Motion: I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the November 21, 2005 Budget Meeting and accept same 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 relative to the Proposed 2006 Budgets. It was noted that for discussion this evening the Township would review the 2006 Proposed Water and Sewer Budgets. The Township Engineer, Frederick W. Hay, was present for these discussions. Council began its review with the Proposed 2006 Water Budget. In that regard, it was determined that the line item for Water Rentals would be increased from $135,000 to $145,000. As a result of this adjustment, the Expenditures portion of the Budget would be increased from $258,500 to $268,500 and the ending balance would be decreased from $388,600 to $378,600.

At this point in the meeting, Council reviewed the Proposed 2006 Sewer Budget. In that regard, the line item for Beginning Operating Reserve was reduced from $290,000 to $143,000. The line item for Interest was increased from $1,600 to $1,800. The line item for Rental: Allentown Usage was increased from $65,000 to $94,000. The line item for Rental: Bethlehem Usage was increased from $145,000 to $228,000. The line item for Rental: Catasauqua Usage was increased from $145,000 to $206,000.

The line item for Bethlehem Capital Cost was increased from $3,500 to $4,600. The line item for Catasauqua Capital Cost was decreased from $110,000 to $70,000. The line item for Allentown Capital Cost was increased from $3,400 to $4,000. The line item for Connection/Reservation/ Permits was increased from $6,000 to $100,000. The Township Engineer noted that the Township would be billing under the ordinance established for the two year EDU adjustment as same relates to Sewer Allocation. With respect to Expenditures, the line item for Capital Reserve: Sewer System Improvements was decreased from $150,000 to zero. As a result of these revisions, the Year-To-Date Revenue was increased from $771,600 to $853,500. Total Year-To-Date Expenditures was decreased from $738,900 to $588,900, leaving an ending balance of $264,600.

At this point in the meeting, Council determined that the adoption of the Budget would be held on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 4:00 P.M. and also that the end of year bill meeting would be held on Wednesday, December 28 at 4:00 P.M.

There was discussion at this point in the meeting relative to the purchase of a new Township vehicle in the year 2006. Chairman Paulus noted that in conversation with the Public Works Director he had expressed to him that the Ford 500 was a top of the line type of vehicle, but that the Ford Escape would most likely be a more practical car for the Township. Chairman Paulus further noted that the book value for the current vehicle is $5,715. By using the state purchasing, the Township could trade the current Township car for a value of $3,500. Some of the problems with the car Chairman Paulus noted are that the current vehicle does not allow you to open the back doors from inside and they can only be open from the driver’s door. Furthermore, Chairman Paulus noted that the Code Enforcement Officers have indicated that the transmission is acting up. Accordingly, Council determined that the trade-in would be more acceptable than attempting to sell the car which would necessitate a bidding process. There was a discussion with respect to four wheel drive and the Board determined that even though the cost for four wheel drive was minimal, they would prefer that the vehicle not have four wheel drive. Chairman Paulus advised that the Ford Escape lists at $25,755 but the Township’s cost would be $18,573. It was noted that the revenue portion of the Operating Budget would change as same relates to the sale of equipment and that line item would be revised from $17,000 to $10,000. With respect to the Expenditures portion of the Operating Budget, the line item for the Township car was revised from $30,000 to $25,000. The Board determined that a white vehicle would be purchased. It was noted that the Township Manager should check to make sure the Ford Escape has front wheel drive.

At this point in the meeting, Chairman Paulus closed the Public Hearing relative to the Proposed 2006 Budgets. It was noted that the next hearing would be held on Monday, December 5, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.

New Business: None

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Adjournment:

Motion: --- I move that we adjourn this meeting of the Hanover Township Council at 8:05 P.M.

Kovacs: Moved.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra A. Pudliner
Township Manager