Politics & Government

Aldermen Will Hold Budget Hearing, Discuss 2013 Expenses Again on Monday

Also, Alderman Gutenkauf is proposing restrictions on campaign contributions, and several bids and city events slated for approval.

A public hearing on the tentative 2013 City of Elmhurst budget will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, at City Hall, 209 N. York St. Aldermen have been discussing the budget in Committee of the Whole meetings for several weeks, and the discussion will continue at the conclusion of the regular City Council meeting Monday.

Related:

  • Elmhurst Aldermen Take Closer Look at DuPage Fees During Budget Discussion
  • Here's a Glimpse at Some of the Ways Aldermen Are Planning to Spend Your Money

Following the hearing, the first item on the agenda of the regular City Council meeting is the presentation of the Cool Cities Award. Members of the public will then be invited to speak on any topic for up to three minutes.

In addition to the approval of minutes and accounts payable, the consent agenda includes the following items:

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  • a request to approve the 2013 Elmhurst Jaycees Carnival June 13-16 will be referred to the Public Affairs and Safety Committee
  • a request to restrict campaign contributions will be referred to the Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services Committee. First Ward Alderman Diane Gutenkauf has requested the council adopt an ordinance to ban liquor license holders and applicants from directly or indirectly making campaign contributions to elected officials. A conflict of interest is created if campaign contributions are made from those businesses the mayor oversees as liquor commissioner, Gutenkauf said in a memo to the city manager.
  • approval of a contract with Gerardi Sewer and Water Company, the lowest bidder, in the amount of $136,220 for the 2013 fire hydrant and water main valve repair project
  • approval of a one-year fuel contract with Heritage FS Inc., the lowest bidder
  • approval of sidewalk installation on the east side of Howard Avenue from Lake Street Frontage Road to Armitage Avenue. The City Council previously approved a 50/50 cost sharing agreement (via special service area) with property owners on Howard. Fifteen of 20 affected homeowners responded to the most recent survey about the sidewalk. Eight of the 15 are in favor of the installation and seven are against. The Public Works and Buildings Committee is recommending setting up the special service area and moving forward the installation of sidewalks.
  • approval of the 2013 York and Vallette Farmers Market Wednesdays, June 5-Oct. 25
  • approval of a variation to construct an unenclosed front porch at 259 N. Myrtle
  • approval to amend text in the city's zoning ordinance to include "landscape contractors with outdoor storage" in the industrial district
  • approval of sale by auction of two vehicles seized for driving offenses
  • approval of the Annie Ryan Fun Run May 19
  • approval of the Spring Road Bike and Pet Parade May 18
  • approval of reclassification of Industrial Drive, Larch Avenue, Wrightwood Avenue, Diversey Avenue and Spangler Avenue from "local roads" to "urban collectors"
  • approval to terminate participation by aldermen and the city treasurer in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
  • approval of a contract with Pontifex Consulting Group LLC for a 2013 compensation study
  • approval of a contract with Gerardi Sewer and Water Co. in an amount not to exceed $136,220 to replace 10 fire hydrants and six water main valves
  • approval of a contract with Alaniz Landscape Group for turf and landscape maintenance for 2013-15
  • approval of a contract with Best Quality Cleaning Inc. for janitorial services for eight municipal buildings at a cost of $5,418 per month

Aldermen will then hear reports and recommendations from Acting Mayor Scott Levin and City Manager Jim Grabowski.

After aldermen adjourn the regular City Council meeting, they will reconvene in Committee of the Whole for a final discussion on the 2013 budget.

Budget items in the following categories will be discussed:

  • TIF
  • capital improvements
  • capital projects
  • bond and interest
  • trust and agency
  • general fund revenue
  • capital expenditure budget
  • circle-back line items

The Committee of the Whole meeting is expected to begin at about 8 p.m.

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