NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING/BUDGET WORKSHOP
March 14, 2024 5:30 P.M.
VIA CONFERENCE CALL: Dial In: 1-888-482-9769; Access Code 4493305#
OR
IN PERSON
CALL TO ORDER Mayor DeBaecke called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor DeBaecke
ROLL CALL: Mayor DeBaecke
Deputy Mayor O’Donnell
Committeeman Forsyth
Committeeman Kocubinski
Absent: Committeeman Doyle
Also Present: Township Clerk Mary Picariello , Township CFO Jack Bruno (virtual) and Treasurer, Joseph Greene
SUNSHINE STATEMENT: “The provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act have been met. Notice of this meeting has been transmitted by email to the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Trenton Times as well as given to those having requested same and posted on the Township bulletin board located in the foyer of the municipal building”.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Members of the public wishing to address the Township Committee must state their name and address for the record.
Mayor Forsyth opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments this evening
MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT
Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke
Seconded By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell
BUDGET WORKSHOP – TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE TO REVIEW BUDGET LINE ITEMS – NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN
CFO Bruno noted he reviewed the list presented to be included in the budget. All items have been accounted for by either budget, capital or special emergency item. He noted this budget was a net increase of $52,000 over last year. He noted the levy cap is under by 10,000 and the spending cap is under by 214,000. The budget would include a two-cent increase resulting in $64 per household. He stated the surplus generation has been steady and expects 1.5 million in surplus for 2024. He explained the importance of the regeneration of the surplus. He reviewed the special emergency procedures for modernization of the zoning ordinance. He noted next year we will be facing the majority of the EMS issue. He noted it is costing around 250,000 net. He noted the numbers are coming in less than anticipated and noted those numbers could change. He stated the American Rescue funds are still being utilized. Joe Greene noted they have been working on being whole for the EMS operation and anticipate they will be there. Committeeman Kocubinski noted that was the same increase last year. Clerk Picariello noted the last few years the overall tax rate had decreased. Joe Greene noted the budget worksheets have explanations for the lines that were decreased. CFO Bruno stated the needs are being covered and we are still under the State’s CAP limits. Mayor DeBaecke inquired if the Courts request were included. Joseph Greene stated yes. He expressed concerns over the land line request. He would like to upgrade the WIFI and see how that resolves the Court’s virtual issues. CFO Bruno indicated he feels good about this budget. Mayor DeBaecke thanked CFO Bruno and stated the other questions could be answered by Joe Greene. (CFO Bruno exited virtual at 6:08pm). Joe Greene noted he factored three percent salary in the budget. There was a general consensus to move the Judges salary to 25,000. Mayor DeBaecke noted the cost of living and increase in Health has hurt the employees. He noted since the budget is in good shape he was fine with the three percent. All present were in favor. Deputy Mayor O’Donnell inquired about a contract with EMS. Mayor DeBaecke noted he has not heard anything since the initial meeting. Joseph Greene reviewed the EMS operation. There was concern expressed over the overtime and Deputy Mayor O’Donnell stated he would inquire. There was a general consensus to introduce on March 21st. Joseph Greene noted the fire official collected $17,000 in fees. Deputy Mayor O’Donnell noted a much better job is being done now. Joseph Greene also noted he is preparing for the new stormwater regulations in the budget also. Committeeman Forsyth discussed several drainage issues. Joseph Greene noted there was still 16,000 available in Capital. He also noted liability insurance went from 106,000 to 225,000, along with workers comp insurance. Mr. Greene gave an overview of the Capital requests that were submitted. There was a general consensus to introduce March 21st. Committeeman Kocubinski noted North Hanover was the seventh lowest local purpose in the County and thanked the finance department for their efforts.
MOTION TO ADJOURN 6:28 pm
Proposed By: Committeeman Kocubinski
Seconded By: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell
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Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC
Township Clerk