A special budget meeting of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 commencing at 9:00 a.m. Chairman, Mr. Hensel called the meeting to order. Present was Supervisor Mr. Reynolds, and Supervisor Earl Taylor via telephone connection to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. Also present was Township Manager, Mr. Walters and Chris Herr, Township Accountant, and members of the community.
The moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was waived.
Larry Maulo, of Maulo and Company, the Township Auditors came before the Board with the Financial Audit of 2016. He handed out a draft copy of the summary. Mr. Maulo stated there will be a clean report on the financial activity of the Township and there will be no management letter this year; as the administration followed the budget process that was set out in the Management letter of 2015. All results were as planned in the budget project. The budget was adequate to fund the debt total. Mr. Reynolds asked if there is anything that needs to be addressed? Mr. Maulo stated that everything looks just fine and there was nothing new and different this year. Mr. Taylor asked about the Highway Project, thinking it was 100% state grant funded. Mr. Maulo said the contract was for 95% funding and the Township will have to pay around $40,000. Mr. Maulo stated the final financial statement will be issued very soon.
Mr. Herr went over the preliminary 2018 budget by detail. This is only a rough draft. Sergeant Imhoff stated that since the police department is under budget for 2017, the police would like to purchase a car in 2017 instead of 2018. Mr. Walters stated that with the piggyback, the Township could save $1,000 to $1,500 if bought now. Sergeant Imhoff stated that CoStars will give a trade-in of $3,000 on the Charger and the cost of a new vehicle would be $29,020.00; and this would be an unmarked car.
Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Reynolds, to purchase the Police Charger in 2017 instead of 2018. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Sergeant Imhoff also would like to propose for the 2018 budget the hiring of 1 full-time police officer. The ultimate objective is to hire 2 full-time police officers. A full-time police officer will have more accountability, be able to do certain assignments that a par-timer can’t do, and they will be more dedicated. The ultimate goal is to have fewer part-time officers. Sergeant Imhoff compared Sadsbury Township in size to West Sadsbury Township, who has 4 full-time and some part-timers. Mr. Hensel would like to have an analysis done for police need in the Township. Mr. Reynolds would like to know what the time- frame would be. Mr. Taylor would like to know the cost of the analysis. Mr. Taylor wants to know if the Township and the police are going to arbitration or not. The public wants 24- hour police protection. Mr. Hensel will make the call to Chris Gerber’s office and he thinks there is no charge, or maybe a small charge. The matter of the arbitration is not relevant to the Budget meeting.
Walter Binns, a Township resident, stated a person broke into a neighbor’s car and the State Police were called. It took them 1 hour to respond and never followed up with a response. If the local police were on duty, information would have been available about the case.
Dave Simmons, Public Works Foreman, would like to have the automatic greaser for the new truck at a cost of $4,400. Mr. Hensel stated that was already approved in February or March at the Board of Supervisors meeting. Mr. Walters stated the purchase was approved. Mr. Simmons would like to replace the 2009 dump truck. Mr. Hensel stated to get prices so the accountant will have figures to work with for the budget. Mr. Herr stated the long range 5- year plan calls for $119,000 for a dump truck and spreader. Mr. Taylor does not want to buy off the lot. He would like it to be custom build, it may cost more; but it will last longer. Dave Simmons wants to know about line-painting this year. Mr. Herr stated that there is $2,000 in the 2017 budget for line-painting. Mr. Walters stated that mowing the island on Rt. 30 is not safe.
Simon Jessey, gave his wish list or the Bert Reel Park.
- Tiles or Asphalt for the Basket Ball Court
- New benches
- Repairs to the pavilion
- The water fountain does not drain properly
- The grill needs attention
- Replace the restroom locks
- Ingress and Egress fence in park
- Small split rail fence at main entrance
- Security camera
- Improve the baseball fields and the walking trail (probably in 2019)
Mr. Walters stated that he has gotten some prices for security cameras at the park from Shawn at Gilbertson Group, and he will have him come to the Board of Supervisors meeting to explain what he has in mind. Mr. Jessey stated he would not be surprised if the cost was $6,000 or $7,000 to do the park.
Mr. Walters stated that Dick Dague, from the Historical Society would like to ask the Board for $400.00 a year to make calendars and pay guest speakers. The membership fees bring in $150.00 to $200.00 a year, and would appreciate a donation from the Township.
Mr. Jessey asked about repairs to the bridge on Octorara Road. Mr. Hensel stated that repairs would be a major expense and probable will be in next years budget.
Mr. Taylor would like to have a laptop and projector put in the budget for Emergency Services. He will get the pricing for both items.
With there being no further business, Mr. Hensel made a motion, seconded by Mr. Reynolds to adjourn the meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted
Linda Shank
Secretary