HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-24-2004 Public Hearing
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MINUTES
IDLLSBOROUGH TOWN BOARD
May 24, 2004
7:30 PM, Town Barn
The Hillsborough Town Board held a Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget and a second
Budget Work Session on May 24, 2004 at 7:30 PM in the Hillsborough Town Barn. Present for
the Budget Work Session were Mayor Joe Phelps and Commissioners Brian Lowen, L. Eric
Hallman, Michael Gering, Frances Dancy, and Evelyn Lloyd. Staff present were Town Manager
Eric Peterson, Town Clerk Donna Armbrister, Finance Director Greg Siler, and Town Engineer
Kenny Keel.
Mayor Joe Phelps opened the Public Hearing at 7:32 PM.
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Will Atherton addressed the Board and again asked the Board to earmark funds' 10 have
water/sewer rate study.
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There being no other public signed up to speak, Mayor Phelps closed the Public Hearing and
opened the second Budget Workshop.
The Board reviewed:
· EngineeringlUtilities Administration - Commissioner Gering inquired if there had been
any problems during emergency situations with the Nextel phones. Town Engineer
Kenny Keel explained that during the past power outages, the crews have still been able
to use their radios if needed. Town Manager Eric Peterson explained that he had moved
this item back a year.
Engineer Keel discussed raising the hydrant flow test fees. By consensus, the Board
Agreed. Manager Peterson stated that this fee would be reflected in the Budget
Ordinance.
· Billing & CoUection - Finance Director Greg Siler stated that there are approximately
100 cut o:ffs per month for non-payment. He explained that the cut off is not done until
the account is 60 days past due.
Manager Peterson informed the Board that staff is attempting to get radio read meters
changed out on enough routes so that Meter Reader time will be freed up to assist with
the hydrant flushing program. This change out program has been under way for
approximately the last six years.
· Water Plant - Town Engineer Kenny Keel informed the Board that he had discussed
with the Town Manager the possibility of hiring a temporary employee during peak times
to assist the Meter Readers with the hydrant flushing program. He stated that inmates can
possibly be used to assist here too.
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· Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection - Town Engineer Kenny Keel reported
that in the past two fiscal years, the Town has installed 10 generators, so he feels
comfortable postponing the purchase of any more for another year.
Town Manager Peterson reported to the Board that the Safety Officer has presented a
$29,335 list of items required for OSHA compliance in confined space entry which will
be added to the proposed budget. He again commended Safety Officer Travis Kidd for
his work in this area.
· Wastewater Treatment - Engineer Keel reported that in the next few years he will be
placing in the Budget a request for a drying unit for sludge. This will ease the sludge
application process.
Engineer Keel stated that the Wastewater Treatment Plant will need a major upgrade
possibly beginning in FY07-08. The plant was designed in the mid 1970's and is no
longer efficient and uses old technology. Keel explained that there are low interest rate
state loans available for this work.
· Reservoir - There was no discussion.
· Tourism & Special Appropriations:
Arts Council - Commissioner Gering questioned the $2400 special appropriation for
the Arts Council to rent office space and whether it is appropriate for the Town to pay
for overhead. By consensus, the Board agreed to authorize an appropriation of $800
instead.
Non-Profits:
After some discussion, the Board agreed to appropriate no more than
$29,000 to the Non-Profit Agencies.
Commissioner Dancy stated that she feels that none of the agency requests
should be increased from last year due to the Town's fmancial situation.
Mayor Phelps questioned the Dispute Settlement Center's request since
persons going to Dispute Settlement pay for the services and they receive
some funding from the court system. He also questioned the Rescue
Squad request stating that tax dollars should cover their funding.
After further discussion, and by consensus, the Board agreed to authorize
the following non-profit agency appropriations:
Rape Crisis Center -- $5,000
Dispute Settlement Center -- $2,000
Joint Orange-Chatham Comm. Action -- $1,300
Orange County Literacy Council -- $1,100
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Orange Congregations in Mission -- $4,200
Orange County Disability Awareness -- $400
Alternative Sentencing/Sentencing Services -- $320
Hillsborough Exchange ClublPrevention/Child Abuse -- $800
Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association -- $1,000
Orange County Rescue Squad -- $5,200
Orange Community Housing Corporation -- $2,300
The Women's Center -- $1,000
American Red Cross -- $600
Family Violence Prevention Center -- $1,000
Communities in Schools of Orange County -- $500
Orange County Middle School After School -- $250
The ARC of Orange County -- $280
Hillsborough Exchange Club Park -- $750
Volunteers for Youth, Inc. -- $500
Trading Path Association -- $500
Friends of the Senior Center -- $0
Alternative Sentencing/Courtroom Monitor -- $0
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Commissioner Gering reported that the Town Clock Maintenance (sound and
illumination) expenses are being shared by Orange County. It was discussed applying
for a Tourism Grant to help with the sound and illumination funding. By consensus,
the Board agreed to reduce the Town Clock Maintenance appropriation to $5,000 and
directed the Clock Committee to submit a Tourism Grant Application to fund the
remainder of the expense.
The Board discussed the proposed retaining wall and additional top soil at the Orange
County Historical Museum. By consensus, the Board authorized the appropriation of
$12,000 for the project and directed staff to bring all proposed work plans to the Board
for review.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Lowen, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd, the Board moved to
adjourn at 9:55 PM by a vote of 5-0. The motion was declared passed.
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Respectfully submitted,
Donna F. Armbrister, CMC
Town Clerk
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