Minutes Supervisors

Special Budget Work Session held on Tuesday October 20, 2009

The Board of Supervisors conducted a special meeting commencing on October 20, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Chairwomen Ms. Silvernail called the meeting to order, present were Supervisors Mr. Hensel and Ms. Horan, Township CPA Mr. Drozd and members of the community.

Ms. Silvernail announced that the Board would dispense with the moment of silence and pledge of allegiance and reading of any minutes.

Mr. Drozd reported the following comments for the 2010 proposed general fund budget:

  1. Slight increase in earned income tax to $430,000
  2. Transfer Tax $60,000, number is low due to a weak Real Estate market.
  3. Adjusted the contractor registration because of new State Laws
  4. Included -0- for the rental of the old Township building
  5. Trash Collection remains the same
  6. Miscellaneous Revenue shows $116,400 for Sheriff Sale for unpaid invoices at $2,000.00 per property. Mr. Drozd stated that the money can be borrowed from the Capital Reserve as a loan and paid back within the 8 month sheriff sale time frame. Mr. Drozd stated that all outstanding debt can be done at one time if desired. The Board stated that sending the outstanding debt in batches is what they prefer.
  7. Mr. Drozd budgeted $2,000.00 for the Act 32, EIT collection, the County sent a recent budget break down by Township. Sadsbury’s portion will be approximately $400.00.
  8. Liens have been increased due to the sheriff sale fees
  9. PIRMA increase expected of 5%
  10. Mr. Drozd left $4,500.00 as capital for purchase of a new computer if needed under the administration budget
  11. Public safety budget allows for $6,000.00 towards the purchase of a mobile camera for the Durango, radios, batteries, replacement uniforms, software license for record management system & supplies for community day.
  12. Contributions remain the same as this year for the fire companies and libraries.
  13. Mr. Drozd spoke to Mr. Grafton regarding an Open Space Study that would cost approximately $26,000.00. The Board was not anticipating any studies for 2010 and agreed to not budget this item for 2010.
  14. Mr. Drozd reviewed the Highway Maintenance Budget for 2010 and budgeted a mid mount boom mower attachment, repairing Octorara and Sadsbury Road for $70,000.00 and a concrete pad for the salt shed at the old building to cost $5,000.00. Mr. Drozd stated that Mr. MacCombie recommended that Hill Top Drive and finishing Compass Road for next year be put in the budget verses Octorara Road and Sadsbury Road. Ms. Silvernail would not comment with regards to Hill Top Drive due to the fact that is where she lives.
  15. $4,500.00 was budgeted for a camera for Bert Reel Park and a $1,000.00 for a roll up door.
  16. $10,000.00 towards the Sadsburyville Village Enhancement Project.
  17. Mr. Drozd is still waiting for an estimated charge for long term disability for the police department.
  18. $35,000.00 Life insurance policy for (2) full time officers was added to the 2010 budget.

The Board discussed raises for employees and the current consumer price index being -1%, Chief Groce stated that the County currently has a stay on raises. The Board agreed not to give raises in 2010 leaving the rates as they are and a possible merit raise may be considered when looking at job performance. Health insurance will remain the same as last year.

Mr. Drozd reported the following with regards to the sanitary sewer budget:

  1. Mr. Drozd stated he is concerned that sanitary sewer flows are down from this time last year. He stated that Pennsylvania American gave a huge flow credit to Nathan Trotter and needs to understand why, possible broken meter. Mr. Drozd stated that there was also a billing error made regarding Lincoln Crest Trailer Park, that since has been corrected.
  2. Mr. Drozd expressed concerns with the Township completing the final phase of the sanitary sewer construction. The Township borrowed $550,000.00 for the final phase and Mr. MacCombie provided him with a number of $650,000.00. The Board stated that Mr. MacCombie will need to address this difference in cost.
  3. Mr. Drozd stated that Mr. MacCombie provided him with an estimate of $57,500.00 for the Act 537 Planning; this cost is 50% reimbursable and would be received in 2011.
  4. Mr. Drozd stated no increase from Pennsylvania American Company is expected for 2010.
  5. $15,000.00 was placed under maintenance as a repair reserve for the Pomeroy pump station.
  6. Mr. Hensel asked if the flows for this year are correct, how the Township will make the shortfall. Mr. Drozd said to double the user fees.

Mr. Turner presented the Board with documentation regarding ANSI Parka waterproof visible jacket that costs $189.00 per jacket. Mr. Turner stated that originally the Board approved an amount of $150.00 per jacket.

After discussion, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan, to approve the purchase of (2) ANSI Parka waterproof visible jackets to cost $189.00 each. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Turner also provided the Board with quotes to have a 4” yellow single line glass beaded per PennDot specs. The quotes were for 34,538 linier feet

Interstate Road Management $3,107.61
Alpha Space Control $2,417.03
Guidemark, Inc $3,107.10

Mr. Turner reported that Alpha Space is the lowest proposal but cannot do the roads until next year, due to weather and scheduling. The Board stated that is fine, money can be put in the budget for next year and the Board can decide whether all roads mentioned will be line painted or scheduled for another time.

The Board discussed the next budget work session meeting date to be Tuesday November 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. The Board agreed to direct the advertisement of stated meeting.

Public comment:

Todd Walton asked what the cost will be for the line painting for next year’s budget. The Board answered $2,500.00.

Ms. Silvernail stated that they will meet in executive session after this meeting to discuss the E mail retention draft policy.

With there being no further business, Ms. Silvernail made a motion, seconded by Ms. Horan to adjourn 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