The Schuylkill Township Board of Supervisors held their second budget meeting on November 10, 2009 at the Township hall. Members of the Board present were Mrs. Cohen, Mr. Ledbetter, Mrs. Williams and Mr. Morrisson. Mr. Vutz arrived late to the meeting due to a meeting conflict. Audience members were Mr. Rick Loughery from the Township Board of Auditors and Officer James Deoria of the Township Police Department. The public meeting was duly advertised in The Mercury.
The Board of Supervisors was again presented with a balanced budget based on the outcome of the discussion held at the October 22 board meeting.
Mr. John Greenauer from the Freedom Valley YMCA requested a $2,000 donation for the purchase of a John Deere Gator that would be used in part to maintain the newly constructed Operation Safe Kids Trail from the eastern side of State Road to its terminus at the YMCA. Mrs. Cohen stated that the Board would take it under consideration.
The Police Department budget was discussed. Mr. Fetterman, the Township Chief of Police, stated that burglaries are down but traffic accidents are up. He advised that every year more police activity is required from the department.
Both Mrs. Williams and Mr. Morrisson questioned another $2,500 donation in 2010 to the Schuylkill River Heritage Center for the Phoenix Wheel since the Township donated $2,500 this year. Mrs. Cohen stated that the Township had approved a $5,000 donation but due to budget constraints the donation was divided into a two year commitment of $2,500 on 2009 and $2,500 in 2010. Mrs. Cohen noted that other regional donors have done the same.
Ordinance review accounts for both by the Township Engineer and Township Solicitor were increased by $2,500. Mr. Ledbetter stated that the total increase of $5,000 will be offset by grants. The Toonerville Trolley Trail Feasibility Engineering will also partly be offset by grants.
Mr. Vutz arrived. Mr. Morrisson asked the Board to consider increasing the compensation for the Board of Supervisors. The Board currently received $30 per meeting at 4 meetings per month. Based on the Second Class Township Code, each supervisor may receive $2,500 per year. The amount, set by the State, is based on population of the municipality. On motion by Mr. Ledbetter, seconded by Mr. Morrisson, a motion to increase compensation to $30 per meeting at six meetings per month for a total for $2,160 failed, with Mr. Ledbetter, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Vutz and Mrs. Cohen dissenting.
On motion by Mr. Ledbetter and seconded by Mrs. Cohen the budget to including changes discussed this evening was approved for advertising with Mr. Morrisson dissenting.
In other matters, on motion by Mrs. Williams, and seconded by Mrs. Cohen a motion was made to name the former Pasquale Property Valley Park. The motion failed with Mr. Vutz, Mr. Ledbetter and Mr. Morrisson dissenting.
At this point in the meeting the Board went into executive session. Mrs. Williams was not present due to family commitments. On their return, Mr. Vutz stated that Police Contract negotiations were discussed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary R. Bird
Township Manager