Charlestown Township Board of Supervisors
Budget Work Session and Business Meeting
Minutes of October 26, 2015

A budget work session was held October 26, 2015 at the Township Office, 4030 Whitehorse Road, Devault, PA.

Present

Supervisors: Frank A. Piliero, Chairman, Michael J. Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Kevin R. Kuhn, Charles A. Philips and Hugh D. Willig.
Staff: Linda Csete, Manager, and Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary.
Public: Chris Lawrence, Alix Coleman, and Sue Staas

Call to Order:

5:00 p.m.

Announcements

Mr. Kuhn provided an update on Charlestown Park renovations, including stormwater adjustments and excavation results.

Citizens’ Forum - No matters were brought forward.

Reports

Accounts Payable Reports for the Operating Fund for October 26, 2015

Mr. Philips moved to approve the payment to the Chester County Association of Township Officials Fund, dated October 26, 2015. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Accounts Payable Reports for the Open Space Fund for October 26, 2015

Mr. Philips moved to approve a tax payment for Township property from the Open Space Fund, dated October 26, 2015, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Budget Work Session

The Board reviewed the budget draft prepared by the Township Manager.

  1. Charlestown Township Capital Improvements Plan 2016. Supervisors commended Mrs. Csete for initiating the Plan’s first draft. It is a list for future Township non-reoccurring projects that are estimated to cost more than $10,000.

    2. Supervisors agreed to initiate a committee with the following:

    Mr. Piliero moved to recommend an Advisory Committee for the 5 Year Capital Improvements Plan, with the initial members being himself, Mr. Philips, and Mrs. Csete. A Planning Commission member is to be added at a later date. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Piliero called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

  2. Supervisors discussed a lag in payments equaling $13,333 by JP Orleans for Highways and Streets (363).
  3. The Township Solicitor Actual budget figure was high this year due to circumstances not likely to dissolve for 2016, so the estimate for 2016 reflected this adjustment.
  4. During the discussion for General Administration and Government Buildings & Plant, Supervisors added $30,000 for possible security upgrades. (These upgrades were added to the new Charlestown Capital Improvements Plan 2016). The need for an elevator vs. the cost vs. ADA Compliance, in light of a possible new Township Building a few years out, was discussed.
  5. Mr. Kuhn recapped a meeting he attended with the East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association. Topics discussed included the possibility of hiring a financial person/financial reporting, a recalculation in the percentage of calls, a closer look at line items and salaries, and contributions (411.32).
  6. $10,000 was placed in 433.03 for Upgraded Sign Posts, Tunnel Fixtures, & Intersections.
  7. There were also increases added for maintenance of the Park’s new facilities (454.10).
  8. Alix Coleman reported a need for new repairs at Brightside Farm, quotes forthcoming.
  9. Mrs. Csete pointed out the large increase in the dividend category, due to the CDARS investment, and a large drop in bond interest cost due to refinancing.
  10. The Total General Fund Expenditures for 2016 were estimated at $2,398,513, a slight increase from the initial estimate of $2,277,513. The 21% carryover figure is within the Township’s goal of between 15-25%.

The budget will be adjusted to include changes discussed this evening. The revised draft will then be distributed to the Board, prior to the November 2, 2015 Supervisors Meeting. After review, Mrs. Csete will then be authorized to advertise and post it on the Township website.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7 P.M. The next meeting is scheduled for November 2, 2015, 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School.

Respectfully submitted,


Lisa K. Gardner
Recording Secretary