Courtesy of the Floor: None

Approval of Minutes: ------------------ November 6, 2006 - Budget Meeting

Motion: I move we waive the reading of the Minutes of the November 6, 2006 Budget Meeting and accept same as presented.

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

Old Business:

1.) Public Hearing – Continuation of Proposed 2007 Operating, Capital Reserve, Liquid Fuels, Water and Sewer Budgets (Review and Discussion).

Chairman Paulus opened the Public Hearings relative to the Proposed 2007 Budgets. Due to the absence of the Township Manager, Council and Vicky Roth began a review of the Proposed 2007 Budgets. Mrs. Roth noted in respect to the Sewer Budget, the Township Engineer and Township Manager had a meeting with a representative from the City of Bethlehem Sewer Department. It was noted in the letter given to Council that the Township would be required to increase sewer rates in response to the increased bulk billing rates to the Township. It was noted the sewer receipts, Bethlehem Rentals would increase to $195,000 and in the Expenditure portion of the Sewer Budget, the Bethlehem Usage would increase to $60,500. Councilman Atkinson noted this would be a 29% increase in our rates, which is a relatively small amount of increase over a span of 10 years. After further discussion of same, Chairman Paulus noted since the Township was considering working on one sewer rate for all of the Township customers, Council might want to reflect more on this letter as an appropriate measure to meld the rates together.

At this point in the meeting, Council continued to review the General Fund Operating Budget. Mrs. Roth noted the Township would receive a substantial increase from the Deed Transfer Revenue portion of the Budget. After further discussion, it was determined it should be increased from $50,000 to $100,000. It was also noted in the Expenditure portion of the Administration Budget that the Council salary would need to be increased to $13,500. At this point in the meeting, Council proceeded to review the Municipal Building Budget. It was noted since the Township may wish to expand Township Buildings and/or require land in the future, monies should be set aside for same. In anticipation of same, it was determined a new category entitled, Capital Reserve Municipal Building, should be added to this Budget with an amount set aside of $2,000,000. Council then proceeded to review the Planning and Zoning portion of the Budget. It was noted there were no changes. In respect to the Recreation portion of the Expenditures in the General Fund Budget, there were also no changes noted. Councilman Atkinson stated he spoken to Bruce Pudliner concerning the Canal Project. He noted since we have not had any ruling from the Army Corps of Engineers concerning the wetlands, that we should investigate restoring the Lock down at Canal Park. He felt that we should restore the Lock both for an historical and educational exhibit. It was determined that there was enough money in the 2007 Budget for review of historical items at the Canal Museum as well as engineering fees we should move forward with this project. The last category of the Expenditure portion of the Budget and Miscellaneous Expenses were reviewed at this time. It was noted Miscellaneous Contingency Donations would be lowered once all the categories have been totaled. At this point in the meeting, Councilwoman Hayden opened the discussion concerning the Rescue Ambulance Service. She felt this rate should be increased. Council noted due to the existing contract the Township has with Northampton Regional Ambulance Service, the figure would not be increased. The Miscellaneous Garbage Recycling would be increased to $159,300 a year reflecting the new five year contract of J. P. Mascaro of Audubon, Pennsylvania, with recycling on an every other week basis.

New Business:

Councilman Atkinson expressed a concern of a large truck, which is parked on Cedar Hill Drive on the lower entrance by the swale. He felt even though there is a sign on Cedar Hill Drive stating “no truck traffic except for local deliveries” that this should be investigated as a possible problem in this Township. Mrs. Roth noted she would contact the Code Enforcement Officer to look into this matter.

Courtesy of the Floor: None

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Vicky Roth
Township Clerk