City of La Salle Finance Committee met June 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Chairman Tom Ptak called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Alderman Ptak, Alderman Demes, Alderman Lavieri, Alderman Jeppson
Others present: City Clerk Carrie Brown, Finance Director John Duncan, City Engineer Brian Brown, City Treasurer Virginia Kochanowski, Alderman Jerry Reynolds, Deputy Clerk Brent Bader, City Attorney Jim McPhedran joined at 6:12 p.m.
Absent: Alderman Herndon
A quorum was present.
There were no questions on the bills.
Finance Director John Duncan said that he has put together an initial budget, but because of ongoing events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect it will have on the city’s revenue streams the budget “looks rough.” He said the pandemic likely will lead to lost revenue compared to previous years such as a loss in the sales and gaming taxes. He will meet with Mayor Jeff Grove on June 2 for further review and potential changes. Mr. Duncan asked if the Finance Committee would be available for a second, longer meeting in person to go through every department in the general fund with input from the Finance Committee so it’s ready for approval during the City Council meeting on July 27. Alderman Tom Ptak asked whether they would be able to use the Council Chambers prior to the City Council’s first in-person meeting prior to using the WebEx platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Duncan said that the attendees will be spread out to allow for appropriate social distancing. Attendees said they would be able to attend a meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 4. Alderman Herndon was not in attendance to confirm his availability, but Mr. Duncan said he could meet with Alderman Herndon on an individual basis if he could not attend.
Chairman Ptak referenced requests on the City Council agenda later that same evening from Christie Pasieka and Michelle Olson on behalf of Starved Rock Rentals for a Redevelopment Incentive Program grant totaling $6,950 for premises located at 552 First Street (formerly Last Muffler and Brake) and from Brant Cohen on behalf of 801 First Street La Salle, LLC/CL Real Estate, LLC for a Redevelopment Incentive Program grant totaling $6,400 for premises located at 801-805 First Street. The aldermen were in favor of granting them.
Chairman Ptak also referenced authorization of invoices on the same City Council agenda including Invoice #20140 from the North Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation (NCIEDC) totaling $12,492 for annual membership fees for fiscal year 2020-202 and Invoice #10 from Starved Rock Country Alliance totaling $5,000 for 2020 annual funding. Economic Development Director Leah Inman was not on the call to give further information. Mr. Duncan said those items and others are up for discussion as they reassess the budget. He explained he does have some concerns with fixed costs in the budget and a longer discussion can be had looking at what can cut back on after “careful consideration.” The aldermen asked to extend an invite to Mrs. Inman to attend the June 4 meeting and to have those items discussed early on the agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
https://www.lasalle-il.gov/sites/default/files/agendas-minutes/2020-06/6-1-2020_0.pdf
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