Dupage Policy Journal

City of Elmhurst Finance Council Affairs & Administrative Services Committee met Feb. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:                  

1. Call to Order

Chair Talluto called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

2. Roll Call 

Committee Members Present:

Talluto, Jensen, Nudera, Irby

Committee Members Absent:

Other Elected Officials Present:

Curran

City Staff and Others Present:

Coyle, Bruns, Kravets

3. Public Comment – Director Coyle shared that Frank Catalano Sr. had contacted her prior to the Committee meeting and asked her to share his feedback with the Committee on parking, noting he is in favor of increasing parking fines to encourage individuals to park in the proper locations. He is also in favor of a fee for parking in all surface lots, as well as assigning a premium rate to certain lots.

4. Receipt of Written Communication – None. 

5. Business Before the Committee

A. Minutes of the February 12, 2024, meeting of the Finance, Council Affairs & Administrative Services Committee

A motion to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2024, FCA&AS Committee meeting was made by Alderman Nudera and seconded by Alderman Irby. A voice vote was taken, and the minutes were approved unanimously.

B. SSA Appropriations

Director Coyle presented the appropriation ordinances for Special Service Area’s (SSA) #6 and #13 for the Committee’s review. It was noted that SSA #13 has only a few years remaining. Chair Talluto explained to the Committee that SSA #6 is levied on behalf of Elmhurst City Centre, allowing them to tax their own member businesses to fund City Centre services. The appropriation ordinances are required to be filed with the County by March 31st each year, and they will proceed to Council for approval. No action is required of the Committee.

C. Parking Fund

Director Coyle presented a memo which addressed questions posed by the Committee at the February 12 meeting. Included were three funding scenarios prepared by staff: A) increase rates proportionately, B) increasing rates for operating expense and increasing the transfer from the Capital Fund for non-operating expense, or C) increasing rates for operating expense including operating capital with and increased transfer from the Capital Fund to cover the 2017A debt service. The Committee discussed the merits of each and posed alternative considerations, including use of TIF funds or abatement of debt service associated with the Parking Fund. The Committee requested additional information be provided for continued discussion at the next meeting, including: updated TIF projections, cost per household of not abating debt service, vehicle sticker survey, and apartment parking cost.

6. Other Business

Director Coyle shared with the Committee that the proposed State Fiscal Year 2025 budget eliminates the 1% sales tax on grocery items which is dedicated to municipalities. The proposal would result in a significant reduction in the revenue received by the City; estimated at approximately $1 million.

Alderman Irby requested that the Committee consider taking up the following topics for discussion:

Electric Use Tax review

Natural Gas Use Tax review

Local Motor Fuel Tax review

Updates to the City website regarding recently passed water and sewer rate increases, and the associated communication plan to the public.

7. Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Alderman Jensen and seconded by Alderman Nudera.  Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

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