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From: Mac McIntyre
Category: A Big Thumbs Down To...
Date: 07 Apr 2002
Time: 21:31:36 -0400
Remote Name: 209.100.182.110
Those who want to hear, listen. To those who attended the special meeting of the Sycamore Park District Board of Directors on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at the beautiful Sycamore Community Park it was quite obvious that Mike Doty, the executive director of the park district did not want to listen to Ken Andersen, the Board’s vice president.
Andersen believes that the park district and the City of Sycamore is trying to fast-track an increase in the impact fees paid by residents who purchase newly constructed homes. Whenever Andersen spoke Doty would make animated expressions that clearly illustrated his disapproval of Andersen’s position. Doty’s conduct also revealed a lack of respect and an absence of professionalism.
The concern expressed by Andersen was, paraphrased, “are we rushing the process of considering the City of Sycamore’s recommendation for increasing impact fees?”
Andersen had entered a successful motion at a previous meeting for the recommendation to be referred to the park district’s Master Planning Committee for further review. He wanted that committee’s input on whether or not the proposed increases are a benefit or a detriment to the taxpayer’s of Sycamore.
The special meeting was called in response to Andersen’s motion that was carried by a 3-2 vote. The results of this meeting provided a resounding answer to his expressed concern. Yes! The process is being rushed.
The Sycamore Park District attorney submitted a letter, in support of the increased impact fees, as a substitution for his not being in attendance at the meeting. His opening statement apologized for him not being able to attend. The reason given was that there was too short of notice.
While the notice may have been too short for the paid legal counsel for the park district to attend the meeting, the Board of Directors, except Andersen, felt that the public had been given ample time and notice. They voted 4-1 to support the City’s recommendation for the increase in impact fees.
The rush to increase the impact fees, by almost 50% above current levels, is not over. Sycamore mayor, John Swedberg, has made it be known that he wants this proposal adopted by the City Council by May 1. The hurdles are being cleared. The fast-track has been lubricated.
As long as proponents of impact fees are able to portray the perception that only new residents pay impact fees then the existing residents won’t mind how high the fees are. They may wonder how their Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) keeps rising each year, resulting in an increase in taxes -- even when told by governmental units that the tax percentage may slightly decrease. Do impact fees increased by raising land valuations contribute to rising EAVs? Do raising land valuations put increased pressure on the cost of both new and existing homes? Will the children of existing residents be able to afford to live in Sycamore as adults?
Those who want to hear, listen. It would serve the taxpayers of Sycamore well to demand answers to questions before legislation is enacted. And paid professionals should not attempt to make fun of those who would ask those questions.