Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Finance Committee met Aug. 31.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The finance committee met at 4:30 p.m., in the council chambers at City Hall. Present: Chairman Vanbruwaene, Alderperson Sharp, Alderperson Braun, Alderperson Connor, Mayor Hughes, Office Manager Passage, Superintendent Sutherland

Chairman Vanbruwaene called the meeting to order 4:30 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment

PURPOSE

Chestnut Well – Superintendent Sutherland explained that the cost for the well improvement was going to exceed the amount approved. The amount currently approved for the improvement is $30,000.00. The amount spent thru July 2022 is $3,513.49. He explained that there will be the following additional expenses: $24,000.00 GA Rich; $10,320.97 Britton; $1,000.00 for chemicals. With the additional expenses the amount spent will go over the amount approved by approximately $8,835.00. A discussion ensued. After discussion the consensus of the committee was to bring a request of and additional expense of $10,000.00 for Chestnut well improvement to the city council for approval. A discussion was held regarding the old Santa Fe well improvement regarding moving forward or delaying the project. Superintendent Sutherland advised the committee that parts have already been ordered and we should remain committed to the project. The committee concurred with the Superintendent.

Ordinance – Elected Officials Salaries – Chairman Vanbruwaene stated that it has been quite some time since the Alderpersons salaries have been increased and the current salary for Alderpersons is $150 per council meeting and $75 per special meeting. Office Manager Passage explained that the compensation for elected officers must be fixed 180 or more days prior to the date when such officials take office. Chairman Vanbruwaene proposed the following:

Increase is Alderpersons compensation

$200/meeting ($100/special)

Chairs of council committees receive an additional $50/meeting

A discussion ensued regarding the addition of additional compensation for Chairmanship. Chairman Vanbruwaene explained that adding additional compensation to chair a council committee may encourage Alderpersons to take that role. Alderperson Sharp suggested only $25 per meeting. Alderperson Connor stated that it could be beneficial for all to have a stipend for being a Chairman. She also agreed it has been a long time since Alderpersons compensation increased and suggested the increase may entice others to be interested in serving the community. Alderperson Braun stated he was fine either way. Mayor Hughes agreed alderpersons compensation should increase, however; he did not feel adding compensation for being a chair of a council committee would be in the best interest. After discussion, the consensus of the committee was to bring the original proposal Chairman Vanbruwaene proposed to council and refer to the attorney to draft the ordinance necessary to change the compensation.

GFL Environment – Garbage – Chairman Vanbruwaene explained that he has taken one item needed as consideration is being given to the city billing for garbage was to determine the number of residential customers. He stated that after examining the water billing information there are approximately 2286 residential customers. He requested that this subject be placed on the next finance meeting for further discussion as this topic will need more information and analysis. Alderperson Braun suggested that the city also consider looking for another vendor to provide service. The consensus of the committee was to place this topic on the September 14 finance meeting.

New Business - Nothing

OLD BUSINESS – Nothing to report

SUMMARY

Council Agenda Items – Refer to Attorney - Ordinance Elected Officials Salaries

Additional Funding – Chestnut Well

Chairperson Actions – Nothing

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m.

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/08.31.22%20finance%20min.pdf