Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report - March 28, 2017

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report

By: JW Fairman

March 28, 2017

Water Revenues:

With 5 days left in March and the full month of April yet to go, water revenues have exceeded last year by $119,870.53. It is projected that by fiscal year end revenues will exceed last year by as much as $400,000.

Treasurers Report:

It was brought to my attention that Mr. Wiszowaty posted a “BlogSpot” on his Facebook page indicating that the recent Treasurers Report neglected to include the payment information of myself and my assistant. I researched this claim and found that he was correct; as of yesterday the Treasurers Report was amended to include that information. Had the Village had the accounting software to generate this report errors such as this would be a non-issue. If you recall I have asked the Board in the past for funds to replace the Villages outdated accounting software.

However, and as Mr. Wiszowaty knows (through his recent FOIA on 1/15/2017) my income is $80,000 with no deductions plus reimbursements as fixed by contract. My assistant’s income is $20,000 with no deductions or reimbursements. Not the combined $125,000 he stated on his BlogSpot.

Also in his “BlogSpot” Mr.  Wiszowaty implied that I may have committed some sort of misconduct regarding pension laws. I have not. My Attorney also disagrees with his inferences and will address Mr. Wiszowaty and his claims, legally.

TIF #3 Project:

For approximately a year my assistant and I have been working, with the approval of the Mayor, to bring a Global Corporation to Sauk Village.  

The fiscal impact for the Village would bring much needed financial relief in the form of:

• Hundreds of local long term employment opportunities and mid-term construction jobs;
• Hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional property tax revenue and construction fees;
• Secondary development, bringing additional jobs, property and sales tax revenue as well as user fee and construction returns and finally;
• This corporation has indicated that it would be amiable to providing the Village with annual grants to help upgrade our public buildings and aging infrastructure.

The project was put on hold last August but as of a few days ago we were advised that it was beginning to move forward again. A tentative offer on property on the North end of TIF3 has been placed. This past Monday we were notified that on site due diligence was being conducted.

Secondary development, ancillary to this project, is proposing a truck stop and a “named” Hotel/Motel at the corner of 394 and Sauk Trail, adding approximately 50 additional employment opportunities.

Project and spin off revenue for the Village’s ailing General fund has not yet been estimated but it is projected that deficit spending for this Fund will be eliminated.

My assistant and I believe that Sauk Village can and should be the new leaders in economic development in the South Suburban area. I will continue to update the Board on the progress of this project as it occurs. The Village has been asked to withhold the name of the corporation until it can secure the necessary documents to move forward, at that time they will prepare a formal news release.

Sauk Village Administrator/Public Safety Director Board Meeting Report - March 14, 2017

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report

March 14, 2017

MISC:

ComED: Tomorrow I have a meeting w/ComED to discuss repair of SV street lights. The ComED representative informed me that no SV street light(s) have been reported for repair. Public Works has yet to confirm or deny that information. However and at my request, the SVPD has recorded 58 SV street lights deficient. Their (SVPD) list will be my point of discussion w/the ComED representative.

Doors: It was reported to me that the front doors of Village Hall have been left open after Village Hall hours. I had the Village’s IT person review tapes of the after hour time periods. He found that no one compromised the doors. He suggested it may have been due to the change in CDT time. The Police Department will periodically check the building.

Budget: The Judge in the Henrietta Turner v. Sauk Village case has instructed the Village to budget $101,000.00 in its 2017-2018 budget for this litigation.

Ongoing Investigation: For the sake of transparency; the Federal Inspector General’s Office and the FBI have been interviewing SV employees in regards to an ongoing investigation as recently as this week. I am not at liberty to discuss nor do I know the details of this case.

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report - Dacember 13, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report

December 6, 2016

By: JW Fairman

2016 Water Revenues:

As the end of November 30, 2016 – Fiscal YTD water revenues increased by $331,951.49 or 21.83% over the same period a year ago. This represents seven (7) straight monthly increases. Staff is to be applauded for their efforts.

2016 UCR Crime:  

UCR has deceased by 30% for the same period a year ago.

NOTE: It has been suggested by someone on social media that pouring a full glass of beer into an empty glass is one technique of determining annual UCR comparisons. Unfortunately, beer pouring - for this purpose, has not yet become an exact science.

But for those who are interested, I have placed the current 2012 thru 2015 vs. 2016 YTD UCR comparison report with Methodology on the table. Not as exciting as beer pouring - but far more accurate.

Collective Bargaining:

As of December 6^th Staff and I have completed all of the employee Collective Bargaining agreements for Sauk Village. Completing these agreements for the betterment of the Village and its employees has been a lengthy process. I like to thank the Unions, its representatives and staff for their efforts. I would also like to thank the Mayor and those Trustees who voted to approve these agreements.

Other Business:

• I urge the Board to approve the Weather Stone Estates Agreement. This next phase of new homes will add a sizable amount of new revenue (permit fees, water, vehicle sticker etc.) to the Village in addition to an increase in the Village’s (EAV) Equalized Assessed Valuation (property taxes). Again I would like to thank staff for all of their efforts in making this a reality.
• Mr. Tates I should have your request from the Engineers ready for you soon. I’ll email it to you as soon as it comes in.
• I know this is the political season and I know that the emotions of candidates and their workers often get tense – but I am getting tired of our employees having to hear that they may or may not have jobs after April based on who wins. You may or may not know that employee rights are protected under the law, so please keep the politics out of Village Hall. I am advising our employees to document all cases of political harassment. I will personally notify any person who undertakes such actions to cease and desist and forward all employee complaints of political harassment to the appropriate authorities.
• 2016 has been a very long but productive year in moving Sauk Village forward. I give all of the credit to our employees. Our employees have expressed to me to express to you their wishes, for a safe, healthy and happy Christmas and New Year. 

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director's Report - November 8, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director's Report

By: Director JW Fairman

Date: November 8, 2016

Labor Contracts:

Staff and I have reached agreements with 2 of the 3 Labor Unions of Sauk Village. A tentative agreement with the FOP is still being reviewed.

2016 Water Revenues:

YTD water revenues have increased $313,257.67 or 23.74% over 2015. In cooperation with Staff, we have been able to accomplish this by identifying squatters and placing liens and shutoffs on non-payers. This process is on-going.

2016 UCR Crime:

By the end of 2016 UCR crime is trending at 180 crimes. If that figure trends out it will represent a 389% decrease in UCR crime since 2012. Department staff, at all levels, are to be commended for their outstanding work and efforts to keep Sauk Village safe and secure.

UCR Crime is characterized as:

Murder, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Theft, Auto Theft and Arson

FBI Investigation:

It is our understanding through our attorneys that the FBI has concluded its investigation of Sauk Village. The investigation focused solely on the former Village Treasurer. He has acknowledged to the FBI that he acted alone in the theft of SV police pension funds. The FBI has forwarded its report to the U.S. Attorney General. 

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director's Report - October 25, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director's Report

October 25, 2016
By: JW Fairman

Labor Contracts:

Staff and I have reached tentative agreements with Sauk Village's Unions. The tentative agreements are being forwarded to Mayor Hanks for review.

Fiscal Outlook for the Remainder of FY  2016/17:
The below are the expected main sources of revenues for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2016/2017.

These revenues may see slight changes as we receive them but staff is confident that in the estimated amounts shown below are accurate. That said; water related revenues remain as the Villages leading source of income. The entire Sauk Village office staff are doing everything possible to defray water account delinquencies. Water revenues are up approximately $300,000 over the same period last year.

Until County, State and Federal revenues rebound our focus must remain solely on assuring that local revenues do not under produce.

Revenues for the remainder of FY 2016/17:

Revenues for the remainder of FY 2016/17:

1.	Real Estate Tax	$630,112
2.	Income Tax	$420,000
3.	Telecomm Tax	$84,000
4.	Sales Tax	$161,000
5.	ComED	$140,000
6.	Nicor	$35,000
7.	Miscellaneous	$35,000
8.	Water Related	$1,593,312

1.	Real Estate Tax	$630,112
2.	Income Tax	$420,000
3.	Telecomm Tax	$84,000
4.	Sales Tax	$161,000
	ComED	$140,000
6.	Nicor	$35,000
	Miscellaneous	$35,000
8.	Water Related	$1,593,312

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report - October 11, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report

By: JW Fairman

October 11, 2016

During last month, I attended the IML and ICMA conferences, during the periods of 09/22-24/2016 In Chicago, IL and 09/25-28/2016 in Kansas MO.

Throughout each of these conferences there was a mantra on how to do more with less personnel through the use of technology. We all know, updates of our technology system is in dire need of a major upgrade, which we are presently pursuing. And, I am sure that we are all aware of this dire need throughout the village.

Further, the need for villages and other municipalities to build “Diverse leadership in our community and organization.” This is sorely needed in our and a lot of other communities. To accomplish this we would need to reach out to business, religious and educational institutions. All of us know that cooperation is badly needed regardless of differences of opinions. First, we need to promote the development of staff throughout the village operations, help elected officials and other community leaders identify, work toward, and achieve common goals and objectives.

Additionally, I met with representatives of an organization called community champions who helps municipalities develop ordinances requiring the registration of Default mortgage property providing for the purpose, intent and applicability of the ordinance  requiring for the registration and maintenance of certain real property by Mortgages; providing for penalties and enforcement, as well as the regulation, limitation and reductions of registerable real property within the municipality; providing for severability, repealed, codification and an effective date.

What does this mean for Sauk Village? It could mean that we would have at no cost to Sauk Village, are presentative that would assist us in ensuring that banks and other financial institutions would have to pay for the up keep of their properties and possibly pay taxes on them. I will be meeting with this company’s representative within the next three weeks.

The Villages daily operations are managed as effectively as possible given their limited human capital. Which means that all of our department are working at maximum capacity, save for some mishaps.

We continue to work to receive finances owed to the village by businesses and community members.

Thanks,

JW Fairman, Jr

Village Administrator

Sauk Village Administrator/Public Safety Director Report - September 13, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator/Public Safety Director Report

by JW Fairman
September 13, 2016

I am in the final stages of completing the personnel manual and employee hand book. Dr. Straughter, has put the final review on this matter and it is being reviewed by Attorney Felicia Frazer. When completed the manual and hand book will be presented to mayor hanks for his review and approval and actions as appropriate.

We will continue to work with the Owens group on other personnel matters.

Our management team, should be congratulated for their continuing to do great work for the village. As an example, during the month of august, we collected $30,000 plus dollars in water revenue over the same month in years 2015.  This increase in revenue will allow the village’s infrastructure to be improved. I have a document for the board members which is a simple snapshot of four months for year 2015 and 2016 covering months of May through August of those years.

The retention pond fence three costs Have/will be presented to the finance committee to review and present to the board for review and or approval to go forward with this project.

JW Fairman, Jr

Village Administrator/Director of Public Safety

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report - August 9, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report

By: Director JW Fairman

August 9, 2016

URC Reported Crime:

 

Year to date reported UCR crime is 36% lower than UCR crime reported for the same period a year ago.

 

Vacant Housing

The Village's master vacant list (updated  8/3/16) shows 416 vacant homes:

• Vacant - 390 houses

• Vacant/Occupied - 18   houses (down from 88)

•  Pending Demo - 8

Need direction from the Board as to how it wants staff  to address  the issue of vacant housing.

  

Ordinance/Resolutions/   Amendments:

 

Staff is in process of reviewing Animal Control Ordinance with SVPD

 

Miscellaneous:

 

Internal Finance Adjustments

 

•   Department Heads are required to submit all invoices within 48 hours to Finance Office.

•   Department Heads are required to submit to the Finance Office three (3) quotes for purchases in excess of $5000.

•   The Finance Director is required to pay all Aging Report Invoices of $250 and under.

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report - July 26, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report

By: Director JW Fairman

July 26, 2016

URC Reported Crime:

Year to date reported UCR crime is 50% lower than UCR crime reported for the same period a year ago.

 Vacant Housing:

• The Village’s master vacant list (updated 7/26/16) shows 411 vacant homes:
  •   Vacant                  392 houses
  • *Vacant/Occupied   19 houses

* (no water account or occupancy - down from 88)

Scavenger Contract Update:

As I stated at a previous Board meeting, Sauk Village failed to execute the terms of its contractual agreement with Republic Scavenger Service. Its failure to execute those terms (adjustments of annual rate increases and failure to providing accurate housing counts) resulted in non-payment of services to the vender of $422,424.00

Months ago, when I found out about these deficiencies, and made the necessary corrections. I have also been meeting with the vender in an attempt to bring this matter to a fair and equable solution for both parties. After considerable negotiations to avoid a cut-off of service, the vender has agreed to forgive the full debt owed by the Village in exchange for a new 10 year agreement that will provide exact language spelling out each party’s obligations. The vender has asked to appear at the Boards 8/16 Committee of the Whole meeting to present the terms of the new contract.

 
Ordinance/Resolutions/ Amendments:  

No Report

Miscellaneous:

• Staff has completed the necessary paperwork for Cook County for no cash bid applications on three (3) land parcels in TIF #4. Petitions for tax deeds will be filed by the end of June. It is expected that this matter will be resolved in favor of the Village in January of 2017
• Owens Group has completed the Employees’ Handbook and is in the final stages of completing the Sauk Village personnel manual. A presentation will be ready for the Board in mid-September
• The Police Department is in the process of stripping police vehicles that will be disposed of.
• 
  

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report - June 14, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator / Public Safety Director’s Report

By: Director JW Fairman

June 14, 2016

URC Reported Crime:

Year to date reported UCR crime is 53% lower than UCR crime reported for the same period a year ago. Burglary and Theft are down 72% for the same reported period a year ago.

 

Vacant Housing:

• The Village’s master vacant list (as of June 1, 2016) shows 412 vacant homes:
  
  
  Vacant                       378 houses
  Vacant/Occupied     34 houses
  
  
  

Scavenger Contract Update:

As I stated at the last Village Board meeting Sauk Village failed to execute the terms of its contractual agreement with its scavenger vender. Its failure to execute those terms (adjustments of annual rate increases and failure to providing accurate housing counts) resulted in non-payment of services to the vender of $218,941.80.

Months ago, when I found out about these deficiencies, I made the necessary corrections. I have also been meeting with the vender in an attempt to bring this matter to a fair and equable solution for both parties. After considerable negotiations, the vender has agreed to forgive the full debt owed by the Village in exchange for a new 10 year agreement that will provide exact language spelling out each party’s obligations.

 

Ordinance/Resolutions/ Amendments:  

• Staff Recommendation for request not to exceed $15,000 to update the “Civic” computer system on all financial components of the Village has been completed by our attorneys and sent to the Finance Committee on 4/12/16. We are asking the Committee for a determination on this matter.
  

 

Miscellaneous:

• Mr. Rao secured a $35,000 Lighting Grant from the IL. Clean Energy Commission.
  


• Staff has completed the necessary paperwork for the County for no cash bid applications on three (3) land parcels in TIF #4. Petitions for tax deeds will be filed by the end of June.
  


• Owens Group has completed the Employees’ Handbook and is in the final stages of completing the Sauk Village personnel manual. A presentation will be ready for the Board in mid-July
  


• Owens Group is assisting me in establishing Department Safety Committees which will meet monthly and be assessed with the Owens Group Quarterly in efforts to control budgetary expenditures.
  


• Staff has made a recommendation to the Mayor’s Office regarding employee insurance coverage. After his review, the Mayor will make his recommendation.
  


• I have conveyed to staff that beginning in August, quarterly budget reviews with Department Heads will begin.
  


• I have been defined as staff’s single point of contact with Cal-Com. The purpose is to assure strict contract compliance. On a positive note; I am pleased to report that as of this date all emergency communications are functional.
  


• I am requesting our Attorney to draft a Resolution for the disposal of Police vehicles and seized property.
  


• Finally, budgeted revenue collections for the period of 1/1 through 6/1 - 2016 vs 2015 are up by 22%.

Sauk Village Administrator/Public Safety Director’s Report - May 10, 2016

Sauk Village Administrator/Public Safety Director’s Report

By: Director JW Fairman

May 10, 2016

URC Reported Crime:

Year to date reported UCR crime is still 57% lower than UCR crime reported for the same period a year ago.

Vacant Housing:

• The Village’s master vacant list (as of May 10, 2016) shows 431  vacant homes:
  • Vacant                       - 386 houses
  • Vacant/Occupied      - 37 houses
  • Demo list                  -   8 houses  

Scavenger Contract Update:

It has been determine through meetings with our Scavenger vender that the Village has been remised in the following:


1. Updating the annual rate increases as agreed upon in the 2011 contract between the Village and the Vender.


2. Notifications to the vender regarding the number of homes eligible for collections service. Currently the Village owes the vender $218,941.80.


NOTE: The contractual agreement with the vender was entered into in during the previous administration in 2011 and runs to 2020. The debt service could be resolved with an additional billing of $13.54 for six (6) payment cycles. However I am meeting and working with the Vender to lower our debt service obligation. 

Ordinance/Resolutions/ Amendments:  

• Staff Recommendation for request not to exceed $15,000 to update the “Civic” computer system on all financial components of the Village has been completed by our attorneys and sent to the Finance Committee on 4/12/16.
• 50% of collected debt derived from water/sewer/disposal and utility taxes shall be set aside in a reserve fund for the purchase of Public Works Vehicles or related capital cost is still under review by our attorneys.

Miscellaneous:

• Owens Group is in its final stages of completion; the draft of the Employees’ Handbook to be submitted to the Board pending review by the Village Attorney.
• Staff continues to review employee insurance coverage and continues to interview insurance groups to assure that Sauk Village is receiving the best coverage at a competitive cost. Staff will make a proposal to the Board when the review is completed. Employee coverage for fiscal 2016/17 with the current vender will be $776,872.08 if no changes are made to the current plan.
• The Villages Engineering Firm has completed their review of the Community Center and will field any questions the Board has.
• Staff (2) have more than 3000 water accounts to bill monthly. Owner identification is completed through new service accounts, and contact on delinquent accounts. Terminating and reissuing accounts would take 100’s of staff-hours and cause billing disruptions with residents.