The Village has recently posted recordings from the November 19th meeting of the Board of Trustees.
The entire public meeting lasted just under three and a half hours. Those who attended the meeting or listen to the entire recordings will likely recognize the reason for the unnecessarily drawn-out discussions.
Six residents made public comments at the beginning of the meeting, with five of them speaking their minds on the topic of the Police Pension Obligation Bond that was on the agenda. Unfortunately, they, and others in attendance, were in for an initial disappointment.
When the bond topic did come up on the agenda during Trustee Bryan Croll’s finance report, he refused to make a motion to consider it, stating he had no new information as can be heard here. That seemed rather arrogant on Croll’s part considering other members of the board, including two who are full-time financial fund managers, have also been researching the topic and might have had information to add to the discussion.
The Village Attorney was then asked if any member of the Board of Trustees could move for discussion of a topic, and not solely the Trustee assigned to the Finance Committee. Attorney Mary Dickson began reviewing our codes, however it appears from the recordings, residents attending the meeting had already departed by the time a decision was made later during the evening.
When it was confirmed that any board member could make the motion, Croll then decided he would make it after all, as can be heard here.
Forty-five minutes of discussion by the Trustees then followed, with Croll stating a number of times he had not been prepared to discuss the matter that evening, despite the fact that the issue has been before both the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees for months. Ultimately, yet another motion to table consideration of the issue was approved.
Unfortunately, the matter may be moot at this point since interest rates have inched up since the concept was first floated before the board nearly two years ago.
Considering that the Federal Reserve Chairman is likely to announce an interest rate hike soon, this proposition is not nearly as financially beneficial as it once was, and it is a shame some board members dragged this out, due to what seems like political reasons and foregoing the financial interests of the taxpayers who voted for them.
Later in the meeting, there were more productive discussions, and in most cases, votes were taken to decide various issues.
For example, by a unanimous vote, the Village Code which had required residents to purchase and display vehicle stickers was abolished. That discussion and vote can be heard here. Also repealed was the very old code language requiring each homeowner to have landline telephone services.
Though many readers may be scratching their heads over this one, landline service was actually required by the Village by code up until this vote. In fact, in order to obtain an occupancy permit for a newly constructed home, proof of a landline telephone account was required. That discussion and vote can be heard here.
Trustees also approved a new agreement with our unionized police force, which brings added benefits to the Village, as well as to sworn officers. Chief Semelsberger seemed pleased with the new agreement, as can be heard here.
Semelsberger also reported his satisfaction with the consolidation of 911 services to QuadCom which occurred over a month ago. He can be heard expressing his experiences thus far by clicking here.
It was reported during the administration portion of the meeting that the Village of Barrington has expressed an interest in annexing the property recently purchased by District 220 off Hart Road which is currently located in Barrington Hills (Lot 5 as depicted in a map seen here). We have some reservations on this matter, as do some of our Trustees it would seem, and the link to that discussion can be accessed here.
To access the menu of the complete recordings from the meeting, click here.
RECALLING CITIZENS FOR STIEPER – 2011 AND PRESERVE BARRINGTON HILLS BLOG ENTITLED “PENSION TIME BOMB”
An opportunity missed by an uneducated Board. Annual contribution to pension plan has increased from $150,000.00 in 2000 to more than $750,000.00 under former VBH President. This sum does not include general funds budgeted for road which may have been used to pay some of the pension shortfall by the unfortunate decision of removing VBH plan from State IMRF. Shortly, the annnual pension obligation for VBH taxpayers will exceed 1 Million Dollars if VBH keeps “status quo”..
55% does not mean pension plan is 55% funded to meet future obligations rather 55% funded means 55% discounted to the present value. A healthy pension under State Law should be funded at 92% or higher discounted at the present value. Cook County Treasurer singled out VBH pension under former President as severly underfunded or a distressed plan by more than 10 Million Dollars in 2013 in a newspaper article. The IMRF which is deemed a troubled pension is funded at 72% discounted to the present value. Former President and Gohl’s use of the term “Young Pension” is a “red harrington” to cover up the pension debacle they are in large part responsible for. They know it; I know it; and you should too.
The fact is, Trustee Gohl and former President when they served on BOT made the disasterous decision to spearhead a referendum to remove VBH police pension from IL State IMRF to be locally run. This decision will cost VBH taxpayers more than 10 Million Dollars over time if not more.
Quoting Trustee Gohl, “this will not cost taxpayers a single penny”. He was correct it will cost VBH taxpayers not a single penny but at least 10 Million Dollars. Compared to the IMRF, VBH local pension’s terms are overly generous in benefits, age of retirement and payout. I also, understand, but not confirmed, that by removing a pension from IMRF, VBH incurred a financial penalty on the transfer into the local managed fund.
Cheap money is what VBH needs to pay for the financial pension blunder of prior VBH administration. Former VBH President’s attempt to blame current VBH President is misguided at best as I raised the pension debacle in two elections for VBH trustee with actual numbers. It is a shame speakers at this meeting who claim ignorance of this matter didn’t take the time to read “Citizens for Stieper” material on the “pension time bomb” 4 years ago or Preserve Barrington Hills which wrote extensively on this subject.
By listening to former VBH President, he has demonstrated not only that he is clueless on zoning related matters (Schuman Letter/Oakwood Farm) but he has no knowledge whatsoever on the mechanics behind a defined pension plans.
Quite frankly, the man is embarrassing and I am tired as a taxpayer for paying for his mistakes! Lke the Schuman Letter, I will not let former VBH President get away with covering up the VBH pension debacle passing the blame on current VBH President. .
David;
Thank you for all that you do for this village.
David, thanks
The residents of our Village need to keep memory fresh about these disastrous decisions that will plague us for quite some time! Marty, Colleen and some new BOT members are doing all they can to dig us out of this mess.
What we cannot forgive are those Trustees who supported this decision under the [former]administration? Also, why has Gohl not acknowledged these mistakes? He and Michael Harrington have been nothing but obstructionists to the Village correcting these issues. Strong evidence of solutions to proceed with a bond to lower costs and hedge increases are now difficult due to rising rates. Harrington in particular must take ownership for stonewalling positive change and missing this critical opportunity.
Was refreshing to see the Chief of police stand up and confirm that the change of our 911 service consolidation is working better for the Village at lower costs. That’s yet another decision not supported by Harrington and Gohl for months that cost the Village $$’s for our delay. These two are more interested in following the failed initiatives of [the former] administration than really trying to do what is best for the Village. Beware of politicians whose allegiances are to special interests and cronies rather than the betterment of our Village.
The next election is not that far off. Michael Harrington and Fritz Gohl’s support of and conduct in this matter should ensure their being voted off the BOT next election cycle.
In the minds of the malcontents, it is better to see Pres. M. McLaughlin fail than Barrington Hills succeed.
It will be hard for Barrington Hills to reach its potential as long as elected majority are being dogged by these band of losers!