Village Board

Village Board Unapproved Meeting Minutes of March 21, 2024 Present : Mayor Lee, Trustees, Fowler, Speer, Zabelny, Trustee Farell Village Manager Shari Wilson-Pearce Treasurer Maryalice Edwards Deputy Clerk Amy Harter DPW Superintendent Jeff Pearce Asst. Superintendent Chad McManus Guests: Cody Kelly, Nick Mucci, Russ Zurick Mayor Lee called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. The meeting was held in the Board Room and was available via Zoom. Proposed Budget Review The 2024-2025 proposed budget was presented by the Management Team which consists of Shari Wilson-Pearce, Maryalice Edwards and Jeff Pearce. Maryalice explained the budget was built on a tax rate of $2.70/thousand. To stay within the tax cap, the maximum tax levy would be $660,170. The appropriated fund balance is $305,000 and the projected cash on hand is $1,229,380. The reserve balances were provided as well as expected expenditures including health care and revenues. The board is recommending increasing the tax rate to $2.73/thousand. Wages: The budget was built with an increase of 3.5% for employee wages and 1.5% cost of living. There was a decision by the board to increase wages by 4% (2% wages, 2% COLA) and agreed salaried employees will be increased by 5.5 % total. DPW employee Russ Zurick stated he is pleased with that, Cody Kelly agreed. Shari remarked that to give employees specific merit raises, a rubric must be created, and employees must meet benchmarks to earn a merit raise. This is enforced by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. This rubric may be in place for the next budget year. DPW: Jeff Pearce reported expected costs for the DPW which include street maintenance, sidewalk and gutter replacements, equipment purchases, streetlighting and enhancement costs. There was a significant increase in the Park Savings Fund due to a multi-residential construction project. Trustee Fowler suggested the possible addition of a park on Parma View Drive as noted in the Comprehensive Plan. Office and Community Center: Shari Pearce explained the upcoming expenses within the Community Center which include boiler repairs, brick pointing and table and chair replacement in the Ingham Room. The board is supportive of increasing Community Center tenant rent by 1 5%. The office expenses are routine although the need to hire a part-time Treasurer was included. Retiree Health Care: The board has agreed to increase the retiree contribution from 5% to 10% in 2025 and 15% in 2026. The new contribution will begin in January of each year. Building Department: The routine expenses are expected, and a part- time employee is included. Water Fund: The board is supportive of the proposed rate increasing to $4.01 per/1,000 gallon and increasing the flat daily rate from $.26 to $.27 (per fee schedule). This is the current rate of the Monroe County Water Authority. Sewer Fund: The board would like to table the discussion of an increase pending additional information. The DPW Superintendent is working with MRB Group for engineering plans to address some potential improvements. In Lieu of Insurance: There is general discussion on possibly modifying the benefit; Shari will provide additional information to the board. Public Forum Mayor Lee read the Public Forum procedures and opened the meeting for public comment at 6 p.m. There were no comments brought to the board, the Mayor closed the public forum promptly. Discussion Solar Eclipse: Trustee Farrell asked to readdress the employee schedule for April 8th. She noted after reflecting that this event is once in a lifetime, she would like to give the employees the opportunity to have the afternoon off. After a brief discussion, the board agreed to work until 11 a.m. on April 8th. The DPW Superintendent will work until 4:00 p.m. Resolution to authorize the staff to close the Village Office and DPW at 11 a.m. on April 8th, the DPW Superintendent will work until 4:00 p.m. Motion made by Trustee Speer, seconded by Mayor Lee. Carried 5-0. Employee Car Repair: An employee damaged their vehicle on Village property and is seeking the cost of repairs to be paid by the Village. The board is seeking additional information pertaining to the incident and will review the claim at the next meeting. Executive Session Trustee Fowler made a motion to enter into Executive Session at 7:40 to discuss employee wages, seconded by Trustee Zabelny. Carried 5-0. Trustee Fowler made a motion to exit Executive Session at 8:30, seconded by Trustee Zabelny. Carried 5-0. 2 Respectfully submitted, Amy Harter Deputy Clerk 3