.VILLAGE OF NORTH AURORA
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 5, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Berman called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
In attendance: Mayor Dale Berman, Trustee Mark Gaffino, Trustee Mike Lowery, Trustee Laura Curtis, Trustee Mark Guethle, Village Clerk Lori Murray. Not in attendance: Trustees Mark Carroll and Tao Martinez.
Staff in attendance: Village Administrator Steve Bosco, Finance Director Bill Hannah, Community & Economic Development Director Mike Toth, Police Chief David Fisher, Village Attorney Kevin Drendel.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS – None
TRUSTEE COMMENTS – None
DISCUSSION
1. Strategic Plan Update
Staff requested feedback from the Village Board regarding the strategic plan and if any changes needed to be made before formal adoption. The Village Board and Staff also discussed having a vision statement for the Village. The Board decided on the following:
“An attentive municipal organization that connects with nature, community and commerce.”
Bosco said he added the following action steps to the strategic plan. In the Community Vitality section, under the objective to “Continue the Village’s branding and identity program, expand use of new logo and branding elements.” Added actions steps:
1. Utilize the community sign for village promotional opportunities
2. Continue to promote the community through the establishment of a focal point near the Fox River.
3. Evaluate opportunities to enhance customer service capabilities.
Adoption of the Strategic Plan will be on the agenda for the March 5th Board meeting.
Bosco suggested strategic planning be done every other year and after an election rather than every 13 – 14 months. The Board agreed.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
At this time, Mayor Berman invited the Cub Scouts to come forward with any questions they may have for the Board. The following is a list of those questions:
“Why are you village trustees and not aldermen?”
Berman said that there are different forms of government. When we first started our government we were not a very large community and decided to have a Village President/Trustee form of government. There is no thought of changing this in the future. Berman also noted that an alderman represents the area in which he lives. Trustees represent everyone in the entire Village.
“How much money do you usually have to spend on things?”
Berman said that the Village has an annual budget and we budget for our General Fund to pay for our police, public works and staff.
“Where do you get the money?”
Berman said that the money comes from sales tax from Village businesses and real estate taxes from homes.
“Why did you replace the sign where Share and Care used to be?”
Berman said the old sign was from the 80s. It would take 2 people to manually go out and change the sign message. We have more messages in the community that we’d like to get out. The digital sign would allow the Village to have all kinds of messages from scouts, churches, community events and schools on the sign and it will be much more beneficial for the community.
“What are you going to do with the land where Share and Care was?” Berman said the Village will develop it in the future for retail or apartments in accordance to the Village’s Strategic Plan.
“How many and what kinds of goals do you like to complete in a year?”
Steve Bosco stated that the Board sets goals each year and it depends on the year. Some goals are long term and can take 5 or 10 years. Some goals can be done right away and take just a couple of months. The Village tries to cross off a few goals each year.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion made by Trustee Guethle and seconded by Trustee Gaffino to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Property Acquisition and Collective Bargaining. All in favor. Motion approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lori J. Murray
Village Clerk
