 |
|||
|
VILLAGE OF LINDENHURST SPECIAL MEETING OF THE VILLAGE BOARD |
|||
|
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:20 p.m. by Mayor Lahr. PRESENT: Mayor Lahr, Trustees Dunham, Marturano, Messmer, Metzelaar and Zerba. Trustee Wayne arrived at 7:15 p.m. Administrator Stevens was also in attendance.Motion was made by Trustee Dunham to appoint Administrator Stevens Recording Secretary. Trustee Messmer seconded the motion. The motion carried with a voice vote. Mayor Lahr announced the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the second draft portion of the FY 08/09 budget. Police Department Chief McKeever addressed the proposal to add an additional police officer and the needs outlined in the 5-year staffing plan. After considerable discussion regarding lack-luster projected revenue growth the following was the consensus: · Forego the hiring of an additional police officer for FY 08/09. · Add a part-time Community Service Officer for 9 mos. · Upgrade the current Community Service Officer position by adjusting the job description to reflect expanded duties, responsibilities and qualifications that the position has grown into. · A corresponding job grade and salary adjustment would also have to be devised. The Chief was asked to review the entire proposed budget especially those areas pertaining to training for possible cuts as a result of staffing issues that may have been impacted since January’s preparation. Deliberations on the Corporate Fund Revenue and Expenses Disparity Administrator Stevens reported with the exception of the Police Department budget cuts, which are not yet tabulated, approximately a $695,000 out of balance condition exists. An additional $12,000 was not yet reflected for health insurance savings as a result of the maintenance worker position being cut. It was the consensus to undertake the following additional reductions: 4.5% salary increase and market adjustment be reduced to 3%, proposed dental benefits and eyeglass benefits be removed, additional items included $124,900 being deleted in the #36 capital improvement account for slip lining a section of the Longmeadow Drive storm sewer. This would free up a like dollar amount in the capital improvement repair account. Administrator Stevens was asked what an acceptable level of pledged corporate fund surplus monies would be given our current financial status. He reported that assuming $350,000 to $550,000 of capital projects were being funded, one could justify the depletion versus ongoing expense items. The salt barn and special paving expenses easily exceed $400,000 for example. Administrator Stevens was asked to resubmit the revised draft budget for the March 31, 2008 board meeting, in which the tentative budget was to be adopted and be open for public inspection. The formal budget adoption and hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2008. Water / Sewer Utility Revenues A general review of the FY 08/09 revenue projections occurred. Waterworks & Sewerage Administration Rob Garcia, Superintendent, was available for questions. Wes Welsh also assists in compiling the capital projects in the water and sewer budgets. Much of the Utility Administration budget was discussed during the corporate budget session with Cindy Spangler, Office Manager. The $2 million capital preservation loan was not yet reflected in the revenues. Sewer Department The various capital projects were highlighted by staff. It was the consensus to forego the $340,800 Grand Avenue pump station project (Facility New & Replacement Account) pending future development plans on the Coltman property and status of the hospital and medical office building. Water Department The various capital projects were highlighted and determined that the Grand Avenue water main replacement and upgrade project be phased in two sections. Wes Welsh was to discuss the phasing alternatives with the design engineer and pare back the project accordingly. It was also explained that many of the capital projects and related expenses would span into the FY 09/10 fiscal year therefore the expense burden would be spread over multiple fiscal years. Miscellaneous Escrow & SSA #4 Both accounts were reviewed and no changes were in order. The refinancing of SSA #4 loan was reported to be postponed due to market conditions. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Trustee Wayne and seconded by Trustee Metzelaar. The meeting adjourned 8:56 p.m. |
|||