AUDIT_2026_01_15_MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Proceedings of the January 15, 2026 Meeting
5:15 p.m. – City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath
Minutes
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman Dillon called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Audit Committee Members present: Chairman
Dillon, Mr. Knauff, Ms. Larisey and Mr. Nowlin. Absent: Finance Committee Chairman Weber, Mayor Tack
and member Durkin. Quorum present.
City staff present: Katie Skibbe, Finance Director; Diane Hall, Assistant Finance Director; Mark Krygeris, Staff
Accountant; Cameron Burrell, Director of IT; Anthony Canania, IT Operations Manager; Mike Wick, Director
of Parks and Recreation and Todd Nahigian, Croya Manger.
Others present: Gale Strenger Wayne, Paul Lemieux, Andrea Minogue of the Senior Foundation.
II. Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes from Audit Committee Meeting Held on October 16, 2025
Ms. Larisey made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 Audit Committee meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Nowlin. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
III. Innovation and Technology (IT) Presentation
Mr. Cameron Burell, Director of IT provided an overview of insurance coverage that is provided through
IRMA for costs up to $1,000,000. Anything additional would be through additional insurance policies. Most
City software has been moved to the cloud and agreements with providers includes additional coverage.
The City will be moving the City’s financial software BS&A to the cloud in FY27. The most vulnerable area is
City staff. Training is conducted each year. City Council approved conducting phishing scenarios. Staff will
be required to participate in additional training if too many fails are reported.
Mr. Anthony Canania, IT Operations Manager provided an overview of third-party support. Firewall testing
was conducted at the water plant, and we passed without any issues identified. A full City firewall test will
be conducted this year.
The Committee requested adding to the dashboard the number of fails reported on the phishing email
scenarios. Staff prioritize current initiatives based on security. The City’s IT budget is comparable to other
communities but has more funding for security.
IV. Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Citizens Foundation – Financial Presentation
Mr. Mark Dillon stated that he is currently on the LFLB Senior Citizens Foundation Board and would be
recusing himself from the discussion.
Ms. Gale Strenger Wayne, Vice President stated all requested material was included in the packet.
The Committee discussed that interest income is a driving force in revenues. The Foundation rebalances in
January and July based on market conditions.
The liabilities remain stable. The Foundation previously paid for the City’s Social Worker through an outside
agency for $60k. The Foundation now provides 100% of the funding. In addition, the Foundation provides
$70k in support for programs and $34k for transportation. If anything needed to be reduced, these
programs would be first.
The Committee discussed concerns with fundraising and the need to rebrand. Andrea Minogue has been
brought on to work on fundraising opportunities. The Senior Center has been working with the City on
better communication to residents and membership is at its highest since Covid. A grant has been received
to hold a town hall meeting to bring awareness to senior issues.
An update on the senior cottages was provided. The City owns the property and will provide $350k in
financial support.
V. Croya Foundation – Financial Presentation
Mr. Todd Nahigian, Croya Manager stated the Foundation has been raising funds for improvements to the
Croya kitchen and has raised $145k for the project. A review of the Foundation finances was provided.
Excess cash is invested in CD’s. Peer training for all 300 freshman is being conducted. The Foundation
assists students going on different trips throughout the year. A $25k grant was received and will apply again
this year.
The Committee discussed the board’s involvement with Croya.
VI. Finalist Auditor Interviews
Ms. Eileen Weber, Finance Chairman entered the meeting at 6:27.
Interviews were conducted with the two Audit Firm finalists. The firms interviewed were Baker Tilly and
Sikich LLP. Each firm was requested to provide a 15 minute presentation covering the following subjects.
• Introduction of the proposed audit team members
• Summary of experience with similar audit engagements
• Overview of engagement approach
• Discussion of firm’s approach to new SAS and GASB pronouncements
Following each presentation, firms were provided additional questions to provide responses.
Committee members discussed the presentations following the interviews.
Following discussion, the Committee recommend Baker Tilly to the City Council for approval of auditing
services FY26 through FY28, with the option of two additional years. The recommendation will be presented
to the City Council in February for approval.
VII. Other Business
Foundation Summary – No changes
Foundation Financial Review – No changes
VIII. Opportunity for Public to Address the Audit Committee – No one requested to address the Audit
Committee
IX. Adjournment
There being no further business, a motion was made by Ms. Larisey to adjourn the meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Knauff. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. The meeting
was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Hall
Assistant Finance Director