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YOU NEED A PERMIT IN NOCKAMIXON

MINUTES OF NOCKAMIXON TOWNSHIP
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Budget Meeting 7:00 p.m.
      November 14, 2006

 The 2007 Budget second session was scheduled for November 14, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. and was held at the Township building in Ferndale, PA.  Chairman J. Litzenberger opened the meeting at 8:00 P.M., immediately after an executive session to discuss Real Estate, which began at 7:05 p.m. and was, concluded at 8:00 p.m. Supervisor Ken Gross. III was absent.  This meeting was advertised Thursday, November 9, 2006 in the Delaware Valley News.  Chairman requested that all in attendance Stand with a salute to the flag and the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Supervisors present: Jim Litzenberger, Henry Gawronski, Bruce Keyser and Nancy Janyszeski.

Arlene Eichlin, Secretary of Township; Angelic Morales, Treasurer; Steve Donovan and Alana Balogh, EAC Committee members; and Helen Nast
 
Treasurer’s Budget Report
Angelic “Angie” Morales, Treasurer presented the Board of Supervisors and the public with a Second draft of the proposed 2007 Annual Operating Budget after the directed and amendments made at the previously held budget session.
 
Henry Gawronski wanted to go back to discuss the revenues.  Board had discussion as to what needed to be change.  Nancy Janyszeski added that the revenues portion was reviewed and approved at the last meeting.  Chairman stated that the Board can exercise the right to make changes at this time.  Henry proceeded and the changes that were made to revenues were as follows:

Line 44 changed to $11,000.00; Line 62 changed to $1,000.00; Lines 77 and 78 completely removed;

Chairman confirmed with Henry Gawronski if there were any other changes, and reiterated that the Board would like to proceed with the revenues.  Henry added that the State Fund should be separate from the General Fund Budget.  Jim replied that the amounts are not included and that it was merely there for informational purposes and if he felt that strongly about it, that the State fund Budget can be done at a later time.  Chairman reminded the Board that he wanted to move forward with expenses at Line number 105. 

Nancy Janyszeski stated that in September there was a notice sent out regarding the compensation to Supervisors to reimburse those that lose wages from the full-time positions for the purpose of conducting Township business.  Chairman stated that it would be voted on at the next regularly scheduled BOS meeting.

The Board continued with the Expenses.

Discussion with respect to Line 108 (newsletter).  The costs for 2007 may increase due to the possibility of printing “in house”. 

Discussion with respect to Line 111 (meetings/conf.), regarding the projected year end amount.  Treasurer stated that the reimbursement to the Board for their attendance at the BCATO Annual Dinner. 

Lines 105 through 112 are acceptable
Lines 119 has been amended to raise to $6,000.00

Discussion regarding salaries.  There will be no changes to the salaries until a determination of the “COLA” (cost of living increase adjustment)
Line 121 to be changed to $2,546.00.

Discussion regarding the increase of Line 123 minor equipment to $1,200.00
Discussion regarding misc. line 125 Chairman feels that amount gives a false indication of the Budget, Chairman directs treasurer to reclassify those amounts. 
Discussion regarding increase mileage to $400.00 and Line 128 to be changed to $200.00 for advertisements.

Discussion for line 130 Chairman feels it should be changed from $3,500.00 to 0 and Henry feels there should be something in that line.  Discussion regarding what the Board feels what a capital purchase is.  Alana made a comment that computers and software should be under capital purchases.  Board directed that line 130 be changed to $1,000.00
Lines 119 to 130 are acceptable after the changes.

Nancy stated that there should be a basis to calculating the budget going forward, rather then basing it because that’s the way it’s always been.  Chairman concurred.  Helen Nast asked if there was a tax that could be imposed like the new EMS tax.  Chairman stated that the EMS tax is also used for roads.  Nancy defined the EMS and Chairman stated that he is not OK with charging an occupations tax.  He reminded the Board that it is still a head tax and he personally feels that it is an unfair tax.  Chairman states if the need should arise, the milleage can be increased.  Mrs. Nast reminded the board that there are newcomers into the township that do not subscribe to emergency service providers.    Chairman directed Secretary to add Fire and Ambulance fee discussion to the next agenda as “New Business”

Line 138 change to $191.00
Lines 135 to 140 are acceptable after the changes.

Treasurer stated that there were only (2) pages left to complete the review of the budget and it is 9:30 p.m.  Chairman said ok.  Discussion took place regarding the Opticomm Lights.  Chairman directed Treasurer to remove the words “Opticomm Lights” Nancy reminded the Board that Bruce needs to teach a class in the morning.  Chairman acknowledged.  Discussions followed regarding the Ambulance services and how much in donations were giving to UBREMS. Clarification regarding the $26,000.00 paid to UMBREMS to date.  Chairman stated that they were not going to be giving them an additional $6,000.00 due to the Township giving them $20,000.00.   Henry pointed out that we promised them $6,000.00 twice a year.  Chairman stated that giving them $20,000.00 in September took us over budget.  Chairman feels that the money they received to date is fair and enough. 

Line 144 through 146 are acceptable

Bruce Keyser asked Henry what was his reasoning for giving the fire companies more than the ambulance services.  Henry replied that the fire companies do not charge to come to your house.  Bruce stated that it makes more sense to donate $40,000.00 to one company then give $40,000.00 to both services. 

Line 149 through 158 with changes are acceptable

Line 162 through 164 are acceptable

Line 170 through 180 are acceptable
Line 186 through 189 are acceptable

Line 193 is acceptable

Discussion regarding the Zoning Officer’s salary to be changed back to $15,000.00
Discussion of changing Line 199 for supplies to $1,500.00, Chairman stated to leave it as it is.

Chairman stated that we will temporarily be setting the amount to 189 to $32,000.00.  What is to be discussed at a later date is how those funds will be disbursed. Nancy confirmed that Zoning has their own solicitor.  Eliminate Line 203 in the 2007 Budget but set proposed at 0.  Line item will be increased to $6,000.00 and all advertising will be charted together. 

Line 207 is to be changed to $300.00
Line 208 is to be changed to $500.00
Line 209 is to be changed to $600.00

Alana reminded the Board of the possible need for a decibel machine for the Zoning Officer.  Chairman asked Steve Donovan if he knew what the costs would be if they could be rented.  Chairman stated that line 199 be brought back to $3,500.00.
Line 196 through 209 accepted with changes.

Discussion regarding the new cell phone for the EMC and whether the new budget allowed for it.  Treasurer stated that those figures are allotted. 

Line 213 through 216 are acceptable

Discussion took place regarding the State Police Annual Donations.  Chairman asked the Treasurer who requested the annual amount of $1,000.00 to the State Police be raised to $2,000.00.  Reply was that Henry was hoping that the Board would approve an additional $1,000.00 to the State Police Cadets.  Nancy J. felt that there was no proper discussion by all the board members to make that determination.  Further discussion took place with regard to the annual distributions.  Nancy J. feels that the Township should not have to look for organizations to donate to, and feels that the Organizations should have to request or apply for those funds on an annual basis.  Henry states in opposition that all organizations will then come asking for funds if it is advertised.  Chairman stated that a large amount of non-profit organizations that may come with a need and it may be difficult to say no the funds have all been requested and distributed. Chairman asks the Board “Do we direct the funds in their line items of the budget or do we come up with one lump some and decide where that goes throughout the year?”  Discussions took place regarding the past contributions and whether or not it may be feasible and fair.  Chairman would like to draft a letter to the state police saying that the re-patrol the speed limits.  Nancy J. added they may not come to re-patrol if there are not speed limit signs posted.  Alana suggested that the township inform Organizations with the new specifications and requirements, regarding the limited amounts of funding, received Township donations and allow them to apply for them and have those applications reviewed and approved by the board based on need. Chairman directed treasurer to move the seniors chart of accounts up to the Culture/Recreation.  Nancy J. requested that all donations be in one place and agreed with Chairman that seniors should be in the Culture Recreation lines.  Chairman said under column G lines 261-265 should read “0” and that line 266 read “Annual Charitable Donations” Chairman states that he wants to see all culture/rec to be together.  It should be based on the prior’s years Budget.  The annual contributions are to be set at $12,000.00, put Nockamixon day on its own line at the before the last line of that chart; Move seniors up to line 265; $12,000.00 for annual contribution; Community Day to be Announced; 

Line 260 through 273, acceptable after all changes are made and “Community Day” amount to be announced at a later date.

Discussion regarding the policy and the premiums for the vehicles, buildings and plants.
Lines 291 through 296 acceptable

Lines 297-299 must be discussed due to the rise in the cost of medical coverage’s and the possibility of acquiring new coverage’s through another broker.  We are waiting for the broker from CBDI to contact us with new quotes. 
Line 300 – Federal Insurance Contributions Act which is made up of two taxes. 

Steve Donovan suggested to the Board that the Budget should have additional line columns for the preliminary budgets that show explanations for each line item.  Steve states that he feels he can assist the Township with his expertise of Excel and help Angie make those changes.  Chairman thanked Steve and said that it’s a good idea.

Motion to advertise for the Public Hearing regarding the November 21, 2006 Budget hearing.  Motion made by Bruce seconded by Henry Gawronski. Motion carried 4-0-0.

Meeting Adjourned at 11:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Angelic Morales
Township Treasurer