February 15, 2005
A Budget/Workshop Meeting was held by the Township
Council of the Township of Roxbury on February 15, 2005 at 1715 Route 46,
Ledgewood, New Jersey at 7:30 p.m.
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING STATEMENT
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
5, 2005; notice was posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway of the
Municipal Building on January 5, 2005.
ROLL
CALL: (Present) Councilwoman Sandy
Urgo, Councilmen John Ciaramella, Fred Hall, Jim Rilee, Tim Smith and Deputy
Mayor Martin Schmidt
Mayor
Zoschak is absent due to vacation
ALSO
PRESENT: Christopher Raths, Township
Manager; Anthony Bucco, Township Attorney and BettyLou DeCroce
REPORTS
OF COUNCIL LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND NEW BUSINESS/OLD
BUSINESS
Discussion: Capital Budget
q Library
Mary
Romance, Township Librarian; Christopher
Raths, Township Manager and Lisa Palmieri, Chief Financial Officer, discussed
with Council the Capital Budget for the Library. Mr. Raths recommended that
the phone system be considered at a cost of $11,515.00. Ms. Romance received
four estimates on the phone system. The current system will not allow any
additional lines to the system. With the new expanded system the library would
be able to obtain quotes from suppliers to have a better plan. Council
suggested that Ms. Romance meet with Rob Kuncken, IT Director and discuss the
new system he recently implemented here in Town Hall. Council felt that if the
same type of system can be installed at the library it would allow the system
to be expanded and possibly use the same provider the township has to lower the
cost for the library. Ms. Romance will meet with Mr. Kuncken and then report
back to Mr. Raths.
Presentation: Operating Budget
Mr.
Raths stated that he received the report on the Company #1 fire truck. The
report came back today and stated that the transmission is fine and the truck
is operating properly.
Mr.
Raths stated that the water truck from the water utility would be transferred
to Buildings & Grounds. The truck has a blue book value of $7,500.00.
Water needs a new truck because it has 77,000 miles on it at this time. Mr.
Raths stated the question is do we get a new truck and trade the old one in or
recycle the truck to another department. The 05 will be replacing a 98, which
would go to parks to replace a 94. Council agreed to keep the water truck in
the water department. The purchase of a new truck will be reviewed next year.
Discussion
ensued pertaining to the spreadsheet on the debt service not being accurate.
Mr.
Raths stated that if the spreadsheet needs to be revised that they would do it
and submit that to Council prior to any decision on the debt service from 1.1
million to 1.5 million.
Deputy
Mayor Schmidt amended the order of business and opened the meeting to the
public.
Sean
Adamo
Company
#1
EMT
Brought
in his First Aid equipment to turn in because of the difficulty in
communicating with the department and trying to obtain his certification. The
instructor is from Mine Hill and is consistently changing the requirements
needed to obtain a certificate.
Mr.
Raths will call and try to straighten out the lack of communication as Council
requested. Also council would like to be kept up to date on trying to obtain
the requirements needed by Mr. Adamo so he can remain as an EMT in Roxbury.
At this time the Council took a 10-minute break at 8:50 PM.
Council
returned to the dais at 9:00 PM.
Mr.
Raths asked the Council to discuss the Capital for each department
Information
& Technology – N/C
Engineering
- $500,000 - 1.8 million in two
years. Eight hundred thousand is for milling and paving no drainage. Mr.
Raths stated that all the funding would be utilized.
Building & Grounds - N/C
Safety Office – N/C
Fire Prevention – N/C
Fire/First Aid – N/C
Police Department – Evidence & Property Management
System. Under the new program that was instituted by the Prosecutors
Office and the state a few years ago all evidence is bar coded. The Township
is one of the communities that has not been bar coding our evidence. It will
allow us to bar code and provide greater security and it is much more efficient
than the paperwork system we currently have.
Construction Code – N/C
Road Department - $321,950 total amount Mr. Raths
will discuss with Mr. Blood trade in on some of the vehicles.
Equipment Repair – N/C
Sanitation/Recycling – N/C
Health & Animal Control – N/C
Parks & Recreation – Need information on Kiwanis
Safety Fencing. Mr. Hall will discuss with the Recreation Committee the
possibility of taking charge of the train at Horseshoe Lake. Also Mr. Stierli
will give an update on possible contributions for the train rebuilding.
Ms. Urgo stated that the mine shaft demolition could
possibly be done through grants and she would look into that.
Library – Reduced HVAC Phase I and Phase II.
SUMMARY:
Mr.
Raths stated that the final amount is roughly 1.1 million and will be reduced
by the items discussed this evening.
Mr.
Raths gave a 2005 Budget Presentation
Budget Objectives
- Minimize
impact on tax rate
- Stabilize
expenditure growth
- Implement
cost reduction recommendations
- State
Audit Review Team
- Township
Service Improvement Team
- Cost
Reduction Team
- Council
Recommendations
- Provide
enhanced information
- Department
Profiles
OBJECTIVE
1
MINIMIZE
IMPACT ON TAX RATE
Factors
making it difficult
Freeze of state revenues
Mandated increases in expenditures
Reduced ratables
Mandated
increases in expenditures (forces driving budget)
o
Health Insurance
o
Property Casualty
o
Contractual Obligations/Wages
o
Contribution towards retirement
o
Recommend 3.9 point increase from
.694 to .733
o
$39.00 per $100,000 assessed value
OBJECTIVE 2
Stabilize
Expenditure Growth
OBJECTIVE 3
Implement
Cost Reductions and Objectives Achieved 2004
- evaluated
the phone lines – saved $14,000.
- Continued
Central budget for training and provided scheduled training.
- Reviewed
operating routes in Sanitation to best serve all citizens in most cost
effective manner. (pending ) Revised operating hours at Recycling Center –
saved $10,000.
- Completed
road inventory and prioritized funding.
Implement Cost Reductions and Objectives Achieved 2004
- Consolidated
all general office supply purchases into Central Stores thereby reducing
inventory – saved $10,000.
- Instituted
changes or charges in collection of garbage for the schools – saved
$20,000.(For first 6 months discontinued school collection.)
- Reduced
one Court Session a month – saved $4,000.
- Reviewed
direct contributions to departments.
- Fire
Department line item appropriations.
- Prepared
streetscaping study for Main Street.
- Explored
shared services with schools.
- Explored
shared services with other communities
- Revised
fees in line with other communities
- Billboard
lease - $20,000 increased revenues
- Two
new co-location agreements for cell towers @ $24,000 = $48,000 increased
revenues.
- Revised
health care coverage providing a reduction of increases by $100,000.
OBJECTIVE 4
Provide
Enhanced Information Department Profiles
Sample – Building & Construction
Function:
To enforce and administer the Uniform Construction Code within the Township
TYPES OF SERVICE
- Construction
Plan Review
- Processing
of Construction Permits
- Inspecting
work in progress
- Final
inspections and certifications of projects
- Investigations
of complaints
- Attend
hearings before Construction Board of Appeals
- Preparation
of mandated reports
- Interlocal
agreement with Borough of Netcong expires 1/31/05
2004 ACCOMPLISHMENTS – SAMPLE BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
·
Adopting the “Problem Notification
Log” developed by the fire official and utilize our e-mail network for
reporting;
·
Updating the brochures developed
by your construction official for building decks and installing above ground
pools. The purpose is to provide aid to residents brave enough to tackle their
own projects;
·
Developing an aid to help residents
to expedite permit applications. This is a list of forms and “prior approvals”
required before permit can be issued for various projects.
·
Updated the construction
department information, which appears on the Township’s web site.
·
Improved “permit ready
notification” with post cards to residents saving time and money over previous
method of phone calls.
NEW PROGRAMS/INITIATIVES
·
LOCK BOX COLLECTION SYSTEM
·
COLLECTION DEPARTMENT
·
ESTIMATED COST SAVINGS $30,000 FOR
ONE-HALF YEAR.
·
CODIFICATION OF TOWNSHIP AND
ZONING ORDINANCES FOR WEB ACCESS
·
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR BEGINNING
JULY 2005
REVENUE PROJECTIONS
ASSUMPTIONS
·
Fund Balance Projected to be
anticipated
-
2005 = $1,000,000
-
subsequent years = $1,000,000
% Increase in State Aid
+ 1% Local Revenues
+ 4% Increase in reserve
for uncollected taxes
+ ½% Increase in Net
Valuation Taxable (NVT – New Growth) plus the following new ratables.
Various
2004 Various 7,939,166 (added to 2005 NVT)
Renaissance 2005 77
3,500,000
Delamo
2005 35 5,250,000
_____________
8,750,000 (added to 2006NVT)
Gemini
2006 1 16,000,000 (added to 2007 NVT)
Hercules
2009 N/A 0.00
EXPENSE PROJECTIONS
ASSUMPTIONS
Conservative approach used in
preparing expense projections.
4% increase in overall growth per year with some
exceptions.
Insurance exceptions including Group, Liability and
Workman’s Compensation = 10% increase each year.
Utilities projected to increase 6% per year.
Mr. Raths then went over the recap 5-year Revenue
Compared to Expense Projections.
Mr. Raths finalized his presentation reviewing the tax
rate projections thru 2008.
In Mr. Raths summary at this point the budget is at a
3.9-point increase in tax rate.
A 4.3% increase in overall spending due to forces
driving the budget and he felt that with this budget he has met the Council’s
objectives.
Councilmembers will continue the budget by line items.
Lisa Palmieri gave a presentation on the financial
update as of December 31, 2004. Ms. Palmieri discussed the conservative
approach was used in preparing the revenue projections, which included a Fund
Balance Anticipated at $1,000,000 for 2005 and each year after. The 0% increase
in Anticipated State Aid and the 1% increase in Local Revenues, 4 % increase in
Reserve for uncollected Taxes and ½% increase in the Net Valuation Taxable (NVT
– New Growth).
Ms.
Palmieri went over the 5 year revenue projection for the township and the 5
year revenue projection of grants and Interlocal Agreements with offsetting
appropriations.
Ms. Palmieri stated that a conservative approach was
used in preparing the expense projections. The projections do not suggest or
anticipate 4% increases in all departments. Some departments may be lower than
4% and a few may be higher. The projections do not recommend a 4% increase for
all departments, this percentage is simply used as a historical indicator for
future growth.
The
following assumptions were made:
1.
The past 5 years have shown about
a 4% increase in overall growth per year, therefore the projections reflect
this same growth rate with some exceptions.
2.
Insurance exceptions:
a.
Group Insurance – Projected to
increase approximately 10% per year.
b.
Liability Insurance – Projected to
increase 10% each year.
c.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance –
Projected to increase 10% each year.
3. Utilities – Projected to increase 6% per year.
Ms. Palmieri further discussed the 5 year expense projection
with total revenues – with no tax increase $21,384,919 and projected deficit
$808,518. Ms. Palmieri closed her presentation with a 5 year revenue
projections compared to expense projection which illustrated the required
appropriation reductions or revenue increases to maintain a balanced budget.
Also the required appropriation reduction as a percentage of Total Budget –
2005 – 3.64%, 2006 – 2.27%, 2007 – 3.35%, 2008 – 4.06%, 2009 – 2.22% 2010 –
3.20% and 2011 – 2.34%. This schedule reflects what the dollar impact will be
using the current 2004 municipal tax rate of .690 and assuming an increase in
the Net Valuation Taxable (new growth) of ½% per year.
MATTERS
REQUESTED/REFERRED BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, MANAGER, ATTORNEY OR CLERK.
PUBLIC
PORTION
Previously opened to the public.
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
February
11, 2005
#7
Mayors Fax Advisory from William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director of NJLM
dated February 7, 2005 re: DEP Announces Opening of Next Round of Brownfield
Development Applications. Mr. Raths will look into to see if the township
qualifies for any grants.
#11
Correspondence from Nancy L. Saffos, Municipal Clerk of Cherry Hill Township
re: Resolution 2005 – 1-41, Adopted on January 10, 2005. The township has
already sent a resolution.
#17
Correspondence from George Reed of the Port Morris Firemen’s Association to
Christopher Raths, Township Manager; Richard Zoschak, Mayor & Martin
Schmidt, Deputy Mayor dated February 1, 2005 re: Letter from Roxbury PBA Local
311 to acquire the Roxbury Company #2 Firehouse on Main Street, Port Morris.
Council is waiting to see annex expansion and needs a report and copy of the
deed.
#25
Correspondence from Dominick Algeria, Active Member of the Shore Hills
Community Club located at 38 Vail Road, Landing to Mayor & Council received
on February 9, 2005 re: Possibility of Giving the Pond Area on Cole Place, Lot
1, Block 109 to the Township of Roxbury & possibly obtaining a piece of
property behind the clubhouse for parking – Lot 1.1, Block 106. The question
is the pond, Council would like to see a map depicting the pond. Mr. Raths
will follow up as to the specifics.
#26
Correspondence from John Bonanni, County Administrator to Mr. Christopher
Raths, Township Manager dated February 4, 2005 re: copy of Lease Agreement
between the County of Morris and the Morris & Erie Railroad. Several
Councilmembers stated that they would like to see the lease. Mr. Raths advised
them that the lease is extensive and if any member want to sign it out to
review they are welcome to do so.
#31
Correspondence from Mary Cilurso, Rockaway Township Clerk to Roxbury Township
and surrounding towns dated February 9, 2005 re: Ordinance #05-10. Ms. DeCroce
will make sure the Planning Board receives a copy.
#36
Mayors fax advisory from William G. Dressel, Jr., Executive Director of NJLM
dated February 10, 2005 re: A-193 – Cancer Presumptions. The Council would
like a resolution sent opposing this legislation.
#37
Interoffice memo from Christopher Raths, Township Manager to Mayor/Council dated
February 10, 2005 re: Building Department Review. Mr. Raths advised Council
that under state statute the township is required to have a Construction
Official. Other areas of the department will be reviewed to establish as to
whether we need full time or part time inspectors.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
None
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:30 PM Mr. Rilee made a motion to adjourn the Budget
Meeting. Ms. Urgo seconded the motion.
All
In Favor – Yes
Motion
Carried 6 to 0
Submitted By:
_______________________
BettyLou DeCroce
Township Clerk
MINUTES APPROVED BY
COUNCIL
DATE: March 8, 2005
ROLL CALL: Mr. Rilee – yes Mr. Smith – yes
Mr.
Ciaramella – yes Mr. Schmidt – yes
Ms.
Urgo – yes Mayor Zoschak - abstain