TOWNSHIP OF MAHWAH
BUDGET WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2015
The meeting was called to order at 8:03PM by Council President Roth who read the Open Public Meetings Act Statement as prescribed by law. Notice was advertised in The Record on February 16, 2015 stating that this meeting would be held in the Council Chambers at the Richard J. Martel Municipal Offices, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, New Jersey on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 8:00PM.
Notice of this meeting is posted on the Municipal Bulletin Board. The Minutes of this meeting shall be available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office once they are approved by the Township Council.
Present: Councilmembers Amoroso, Ariemma, DiGiulio, Hermansen, Roth, Sbarra and Wong
Also present were Mayor William C. Laforet, Business Administrator Brian Campion and Municipal Clerk Kathrine G. Coviello.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR VETERANS AND THOSE WHO ARE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Moment of Silence was observed for those who served and those who are serving in the military.
PUBLIC PORTION
On a motion by Hermansen, seconded by Roth, the meeting was opened to the public at 8:05PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
On a motion by Amoroso, seconded by Hermansen, the meeting was closed to the public at 8:06PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
MUNICIPAL POOL
Roth announced that the Capital portion of the Budget will be looked at during tomorrow’s Meeting.
Pool Commission Members Robert Esposito, Jen Ullman, Pat Sitar, Neil Ullman, Don Hoover and Harry Williams were present.
Mr. Williams said on June, 2014 the Pool Committee was formed. In December 2014, the Pool Committee delivered a 60 Page Report recommending $1,025,000 of renovations to the pool grounds and to create a link to the assets to the upper area. Mr. Williams went on to say much has been accomplished in the short 7 weeks, which is detailed in the presentation that he went through.
Mr. Williams referred to the Budget Comparison of the Years 2010 through 2014. He pointed out that the revenue continues to trend down, memberships decreased 21% last year, expenses have increased and the delivery of the 2015 Business Plan will increase revenue by 15%.
Mr. Williams said in Ramsey the first year after the renovation to the pool the membership increased by 75%. He added the $90,000 in renovations and the market have an immediate effect. He feels there will be a 10 year cumulative benefit of $1.8 million.
Mr. Williams went through the Fee Schedule. He said there are incentives that have been added to attract members.
In summary, Mr. Williams said the recommendations of the Pool Committee are:
1.Approve the original Capital Plan of $940,000 as requested in December.
2.Proceed with the 2015 improvement plans to allow for installation of the pool heater for completion prior to the start of the 2015 season.
3.Approve the proposed 2015 Fee Schedule.
Mr. Williams said an alternate funding approach could be taken and therefore the proposal could be divided into two areas: Grounds - $645K and Building - $295K. However, there are risks associated with taking this avenue. Risks – excess costs associated with executing the project over a two year period, negative impact on revenue, interest rate risk, risk of not completing the project and risk of not completing the residents expectations.
Account #5-01-N01-202: Equipment - reduced from $50,000 to $40,000.
Account #5-01-N01-203: Repairs and Maintenance –reduced from $45,000 to $40,000.
Roth suggested another Budget Meeting be held to further discuss the Budget. After discussion, the date of Saturday , March 7, 2014 at 12 Noon was agreed upon. Municipal Clerk shall advertise the date.
On a motion by Hermansen, seconded by Sbarra, the meeting was adjourned at 10:09PM. All in favor. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathrine G. Coviello, RMC/CMC/MMC
Municipal Clerk
Budget Work Session Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2015Page 1