Chambana Sun

City of Danville City Council met Nov. 5

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

#1....THE REGULAR MEETING of the City Council of the City of Danville was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. at the Robert E. Jones Municipal Building, 17 W Main Street, Danville, Illinois.

THE ROLL CALL was answered by Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr., Vice Mayor Tricia Teague, Aldermen Bob Iverson, Eve Ludwig, Mike O’Kane, James Poshard, Mike Puhr, Rick Strebing, Carolyn Wands, Robert Williams, Heidi Wilson, and Darren York. Aldermen Ed Butler, Jon Cooper, and Sherry Pickering were absent. A quorum was present. Alderman Butler arrived at 6:40 p.m.

Staff Members Present: City Clerk Lisa Monson, Community Relations Administrator Rheanna Ollis, Comptroller Alyssa Sweeten, Corporation Counsel Leon Parker, Acting Engineer Eric Childers, Human Relations Administrator Sandra Finch, IT Chief Technology Officer Agnel DSilva, IT Administrator Cody Shadley, Police Chief Chris Yates, HR & Risk Manager Kathy Courson, Public Transportation Director Steve White, Public Works Director Dave Ruwe, and Treasurer Chris Heeren.

There were 9 audience members and 2 news media in attendance.

#2....INVOCATION was given by Rev. Jason Henton, Pastor, Israel of God’s Church, followed by

#3....THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Strebing.

#4....THE MINUTES of the regular meeting held, October 15, 2024, having been published and distributed, were presented. Alderman Wilson moved for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Poshard. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#5....THE AGENDA for the evening was presented. Mayor Williams announced Item 11R should be “Danville Police Command Association” instead of “PB&PA Unit #11”. Alderman Ludwig moved for approval as amended, seconded by Alderman York. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

#6….MAYOR’S REPORT

#6-A…Proclamations – none presented.

#6-B…Board/Committee/Personnel Appointments

• Appoint Assistant Engineer Eric Childers to Acting City Engineer

Chairman Puhr moved to concur with the appointment of Eric Childers as Acting City Engineer, seconded by Chairman Strebing. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. Mayor Williams voiced appreciation to Mr. Childers and shared he is a guy that likes to go in and solve problems and get work done behind the scenes. We appreciate your leadership during this interim and for everything that you've already done and that you will do to help guide us through. Acting Engineer Childers thanked Mayor Williams.

#6-C…Reports of Boards, Agencies, Commissions

Administrator Finch shared the applications for the Martin Luther King Scholarship have opened. The application is due Friday, December 6, 2024. She was pleased to announce the scholarship amount has increased from $4,000 to $6,000, so hopefully we will get a lot of applications.

#6-D... Items of Information

• Presentation by Golden Nugget

Mayor Williams stated he is pleased to have Jimmy Wilmot and his team from The Golden Nugget, Danville to give an Economic Impact Presentation and update on the casino’s first year in operation.

Jimmy Wilmot, Vice President, Gaming with Wilmorite spoke regarding the timeline to today and voiced appreciation to everyone for the support and the trust placed in their company and family. He highlighted the following information:

▪ Final negotiations took place in July and August 2020 to get us approved by the city.

▪ The next step was to get approval by the state, which was a painful but thorough review by the Illinois State Gaming Commission and several of their agencies to finally get our determination of initial suitability in March of 2022. We committed that within 30 days we would be underway. I think we were pushing dirt around the property about seven days later and had our official groundbreaking ceremony in April of 2022.

▪ The formal construction took about a year and training of our staff lagged a little bit, but we were proud about 30 days after that we had our temporary operating permit and continued to expand our hours over the next few months.

▪ The final hours were approved at the beginning of August 2023, so we have a little over a year underneath us.

▪ First-Year Anniversary, Community Celebration took place September 12, 2024 and we were happy to have some of you folks out with us to see the property and to celebrate the wins that we've had over this time period.

▪ Jahnae Erpenbach, General Manager of Golden Nugget Danville, provided information to touch on the successes of the first year. She highlighted some of the achievements and talked about how they have done some things and not only impacted our business, but also our community, our residents, our employees, our local partners and the broader regional economy overall. Since opening we have made $3,250,000 in one time and annual contributions to the local community organizations set forth by our host agreement that has been made at the onset, we contributed $1,000,000 to the Danville Boys and Girls Club. Another $1,000,000 to the Danville Riverfront development, and we've now dedicated another million for the Danville municipal improvements. We make regular quarterly donations to the Fischer Theater, the United Way, DACC, Vermilion Advantage, and into the city for safety initiatives.

▪ We enlisted the Danville Police Department to supply Auxiliary Police Officers, and we've invested over $84,000 in that safety program for our team and for our guests.

▪ A new monthly program was launched to start to drive funds for local charities and already we have benefited Vermillion County Humane Society. Also, the local American Legion and the Eastern Illinois Food Bank. And we've just gotten started for the year, so our dedication to creating a safe and vibrant and thriving community is central to our mission. Our very facility was built on local foundation during the construction we employed over 300 individuals coming out of local and regional union halls.

▪ Between Wilmorite and our subcontractors, we paid roughly $15,000,000 to these folks over 12 months to build the Golden Nugget in Danville. We also awarded over $17 million in state contracts during the construction project.

▪ After opening, $420,000 has been contributed to Danville suppliers. We are going to have our first Golden Nugget vendor fair in cooperation with Vermillion Advantage on December 13, 2024.

▪ Golden Nugget continues to partner with local suppliers while actively working to meet the state purchasing requirements. They give us purchasing targets and those targets are 30% from minority owned businesses, 5% from veteran owned businesses, and 15% from women owned businesses.

▪ There have been 358,210 guests to the Golden Nugget Danville with more than half visiting from out of state, and we promised that we would drive Indiana dollars to Illinois, and this metric proves it.

▪ The workforce is roughly 250 team members strong with over half residing in Danville and 80% living within 25 miles. Over 50% of our team members are female and 43% of our leaders are women and more than 30% of our team members are minorities, which surpasses our commitment to diversity in our workforce.

▪ Julie Wise, Casino Controller, shared information about workforce development and total dollars that we've spent. Our average cost of wages and benefits per month is about $980,000, which roughly equates to $47,000 per employee per year. We currently have 51 candidates that have been identified for hire and are in the licensing process, which is a long process required by the state. We also do a lot of individual training for our team members, it's department-based, but we do a lot of property based as well.

As mentioned, 72% of our team members are local Vermilion County workers who receive $8 million annually in wages and benefits. Attempted to hire just under 1,000 local candidates since opening and 424 or 42% were successfully licensed with 11 out of 13 senior leaders relocating to the local area, including myself. We have affordable medical coverage plans, employer-based health savings accounts, multiple options for dental and vision coverage, paid life insurance, a matching 401K, and we offer shortand long-term disability. The total Golden Nugget Danville Economic Impact is $54,473,410.

▪ Jahnae Erpenbach spoke about looking forward. The Golden Nugget is dedicated to adding and expanding our programs and our offerings that will elevate the guest experience, strengthen our community ties and foster a wonderful workplace culture. We believe that a thriving community is built on strong partnerships and our active engagement, our commitment to Danville goes way beyond just providing good entertainment for the visitor. Our commitment to Danville goes beyond that to an integral part of our community. Through ongoing collaboration and direct involvement with local organizations, we want to make a positive impact that resonates, resonates way beyond our casino walls. We will support local events and contribute to community initiatives. We will work alongside businesses and nonprofits, foster economic development, enhance local resources, and create opportunities for our neighbors. Our goal is to be a trusted Danville partner.

Mayor Williams voiced appreciation to Mr. Wilmot, Ms. Erpenbach, and Ms. Wise for the presentation.

#7 AUDIENCE COMMENTS

Gloria Bolden of Danville voiced concern that her yard waste is not being completely emptied when the city picks up her yard waste. She has called the city when this happens and the city comes back and picks it up, but she would like a solution for the city to pick it up all at once. Mayor Williams stated he will have someone from his team follow up with her tomorrow.

#8 ZONING PETITIONS – none presented.

#9)…PAYROLLS

Mayor Williams presented the Payrolls, having been published, posted, and distributed, for October 18, 2024, of $727,243.88, for October 25, 2024, of $98,141.53, and November 1, 2024, of $725,081.22. Alderman Wilson moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague.

There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Williams, York, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#10…SCHEDULE OF VOUCHERS PAYABLE

Mayor Williams presented the Schedule of Vouchers Payable, having been published, posted, and distributed for special run October 21, 2024 of $72,790.59, for October 22, 2024 of $604,299.35, for special run October 25, 2024 of $58,922.00, for special run October 28, 2024 of $895,466.32, and for November 5, 2024 of $2,697,898.27. Alderman Ludwig moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as presented, seconded by Alderman Wilson. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen York, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11)…PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT

#11-A) Chairman Strebing presented ORDINANCE NO. 9507 Enacting and Adopting Supplement S-61 to the Code of Ordinances including Ordinance No. 9440, passed July 18, 2023, through Ordinance No. 9478, passed May 2, 2024, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman York. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

Chairman Strebing presented Items B, C, D, and E for a single vote, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as recommended by Committee. There being no objections, Vice Mayor Teague seconded.

Those items being:

#11-B) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-138 Approving Application to FEMA 2024 BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) Grant estimated amount not to exceed $525,000 with a FEMA 25% match from the City not to exceed $131,250, to replace Portable Hand-Held Radio System and Base Radio System with P25 Compliant Radios; and

#11-C) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-139 Approving Application to Norfolk Southern Community Grant of up to $15,000 with funding for the purchase of three multiple unmanned remote ground monitors; and

#11-D) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-140 Approving Application to Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation for $10,000 with funding to implement the Certified On-Line “Blue Card” Hazard Mitigation Training Program; and

#11-E) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-141 Approving Application to Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for Renovations to the Fire Fighting Training Tower.

There being no questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11-F) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-142 Authorizing the Purchase of Police Department Vehicle 2022 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor VIN#1FM5K8ABXNGC36163 and to be purchased from line item 001-021-00-55015 (Vehicles) in the amount of $35,000 and Capital Improvement Fund line item 302-302-00-55015, with $5,000 trade-in to reduce cost to $30,000 and Disposal of Unused Vehicle 2019 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor VIN #1FM5K8AT4KGA12262, moved to dispense with the reading, and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman York. There being no questions or discussion, the roll call being:

Ayes: Aldermen Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11-G) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-143 Authorizing the Purchase of Surveillance Cameras to purchase 8 cameras including mounting accessories, parts, server upgrades and equipment installation, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman Wilson. After all questions were addressed, the roll call being:

Ayes: Aldermen Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wilson

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11-H) Chairman Strebing presented the Treasurer’s Report for June 2023 and July 2023, moved to accept and place on file as recommended by committee, seconded by Vice Mayor Teague. The reports as follows: June 2023: Statement of Cash Position Beginning Balance $67,760,791.03, Revenues of $6,074,998.55, Expenditures of $7,534,354.82 with Unexpended Balance of $66,301,434.76 and July 2023: Statement of Cash Position Beginning Balance $66,060,184.78, Revenues of $9,403,066.82, Expenditures of $6,077,306.89 with Unexpended Balance of $69,385,944.71. There being no questions, on the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered.

Chairman Strebing presented Items I to Q together. There being no objections, Chairman Strebing moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval not recommended by Committee, seconded by Alderman York. Those items being:

#11-I) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-144 Authorizing an Agreement for Group Health Insurance with BC/BS of Illinois through Epic Insurance Brokers and Consultants for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025; and

#11-J) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-145 Authorizing an Incentive to Employees to Lower Utilization and Monthly Health Insurance Premiums Paid by the City of Danville for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025; and

#11-K) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-146 Authorizing an Agreement for Health Insurance for Medicare Part B Eligible Retirees with Health Alliance through Epic Insurance Brokers and Consultants for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025; and

#11-L) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-147 Authorizing Agreement for Flexible Spending, Dependent Care Assistance and Cobra Compliance Administration with ISolved through Epic Insurance Brokers and Consultants for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025; and

#11-M) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-148 Authorizing a Two-Year Agreement for Voluntary Dental with Met Life through Epic Brokers and Consultants for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026; and 

#11-N) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-149 Authorizing a Two-Year Agreement for Group Term and Voluntary Life Insurance with Met Life through Epic Insurance Brokers and Consultants for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026; and

#11-O) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-150 Authorizing a Two-Year Agreement for Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance with Met Life through Epic Brokers and Consultants for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026; and

#11-P) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-151 Authorizing a Two-Year Agreement for Voluntary Vision Insurance with Met Life through Epic Insurance Brokers and Consultants for the period of January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026; and

#11-Q) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-152 Authorizing an Agreement for Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) through Loman-Ray Insurance Group LLC, Insurance for the period of December 1, 2024 to December 1, 2025.

Vice Mayor Teague questioned the estimated savings as a result of the spousal incentive. Manager Courson stated the utilization is something we can't track because we are not privy to the information of what the utilization is on their employer plans, but the premium savings typically runs around $600,000 a year. There being no further questions or discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wilson, Wands

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

After the vote, Chairman Strebing voiced appreciation to Manager Courson for all of her hard work. Manager Courson stated Don Carless and Pat Riley are present this evening from Epic. They are our brokers and they're the ones who were instrumental in getting that rate from Blue Cross Blue Shield because the original quote was 36.6% and they got it down to 27%. So even though it's shocking to be happy at 27%, it is still much better than 36.6%.

#11-R) Chairman Strebing presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-153 Authorizing Collective Bargaining Agreement with Danville Police Command Association for the period of May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2028, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval, without recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman York.

Alderman Ludwig stated a scrivener’s error in Section 12.1 where the word “offices” should be “officers”. There being no questions or further discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wilson, Wands, Poshard

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Butler, Cooper, Pickering

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#11-S) Items of Information – none presented.

#12)…PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT

Chairman Puhr presented Items A to E for a single vote, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as recommended by Public Services Committee. There being no objections, Alderman Wilson seconded. Those items being:

#12-A) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-154 Appropriating MFT Funds for Agreement for Planning Services for Danville Freight Study as the Motor Fuel Tax funded project, Section Number 18-00357-00-SP, exceeded the originally approved amount by $35,000.00, and a resolution is needed to approve and reconcile fund balances with the Illinois Department of Transportation; and

#12-B) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-155 Appropriating MFT Funds for Borgen Drive and Borgen Place as the Motor Fuel Tax funded project, Section Number 09-00336-00-PV, exceeded the originally approved amount by $105,000.00, and a resolution is needed to approve and reconcile fund balances with the Illinois Department of Transportation; and

#12-C) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-156 Appropriating MFT Funds for Engineering Agreement for Bowman Avenue as the Motor Fuel Tax funded project, Section Number 09-00334-02-PV, exceeded the originally approved amount by $105,000.00, and a resolution is needed to approve and reconcile fund balances with the Illinois Department of Transportation; and 

#12-D) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-157 Appropriating MFT Funds for English and Jackson Intersection Improvements as the Motor Fuel Tax funded project, Section Number 12-00348-01-BT, exceeded the originally approved amount by $16,000.00, and a resolution is needed to approve and reconcile fund balances with the Illinois Department of Transportation; and

#12-E) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-158 Appropriating MFT Funds for General Maintenance Motor Fuel Tax funded project, Section Number 19-00000-00-GM, needs to be approved in the amount $10,000.00, and a resolution is needed to approve and reconcile fund balances with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

There being no questions or discussion, the roll call being:

Ayes: Aldermen Iverson, Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Pickering, Cooper, Butler

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

#12-F) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-159 Approving the Purchase and Installation of Replacement Light Poles from Champaign Signal and Lighting in the amount of $36,000 from line item 001-031-00-53008 (Materials to Maintain Boulevard Lights), moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by Public Services Committee, seconded by Alderman Strebing. There being no questions of discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Puhr, Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Pickering, Cooper, Butler

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

Chairman Puhr presented Items G and H together, moved to dispense with the readings and asked for approval as recommended by the Public Services Committee. There being no objections, Alderman Strebing seconded.

Those items being:

#12-G) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-160 Budget Amendment Amending Resolution 2024-123 Purchase of 2024 Automated Refuse Truck to pay from line item 405-405-00-55016 (Other Equipment ) in the amount of $384,527.00; and

#12-H) RESOLUTION NO. 2024-161 Budget Amendment Amending Resolution 2023-160 Purchase of Parks Dump Truck to be paid from line item 302-302-00-55015 (Vehicles) in the amount of $86,995.00.

There being no questions of discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Strebing, Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr

Nays: None

Absent: Aldermen Pickering, Cooper, Butler

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 3 absent.

[Alderman Butler arrived at 6:40 p.m. during discussion of the next item and took his seat at the dais.]

#12-I) Chairman Puhr presented RESOLUTION NO. 2024-162 Authorizing Grant Application to U.S. EPA for the Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment Grant and partner with IEPA for Brownfield Grant Application, moved to dispense with the reading and asked for approval as recommended by committee, seconded by Alderman Ludwig. Alderman O'Kane questioned if we're just requesting money because we expect there's going to be things to go through and take care of or do we have any specific things in front of us right now. Director Ruwe responded we don't have anything specific at the moment. However, we know these sites exist. This is basically a grant to where we would have those funds available to us as those sites come up and we're able to do the research on the site, the testing and remediate as well with that with those dollars. Alderman O'Kane asked if we could use it on asbestos abatement on some of these houses and Director Ruwe responded he wasn’t for sure.

Mayor Williams stated he doesn’t believe so, because this is for environmental contamination that's in the soil.

There being no further questions of discussion, the roll call vote being:

Ayes: Aldermen Ludwig, Teague, Williams, York, Wilson, Wands, Poshard, O’Kane, Iverson, Puhr, Strebing

Nays: None

Abstention: Alderman Butler

Absent: Aldermen Pickering, Cooper

Motion carried 11 to 0 with 2 absent and 1 abstention.

#12-J) Items of Information – none presented.

#13) Presentation of 2025-2026 Budget and Discussion of 2024 Tax Levy

Mayor Williams commended Comptroller Sweeten and her team, particularly Deputy Comptroller Kristen Landis.

They have been doing a tremendous job closing out the 2023 audit and walking through the 2024 audit as well as completing the budget and the capital improvement plan at the same time. Comptroller Sweeten voiced appreciation to everyone for their patience and grace that you'll provide me as I get through this first round of budgets. She highlighted the following information:

• Total budget for all funds (net of department transfers) $71,780,424 with $37,158,984 coming from the General Fund and $46,079,706 coming from other funds less departmental transfers of ($11,458,266).

• General Fund – Contribution to Pension: Fire Pension – Fund 098 1) Actuary Contribution Recommendation $5,306,319; 2) Levy Abatement-PSPF ($1,880,757); 3) Levy Abatement-GF Contribution ($1,359,600). Police Pension – Fund 099 1) Actuary Contribution $4,893,356; 2) Levy Abatement-PSPF ($1,275,556); 3) Levy Abatement-GF ($960,400).

• General Fund Revenue Projection: $37,166,896; Total General Fund Departmental Revenue Projection: $5,270,896; Total General Fund Tax Revenue Projection: $31,896,000, which is a 3% decrease to tax revenues from current year projections. Influencing factors are 1) 11% reduction in Illinois State Use Tax; 2) Significant reduction in budgeted casino taxes: -13% Wagering Tax; -67% Admissions Tax; -135% Host Community Agreement; 3) 46% decrease in Illinois Corporate Replacement Tax (PPRT); and 4) Elimination of the Illinois Grocery Tax which is approximately 10% of the City’s monthly State Sales Tax revenue by the State of Illinois. When the tax was repealed, the option was provided to communities that they could then implement their own grocery tax to supplement the income that we were receiving for that sales tax. We are suggesting that we do that for ourselves to offset the loss of the State Sales Tax. Mayor Williams stated the way the state tax works is essentially they collect 1% on our groceries and then return it to us. That ends on 12/31/25. So, what we are proposing is implementing a local 1% grocery tax to be implemented January 2026. And for calculation purposes, if you spend $1,000 a month on groceries, then it would be $10 a month that you would pay and you would continue to pay in state sales tax. So, it would be about $120.00 a year if you spend $12,0000 a year in groceries. Comptroller Sweeten shared that's also money that doesn't have to be all Danville citizens, anyone who comes to town to buy groceries, that tax would be affecting them so it wouldn't only be Danville residents necessarily.

• Proposed Budget Enterprise Funds: Harrison Park Golf Course: $691,124; Storm and Sanitary Sewer: $8,283,167; Solid Waste: $3,358,942; and Municipal Pool: $360,802 for a total of $12,694,035.

• New Funds to the FY 2025-226 Budget: Fund 123 – 2 W. Main St. – City Hall; Fund 605: Opioid Settlement Fund; and Fund 714: Urban & Community Foresty Fund.

• Personnel & Staffing Related Items: It Support Specialist-Information Technology Division. The draft budget includes all City personnel receiving a 3% increase in FY25-26 unless otherwise indicated by collective bargaining agreement.

• Commercial Insurance Package – Funds: Net increase of 11% over 2024 rates. Worker’s Compensation: $1,094,976 and Liability: $11,199,103 for a total of $2,294,079.

• IMRF Benefits – All Funds: IMRF budgeted at 4% for FY 2024-2025; projected to be 4% for FY 2025-2026.

• Insurance Benefits – All Funds: Health Insurance: 27% increase over previous year used for budget purposes based on renewal rates for 2025. A 15% increase budgeted for January 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026. Added expense to the City of $1,056,000 based on current plan enrollment. Voluntary Life, Vision, and Dental – minimal changes. Offering short-term and long-term disability coverage at employee’s expense to supplement IMRF coverage.

• FY 25-26 Unique Budgetary Items: 1) Capital Improvement Plan created this year to be used a budgeting and planning tool. CIP will be available on the City website tomorrow. 2) As is the case every year, once the City goes through open enrollment, many of the budgets are subject to change as we budget on an individualized basis for group insurances. 3) LMFT – anticipated additional income of $5.9M over next 5 years. Payments totaling $1,385M due to Azavar over same time period.

• Local Motor Fuel Tax (LMFT): Comptroller Sweeten explained we are anticipating additional income of $5.9 million over the next five years, but in that process there will be a total of $1.38 million that we have to pay out to an outside service (Azavar) that located this deficiency for us. In the course of their looking at our records, the Azavar company found that we had not been implementing the local motor fuel tax correctly since its inception in 2009. It's supposed to be calculated that we would take the previous year's tax rate and we would add 2% of whatever that next year's motor fuel tax would be for the state. So, for example, in 2009, the Illinois motor fuel tax was $37.3 cents. According to the ordinance, we're supposed to be $5 cents + 2% of that 37.3 cents, which would be the .746 cents. So at the end of or beginning on 1/1/2009, we should have been charging 5.746 cents per gallon for the for the local motor fuel tax. At that point, it was only enforced at 3.7 three cents. And we've been under taxing ever since. This applies to gas and diesel where we've been shortchanging ourselves this entire time. According to ordinance for diesel, we should be charging 17.2 cents in diesel tax, and we're only charging 7.4 cents currently. For gas it should be 18.6 and we're charging 10.3. So Azavar identified this gap for us and part of that is we owe them a settlement or a portion of that finding for us on our behalf. But as of 11, we will be reverting back to be compliant with the original ordinance that was passed in 2008. And the gas tax will meet up to the expectation that it should have been to date. As I said previously, that will be a $5,000,000 increase in revenue, but we will have to pay that settlement to the third party that identified it for us.

• Capital Improvements Budget: There are several capital improvement projects scheduled and they are all built into the budget currently. It includes police cars, park improvements, and things that are important to us and these are the projects that we've been able to budget for next year and we've been able to fund. The capital improvement plan also shows the next three years of what is on the radar. Mayor Williams stated he is excited about working on a lot on our bridges. Also, getting some pump stations and major sewer improvements made. Park improvements include sealing up and resurfacing most of the courts throughout town, because that's how we keep them from deteriorating. We are going to be using some money received from the storm damage to take out all of the bad courts at Lincoln Park and replace those with two basketball courts and to the folks in Ward 6, especially those who live in the Legion Land neighborhood, that will be a resurfacing and redoing Cannon Park. And residents of Ward 3, particularly those in the Elmwood neighborhood, plans include new playground equipment as well and complete resurfacing of the courts there. Continuing, he stated so, everyone gave up something in order to make sure that we were able to meet the needs of our people.

• Comptroller Sweeten explained the 2024 Tax Levy and shared there will be a decrease of 11.8% over the 2023 levy that's based on the current property values. The estimated tax levy would be $1.6872. Mayor Williams stated we have made progress as in 2020 it was $2.3124 and the other good news is the EAV (equalized assessed value) which means our property values are rising throughout the city of Danville, which is a good thing for homeowners and businesses.

Comptroller Sweeten responded to questions from the Aldermen. Mayor Williams stated we will be talking about the budget and tax levy at every meeting between now and whenever we vote on it. So, every committee meeting, every Council meeting, we will dedicate a portion of time to make sure that we go through this thoroughly and Comptroller Sweeten is happy to meet with you all if you have any questions. Comptroller Sweeten reminded everyone the tax levy needs approved by December 17th this year and ideally the budget and the levy are approved together.

#14) Items of Information

• Alderman Butler apologized for being late to the meeting as he has been poll watching and delivering folks to the polls today and he received a call close to 6:00 p.m. that there was an incident at the Danville Election Commission. He voiced concern of a helium tank that's in a vacant house with the windows busted out and the door is open. The neighbors were told that they couldn't go into the property as well as the city inspectors and the fire department, unless the house caught fire. There are squatters in the house and next door to the house is a man that's on oxygen tank and so I am very concerned. And you know, when I was told that they couldn't go on to private property and then when I get a letter from the city. The defendant is further ordered to abate the violation within 21 days from the date of this order. If the defendant fails to do so, the city can enter onto the property. In my ward, I am responsible for the good and welfare of my people and they come to me for advice. They come for me, for information and help. Mayor Williams stated unfortunately, unlike squatters, we have to abide by the law. But if you can provide that address and follow up with Mr. Parker, I'm sure we will do everything that we can to help. Counsel Parker stated we are aware of the property you're speaking of and it's being addressed.

• Alderman Williams announced Monday, November 11th is Veteran’s Day and Danville can be proud of the sacrifices of our veterans, and not only that, here in Danville, we're lucky to have the Danville Veterans Medical Center here in Danville as well as the National Cemetery here in Danville as well as a number of service organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. So, I'm just asking the citizens here in Danville to pause and take notice and to fly their flags and recognize these veterans who have contributed to our being here today.

• Mayor Williams announced there will be a Salute to Veterans concert at Danville High School on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

• Alderman Butler announced the NAACP will be honoring the veterans at the Roselawn Fitness Center by having free fish dinners on November 10, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

#15…CLOSED SESSION was not needed.

#16)…ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m. following a motion by Alderman Wilson, seconded by Alderman Puhr. On the voice vote, all ayes, no nays; the motion so ordered. 

https://www.cityofdanville.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11192024-187