A special meeting of the East Amwell Township Committee came to order at 7:00 PM. Present were Mayor Larry Tatsch, Deputy Mayor Linda Lenox, and Committee members Patricia Cregar, Peter Kneski, and Timothy Martin. Township Administrator Timothy Matheny and Treasurer Luhrs were also in attendance.

In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, a copy of notice of this meeting was filed in the Clerk's Office, posted on the bulletin board, and sent to the Hunterdon County Democrat, Times of Trenton, and Star Ledger on February 26, 2008. The purpose of this meeting is to meet with the Township Administrator and the Treasurer/CFO to discuss the 2008 budget. The public is invited to attend and comment. Action may or may not be taken.

DPW Superintendent George Howell was present during the entire meeting.

Mr. Tatsch provided background information about a phone call and subsequent email from Michael Capabianco at Hunterdon Shared Services about East Amwell's interest in investigating shared police services. Mr. Tatsch advised Mr. Capabianco that he wanted to discuss this with the Township Committee before proceeding, and he was surprised to see the press release in today's newspaper. A phone call to Mr. Capabianco indicated that Lambertville Mayor Delvecchio may have released the information. Details of the study include the following: the NJ Chief of Police Organization will do the study; a matrix will be prepared, which will include the number of calls, area, needs, current police department information, etc.; the study may be done at no cost to the municipality; the benefit of the study was mentioned, although it may not be the best geographical layout (i.e., perhaps Delaware or Hopewell would be better, but Delaware Township is not interested in a shared agreement).

Some discussion took place on when the municipality would start to be charged for State Police services; this was unclear. All were in agreement that they supported the study.

Mr. Tatsch and Mr. Matheny attended the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJSLOM) meeting at the state today to discuss COMPTRA (state aid) cuts, and they provided information on the outcry from municipalities losing their aid. Mrs. Luhrs explained that the COMPTRA line was a catch all, which included gross receipts (e.g., utilities, fire aid, etc.). Mrs. Luhrs distributed the numbers certified at the State, and East Amwell would lose $160,463 in COMPTRA, in addition to other cuts, equating $167,777 in Total Formula Aid (including rolling some COMPTRA into Total Energy Tax Receipts, eliminating the amounts for Municipal Efficiency Performance Program and Municipal Property Tax Assistance, while increasing the Garden State Trust aid by $3,042).

Mrs. Luhrs explained that $79,172 equals a tax penny, and with the $167,777 reduction, this would equate to a 2.12 cent tax increase, or about a 15% increase. The state will allow this outside the 4% cap increase. If rounded up, this is a 14 cent increase if no cuts are made to the budget as previously discussed.

Mr. Tatsch spoke about the pleas he heard today from the municipalities under 5,000 who were losing all their aid, asking for a 10% cut from all municipalities rather than the current plan. He also noted that the legislators must adopt the budget, and they may not approve it. There was no explanation on how the state came up with their reduction plan, and the NJSLOM was not apprized of the reductions before hand. Ms. Lenox noted that larger municipalities get more aid, e.g., Patterson gets urban enterprise funding, Abbot School funding, etc., up to $3,000,000 in COMPTRA. Some other municipalities were in worse shape than East Amwell, including West Amwell, who lost over $1,000,000 in COMPTRA. Mrs. Luhrs explained the history of their funding and loss. Other examples of municipalities losing aid were mentioned, i.e., Penns Grove and some shore areas.

Mr. Tatsch received a phone call from Assemblyman Doherty today about the Township's letter in opposition to having bond issues go before public vote. Mr. Doherty's belief is that township's should not borrow at all, and Mr. Tatsch provided his input on the need to bond for different issues, including state mandated requirements of keeping an historic house rather than demolishing, which may cost well over $500,000. Mr. Tatsch and Mr. Kneski will meet with Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow tomorrow and mention their concerns.

Since the last budget meeting, Mr. Tatsch met with Mrs. Luhrs about budget cuts. The biggest capital item is roads. During this meeting, Mr. Tatsch also consulted with Mr. Matheny, Mr. Howell, and Engineer Dennis O'Neal about the Back Brook project, which was partially funded by a grant. It was originally thought that the entire road needed to be repaired, according to grant requirements. Mr. O'Neal agreed that the figure could be reduced from $114,000 to $50,000. The original request for the grant was $225,000, and the municipality received $150,000.

Minimum repairs on other roads were discussed, including Lindbergh Road, which will be patched until re-surfacing occurs (perhaps next year). Mr. Tatsch asked if the Back Brook Road project could be cut back another $10,000. Mr. Martin commented on some residents' concerns about the project; he also asked about possible reductions in the $27,000 in soft costs.

Mrs. Luhrs directed the governing body to the 3/6/08 revised Capital Budget Requests sheet with $317,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund in 3007. Based on previous discussions, she revised the sheet to anticipate $175,000 for new capital funding. On the 3/6/08 budget sheet, she changed the figures to reflect the new revenues including using $300,000 in reserve for debt service for total appropriations of $3,650,251 for a 15 percent rate with an increase to $.0134 cents or a 9.67% increase. Options include offsetting the loss of revenue by cutting capital or using more of the reserve for debt service, with the latter meaning that the fund will not last as long.

Committee members spoke about the request from the Amwell Valley Ringoes Rescue Squad for the $30,000 campaign fund (i.e., this is in addition to their regular operating and capital requests); this amount is not shown in the proposed budget. Mr. Tatsch advised that the squad still does not know if they are building or renovating the existing facility. Mrs. Cregar provided information about the recent squad meeting, where Fred Gardner, Dick Ginman, and Will Harrison all spoke. The public did not stay for the remainder of the squad’s meeting, and afterwards, Mrs. Cregar called member Margaret Case for an update. Miss Case advised that there was a statute pertaining to service organizations that they need a 2/3 vote for bond approval. Mrs. Cregar then called member Karin Stover today for further information; Ms. Stover advised that no decisions have been made, and they are still looking into the vote issue. New officers were nominated at the recent squad meeting since other officers recently resigned (as noted at the 2/28/08 Township Committee meeting). Committee members agreed that they would not contribute the $30,000 in this year's budget, and the squad could ask again next year.

Some discussion took place about the collection rate, which was good. Mrs. Luhrs commented on four or five bounced checks in the February collection, which was unusually high (i.e., usually four to five in year is the norm). Comments were exchanged about the economy, possibility of foreclosures, etc.

Mr. Tatsch asked Mrs. Luhrs to confirm that a percentage rate would be reduced by a reduction of $18,000; Mrs. Luhrs agreed. Mr. Tatsch asked about a notice from the state about introducing budgets after March 20. Mrs. Luhrs explained that municipalities could introduce after March 20, hold public hearings, but not necessarily adopt until July when state numbers are finalized. If the Township introduces a budget and state figures change, the budget can be amended accordingly. She explained that the Township operates on a temporary budget for three months and can increase its budget by one-twelfth percent each month thereafter until the budget is adopted.

Mrs. Luhrs reviewed the Capital Budget Request sheet with $410,000 in requests. With $110,000 in grant funding for Spring Hill and $125,000 in reserve from last year's capital appropriations, the Township must come up with $175,000 in new funding.

Mr. Howell referred to his revised capital projects sheet, which was distributed to the governing body early in February. He has discussed the Back Brook road project with Road Supervisor Bob Kadezabek, and they feel that rather than paying a contractor for the work, they can do it in-house and get more work done at a reduced rate. Highlights include the following: The total estimate for the job was $312,000, with a request made to the NJ DOT for $225,000 and $87,000 from the municipality; the state's award was $150,000; Mr. Howell explained that the DPW could do the full job, including rolling the material; a bigger roller may have to be rented from Sweet Valley at a cost of $850 for a wider width roll - he provided specifics about the type of application this type of vehicle makes; Mr. Howell suggested that the Township might try to purchase the roller from Sweet Valley in the future; the Township would have to use the state mandated "Super-pave" material for the work rather than the favored MABC; the possibility of using a roller from Bedminster may be an option also, but this is a smaller machine; the potential of using shared services (i.e., multiple men from different municipalities) was mentioned; using a machine from another municipality would include the operator also; renting the equipment is not a viable option; engineering costs, as outlined in the grant application for Back Brook, would still be applicable in the amount of approximately $26,000; cost reductions were discussed.

Mr. Tatsch asked how long it would take for the men to do all the work; Mr. Howell provided details, speculating that it could take as long as the last day of school throughout the summer, but he did not know exactly. Mr. Howell also asked to have the funding available for patching to do as much work as possible. Some discussion took place about time constraints, noting that if the brush pick-up in October was eliminated, it would allow more time for roadwork. A suggestion was made to allow residents to bring their brush to the grit yard for chipping. Mr. Howell spoke about possibly doing two brush pick-ups next year, doing one half of the town in one section and the other half of the town in another sweep. The following year the DPW could go back to the normal route. Further discussion took place on chipping, with some Township Committee members being in agreement with the suggested changes. Mrs. Stahl suggested that if the Township was not holding brush week this year, it would be important to advise the residents as soon as possible since they often start collecting branches early in the year for collection in the fall; she suggested that an announcement be placed in the Spring Newsletter (deadline of March 21) and the tax bill mailing. Mr. Tatsch also noted that the announcement should be placed in the VIP newsletter, also commenting that he will be doing an update column for the newsletter. Next month's column will include information on the budget and problems being experienced by state cuts. The conclusion was that brush pick-up would not be held this year so that the DPW could do the road projects in-house.

Mrs. Stahl raised a question about expenses for the engineer to write bid specs for the Back Brook project to date (i.e., there have been inquiries about the capital project timeline from Hopewell Valley Engineering); she also mentioned past work on Van Lieu's Road with seam problems from in-house repairs. Mr. Howell has not yet discussed these plans with Mr. O'Neal, but he will do so. A decision was made to reduce the funding for Back Brook Road from $50,000 to $25,000.

Mr. Howell asked that the governing body leave $50,000 in the Lindbergh Road line item so that the patch material could be used for Lindbergh, Runyon Mill, and Rocktown, as far as needed.

Ms. Lenox asked for a clear determination on how much the new truck may cost; Mr. Howell commented on estimates from $139,000 and up as a ball- park figure.

Some discussion took place about the amount posted for the Spring Hill Road project, which was entered on the budget sheets as $125,000, based on increases in prices due to inflation. The $125,000 figure is an accurate figure of East Amwell's portion, based on the recommendation of Engineer O'Neal. Comments were made about Hillsborough Township's decision not to participate in the project, and Mr. Howell provided specifics about the scope of the project.

The capital request from the Recreation Committee for the creation of a new ball field on the municipal property (i.e., $15,000 over a two year period) would be paid for out of the Open Space Trust Fund.

Building renovations were discussed at length, with the following highlights: Engineer O'Neal has been authorized to prepare plans at a cost of up to $5,000 - the plans should provide an accurate accounting of what the project will cost; there is approximately $63,000 left of the original funding of $90,000 (provided in ordinances for $65,000 and for $25,000; the $45,000 additional funding was outlined in Mr. Matheny's previous memo of February 20, 2008; $4,500 will be used from an existing ordinance to carpet the basement area; once the carpeting is done in the basement, upstairs work can take place.

Mr. Tatsch asked how much could be cut from the request; Mr. Matheny only had estimations for the completion of the construction without real costs. Mr. Martin suggested cutting out one percent or $18,000, while Mr. Tatsch suggested one-half percent or $9,000; Ms. Lenox and Mrs. Cregar felt that the renovations could wait until next year; Mr. Tatsch spoke about the need for the office area to be a self-contained area without public access to records and computers; Mr. Matheny also reminded the governing body that there is a plan to build a small meeting room for public access without going through the office area; Mr. Matheny also spoke about having higher walls between office areas as a benefit for the employees; having a secure area for Tax Collector Hyland was also an necessity; Mr. Martin commented on doing painting and carpeting "on a shoestring"; Mr. Matheny noted that since it is a public building, bid specifications would have to conform to the state regulations and expenses may be more costly; Mr. Tatsch and Mr. Matheny also explained that the scope of the downstairs renovations escalated with carpeting, water-proofing, radon suppression, raised floors, records security, new locks, and electricity costs. Mrs. Stahl reminded the governing body that even if the Township went out for bid and the bid could not be awarded because of insufficient funds, the Township also loses money for legal review, notices, and other costs associated with the bid. The conclusion was that this line item would be cut by $9,000, thus reducing the capital improvement project need from $175,000 to $141,000.

Mrs. Luhrs provided the governing body with a new budget packet, and each sheet was reviewed.

Page 1 - General Administration - The Gypsy Moth Suppression Program will be eliminated, saving $6,640 (although the actual cost would have been $3,320 for one spray treatment). Some discussion took place about Delaware Township's plan to spray their side of the border road. Website will be reduced from $4,000 to $500, and the Township will continue with the services of the volunteer Webmaster rather than using a company based organization to maintain it. The computer tech support line will be reduced from $8,000 to $4,000; Mr. Matheny has been doing computer set-ups and work this past year rather than hiring a vendor, and other funding will be used to set up the Google Apps email program.

Page 2 - Mayor and Council - No changes were made.

Page 3 - Municipal Clerk - Advertising costs will be reduced from $5,000 to $4,000, and election costs will be reduced from $5,000 to $3,000.

Pages 4, 5, 6, 7 - Financial Administration, Audit Services, Revenue Administration, Tax Assessment Administration - No changes were made.

Page 8 - Legal Services - Some discussion took place about possible legal issues this year, and it was agreed to keep this amount at $60,000.

Page 9 - Engineering Services - Some discussion took place about the fact that there have already been $3,000 in bills from the Engineer in 2008, and there is only $9,000 in this line item. Mr. Kneski spoke about the intent to have Mr. O'Neal work on the 5 year capital road plan for better planning and also to assist in pursuing grant funding. Mr. Howell explained that some roads on the project list are being addressed in anticipation that they will be part of the subsequent year capital road project, i.e., Lindbergh, Runyon Mill, etc. He has already worked on a list of roads with Mr. O'Neal on a ranking system with categories of types of repair. The Township Committee agreed to put this page aside and come back to it.

Page 10 - Historic Sites Committee - All agreed that this Committee should stay funded.

Page 11 - Agricutural Advisory Commission - No changes were made.

Page 12 - Planning Board - Some discussion took place about the amount budgeted for Attorney Norman, with a suggestion made to cut it to $7,200 based on the average monthly meeting attendance cost of $600. The conclusion was to leave the requested $9,000 in this line item. No changes were made.

Page 13 - Zoning Board of Adjustment - It was noted that the Maier lawsuit was recently dropped, and some discussion took place about other possible suits. The legal lawsuits line will be changed from $10,000 to $8,000.

Page 14 - Affordable Housing Agency - Mr. Tatsch spoke about comments from Joseph Doria at the meeting in Trenton today. Mr. Doria stated that building costs for COAH must come out of the developer fees; some comments were exchanged about this. No changes were made to this budget.

Page 15 - Uniform Construction Code Functions - Mrs. Luhrs noted that she has had some phone calls from Raritan Township asking for financial assistance for the construction officials for meetings and courses. Mrs. Stahl noted a recent letter she saw from the Construction Secretary stating that the Raritan Township officials will be looking for payment for rooms at seminars they attend; she noted that the policy manual does not allow for room costs. Mr. Matheny also asked whether these courses are during the day-time when the staff members would normally be on Raritan Township official hours; Raritan Township allows these employees to do their inspections for East Amwell Township during their lunch hours. Mr. Matheny will further look into these requests.

Mr. Matheny spoke with Mr. Doddy today about the construction budget, and Mr. Doddy indicated that while the department should be self-sufficient, there were not enough fees this year to subsidize their budget. The Department took in approximately $66,000, and expenses were $77,122. The state also allows the Department to consider a 12% adjustment to cover overhead expenses (rooms, supplies, etc.). The fees must cover all department expenses, including social security for employees, a portion of the secretary's health insurance coverage, and other expenses; the $66,000 in fees did not cover this year's expenses. Mr. Doddy further explained to Mr. Matheny that the state allows a three year plus and minus period before the Department must adjust their budget and increase fees. Mr. Doddy advised that Raritan Township changed their fees, and he would suggest that East Amwell Township consider raising them up to the state level. Committee members were in favor of this.

Mrs. Luhrs commented again on the calls from Raritan Township about financial contributions. Mr. Matheny will address the issue. No changes were made to the budget.

Pages 16, 17, 18, and 19 - Liability Insurance, Worker's Compensation Insurance, Employees Group Insurance, and Office of Emergency Management - There was a claim made last year by a former employee, which is reflective of new premium adjustments. No changes were made to these budget sheets.

Page 20 - Aid to Volunteer Ambulance Companies - This is the contribution made to the rescue squad for their operating expenses, i.e., $29,000.

Page 21 - Uniform Fire Code - Mrs. Luhrs explained that this is state aid, which comes through the Township to be provided directly to the fire company. She believes this aid will be cut, and she will remove the $2,203 from the budget and get further information from the state.

Page 22 - Municipal Prosecutor - No changes were made.

Page 23 - Streets and Road Maintenance - Mr. Howell exchanged comments with the governing body, with the following highlights: Road repairs and maintenance with the budget of $30,000 was due to increased fuel and material costs; a question was raised about the amount of cinders and salt at the grit yard - it is 2/3 full; some discussion took place about eliminating sweeping from the budget, which cost about $5,000 last year - Mr. Kneski cautioned that sweeping may be necessary as part of the mandated stormwater management requirements; a recommendation was made to reduce the cinder/salt contract from $30,000 to $21,000, and Mr. Howell felt that this may suffice only through the end of December 2008; Mr. Howell commented on mild winter conditions the past three years; the calcium chloride line item was discussed, and Mr. Howell indicated that this is used for storm control and used for dust control on dirt roads; a $3,200 purchase of calcium chloride came of the 2007 budget in December; Mr. Howell agreed to the reduction in the calcium chloride line item from $6,000 to $4,000; the storm removal line under salaries and wages is for floods, storms, and winter storms and the OT line is for summer overtime; the storm expenses under other expenses is for contractors - there have not been any contractors used for the current winter season; the storms expenses in other expenses was reduced from $6,000 to $3,000; signs will remain at $1,500, as shown in the budget; Mr. Howell asked that the road repairs/maintenance line not be reduced any more since the capital budget was cut. No other cuts were made to this budget.

Page 24 - Solid Waste Collection - Mrs. Luhrs explained that there have been no notifications from the State about Clean Community Funds, which are used to pay for the clean up days. Last year the Township received over $7,800. The Recycling Committee also offered a special electronics' recycling day in January, and they were planning a second one later in the year. Costs for the electronics' day were discussed, noting that Hunterdon County also offers this service to its residents. A recommendation was made to put $5,000 more into this budget since state figures from Clean Communities have not been provided.

Page 25 - Building and Grounds - Remediation for the underground storage tank at the municipal building will be reduced from $10,000 to $8,000.

Page 26 - Vehicle Maintenance - This line item was reduced to $15,000. Mr. Howell noted that DPW employee Jason Silverthorn is capable of doing some maintenance on the vehicles, which is beneficial and allows for potential savings.

Page 27 - Public Health Services - Some discussion took place about the amount budgeted for perc and soil logs; this is an unknown amount from year to year and must be covered for potential testing. Some discussion took place on the well inspection figure in salaries and wages; Mrs. Stahl suggested that this may because of a number of anticipated subdivisions before the Planning Board, and Mrs. Luhrs confirmed this by reading the Board's original request. No changes were made to this budget.

Page 28 - Environmental Commission - No changes were made to this budget.

Page 29 - Animal Control Services - Mrs. Luhrs explained that the amount in this budget supplements the rest of the cost, which is covered by the Dog Trust Account. Mr. Matheny stated that there is not a contract yet, and the proposal of $11,500 was based on hiring a second Animal Control Officer at Raritan Township.

Page 30, 31, 32 - Administration of Public Assistance, Contributions to Social Services Agencies, Stormwater Permit - Public Health - No changes were made to these budgets.

Page 33 - Recreation Services and Programs - The Recreation Committee planned on having two musical programs this year, based on the success of last year's program. Mr. Kneski commended the Committee on offering diverse programs for more community involvement, and he did not want the Committee lose this goal. The governing body discussed the possibility of cutting back one musical program. The Recreation Projects line item will be reduced from $8,200 to $7,000.

Page 34 & 35 - Contribution to Deferred Comp Plan and Celebration of Public Events - No changes were made.

Page 36 - Electricity - Mr. Tatsch asked about using incandescent lights at the municipal building; Mr. Howell stated that they are sodium halogen fluorescent lights. Mrs. Luhrs spoke about electricity charges for the soccer lights at East Amwell School and the lights at Clawson Park. She suggested that $5,000 could come out of the Open Space Trust Fund for park costs, thus reducing this line item from $25,000 to $20,000.

Page 37 - Street Lighting - No changes were made.

Page 38 - Telephones - Mr. Tatsch would like to see telephone service researched. He commented on his hope that Verizon or Comcast would be able to provide digital service or VoIP service, which may not come to fruition. Mrs. Stahl commented on the number of single lines coming into the building with monthly service charges, and Mrs. Luhrs commented on the cost for faxes as a means of communication. The fact that the Township is split into two area codes is also a cost factor. No changes were made.

Page 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 - Fuel Oil, Gasoline, Public Employees Retirement System, Social Security, Unemployment Compensation Fund - Some comments were made about the increase in the Unemployment Compensation budget to build up the fund again after a claim last year by a former employee. There was a second inquiry from another employee who left the Township's employment; however, no claim was paid for this employee to date.

Page 44 - HC Open Space, Recreation, Farm, Historic Preservation Trust Fund - This is a formula fund, which is allocated annually.

Page 45 - Clean Communities Grant Fund - This ties into page 24, Solid Waste.

Page 46, 47 - Recycling Tonnage Grant, Matching Funds for Grants - The $500 line item for matching grants was reduced to $100.00.

Page 48, 49 - Municipal Court, Public Defender - No changes were made.

Page 50 - Capital Improvement - This was reduced earlier in the evening from $175,000 to $141,000.

Page 51 - Purchase of Ambulance Equipment - This line will stay at $28,000, and it was decided earlier in the meeting that the additional building campaign request will not be funded in the 2008 budget.

Page 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 - Bond Principal, Note Principal, Bond Interest, Note Interest, Green Trust Loan, NJ Economic Development Loan Payment, Emergency Appropriations, Special Emergency Authorizations - 5 years, Deferred Charges for Future Taxation - No changes were made.

Page 61 - Reserved for Uncollected Funds - This is a formula generated figure, which will be available after the budget is complete.

Mrs. Luhrs stated that cuts amounted to $75,943. She suggested that the figure for the reserve for debt service could be changed from $355,000 to $305,000, reducing it by $50,000 from last year. This would equate to one tax point. If Clean Communities funding comes through, the reserve could be reduced again.

The Committee returned to page 9, Engineering Services. Mr. Howell explained his road repair program of doing edges of a road one year and “buying a year out” to do the major repair the following year. By following this program, he can identify his subsequent year road projects. He explained that there is a sheet with roads listed with different categories, which he has been working on with Engineer O'Neal. Mr. Kneski provided input that he would like to see the 5 year plan developed since it would be helpful for both the Township and for the possibility of grant applications. Mr. Kneski and Mr. Howell exchanged comments on the matter, with the following highlights: Mr. Howell felt that he would be able to do the work with input from the engineer on what he believed costs to be for particular types of road repair categories; Mr. Kneski believed that input from the engineer was very important. Mr. Howell will ask Mr. O'Neal to provide a proposal for this work. Mrs. Luhrs cautioned that engineering costs through February were $3,000, and there is only $9,000 in the budget at this time.

Discussion took place about the introduction of the budget. Mrs. Luhrs reminded the governing body that they were looking at introduction for the second meeting in March (i.e., March 27), but they might want to change this to the first meeting in April (April 10). All were in agreement with the April 10th date, and by that time, further information on the Back Brook capital project will be known. There may be more information available from the state about budget cuts.

Mrs. Stahl recommended that the public be made aware as soon as possible about the plans to eliminate brush weeks. The spring newsletter deadline is March 21, and she confirmed that Mr. Howell will work with his secretary, Pamela Dymek, on preparing an article. It will state that due to the loss of state aid funding and budget cuts, chipping would not take place in 2008, and the gate to the grit yard will be open for residents to bring their brush to that location. Plans for next year will not be mentioned at this time.

Mr. Howell will contact Engineer O'Neal about the bids being prepared for the Back Brook Road project, and tell Mr. O'Neal to freeze activity on the preparation of specifications at this time. Mr. Howell will discuss his proposal to do the Back Brook Road work in-house with Mr. O'Neal.

Mr. Kneski asked about the rate reduction tonight, and Mrs. Luhrs said that the rate was between .1385 and .1419 cents. The loss of revenue equated to over 2 cents, and the cuts tonight meant that the budget increase would be about a 4 - 5% increase and a figure close to inflation.

Committee members agreed that they did a great job in adjusting the budget tonight.

Motion by Mrs. Cregar, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to open to the public for comment.

Frances Gavigan, 123 Wertsville Road, commended the governing body on their efforts to trim the municipal budget, quipping about state budget cuts. Ms. Gavigan further commented on the following: she asked that the Township "think outside the box" with the costs for the renovations to the municipal building, saving money where possible and negotiating when possible; she commented on using municipal funds of $4,500 for soccer lights; she suggested making another pass at the budget for further reductions; she appreciated the efforts of Mrs. Luhrs and Mr. Howell; she commented on having costs trickling down to the public and the importance of educating the public about the budget items, even asking for suggestions; she commented on rising prices and the possibility of foreclosures in the future.

Motion by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mrs. Cregar, and it was carried unanimously to close to the public.

Motion by Ms. Lenox, seconded by Mr. Kneski, and it was carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

_____________________________

Teresa R. Stahl, RMC/CMC

Municipal Clerk