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VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST SPECIAL MEETING OF THE VILLAGE BOARD |
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CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Mayor Lahr. James Stevens was appointed secretary. PRESENT: Mayor Lahr, Trustees Dunham, Marturano, Messmer, Metzellar and Zerba. Trustee Wayne arrived at 7:00 p.m. Administrator Stevens; Office Manager, CIndy Spangler; Director of Public Works, Wes Welsh and Street Superintendent, Steve Auth were also present. Mayor Lahr announced the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the draft FY 08/09 budget. Corporate Fund Revenues Mayor Lahr inquired as to the numerous special funds referenced in the corporate fund and how it related to corresponding expenses. Administrator Stevens explained that other than the 01 fund, numerical prefixes and corresponding expenses were restricted by statute as to what the monies could be used for. He reported that the 01-funds have no restrictions and current balances of all funds are reflected on the monthly treasurer report. The Department Manager or Administrator is usually the originator of the budget request of the various funds. Many times special accounts are restricted to the balance on hand or the current balance in addition to what can be anticipated as new income to the fund in the upcoming budget year. This procedure varied by fund. The Village Board ultimately approves both the use of special funds and all general (01) funds of the Village through the budget process. Discussion ensued regarding other choices of formatting both revenues and expenses. Additional information was to be provided regarding projecting building revenues, health insurance premiums and attorney fees. Corporate Fund Administration (Expense) Office Manager Spangler reported on numerous items presented in the corporate administration budget that were shared with utility department administration. They include salaries, office expenses related to equipment, software, contractual items and telephone to name a few. Discussion ensued regarding the Human Resources Committee recommendation to offer both dental and eyeglass benefits. The Human Resources Committee likewise identified a shortfall of 1% to 2% in the overall pay program. The draft budget contained a 1% salary adjustment to begin to close the midpoint gap in the 14 community comparison. After much discussion the 1% market increase, dental benefits at 90% and $150 eye care stipend were sustained. It was decided that Ms. Spangler’s attendance would not be required for the next budget session that would include review of the sewer and water administration portion of the budget. Tentative alterations to the administration budget were to be compiled by staff and resubmitted prior to the next budget session on 3/17/08. Building and Grounds Discussion included doing away with the Veteran’s Memorial loan fund, postponing the Village Hall facility study and Village roadside entry signage revamp. These revisions were to be distributed prior to the 3/17 follow up budget session. Both Steve Auth and Jim Stevens prepared this budget. Street Department Superintendent Auth was asked in light of the approximate $1.2 million out of balance condition if he could forego the proposed Street Department maintenance position for another year. He responded that he felt strongly if given the choice he favored taking care of the people currently employed first. He and Administrator Stevens explained that the objective in meeting the midpoint of the 14 community comparison base was important in addition to parity with other benefits. Board members inquired to other areas that could be cut in training for example. Steve Auth was to review the draft again. Street Department capital projects were discussed and it was determined that due to lack luster revenue growth the following capital projects would be postponed: Valley, Briar, Old Elm and Woodlane drainage improvement, construction and engineering ($414,000) and various sidewalk extensions ($56,300). Pavement patching was increased from $30,000 to $60,000 due to the exceptional winter impact on various pavement sections. The list of streets for the 2009 paving program were also to be adjusted to compensate for the drainage project revisions. Engineering and Building Department When questioned, Wes Welsh explained that the most significant expenses to be highlighted included contractual services related to Village Green. Infrastructure inspection services were $300,000 and plan review/commercial building inspections at $247,500 for example. These were explained as one time expenses that would be offset by revenues. The motor fuel tax revenue and expenses were discussed. It was noted that 2008/2009 was a planning/engineering year. The budget of $95,450 reflected salt and asphalt products for routine patch work. The salt budget reflected additional product to fill the proposed larger salt barn building. Police Department This discussion was postponed to the second budget session scheduled for 3/17/08 due to time constraints. Motion to adjourn was made by Pat Dunham and seconded by Tim Wayne. The meeting adjourned 9:55 p.m. |
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