HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011-06-27 COW minutesMinutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop of the President and the Board of Trustees Held on June 27, 2011 In the Boardroom Trustee Racich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Board Pres ent: Trustee Lamb, Trustee Peck, Trustee Racich, Trustee Rippy (7:02 p.m.), and Trustee Bonuchi. Board absent: Mayor Collins and Trustee Fay. Others present: Br ian Murphy, Village Administrator; Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk; Randy Jessen, Public Improvements Superintenden t; Michael Garrigan, Planning Supervisor; Traci Pleckham, Management Services Director; a nd Kevin Greco, Police Commander. There were approximately 7 persons in the audience. Trustee Bonuchi moved to approve the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held on May 23, 2011. Seconded by Trustee Peck. Voice Vo te. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried. PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS Trustee Racich: • Stated that he received a lett er from Southern Belle Restaura nt thanking the staff for putting forth extra effort to get their restaurant re-opened after a fire. • Thanked everyone involved with the Relay for Life Event that was held this past weekend at Plainfield North High School. TRUSTEES COMMENTS Trustee Peck thanked everyone involved with the Re lay for Life Event. Every year the number of participants and volunteers increases. He was honored to be part of the event. Trustee Bonuchi stated that she wa s unable to attend this year’s even t but has attended in the past. The event is very inspiring and she thanked everyone involved. Trustee Lamb thanked staff involved with the assistance of the Southern Belle Restaurant and also pointed out that the all the staff does a good job. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Matt Stofko stated that the Plainfield Relay fo r Life has raised $131,000 so far. The deadline for donations is August 1, 2011. Visit www.relayforlifeofplainfield.com for more information. Mr. Stofko also thanked Trustee Peck for allowing them to use his personal RV. Bianca Salinas, Plainfield reside nt, addressed the Village Board re garding a business proposal to sell homemade dog and cat treats along w ith other related items. Trustee Racich referred her to Michael Garrigan.
Minutes Committee of the Whole Workshop – June 27, 2011 Page 2 of 2 WORKSHOP AGENDA #1 MUNICIPAL AGGREGATION Mr. Arnie Schramel, Progressive Energy Group, gave an overview of the program. Municipal Aggregation is an Illinois Comm erce Commission approved option that allows residents and small commercial customers to aggregate their electric us age to save them money. The State of Illinois recently changed the current legislation to allow M unicipalities and Counties to enact and “Opt Out” program. Under this option, Governmental units could move all u tility (ComEd & Ameren) accounts within their jurisdic tion to a supplier of their choice, much like municipal contracts for garbage and trash. If a resident did not want to move, they could “Opt Out” of the municipal choice and move back to ComEd. Mr. Schramel pointed out that Co mEd will continue to provide the same level of electric service as well as read the meters, send monthly billing statements, and maintain service for residents participating in the m unicipal aggregation program. Mr. Schramel stated that the first step towards imp lementation of an “Opt Out” program would be for the Municipal Board our County Government to pa ss a resolution to place a Binding Resolution on an upcoming election. If the Referendum passes and th e Governmental Board would need to hold at least two public hearings or informational meeti ngs to educate the voting public regarding the lower rate. Mr. Schramel pointed out that even if the Refere ndum passes, it does not obligate the Board to look at lower electric rates, it just gives the Board the option to do it. Additionally, if the bids for electric rates do not meet the Village’s plan goals, they can be rejected and the Village can remain with ComEd’s rates. Trustee Rippy asked Mr. Schramel to gi ve him the State Statute to review. There was Board consensus to get additional information to explore the option. Trustee Racich thanked Mr. Schramel for th e presentation and then read the reminders. Trustee Peck moved to adjourn. Seconded by Trustee Bonuchi. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk