Elk Grove Township Board Meetings
League of Women Voters Palatine Area
Elk Grove Township Observer Report
Observed by: Camille Sullivan
Date: Sept. 23, 2019 Meeting Length: 1 hour 42 minutes (7-8:42pm)
Meeting Name: Elk Grove Township BOD
Meeting are streamed/archived at: Recorded and viewed on Youtube
Public participation (# in attendance other than staff/board):
Public Participation remarks/ yes
* request for Township calendar to show Property tax information
* presentation by LWV AH/BG/MP on their Youth Engagement Program Birthday envelopes and request for $500 in next year’s budget
Presentation/discussion by elected officials, staff, and/or administrators:
* Highway commissioner reported improvements in residents yards and culverts due to recent improvements
* Discussion to create a new position/35 hr/week to include benefits, for a Support Specialist to handle the information desk: greet, engage and direct people entering the building.
* Approved ordinance #2019-03 to allow inspection of private property for illegal clear water connections to the sanitary sewer system. This is in compliance with the long term operations and maintenance program of MWRD. Inspection of property will be done by the engineer.
The Board Meeting:
Board members absent: Clerk Busse was absent. Provided a written report
General Observations:
Meeting start on time:
Meeting place (space adequate/ability to hear):
Media coverage:
Discussions of interest: January, 2020 board meeting changed to 1/20/20- 3rd Monday of January
Elk Grove Township Observer Report
Observed by: Camille Sullivan
Date: Sept. 23, 2019 Meeting Length: 1 hour 42 minutes (7-8:42pm)
Meeting Name: Elk Grove Township BOD
Meeting are streamed/archived at: Recorded and viewed on Youtube
Public participation (# in attendance other than staff/board):
Public Participation remarks/ yes
* request for Township calendar to show Property tax information
* presentation by LWV AH/BG/MP on their Youth Engagement Program Birthday envelopes and request for $500 in next year’s budget
Presentation/discussion by elected officials, staff, and/or administrators:
* Highway commissioner reported improvements in residents yards and culverts due to recent improvements
* Discussion to create a new position/35 hr/week to include benefits, for a Support Specialist to handle the information desk: greet, engage and direct people entering the building.
* Approved ordinance #2019-03 to allow inspection of private property for illegal clear water connections to the sanitary sewer system. This is in compliance with the long term operations and maintenance program of MWRD. Inspection of property will be done by the engineer.
The Board Meeting:
Board members absent: Clerk Busse was absent. Provided a written report
General Observations:
Meeting start on time:
Meeting place (space adequate/ability to hear):
Media coverage:
Discussions of interest: January, 2020 board meeting changed to 1/20/20- 3rd Monday of January
ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
January 21, 2019
Meeting Called to Order: 7 PM
Assessor’s Report : filed with no comments at this time
Clerk’s Report :
In reference to a new law that was passed, regarding all checks being issued by the Township requiring double signatures, Mr. Busse reported. The attorneys felt that there was no need for the Clerk, Mr. Busse, to sign on every check as was previously done.
BUDGET
Commissioner Sweeney proceeded to go over the proposed Budget for 2019. He asked for questions or proposed changes after each segment was announced.
Total Proposed Town Fund Budget
Revenue: $2,463,471.00 (includes Property Taxes,Interest Income, all other sources or revenue)
Administrative Expenses : $45,000
Contractual Services : $410,500
Commodity & Misc. : $27,500
Capital Outlay ; $1,062,500
Daycare Agency Expenses: (Zeroed out as done last year)
Personnel Expenses: $722,747
There were no comments or questions until Commissioner Sweeney came to the Assessor’s budget.Comm. Sweeney then began a discussion regarding the Assessor’s proposed budget in that he felt that he was not comfortable with the $238,500 budget that was proposed. The outcome of this discussion was that Comm. Sweeney would give the Assessor’s Office $204,000.00, and if more money was needed, the Assessor would have to petition the Township at that time.
It was commented that this would not allow proper planning for the personnel needed and this would in turn cause taxpayers to wait in long lines to get the service that they deserved from the Township. The Assessor felt strongly, that this would not allow for the job to be done properly. The Commissioner feels that rather than taking too much money and then giving back what was not used (which has been done in previous years) was not the way to run the Township. The Board would rather give the Assessor’s Office less and have the Office ask for more money as it was needed.
Assessor’s Office : $204,000
Social Services : keeping the same figures as last year as a “Placeholder” until applications have been Taken and reviewed. There will be a meeting to discuss the budget for this department once the Numbers are submitted.
Bike Safety : $54,000.00
Senior & Disabled Bus Service : $148,000 / this includes $80,000 for a new 12 passenger bus
Youth Services : $359,000
Total Township Proposed Revenue: 2,463.471.00 / Expenses: 3,886.997.00
GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROPOSED BUDGET
G/A Revenue: $464,714
Staff Salaries/Taxes/Benefits: $270,500
Home Relief: $267,000
Program Expenses: $14,600
Expenses: $43,200
Total General Assistance Revenue: $464,714.00 / Expenses: $595,300.00
SEWER PROPOSED BUDGET :
Revenue: $102,250
Expenses: $69,200
Office Supplies, Maintenance: $177,350
Salaries - FICA / MRF: $3650.00
Expenses: $250,200
Above budget was voted on with the change in budget for the Assessor’s Office with 4 to 1 vote, Keeping the Assessor’s Office budget at: $204,000 as per Commissioner Sweeney’s comments.
2019/2020 PROPOSED BUDGET- ROADS
Revenue: $355,000
Expenses: $81,700
Salaries/Insurance/Benefits: $121,200
Road Maintenance: $993,000 (includes Repaving Project w/money lent from the Township)
Maintenance on Equipment: $37,500
Totals: $1,233,400
(minus) -874,000
Road District Budget Passed
Meeting Adjourned: 7:54 pm
January 21, 2019
Meeting Called to Order: 7 PM
Assessor’s Report : filed with no comments at this time
Clerk’s Report :
In reference to a new law that was passed, regarding all checks being issued by the Township requiring double signatures, Mr. Busse reported. The attorneys felt that there was no need for the Clerk, Mr. Busse, to sign on every check as was previously done.
BUDGET
Commissioner Sweeney proceeded to go over the proposed Budget for 2019. He asked for questions or proposed changes after each segment was announced.
Total Proposed Town Fund Budget
Revenue: $2,463,471.00 (includes Property Taxes,Interest Income, all other sources or revenue)
Administrative Expenses : $45,000
Contractual Services : $410,500
Commodity & Misc. : $27,500
Capital Outlay ; $1,062,500
Daycare Agency Expenses: (Zeroed out as done last year)
Personnel Expenses: $722,747
There were no comments or questions until Commissioner Sweeney came to the Assessor’s budget.Comm. Sweeney then began a discussion regarding the Assessor’s proposed budget in that he felt that he was not comfortable with the $238,500 budget that was proposed. The outcome of this discussion was that Comm. Sweeney would give the Assessor’s Office $204,000.00, and if more money was needed, the Assessor would have to petition the Township at that time.
It was commented that this would not allow proper planning for the personnel needed and this would in turn cause taxpayers to wait in long lines to get the service that they deserved from the Township. The Assessor felt strongly, that this would not allow for the job to be done properly. The Commissioner feels that rather than taking too much money and then giving back what was not used (which has been done in previous years) was not the way to run the Township. The Board would rather give the Assessor’s Office less and have the Office ask for more money as it was needed.
Assessor’s Office : $204,000
Social Services : keeping the same figures as last year as a “Placeholder” until applications have been Taken and reviewed. There will be a meeting to discuss the budget for this department once the Numbers are submitted.
Bike Safety : $54,000.00
Senior & Disabled Bus Service : $148,000 / this includes $80,000 for a new 12 passenger bus
Youth Services : $359,000
Total Township Proposed Revenue: 2,463.471.00 / Expenses: 3,886.997.00
GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROPOSED BUDGET
G/A Revenue: $464,714
Staff Salaries/Taxes/Benefits: $270,500
Home Relief: $267,000
Program Expenses: $14,600
Expenses: $43,200
Total General Assistance Revenue: $464,714.00 / Expenses: $595,300.00
SEWER PROPOSED BUDGET :
Revenue: $102,250
Expenses: $69,200
Office Supplies, Maintenance: $177,350
Salaries - FICA / MRF: $3650.00
Expenses: $250,200
Above budget was voted on with the change in budget for the Assessor’s Office with 4 to 1 vote, Keeping the Assessor’s Office budget at: $204,000 as per Commissioner Sweeney’s comments.
2019/2020 PROPOSED BUDGET- ROADS
Revenue: $355,000
Expenses: $81,700
Salaries/Insurance/Benefits: $121,200
Road Maintenance: $993,000 (includes Repaving Project w/money lent from the Township)
Maintenance on Equipment: $37,500
Totals: $1,233,400
(minus) -874,000
Road District Budget Passed
Meeting Adjourned: 7:54 pm
OCTOBER 22, 2018
Meeting called to order at 7PM. All Trustees / Commissioner Sweeney / Clerk Busse in attendance
Alliant America - 2019 Property & Casualty/Workers’ Comp Insurance. The insurance package was presented to the Board.
2016/17 Premium: $44,344. 2018/19 Premium: $42,588, which includes Property / Liability / Crime and some Cyber Insurance Coverage. Next: Workers Comp. went from $17,270 down to $16,507. Total: 2016/17: $61,614 / 2018/19: $59,095 - Approx. Reduction: 4%
The representative thought we would have had a larger reduction this year since we removed about 60% of our property values. Our expenditures went up roughly 1 million dollars. All liability, public officials - That’s all rated on expenditures. The savings we could have had were eroded by the expenditure increase - Expenditures offset the Property. The Township did receive a Workers Comp. Safety Grant @ $1820. This would be for expenditures: Protective Shoes / Cameras / Defibrillators, etc.
Clerk’s Report
New Law: 1/1/19 - Clerk Busse reported that he has to attest to all checks being issued by the Township for Town Funds and the Highway Department. All checks will need to have double signatures with the issue being that we do not have an electronic payment system.
Highway Commissioner’s Report
Highway Commissioner reported that the construction began last Wednesday, 10/27, and is going well. The only holdup is that we are still waiting for permission to cross 4 pieces of property for drainage pipes. We’ve had all tests with pipes vacuumed out and are working around this problem until permission is granted.
Old Business
Motion was made and passed for the 2019 Health Insurance Renewal Option as presented:
Meeting was adjourned at: 7:22 PM
Meeting called to order at 7PM. All Trustees / Commissioner Sweeney / Clerk Busse in attendance
Alliant America - 2019 Property & Casualty/Workers’ Comp Insurance. The insurance package was presented to the Board.
2016/17 Premium: $44,344. 2018/19 Premium: $42,588, which includes Property / Liability / Crime and some Cyber Insurance Coverage. Next: Workers Comp. went from $17,270 down to $16,507. Total: 2016/17: $61,614 / 2018/19: $59,095 - Approx. Reduction: 4%
The representative thought we would have had a larger reduction this year since we removed about 60% of our property values. Our expenditures went up roughly 1 million dollars. All liability, public officials - That’s all rated on expenditures. The savings we could have had were eroded by the expenditure increase - Expenditures offset the Property. The Township did receive a Workers Comp. Safety Grant @ $1820. This would be for expenditures: Protective Shoes / Cameras / Defibrillators, etc.
Clerk’s Report
New Law: 1/1/19 - Clerk Busse reported that he has to attest to all checks being issued by the Township for Town Funds and the Highway Department. All checks will need to have double signatures with the issue being that we do not have an electronic payment system.
Highway Commissioner’s Report
Highway Commissioner reported that the construction began last Wednesday, 10/27, and is going well. The only holdup is that we are still waiting for permission to cross 4 pieces of property for drainage pipes. We’ve had all tests with pipes vacuumed out and are working around this problem until permission is granted.
Old Business
Motion was made and passed for the 2019 Health Insurance Renewal Option as presented:
- Employees pay 15% of the Premium - Gold Plan / Employees pay 5% of the Premium 2 Silver Plans
- Elk Grove Township to pay a Maximum of $238,134.00
- G535PPO Gold: $1600 Individual Plan - $3700 Family Plan
- S534PPO Silver: $1800 Individual Plan - $4100 Family Plan
- S507OPT Silver: $2300 Individual Plan - $4600 Family Plan
Meeting was adjourned at: 7:22 PM
ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE MEETING
AUGUST 27, 2018
Meeting was called to order at: 7 PM
Present: All Trustees / Commissioner Sweeney / Clerk George Busse
Public Comment:
The President of the Braniger’s Homeowners Assn. spoke on concerns that this community has regarding when the work will be done on the roads and also whether or not the culverts are going to be included in the work. Many people are waiting to get their driveways done and have other problems occurring
Commissioner Sweeney replied that they just got the bids back and are having “pre-construction meetings” now. The work is scheduled to be completed this fall. $1.3 million has been put aside to do all subdivisions and all other roads in the Township.
Comm. Sweeney suggested that this gentleman have a meeting with Highway Commissioner and the Engineers so that they can show in detail, everything that is going to be done.
A Representative for the Forest View Homeowners asked about an update as to what was going to be done about the drainage issue they have had from last year.
Comm. Sweeney replied that there will be informational meeting/s to inform the homeowners as to what is being proposed. Everyone does not have to be present but the Homeowner Representative said they will put out a Newsletter advising everyone so that the improvements can be signed off on.
Presentation:
A Recognition of Superior Service was awarded by Clerk George Busse to former Trustee, Andrea Koshaba for her 15 years of faithful service to Elk Grove Township. Clerk Busse went on to acknowledge many of the services that she has performed; superior customer service, uncompromising financial responsibilities and going beyond Elk Grove Township to serve on several Township Offices of Illinois and Cook County. The award was presented with sincere appreciation. Ms. Koshaba sincerely thanked everyone, accepted the award and then she and approximately 12 family members left immediately thereafter.
Auditor’s Report
Auditor reported that the Audit was done in accordance with generally accepted audit standards on a modified cash basis of accounting. The Townships and Local Governments of IL thought they were going to have to convert because the Comptroller of IL “was playing hardball” as the statutes said we were going to have to report on the accrual basis.
Within the last couple of weeks the Governor signed a law stating that it is OK to continue reporting as you have been.
Auditor stated that the TS’s financial resources tend to be standard and in line with budget - no long term liability that are not being disclosed. The Township has no debt and has decent funds available.
Capitol Work - this is being done on the roads they don’t anticipate debt and will pay for these services out of available funds.
Sewer Fund - not operating at a loss for the year and has a healthy cash balance.
Long Term Liability - no debt / investment income is up significantly during the 2017 period affording the opportunity to work on Capitol projects without issuing debt.
Operationally - EGTS is doing a good job
Recommendation - there has been an issue in one of the school districts regarding credit card and purchasing cards - the Auditor would like to remind the Board to have a formal policy on administration of these types of cards.
The Auditor confirmed to Comm. Sweeney: this is a “recommendation” not an “issue”.
Assessor
The Assessor’s office has been very busy and has had 2 very successful Outreach Programs for taxpayer’s appeals and an opportunity to get information. She thanked Trustees Satern and Newardowski for supporting both events. Also a letter was read from one of our taxpayers complimenting the work of the Assessor’s Office in the past and ongoing for assembling a caring, courteous and fine group of employees.
Clerk
Clerk Busse filed a written report and commented that he witnessed the Bid Openings for the Highway Department.
Highway Commissioner
The Cook County Highway Commissioner, Tim Snyder, will be at the EGTW office this coming Wednesday to give a seminar regarding how to deal with animals that are injured or killed and left on the road. EGTS very often is the first to get calls from citizens but it is not always their department to handle this type of call. We are working with the Cook County Forest Preserve and the Nature Preserve and the Seminar will educate people on how to handle these situations that are occurring very often this time of the year.
Motion was made to accept the Elected Officials Reports as presented - 2nd and passed with no further discussion.
Funded Agency Request
There was much discussion as to whether or not EGTS should give a Grant to an organization that had said they mailed in their Application in March but EGTS never received it. Hands On Suburban Chicago is an organization that provides volunteer assistance to Community Organizations - they stated they filed an Application in a timely manner but did not follow up on it until August.
Clerk Busse suggested that we have a formal policy and re-emphasize that there is a deadline for Applications and going forward we will adhere to the time limit.
Motion was made by Trustee Satern to fund them at last years rate of $5,000 (not what they have requested). Motion was passed 3 to 2 with no further discussion.
Proposal to create a Full-Time Food Pantry Operations Manager
Based on growing case work associated with GA, Comm. Sweeney is proposing that we hire a Full-Time Food Pantry Operations Manager to work no more than 30 hours/wk. at a rate not to exceed $15.
Trustee Satern made the comment that though the Food Pantry numbers have gone up, the GA numbers have not gone up. Comm. Sweeney replied that the goal is having programs to help people that are on GA become self-sufficient and therefore bring the GA numbers down.
Trustee Satern also asked if there are methods of tracking the work that is being done. Sweeney replied that all clients are assigned to a specific Case Worker and there is a record of clients we see, what services they are provided and the specific services in which they are involved.
Motion was made to hire a Full-Time Food Pantry Operations Manager - the vote was 2 No and 3 Yes. This matter goes to a 2nd reading next month.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM
AUGUST 27, 2018
Meeting was called to order at: 7 PM
Present: All Trustees / Commissioner Sweeney / Clerk George Busse
Public Comment:
The President of the Braniger’s Homeowners Assn. spoke on concerns that this community has regarding when the work will be done on the roads and also whether or not the culverts are going to be included in the work. Many people are waiting to get their driveways done and have other problems occurring
Commissioner Sweeney replied that they just got the bids back and are having “pre-construction meetings” now. The work is scheduled to be completed this fall. $1.3 million has been put aside to do all subdivisions and all other roads in the Township.
Comm. Sweeney suggested that this gentleman have a meeting with Highway Commissioner and the Engineers so that they can show in detail, everything that is going to be done.
A Representative for the Forest View Homeowners asked about an update as to what was going to be done about the drainage issue they have had from last year.
Comm. Sweeney replied that there will be informational meeting/s to inform the homeowners as to what is being proposed. Everyone does not have to be present but the Homeowner Representative said they will put out a Newsletter advising everyone so that the improvements can be signed off on.
Presentation:
A Recognition of Superior Service was awarded by Clerk George Busse to former Trustee, Andrea Koshaba for her 15 years of faithful service to Elk Grove Township. Clerk Busse went on to acknowledge many of the services that she has performed; superior customer service, uncompromising financial responsibilities and going beyond Elk Grove Township to serve on several Township Offices of Illinois and Cook County. The award was presented with sincere appreciation. Ms. Koshaba sincerely thanked everyone, accepted the award and then she and approximately 12 family members left immediately thereafter.
Auditor’s Report
Auditor reported that the Audit was done in accordance with generally accepted audit standards on a modified cash basis of accounting. The Townships and Local Governments of IL thought they were going to have to convert because the Comptroller of IL “was playing hardball” as the statutes said we were going to have to report on the accrual basis.
Within the last couple of weeks the Governor signed a law stating that it is OK to continue reporting as you have been.
Auditor stated that the TS’s financial resources tend to be standard and in line with budget - no long term liability that are not being disclosed. The Township has no debt and has decent funds available.
Capitol Work - this is being done on the roads they don’t anticipate debt and will pay for these services out of available funds.
Sewer Fund - not operating at a loss for the year and has a healthy cash balance.
Long Term Liability - no debt / investment income is up significantly during the 2017 period affording the opportunity to work on Capitol projects without issuing debt.
Operationally - EGTS is doing a good job
Recommendation - there has been an issue in one of the school districts regarding credit card and purchasing cards - the Auditor would like to remind the Board to have a formal policy on administration of these types of cards.
The Auditor confirmed to Comm. Sweeney: this is a “recommendation” not an “issue”.
Assessor
The Assessor’s office has been very busy and has had 2 very successful Outreach Programs for taxpayer’s appeals and an opportunity to get information. She thanked Trustees Satern and Newardowski for supporting both events. Also a letter was read from one of our taxpayers complimenting the work of the Assessor’s Office in the past and ongoing for assembling a caring, courteous and fine group of employees.
Clerk
Clerk Busse filed a written report and commented that he witnessed the Bid Openings for the Highway Department.
Highway Commissioner
The Cook County Highway Commissioner, Tim Snyder, will be at the EGTW office this coming Wednesday to give a seminar regarding how to deal with animals that are injured or killed and left on the road. EGTS very often is the first to get calls from citizens but it is not always their department to handle this type of call. We are working with the Cook County Forest Preserve and the Nature Preserve and the Seminar will educate people on how to handle these situations that are occurring very often this time of the year.
Motion was made to accept the Elected Officials Reports as presented - 2nd and passed with no further discussion.
Funded Agency Request
There was much discussion as to whether or not EGTS should give a Grant to an organization that had said they mailed in their Application in March but EGTS never received it. Hands On Suburban Chicago is an organization that provides volunteer assistance to Community Organizations - they stated they filed an Application in a timely manner but did not follow up on it until August.
Clerk Busse suggested that we have a formal policy and re-emphasize that there is a deadline for Applications and going forward we will adhere to the time limit.
Motion was made by Trustee Satern to fund them at last years rate of $5,000 (not what they have requested). Motion was passed 3 to 2 with no further discussion.
Proposal to create a Full-Time Food Pantry Operations Manager
Based on growing case work associated with GA, Comm. Sweeney is proposing that we hire a Full-Time Food Pantry Operations Manager to work no more than 30 hours/wk. at a rate not to exceed $15.
Trustee Satern made the comment that though the Food Pantry numbers have gone up, the GA numbers have not gone up. Comm. Sweeney replied that the goal is having programs to help people that are on GA become self-sufficient and therefore bring the GA numbers down.
Trustee Satern also asked if there are methods of tracking the work that is being done. Sweeney replied that all clients are assigned to a specific Case Worker and there is a record of clients we see, what services they are provided and the specific services in which they are involved.
Motion was made to hire a Full-Time Food Pantry Operations Manager - the vote was 2 No and 3 Yes. This matter goes to a 2nd reading next month.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM
JULY 23, 2018
Meeting was called to order at: 7 PM
Present: All Trustees / Commissioner Sweeney / Clerk George Busse
Authorization for Payroll / Bills: Town Fund, General Assistance, Road District & Sewer
Employment Support, Transportation & Financial
Motion to approve, passed with no discussion.
Assessor’s Report:
The Assessor’s office was notified by Commissioner Patlak that the office will be open on August 1 for Appeals through the Board of Review and will proceed for 30 days to take these Appeals. We have arranged with Comm. Patlak to have 2 Outreach Programs: the first on 8/13 & then again on 8/20. The
Township Hall will be open until 6 PM on these dates and our staff, as well as Commissioner Patlak’s staff, will be available to answer questions and take Appeals.
Clerk’s Report: Clerk Busse reported that the Elk Grove Township Office had sold 2368 Vehicle Stickers which was up 30% from last year. This amounted in $222,530 Revenue for the Township. The staff pitched in with a few late hour evenings and a Saturday. It was noted that the Township Office is doing more and more sales for the County and this is one of the services that is provided for our Community.
Highway Commissioner’s Report: The Highway Bid Notice went out last Saturday in the Herald. We are expected to have Bids available for pick up by contractors on Wednesday. On August 15 the Bid Opening will take place and the winning contractor has 7 days to produce the Bonds. The selected contractor must comply with a Completion Date of 10/31/18. There will be a $10,000 fine if the project is not completed by this date.
There will be a complete upgrade for every subdivision. One problem has come up in that the underground infrastructure has no records for the last 100 years, so they are running into unforeseen circumstances.
New Business: Commissioner Sweeney commented on the Proposed Non-Binding Referendum regarding reinstatement of the Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax (Soda Tax). Nothing has been formally proposed for Cook County regarding this tax but Comm. Sweeney has heard that this might come up after the November elections.
Comm. Sweeney stated that the attorney looked at the language of the proposal and it was said that it is written in straight forward, understandable language. We are legally allowed to put advisory questions, as a Board, on the ballot. If we vote on something it has to be in the form that we approve.
Once proposed, the language cannot be changed by the County and this proposal would allow voters to voice their opinions as to whether or not they would support this tax.
A Motion was made to approve Ordinance 2018-07 - Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax Proposed Non-Binding Referendum - Motion seconded and passed without further discussion.
Adjournment: 7:15 PM
Meeting was called to order at: 7 PM
Present: All Trustees / Commissioner Sweeney / Clerk George Busse
Authorization for Payroll / Bills: Town Fund, General Assistance, Road District & Sewer
Employment Support, Transportation & Financial
Motion to approve, passed with no discussion.
Assessor’s Report:
The Assessor’s office was notified by Commissioner Patlak that the office will be open on August 1 for Appeals through the Board of Review and will proceed for 30 days to take these Appeals. We have arranged with Comm. Patlak to have 2 Outreach Programs: the first on 8/13 & then again on 8/20. The
Township Hall will be open until 6 PM on these dates and our staff, as well as Commissioner Patlak’s staff, will be available to answer questions and take Appeals.
Clerk’s Report: Clerk Busse reported that the Elk Grove Township Office had sold 2368 Vehicle Stickers which was up 30% from last year. This amounted in $222,530 Revenue for the Township. The staff pitched in with a few late hour evenings and a Saturday. It was noted that the Township Office is doing more and more sales for the County and this is one of the services that is provided for our Community.
Highway Commissioner’s Report: The Highway Bid Notice went out last Saturday in the Herald. We are expected to have Bids available for pick up by contractors on Wednesday. On August 15 the Bid Opening will take place and the winning contractor has 7 days to produce the Bonds. The selected contractor must comply with a Completion Date of 10/31/18. There will be a $10,000 fine if the project is not completed by this date.
There will be a complete upgrade for every subdivision. One problem has come up in that the underground infrastructure has no records for the last 100 years, so they are running into unforeseen circumstances.
New Business: Commissioner Sweeney commented on the Proposed Non-Binding Referendum regarding reinstatement of the Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax (Soda Tax). Nothing has been formally proposed for Cook County regarding this tax but Comm. Sweeney has heard that this might come up after the November elections.
Comm. Sweeney stated that the attorney looked at the language of the proposal and it was said that it is written in straight forward, understandable language. We are legally allowed to put advisory questions, as a Board, on the ballot. If we vote on something it has to be in the form that we approve.
Once proposed, the language cannot be changed by the County and this proposal would allow voters to voice their opinions as to whether or not they would support this tax.
A Motion was made to approve Ordinance 2018-07 - Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax Proposed Non-Binding Referendum - Motion seconded and passed without further discussion.
Adjournment: 7:15 PM
ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
June 25, 2018
7 PM - Meeting was called to order / All Trustees Present
Consent Agenda
Resolution 2018-05 Andrea Koshaba recognition was removed to be voted on later.
Presentation
Motion was made for Andrea Koshaba recognition; passed with a vote of 4 yeah & 1 abstaining.
The presentation was moved to the July Board Meeting as Andrea Koshaba could not attend June Meeting.
Assessor’s Report:
Cook County Assessor’s office will have the Tax Bills out on time and in mail by July 1, 2018.
Assessor Carosielli & her staff went down to the County Office to be appraised on progress of replacing our present ESA 400 system. At this point they are not where they should have been to demonstrate the navigation of various systems. Tyler Technology, who did all of the programing for Great Britain, is finding our system challenging to work with. They have been working on it for 2 years and are anticipating that it will not be completed for another 2 years. Assessor Carosielli feels that once it is completed it will be very, very efficient for the Staff as instead of going to one of many file cabinets, they will be able to pull up any Taxpayer’s file on the new computer system.
Clerk’s Report
Clerk Busse reported that regarding Procedures for Establishing the Agenda for the Regular Board Meetings, a final copy with changes required by the Board are included in his written report.
Highway Commissioner’s Report:
They are carefully going over the details to finalize the upcoming Major Reconstruction Project in Elk Grove Township. They are hoping the bids will go out next Friday or the following Monday.
New Business:
Ordinance #2018-06 Authorizing Execution of the Intergovernmental Agreement By and Between the
Township of Elk Grove and the Elk Grove Township Highway Department to Loan Money from the Town Fund to the Road Fund for Road and Drainage Improvements.Last week Commissioner Sweeney sent out a memo to Board Members and all elected officials - They have been investigating loans from Financial Institutions at approx. 5% Interest, and have found that going beyond 7 years will be difficult to obtain. This prompted checking with the Elk Grove Township Attorney to see if it is legal as stated above in Ordinance #2018-06; they found that it is legal as long as they do not go over a 10 year period. In looking at the Amortization Schedule, it allows the Highway Department to pay back Principle & Interest on the loan yearly but also put $100,000 in Reserve. With Township Funds in Reserves / Cash / Investments, and with Tax Revenue coming in August or September, the funds will be readily available to Transfer the 1.2 Million Dollars in November to pay for the extensive highway program. These funds would be able to be transferred without negatively impacting the Township operations.
Goal: Highway Department will not have to borrow money again as the new road system is projected to last 15 to 18 years. It has been calculated that over the 10 year period of the loan, plus an additional 5 years, with all of the interest earned, there will be sufficient funds to cover the costs of redoing the roads.
The Proposal to the Board is a 2.5% Interest Loan over a 10 year term with the ability for the Highway
Department to pay off the loan early if so desired.
Motion was made to pass Ordinance #2018-06 - the motion was moved and passed on the 1st reading with no further discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 PM
June 25, 2018
7 PM - Meeting was called to order / All Trustees Present
Consent Agenda
Resolution 2018-05 Andrea Koshaba recognition was removed to be voted on later.
Presentation
Motion was made for Andrea Koshaba recognition; passed with a vote of 4 yeah & 1 abstaining.
The presentation was moved to the July Board Meeting as Andrea Koshaba could not attend June Meeting.
Assessor’s Report:
Cook County Assessor’s office will have the Tax Bills out on time and in mail by July 1, 2018.
Assessor Carosielli & her staff went down to the County Office to be appraised on progress of replacing our present ESA 400 system. At this point they are not where they should have been to demonstrate the navigation of various systems. Tyler Technology, who did all of the programing for Great Britain, is finding our system challenging to work with. They have been working on it for 2 years and are anticipating that it will not be completed for another 2 years. Assessor Carosielli feels that once it is completed it will be very, very efficient for the Staff as instead of going to one of many file cabinets, they will be able to pull up any Taxpayer’s file on the new computer system.
Clerk’s Report
Clerk Busse reported that regarding Procedures for Establishing the Agenda for the Regular Board Meetings, a final copy with changes required by the Board are included in his written report.
Highway Commissioner’s Report:
They are carefully going over the details to finalize the upcoming Major Reconstruction Project in Elk Grove Township. They are hoping the bids will go out next Friday or the following Monday.
New Business:
Ordinance #2018-06 Authorizing Execution of the Intergovernmental Agreement By and Between the
Township of Elk Grove and the Elk Grove Township Highway Department to Loan Money from the Town Fund to the Road Fund for Road and Drainage Improvements.Last week Commissioner Sweeney sent out a memo to Board Members and all elected officials - They have been investigating loans from Financial Institutions at approx. 5% Interest, and have found that going beyond 7 years will be difficult to obtain. This prompted checking with the Elk Grove Township Attorney to see if it is legal as stated above in Ordinance #2018-06; they found that it is legal as long as they do not go over a 10 year period. In looking at the Amortization Schedule, it allows the Highway Department to pay back Principle & Interest on the loan yearly but also put $100,000 in Reserve. With Township Funds in Reserves / Cash / Investments, and with Tax Revenue coming in August or September, the funds will be readily available to Transfer the 1.2 Million Dollars in November to pay for the extensive highway program. These funds would be able to be transferred without negatively impacting the Township operations.
Goal: Highway Department will not have to borrow money again as the new road system is projected to last 15 to 18 years. It has been calculated that over the 10 year period of the loan, plus an additional 5 years, with all of the interest earned, there will be sufficient funds to cover the costs of redoing the roads.
The Proposal to the Board is a 2.5% Interest Loan over a 10 year term with the ability for the Highway
Department to pay off the loan early if so desired.
Motion was made to pass Ordinance #2018-06 - the motion was moved and passed on the 1st reading with no further discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 PM
Elk Grove Township Meeting - 5/21/18
7:00 PM - Meeting was Called to Order
Not in Attendance: Trustee Dale Newardowski
Heart of a Marine Presentation by Clerk George Busse
Heart of a Marine is an organization began by Roy & Georgette Frank in honor of their son, Marine Lance Corporal Phillip E. Frank, who died in combat in Iraq.
Mr. Busse declared on behalf of the EGTS Board that May 21, 2018 would be a Celebration Day in recognition of the 13 years of dedication and support of our country’s Veterans and their families in need of assistance. He then presented a plaque to Exec. Director, Barbara Matsukes, that would be given to Roy & Georgette Frank who have now retired and reside in New Jersey.
Assessor’s Report
The Cook County Assessor’s Office is finished with appeals and has been informed that the 2nd Installment will be late due to the considerable number of Appeals that have gone to the Assessor’s Office of the Board of Appeals. Although the tax bills would be late they will still be due and payable within 30 days.
The Assessor’s Office has begun the process of digitization of their 33,000+ files by purging unnecessary files prior to scanning Pin #’s & Mailing Addresses into the system. There will be meetings to discuss the format to enable this digitization
.
Highway Commissioner’s Report
The Highway Dept. is very excited about the upcoming 1st Major Reconstruction Project in EGTS in many years. Some improvements will be repair and some will be complete tear out and rebuilds. This applies to all unincorporated areas of EGTS which will include the entire system of roads.
New Business
The EGTS Attorneys spoke on the Intergovernmental Agreement of the Property Swap as the last piece of consolidation as far as the building swap is concerned.
“Whereas Clause”: addresses authority of EGVillage Home Rule to transfer property with certain criteria. On May 22, the Elk Grove Village Board will vote on this and as long as there is a ¾ vote it will be passed and signed.
Attorneys were assured by the Title Insurance Co. that this recent modification is OK and they are confident that transfer would get sufficient Title.
Although Elk Grove Village can remain on the property until 2/1/18, they may want to vacate prior to that date. The lease for Elk Grove Township does not expire, technically, until 6/30/19.
New Business - Tuition Reimbursement Program
Trustee Sue Ellen Satern has questions regarding the Tuition Reimbursement Program. She questions this assistance coming out of Taxpayers money and was assured that other entities of government do use taxpayers money for this type of assistance.
Commissioner Sweeney feels that Computer Classes, Microsoft Office Classes, Masters Degree in Social Work are important for professional development of the Staff. Policy now is just for GA, but Comm. Sweeney would like it for the rest of the Township employees.
One of the Staff Members want back for Masters and this ended up being the catalyst in GA for the Tuition Reimbursement Program. The recipient must score an “A” in class (sometimes class is Pass/Fail), and assistance is for part of the out of pocket expenses. This Staff Member will be getting $3500 in assistance and Trustee Satern would like to see the bill before awarding the reimbursement.
When asked what the cap would be and how this will be decided, Comm. Sweeney said it depends upon the amount of courses in the program and it would be at his discretion as to how much will be reimbursed. He stated he could see it not going over an amount of $10,000.
Another concern of Trustee Satern is that as of now the recipient of the Reimbursement Program only needs to work for the Township for 1 year and this is usually a 3 to 5 year time period. Mr. Sweeney said that this is a new policy created in GA and will be a Proposed Board Policy voted on by the board, which may be “tweaked”.
New Business - Establishing Regular Board Meeting Agenda Items
Clerk Busse would like to establish a more efficient procedure for establishing the Regular board Meeting Agenda. After consulting with other townships and a few villages, Clerk Busse presented his suggestions.
After much discussion and clarifications, the procedure for establishing Agenda Items, changes to the Agenda, and Emergency Additions to the Agenda were voted on and passed.
The meeting was Adjourned at 7:48 PM.
7:00 PM - Meeting was Called to Order
Not in Attendance: Trustee Dale Newardowski
Heart of a Marine Presentation by Clerk George Busse
Heart of a Marine is an organization began by Roy & Georgette Frank in honor of their son, Marine Lance Corporal Phillip E. Frank, who died in combat in Iraq.
Mr. Busse declared on behalf of the EGTS Board that May 21, 2018 would be a Celebration Day in recognition of the 13 years of dedication and support of our country’s Veterans and their families in need of assistance. He then presented a plaque to Exec. Director, Barbara Matsukes, that would be given to Roy & Georgette Frank who have now retired and reside in New Jersey.
Assessor’s Report
The Cook County Assessor’s Office is finished with appeals and has been informed that the 2nd Installment will be late due to the considerable number of Appeals that have gone to the Assessor’s Office of the Board of Appeals. Although the tax bills would be late they will still be due and payable within 30 days.
The Assessor’s Office has begun the process of digitization of their 33,000+ files by purging unnecessary files prior to scanning Pin #’s & Mailing Addresses into the system. There will be meetings to discuss the format to enable this digitization
.
Highway Commissioner’s Report
The Highway Dept. is very excited about the upcoming 1st Major Reconstruction Project in EGTS in many years. Some improvements will be repair and some will be complete tear out and rebuilds. This applies to all unincorporated areas of EGTS which will include the entire system of roads.
New Business
The EGTS Attorneys spoke on the Intergovernmental Agreement of the Property Swap as the last piece of consolidation as far as the building swap is concerned.
“Whereas Clause”: addresses authority of EGVillage Home Rule to transfer property with certain criteria. On May 22, the Elk Grove Village Board will vote on this and as long as there is a ¾ vote it will be passed and signed.
Attorneys were assured by the Title Insurance Co. that this recent modification is OK and they are confident that transfer would get sufficient Title.
Although Elk Grove Village can remain on the property until 2/1/18, they may want to vacate prior to that date. The lease for Elk Grove Township does not expire, technically, until 6/30/19.
New Business - Tuition Reimbursement Program
Trustee Sue Ellen Satern has questions regarding the Tuition Reimbursement Program. She questions this assistance coming out of Taxpayers money and was assured that other entities of government do use taxpayers money for this type of assistance.
Commissioner Sweeney feels that Computer Classes, Microsoft Office Classes, Masters Degree in Social Work are important for professional development of the Staff. Policy now is just for GA, but Comm. Sweeney would like it for the rest of the Township employees.
One of the Staff Members want back for Masters and this ended up being the catalyst in GA for the Tuition Reimbursement Program. The recipient must score an “A” in class (sometimes class is Pass/Fail), and assistance is for part of the out of pocket expenses. This Staff Member will be getting $3500 in assistance and Trustee Satern would like to see the bill before awarding the reimbursement.
When asked what the cap would be and how this will be decided, Comm. Sweeney said it depends upon the amount of courses in the program and it would be at his discretion as to how much will be reimbursed. He stated he could see it not going over an amount of $10,000.
Another concern of Trustee Satern is that as of now the recipient of the Reimbursement Program only needs to work for the Township for 1 year and this is usually a 3 to 5 year time period. Mr. Sweeney said that this is a new policy created in GA and will be a Proposed Board Policy voted on by the board, which may be “tweaked”.
New Business - Establishing Regular Board Meeting Agenda Items
Clerk Busse would like to establish a more efficient procedure for establishing the Regular board Meeting Agenda. After consulting with other townships and a few villages, Clerk Busse presented his suggestions.
After much discussion and clarifications, the procedure for establishing Agenda Items, changes to the Agenda, and Emergency Additions to the Agenda were voted on and passed.
The meeting was Adjourned at 7:48 PM.
ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP MEETING - 4/23/18
Meeting Start Time: 7 PM
New Trustee: Our new Trustee, Richard Keenley was in attendance.
Points of interest of the Elk Grove Township Board of Trustees Meeting
Emails:
Leonard Vanderwill wanted to know the Starting & Final Salary at Palatine TS of Lisa Menich, Director of General Assistance; Mr. Sweeney asked him to get this information from Palatine TS.
Leonard Vanderwill asked the Starting Salary and Present EGTS Salary of Lisa Menich and how much she has been reimbursed for mileage by EGTS since start date.
All of above information was sent in around 4/6.
Mr. Vanderwill also wanted to know how many people the GA served in January, February & March; wanted Credit Card Statements for period of January, 2017 through February 28, 2018. This information was also provided.
Mr. Vanderwill asked Mr. Sweeney if Lisa Paul was related to him. There was no verbal reply but it was indicated that Mr. Vanderwill was given the information.
4/13/18 - there was a request from the Better Government Assn. to see full payroll expenses for 2017. This was sent on 4/18.
Meeting was adjourned.
Meeting Start Time: 7 PM
New Trustee: Our new Trustee, Richard Keenley was in attendance.
Points of interest of the Elk Grove Township Board of Trustees Meeting
Emails:
Leonard Vanderwill wanted to know the Starting & Final Salary at Palatine TS of Lisa Menich, Director of General Assistance; Mr. Sweeney asked him to get this information from Palatine TS.
Leonard Vanderwill asked the Starting Salary and Present EGTS Salary of Lisa Menich and how much she has been reimbursed for mileage by EGTS since start date.
All of above information was sent in around 4/6.
Mr. Vanderwill also wanted to know how many people the GA served in January, February & March; wanted Credit Card Statements for period of January, 2017 through February 28, 2018. This information was also provided.
Mr. Vanderwill asked Mr. Sweeney if Lisa Paul was related to him. There was no verbal reply but it was indicated that Mr. Vanderwill was given the information.
4/13/18 - there was a request from the Better Government Assn. to see full payroll expenses for 2017. This was sent on 4/18.
Meeting was adjourned.
ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING OF 3/26/18
Trustee Suellen Satern - Not in Attendance
7:00 PM - Meeting Called to Order
CITIZEN COMMENT: A concerned Taxpayer came to the podium to express her feelings. She felt that the “Transparency” promised in previous meetings was not, in her opinion, being seen.
Elk Grove Township Employees were engaging in doing things for the schools that the schools should be doing themselves. Too many EGT employees involved in this type of activity.
She is not asking for answers to these comments, just action in the future and more information in the Elk Grove Township Newsletter.
VIDEO TAPING
It is stated that the Village of Elk Grove was not in compliance for the videotaping, as they did not submit a proposal and were not sure that they could provide the minimum amount of microphones, which is 7 microphones.
There was a Motion to rescind Elk Grove Village Motion to record meetings, which was passed. Elk Grove Township is planning to hire Lorrel Communications (not sure of spelling) to videotape Regular Monthly Scheduled Township Meetings for the Fiscal Year: 2018 - 2019 / April 1, 2018 - April 1, 2019. They were the lowest bidder @ $1500 per Meeting for 12 months.
7:23 PM - Meeting Adjourned
Trustee Suellen Satern - Not in Attendance
7:00 PM - Meeting Called to Order
CITIZEN COMMENT: A concerned Taxpayer came to the podium to express her feelings. She felt that the “Transparency” promised in previous meetings was not, in her opinion, being seen.
Elk Grove Township Employees were engaging in doing things for the schools that the schools should be doing themselves. Too many EGT employees involved in this type of activity.
She is not asking for answers to these comments, just action in the future and more information in the Elk Grove Township Newsletter.
VIDEO TAPING
It is stated that the Village of Elk Grove was not in compliance for the videotaping, as they did not submit a proposal and were not sure that they could provide the minimum amount of microphones, which is 7 microphones.
There was a Motion to rescind Elk Grove Village Motion to record meetings, which was passed. Elk Grove Township is planning to hire Lorrel Communications (not sure of spelling) to videotape Regular Monthly Scheduled Township Meetings for the Fiscal Year: 2018 - 2019 / April 1, 2018 - April 1, 2019. They were the lowest bidder @ $1500 per Meeting for 12 months.
7:23 PM - Meeting Adjourned
ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING - 12/18/2017
7:00 - Meeting Called to Order
Point of Interest:
Assessor Connie Carosielli reported that due to potential tax changes, the 1st Installment of 2017 Tax Bill can be paid before the end of 2017. Taxpayers with taxes in excess of $10,000 will be affected by the new change and will be able to prepay online through the Cook County Treasurer’s website or in person at a Chase Bank.
7:13 - Executive Session
Board members left the room to discuss the sale of 401 S. Golf Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL.
7:30 - Board members returned.
Videotaping:
Board members are in favor of continuing the videotaping of meetings. Elk Grove Village is willing to do the videotaping at what seems to be less costly but possibly will not be providing the same level of service as the current vendor. The current vendor would like to have information to bid “Apples to Apples” for providing this service. Until a decision is made EGT will pay the current vendor $1750 per month to continue providing the
service of videotaping the meetings.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:57 pm
7:00 - Meeting Called to Order
Point of Interest:
Assessor Connie Carosielli reported that due to potential tax changes, the 1st Installment of 2017 Tax Bill can be paid before the end of 2017. Taxpayers with taxes in excess of $10,000 will be affected by the new change and will be able to prepay online through the Cook County Treasurer’s website or in person at a Chase Bank.
7:13 - Executive Session
Board members left the room to discuss the sale of 401 S. Golf Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL.
7:30 - Board members returned.
Videotaping:
Board members are in favor of continuing the videotaping of meetings. Elk Grove Village is willing to do the videotaping at what seems to be less costly but possibly will not be providing the same level of service as the current vendor. The current vendor would like to have information to bid “Apples to Apples” for providing this service. Until a decision is made EGT will pay the current vendor $1750 per month to continue providing the
service of videotaping the meetings.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:57 pm
ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP MEETING OF 10/23/2017
7:00 PM - Meeting Called to Order
The meeting started with citizen, Margie O’Brien, discussing the Freedom of Information Act. She stated that most of the other Townships have a page on the internet that is easily accessible. She stated that Elk Grove Township’s page is difficult to access and that Elk Grove Township needs a condensed and organized format similar to the other Townships. Although EGTS states that they want transparency, it looks like they are not trying to be transparent. It was discussed and agreed that the township would work on this.
Just before the meeting was to be adjourned, Trustee Koshaba stated that she called the Mayor of Elk Grove Village regarding a statement made by a citizen at the 9/25/17 EGTS Board meeting. This citizen stated that she received a call from her mayor who advised her that Supervisor Sweeney called him and said that she was disruptive at previous meetings and could sway the Land Swap Vote. At the 9/25/17 Board Meeting, Supervisor Sweeney denied making this statement and said it is not accurate. (The mayor is now identified by Trustee Koshaba as the Mayor of Elk Grove Village) Trustee Koshaba states at this Board Meeting of 10/23/17, that the Mayor of Elk Grove Village told her in a phone conversation - he watched the Board Meeting of 9/25/17 and that the statement, above, made by this citizen was correct. Supervisor Sweeney had no comment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM
7:00 PM - Meeting Called to Order
The meeting started with citizen, Margie O’Brien, discussing the Freedom of Information Act. She stated that most of the other Townships have a page on the internet that is easily accessible. She stated that Elk Grove Township’s page is difficult to access and that Elk Grove Township needs a condensed and organized format similar to the other Townships. Although EGTS states that they want transparency, it looks like they are not trying to be transparent. It was discussed and agreed that the township would work on this.
Just before the meeting was to be adjourned, Trustee Koshaba stated that she called the Mayor of Elk Grove Village regarding a statement made by a citizen at the 9/25/17 EGTS Board meeting. This citizen stated that she received a call from her mayor who advised her that Supervisor Sweeney called him and said that she was disruptive at previous meetings and could sway the Land Swap Vote. At the 9/25/17 Board Meeting, Supervisor Sweeney denied making this statement and said it is not accurate. (The mayor is now identified by Trustee Koshaba as the Mayor of Elk Grove Village) Trustee Koshaba states at this Board Meeting of 10/23/17, that the Mayor of Elk Grove Village told her in a phone conversation - he watched the Board Meeting of 9/25/17 and that the statement, above, made by this citizen was correct. Supervisor Sweeney had no comment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM
9/25/2017 -- ELK GROVE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
Laura Davis Reporting
Trustee Bob Ingraffia - Not in Attendance
7:00 PM - Meeting Called to Order
All meetings start out by asking any citizens in attendance to come to the podium to ask questions of the Board or to air any complaints, etc.
AUDITORS REPORT - An audit was done and the Auditor reported that Elk Grove Township is handling funds well and not operating in deficit. He recommended that the current Capitalization Policy, which is currently at $500, be raised to $5,000. No one objected to this - at previous Board Meeting of 8/27/17 there was a very “heated” discussion on this subject. Trustee Andrea Koshaba argued that the $500 limit was voted on and limit should not be raised. Supervisor Sweeney did not agree with this and was attempting to take another vote on this subject which led to banging of the gavel numerous times to try and regain order and the meeting was abruptly adjourned at 7:30 pm.
The 9/25/17 meeting was going along without incident until Trustee Koshaba brought up the fact that she was going to obtain the services of an attorney, other than the Elk Grove Township attorney, who was in attendance. She feels that the Trustees and the Supervisor are at odds and that the Trustees seem to need legal counsel. They felt that since the Township Attorney and Supervisor Sweeney were good friends, it would be a conflict of interest. (The Elk Grove Township Attorney objected to this statement)
At that point Clerk George Busse states to Trustee Koshaba that this specific issue may not be an issue of
Official Capacity and an attorney might not be paid by the taxpayers. He suggested that she reach out to the Township Attorney first, but Trustee wants to use Attorney Jim Kelly, due to true conflicts within the Board. Supervisor Sweeney wants to table this until a vote is taken and they have more information.
The 3 Trustees in attendance voted against Supervisor Sweeney, feeling there is a definite conflict. The fourth Trustee, Bob Ingraffia was not in attendance. There was some discussion regarding the cost of taping the Board Meetings both audio and visual and Clerk Busse said that they agreed in a previous meeting that they would do the taping of these meetings for a 6 month period and he made the decision to pay for the video tapings.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:33 pm.
Laura Davis Reporting
Trustee Bob Ingraffia - Not in Attendance
7:00 PM - Meeting Called to Order
All meetings start out by asking any citizens in attendance to come to the podium to ask questions of the Board or to air any complaints, etc.
- Unnamed Citizen comes up to the microphone and directs her conversation to Supervisor Sweeney. She tells him that she received a call from her Mayor stating that Supervisor Sweeney told him that she was disruptive at previous Board Meetings. This could sway the Land Swap Vote. Citizen believes this is a defamation of character - “how could she sway a vote one way or another”.
- Supervisor Sweeney denies this and said that he did not say this to her Mayor (they never mentioned what town she lives in so I don’t know the name of her Mayor) Supervisor states that her Mayor said something that is not true, not accurate.
- The 9/7/17 Herald Editorial was mentioned which stated - if attitude doesn’t change, the next change should be the Board. Trustee Andrea Koshaba sent a letter to the Herald rebutting what the Herald said.
AUDITORS REPORT - An audit was done and the Auditor reported that Elk Grove Township is handling funds well and not operating in deficit. He recommended that the current Capitalization Policy, which is currently at $500, be raised to $5,000. No one objected to this - at previous Board Meeting of 8/27/17 there was a very “heated” discussion on this subject. Trustee Andrea Koshaba argued that the $500 limit was voted on and limit should not be raised. Supervisor Sweeney did not agree with this and was attempting to take another vote on this subject which led to banging of the gavel numerous times to try and regain order and the meeting was abruptly adjourned at 7:30 pm.
The 9/25/17 meeting was going along without incident until Trustee Koshaba brought up the fact that she was going to obtain the services of an attorney, other than the Elk Grove Township attorney, who was in attendance. She feels that the Trustees and the Supervisor are at odds and that the Trustees seem to need legal counsel. They felt that since the Township Attorney and Supervisor Sweeney were good friends, it would be a conflict of interest. (The Elk Grove Township Attorney objected to this statement)
At that point Clerk George Busse states to Trustee Koshaba that this specific issue may not be an issue of
Official Capacity and an attorney might not be paid by the taxpayers. He suggested that she reach out to the Township Attorney first, but Trustee wants to use Attorney Jim Kelly, due to true conflicts within the Board. Supervisor Sweeney wants to table this until a vote is taken and they have more information.
The 3 Trustees in attendance voted against Supervisor Sweeney, feeling there is a definite conflict. The fourth Trustee, Bob Ingraffia was not in attendance. There was some discussion regarding the cost of taping the Board Meetings both audio and visual and Clerk Busse said that they agreed in a previous meeting that they would do the taping of these meetings for a 6 month period and he made the decision to pay for the video tapings.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:33 pm.