Village of Elwood Board of Trustees met March 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order
The Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees, Village of Elwood was called to order by Village President Doug Jenco at 7:00 pm,.
Role Call
Present: Village Board President Doug Jenco, Village Board Trustees: Michael Varman, Tricia Maas, Darryl Lab, Ron Schmidt, Jodie Bertucci, and Kendy Elberson
Also, Present: Village Administrator/Village Clerk Julie Friebele, Finance Director Robbie Day, and Police Sergeant Marc Reid
Not Present: Police Chief Fred Hayes and Public Works Director Larry Lohmar
The Meeting Opened With the Pledge to the Flag
Moment of Silence
Village President Jenco led a moment of silence in honor of the following:
• Walter K. Strawn, age 91, Elwood Resident - Passed away into the loving arms of his eternal life on the morning of February 12, 2022. Mr. Strawn served in the United States Air Force, was a Village of Elwood Trustee for approximately ten (10) years, and served the Village as an acting Mayor.
• Rachel L. Wright, age 49 – Passed away February 15, 2022, Loving wife of Elwood Police Officer Edward Wright
• Tricia Hernandez, age 35 - Lost her life in a fatal Interstate 55 accident on Chicago’s South Side on Monday, February 21, 2022.
• Stanley Rogowski, age 89, Elwood Resident
• AnnaMae Lohmar, age 87 – Passed away March 2, 2022, Loving mother of Elwood’s Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar
• Nick Cary, age 29, Elwood Resident – Passed away unexpectedly on February 25, 2022
• Dennis Little, age 66, Elwood Resident
Trustee Schmidt said a prayer for the departed after the moment of silence.
Presentations and Public Hearings
Open the Public Hearing - May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023, Annual Budget Public Hearing A motion was made by trustee Bertucci to open and conduct the May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2022, Annual Budget Public Hearing. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
Thank you to our Finance Director Robbie Day for the excellent job in preparing the proposed 2022-2023 budget. Preparing the budget is no small task and Administrator Friebele is personally grateful to have Robbie as part of the Village team. I also want to thank the department heads Chief Fred Hayes and Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar for preparing their department’s budgets and their kind understanding of cuts made to limit the Village’s spending.
Proof of Notice
The Public Notice Legal Notice of Public Hearing on the Proposed Annual Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 Budget of the Village of Elwood was published in the Herald News on February 14, 2022, by order of the Village of Elwood.
Staff Presentation
General Fund Revenues:
The total projected General Fund revenues for 2022/23 budget year is $5,419,912. The gains are reflected in the several revenue line items such as video gaming, garbage user fees, building permits, and police safety grants.
Beginning April 1, 2022, the Village is adding a new revenue source. JPower (Jackson Generation) is scheduled to be fully operational April 1st. Per our agreement once fully operational they will begin paying the Village an annual Global Contribution fee in the amount of $300,000. This year the payment will be prorated and the Village will receive approximately $226,028; each subsequent year the Village will receive $300,000.
General Fund Administration Department:
The 2022/23 Administration Department Budget represents a $20.68% increase in expenses over the current year. Worker’s Compensation/Liability Insurance and Grant Expenditures saw the most significant increases. A total projected budget for 2022/2023 of $2,390,648 is requested.
General Fund Police Department:
The Police Department is requesting $2,030,333 for the fiscal year2022/23. The medical expenses increase is due to the State mandated health officer screening. The fuel market is unstable therefore, the Village resolved to budget a 25% increase to cover unknown changes.
General Fund Streets Department:
The Streets Department has several maintenance projects in its $998,931 projected 2022/23 budget, including sidewalk pumping and repair/replacement throughout the Village, air handler at the Village Hall, and Mississippi Avenue streetlights.
Motor Fuel Tax:
The per capita fee for Motor Fuel tax has increased from $20.50 to $23.00. We will again receive additional transportation funds in the amount of $36,969 from the Statewide fuel increase in 2019. The Village will be using a portion of the MFT fund balance to install streetlights on Heritage Drive, located just East of Route 53 and on a portion of Elwood International Port Road.
Water & Sewer Capital Fund:
This year, the Village will continue to replace aging water meters and water meter transmission units (MTU’s). We also request additional funds to connect the final three lift stations to our private fiber optic line per Homeland Security requirements. The proposed $504,485 budget amount also includes a transfer to the Water & Sewer Fund to pay the 2010A bond and interest payment. The 2010A Bond will be paid in full in 2030.
Water & Sewer Operating Revenues:
The proposed $1.6 MIL revenue budget includes a 6% increase in Water user fees and a 3% increase in Sewer user fees, and the transfer of funds to cover the 2010A Debt Service payments.
Water & Sewer Fund Water Expenses:
The 22-23 Water Department Budget of $770,107 represents a 4.96% increase over the current year. A major equipment and software upgrade to the Water department is requested; 10 PLC Units need replacement. The proposed budget amount includes a Dept Service payment in the amount of $162,743 for the 2010A bond and interest payment split 50/50 between the water and sewer fund. The bond payment is approximately $350,000 annually.
Water & Sewer Fund Sewer Expenses:
The Sewer Department has a budget of $842,811. The sewer department splits many line items with the water department, and as expected, there will be an increase to those shared line items in the Sewer Fund. Facilities maintenance expenses require additional funds to replace a headworks screen rebuild, OX Ditch bearings replacement, and UV Light Equipment Rebuild Phase 2. The combined proposed operating budget for Water & Sewer departments is approximate $1.6MIL.
TIF Fund:
The TIF Fund is a pass-through fund, Real Estate Taxes are collected, and the disbursement makes bond payments.
Capital Construction Fund:
The capital construction budget of $1,644,913 includes the replacement of one (1) police vehicle with a safety package in the amount of $60,522, concrete replacement at the Village Hall’s main entrance, where settling has occurred. The public works department will purchase two (2) Bush Hog mowers and a bucket truck. A transfer of $1,158,978 accounts for most of this year’s budget for capital construction; these funds will cover a portion of the Police and Streets Department’s operations.
Debt Service Fund:
The debt service fund is another pass-through fund used to retire the Village’s debt. The $961,658 budget covers the payment for the 2015 bonds. This is the FINAL payment for the 2015 bonds.
Village Board of Trustees Discussion
Trustee Bertucci stated that Julie Friebele and Robbie Day do a really good job preparing and reviewing the budget with the trustees on an individual basis. They work like a well-oiled machine. Nothing in this budget is out of line
Public Comments
Members of the audience did not have public comments.
Close the Public Hearing
A motion was made by trustee Bertucci to close the May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2022, Annual Budget Public Hearing. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. A vote was called: Village President Jenco – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes, Trustee Lab – yes. The motion carried.
Public Comments – Pertaining to Agenda Items
Members of the audience did not have public comments pertaining to the agenda items.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Trustee Schmidt to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
• Presentation of Minutes – February 2, 2022
• Presentation of Closed Session Minutes – February 2, 2022 (Not For Release)
• Presentation of Bills – Paid Invoice Report January 1, 2022 through February 21, 2022 in the amount of $449,892.38.
• Presentation of Bills – Unpaid Invoice Report in the amount of $191,982.61.
Trustee Bertucci seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Reports & Communications From Village Officials
Administration – Village Administrator Julie Friebele
January 2022 Financial Reports
The January 2022 Financial Reports prepared by Finance Director Robbie Day were presented to the Village Board for review. The reports represent the Village of Elwood’s year to date revenues, expenses, and end of the month fund cash balances. The Finance Committee also reviewed the report at the meeting held on February 22, 2022.
An Ordinance Approving the Annual Budget of the Village of Elwood Beginning May 1, 2022 and Ending April 30, 2023
Staff recommended the Village Board review the proposed FY 2022-2023 Annual Budget Ordinance of the Village of Elwood Beginning May 1, 2022 and Ending April 30, 2023. The Ordinance was presented as a First Read. The said Ordinance will be on the Village Board meeting agenda April 6, 2021, as a Final Read for consideration and adoption.
Elwood/Jackson History Club Donation
Annually the Elwood/Jackson History Club submits a letter to the Village Board requesting a monetary donation in support of the club. The club collects pictures, newspaper clippings and additional information pertaining to the community and then they record and file them in the archives. The History Club also placed planters at the corners of Mississippi Avenue and Chicago Street, filling them with beautiful seasonal flowers and stunning decorations that enhance the beauty and charm at one of the Village’s main intersections. The Club participates in the Red Carpet Corridor event, rode in the parade, had a booth at the Elwood Community Days event, and road in the Christmas Parade. A motion was made by Trustee Lab to approve the request for a monetary donation in the amount of $500.00 payable to Elwood Jackson History Club. Trustee Maas seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Police Department – Chief Fred Hayes – Presented by Sergeant Marc Reid
During the Month of January 2022
The Elwood Police Department responded to 569 calls for service. For more details concerning the types of calls, residents can visit the Village of Elwood website.
Police officers issued a total of 163 citations:
• Local Citations (O.V.) 18
• State Citations 145
• Overweight Violations (14)
• Monthly Total 163
• 2022 Year to Date Total 163
Arrest Report Summary:
• Traffic Arrests 8
• Warrant Arrests 3
• Criminal 1
• Monthly Total 11
• Year to Date Total 11
TRAINING REPORT:
OFFICER CLASS DATE HOURS
Ed Wright Implicit Bias Training 01/18/22 8
Robert Wellen Implicit Bias Training 01/18/22 8
Sean Swabowski Implicit Bias Training 01/18/22 8
Robert Wellen CRIME 123 01/26/22 8
Total Training Hours: 32
Authorization to Hire a Full-Time Police Officer
The police department’s organizational structure is budgeted for FY2021/22 at 11 sworn police officers, which includes a Chief, two (2) Sergeants, and eight (8) patrol officers. The department currently has one (1) full time vacancy due to the resignation of former-Officer Ashley Rossi.
The resulting vacancy continues to create operational and schedule shortages. In order to adequately staff patrol coverage the use of full-time officers is beneficial to the Village. Full Time officers are utilized to perform general duty police work in the protection of life and property, enforcement of laws, investigation of crimes and other incidents, preserving the peace, problem-solving, and related work as required.
The applicant complies with all state laws requiring certification standards and meets the standards required by the Village Code of Ordinances. She is of good character and has successfully passed a written examination, an oral interview, and a thorough background investigation. Her appointment as a probationary police officer is conditional and contingent on successful completion of a polygraph examination, medical examination, psychological assessment, drug screening requirements, the State of Illinois Power Test, and successful completion of the Basic Police Academy Training.
A motion was made by Trustee Varman to approve and confirm the appointment of Kylie N. Johnson as a Police Officer to the Elwood Police Department. Trustee Elberson seconded the motion. A vote was called: Trustee Lab – yes, Trustee Varman – yes, Trustee Elberson – yes, Trustee Maas – yes, Trustee Bertucci – yes, Trustee Schmidt – yes. The motion carried.
Public Works – Director of Public Works Larry Lohmar
No report was given.
Village Administrator – Julie Friebele
Park and Village of Elwood Entrance Signs
The park signs were fading and required updating. Marie Rodgers took on the task of repainting the signs for Tyler Park and O’Connor Park, she did a great job! The signs for the remaining parks will be repaired in the next few weeks.
The Village of Elwood entrance signs are all replaced with new signs and they look great! It is important to maintain the Village’s appearance.
Elwood Community Days
This year we are unable to secure a carnival for Elwood Community Days. Mayor Jenco and I made the decision to only hold the event on Friday, August 19th, and Saturday, August 20th.
Both days we will have the beer garden, margarita truck, and I am in the process of securing food vendors, inviting the local businesses to participate first. If there is no interest from local businesses, I will reach out to food trucks.
Friday:
Righteous Hillbillies will perform from 8pm – midnight.
Saturday:
Parade at 11:00 am
Although we will not have a carnival we will have shows, games, and rides for all to enjoy. We will have a creature show, magic show, pony rides, a petting zoo, foam pit, zip line, and a rock wall.
Poison’d Crue will perform from 8pm – midnight.
Once again this year we are in need of volunteers to assist with the event.
Valentine’s Day
The Elwood students each received a special Valentine’s Day surprise from their friends at the Village Hall. The students were happy to receive the pop it toys, and they sent some thank you posters to the Village to show their appreciation.
Easter Egg Hunt
Staff is preparing for the Easter Egg Hunt. They will be stuffing a few thousand eggs full of candy for the kiddos!
Upcoming Village Meetings
Planning and Zoning Tuesday, March 22nd 7:00 pm
Park Committee Wednesday, March 23rd 5:30 pm
Finance Committee Tuesday, March 29th 4:00 pm
Village Board of Trustees Wednesday, April 6th 7:00 pm
Village President – Doug Jenco
• Thank you to all of the Village staff, Public Works, Police Department, and the Administration Department they do an outstanding job.
• Please keep Ukraine in your prayers; what is happening in their country is so sad.
• Please keep Trustee Ron Schmidt and wife Kay Schmidt in your prayers.
Other Business
No other business was conducted.
Public Comments
Members of the audience did not have public comments.
Closed Session
No closed session meeting was held.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Trustee Bertucci to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Schmidt seconded the motion. The Village Board all voted in favor of the motion. The motion carried.
http://www.villageofelwood.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03022022-666
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