Algonquin Village Board
First, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve as a Trustee on the Algonquin Village Board for last 8 years. During this time I have been involved in the fiscal management of the village through a very difficult economic period. The village has remained financially stable and maintained a balanced budget without increasing our tax levy. Prior to becoming a Trustee, I held leadership positions in a number of community organizations including Connect 300 – Community Advisory Council and the Village of Streamwood Community Awareness Commission. I graduated in the charter class of the Ted Spella Leadership School, a joint effort of the Village of Algonquin, the Village of Lake in the Hills and the Algonquin/LITH Chamber of Commerce, where I completed full day sessions on Leadership and Ethics, Local Government, Economic Development and Growth Management, and Criminal Justice to name a few. I also organized and implemented Algonquin’s first National Night Out event in 2004, bringing together Police, Fire and community resources in a successful neighborhood event. My professional experience includes project and portfolio management of complex cross-functional teams as well as resource management.
1) Improving TRANSPORTATION within and through our village, which includes keeping the Western Bypass moving forward, getting a new river crossing via the Longmeadow Parkway Corridor and relieving congestion at the intersection of Randall and Algonquin Roads, 2) Promoting ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by positioning our corporate campus for marketing and development, defining a clear vision for attracting and retaining businesses, encouraging state legislators to create a more favorable business climate in Illinois, and maintaining open communications with business owners, and 3) Building COMMUNITY by advancing downtown revitalization, continuing positive trends in neighborhood watch group formation, and expanding recreational offerings. Please visit www.BrianDianis.com for more information.
Within our village the tax levy has already been flat or decreasing for the last few years and I would not support increasing the levy while property values are still declining. On the revenue side, we need to look towards other sources of revenues with a specific emphasis on our corporate campus to improve our commercial base and reduce our reliance on property taxes. Intergovernmental agreements to provide services to other organizations for things such as building inspection services and vehicle maintenance have helped provide the village with additional revenue and have maximized the utilization of our resources. We should continue to find ways to leverage these agreements. From an expense standpoint, we must continue to look for ways to become more efficient and reduce or eliminate waste from processes within all departments. We continue to expand the services/repairs that we handle in-house versus having to contract out which has yielded reduced expense and we have held the line on staffing such that we are operating with less employees compared to prior years. We must prioritize where expenditures need to be made and live within our means.
The current board has been very good about discussing topics in detail and reaching compromises when necessary. There is nothing that I can think of where I have not been able to align to a decision even though I may have had a differing perspective. I feel the decisions we have made are in the best long-term interests of the village.
The ground breaking of the Western Bypass this year was an incredible feat that represents the culmination of years of work by numerous organizations including our village board. This is only the first step in lessening the impacts of congestion and leaders throughout the region must continue to work together to address transportation issues including an additional crossing over the Fox River.
I have taken an active role in helping to shape the future of Algonquin and I still have the passion for continuing this work. I have the leadership experience to bring parties together and the creativity to think outside the box. Throughout my eight years on the Village Board, I have shown professionalism and respect for the office, thoughtfully considering long-term impacts of decisions and prudently managing our tax dollars. I have developed a deep understanding of vital issues and I have the ability to positively impact change. I feel I have been successful in making Algonquin a better place even during these difficult economic times. I also know that this work is never done and I am ready to continue to serve the residents of Algonquin if re-elected.
I was recently promoted to chase private client from a business banker. I was a trusted business advisor for the past two years. My expertise is in business cash flow. I worked with businesses that had revenues from $500,000 - $30,000,000. I help with everything from simple accounts to complex cash managment.
My number one mission is to get the residents involved in the community. I think that we are missing a big opportunity by not getting the residents opinions on what is taking place in the community.
We need to preserve the small town ambience, develop and progress while maintaining a balanced budget.
We should start to look at creative ways to save money. We should offer incentives to departments for ending the fiscal year under budget. We should look for new innovations or technologies that could save the village money over time.
I do support freezing our tax levy. The village was able to slightly lower the tax basis by 1% this year. I also want to work on lowering other costs as well. The price of water and sewer are going up by 7% a year. The utility tax was up .4% on electric service. We are also a home rule municipality so we add .75% to retail sales tax on almost all purchase. We need to find a was to control all costs not just taxes.
The riverside condo project next to port Edwards. In my opinion the building should not have been built. It is a horrible location for an apartment complex. Lets get the riverside building generating revenue.If they are not going to get the apartments built and rented soon lets turn it into a commercial building or medical center. I am afraid that Windsor square apartments will turn out to be a mistake too. A 220 unit complex with rights to expand on the busy Randal road corridor might turn out to be another Riverside.
Lowering the property tax.
I help businesses everyday with all their business needs. I am a trusted business advisor. I am someone who is always looking for creative solutions. I will be an elected resident that will always be working for the people. We need to get more information out to the people that pay the boards salary. Lets look at innovative ideas like having a polling section on the website where people can vote on big changes to the community. lets set up a booth at local events where the trustees would be available for questions. We need elected residents not politicians.
My current eight years experience serving as our Village Trustee, my community services, working with our staff to implement the proper checks and balances regarding our budget finances, public works, parks and forestry and overall village operations. As well as my 20 plus years job skills currently under Siemens (formerly Flender) working with our engineering staff on proposals to our customers on projects that can be small in value ranging up to 2-3 million dollar projects, organizing contract review processes and negotiating at times some difficult terms and conditions regarding warranty and liability claims for our heavy machinery products.
To work with our Village Staff towards a seamless transition with newly hired Village Manager, Tim Schloneger regarding our Village operations, budget and budget constraints if necessary, and all ongoing projects within the community. Transportation; Western Bypass construction to minimize as much as possible its effects on our downtown community businesses, Randall Road improvements, and the Longmeadow Parkway Corridor/Bridge over the Fox River. As well continue our Village services, and the maintenance and improvements to our local roads. Find the best vision towards our Downtown Redevelopment Plans that will attract more people to frequent current and new businesses, restaurants, and retail. And to continue to work hand in hand with our residents and businesses on issues concerning our community.
Last April our Board approved a $35 million dollar budget for our general operations, capital and infrastructure projects. In November 2012 we approved a property tax levy decrease of 1% and in the last four years, Algonquin property tax has been stable with no increases in 2009 or 2010 while decreasing in 2011 and 2012. Considering the past and current economic conditions, we have fulfilled the many needs for our residents and servicing our community as a whole. Therefore at this time I see no reason to further trim the budget “unless” the state of Illinois does not fulfill its monetary obligations to Algonquin and/or we have a severe drop in our sales tax revenue.
To be honest I have not had one issue that I totally disagreed with our board. However I do want our Village to pursue Arts and Entertainment in our community. I would like to see more A&E within the downtown area or near the Esplanade that can be a means of attracting our residents to continue to shop. live and play within their own community without going elsewhere. And at the same time bring in people from other communities to enjoy the Village of Algonquin amenities, and promote our smaller and larger retail areas, restaurants and businesses.
Us having the completion of Edgewood Drive from Route 31 to Hanson Road which was a huge undertaking as we had to completely rebuild the road. Adding new businesses such as Hobby Lobby, Algonquin Antiques and Uniques, Rainbow Cafe, Niko’s Lodge to name a few. Our Village was recognized in March 2012 and received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2010/11 from the Government Finance Officers Association and a recipient of the Green Award for our Fall Cleanup and Recycling Event in October 2011 from McHenry County.
My experience serving on the Village Board, participating in the Ted Spella Leadership School, two time President of the Algonquin Lions Club and my community involvement trying to make Algonquin the best village possible. I have the willingness to listen and work with our residents and businesses on matters that concern them. As well as maintaining the integrity of our community. Most importantly I have to add our Village Staff and the Board’s openness to communication to our residents abreast of all our related projects, new and ongoing, downtown re-development, transportation updates through our website and open meetings.
I have had the privilege of serving the people of Algonquin for the last 20 years as a Village Trustee. The Experience I have as a Trustee will continue to bring value to the Board and to the Residents of Algonquin. I also have 30 years of experiences in Customer Service. I have used this experiences in my roll as a Trustee when working with our residents and local business. I know that job of a Trustee is to listen to residents and business to work on solutions to the issues we are faced with. I have always kept an open mind when hearing the requests and reviewing the details on an issue. If given the opportunity I will continue to do the same. I am proud of the progress and accomplishments the Village has made and look forward to the challenges ahead.
My top priority is keeping Algonquin a safe and healthy community to live and raise your family. We do this by making sure we have a well trained and professional Police Department to protect our streets. We are making street improvements every year to help maintain our neighborhoods. We are continuing make improvements to our water and swere system to make sure we are providing the highest level of service to the residents.
I have worked to keep our taxes down as we make the improvements for the resisdents of Algonquin.
I will continue to work on improvements to help move traffic through the Village.
As a Trustee I have always worked to keep our taxes down. Over the years the Village has been able to lower our tax rate on proportiy taxes. I will work to countiue to see that we are able to keep lowering our taxes.
I would not say that I disagree with the decision to install Red Light Cameras at a few of our busier intersections. I had supported it at the time. I would like us to review its effectiveness. I would like to see us lower the fine or eliminate the fine on right turns on red.
The biggest accomplishment for the Village this year would have to be the start of the Western Bi-Pass.
This is a project that has been in the planning for years. When completed this will help to ease traffic congestion in the Village. Having this underway gives us the opportunity to move forward on the planning of our Downtown project.
I would also have to say that another big accomplishment for the Village is that we have a Balanced Budget. The Village Manager and Staff with the support of the Village Board have effectively run the Village providing the highest level of quality services to our residents. As we are going through our Budget Planning for next year we will also work with a Balanced Budget. In todays tuff economic times this is a major accomplishment.
With the retirement of our longtime Village Manager Bill Ganick I beleive that my years of experience and leadership as a Trustee will be of value to our new Village Manager Tim Schloneger and the community. I have had the opportunity to help in the growth and development of our Village making Algonquin the type of comminity we can all be proud of.
As a Trustee I have made sure that our residents have been treated with respect and the highest levels of Customer Service possible. I know that the job of a Trustee is about listening to the residents. I have always made sure to use their input when making the decisions needed to best serve the Village.
We have made great progress developing Algonquin into a well balance community with both residenttal and commercial growth. This has allowed us to keep our taxes low and standards high. I have been supportive of our local business community working to see that they are given the opportunities to help them grow and become a part of the community.
From the start I was involved with the development of our Village Recreation Department allowing us to add services and programs for our residents of all ages with out having to increase taxes. I have worked to improve and add more Parks and Open Space throughout the Village. I look forward to the opportuinty to continue to server the People of Algonquin.
