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Council Mgt. Minutes - April 1, 2010

July 28, 2010 by Clerk

Council Meeting Minutes April 1, 2010

CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor DeLucca called the Council Meeting of April 1, 2010 to order.

SUNSHINE LAW
The meeting had been duly advertised in compliance with the provisions of the open public meetings law.

FLAG SALUTE
The flag salute was held.

Mayor prayed for safety, wisdom, and for Wayne Hans’ father who passed away.

ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmen Balmer, Dougherty, Hans, Roach, Strippoli, and President Randolph-Sharpe
Mayor DeLucca.

Mayor thanked everyone for coming and introduced solicitor John Kearney for a synopsis of the budget.

John Kearney stated that the current budget situation addressed by mayor, council, and administrator was due to the budget cuts by the governor, increase in pension payment and increase in health insurance premiums creating a million dollar shortfall. The introduced budget calls for a tax increase of $.145. Other reductions are being funded by surplus, elimination of five positions, council and administrator reducing salary by five percent, retirement by the chief of police from December to May, and mandatory furloughs excluding the police department. Reforms from Trenton include employee contributions to health insurance starting in May and reduction in medical opt out waiver. There will also be reductions in operating expenses especially in the police department. The budget also calls for no wage increases. At this time, not all positions had been notified but are scheduled. The net result is that no police officers will be laid off but police arbitration is still pending. The difficulties will continue from Trenton affecting next year’s budget. Council had to make difficult decisions in order to keep the current level of services. The library will not be closed.


OPEN TO PUBLIC
Mayor DeLucca opened the meeting to the public for any questions or comments.

Michael Stofield asked about the financial drain the apartment complex places on the borough for police services suggesting the complex provide funding for police services as in large cities. John Kearney responded that the borough has put in place a rental registration program and a vigorous inspection program to address these concerns and raise the standards. However, the borough can not charge an extra fee for traditional services.

Cindy Walsh restated the tax increase of 14 1/2 % to all property owners to which the mayor affirmed. She also asked about the percentage of contributions for all employees. John Kearney responded that this was state mandated. She also asked about the pension contribution. The mayor affirmed that the pension contribution was made. Also questioned were the employee contracts. John Kearney advised that multi-year contracts containing employee raises could create a possibility for future layoffs.

Regina Smith asked who will perform occupancy enforcement since the Code Officer position is being eliminated. John Kearney responded that the two part-time housing inspectors will remain.

Councilman Balmer commented that on a house valued at $100, 000 the increase would equate to about $12 per month. For that $12 a month, we did not layoff police officers, did not close the library and are maintaining services at level accustom to.

There being no one else desiring the floor, the mayor closed the meeting to the public.

ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Councilman Dougherty, second by Councilman Balmer that the meeting be adjourned. Voice vote was unanimous in the affirmative. Motion carried.

DATED: June 9, 2010


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DEBORAH JACKSON
Acting Borough Clerk