FINANCE COMMITTEE 2013/01/22 Minutes
The City of Lake Forest
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Proceedings of the January 22, 2013 Meeting
6:30 p. m. – City Hall Council Chambers
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman Pandaleon called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Present: Chairman Pandaleon,
Aldermen Novit, Waldeck, Moore, Schoenheider, Tack and Adelman. Absent: Mayor Cowhey
and Alderman Palmer. Quorum present. There were approximately 9 people in the audience.
Staff present: Robert Kiely, Jr., City Manager; Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director; Diane Hall,
Assistant Finance Director; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works; Cathy Czerniak, Director
of Community Development; Dan Martin, Superintendent of Public Works
II. Consideration of Minutes from the Finance Committee Meeting Held on December 3, 2012.
Alderman Novit made a motion to approve the minutes from the Finance Committee meeting
held on December 3, 2012. The motion was seconded by Alderman Schoenheider. The
motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
III. Consideration of Ordinances Regarding the Termination of the West Lake Forest TIF District
Ms. Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director reviewed a power point presentation summarizing the
history and projects completed within the TIF district. She explained the TIF Districts official end
date was December 31, 2012 and that formal City Council action was required to formally
close the TIF District, as well as authorizing the disbursement of surplus funds to the County. The
County will then disburse the surplus to the taxing bodies, including the City. She explained
that a Supplemental Appropriation would be required to authorize the payment to the
County, due to Property taxes received exceeding Fiscal Year 13 budget estimates.
IV. Water Rate Study – Preliminary Results
Ms. Holleb stated Burns & McDonnell was hired by the City to determine the effect of Del Mar
Woods and the Golf Course coming off the City water system. This evaluation evolved into a
water rate study analysis. She reviewed a slide detailing the components of the water rate as
it relates to operating, debt service and capital expenses. Two samples were reviewed
detailing the effect of a 3% increase on a single resident and a family residence. She
explained for every 1% increase $60,000 is added for capital. She explained a flat increase of
3% per year for the five year period studied would require a reduction in planned capital
improvements.
Committee members discussed the determining factors for water projects, which are the age
of the pipes and the number of main breaks each year. For future consideration, water
conservation will need to be discussed regarding water on odd/even days.
V. FY14 Fiscal Policy – Proposed Amendment Regarding the .5% Sales Tax
Ms. Holleb stated at the September 2012 Finance Committee meeting the FY14 Fiscal Policy
was approved. She explained a change to the policy is recommended to add a historical
reference to the .5% sales tax, while adding the approval of the City Council to designate the
use of any surplus for additional public infrastructure projects. She stated a storm sewer study
will be conducted to identify any additional storm sewer projects.
Following discussion, Alderman Novit moved, and seconded by Alderman Moore to approve
the proposed amendment to the FY14 Fiscal Policy
Finance Committee Meeting
Minutes – January 22, 2013
VI. Other Business
1) The Committee discussed the number of Real Estate Transfer Tax transactions are up, but
the revenue is slow to improve.
VII. Opportunity for the Public to Address the Finance Committee: None
VIII. Adjournment
There being no further business, Alderman Novit moved, seconded by Alderman Schoenheider
to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Respectfully Submitted.
Diane Hall
Assistant Finance Director