NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL
180 WEST BRIDGE STREET
Budget Work Session Meeting
November 14, 2007
6:45 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
MINUTES

PRESENT: Richard Hirschfield, Sharyn Keiser, Geri Delevich, Ed Duffy, Rey Velasco, Randy Flager, Mayor Larry Keller, Borough Manager John Burke, Assistant Borough Engineer Kurt Schroeder, Chief Pasqualini, and Public Works Director, Tom Carroll.

ABSENT: Claire Shaw.

BUDGET WORK SESSION

Richard Hirschfield convened the budget work session at 6:45 P.M. and explained that there would be no vote tonight on the proposed budget. Mr. Hirschfield stated that the purpose of the work session is to discuss the proposed budget and, where necessary, make adjustments that would be voted on at Council’s December public meeting.

Sharyn Keiser stated that she has already met with the Borough Manager and had many of her questions regarding the budget answered. Ms. Keiser stated that she understands the need for replacement of a portable radio in the Police Department and is confident that the Borough staff would be able to reduce telephone expenses by reviewing different service plan options. Ms. Keiser stated that she is concerned about the cost of medical insurance and stated that this benefit should be renegotiated with the PBA in 2008.

Randy Flager agreed with Ms. Keiser’s concern about medical insurance premiums.

John Burke stated that the Borough joined the Delaware Valley Health Insurance Trust in 2003 and has benefited from the plan’s smaller than average increases in annual medical insurance premium expenses. Mr. Burke stated that he would contact the trust in early 2008 to determine if larger deductibles and co-pays would have any appreciable impact in reducing future premium expenses.

Sharyn Keiser asked why the real estate tax rate is not decreasing?

Richard Hirschfield responded that real estate taxes have been reduced by 20% in recent years and that, if not for the Earned Income Tax, the Borough would be in real financial trouble because of state imposed millage caps.

Ed Duffy asked about the adequacy of capital reserve funds and if there is any flexibility built into the budget for additional capital expenditures in the range of $10,000 to $15,000 in 2008.

Richard Hirschfield answered that there is some flexibility in the budget.

Ed Duffy asked about the capabilities of the new pay per space parking meter at the New Street property.

John Burke commented that the cost of the pay by space parking meter at 111 New Street was about $10,000, and the collection of the money at this site will be separated out from other parking receipts and deposited into the new Capital Projects Fund in 2008.  The machine provides receipts of collection amounts for proper accounting, and the meter on New Street can be expanded to accept credit and debit cards in the future. 

Geri Delevich asked why did the school district have uniforms with Solebury only printed and not New Hope, or is it just a Solebury Township league? Ms. Delevich stated that the Borough contributes $1,500.00 to the Solebury Township recreation program

John Burke replied that he would contact Solebury Township and inquire.

Geri Delevich stated that on page 22 of the budget, under sales budgeting at the Visitors’ Center, there is only $1,000.00 budgeted and that does not seem right and needs to be researched. 

John Burke commented that he would check with Ms. Janell A. Hammond and get back to Council on this matter.

Geri Delevich asked about the proposed 2008 budget for improvements at Lenape Park.

John Burke stated that the amounts budgeted for this project in 2008 are $120,000 in state grant funds and $135,000 in Borough funds, including $15,000 for construction administration and observation.

Geri Delevich asked about the amount of $8,000 budgeted for New Street maintenance in 2008.

Tom Carroll stated that this is his best estimate for mowing at the New Street property. Mr. Carroll stated that the Borough must use outside help to mow this site because of the Department’s many other responsibilities and limited staff.

Sharyn Keiser stated that all park maintenance in the Borough is contracted out.

Geri Delevich asked if the speed monitor/trailer proposed for 2008 is a new unit or a replacement.

Chief Pasqualini replied that this purchase is a second unit. It will provide another tool to help with calming traffic in the Borough. One unit will be assigned to North Main Street; the location of the second unit will vary.

Geri Delevich asked if the sped monitors are effective in reducing speed.

Chief Pasqualini replied that he is not aware of any studies on this issue.

Randall Flager asked if the Department is considering the purchase of a used speed monitor.

Chief Pasqualini replied that he intends to try to purchase a used monitor, if one is available and in good condition.

Mayor Keller, on behalf of the New Hope Seniors, asked to consider increasing the annual donation from $150.00 to $250.00.

Council agreed to this request.

Rey Velasco asked about the status of the Canal Walk Project.

John Burke answered that he anticipates that the railroad will sign the agreement in the near future.

Richard Hirschfield announced that the budget would be available at Borough Hall next Monday, November 19, 2007, for review by the public and that Council would receive public comment on the budget at its December public meeting.

THE BUDGET WORK SESSION ADJOURNED AT 7:16 P.M.