Elizabeth A. Kmet

The Finance Committee meeting included a presentation on the investment report for the first fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2024, noting that the City maintained over 60% of budgeted expenses in cash/investments, with the US Bank portfolio valued over $8.86 million. The committee also considered and approved the monthly treasurer's report through July 31, 2024. This report indicated a positive variance of nearly $464K in the general fund, driven by investment income, building permits, and sales tax revenue. The report also noted the financial performance of the Flagg Creek Golf Course fund, which showed a surplus despite increased labor costs.

The Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals addressed two primary action items. The first involved considering a variance request (Case #PZV19-0002) to reduce the corner side lot line setback for the construction of a 6-foot solid privacy fence at 5656 S. Madison Avenue. The Board recommended approval of this variance subject to three specified conditions. The second major item (Case #PTA19-0001) concerned considering a Text Amendment to include Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organizations and Medical Cannabis Dispensing Organizations as a Special Use in the B-1 Zoning District, potentially moving them from the M-1 District. Following public comments expressing opposition to the location change, the Board recommended approval to amend Section 10-6A-2 to include these uses as special uses in both B-1 and M-1 Districts, subject to specific distance restrictions (1,500 feet from certain buildings, 250 feet from residential) and limiting the number of licenses to one. The Board also briefly discussed an upcoming December agenda item involving an Intergovernmental arrangement.

The meeting included investment updates from representatives of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Wells Fargo Wachovia Securities. Key investment discussions involved reallocating funds from American Funds to Lord Abbot Alpha Strategy Funds, adjusting the term structure of a Pacific Life-Frontier I investment, withdrawing guaranteed annuity income, and investing excess money market cash into the McDonnell account. The Board unanimously approved motions to execute these investment strategies utilizing the received $898,459.00 tax levy contribution check. Other actions included accepting receipts and disbursements for January, February, and March 2015, approving outstanding bills, holding an election for a retired member representative (Louis Moravecek), and ratifying initial board positions (President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary). New business addressed the passing of a retiree, the appointment of a FOIA officer, provided updates on the attorney's new address, noted the appointment of a new board member, and set a hearing date regarding the pension benefits of retiree Timothy Swanson following his felony plea.

The Recreation Committee discussed the proposal for the 2019 Summer Concert Series, suggesting a "Summertime in Countryside" theme and directing the presenter to contact bands and return with a budget and potential band list after the New Year. The Committee reviewed four nominations for the Good Neighbor Award, determined all four should receive the award, and directed staff to issue $50 gift cards and invite recipients to the November 14th City Council meeting for recognition. The committee tabled further discussion regarding a community wide garage sale. An update was provided on retaining walls at Woodland Ridge Park and Countryside Park, indicating maintenance work was completed or planned to extend the life of the walls. A request concerning demolishing a house on the 5th Avenue Cutoff to create a pocket park was noted to be discussed in Executive Session at the subsequent City Council meeting.

The key discussion revolved around the consideration of a COVID-19 Delta Variant Directive based on recommendations from IRMA. This included updating the face covering policy for all building occupants and requiring unvaccinated employees to undergo testing at regular intervals. The committee debated the logistics of testing time (on or off duty) and cost responsibility, which are subject to union bargaining. Concerns were raised regarding the number of unvaccinated Police Department personnel interacting with the public. The committee directed staff to draft a Mandated Vaccination Policy, aiming for a deadline of October 1, 2021, with potential consequences up to termination, pending legal review and union negotiation. Separately, the committee addressed the hiring process for the Building Commissioner position, agreeing to post the job advertisement and review past resumes. The committee also discussed temporary staffing for golf course operations, including part-time assistance until November and plans for an independent contractor agreement for the following spring.