January 17, 2006
A
Special Budget/Workshop Meeting was Held by the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury on January 17, 2006 at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New
Jersey at 7:30 p.m.
OPEN
PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT
Notice
is hereby given that a Special Meeting of the Township Council of the Township
of Roxbury will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 7:30 PM and Tuesday,
January 31, 2006 at 7:30 PM at 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood, New Jersey. This
meeting is being held for the purpose of discussing the 2006 Municipal Budget.
Adequate
notice of this meeting of the Township Council of the Township of Roxbury was
given as required by the Open Public Meetings Act as follows: Notice was faxed
to the Daily Record, the Newark Star Ledger and the Roxbury Register on January
12, 2006; notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the
Municipal Building on January 12, 2006.
ROLL
CALL: Councilwoman
Kathy DeFillippo, Councilmen Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Tim Smith, Richard Zoschak, John Ciaramella and Mayor Martin
Schmidt
ALSO
PRESENT: Christopher
Raths, Township Manager and Janet Rieth, Deputy Township Clerk
REPORTS OF
COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD
BUSINESS
Capital
Budget Discussion
Mr.
Raths suggested that Council address each department and identify any questions
they may have and/or any departments that Council may wish to have attend a
future meeting.
IT
Department
Mr. Rilee
questioned why the Panasonic Toughbooks that the Police Department is using are
going bad so quickly. Mr. Raths explained that we may need to look at a
different brand or it could be the type of use they are getting in the police
cars at this time. Mr. Raths will check into this and report back to Council.
Engineering
Mr.
Rilee questioned if there is money in off site contributions for Dell Avenue. Mr. Raths stated that we will be
receiving some money in off site contributions from Mr. Petillo. Mr. Hall
questioned if there is off site money slated for the Righter Road/Mary Louise
area. Mr. Raths stated that there will be off site contributions for roadway
improvements ($100,000) for the second phase of Righter Road
in 2007.
Mr.
Smith questioned why the $40,000 for Canal Street Engineering and Construction was taken out. Mr.
Raths explained that the drainage work has been completed, resurfacing will be
done in the Spring and it will be done with the money that was previously
allocated.
Buildings
& Grounds
Mr.
Zoschak questioned why Mr. Raths is recommending $50,000 for the Town Hall
parking lot, when only $40,000 was originally requested. Mr. Raths stated that
we have been carrying the project for four to five years. Originally it was
estimated at $40,000; however, the estimate came in at $52,000 for this year.
Mr.
Rilee questioned if the Spacesaver System is a County Co-op item. Mr. Raths advised that it is not and that we will be
receiving bids. Mr. Raths further advised that these are horizontal files on a
tract, which would save a significant amount of space.
Mr. Hall
requested that, in the near future, when grant money is available, the Township
should look at an automated document management system. Mayor Schmidt stated
that the County is looking at a system and they will be visiting municipalities
to determine what the archival needs are to see if the needs of the
municipalities and the County can be merged. Mr. Hall suggested that we wait
until the County buys theirs and then tag onto their PARIS grant money and then everyone will have the same system.
Fire
Prevention
Council
discussed the necessity of an SUV and the price of $28,000. Mr. Raths advised
that Mr. Pellek carries a lot of radio and rescue equipment and needs the
four-wheel drive for bad weather. He further advised that the price is for the
vehicle and light bars. Mr. Rilee questioned if new strobe lights would be
needed or if the current ones could be used on the new vehicle. Mr. Raths
will check into this and whether or not this price includes a tow package. Mr.
Blood advised that the price is through a co-op; however it is not a trade in
and the current vehicle would be auctioned in the Spring. Council requested
that the price be amended to $24,000. Mr. Zoschak stated that, before the size
of the vehicle is cut, he would like Mr. Pellek to advise what equipment he
needs to carry.
Police
Mrs.
DeFillippo questioned if the $95,000 for the ESU vehicle includes the equipment
that would go into the vehicle. Mr. Raths advised that it is substantially the
truck and he will provide the backup to Council. This vehicle is not being
recommended for 2006.
Fire/First
Aid
Mr.
Raths advised that the $25,000 for the Brush Truck is no longer contingent upon
a grant. This is a trade in for Truck 102 and Truck 105 will be transferred to
Company No. 2.
Road
Department
Mr.
Blood presented Council with a memorandum justifying the purchase of the
chipper, which would replace the 1986 chipper and reduce the usage of the 1990
chipper. Council recommended trading in both chippers and purchasing a new
one. Mr. Blood will obtain a price.
Regarding
sidewalk repairs, Mr. Raths advised that in 2006 this is still under minor
equipment. He is recommending that, in 2007 more money be spent on sidewalk
repairs and it would put into the Road Department.
Equipment
& Repair
Discussion
ensued regarding the necessity of a forklift and the majority of Council agreed
to the purchase.
Sanitation
Council
discussed the purchase of a 31 CY Packer for $180,000. Mr. Blood advised that
the cost represents the purchase with a trade in. Mr. Ciaramella questions if
the truck will be equipped with a snowplow. Mr. Blood advised that, if the
bids come in within range and if he has money to put a plow on, he will do
that. Mr. Zoschak questioned if contracting for garbage collection could save
money. Mr. Raths advised that this was discussed a couple of year ago and he
will provide Council with an updated report.
Health
Council
requested that Mr. Raths discuss the possibility of shared services for buses
and other items with Dennis Mack, Superintendent of Schools.
Parks
Council
discussed the $82,000 for the purchase of a 16-foot mower and the possibility
of purchasing an 11-foot mower instead. Mr. Blood presented Council with a
memorandum comparing the 6-foot mower with the 16-foot mower. Mr. Blood will
refigure the calculations to include an 11-foot mower. Mr. Raths will check to
determine if a new trailer will be necessary for an 11-foot mower. Mr. Smith
stated that he would like to know the difference in cost between the 6-foot,
11-foot and 16-foot mowers, the yearly difference in cost for financing and the
difference in savings between the three. Ms. Palmieri will revise the
comparison. Mr. Blood advised that he spoke with Mr. Soetebeer, Director of Buildings
and Grounds for the Board of Education, regarding the possibility of shared
services, and he was hesitant, due to the possibility that both entities may
want to use the mower at the same time.
Regarding
the Nalron Park improvements, Mr. Raths will have Dave Stierli contact Little
League to see if they would contribute to the dugouts.
At 9:30 PM
Council took a short break.
At 9:38 PM
Council returned to the Budget Meeting.
Library
Mr.
Raths advised that the computers will be added to the operating budget of the
Library, which will go towards the 1/3 of the MIL requirement. Mr. Raths will
check to determine who is purchasing the software.
Court
No
Changes
Minor
Capital Equipment
Regarding
the electronic traffic signs, Mr. Raths advised that they are portable, will
fit on the back of a truck and bolt on to a pole. These will be used to
address complaints and have the capability of storing data.
Mr.
Ciaramella questioned the need for a skid mount water tank and utility
trailer. Mr. Blood advised that this would allow us to have one vehicle for
asphalt work. Mr. Blood further explained that the tank will mount on the back
of the trailer with room on the back end for the asphalt saw.
Sewer
Mr. Blood will
send a memorandum to Council outlining his recommendations for the policy of
repairing and/or replacing grinder pumps.
Water
The
majority of Council agreed to remove the $15,000 truck.
Operating
Budget Presentation
Lisa
Palmieri, Chief Financial Officer, and Christopher Raths, gave a power point
presentation of the Operating Budget. The objectives for the budget are to
minimize impact on the tax rate; stabilize expenditure growth; implement cost
reduction recommendations and provide enhanced information. At this point
there would be an 8.1 point increase, which would be $81.00 per $100,000
assessed value. Ms. Palmieri advised that we are anticipating a fund balance
this year of $250,000, where in the past we have been closer to $1,000,000.
This is a part of the reason for the 8.1 point increase we are anticipating.
Mr. Raths explained that we are not replenishing our fund balance, we are
drawing down on it. Ms. Palmieri stated that the increase in the total pension
obligation represents approximately 1.3 tax points of the operating budget.
Regarding
the anticipation of future revenues, Mr. Hall stated that Council previously
discussed looking at recreational fees and adjusting them appropriately. He
questioned if this has been done and what the impact has been. Mr. Raths
explained the impact is shown in Attachment 2 of his budget message. Mayor
Schmidt stated that it was suggested last year that a check off box be added to
Recreation applications for anyone who would like to contribute extra money and
he has been told that this was being implemented. Mr. Raths will check with
Mr. Stierli.
Mr.
Smith stated that it was discussed last year to take departments that are
revenue generated and look at them on a cost accounting basis to determine if
they are self sustaining and if the fees they charge are reasonable relative to
the costs. Ms. Palmieri will look at Recreation Department, Fire Prevention,
Construction, Planning/Zoning and Health.
MATTERS
REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK
No
Discussion
PUBLIC
PORTION
Robert
Kluska, 274 Emmans Road, questioned what will cause the $9,000 reduction in
ratables for 2006. Mr. Rilee advised that most of it is due to the Hercules
tax appeal.
DRAFT
ORDINANCES FOR DISCUSSION
None
ORDINANCES TO
BE INTRODUCED
None
HEARING AND
ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES ON SECOND READING
None
DRAFT
RESOLUTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION
AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
None
COMMUNICATIONS
January 13, 2006
#11
– Correspondence from Celeste Fasone, Director of Board of Public Utilities,
State of NJ to Cable Operator & Interested Partied, dated December 27,
2005, re; Stakeholder Input, N.J.A.C. 14:18 – This will be given to the Cable
Committee at their meeting on Thursday.
#17
– Correspondence from Tom Potere, Zoning Officer to the Honorable Judge Carl
Wronko, dated January 5, 2006, re: Ralph Eipin, T/A Ralph’s Realty Corp.,
a/k/a/ Lake’s End Marina, 91 Mt. Arlington Road, Block 10101, Lot 48, SC-2006 –
This is to advise the Judge that the site plan application has been submitted.
#18
– Interoffice Memo from BettyLou DeCroce, to Mayor & Council,
dated January 9, 2006, re: Penalties for Municipal Ordinance Violations –
Council would like an Ordinance prepared.
#23 –
Correspondence from Todah Rabah of the Celebration Committee of Temple Shalom
to Mayor/Council, dated January 3, 20006, re: Retirement of Rabbi Joel Soffin
- A proclamation will be prepared.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:55 PM Mr.
Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Budget/Workshop Meeting. Mr. Zoschak
seconded the motion.
All In Favor –
yes
Submitted By:
______________________
BettyLou
DeCroce
Township
Clerk
MINUTES
APPROVED BY COUNCIL:
DATE: February 14, 2006
ROLL
CALL: Mr.
Rilee – yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr.
Ciaramella – yes Mrs. DeFillippo – yes
Mr.
Hall - yes