Orwigsburg Borough Council Long Range Planning Meeting March 19, 2014
Orwigsburg Borough Council met on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Borough Hall. President Buddy Touchinsky called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Attendance: President Buddy Touchinsky; Councilors: Edward C. Mady, Darle Cresswell, Angie Hoptak-Solga, Paul J. Bedway; Dave Rubright; Mayor Barry J. Berger; Borough Manager Michael P. Lonergan and Borough Secretary Sherry M. Edwards.
Visitors: Bill Knecht, Greg Stewart, Fire Chief Dave Hardinger, Nick Shestok, Kay Jones,
Mike reviewed previous planning meetings with council and visitors and how the list of Assets, Liabilities, Must have and Nice to have had been created. There are four areas of focus.
Economic Development Borough Features Infrastructure Quality of Life
Mike discussed where the borough has been over that past 8 or so years and where we are heading in the future:
Thirty years of slow, steady growth Five Land Development Plans in 2005 Two of the five have final approval 1. The Villas of Orwigsburg 2. Pine Creek 2005-2006 Combined new home bldg permits – totaled $3.4 million. Since then only one permit has been issued for a new home. Employment losses – loss in taxes and water/sewer revenue o Fessler’s o Transcontinental o Holy Family o Nordal Major revenue sources o Real Estate taxes flat o EIT decreasing – from 2012 to 2013 has increased o Water and Sewer decreasing since 2008
Cost pressures o Energy o Fuel and Heating Oil Orwigsburg Borough Council Long Range Planning Meeting March 19, 2014/Page 2 o Insurance – Health Ins, Workers Comp (Fire Co increase)
Challenges facing first responders o Orwigsburg Ambulance – cuts in payments and regulatory issues o Orwigsburg Fire Company – need for upgraded facility, replacement for 27 year old pumper, availability of volunteers o Orwigsburg Police – Unfunded mandates, Increasing costs for equipment, Increasing operating costs
Challenges facing the Borough o Balancing the budget while maintaining an adequate level of service o Fire and Ambulance o Streets and Borough properties o Reducing debt o Filling empty buildings o Finding new customers o Working on inter-municipal agreement – wastewater o Verizon antenna o Wholesale water to SCMA o Available funds vs. capital projects o Identify and prioritize projects
A spreadsheet was handed out on Reserve funds as of 2/28/2014. Mike explained what money has a specific purpose. Upcoming expenditures: o Pole relocation on S Wayne Street o Technology upgrades o Convert radios from analog to digital o New police car
Rainy day fund – Mike discussed the need to have funds held for a “rainy day,” and the need to determine what that needs to be. For illustration purposes, a spreadsheet was distributed showing reserve balances needed in each fund to have 25% of expenditures in reserve.
A spreadsheet was handed out to show how much money will be needed to replace Borough owned vehicles at the end of their useful lives. The spreadsheet did not include a skid loader to replace the John Deere or an air compressor.
A spreadsheet on the budget’s history from 2008 (actual) to 2014 (budget) was distributed, items discusses: Real Estate Taxes – increased every few years Millage increased in 2012 from 2.84 to 3.0 Real Estate transfer tax – decreased in 2012 to $18,377 and increased to $35,113 in 2013 Cable Television Franchise – $50,000 budget for 2014 Donations: o Not increasing contributions to the Fire Co $6,000 since 2004 Orwigsburg Borough Council Long Range Planning Meeting March 19, 2014/Page 3 o Ambulance $0 for 2014 o Library contribution is down from $5000 to $3000 o Historical Society down to $500 Street Sweeper funded through Sanitation 2007-2008 fixed $6,000 worth of storm drains - no storm drains have been repaired since then and many still need to be repaired Used to use $25,000 (budged amount) from the general fund plus state money to do highway construction project, have not disbursed $25,000 for highway construction in the general fund since the S Liberty St project in 2006 Water fund – decline in revenues. Sold water to Bob’s Pools in 2013. Future agreement with SCMA. Sewer fund – Revenue increase from rate change in 2011 – 2012. Maintenance & repairs hard to predict. Authority funds reed bed cleaning.
Dave Hardinger noted the $6,000 borough contribution is what the borough receives from North Manheim Township for the Fire Dept contract services. Workers Comp increase is not a result of numerous claims. Increase is due to state legislation. Dave is looking at Southern Schuylkill Mutual Aid and the County to approach workers comp providers and maybe purchasing insurance as a group. Truck is 27 years old. Building has a leaky roof with mold growing inside. Out grown the building. In the process of negotiating to purchase a new property.
According to 2010 census population is 3099. 1232 households are owner occupied. Renter occupied is increasing. 51% of population is over 45 years old. 16% is school age. There has not been a spike in school enrollment. Borough does not have job base to attract 20 somethings of today. In 2013 the average home price was $153,500, take out Ridgeview and the Ridge and average sale price is $107,500.
Kay noted statistics show over the next three decades there will be an increase in Schuylkill County’s population.
Buddy noted we need to look at the must haves like our streets, utilities, EMS and the library. We need to compile a priority list and narrow our focus.
Greg Stewart noted infrastructure costs more to replace then to maintain. We need to position the borough with the surrounding municipality’s development. Mike will put on April’s agenda.
Nick Shestok mentioned the business association is talking with the PA DCED about trying to find a way to organize ourselves better in order to obtain grants for projects and revitalization of the square.
Angie Solga noted if the Fire Co would hold a community fundraising event for purchase of a new truck for example, it would give the community the appearance of camaraderie. Orwigsburg Borough Council Long Range Planning Meeting March 19, 2014/Page 4 Mike noted we need to develop a priority list from the stand point of capital budgeting and look at ways to generate community participation in community events.
Greg Stewart addressed council as a Lions Club member regarding sprucing up around Fisher’s Dam, he doesn’t have a plan yet but would like to see updated benches, tables and walking trial.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry M. Edwards Borough Secretary