Contact:
Borough Clerk Ellen Horak 973-347-0159 ext 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stanhope, NJ - May 5, 2010
MAYOR AND COUNCIL
SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING
March 2, 2010
7:00 P.M.
MAYOR'S STATEMENT AS TO COMPLIANCE WITH P.L. 1975
Adequate Notice of this Meeting has been provided according to the Open Public Meetings Act, Assembly Bill 1030. Notice of this Special Budget Work Session Meeting was sent to the New Jersey Herald and the Daily Record on February 22, 2010 and placed on the Official Bulletin Board in the Municipal Building.
In the event the Mayor and Council have not addressed all items on this Agenda by 11:00 PM and they are of the opinion that they cannot complete the Agenda in a reasonable time period, the Mayor and Council may exercise their option to continue this meeting at an agreed to time, date and place within ten (10) days of this meeting. Please turn off all cell phones for the duration of this Meeting.
ROLL CALL
Council Members:
Councilman Murphy – present (7:02) Councilman Graham – present
Councilwoman Santucci – present Councilman Vance - present
Councilwoman Maio – present Councilman Benson – present
Mayor Kuncken – present
COUNCIL BUSINESS
2010 Budget
Mayor Kuncken noted the CFO has provided replacement pages for Section 2 of the 2010 Budget Workbook and also updates for items discussed at the February 23rd meeting. Mayor Kuncken invited CFO, Dana Mooney to lead discussions concerning the 2010 Municipal Budget. The CFO reported she has not received a proposed budget from the Construction Official. Mayor Kuncken directed the Clerk to prepare a memo on her behalf asking the Construction Official for his proposed budget.
The CFO has added the $6,000.00 for an insurance experience rating fee into the proposed budget and charged $3,000.00 to the current fund and $1,500.00 each to the water and sewer accounts.
The CFO discussed an e-mail from the Tax Assessor concerning her proposed budget. The CFO moved the funds set aside for the appraisal of the property next door to the Municipal Building from the Tax Assessor’s budget into miscellaneous legal fees. The Tax Assessor noted all 2009 tax appeals are complete including the settlement from the Black Forest Restaurant. The judgment confirming the terms of settlement should be received soon. The Tax Assessor reported there is the potential for several large appeals in 2010 from owners of commercial properties and she is comfortable with the funds allocated in the proposed appeal budget.
Police Department
The CFO provided the governing body with a 2009 Police Overtime Analysis listing in detail types of overtime performed. The significant charge of hours to Court overtime can be directly attributed to the $50,000.00 increase in Court revenue.
Councilwoman Maio questioned the large increase in crossing guard salaries in 2009. The CFO answered that in 2009 one of the crossing guards was out for a significant amount of time and the position was covered by an officer. The pay for the officer comes directly from the overtime account.
Councilwoman Maio also asked why the requested overtime budget is increasing from seven percent (7%) to nine and a half percent (9-1/2%). Councilman Benson noted he would rather budget for the larger amount and not have to use the whole budget than under budget because police overtime is uncontrollable. After a brief discussion the governing body decided to revisit police overtime during future Budget discussions.
The Police Chief is requesting an increase in operating expenses of $7,600.00. A portion of the funds is for: two new police vehicles which cost includes upgrades and equipment transfers. Councilman Benson inquired whether the Borough could lease one new vehicle in 2010 and one new vehicle in 2011 instead of two vehicles in 2010. Councilman Vance also noted the older vehicles could be purchased at the end of their lease for $1.00. Mayor Kuncken reported the Borough’s original plan was to lease one new vehicle per year, but, that plan changed when one car was totaled in an accident and there was a need to lease two cars. Mayor Kuncken asked the CFO to get full vehicle maintenance reports from Police Chief Pittigher so the governing body can decide if one of the older vehicles could be replaced at a later date.
Councilman Benson commented on the open Ordinance list provided in the 2010 Budget workbooks by stating he did not feel department heads should see unused funds in the ordinances and assume there is money to be spent. The CFO stated she does not regularly alert department heads to the unused funds unless it corresponds to a real need. Ultimately the retired ordinances reduce Borough debt.
Fire Department
The CFO reported the Fire Department budget request looks drastically reduced, becaused all Borough vehicle repairs are now reported in a separate section of the Budget.
An increase in the equipment line is for MSA style cylinders (air packs). Nine (9) cylinders with a fifteen year (15) life will be replaced in 2010. This purchase may become a capital expenditure and not a Budget line item.
There is also a request for an increase in the annual training budget so the Fire Department can participate in more cross-training events with the First Aid Squad, such as extrication. Mayor Kuncken noted this training will be very beneficial because the First Aid Squad already owns extrication equipment.
Road Department
The CFO reported part-time salaries would now be charged to Solid-waste for the recycling center and Buildings and Grounds for lawn mowing and landscape maintenance employees.
The CFO spoke with DPW Superintendent Bill Storms regarding the scheduling of man power during hydrant flushing. Mr. Storms believes he will be able to set the hours the men work during hydrant flushing so only salary and not overtime wages will prevail. The flushing may take a day or two longer, but, the savings on overtime will be substantial. Mayor Kuncken commented the CFO should take direction from Mr. Merryman before changing any employee hours.
The CFO reported the operating expenses portion of the Road Department Budget is down $500.00.
Mayor Kuncken questioned the $10,000.00 Tree Trim and Removal line item. Councilwoman Maio asked if the funds paid outside contractors. The CFO answered affirmatively. Councilman Murphy questioned why that line item was within the Road Department and not the Shade Tree Commission’s Budget. Mayor Kuncken replied the Road Department usually receives the phone calls from the public and the men are able to determine whether the tree(s) in question is on private property or a public right-of-way. Councilwoman Maio suggested re-visiting the Shade Tree Ordinance, but, also suggested discussing the figure as part of the whole budget for this meeting’s purpose. The Administrator noted the tree service used is part of the Morris County Co-op and provides the Borough with an all day rate of $750.00. The Administrator recommends leaving the tree trim and removal proposed figure of $10,000.00 in the budget.
The road salt line item was discussed. The CFO will confirm with the auditors the amount of the Snow Removal Trust (reserves). The governing body $62,500.00 was used in 2009. After discussion, it was decided to reduce the proposed 2010 amount from $82,000.00 to $70,000.00. Councilman Benson mentioned the salt costs directly relate to figures used in reimbursement of funds through the Kelly Act. The CFO noted only actual expenses are used for the Kelly Act.
The governing body also discussed line items for Solid Waste, Buildings and Grounds, and Maintenance and Repairs. Mayor Kuncken commented the American Legion is willing to contribute to the new Holiday Banners for Memorial Day/Summer. Councilwoman Maio noted the Chamber of Commerce will also donate to purchase the new banners. It was decided the new banners would be purchased immediately to be received and hung for Memorial Day.
Shade Tree
The Shade Tree Commission’s proposed budget was reviewed and the CFO noted the $2,500.00 matching funds for the 2010 ANJEC grant was not included in this section, but in the Grants section of the Municipal Budget.
Board of Health/Animal Control Services
The Board of Health’s proposed budget is the same as 2009 with the exception of $400.00 for printing. Councilwoman Maio noted the Board of Health is interested in producing an educational brochure for residents on not feeding wild animals, feral cats, etc. The CFO will confer with the Board Secretary to confirm their idea and costs.
Recreation Commission
There is no line item for a Summer Concert Series in 2010. The Borough of Netcong has been notified that Stanhope will not participate in the 2010 program. The line item for Family Fun Day will remain and any donations from local organizations and businesses to the Recreation Commission for the event will be posted as revenue.
The governing body discussed the line item for the “portable john” for Musconetcong Park. Mayor Kuncken noted the park is well used by the young families in the area and feels it is a worthwhile public service. The portable john is in the park from May through September. Councilman Benson commented there has never been a problem in the park from having the portable john. The CFO will work with the Commission Chair to obtain quotes from additional companies.
Environmental Commission
No increase in requested budget for 2010. The 2009 Business Stimulus Grant is not included in this section, but is included in the Grant section of the Municipal Budget.
Electricity
The CFO commented she reviews all electric bills each month and has caught unusually high estimated bills. Mayor Kuncken noted the street lighting line item is an accurate accounting of 2009 is an important figure in Kelly Act calculations. Mayor Kuncken also commented the old street lights on Main Street will be shut off and the new decorative lights will be the sole lighting in the area.
Telephones
The CFO commented on the decrease in the telephone service proposed budget for 2010 and reported she believes there will continue to be more savings in the future. Councilman Graham asked if the CFO would look into different companies for cellular service for savings on that line item. Mayor Kuncken noted cell service must be reliable and Verizon has been a reliable provider. The CFO will speak with surrounding municipalities and find out what cell service provider is used.
The CFO reported the cost of maintaining the telephone system should be reduced. Mayor Kuncken directed the CFO to work with the Technology Committee on finding the best way to reduce that cost.
Petroleum Products
The CFO reported that invoices for petroleum products are paid in a generic line item called gasoline and then broken down by type and department. The governing body is pleased to have a format that will allow them to do a year-to-year comparison and better future planning.
Condo Services
The CFO reported the requested budget on this category’s line items is estimated using 2009 figures. If the Borough’s solid waste costs change, the contracts with the Condominiums must reflect the changes as well.
Miscellaneous Items
The governing body discussed this category line item by line item. The CFO confirmed the increase in the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System is due to the large retroactive pay in 2007 when the contract between the Borough and the Police Department was settled.
Stormwater Management
The Stormwater Management category is mandated by the State. Charges to this category include the Stormwater Management Permit cost and associated engineering fees.
Municipal Court
The Court Administrator is requesting additional help year round. The governing body asked for a concise detailed letter outlining what help is needed and the number of hours requested. The CFO reported there are adequate funds in the public defender trust account so there is no need to budget funds in 2010.
OSHA and Capital Improvements
The line items in this category were projected from past discussions with the CFO, governing body and DPW Superintendent.
Councilwoman Maio discussed a request from the Lake Musconetcong Regional Planning Board to purchase an acre of pre-emergent herbicide to combat water chestnut plants. The State has agreed through Hopatcong State Park to handle the acreage around the boat launch. The cost of the acre of treatment is $800.00 per acre. The area of treatment will be from the shore line to 100 foot out. The pre-emergent herbicide will kill the water chestnut plants before they bloom which will prevent the second crop of weeds caused by the chestnuts falling to the bottom of the lake and creating a second plant. The funds from the town will be used to treat the area adjacent to Musconetcong Park. Mayor Kuncken suggested the governing body consider the purchase and discuss the matter again at the next budget meeting.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Mayor Kuncken opened the meeting to the public after advising attendees that there is a five (5) minute time limit for each speaker and only comments regarding the budget will be heard.
Andrew Dedinsky, 28 Lloyd Avenue, President of the Stanhope Seniors Club gave a brief overview of activities enjoyed by members of the Stanhope Seniors Club. Mr. Dedinsky asked the governing body for the same donation the Seniors Club received in 2009. Mr. Dedinsky complimented the DPW for the great job removing snow after the big storm. Mr. Dedinski also wanted to have a neighbor’s fallen tree removed from his yard after the storm. Mr. Dedinski had cut the tree up and requested the DPW haul the tree to the DPW yard. Mr. Dedinski questioned why the DPW could not pick up brush. Mayor Kuncken said if he has a special request to please call Borough Hall and speak with the Administrator.
Donald Drake, 2 Summit Avenue, member of Stanhope Fire Department, clarified the line item request of $2,250.00 for protective gear. The funds would be for replacement or repair of worn parts of turn-out gear, not new gear. Mr. Drake reported the Fire Department has a policy that all turn-out gear be stored at the firehouse. Mr. Drake noted these replacements or repairs will help the Fire Department get the full ten years of use from the protective gear. The CFO will change the line item description to reflect replacement/repair/maintenance of protective gear.
Mr. Steven Fetics, 614 Stonegate Lane, stated he was in attendance because of his concern regarding the solid waste contract with his condominium association. Mayor Kuncken replied that if the Borough’s cost changes it would impact the contracts for condominium services and the contracts would be altered to reflect the change.
Mayor Kuncken asked the governing body to decide on a date for the next special budget meeting. It was decided the meeting will be held on March 30th at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Councilwoman Maio, seconded by Councilman Graham, and unanimously carried by voice vote the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
Approved:
Lynda Knott
Deputy Borough Clerk
For Ellen Horak, RMC
Borough Clerk