Aldermen Agree to Disagree and Approve Budget; Assistant City Manager Position Remains
Budget reduces expenses by nearly 12 percent from last year.
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Three Elmhurst aldermen voted along with their colleagues Monday to approve the city's 2012-13 budget, even though they disagree with some of its provisions. The spending plan was unanimously approved and takes effect May 1.
First Ward aldermen Diane Gutenkauf and Paula Pezza, and 3rd Ward Alderman Michael Bram, all stated before the vote that they had concerns about parts of the budget, including the hiring of a full-time assistant city manager.
Aldermen have been debating the creation of this position for about a year. Pezza and Gutenkauf proposed alternatives to the full-time job earlier this month, but neither of their ideas were entertained by the full council.
Currently, Mike Kopp serves as both the part-time assistant city manager and as Elmhurst's fire chief.
“I don't agree with everything in this budget, but I will support it as it stands,” Gutenkauf said.
Pezza agreed, adding the plan reduces expenditures and is a “crucial” part of the city's operations. She also noted that the city's bond rating depends on financial stability.
Along with opposing the new second-in-command for City Manager Jim Grabowski, Bram also said he is not happy with what he believes is the lack of attention to the construction of new sidewalks in his ward.
The budget calls for $124 million in expenses, down 11.7 percent from last year. Revenues are projected to be about $102 million. The difference is due to uncertainty regarding the cost of some projects, including the proposed Addison Street parking garage, and will be made up with bond proceeds and capital reserves.
black Hawk
8:08 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Pezza, Gutenkauf and Bram, what a bunch of doubletalk, (making the truth less unpleasant, without denying its nature. It may also be deployed as intentional ambiguity, or reversal of meaning (for example, naming a state of war "peace"). In such cases, doublespeak disguises the nature of the truth, producing a communication bypass these people do not have a backbone to stand on. Elmhurst please listen when they talk. They want the votes to stay in their position so they talk out of both sides of their mouth. I have more respect for people that stand up to their belief even if they are the opposition. The three losers agreed to disagree, they must think they are talking to a bunch of idiots. they are losers, please lets vote them out next time.
Michael Hassan
8:24 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Yet another no-name cowardly punk flexing his or her imagined muscles... and yes for the record I am married to Ald. Gutenkauf one of 14 fine public servants you disrespect with the inane insults you so bravely hurl from behind the safety of Mommy's apron.
Darlene Heslop
9:32 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
interesting comments, blackhawk, since you don't reveal your real name, you yourself are guilty of "intentional ambiguity" and not having a backbone to stand on.
James Cronin
10:49 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Wow the truth hurts! Darlene and Michael hmmmm.
james cronin
11:12 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Hey Hawk I am with you, your comments are hard but I agree.
For the record I am also married, however I am not her daddy that runs out to defend her.
Jim Court
10:44 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012
I guess those who act as loyal opposition and dare have independent thoughts will find themselves condemned who apparently do not understand how our government is supposed to be. If a politician demands blind obedience such as in Chicago, then group think works, although to the detriment of the governed. Has our city council morphed into a place where going along to get along and to avoid the messy process known as democracy. I have witnessed little in the fundamental way we do business. Processes are not analyzed, methods researched, and changes made. Too many parking, seat belt, and stop sign tickets while our neighborhoods are getting plundered. Hahn street languishes, not one downspout has been disconnected, and what fundamental changes have taken place ?
I completely respect Michael Bram. He is an Engineer with a deeply analytical mind.
The other two ladies love this community and devote considerable time trying to make it better. I would even say that the Mayor devotes much time. I don't want groupthink but I value innovation and leadership.
Steve
8:54 pm on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Why do we try to degrade individuals. State your perspective on issue like an adult without making it personal.
Darlene Heslop
12:55 am on Thursday, April 26, 2012
but steve, then there wouldn't be comments such as kate b's wonderful take on what my life is like...or the commentary calling me a hateful person...or others that are so far off base that i find myself seriously wondering why people keep making misguided attempts to figure me out...and then i feel obliged to set the record straight.
James Heartferd
11:32 pm on Friday, April 27, 2012
Why do these individual feel like they could intimidate other?
Darlene states "reveal your name or else" WOW that is really something,.
Then you have tough guy Hassan, wow he is really scary.
The comments on the three alderpersons was proper. Even the Patch noticed the flip flop, however they went soft in writing the story.
And Kate you are probably right.