Motion: I move that Resolution No. 2005-29, a Resolution Adopting the Capital Program for the Years 2006-2010 be adopted as presented.

Paulus, Kovacs: Moved and Seconded
Atkinson, Dreisbach, Hayden, Kovacs, Paulus: ------- Aye ------- Unan.

Old Business:

1. Public Hearing – Continuation of Proposed 2006 Operating, Capital Reserve, Liquid Fuels, Water and Sewer Budgets (Review and Discussion).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearing with respect to a continuation of the review of the Proposed 2006 Budgets. In that regard, Council revisited the Operating Budget, in particular, Revenues, and began a review at this time. With respect to the line item for Beverage Licenses under the Department for Licenses and Permits, the Township Manager advised that per Council’s request a review of the licensing process has been accomplished and accordingly the 2006 Budget figure of $2,400 should be revised to $2,000.

With respect to Department Earnings, Council began a review of the line items contained therein. It was noted that with respect to the line item for recycling grant, Council felt the $20,000 proposed figure for 2006 might be somewhat low and requested that the Township Manager recheck that matter with the Township Recycling Coordinator. Additionally, Council determined that the line item for Miscellaneous Receipts/Sale of Equipment should be revised from $10,000 to $7,000. It was noted that the $7,000 figure reflects the sale of the current Township car after the Township purchases a new vehicle.

At this point in the meeting, Council reviewed portions of the Expenditures section of the Operating Budget. With respect to the Department for Municipal Building, Council reviewed the line items contained therein and determined to make no changes at this time. With respect to the Department for Code Enforcement Officer Expenses, Council reviewed the line items contained therein and determined to make no changes at this time. With respect to the Department for Planning and Zoning, Council reviewed the line items contained therein and determined to make no changes to same.

At this point in the meeting, a discussion ensued with respect to the Department for Recreation. It was noted that certain members of the Board felt the Recreation Program should be revisited and that Recreation Directors be hired for such purposes. As a result of the discussion, it was determined that in the beginning of the year 2006, the Township should forward a written survey to the Township residents to make a determination as to how many children would like to get involved in such a program. If the response is poor, then the Township would not proceed with such a program. If the response is good, the Township would on, a trial basis, again present a Recreation Program for the residents.

At this point in the meeting, there was a discussion involving the Township’s Surplus Funds and how said funds should be distributed. It was determined that in accordance with the Township’s Home Rule Charter, Surplus Funds should be utilized to reduce taxes and in that regard, Township Council determined to reduce the real estate millage rate from one-half mill to one-quarter mill. This reduction changes the line item for real estate current from $92,000 to $46,000 for the year 2006. Additionally, there was lengthy discussion with respect to the current status of the Township’s Sewer Account. There were discussions as to how the Township could utilize surplus revenues. The Board, in general, felt that the best approach to remedy the financial problems of the Sewer Account would be to utilize General Fund monies for capital projects for sewer system improvements. This would alleviate that burden with respect to the Sewer Account and over time it would be possible to lower rates across the board for all Township consumers. The Township Manager was directed to check with the Township Auditor and Township Solicitor to make sure there would be no problems with this type of appropriation.

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Paulus determined to continue the Public Hearing until the next scheduled Public Hearing date which would be October 24, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. It was noted that at that time issues would be addressed involving Township Employee Wages and Benefits. Said discussions would take place in Executive Session. The end results of those discussions would be made public at a public meeting.

New Business: None

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move that we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 8:00 P.M.

Hayden: Moved.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager