Kankakee Times

Village of Bourbonnais Finance Committee met Feb. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Meeting Opening

Meeting called to order at 4:00 PM by Trustee Rick Fischer

Discussion: A. Roll Call - Trustee Rick Fischer

Members present: Mayor Paul Schore, Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini. Also in attendance, Treasurer Ron Riebe, Attorney Patrick Dunn, Administrator Mike Van Mill, Finance Director Tara Latz, Chief Jim Phelps, Public Works Superintendent Terry Memenga, Assistant Public Works Superintendent Dave Herberger, Admin Assistant Margie Beach and Marketing Manager Lindy Casey (arrived 4:12).

2. Review and Approve Committee Minutes

Action, Minutes: A. Finance Committee Minutes from February 1, 2023

Motion by Trustee Randy King, second by Trustee Jack Littrell to approve the Finance Committee minutes from February 1, 2023 as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini

3. Bill Lists

Accounts Payable: A. General Fund

The General fund bill list was reviewed, and the Finance Committee agreed to proceed with payment of the bills at the next Regular Board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Accounts Payable: B. Special Fund

The Special fund bill list was reviewed, and the Finance Committee agreed to proceed with payment of the bills at the next Regular Board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

4. Other Business

Discussion: A. Illinois Solar for All Program Presentation

> Diane Elkins from Community Solar gave a presentation on the Illinois Solar for All, a State sponsored program for utility discounts (on Board Docs). This program is for low to moderate income families. Residents can subscribe to a solar farm and receive a 50% savings on the utility supply portion of their electric bill. They would do the marketing and outreach to residents and process the applications for qualifications of families, which are based on eligibility income, participation in a qualified program like SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid, or having a HUD qualified census tract address will also qualify households for the program. Explained the billing process from Com Ed which would show the 50% supply use discount. They are asking the Village of Bourbonnais to support this program at no cost, then would use our logo showing endorsement of this program when they send out the letters to residents.

> Trustee Fischer requested to see letters they sent out in other communities, Ms. Elkins stated once she has permission from other communities she will forward letters.

> Mr. Van Mill stated it will be based on the zip code, and the resident does not have to be a homeowner, renters are eligible as well.

Finance Committee will review further and will touch base in a couple weeks after further discussion and review of sample letters.

Discussion: B. Route 102 Sidewalk Bids

Mrs. Casey arrived at 4:12 pm

> Mrs. Latz stated bids were opened for the Route 102 Sidewalk Improvement project on February 13, 2023. There were five bidders, and Davis Concrete came in at the lowest $139,487.45, Engineer's estimate was $133,444. Funds will be used from the $5M 2020 Bond issue, we have monies sitting aside to do this project.

Finance Committee agrees to award the bid to Davis Concrete Construction, and have legislation created for the next Regular Board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Discussion: C. APA Conference Costs

> Mr. Van Mill explained the request for Ms. Laurie Cyr to attend the American Planning Association National Planning Conference March 31 - April 5, 2023 in Philadelphia, PA, with expenses estimated at $2,680.49.

Finance Committee agrees to allow Ms. Cyr to attend the APA Planning conference, and have legislation created for the next Regular Board meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Discussion: D. Good Shepherd Manor Donation Request

> Trustee Fischer stated we received a request from Good Shepherd Manor to be a sponsor for their 48th Annual Brunch Auction. 

Finance Committee declines this request at this time from Good Shepherd.

Discussion: E. Update on Referendum

> Mr. Van Mill gave an update on the strategy to get information out to the residents in regard to the sales tax referendum that will be on the April ballot.

> Mrs. Casey explained as employees of the Village we are extremely restricted on what we can and cannot do when advocating for or against a tax referendum, and we cannot spend any Village funds. An overview was given on what was done last year when it did not pass, the votes were No 3,412 to Yes 1,795.  We found residents were not educated, we weren't able to reach each household, did not reach enough registered voters, and the language on the ballot was confusing determined by our community's feedback.

> Moving forward we will need to educate the community better, utilize previous resources and additional outside resources, draft clearer language on the ballot, and help increase our voter engagement. The Illinois Board of Realtors has approved supporting this initiative, and will be offering various marketing services. They will be doing two direct mailers to households in the Village, host two meetings, create a website landing page for residents to visit for information, create digital ads locally, and have the ability to do voter calls and text messaging. Implement more grass roots methods this time, with more boots on the ground, enroll community leaders for support, and yard signage.

Discussion: F. Other

> Chief Phelps gave an update on the investigations office, it is 99% complete, still waiting for switches for computers.  The investigators are working in there and have a nice space to work in. Chief stated he will set up tours soon for the Board to view it.

> Mayor Schore and Trustee Littrell suggested increasing the board meeting pledgers' Sweet Street gift card from $5 to $10.

5. Old Business - None

6. New Business - None

7. Public Comments - None

8. Executive Session - Not applicable

9. Adjournment and Time

Action, Procedural: A. Adjournment & Time

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Bruce Greenlee to adjourn the Finance Meeting at 4:42 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vobil/Board.nsf/Public