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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1986- 02 7 Ada EVANSTON MINUTES CITY/SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE April 29, 1986 The sleeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M., in Room N112 of Evanston Town- ship High School, District 202. by the chairman for the meeting, Carol Mullins. The following people were present for the meeting: City of Evanston: Marge Collens, Alderperson Norris Larson " Davidson Ream " John Rudy " Thomas Carlson, Deputy City Manager School District 65: Cleopatra Alexander, Board Member Walter Kihm, Board President Robert P. Campbell, Superintendent School District 202: Frederic Artwick, Board Member Carol Mullins. Board Member Nathaniel Ober, Superintendent , James Phillips, Assistant Superintendent Allen Dye, Business Manager District 202 Budget Presentation Mr. Alen Dye reported on District 202's budgetary process and how the Board of Education interacted with the administration in the development of the tentative budget which is annually presented to the public at a hearing ususally held in the month of July. Superintendent Ober explained how the budget reflected the goals, objectives, and priorities as estab- lished by the Board of Education. He also gave a brief report on projected enrollments for the next nine years and how levels of staffing were estab- lished. Dental Health Education Dr. Campbell and Mrs. Collens explained the joint dental hygiene program operated by the City of Evanston with financial support from District 65 and from the local dental association. Liability Insurance A rather lengthy discussion was held on liability insurance with the City, Districts 65 and 202 explaining the degree to which they have been affected by the escalation and/or unavailability of liability insurance. The most serious problems seem to be faced by the high school in covering liability for athletic programs. Mr. Dye explained that District 202 will be working in cooperation with other school districts throughout the state in the establishment of a self-insurance program. The need to be covered by lia- bility insurance is mitigated by the ability of all three entities to raise money through taxation to cover liability insurance claims. -2- Economic Development -Projects Aiderperson Marge Collens reported on progress with the Research Park, the Dempster -Dodge shopping center, and the Church -Chicago parking structure. It seems that the Research Park and the Dempster -,Dodge development, are both on schedule. The Church -Chicago parking structure is still in the study stage. There followed a brief discussion about what could and was being done about reporting on child abuse and the elimination of graffiti in the City. The committee established its next meeting date for July 15, 1986, at 7:30 P.M. in the Civic Center. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M. NO - mke 5/1/86 C. Review of City of Evanston Budgetary Process Mr. Asprooth. City Manager, described the methods used to prepare the 1987-88 budget indicating that the City of Evanston was a Home Rule City within the State of Illinois and under that classification that there were no limitations on the property tax that can be levied by the City. However, he indicated that the City Council had passed a self-limiting policy that limits the growth of property tax levy to 95% of the consumer price index average over a twelve month period of time from September 1st to August 31st. In addition to the property tax levy the City is able to rely an non -property tax revenues such as sales tax, state income tax, utility tax, cigarette tax, real estate transfer tax, liquor, gasoline and other fees and charges. The fiscal year of the City of Evanston is from March 1st to February 28th, and during the early part of August of each year staff begins the process of preparing budgetary forecasts. A proposed budget is then sent to members of the Evanston City Council for deliberation at the end of the month of December. The City Council after receiving the proposed budget document, reviews the property tax policy; projections for revenues and expenditures; and deliberates over options for increase or decrease involving revenue and expenditure changes. Mr. Asprooth forecasted that while sales tax revenues are increasing, utility tax revenues are decreasing, as are Community Development Block Grant allocaricns and General Revenue Sharing projections Which even may be curtailed in its entirety by the Federal government. Great difficulties are encountered in balancing expenditures and revenues. Mr. Asprooth explained the City's General Obligation Bonding powers and indicated under the Home Rule provisions there are no statutory restrictions on the maximum of bonding indebtedness for the City. Referendums for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds are not of necessity but the Council has placed a self-imposed ceiling of S50 million as the limit for indebtedness. Mr. Asprooth described the pension systems that are also o_ great concern to the City Council because of the large amount of contributions that have to be made to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, the Police Pension Fund, and the Fire Pension Fund. He indicated that the City is currently in a position of catching up so that the Police and Fire Pensions are fully funded by the year 2020 by dictates of State statute. Insurance coverage of municipal operations continue to plague the City, and because of high premium rates the City has become self -insured in many areas. Another factor of major concern is the lag of tax collections which creates a cash flow problem. It is anticipated in December of 1986, the City will have to borrow money on short term notes to remain solvent. These tax anticipation warrants will be abated when the tax collection receipts are received. MINUTES CITY/SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE Meeting of August 21, 1986 Place of Meeting: Evanston Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue Members Present: School District 65: Waiter Kihm, Board Member Eugene Mulcahy, Supt. School District 202: Rick Artwick, Board Member Fay Godman, Board Member Robert Goldman, Supt. City of Evanston: Marge Collens, Alderman John Rudy, Jr., alderman David Ream, Alderman Norris Larson, Alderman Joel Asprooth, City Manager Thomas Carlson, Deputy City Manager Bruce Zimmerman, Assistant City Manager Also Present: DonnaSech Cohen, Journalist Student Ivan. Lippitz, Chairman, Subcommittee on Safety Presiding Official: Alderman Marge Collens Summary of Agenda Items: A. Introduction of Participants Chairman Collens led a round table of self -introductions of all the participants in order to acquaint Superintendents Goldman and Mulcahy with individual backgrounds and experiences. B. Goals of Committee Chairman Collens gave a brief review of the history of the City -School Liaison Committee and its functions. At times when one of the Major entities had problems these meetings provided a sounding board to the resolution. Meetings were held over the years on the basis of three to four times each year on a "meet and confer" basis, and each respective group would return to its parent organization for official action when required. Because of major concern for the combined amount of tax dollars it was felt appropriate that each agency describe the budget process that they utilized. School District 65 and School District 202 have already made presentations to the Liaison Committee and the City will share its process tonight. There are ongoing problems in the community that if the School Districts and the City can combine efforts, the problems can be resolved. 4 C. Review of City of Evanston Budgetary Process Mr. Asprooth, City Manager, described the methods used to prepare the 1987-88 budget indicating that the City of Evanston was a Home Rule City within the State of Illinois and under that classification that there were no limitations on the property tax that can be levied by the City. However, he indicated that the City Council had passed a self-limiting policy that limits the growth of property tax levy to 95Z of the consumer price index average over a twelve month period of time from September Ist to August 31st. In addition to the property tax levy the City is able to rely on non -property tax revenues such as sales tax, state income tax, utility tax, cigarette tax, real estate transfer tax, liquor, gasoline and other fees and charges. The fiscal year of the City of Evanston is from March Ist to February 28th, and during the early part of August of each year staff begins the process of preparing budgetary forecasts. A proposed budget is then sent to members of the Evanston City Council for deliberation at the end of the month of December. The City Council after receiving the proposed budget document, reviews the property tax policy; projections for revenues and expenditures; and deliberates over options for increase or decrease involving revenue and expenditure changes. Mr. Asprooth forecasted that w•hi;e sales tax revenues are increasing, utility tax revenues are decreasing, as are Community Development Block Grant allocations and General Revenue Sharing projections which even may be curtailed in its entirety by the Federal government. Great difficulties are encountered in balancing expenditures and revenues. Mr. Asprooth explained the City's General Obligation Bonding powers and indicated under the Home Rule provisions there are no statutory restrictions on the maximum of bonding indebtedness for the City. Referendums for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds are not of necessity but the Council has placed a self-imposed ceiling of $50 million as the limit for indebtedness. Mr. Asprooth described the pensio.7 systems that are also o: great concern to the City Council because of the large amount of contributions that have to be made to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, the Police Pension Fund, and the Fire Pension 'fund. He indicated that the City is currently in a position of catching up so that the Police and Fire Pensions are fully funded by the year 2020 by dictates of State statute. Insurance coverage of municipal operations continue to plague the City, and because of high premium rates the City has become self -insured in many areas. Another factor of major concern is the lag of tax collections which creates a cash flow problem. It is anticipated in December of 1986, the City will have to borrow money on short term notes to remain solvent. These tax anticipation warrants will be abated when the tax collection receipts are received. City/School Liaison Committee Minutes Page 3 August 21, 1986 Meeting A very aggressive Capital Improvement Program was instituted a number of years ago and maintained through the issuance of bonds. The City of Evanston is the only City in the State of Illinois with an Aaa rating, and with such receives very favorable rates on the issuing of bonds. A five year Capital Improvement Program has been adopted by the City Council and this is constantly updated with progress reports issued periodically. As different needs arise programs change and adjustments are made. Mr. Asprooth described the budget process that involves Department Heads preparing their projections for revenues and expenditures and that there were Boards/Commissions that also had to present their budgets. The Unified Budget Panel played an important role for agencies of the community_ and project their needs with recommendations for appropriations being made to the Human Services Committee of the City Council. Union contracts for the Police, fire and Public Works Departments are negotiated prior to the adoption of the budget and all of these facts are then presented to the City Council late in December of each year, and the Council then conducts five weeks of deliberation and public hearings with adoption of the final figures in February. A period of questions and answe-s was entertained. D. Next Meeting Date The next meeting date of the City -School Liaison Committee was set for November 30, 1986, 7:30 P.M. and School District 65 will host the meeting at its administrative headquarters. E. Adjournment Having no further business, the n as adjourne t 9:45 Q.M. Respectfully Submit ed: Deputy City Ma ager TRC:lr cc: Joel M. Asprooth seraoL OWTOItr CC�uaT r EVANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1314 RIDGE AVENUE EVANSTON, ILLINOIS60201 {312)492.5986 CITY-SC"DOL LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETING November 13. 1986 7:30 p.m. Nichols Middle School 800 Greenleaf Alen& A. Racial Balance and Overcrowding in the District 65 Schools B. Dealing with Gangs C. Fair Housing D. Street 'Worker Programs E. The Dempster/Dodge Shopping Center F. Quick Reports: 1) Crossing Guards 2 Substance Abuse 3 Dental Program G. Text meeting date, District 202 host.