HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-17-2004 Budget Work Session
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MINUTES
IllLLSBOROUGH TOWN BOARD
May 17,2004
7:30 PM, Town Barn
The Hillsborough Town Board held a Budget Work Session on May 17,2003 at 7:30 PM in the
Hillsborough Town Barn. Present for the Budget Work Session were Mayor Joe Phelps and
Commissioners Frances Dancy, Brian Lowen, Michael Gering, Evelyn Lloyd, and Eric Hallman.
Present were Town Manager Eric Peterson, Town Clerk Donna Armbrister, Finance Director
Greg Siler, Planning Director Margaret Hauth, Fleet Maintenance Supervisor John Cook, Police
Chief Nathaniel Eubanks, and Public Works Director/Assistant Town Manager Demetric Potts.
Mayor Joe Phelps opened the meeting at approximately 7:30 PM.
Mayor Phelps suggested the Board review the Budget Section by Section.
The Board reviewed the Budget Message.
The Board discussed employee health insurance. Town Manager Eric Peterson informed the
Board that he has worked with the League of Municipalities for the past 14 years. He agreed that
the Town might fmd cheaper insurance, but within a year or two the rates would be right back
where they are now. He also explained that having all of the Town's insurance policies with the
League makes them a very valuable resource of information and makes the Town eligible for
significant discounts.
The Board reviewed:
· Governing Body - Town Manager Peterson stated the only change is the addition of
$2,000 to award Board Volunteers as recognition.
· Administration - The Manager discussed Liability Insurance Rates, Team-Player
Awards, and Dinner on the Town Awards. The Manager discussed a Car Allowance vs.
New Vehic1e. Commissioner Gering stated that he is in favor of Proposal #1 of $350 per
month plus mileage for trips over 100 total miles. By consensus, the Board approved
Proposal #1 as presented and directed the Town Manager to make the appropriate
changes. By consensus, the Board stated that the digital recorder is justified. Mayor
Phelps thanked the Manager and Town Clerk for their work on the proposed Wellness
Program.
· Motor Pool - There was some discussion regarding the use of the existing Motor Pool
building once the new Motor Pool is completed.
· Finance - The Manager outlined for the Board the proposed departmental re-
organization and stated that this would not begin until the first of October.
· Planning - There was some concern expressed with the amount of money budgeted for
Park Design and Construction. Planning Director Margaret Hauth explained that the
funding budgeted was primarily for design work only and could be encumbered until the
following year if necessary. By consensus, the Board agreed to leave the funding as
budgeted. The Board discussed the proposed Planning Fee Schedule and by consensus
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approved it. The Board reviewed the proposed funding for Strategic Growth Plan
Contract Services.
· Ruffin Roulhac - Manager Peterson stated that there is $30,000 in FY05 for design of
new meeting hall/offices. The Manager and Planning Director will put on paper a
preliminary draft of the footprint of proposed building which can be shared with the
Ruffin Roulhac heirs to promote their approval of the use of the property.
· Police - The Board reviewed Police Administration, Patrol, Investigations and
Community Policing. The Board asked the Town Manager to look at adding the new
Investigator position in FY06.
· Fire Inspections/Code Enforcement - The Board had no comments.
· Fire Protection - The Fire Department is asking for a 5% increase in Operating
Expenditures. Manager Peterson offered to discuss with the Fire Department long term
station needs.
· Public Works (Streets and Powell Bill) - Assistant Town Manager/Public Works
Director Demetric Potts reported on the Exchange Club Park Lane Bridge Repair bid.
The Board directed Potts to bring a contract for the repairs to them at their June meeting
for approval. Commissioner Gering stated he would like to see the construction of
sidewalks begin before FY07 and $70,000 was added for FY05. Manager Peterson asked
how much money the Board would like to spend on the construction of sidewalks each
year. By consensus, the Board agreed on $50,000 for Fy06 and FY07. By consensus, the
Board added Spring Street to the list of unpaved streets to be paved.
· Public Works (Sanitation) - The Manager reported the addition of an Automated Waste
Collection Vehicle in FY06.
· Public Works (Cemetery) - Manager Peterson reported the construction of a precast
concrete building for storage of grounds maintenance equipment is proposed for FY06.
· Public Works (Stormwater Management) - The Manager reported on the possible
hiring of a Stormwater Engineer for mid-year in FY05.
· Safety & Risk Management - The Manager reported that the increased percentage of
employees being drug tested is now in place and is the reason for the increase in the drug
testing program.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna F. Armbrister, CMC
Town Clerk
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