HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-96 Personnel & Finance Committu *oat:
Personnel and Finance Committee
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The September 5, 1996 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to
order by its Chairperson, Council Member Steve Luecke at 3:10 p.m. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Pfeifer, Broden,Zakrzewski, Luecke,
Coleman and Kelly, Citizen Member Cathy Roemer, Phil St. Clair, Jeff Rinard, Bill
Carleton, Mathew Moyers, Chad Kilmer, Johnny Martinez, Susan O'Connor, and
Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand.
Council Member Luecke noted that the purpose of the Meeting was to review the Parks and
Recreation Budget.
PARKS AND RECREATION:
1996 BUDGET $7,406,983
1997 PROPOSED $7,821,017
RECREATION BUDGET:
PROPOSED $210,980
Mr. Phil St. Clair the Superintendent of Parks then reviewed the mission goals and
objectives. He highlighted some of the major programs and the budget summary. He
noted that revenues projected at$8,305,158.
Mr. St. Clair also noted that in 1997 the Community Affairs Events operation will be under
the Park's umbrella. Consequently, $106,000 will be dedicated these types of operations.
He further noted that Mikki Dobski-Schidler will give further details once she reviews her
budget. He noted that as a result two events coordinators will be transfered to the Park
Budget which are currently not helped. He also noted that the Community Affairs Office
will be in the Park Administration Building. Golf course improvements are being paid by
golf fees. Prior development fees will also help pay for the Belleville Softball Complex.
Mr. Bill Carleton then reviewed the Budget in further detail. He reviewed the sources of
revenue and various charts. He noted that golf revenue constitutes 16% of all total
revenue. Administrative fees are based on a percentage to cover services of the Controller,
Legal, and Engineering offices. In response to a question raised by Cathy Roemer it was
noted that salaries are based for non-bargaining at 3% and teamsters at $.34 an hour
increases.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke regarding park police, it was
noted that since Joe Radecki has retired that many of the things that he did with regard to
safety, OSHA,park inspection, security,etc. will be divided with Capt. Grabner providing
security and a person equivalent to a Foreman V doing fleet coordination OSHA and safety
inspections. The park police office will headquartered at Pinhook.
Committee Report
Personnel and Finance Committee
September 5, 1996
Page 2
The Committee then reviewed the Park Maintenance Division Budget. It was noted that
this was the largest division with 24 different programs. Approximately $75,000 was
received from the Silver Hawks to maintain the stadium.
Council Member Pfeifer voiced concern with regard to the maintenance of the East Race.
She noted that there are several areas where trash,leaves, etc. and high usage areas are not
being addressed. She suggested that people on the "honors program" at the County Jail
may be utilized. Mr. St. Clair noted the State correction facility has been in contact with
them with regard to using inmates. However, security would be a concern which would
have be paid by the City if such a program was pursued. He also noted that Kennedy Pool
would have to be completely replaced and he sees a bond issue is the only way of funding
such a program. He conservatively estimated that a small aquatic center would cost
between$3 to$3.5 million. The aquatic facility in Lake County cost$10 million.
Council Member Luecke noted that with the Coveleski Bond having only one payment due
in 1997 the City may want to consider packaging the Bond so that there would not be a tax
rate increase. Council Member Coleman also voiced support for Council Member Luecke's
suggestion and suggested perhaps a feasibility study would also be worth pursuing.
Council Member Broden the Chairperson of the Parks Committee of the Council stated that
he would assist in such projects.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Pfeifer it was noted that the Youth
Police Program was well attended this year.
Council Member Luecke questioned capital improvements for the East Race and was
advised that Lawson Fischer reviews this on a routine basis and for approximately the last
four years a non-reverting fund has been established for capital improvements which has a
balance between$50,000 and$60,000.
Mr. Chad Kilmer, Director of Golf, then reviewed the Golf Division. He noted that the
Budget reflects one position which has been eliminated from the prior year. New irrigation
systems were installed at Studebaker and Elbel courses with the system at Erskine being
upgraded. A new corporate pass which can be purchased for 3 years for$1,800 is a new
concept with 25 being sold so far. Council Member Kelly suggested marketing this since
he believes it's a great idea. Council Member Coleman suggested marketing the Mother's
in conjunction with the Corporate pass. In response to his questions it was noted that
alcohol has had a limited impact which has been positive. He stated that he would like the
golf courses to take a hard line with regard to infractions. In response to a question raised
by Council Member Pfeifer it was noted that the policy before was not to allow alcohol on
any of the golf courses and now it is restricted which has resulted in revenue and better
control.
Susan O'Connor then reviewed the Recreation Division. She highlighted copies of the
State law addressing self supported funds. Mr. Rinard noted that maintenance activities are
primarily paid for by tax dollars with activity fees creating self supporting programs
thereafter. It was noted that Jenny Mather will be drafting a resolution to create the fund.
She noted that monies were incumbered for travel in 1996 therefore although it looks like
an allowance for travel that this is an cost which reflects actual expenses. She noted that
they had 17 playgrounds with activities throughout the City. Mr.Johnny Martinez then
Committee Report
Personnel and Finance Committee
September 5, 1996
Page 3
reviewed the operations at the Potawatomi Zoo. He noted that they have 16 full time
employees. The Zoo gift shop is a new attraction which had formerly managed by the
Concessions. In response to a question raised by Council Member Pfeifer, Mr. Martinez
highlighted the intern program which has proven very beneficial to the City.
In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke it was noted that there are now
good working relationships with the Zoological Society which is primarily fund raising in
nature currently.
Mr. Mathew Moyers, Concessions Manager,then reviewed the Concessions Division. He
noted that this is the second year that this Division has had a budget. He reviewed the 5
basic programs. It was noted that all consolidated programs are run inhouse with no
outside vendors.
Mr. St. Clair stated that one of the overall goals is to continue to dedicate monies and
resources to capital improvements throughout the entire park system. Council Member
Luecke and other council members thanked the Park Department and their staff for a fine
presentation and fine programs throughout our City.
There was informal discussion to establish the Council Meeting to be held on September 30
at 4:30 p.m. when a final vote would be taken.
There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was adjourned
at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Steve Luecke,Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
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