Public Meeting

Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 10.28.09 MINUTES OF A PUBLIC MEETING OF THE BOROUGH OF GREENVILLE COUNCIL HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS Thursday, October 28, 2009 at 6:00pm 1. Call to Order Council President Longiotti called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. 2. Flag salute 3. Roll Call: Pete Longiotti, Council President Pamela S. Auchter, Vice President -excused David P. Henderson, Councilor Henry M. Mueller, Councilor Alfred L. Peden, Councilor Brian W. Shipley, Councilor Jasson W. Urey, Councilor Richard H. Miller, Mayor Ryan T. Eggleston, Borough Manager Tracey Vale, Treasurer Also present: Stella Barrett Brandy Little Ray Bartolo Becky McFadden Debbie Clark Ken McEwen Jane Coburn Joe Ribley Anthony D’Alfonso Tracy Romesburg Tom D’Alfonso Joy Sallwen Randy Ferguson Nicole Schell Jennifer Groleau Don Shaw Shirley Hildebrand Frank Vanderslice Lisa Holm Kate Yasgur John Kokoski Media: Chantel Kaller Caleb Stright, Record-Argus Dot Lewis Natalie Kennedy, Record-Argus Greg Liszka Tom Davidson, Herald 4. Presentation of draft 2010 proposed budget Mr. Eggleston gave a general overview of the 2010 proposed budget, with total revenues of $2,909,940.00 and no tax increases. Property tax will remain at 31.5 mills and wage tax rates at 1.65% for residents and 1.42% for non-residents. Employee health insurance premiums will increase 12% for 2010. 5. Council discussion and comments Councilor Shipley asked about Keystone Municipal Collections revenues. Mr. Eggleston responded he had a conference call with them to discuss projected income. Mayor Miller commented on real estate taxes. Council President Longiotti stated the borough’s debt will not be reduced until 2014. Mayor Miller added the state’s ACT 47exit plans are unrealistic. 6. Public comments on 2010 budget Someone asked about the benefit of ACT 47. ACT 47 allows council to set higher tax rates. Mr. Kokoski asked about replacing the roof on the Canal Museum. Mr. Eggleston responded the Finance Committee is still working on the capital improvements budget for 2010. Someone asked about the last line item on the budget, use of cash. That line is used to reduce debt. 1 Borough of Greenville Council Minutes 10.28.09 7. Discuss Greenville Recreation Council President Longiotti read a statement he wrote from February 24, 2004. On file. John Kokoski from the Canal Museum Board, Becky McFadden, Joe Ribley and Mark Gaus from GALSA, Jane Coburn from Greenville Soccer Association, Lisa Holm from Greenville Planning Commission and Jennifer Groleau of 35 First Avenue all asked questions about dissolving GALSA, the effect on affiliates, program administration and creating a new board to administer recreation in Greenville. The borough floated a $3.67 million bond in 1999 that was partially used to build 42 acres of soccer and softball fields in West Salem Township. That was also the year the school district notified the association it was dropping out of the organization in five years. Council President Longiotti stated when Greenville Area School District withdrew funding the organizational structure should have been changed at that time. Councilor Urey said many of the problems stem from lack of cash. He suggested it’s time the borough’s recreation program was spelled out in black and white. Although there is no suggested structure, council’s recreation subcommittee recommends a Greenville area recreation board that will work in conjunction with a fundraising team. 8. Adjournment Having no other business before council, motion by Councilor Henderson, seconded by Councilor Mueller, to adjourn at 8:28pm. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Tracey Vale Interim Borough Secretary 2