The Board of Supervisors conducted a special budget meeting held on Monday November 22, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Chairwoman Ms. Silvernail called the meeting to order, present were Supervisors Ms. Horan and Ms. Sarbaum, Mr. Drozd Township Accounting Consultant, Mr. MacCombie Township Engineer, Mr. Dave Simmons Public Works Department and members of the community.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to waive the moment of silence and pledge of allegiance. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to waive the reading of any previous meetings minutes. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail announced that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the 2011 general fund and sanitary sewer budget.
Mr. Drozd began by stating the following:
General Fund:
No tax increase for the year
2% raise for employees with the exception of the police department union will receive a 3.5% increase.
Decreased the tax collection commission by $1,800 because of new agreement with Keystone.
Included a rate increase of $5.00 an hour for Lamb, McErlane.
5% increase for insurance and workman’s compensation. 5% increase for PIRMA.
Allows for $4,000 for web page design, $7,200 increase for road department items.
Mr. Drozd stated that Chief Groce applied for a grant to purchase a new police car in 2011 to cost $37,000. Chief Groce stated that if the Township is not awarded the grant this year its fine, but the department will be in need of a new car in 2012.
Mr. Drozd allowed for a 10% rate increase for the trash collection expense.
Mr. Drozd discussed Act 209 money that has been received, the Township has (3) years to spend the money, Mr. MacCombie is to get documentation of use of these funds.
Sanitary Sewer Budget:
Mr. MacCombie presented the Board with calculations of the tapping fee schedule increase. Mr. MacCombie stated that the recommended increase will be $3,513.08. The current rate is $2,541.02. Mr. MacCombie stated that since the sanitary sewer project began in 2000 the Board has only had one increase of approximately $100.00 towards the tapping fee. A notice went out to all phase 4 sanitary sewer residents allowing them to pay the lower tapping fee before December 31, 2010. Approximately 12 residents have made no contact with the Township nor paid. The Board suggested sending these residents another notice by certified mail and regular mail giving the notice to pay the lower tapping fee by December 31, 2010 or applying to the Township for a sanitary sewer agreement.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to increase the tapping fee amount to $3,518.08 beginning January 1, 2011. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed the 2011 proposed rate increase for the sanitary sewer. The current flat rate is $200.00 per year and $11.00 per 1,000 gallons of usage. The proposed 2011 flat rate is $485.00 per year and $9.50 per 1,000 gallons of usage. Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to increase the flat rate to $485.00 per year and $9.50 per 1,000 gallons of usage. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to advertise the 2011 general fund budget and sanitary sewer budget for a 30 day public review. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Chief Groce stated that he received a $1,500 contribution from Penguin and has spent $850.00, he has $650.00 remaining. He has received a contribution from Keystone for $500.00 and he will turn it in for deposit today. Chief Groce stated that the Township has (3) AED units that were received under a grant money that are in need of replacement batteries and pads on each unit. He stated the cost to replace the batteries and pads on all units is $831.00. Chief Groce stated that an AED unit can remain at the Township office for use.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sarbaum, to approve the payment of $831.00 to replace the batteries and pads in all (3) AED units. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed Brandywine Hospital renting office space at the old Township building to run a medic unit 12 hours a day 7 days a week. The applicant made it clear that they only want to pay (1) bill a month and not have to pay a separate electric invoice or sanitary sewer invoice. The office has been empty for (3) years and has nothing to compare except when the building was fully occupied. The Board had previously offered the office rent to be $250.00 for rent, $50.00 for sanitary sewer and $400.00 for electric. The applicant says the rent is too high for the purpose of a starting off space. The Board discussed a percentage graph created by Ms. Sarbaum that shows 100%, 75%, 50%, 45%, 40% etc. The Board agreed to meet in the middle and make them an offer of $250.00 for the rent $50.00 for sanitary sewer and $180.00 for electric with the agreement to say a quarterly or annual audit of the utilities be completed for an adjustment if necessary.
The Board agreed to have Mike Niemeic make the proposal to Brandywine Hospital for the $480.00 per month rent, and in the agreement stating the audit of utilities and adjustments made if necessary.
Ms. Silvernail made a motion to authorize advertisement of a budget meeting to be held on December 31, 2010 to close the books of 2010 and adopt the 2011 sanitary sewer and general fund budgets. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
No public comment.
With there being no further business, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan to close the special budget work session. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Myers
Secretary/Treasurer