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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-03-08 Special Budget Meeting Minutes SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL March 8, 2023 A Special Meeting of the Mayor and Council was held on March 8, 2023, at 8:30 AM in the Conference Room of the Municipal Building. Meeting Called to Order Roll Call The following Council Members and Professional Staff responded to the roll call: Mayor Kahwaty, Councilmember Ansh, Council President Bonagura (via teleconferencing), Councilmember Cardenas, Councilmember Lambrix, Councilmember Sheppard, Borough Administrator Hart, and Borough Clerk Rulli. Councilmember Kelly arrived at 8:35 AM. Borough Attorney Smith was absent. Sunshine Law Statement The Borough Clerk read the Sunshine Law Statement. Flat Salute Moment of Silent Appreciation to Our Veterans Public's Opportunity to Speak Motion to open the time for public comment was made by Councilmember Lambrix, seconded by Councilmember Sheppard. On voice vote, all in favor. No one from the public came forward at this time. Motion to close the time for public comment was made by Councilmember Sheppard, seconded by Councilmember Ansh. On voice vote, all in favor. Resolution for Closed Session BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Franklin Lakes, County of Bergen and State of New Jersey that a Closed Meeting be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 which begins at 8:30 AM, in the Conference Room at the Municipal Building to discuss the following: • Personnel: Public Works Department • Personnel: Recreation Department BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the discussion conducted in closed session shall be disclosed to the public once the matter involving the confidentiality of the above no longer requires that confidentiality, then the minutes can be made public. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the public be excluded from this meeting. Motion to go into Closed Session was made at 8:35 AM by Council President Bonagura, seconded by Councilmember Kelly. On voice vote, all in favor. Special Budget Meeting of the Mayor and Council Page 2 March 8, 2023 Minutes The Mayor and Council returned to open session at 8:58 AM. Discussion • 2023 Budget Mr. Hart prefaced the auditor's report by reviewing an issue with high electric bills at the Parsons Pond Park landscape maintenance and multipurpose building. He is working with an electrician to understand why it's so high and looking for solutions. Mr. Hart stated he will be increasing the electric budget by $50,000 to cover this cost. He recommended the funds to come from the snowplowing budget. He spoke about establishing a storm reserve per recent State statute, which the Budget Committee is recommending and to place a resolution on the regular meeting agenda. Borough Auditor Dieter Lerch introduced himself and Christina Cuiffo, CPA and Manager. Mr. Lerch spoke about the Borough's AAA rating, its strong management and budgeting techniques and policy, borrowing, debt limit, and discussed the formal debt and capital plan. He reviewed the Budget Workbook and answered questions from the Mayor and Council. Following discussion on projections for income, surplus analysis, and added assessments, Mr. Lerch stated the Borough will not have the same level of revenues and will either need to cut surplus or raise taxes. Discussion continued concerning the budget increase caused by growth, a $700,000 garbage and recycling increase, expectations for the next two years and potential ways the Borough can address the shortfall and avoid potential structural issues in the future. Councilmember Lambrix suggested reducing the surplus $1.4 to reduce impact on taxes. All in agreement. Council President Bonagura stated the Borough needs to do something about garbage. Mayor Kahwaty stated we have a five year contract and are looking at alternatives. Mr. Lerch talked about a 4.67 increase and explained the Budget timing process. Mr. Hart stated the budget will be introduced on March 21, 2023 and planned for adoption on April 18, 2023. Adiournment Motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:07 AM was made by Councilmember Kelly, seconded by Councilmember Sheppard. On voice vote, all in favor. Respectfully submitted, 1 M. Rulli, Borough Clerk