Home Rule Study Commission

Home Rule Study Commission Borough of Greenville Minutes of the Meeting held April 11, 6:30 PM Greenville Senior Center 1. Call to Order Paul Miller, Commission Chairman 2. Pledge of Allegiance – Paul Hamill 3. Roll Call: Paul Hamill Hal Johnson Martha Johnson Paul Miller Casey Shilling - absent Steve Thompson Steve Williams - absent Also present: Jasson Urey, Tracy Beil, Lawrence Keller, Mary Jane Hirt, Jean Carr, Steve Harakal, Kathryn Shaffer, Audrey Artman Media: Caleb Stright, Record-Argus 4. Public Comments: Kathryn Shaffer asked if non borough residents would be able to vote on the home rule charter. Paul Miller assured her that only borough residents would have the ability to vote on it. Audrey Artman asked a question about storm water drainage. Jasson said he would look into her question. 5. Minutes: Paul Hamill made a motion to accept the minutes. Hal offered a second. Paul Miller said that he talked to Jeff Greenburg regarding the discrepancy in dates for submission of our ballot item (See the last item under New Business in the March 28 minutes) and that it looks as if we have been on track. Motion passed 5-0. 6. Old Business: Paul Miller asked the commission to review pages three and four of the copy of the Home Rule Charter draft that was distributed. There will be a discussion on the wording of those sections at the next meeting and members are to come prepared. 7. New Business: Dr. Hirt presented on the Act 47 Exit Plan. She said she believes an exit can be achieved in less than three years. Dr. Hirt reported that while the Borough has paid its bills over the last twelve years and adjusts spending to match revenue, there is no industrial base and long term capital improvement is an issue. An average target in the United States is to put 10% of the operating budget toward capital improvement .  She presented the following factors for the commission to consider: Home Rule should be written to be permanent, not like ordinances that are able to be changed. When re-organizing government, be judicious regarding what government can afford. Greenville’s public services are still sufficient, only recreation has been eliminated. She encouraged us to consider what we have and continue to maintain those things. Dr. Hirt said that in a Home Rule Charter the tax structure should be flexible. With flexibility comes responsibility on the part of council. She does not believe that there will be a property assessment by the county anytime in the near future. Tax hikes can be put in the hands of council, let them decide and let the voters respond to those decisions. Dr. Hirt urged the commission to consider work force limitations and the struggle Act 47 communities have had with union parameters. She said that there is not automatic redistribution of funds when someone leaves a post, the money goes back to the general fund. She said we are not in a position to subsidize other communities like West Salem. Regarding fire services Dr. Hirt suggested implementing a Fire Services Fee in order to get us out of distress. These fees can be assigned based on risk level and can be charged to non profits. The majority of the 3 mil levy goes toward operations but a paid fire department still carries many expenses. Paul Miller asked if we could form a fire authority and Dr. Hirt said there is not a template for that. Steve Thompson said the IFO could assess risk levels. She said Greenville needs a Capital Improvement Plan and a plan to finance it. She suggested that we apply for state funding for an economic assessment and that a Community Development Agency be formed to work on development strategies. She said the agency could be set up to include representatives of business leaders, community groups, organizations, religious leaders - not just borough residents. A grant writer could help this endeavor. Dr. Hirt suggested that the legislative body needs monthly financial reports and that although the borough currently practices that, it should be mandated by the charter to ensure it remains in practice. She also said it would be beneficial to give a quarterly public presentation of financials that includes projections. She also suggested we add the current practice of an independent yearly audit. Steve Williams joined the group. The commission discussed financial compensation for the council members and the mayor. This discussion also included looking at the role of the mayor. Steve W. proposed dissolving the current position of mayor and creating a position “mayor” as an elected position that becomes head of council. We would have to work out whether a person who did run but did not get elected for mayor could still be on council.  Dr. Hirt recommends redefining the mayor’s position. Steve Williams stated that he believes financial compensation is reward for time spent. It also adds a deeper sense of accountability. Training for council members and how compensation fits into that was discussed. Dr. Keller said that council needs both legal training as well as training that gives the background of local government. It was suggested that it may be cheaper to bring someone to Greenville to train council rather than sending members away. Dr. Keller said he would talk to Dr. Hirt regarding the elements of the Financial Management Plan in the Model City package and put together some possible drafts. 8. Public Comments Tracy Beil said that she feels it is valuable for the council to choose its own president. 9. Good of the Order: Paul Hamill: Thanked Dr. Hirt for her presentation Steve Thompson: Commented that he does not think under our current system that we will need an Audit Committee as listed in the Model City Charter Martha: Commented that she thinks it is important to include in the charter things that the borough is currently doing well and that she believes that more frequent meetings are becoming necessary Hal: Also feels we need to meet more frequently Steve Williams: Thanked the members of the community for their attendance and said that we welcome questions Paul Miller: Thanked Dr Hirt and said that at the next meeting it will be time to set up future dates to be advertised, the commission should come prepared to discuss more frequent meetings 10. Adjournment Paul H. made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Hal offered a second. Motion passed 6-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:40 Respectfully submitted, Martha C. Johnson Commission Secretary /Treasurer