Village of Niles Finance Committee met Aug. 19.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Call To Order
Chairman George Alpogianis called the meeting to order at 10:12 am.
Roll Call
Chairman George Alpogianis called the roll for Committee Members:
Committee Members Present: Chairman George D. Alpogianis, George Van Geem, Alan Weel
Committee Members Absent: Jack Drexler, Joseph Ori
Others Present: Mayor Andrew Przybylo, Village Manager Steve Vinezeano, Interim Finance Director Ed McKee, Assistant Finance Director Laurie Nannini, Assistant to the Village Manager Kathy Thake, Director of Economic Development John Melaniphy, Interim Deputy Finance Director Charles Howard, Budget Analyst Conor Schultz, Administrative Assistant Joy Athanasiou
Old Business
Review Small Business Loan Program
Staff reached out to three local banks as directed. None of the three local banks submitted a proposal for the loan program. The Committee was presented with the proposal from Northbrook Bank & Trust, part of Wintrust Financial Corporation.
The Small Business Loan Program was supported by the Committee. A motion was made by Al Weel, seconded by George Van Geem, to recommend this Loan Program to the Village Board of Trustees at the August board meeting. On roll call, all concurred.
Approval of Minutes
The regular minutes from the June 30, 2020 and July 15, 2020 Finance Committee meeting were presented for approval. A motion was made and all concurred.
Accounts Payable Approval
The Accounts Payable registers for 2020- 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/25, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14 were presented for approval. A motion was made and all concurred.
New Business
Water Account Adjustment Request
Resident Emmanuel Oshana requested financial relief with regard to a very high water bill he received after the new meter was installed at his home. The bill reflected actual water usage over an extended period of time. He took full responsibility for not reporting any meter readings since 2015. He also felt the Village was partially responsible by not obtaining an actual meter reading for 5 years.
Mr. Oshana requested a $500 adjustment to his water account, which is the maximum adjustment allowed. The Committee felt it was a reasonable request and was in favor of relief assistance. On roll call, all concurred.
Graziano’s TIF Application
John Melaniphy stated that Graziano’s was requesting reimbursement of TIF Funds for a public sidewalk they installed along Touhy Avenue in front of their location. Due to the pandemic, they installed an outdoor seating area to serve customers. A public sidewalk was also installed to access the patio area. Graziano’s received approval from Village Engineer, Tom Powers, prior to installation. The total cost was $6,100. The Committee supported the reimbursement. Al Weel made a motion, seconded by George Van Geem, to recommend approval of TIF assistance to Graziano’s. On roll call, all concurred.
Finance Committee
Milwaukee/Touhy TIF Closure
Conor Schultz informed the Committee that the Milwaukee/Touhy TIF will close December 2020. He presented a letter that will be sent to all taxing districts within the TIF district, notifying them of the closure. George Van Geem asked what the increment of levy will be and suggested staff have that information available. He also suggested the Village evaluate using the tax increment from the TIF to address pension liabilities. The Committee was in favor. On roll call, all concurred.
Water Utility Update
Ed Mckee updated the Committee on outstanding water accounts and the water meter replacement status. Ed stated there are over 480 accounts that have not made a payment on their account in 180 days or more. He said this number is higher than it should be. He suggested sending certified letters to begin the shut off process.
Ed also stated there are about 300 residents that have not responded to requirements to have their water meter replaced. Ed recommended taking a firmer approach to have the meters changed. George Van Geem mentioned his concerns for safety with COVID. Staff and other Committee members felt the company installing the meters would have strict COVID procedures in place and staff should take a firmer stance. Steve Vinezeano stated there is an ordinance going to the board this Tuesday to levy fines for those not allowing meter change.
Ed stated he will advise the new Finance Director on the water related issues. The Committee agreed that the Village has a duty to collect amounts from delinquent customers and was comfortable with staff taking a firmer stance to collect the money owed. The Committee also wanted water meters replaced as long as COVID safety measures were in place. On roll call, all concurred.
2020 Property Tax Levy Discussion
Ed Mckee asked the Committee if they would like to continue with the 4.9% property tax levy. George Van Geem suggested using the TIF fund increment to increase the Village’s contributions to the pension funds.
Other Business
New Finance Director Announcement
Steve Vinezeano announced that Kent Oliven accepted the position as Finance Director. His first day of work will be August 31st.
Chick-Fil-A 7B Tax Levy
John Melaniphy asked the Committee to reconsider the 7B tax levy for the Chick-Fil-A location on Touhy Avenue. The Committee suggested it be added to a future agenda.
Public Comments
None
Executive Session
None
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made at 11:13 am and all concurred.
https://www.vniles.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08192020-1971
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