
to evaluate the Village's future course toward the delivery of health, dental and life benefits. The
anticipated role of the employee focus groups was reviewed. It was noted that their role is
varied-advisory, to act as a sounding board to effectuate change,to "sell" change to their peers, to offer
matters of opinion, etc. There was additional discussion on future approaches that the Village might
undertake-leaving/remaining with the IPBC; considering establishing a new pool or purchasing
cooperative; determining if a stand alone account might be viable. Further work efforts continue to be
undertaken and as the project continues, status reports will be provided to the Village Board by staff.
Discussion on Qualifications-Based Selection: Professional Services:
Staff provided an overview of the Qualifications-Based Selection methodology for the selection of design
professionals-architects, engineers, surveyors, etc. While the Board supported the qualifications nature
of the approach, there remains an underlying concern about price as a major component of consultant
selection. Rather than cost being perceived as a final matter, it was likewise believed that cost may not
best be considered a primary matter as well. Staff was asked to consider a hybrid approach to the
professional selection process that balances cost with qualifications. Prequalification of design
professionals was viewed as very important and an efficient way to approach selection. Further
recommendation will be forthcoming as part of a future design professional selection process. In addition,
staff was asked to affirm the remaining commitment to Baxter&Woodman relative to the local MFT
design/construction management program.
Metra Commuter Station Parking-Convenience Parking Pass Discount:
Staff presented a concept that would reduce, initial on a trial basis, the bimonthly convenience parking
pass sold at the Metra station. Currently the fee is$60 and would be reduced to $50. It is believed that
this will encourage a greater use of the pass program, creating a more efficient approach toward
managing the facility. The basis for the change was articulated in a memo dated April 30, 2004. After
some discussion,the Committee approved of the change, to be effective as of July 1, 2004 (subject to
adoption of an ordinance amending the appropriate section of the Municipal Code). Staff is to monitor the
effects of the change and report back to the Committee/Board.
FY 2004-2005 Budget Direction-IML and Senior Staff Professional Development:
Bill Balling reviewed his memo on this subject that suggested a modification, to be in effect for FY
2004-2005, on how training opportunities for senior staff are to be managed from a fiscal and
accountability perspective. While the overall suggestions were acceptable to the Committee, it was
requested that staff, other than ICMA, not overlap at the same conference with a specific example noted
being the 2004 APWA conference. Staff was asked to make certain that it is understood that attending
conferences must be based on providing the greatest return of value to the community over that of the
individual. It was pointed out that conference justification includes a series of questions that seek out
these issues prior to attendance being approved.
As for the IML, it was noted that sufficient budget allocations are provided so that the Village Board can
attend, even on a partial basis. Although it was recommended that funds be available so that one might
stay the evening in order to attend and participate in late day activities, the Committee opted to eliminate
such funding with the directive being to return home and/or return back to Chicago for the next days
activities.
The policy suggestions, as put forth in the memo, will be modified based on the discussion and put in
place for FY 2004-2005.
FY 2004-2005 Budget Direction-Public Works Aerial Bucket Truck Replacement:
Based on further information provided to the Committee, direction was given to staff to explore purchase
as suggested (used market, appropriate height, etc). Staff will review the options and availability and will
report back to the Village Board to obtain a bid waiver. It is anticipated that final action will be
recommended within the next 60 days.
Other Business-Tax Year 2003 Rate/Extension Comparison:
Based on a request from staff, the Lake County tax rate and extension comparison analysis,which
compares an average, hypothetical property for both tax year 2002 and 2003 was presented. The
analysis incorporates rates and extension and further details how the components of extension,those
being valuation and rate, enter into an average property owners net tax impact. The analysis tends to
confirm that despite total taxing district rate changes from year to year,the increase in property valuation
in Lake County Buffalo Grove is responsible for the increase property tax commitment due from the
average payer. A further presentation will take place on Monday, May 17th.
Other Business-White Pine Trail Project:
Bill Balling presented a concept to address certain of the recurring issues along the entire White Pine
drainage area that could involve Village acquisition of portions of land along the drainage way(purchase,
easement-method to be determined) and over time, improving the drainage to the best extent possible
along with adding some regional recreational amenities. While there is significant work to be identified
and carried out,the presentation was the first step in a broader process that will be identified and
developed into an anticipated series of recommendations. The initial step may involve the selection of an
engineering consultant to identify issues and challenges toward a series of solution options that are
expected. Those work efforts will be brought to the Village Board for their comment, direction and
consideration in the near future.
Other Business-Village News:
Members of the Committee noted some concerns about the recent issues of the Village News. Staff will
review the comments and offer some suggestions for upcoming issues.
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm