Peoria Standard

Village of Swansea Committee of the Whole met Dec. 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Attendees: Board President Leopold, Trustees Lanter, McDonald, McGuire, Neumeyer, & Parker, & Wells, Treasurer John Walter, Police Department (PD) Chief Steven Johnson, Director of Public Works Rick Tucker, Building and Zoning (B&Z) Director Dallas Alley, Administrator Benjamin Schloesser, Park Board Chairman Mike Koeneman, Clerk Lauren O'Neill, other community members. Absent: Fire Department Chief Chris Tell.

Motions: Trustees are presented with the individual that made the motion, followed by the person seconding the motion. Votes: Unless noted otherwise, votes are obtained by voice vote (roll call vote involves each voter stating their name and vote) and all votes are aye. Content of meeting is presented within the marks “***”.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - Meeting not held

MINUTES of COMMITTEE MEETINGS – December 2, 2019 at 1444 Boul Avenue, Swansea, IL 62226 from 6:00 to 6:43 PM

Co-Chairpersons: Trustees Neumeyer & McDonald Members: Trustees Lanter, McGuire, Well

FINANCE COMMITTEE - Held from 6:00 to 6:24 pm

Chairperson: Trustee Lanter Members: Trustees McGuire, Neumeyer, Parker, Wells

1. Tax Levy – Two handouts were reviewed presenting two different proposed tax levy scenarios. Scenario A was described as completing Phase 2 of the PD Build Out (Bathrooms), while Scenario B would complete Phase 2 and Phase 3 (Sally Port) of the PD Build Out, requiring borrowing of funds for the PD construction. The median value of a home in Swansea is $162,300. Both scenarios would require a public hearing. Scenario A involves an 8.4% tax rate increase ($36.70 increase based on medium home value). Scenario B involves an 11.59% tax increase ($50.64 increase based on the medium home value) PD pension draws are significant impacts to the budget and recent retirements involve draws at higher rates. There are 4 more years to pay on the FD bonds (i.e. 4 years until the firehouse is paid off). Bond and interest on the firehouse are currently budgeted at $244,041. It was stated that waiting until the firehouse is paid off might be appropriate before proceeding with the PD Phase 3 work. There was also concern expressed that property taxes would not go down (remain unchanged or go up) after the completion of the PD building upgrade. Additional uncertainties regarding various budget items were discussed. The $250K estimated cost of the Phase 2 (Bathrooms) is expected to be offset by $100K of State funds. Although the Village expects the state funds to occur after May 2020, the Village must be ready with a shovel ready project, which would be the Phase 2 (Bathrooms). Uncertainty regarding the cost of the Sally Port relate to the absence of engineering drawings for the project, as well as potential location issues and other items that could increase the Phase 3 costs. About 26-27 acres of the new Clinton Hills park have been planted in clover to reduce grass cutting area and the Village is utilizing some volunteer grass cutting hours. Nonetheless, there is a potential of increasing maintenance costs for the parks and other facility infrastructures of the Village. A potential major proposed income producing development is not expected to be in place in time to produce measurable revenues this year or next year for the Village. Additionally, revenues from future potential cannabis dispensaries/cultivation centers that might locate within Swansea in the future also would not increase revenues this year in any measurable level. Concern was expressed regarding the proposed tax increases. Both scenarios used the same projected additional EAV from building permits of $1,239,688.00 and projected 2019 Rate Setting EAV of $277,091,532.00. Disabled Veteran’s Exemptions impacting Swansea revenues were reviewed. A handout was shared showing the changes over time in the exemptions (in 2016 the exemption total was $9,809,764, while in 2019 the total Disabled Veteran’s exemption is expected to be $16,436.950). New construction permits were also reviewed ($1,240,700 in 2016, $936,185 in 2017, $1,105,623 in 2018, and $1,239,688 for 2019). It was suggested that a motion should be made to forward Scenario A to the Board. With Scenario A it was suggested that the Village could borrow funds from another account, pushing back the borrow date should a line of credit be required to support the Phase 2 construction cost. The available line of credit was discussed. Motion to forward the Tax Levy of Scenario A to the Board: Wells. Neumeyer. Swansea Finance Manger Emily Voellinger was thanked for preparing the handouts and Lanter was thanked for his review of them and presenting them to the members. It is the intent of the Swansea Board of Trustees to set the final levies by ordinance on 12/18/19. The proposed Tax Levy amounts will be announced at this evening’s Board meeting.

2. Memo Budget Process with Project Timeline for FY21 Budget – The memo from Emily Voellinger of 11/26/19 was noted as being in the packet and providing the timeline for the FY21 Budget. The budget will be updated using actual data to project revenues/expenses in the months leading up to the first meeting in March 2020 when the draft budget will be on the agenda. On 3/6/20 (at least one week before the public hearing (to be held 3/16/19 5:45 pm to hear public comments/questions) notice of the proposed public hearing will be published. The tentative budget will be at the Village Hall at 8:30 am on 3/5/19 (within 7 days of making tentative budget available, the public hearing must be held). At the 4/6/20 Board Meeting the final FY2021 Budget will be voted on/adopted.

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - Held from 6:24 to 6:27 pm

Chairperson: Trustee Wells Members: Trustees McDonald, McGuire, Neumeyer, Parker

1. Discussion Item of Updates To Code Of Ordinances Book - It was noted that there is no new information at this time. Although there is a potential that written quote information may be available for the next meeting, it was requested that the item be returned to the agenda for the January meeting. There were no objections.

2. Ordinance Draft: An Ordinance Amending Section 154.079 (C) – Special Uses In HB Highway Business To Allow Cannabis Dispensaries, Section 154.081 (C) – Special Uses In LI Light Industrial, And Section 154.082 (C) – Special Uses In HI Heavy Industrial To Allow Cannabis Cultivation Centers – It was reviewed that this item was forwarded to the Board at the last meeting.

3. Non-Agenda Item: At the next meeting, it was suggested that the agenda will be light and Department Heads will be encouraged to provide their reports in advance in writing for the packets. It was suggested that the next meeting on 12/16/19, the Committee Meeting should be accomplished in half an hour, allowing for the Board meeting to begin at 6:30 pm (instead of 7 pm) for this particular meeting. There were no objections. The information regarding the timing of this meeting will be advertised at the Village Administration building and on the website.

4. Motion to Adjourn – Wells, McGuire

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Held from 6:27 to 6:37 pm

Chairperson: Trustee McDonald Members: Trustees Parker, McGuire, Neumeyer, Wells

1. Discussion Erb Business District – The owner that wanted to attend the meeting was unable to attend this evening. It was requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the first or the second meeting in January 2020, depending on the availability of the owner/representative.

2. Discussion Disc Golf – While this item will be provided to the Park Board to review and make recommendations, this topic is being brought to the members’ attention to determine whether there were any objections to potentially designing/installing in the southeast corner (potentially on 6-7 acres) a competition disc golf facility that might cost for design and equipment $15K - $20K. It was noted that potentially sponsorships could be pursued with participating resident/business sponsors having their name on the various 18-hole basket signs for a certain amount of time. It was reviewed that the competitive disc golf facility might be used 1 day/night a week, with residents also enjoying the course whether in competitive or non-competitive play. The maintenance for the facility was noted as being limited, as the proposed stainless steel, powder coated equipment has about a 20-year life. The installation would not interrupt the use of the park trails and other green space by residents and visitors. Swansea’s direct revenues from the venture would be limited. The Fletcher’s restaurant might have increased patronage that might result in some added indirect increases in revenues to the Village. Trustees were requested to share any ideas they might have regarding the topic with the Park Board Chairman. The next Park Board meeting is on 12/14/19.

3. Discussion Mel Price Park Landscaping Fund Raising – This topic was noted as being provided for information purposes only. This item will be provided to the Park Board to review. The area of the new trail and fitness facilities needs landscaping. In the Spring of 2020, landscaping/trees are needed for the area. A fundraising project might support the trees/landscaping costs. The install and maintenance costs could be projected and supported by donations for a memorial or other fundraising project/program for the area. Trustees could provide any suggestions that they might have to the Park Board.

4. Motion to Adjourn – Wells, McDonald

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE - Held from 6:37 to 6:41 pm

Chairperson: Trustee Parker Members: Trustees McDonald, Neumeyer, Lanter, Wells

1. Discuss Police Build Out – It was reviewed that the subject was discussed during this evening’s Finance Committee meeting. Dan and Dallas were thanked for their support of the process for the PD communication center.

2. Non-Agenda Item – Concerns were expressed that the recent sirens in Swansea provided alarms after the storm had passed the area. It was reviewed that Swansea’s sirens/alarms are automatically issued based on the St. Clair County wide alerts, which are based on the National Weather System. More specific systems would require significant upgrades/investments that could cost $50K- $70K. Dallas will draft a letter to the St. Clair County to see if improved warning/reporting is possible and to obtain answers to applicable questions. The Mayor will review and sign the letter.

3. Motion to Adjourn – Wells, Neumeyer

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE - Held from 6:41 to 6:42 pm

Chairperson: Trustee McGuire Members: Trustees Lanter, McDonald, Neumeyer, Wells

1. Resolution Draft: A Resolution Accepting The Price Quotation Submitted By Aqua-Aerobic Systems Inc., 6306 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park, Il, 61111, For Seventy-Two (72) Cloth Media Filters And Related Hardware For Replacement Of The Existing Filters At The Swansea Wastewater Treatment Plant, At A Total Price of $19,345.24 – While the refurbishment costs are about $19K, replacing the items with new equipment is estimated to cost about $100K. The life expectancy of the item in question has been exceeded and the plan is to rehab/rebuild 1 of the 4 items per year to support operations. It was a noted that the equipment is critical to the plant operations. Motion to forward this item to the Board – Neumeyer, Wells.

2. Motion to Adjourn – Neumeyer, Wells

CULTURAL COMMITTEE - Meeting not held

Chairperson: Trustee Wells Members: Trustees Lanter, McGuire, Neumeyer, Parker

SWANSEA REPORT COMMITTEE - Held from 6:42 to 6:43 pm

Chairperson: Trustee Neumeyer Members: Trustees Lanter, McGuire, Parker, Wells

1. Swansea Report Discussion Proposed Move Printing to Odd Months beginning in January 2020. This change is expected to better align with content needs. There were no objections.

2. Non-Agenda Item: It was noted that the Village’s Christmas/Holiday fund is being managed by Christina, and donations can be provided to her attention.

3. Motion to Adjourn – Neumeyer, Lanter

http://www.swanseail.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1222