Village Council Special Budget Meeting Minutes 20180326

A SPECIAL PUBLIC BUDGET MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR. COURT ROOM OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ON MARCH 26, 2018 AT 5:30 P.M.

1.CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL – FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Knudsen called the meeting to order at 5:35 P.M. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  At roll call, the following were present:  Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, Voigt and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk; Stephen Sanzari, Treasurer; Robert Rooney, Chief Financial Officer; James Van Goor, Fire Chief; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Captain Schmidt, Ridgewood Fire Department; Jim O’Connell, Supervisor of Signal Department; Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water/Director of Operations; Dan Timmeny, Business Manager for Ridgewood Water; Police Captain William Amoroso; Police Captain Forest Lyons; Jacqueline Luthcke, Ridgewood Police Chief; Nancy Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation; Daniel Cramblitt, Manager Parks and Grounds; Tony Lillo, Chief of EMS; Michael Barker, Tax Assessor; and Dawn Cetrulo, Director of the Health Department/Health Officer.  Councilwoman Walsh was absent this evening.   Originally, this Special Public Budget Meeting was scheduled to be held on March 21, 2018, but it was cancelled, and rescheduled for tonight, due to a blizzard on that date.
Mayor Knudsen led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in honor of the American men and women serving in our Armed Forces, as well as those serving as first responders.

2.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen asked if there were any comments or questions from the public.  There were no comments from the public. 

3.DISCUSSION ITEMS
Ms. Mailander stated that this is the final budget meeting and all Department Directors and Supervisors who assisted in preparation of the budget were present this evening to answer questions.  At the conclusion of the meeting, a proposal relative to tax increases will be made and discussed.  Mayor Knudsen thanked everyone for attending the meeting and added that she appreciated how hard everyone has worked on their individual budgets with minimal amounts of money being available.  The Village continues to provide outstanding services to residents and she has received many compliments about Village staff and the job they do.  Ms. Mailander echoed Mayor Knudsen’s words and thanked the various Directors for their input concerning areas where budget cuts could be made. 

 a.Condensed 2017 Financial Statements
Robert Rooney, Village CFO, referred to a four-year comparative of the balance sheet and income statement for the general fund.  There is $30 million in cash, which is a result of the pre-paid taxes received in December of 2017.  There is a Statement of Operations, which has remained consistent over the past four years, relative to the fund balance that has been generated and utilized.  Mr. Rooney referred to the Water Balance Sheet, which has also been consistent over the past four years.  The Statement of Operations shows a slight decrease in 2017, primarily as a result of reduced water revenues.  The last two pages contain the Balance Sheet and a Statement of Operations for the Parking Utility Fund.  There has been a decline in revenue since 2015, due to the fees and permits that have been generated and the utilization of surplus year by year of $500,000.  
Councilman Voigt asked where the Village is investing the $30 million in cash equivalents and Mr. Rooney explained the Village has gone through the New Jersey Cash Management Plan to utilize their funds and the money has been invested with Valley National Bank.  It was determined that Valley National Bank provided the best rate of return. 
Councilman Voigt asked why the Village doesn’t aggressively draw down cash for water capital improvements.  Mr. Sanzari stated that over the past several years, they have been using cash as “pay as you go” capital in the operating budget, as well capital surplus and transfer.  In about two years, capital debt payment will double and the balance will decrease.  The Finance Department will spend the money based on spending proposals.  Mr. Rooney added that at the end of the year, it is impossible to work on some projects due to weather, and the cash balance in April or May will be significantly lower. 
Mayor Knudsen asked if everyone finds these numbers acceptable to keep the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Water on track.  Mr. Rooney said that a surplus management policy was previously adopted and they hope to maintain a minimum balance, based on that and what has been projected for future expense.  Mayor Knudsen and Mr. Rooney said that the picture could be different six months into the future. 
 
 b.Current Fund Revenues
Mr.Rooney explained that this is a projection of what is anticipated in the 2018 budget.  There is a column noting what was budgeted for 2017, and another column for what was realized in 2017.  They can only anticipate for revenue in 2018 the amount of revenue collected in 2017. 
Councilman Voigt referred to the rental of cellular towers, which netted $93,000 to the Village in 2016.  Mr. Rooney clarified that this is part of the Water Department budget.  Village properties at $41,000 includes revenues from surplus items or items sold at auction at Govdeals, such as automobiles and equipment.  Receipts for delinquent taxes are determined through the use of a statutory calculation and tax appeals that impact the collection rate.  Upon questioning relative to Open Space moneys, Mr. Rooney said that is a certification received from the State.  Mr. Rooney said he would look into the reason for the decrease in funds.  He added that this is one component of the municipal rate shown in the revenue stream. 
 
 c.Current Fund Surplus
Mr.Rooney said that this is surplus for the general fund, water operating fund, parking, operating, and general capital fund.  He provided an overview of six years of surplus values that were available; how much was utilized in the budgets; and what percent and how much remains at the end of each year.  The general fund will fluctuate somewhat and there is an additional $100,000 left in 2018, which is consistent with previous performance.  Fewer surpluses have been used in the Water Department, with a slight increase in the budget, which explains a decrease in surplus at the end of 2018.  The amount of surplus to be utilized for the parking utility has decreased, leaving $134,000 in surplus.  General capital is consistent with the utilization.  The Village was able to use more in 2017 because many unspent ordinances were cancelled and this generated a large surplus.  
 
 d.Trust Funds
Mr. Rooney explained that this is the trust fund reserves accumulated during the year and these funds are used to help in paying for expenses such as the Snow Removal Trust.  This type of trust helps to maintain a balanced budget and 75% of these trust funds are dedicated to specific areas that cannot be touched.  Mr. Rooney was questioned as to the amount of money presently in the snow removal trust fund.  Mr. Rooney said he has bills from January and February in the amount of $60,000; however, they don’t have amounts for March as of yet.  Mayor Knudsen asked about the money in the COAH Trust Fund and Mr. Rooney said there is $689,000 in that fund, which is a significant increase. 
 
 e.Capital Funds
Ms. Mailander recalled that over the past several weeks all of the departments presented both their capital and operating budgets.  At the time the budgets were reviewed by the Village Council, the Department Heads and Directors who mentioned that certain items were cut out of those budgets and other items remained.  It was explained that the Village Council would have to make decisions about questionable items to be included in the budget.  Mr. Rooney referred to the Gross Debt Summary and indicated that Councilman Sedon had asked him to prepare an explanation of the last twenty years of Gross Debt.  Mr. Rooney said he put together information from 2006 onward, which shows the gross debt for each fund along with the net debt and cumulative total.  He referred to a summary of everything proposed to date that has been reviewed with the Village Council.  There are several remaining items still up for decision; however, there is a net increase in debt of $6.3 million for 2018, or 7.3% of gross project proposed; down payment projection of $332,000, and grants of $680,000 that have already been appropriated.  There are recommendations made for the capital budget of 2018, which was discussed when presentations were made by the various departments and he said that changes can be made if there is anything that wasn’t addressed.  There are vehicle requests along with the appropriation of $8,895.00 for public Wi-Fi in the equipment section.  Mr. Rooney noted that the goal was to keep the net debt around $6 million, to be consistent with prior years. 
Ms. Mailander recommended discussing each item that is questionable in order to determine whether or not the expense will be acceptable.  Mr. Rooney noted $15,000 for a message board speed sign for the police; two recommendations for handicapped doors for Village Hall for $45,000 and $35,000 respectively; and fencing replacement at Graydon Pool for $35,000. 
Councilman Voigt noted decreases in the amounts being requested for traffic lights, renovations at the Library and Schedler Field. 
The Village Council discussed the $8,895 proposed for the establishment of public Wi-Fi.  Mr. Rooney explained that an additional 5% must be added to the cost of the capital budget, because the down payment for the debt has to be raised in the current fund budget for the capital improvement.  Councilman Sedon said they have been promising Wi-Fi at Graydon for some time.  Mayor Knudsen questioned whether the plan for Wi-Fi at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square should be postponed.  It was noted that the access points are relatively inexpensive and it is the appliance that monitors internet usage that is the costly portion at $5,000.  This is a necessary expense in order to get started and an estimate to initiate the service at Graydon Park is $6,000.  
The Village Council considered the variable message board speed sign at $15,000.  Ms. Mailander said these signs were used to inform residents of water restrictions and warnings for trucks that are overweight on Glenwood Road.  These signs are used at various locations to slow traffic speed and there is only one sign available at this time.  Police Chief Luthcke said that the newer signs have many more options and are more user friendly.  The Police Department would give the older sign to Emergency Services to be used in emergency situations.  Mayor Knudsen recalled that two electronic signs were funded several years ago and only one was purchased for Garber Square.  She asked if this money was a carry over.  Ms. Mailander said that the money remains in the budget and it would have to be appropriated.  Mayor Knudsen said that it wasn’t a good idea to have a permanent sign at the train station and they should have portable message boards that could move around the Village on a trailer.  She asked whether this money could be used for the purchase of an additional sign in order to remove the money from this budget.  Ms. Mailander will check to see how much money is in that account and an ordinance will be needed to re-appropriate these funds.  Village Councilmembers agreed and Ms. Mailander stated that if there is enough money a capital ordinance could be prepared. 
The Village Council discussed the $45,000 and $35,000 to be used for two handicapped doors at Village Hall.  Mr. Rutishauser, Village Engineer, said that there is a resolution to award funds for the Main Level One doors leading into the foyer on the agenda for consideration on March 28th.  There are also replacements for some sliding doors for consideration in the patio area by the Community Center.  Councilman Sedon commented that the doors appear to be in good shape; however, Mr. Rutishauser pointed out that the doors have gone through a number of floods and are actually in poor condition. 
Councilman Sedon questioned whether the mechanisms of the doors could be fixed and Mr. Rutishauser reiterated that because of numerous floods, the doors cannot be refurbished and parts are not available for repair.  The conditions are similar at the doors by the patio. 
Councilman Hache agreed that the doors are in poor condition; however, $35,000 or $40,000 for door replacement seems excessively high.  Mr. Rutishauser said that the doors have to work with the ADA buttons and a double door is necessary to avoid cold winds blowing in during the winter.  Replacement doors will be on the next Village Council Meeting for consideration.  Mayor Knudsen pointed out that these doors open and close from time to time when they are not being activated.  Mr. Rutishauser has tried to come up with a reason for the activation of these doors and has asked the Signal Division for their help but no one can figure out what triggers this situation.  He stated that the interior doors from the foyer on Level 5 are cracked and don’t close consistently and may not lock properly.  The same situation exists on Level 3.  There are doors on Level 1 that have become consistently wet and the wood is cracking and the finish has been affected.  The doors on Level 5 cannot be realigned, because they are fire rated, and the magnetic device does not release properly. 
Councilman Sedon questioned whether the new doors for the main level would be waterproof and Mr. Rutishauser stated that the vendors have indicated that anything with a mechanism is not waterproof.  Mayor Knudsen commented that if the doors become wet again, the Village will find itself in the same situation.  Mr. Rutishauser noted that the Village has flood insurance, which has been used during catastrophic events in the past.
The Village Council considered replacement of the fencing at Graydon Park.  Ms. Mailander noted that the original request had been revised.  Nancy Bigos stated that the original request was for $52,000.  She noted that they had requested $12,500 for fencing at Upper Veterans Field, which was to match steel fencing already in place surrounding the Graydon Pool facility.  They were hoping to run this fencing parallel to Linwood Avenue from the Graydon Pool crosswalk to the flagpole at Linwood and Maple Avenues.  They are also asking for $35,000 to complete fencing at the perimeter of Graydon Pool.  The Linwood Avenue and Maple Avenue portions of Graydon Pool are already fenced, but this is not the case for the back section of Graydon Pool, where snow fencing has been used in the past for security in the back lot.  Mayor Knudsen said she had never noticed the snow fencing and asked if there is a cheaper alternative to the proposed metal fencing.  Councilmembers indicated agreement with Mayor Knudsen.
Councilman Voigt referred to the reduction in the cost for replacement traffic lights from $300,000 to $100,000.  Mr. Rutishauser said this amount would pay for most of the design work necessary for one intersection and $300,000 would cover design work for three intersections.  Mr. Rutishauser explained that much of the cost depends on the relationship between Bergen County and the Village and he is waiting for the Shared Services agreements for the intersections discussed with the County.  Councilman Voigt felt this is important and he would support keeping the $300,000 in the budget for the intersections.  Mayor Knudsen said she agrees with scaling the amount back to $100,000 since she doesn’t see a need for all the work to be done before the buildings are constructed.  Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he hopes the design work could be completed before the multi-family buildings are finished.  He said timing will be the key and the County wants to pave many streets in the Village.  Mayor Knudsen stated that development is planned to take place in the Franklin Avenue and Maple Avenue corridor during the next several years, which means there is no reason to put the money aside at this time.  She added that the developers will have to provide a certain amount for intersections initially and this money could be used first. 
After more discussion, Mr. Rutishauser said he will again ask the County for an amount that they will be contributing relative to this project.  Mayor Knudsen noted that the County had indicated agreement to do some of the work in these two areas.  There would be funds coming from the developers and the Village would also make a contribution for the remaining amounts.  She reminded everyone that these four developments remain subject to Court approval and the timing is not set in stone.  Mr. Rutishauser said that site preparation work is being undertaken at two sites, but he is not aware of the timeline.  Mayor Knudsen reiterated her belief to go forward with funding in the amount of $100,000.  Councilman Sedon and Hache agreed with Mayor Knudsen.
Upon questioning by Councilman Voigt, Mr. Rutishauser said that the County has agreed to work on the traffic lights at Ridgewood Avenue and Maple Avenue in order to program the signal with the traffic light at Franklin Avenue and North Maple.  This will be followed by work at North Broad Street and Franklin Avenue lights, and then the lights at Oak Street and Franklin Avenue.  The County has not put any of this in writing. 
Councilman Voigt moved on to the library renovation and Ms. Mailander said this has been reduced to $100,000.  Mayor Knudsen said that no information about the proposal has been received and this would be beneficial in order for the Village Council to make a determination.  Ms. Mailander recalled that the Library indicated that plans would be available to the Village Council in September.  The Village Council may want to make changes and the plans might have to go back to the architect for revisions.  Ms. Mailander explained that this is why there has been a reduction in costs and she doesn’t anticipate final plans until the end of 2018.  Councilman Voigt asked what the money will be used for and Mr. Rooney responded that money would be used for everything ranging from preliminary plans to actual construction.  Councilman Sedon thought it would make sense to allocate more money to the Library next year when plans are finalized. 
The Village Council discussed the rescue truck.  Chief Van Goor stated that this is the only rescue truck available in the Village and it responds to all calls.  He hopes it can be replaced with a modern vehicle that is able to carry all the equipment in use.  
Returning to the Library, Mayor Knudsen questioned the purpose of the $100,000 that has been budgeted.  Mr. Rooney explained that capital funds can be appropriated and put into reserve funds or the funds could be kept aside to accumulate.  She asked why this money would be allocated now since tangible plans are non-existent and this money could be used somewhere else for more pressing needs.  Councilman Voigt said he would agree to keep this money in the budget for the Library because the Village will need to begin accumulating money for the upgrades.  Mayor Knudsen said she feels uncomfortable putting money aside without any plans; however, she might be persuaded to put $50,000 aside.  Mr. Rooney said that they are only discussing the capital budget and the money does not need to be appropriated.  They can agree not to appropriate any funds until the Library presents a tangible plan, which means that there will be no ordinance to authorize debt at this time.  Councilmembers agreed to this solution and Mr. Rooney explained again that the money is being held in abeyance until the Village Council agrees to go forward with an ordinance.
Councilman Hache questioned $15,000 for air conditioning at the train station.  Ms. Mailander explained that the Village is committed to this central air upgrade because the window units were not working. 
Councilman Hache asked if a decision could be made on the turf field at Maple Park.  He asked how much money would be taken from the Open Space Trust Fund so that $450,000 will not be coming entirely from this year’s budget.  Mr. Rooney recalled that a resolution was passed allowing the Village to use $500,000 from the Open Space Trust Fund to expedite the award of the contract.  This amount can be appropriated in a capital ordinance to reimburse 100% of the Trust Fund or the Village Council can decide to only use a portion of the money.  He added that the Village Council will have to look at the amount of money in the Open Space Trust Fund and the components since debt service payment in the amount of $332,000 is paid out of the fund.  Mr. Rooney said that it is necessary to make a determination as to how to use the Open Space Trust money.  He recalled that the Open Space Committee had been asked for a recommendation as to how to use the Open Space Trust Fund money.  Ms. Bigos said the Open Space Committee had indicated they felt the money should be used for the acquisition and development of park property, not the maintenance of property, which should be the responsibility of the Village. 
Councilman Hache pointed out that the Village pays for the maintenance of the property.  It was noted that replacement of the turf field can be covered through Open Space Funds and Councilman Hache said he supports using some of the money for this purpose.  Mayor Knudsen agreed, stating that if there is funding available for the field the Village Council should go forward rather than nickeling and diming other important projects such as the message board and public Wi-Fi.  Councilman Hache agreed that this is the best use of this money and they would be doing a service for the taxpayers by trimming off larger chunks of the budget. 
Mayor Knudsen said that Councilman Hache has approached the various sports groups relative to contributing to a sinking fund that would help with repairs at the Maple Park turf field.  She asked whether contributions could be put back into the trust fund and Mr. Rooney said an ordinance could be written to allow any money from an outside source to be put back into the Open Space Trust Fund.  Mayor Knudsen recommended using the Open Space Trust Fund money in the amount of $225,000, which will be matched by the Village, therefore reducing the financial burden to the Village.  She reiterated that any monies received from the sports groups would be reinvested back into the Open Space Trust Fund for the first year.  After the first year, any money received will go into a sinking fund for replacement and maintenance for the turf field.  Mr. Rooney said that when the money is received, there should be a recommendation from the Village Council specifying the purpose of the money.  Councilman Voigt questioned the restrictions involved with the use of Open Space Trust Fund money.  Mr. Rooney said that he would provide a list of what the money can be used for and he noted that there are restrictions. 
Councilman Hache said that approximately $2 million has been set aside for property acquisition, but the Village Council decided not to move forward with the purchase of any properties.  He asked how this money could be used.  Mr. Rooney explained that the money could be re-appropriated by ordinance; it could be cancelled and appropriated for a new purpose by ordinance; or it could be cancelled completely and not used at all.  Mr. Rooney said that the money would go back into the capital improvement fund if it were cancelled completely. 
Mayor Knudsen spoke about the resurfacing of the tennis courts and asked if one of the courts could be repurposed into a pickleball court.  Ms. Bigos stated that this is a future need of the community since pickleball is becoming a popular sport.  The plan would be to utilize one of the courts on Bellair Road to accommodate two pickleball courts through the relining and reconfiguration of one tennis court.  There are two tennis courts at Glen School that are being used for pickleball at this time.  Ms. Bigos said that the change to the tennis court would have no impact on the cost of resurfacing work.  Mayor Knudsen asked about platform tennis and Ms. Bigos said that the Village has an agreement with the Upper Ridgewood Tennis Club, allowing residents to play platform tennis there.  Upon questioning by Mayor Knudsen, Ms. Bigos said that they could not provide two pickleball courts and a platform tennis court on Bellair Road because the two sports are completely different.  She added that this suggestion would have to be discussed with the Parks and Recreation Board and brought to the Village Council for approval. 
Councilman Hache referred to the fact that nothing has been allocated for the parking kiosks and the preliminary plans for the parking garage on Hudson Street.  Mr. Rooney explained that this was left blank because he doesn’t know if anything is happening.  Councilman Hache recalled that a figure of 5% would be needed for bonding in the current fund budget.  The Village Council agreed to appropriate money for the Hudson Street parking garage at a later date, once the project is ready to move forward. 
Mayor Knudsen said that $225,000 has now been made available as a result of discussions on the Open Space Trust Fund and the Village Council could move forward with the original proposal for public Wi-Fi.  Councilman Sedon suggested going forward with the amount for the fencing at Graydon Park while checking on alternatives for the fencing.  They may still decide to go forward with a reduced amount and cancel the unused portion.  Ms. Mailander said that everything could be left in the budget because those totals would be less than $225,000.  It was noted that the NJDEP doesn’t take issue with the ornamental fencing due to the flood plain in this area, but they could take issue with the more inexpensive chain link fencing because it provides obstructions.  Mayor Knudsen recommended checking into NJDEP restrictions on fencing and she said they should go ahead with the chain link fencing at the moment.  Mr. Rutishauser indicated that he expects this to be a “permit by rule” situation.  Ms. Mailander said they will have $90,000 left as a result of funding being provided by the Open Space Trust Fund.
Councilman Voigt left the meeting at 7:00 P.M.
 
 f.Staffing Levels
Ms. Mailander stated that it did not appear that the Village Council needed to go into Closed Session on staffing levels at this time.
At this time, Mayor Knudsen called for a five minute break.  The Mayor and Council returned at 7:05 P.M. and the following Councilmembers were present:  Councilmembers Hache, Sedon, and Mayor Knudsen.  Also present were Heather Mailander, Village Manager/Village Clerk; Donna Jackson, Deputy Village Clerk; Stephen Sanzari, Treasurer; Robert Rooney, Village Chief Financial Officer; James Van Goor, Fire Chief; Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Captain Schmidt, Ridgewood Fire Department; Jim O’Connell, Supervisor of Signal Department; Richard Calbi, Director of Ridgewood Water/Director of Operations;        Dan Timmeny, Business Manager for Ridgewood Water; Police Captain William Amoroso; Police Captain Forest Lyons; Jacqueline Luthcke, Ridgewood Police Chief; Nancy Bigos, Director of Parks and Recreation; Daniel Cramblitt, Manager Parks and Grounds; Tony Lillo, Chief of EMS; Michael Barker, Tax Assessor; and Dawn Cetrulo, Director of the Health Department/Health Officer.  Councilwoman Walsh was absent and Councilman Voigt left the meeting at 7:00 P.M.  
 

 g.2018 Current Fund Budget Proposal
Mr. Rooney stated that they reviewed the budget requests, and made reductions and modifications to reduce the amount to a 1% municipal tax increase.  He noted the various amounts recommended in order to reduce the amount to 1%.  Mr. Rooney stated for Central Garage Salaries & Wages (S&W) the amount was reduced by $35,000.  In the Health Department appropriations were reduced by $20,000.  For the Police Department, S&W including overtime, was reduced by $20,000 and the School Resource Officer (SRO) was reduced to $40,000, since the SRO would not begin until September 2018.  This results in a total amount of $150,000 for the SRO, with half being paid for by the Board of Education.  Currently, Police Officers are being rotated throughout the schools.  The number of new Police Officers has been reduced from two to one, for a savings of $55,857.  There are three retirements in the Solid Waste Department, which will save $90,456; with overtime reduced by $18,000.  For Parks and Recreation, $145,524 was budgeted originally for a crew to work with the Board of Education who would contribute towards this expense, but because there has been no agreement so far, this figure has been removed.  Litigation requirements have been reduced by $90,000.  For EMS supply requests $3,000 has been eliminated and furniture requests have been moved into the capital budget.  The Central Garage, Traffic and Signal, Animal Control and Utilities have been reduced to the spending levels of 2017.  The Parks Department has requested fencing and a consultant related to tree wells, which will be moved to capital.  Social Security costs were revised and reduced by $100,000.  The capital improvement fund was increased to accommodate the levels of request presented to the Village Council this evening and that number will be reduced slightly.    
Regarding the 2018 budget, Ms. Mailander said there are three scenarios to consider.  The first is what has just been reviewed that is a .99% tax increase.  Mr. Rooney said they looked at a 1.25% and a 1.50% increase.  With the 1.25% increase, police appropriations for the SRO could be accommodated as well as reinstatement of the EMS supplies, putting money into salary negotiations for anticipated raises for the year and a replenishment of the Snow Trust Fund could be added.  If the Village Council approved a 1.50% increase there could be additions to the salary negotiations line, further contributions to the Snow Trust Fund and the hiring of permanent part-time employees at $32,000 to help fill summer help and seasonal needs for various departments.  Mr. Rooney noted that the tax levy for the Library has increased by 8% this year and he suggested that the Village Council consider the Library budget separately.  The average increase per home owner is noted as $50.79 and is $25 more because of the Library increase.  Ms. Mailander said that even at a 1.50% increase, the tax increase for the average homeowner would be approximately $90 over the course of the year.  She thanked the Village Council and the Directors for coming up with a reasonable tax increase amount and added that there is only a $20 per year difference between the 1.25% and the 1.50% increase.  She noted that even the 1.50% increase is less than last year.
Mayor Knudsen asked for an explanation of the cost for SRO training.  Ms. Mailander stated that this represents the cost for coverage in the areas where these officers had previously been posted, in addition to actual training.  Police Chief Luthcke said there is a significant amount of training involved for the SRO and they are also losing seniority on the patrol shift, due to the fact that the Police Officer appointed to the SRO position will have five or more years of experience as a Police Officer.  Therefore, some additional overtime will be required, in order to provide personnel coverage on the squad where the Police Officer chosen to be the SRO used to serve.  Ms. Mailander reiterated that there will only be one SRO in the schools and the other SRO will be available for coverage when the need occurs. 
Councilman Sedon said he would support the .99% increase.  Councilman Hache stated that he wants to keep the tax increase as low as possible because he is concerned about the effects of the new Federal tax law.  Mayor Knudsen said she favors the .99% increase because they still have to add in the Library costs.  She questioned the EMS supplies and Mr. Rooney said he could find something in the revenue side to keep that cost flat.  Mayor Knudsen said that the expired EMS supplies cannot be dismissed and if that could be included, she would agree to the .99%.  Councilman Hache agreed.
Ms. Mailander asked about snow removal costs in light of recent storms.  Mr. Sanzari estimates a cost of $50,000 for snow removal over the past several weeks.  Mr. Rutishauser noted that snow removal on the sidewalks is expensive and the bills for the last two snow storms haven’t been received.  He added that it doesn’t appear as though one of the storms will be declared a disaster, so it is not eligible for FEMA funding.  After more discussion, there was an agreement to take an amount of $20,000 and allocate it to the Snow Trust Fund.  It was noted that additional personnel may be needed if the agreements with the Board of Education and Washington Township come to fruition, due to the volume of vehicles to be serviced.  Ms. Mailander said they will take “a wait and see” attitude to estimate the volume of work and use revenue from the Shared Service Agreement to help to pay for a full time person.  Mayor Knudsen recognized that there are always a lot of unknowns in these situations. 
Ms. Mailander thanked everyone for coming and for their hard work and efforts that went into the formulation of the individual budgets for the various departments.  This is a fair budget that will help the residents get some relief from the Federal tax law changes.  Mayor Knudsen thanked everyone and said it is a hard balancing act for each department. 
Ms. Mailander announced that the Capital Budget will be introduced on April 11th along with capital ordinances.  Adoption of the budget is scheduled for May 9th, which will include the public hearing and adoption.  She asked all Department Directors to attend this meeting to answer any questions from the public. 
Ms. Mailander thanked Mr. Rooney and Mr. Sanzari for their efforts on the budget and she said they began work on the 2018 budget in July, with distribution of the budget sheets to the Department Directors.   Mayor Knudsen also thanked Ms. Mailander for all of her work.

4.COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mayor Knudsen stated they would again have comments from the public and asked anyone wishing to address the Village Council to come forward.   No one came forward at this time.

5.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Village Council, on a motion by Councilman Sedon, seconded by Councilman Hache, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:06 P.M.

                    _________________________________                          
                                     Susan Knudsen    
                                            Mayor

___________________________________      
                Heather A. Mailander  
           Village Manager/Village Clerk