Martin C. Brook

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and review of posted meeting notices and public hearing notices concerning the assessment. Public comment was opened and subsequently closed. The Board approved minutes for the hearing of assessments meeting and closed session meeting from May 9th. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation on the 2023 lake maintenance, including a discussion on invasive species management like lily pads and Fragmites, where the contractor introduced new drone-based treatment technology for Fragmites, contrasting it with traditional mechanical removal methods. The Board then confirmed expenditures from May 5, 2023, through April 11, 2024, noting an ongoing dispute with Seaside Seawalls regarding an unapproved upcharge addendum for backfill work. Following this, a review of the 2023 revenues, expenses, and fund balance report indicated the Lake Board ran a deficit, utilizing approximately $77,000 of its reserve, partly due to unanticipated, necessary infrastructure repairs to improve the safety of the Weir and spillway. The Board also considered the adoption of the 2024 budget, which included provisions for further restoration of property impacted by the Weir construction, such as leveling fill and grass seeding, to return the area to its prior condition. Finally, the Board certified the delinquent 2023 assessments to the assessor.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the consent agenda, which contained the minutes from the September 12, 2023 meeting. A key segment involved honoring Commissioner Sarah H. McClure for her dedication and service to the community, including her roles as Mayor and on the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, noting her contributions to beautification efforts and goal-setting practices. Discussions also covered the appointment of election inspectors for the November 7, 2023 election. City management provided updates on the tree program, noting high demand and discussing follow-up on stake and mulch removal for newly planted trees, as well as the status of the Chesterfield culvert project, which is moving toward a January bid. Concerns regarding rip rap application for the Trollope Bridge project were addressed, and Commissioner Baxter noted successful drainage improvements but pointed out a clogged drain on Canterbury Slope which requires attention. Updates were also provided regarding meetings with Representative Donnie Steel concerning MDOT's crosswalk grant application and efforts to address noise legislation by engaging with local directors and state senators.

The meeting, following a review of postponed and withdrawn items, addressed several variance and permission requests. Key discussions included the approval of a dimensional variance for a shed at 2434 Brayton Avenue, requiring height correction. A variance and permission request for a vinyl fence at 6506 Spruce Drive to replace an existing one and extend its length was approved, contingent on screening discussions. The board also approved a dimensional variance for an emergency generator at 3335 Burning Bush, noting coordination with the village board and the need for screening due to the property's trapezoidal shape. Finally, a dimensional variance was granted for a generator placement at 6060 Snowshoe Circle, as other locations were deemed impractical or too close to neighbors. The board also reviewed initial requests for accessory structures (sport court, pool cabana, pergola, and gas fire pit) at 1775 Schoenath Lane, including a dimensional variance for a shorter mesh net on the sport court.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda order. Key discussion points included the successful renewal of the millage, which simplifies the evening's budget discussions, and recognition of March as Reading Month and the library's 60th anniversary year. The Director's report detailed the recent launch of the new 'Vega' user interface for the library catalog, noting user adaptation challenges and positive feedback on its polished look. Staff launched 'The Distracted Librarians' podcast in partnership with BCTV. Plans were detailed for providing solar eclipse viewing glasses starting March 25th and hosting an 'Eclipse-a-Palooza' event on April 4th. The Board received updates on the library's photo contest, which saw record participation. The 60th-anniversary celebration planning is underway for an all-ages carnival-themed event on October 5th. A significant item involved the recommendation to conduct a compensation and classification study and review the organizational chart, which will involve issuing an RFP estimated between $35,000 and $40,000, with a recommendation expected by the May meeting. Furthermore, the library conducted 'Stop the Bleed' training for staff and Friends members on responding to traumatic injuries, which included hands-on practice, and the library plans to purchase Stop the Bleed kits for placement near first aid kits and AED machines. The annual audit engagement letter was presented, with field work scheduled for May 3rd-5th, and presentation to the Board planned for July.

The quarterly meeting agenda included the approval of previous minutes and a public comment period. The primary focus was the quarterly portfolio review, where key performance drivers included specific stock holdings like Apple, Novo Nordisk, and Nvidia, reflecting broader market trends concerning interest rates and Federal Reserve policy. The committee discussed the underperformance of several managers and confirmed that the portfolio was rebalanced in April according to new investment policy targets. Significant activity involved the consolidation of trading accounts for investment purposes to leverage economies of scale, allowing for the introduction of a new manager, Reinhardt, in a separately managed account for cost savings. New investment discussions centered on allocating capital to less liquid asset classes suitable for the accumulation phase of the fund, specifically exploring real estate lending via Bloomfield Capital and private equity secondaries through Capital Dynamics, which provides immediate write-up potential and diversification benefits.