Chambana Sun

Village of Mahomet Board of Trustees met September 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Members Present: Bruce Colravy, Dave Johnson, Andy Harpst, Don Lynn, Bill Oliger and Brian Metzger

Others Present: Village President Sean Widener, Village Administrator Patrick Brown, Village Clerk Cheryl Sproul, Village Treasurer Jeanne Schacht, Chief of Police Mike Metzler, Village Attorney Jim Evans, Joe Chamley of Evans, Froehlich, Beth and Chamley, Officer Tom Favot, Dan Waldinger Parks and Recreation Director, Christopher Darr and Fred Kroner editor of the Mahomet Citizen.

Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance/Roll Call

President Widener called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call was taken and a quorum was present.

Public Participation:

Christopher Darr, 1214 E. Windwood, stated as a resident of Mahomet and also a police officer, he wanted to comment about Mahomet’s Chief of Police. He stated he would have come sooner but he worked a shift that did not allow him to come to a meeting until now.

Darr stated, over a year ago he had to respond to the tragic incident that occurred in Mahomet and wanted to say how proud he was and how much respect he had for Chief Metzler. He stated that he has started his family here and that the residents of Mahomet should feel fortunate to have Chief Metzler with all his experience. He stated his experience was paramount in that situation and Darr stated Metzler should be an example for other Chiefs in the area.

Darr suggested the Board consider a Letter of Commendation or a Letter of Appreciation in Metzler’s file.

Darr stated he was so proud of Metzler and Metzler had been a mentor to him and just wanted to go on record to say Mahomet’s extremely fortunate to have him in the community.

Widener thanked Darr for his comments and stated the Board does appreciate Chief Metzler and agreed the community was fortunate to have him here.

Presentations:

Administration of Oath by Village President: (Tom Favot, Police Officer)

President Widener administered the oath to newly hired Police Officer Tom Favot. After the oath, Chief Metzler stated Favot had come from Parkland and believed he would be an asset to the Mahomet Police Department. Metzler stated he had taken Favot to the Jr. High and introduced him and reported that Favot would be working a day shift so he could meet more of the community. Metzler stated Favot had worked for Parkland for 5 years, currently lives in Champaign, but was planning on making the move to Mahomet.

Widener invited Favot to reach out to the Board if the need arose.

Ordinances, Resolutions and Other Actions:

Finance Department:

Treasurer’s Report:

Schacht reviewed expenditures and revenues and highlighted other portions of her prepared report. She stated that overall real estate taxes were $220,000 more than last year at this time.

Schacht added that the Village had received a refund that reduced the cost of the Special Census with the final cost being $78,209.

She stated that telecommunication tax was down but had been down for quite some time.

Brown stated the Village was probably starting to see some sales tax from the recent annexations.

Harpst moved, Metzger seconded, “To Place The Treasurer’s Report On The Consent Agenda For The Septemer 26, 2017 Board Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Bill List

She reviewed the additional bills and the large expenditures.

Lynn moved, Johnson seconded, “To Place The Bill List On The Consent Agenda For The September 26, 2017 Board Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

2017 Audit – Preliminary Discussion (Presentation Sept. 26th):

Schacht highlighted a few things for preliminary discussion. She stated the final audit would be presented at the Sept. 26 Board meeting and would be included in the Board packet. Schacht asked the Trustees to relay any questions or concerns they may have to her so she can answer them or pass them on to the auditors.

Schacht stated the audit contained a lot of good information, such as information on IMRF and the Police Pension as required by GASB. She added economic factors were also included, such as the EAV, tax rate, State shared revenue estimates as well as what is still owed to the Police Pension and IMRF that are listed as liabilities.

Widener asked how much was still needed for it to be fully funded. Schacht stated she did not expect these funds to ever be fully funded, but the Actuary stated the Mahomet was doing very well with the funding that has been done to date. Schacht stated these funds would always be a rolling amount, but in the future may level out as officers retire and others are hired.

Schacht stated the audit takes a lot of time and she wanted to make sure it was accurate.

Schacht stated no action from the Board was needed, she wanted to review a few things with the Board. She added that the auditor stated he would like the Village to purchase a Fixed Asset program. Schacht anticipated receiving the letter suggesting segregation of duties as has been received in the past, due to the small staff.

A Resolution Adopting a Tentative Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2017/2018: (Discussion)

Schacht stated this item was also for discussion only and added that this would be adopted in October.

Schacht reviewed the levy for last year. Schacht stated staff levies enough to make sure the village does not miss out on money.

She reviewed the funds that taxes are levied for and noted that she was required to file this with the County Clerk before the end of November. She stated she started seeking approval in October to make sure the deadline was met. She reviewed the process including a public hearing and then final approval of the Levy. She added that the Tax Levy was municipalities request to receive real estate taxes and the Appropriation Ordinances allows the Village to spend money.

Widener stated once the notice is out a lot of people think their taxes are going to go up 38%, but Trustees should refer them to Schacht for an explanation.

A Resolution Accepting the Annual Treasurer’s Report for Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2017:

Schacht stated she was required to publish the Annual Treasurer’s report in the newspaper and the report was required to include revenues, expenditures, and in detail.

She stated a chart had been included showing 10 years past.

Colravy moved, Harpst seconded, “To Place A Resolution Accepting The Annual Treasurer’s Report For Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2017 On The Consent Agenda For The September 26, 2017 Board Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Police/ESDA:

A Resolution Authorizing The Disposal Of Surplus Property (Police Department:

Chief Metzler stated staff was requesting to dispose of old squad car. He stated they would be using the same process as they had previously and would probably take it to the auction, since this was the easiest way to dispose of old squads.

Metzger moved, Lynn seconded, “To Place A Resolution Authorizing The Disposal Of Surplus Property (Police Department On The Consent Agenda For The September 26, 2017 Board Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Parks And Recreation:

A Resolution To Update The Park Use Agreement (Formerly Known As The Athletic Field Facility Use Agreement:

Waldinger stated the Facility Use agreement was reviewed annually, and amended as needed. He stated lately the trends have been people using public parks for profit. He stated he wanted to be proactive in amending the policy to address this possible issue.

He stated this would address someone renting the facility and using it for profit. He stated there are some unattractive annoyances that could happen and liability exposure to the Village by not having requirements to avoid or at least limit liability.

He stated the proposed changes were outlined in red. He directed them to page 8, which was the significant revision/addition. He stated this was more specific to this type of use. He stated it defines the expectations of the Village to help staff and Village keep things in check.

He identified a section on page 11 that addressed the fees associated with this type of rental.

He emphasized that this change was for commercial use only, and did not affect not-for-profit use. He stated he also identified the parks that were not suitable for this type of use.

Johnson asked if the certifications are required by State. Waldinger stated some of the required certification were to cover the Village, such as AED certification since the Village had to provide an AED. He added that First Aid training would make sure legitimate folks are using the facilities.

Waldinger stated these revisions were not meant to “step on toes” just to have standards, just as they have standards for the use of the ball fields.

Waldinger stated the reason for the odd ball fees was due to the percentage of increase in fees suggested by Widener some time ago.

Johnson asked how Food Trucks were addressed. Waldinger stated the Village has a process for permitting Food Trucks and they are handled through the permitting process. He stated he turned them over to Ken Buchanan, in Code Enforcement.

Oliger moved, Metzger seconded, “To Place A Resolution To Update The Park Use Agreement (Formally Known As The Athletic Field Facility Use Agreement On The Consent Agenda For The September 26, 2017 Board Agenda.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Administrator’s Report:

Resolution Approving A Development Agreement By And Between The Village Of Mahomet, Illinois (the “Village”) and 1000 Churchill , LLC (the “Owner”):

Brown stated the memo was distributed prior to the meeting, but had not been ready to put in the packet.

He reviewed the proposed development agreement. Brown noted the agreement was similar to the one used for Parkhill Enterprises 90+ acres.

Brown noted 1000 Churchill LLC consisted of the two new buildings being constructed on Churchill Road and addressed retail businesses.

Brown stated incentives are used to attract retail business which in turn generates more sales tax in comparison to service oriented businesses.

He stated the proposed agreement was different from the Parkhill Enterprises in that once the first retail business obtains an occupancy permit “the 5-year clock starts ticking”. He explained that the first one in has a 5 year “clock”, if another one moves in 6 months later, it has a 4 1⁄2 year “clock, and so.

Brown stated this helps the property owner recoup some of their upfront costs such as building roads, etc.

Widener stated each potential developer that comes to the Village with their proposals are different and individual agreements could be negotiated but must be approved by the Board.

Brown stated the 3rd building for 1000 Churchill LLC has its own “clock” and has been addressed separately.

Widener stated he was hoping this would get the message out that Mahomet is open for business and willing to negotiate.

Johnson moved, Harpst seconded, “To Place A Resolution Approving A Development Agreement By And Between The Village Of Mahomet, Illinois (The “Village”) AND 1000 Churchill , LLC (The “Owner”) On The Consent Agenda For The September 26, 2017 Board Of Trustees Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Departmental Reports:

Parks And Recreation:

Waldinger highlighted the Duck Race was awesome. He noted that it was the first time the ducks sold out and the winner of the $500 donated the money back to be divided among the USRC, Parks and Recreation and the Lions Club. He noted the weather was perfect.

Police/ESDA:

Brown stated now that the department was back up to full staff, the increase in numbers of activity on the report reflected more officers on the street.

Mayor’s Report:

September Meeting Calendar:

Widener stated more information would be forthcoming regarding the dedication of Mahomet’s history. He stated it would be held on September 30th and encouraged everyone to come.

Widener stated he and Brown would be attending the IML Conference. Dave Johnson stated he had planned but due to circumstances he could not go.

New Business:

Harpst stated he had seen activity in the area behind Cook’s Auto Body and asked if anyone knew what it was. Brown stated the property was owned by Warners in Rantoul and he had been told it was storage units.

Colravy reported on the River Clean up stating there were 40 volunteers. They found 25 tires, a car door, a television and fire extinguishers besides a lot of other trash.

He said it was a little discouraging to see that much debris thrown into the river but heartwarming to see the number of volunteers that turned out to help. He said they served Mahomet IGA fried chicken and the macc and cheese was a bit hit with the kids.

Adjournment:

Metzger moved, Lynn seconded, “To Adjourn at 6:57 p.m.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

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