MINUTES

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
BUDGET MEETING	OCTOBER 4, 2021
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Dean W. Villone, President	Thomas G. Vernau, Jr., Township Manager
H. Edward Black, Vice President	Erin Trone, Assistant Township Manager
Richard F. Schin Thomas H. Kutz Carolyn Holtzman	Richard A. Grove, Finance Director David Holl, Public Safety Director Leon G. Crone, Police Captain
	Tony Deaven, EMS Captain Frank Wirth, Fire Captain David Murdoch, Lower Allen Fire Chief Frank Williamson, Lisburn Fire Chief
	Michelle Kilgore, Recording Secretary

President Villone called the October 4, 2021 Budget Meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order at 6:00 PM.  He announced that Proof of Publication for this meeting was available for review.  This was followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  President Villone also indicated that Vice President Black would be joining the meeting late.

 

BUSINESS PERTINENT TO THE TOWNSHIP

There was no response from the audience.

 

BUDGET INTRODUCTION

Mr. Grove indicated that the long-term goals for LAT include the ability to have resources sufficient to weather a recession without the need to raise taxes, and to maximize bond grading to the expected 2025 bond issue, particularly related to fire apparatus.  Spending growth limits are 7.5% for Public Safety, 2.5% for Fire, and 5% for all other departments.  Mr. Grove indicated that none of these departments are presenting budget proposals that would bring them anywhere near these limits.  He added that he is not expecting to see LAT taxes increase for the upcoming year, noting that various grants awarded to the Township have offered the relief needed to keep everything in alignment.  Capital outlays are lower than they were in the previous year, and Mr. Grove stated he expects a surplus this year that will be drawn down the following year as capital needs come in.  He noted that the ARPA money coming in is an expenditure-driven grant, meaning the Township makes the allowed expenditures, it will in turn recognize the revenue, creating a balance in the budget.  Healthcare increase is only 1% and will not have a major impact on the budget.  The fund balance drawdown limit previously imposed in a Township resolution will not be applicable for the upcoming year.

 

President Villone asked Mr. Grove if the ARPA money is what is creating the surplus that Mr. Grove spoke of.  Mr. Grove stated the ARPA money is not the reason (although it helps), but expenditures did not increase, and there is a significant dip in capital outlays compared to the prior year.  President Villone asked if the dip was because the Township postponed some purchases.  Mr. Grove said no.  It is because many of the projects are not needed until after next year.  He cited the County’s mandated radio replacement project as an example.

 

416 – LISBURN FIRE COMPANY

Account		Total New Exp, + / –	Justification/Reasoning
220 General Expenditure	Volunteer Incentive	($8,300)	Based on anticipated actual calculations Decrease by $8,300
311 Audit /Actuarial	3-Year Audit	+ $5,450	First year of 3-year audit Township contribution
373 Maint & Repair Bldg	Plymovent Maint & Repairs Building Access System Maint /Cloud	+ $4,999 + $1,600	Overall Increase by $4,600
730 Mach Equip & Vehicles	E Hydraulic Rescue Tool	$14,000	Capital

Director Holl presented a PowerPoint for Public Safety’s budget.

Director Holl stated that the 2022 operational budget for Lisburn stays well below the 2.5% growth rate as requested by the Board of Commissioners, at 1.2% actual with Capital removed.

Commissioner Kutz referred to the line item for $2,000 under 416.220 for Uniforms (polos, pants, t-shirts).  He asked Chief Williamson for clarification on the expense.  Chief Williamson replied that the expense is items for the volunteers in the department that are going out on calls, for training, etc. and that purchasing in bulk significantly reduces the cost of outfitting everyone individually.  Kutz asked what the Volunteer Incentive line item consists of.  Credential based incentive to attend training programs, call attendance thresholds, and overall contribution to the fire company.  Chief Williamson will be forwarding the details to the Board members per President Villone’s request.

Director Holl explained that due to Covid-19, expenditures were held, where possible during 2021.  Budget caps were set not to exceed 7.5% for police, EMS, and public safety.  Fire budgets were not to exceed 2.5%.  Collectively, all disciplines met the Board’s direction.

 

410 – POLICE

Account		Total New Exp,  + or (-)	Justification/Reasoning
124 Salary	Salary, Lieutenants	$	Reduced back to 2 Lieutenants (waiting for accurate financials on this line item)
132 Salary	Salary, Patrolmen	+ $45,320	Total of 4 officers added.  No additional staffing requested this year.
191 Uniform Purchase	Uniform Purchase	($2,340)	Covers pants, shirts, ballistic vests, helmets, gas masks, civil disturbance PPE, hard hats, bunker boots, gas mask bags, & CSO jackets.  Replace every 5 yrs (2022)
242 Ammunition and Targets	Ammunition & Targets	+ $1,650	Increased costs/Delivery issues
245 Operating Supplies	Operating Supplies	+ $1,200	Taser – replace 5 older units
260 Minor Equipment	Minor Equipment	$22,500 $1,500 $14,580 $4,000 $12,000 $9,400 $3,000	WatchGuard Vehicle Mobile Camera Systems (3 units) TSU Camera Body Replacement Firearms Replacement (end of life) Gear Bag Shelving Mobile Computer Replacements Electronic Speed Monitoring Devices (x2) Radar Units (x2)
318 Other Professional	Investigative Expenses	+ $500	Cell Tower Data Dumps increased; necessary for investigations
421 Training	Tuition Reimb. & Other Training	+ $19,900	Anticipate 6 officers seeking tuition reimbursement at $4,000 each; increase in supervisory training due to promotions Lt. Sentman to attend Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command (supervisory development)  Investigations/crime scene classes increased – training needed for technical investigations Krav Maga instructor re-cert due All other training lines remain relatively stable CALEA Conference (training conference and panel review/award receipt)
730 Mach, Equip, & Vehicles	Mach, Equip, & Vehicles	$120,000 $25,000 $43,000	Patrol Car Replacements Mobile License Plate Reader Universal Imaging System for Alternate Light Source

Comm Kutz asked if the plan is to move the entire department to 9mm.  Director Holl replied that all will be replaced so that officers can share magazines in an emergency.

 

412 – EMS                                         * Unexpected expenses due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Account		Total New Exp, + / –	Justification/Reasoning
122,140,141,148,149 Salaries	All Salaries	+ $18,193	Majority of increase from 140 (now includes rate for 2 IALS EMTs, verses 1 in 2020).
192 Uniform Maintenance	Uniform Purchase	+ $5,500	Increased from $6000 to $11,500 due to COVID-19 requirements to reduce cross contamination.
243 EMS Supplies	EMS Supplies	+ $2,750	Increased due to ongoing shortages and price increases due to supply and demand.
244 Oxygen	M Cylinders	+ $250	Increased use and cost.
245 CPR Supplies	CPR Supplies	($2,250)	Training changes and reduced requests for training in COVID culture.
260 Small Tool & Minor Equip		($1,080)
318 Other Professional		+ $8,250	Moved Medical Director cost to this line from 412.312  ESO (Chart and County CAD fee) – EHSF no longer providing ESO cost share Ad Hoc Recommendation PS1.1 to fund consulting study to review station placement for Fire and EMS and consider upgrades and or relocation options. 2021 – $6,500 for Station 2 building assessment professional fee 2021 – $2,000 for Station 2 Feasibility Study Phase 1 professional fee
340 Advertising Printing		+ $250	Vendor price increases.
375 Maint & Rep Vehicle		($2,700)	Reduced due to liquid springs installation in 2021.
421 Training		+ $1,220	COVID has required additional skills training.
730 Mach, Equip, Vehicles	Lucas Device	$20,000	Automated CPR device.

President Villone asked why there is such a large gap between revenue and expenditures.  Mr. Vernau replied that much of the margin is a result of reduction in Medicare payments, and that the Board will be in discussion in the future regarding the hiring of a consultant to find ways to increase revenue.

 

415 – PUBLIC SAFETY

Account		Total New Exp, + / –	Justification/Reasoning
131 Salary	Part-time Planner Proposal	+  $730	$15.60 / hour
132 Salary	Full-time Public Safety Officers	+ $16,163	6 PSOs; increases due to salary adjustments
133 Salary	Code Compliance/ Fire Inspector	+ $1,550
134 Salary	Part-time Public Safety Officers	+ $5,100	ADD REQUEST – additional 250 hours for part-time PSOs to supplement full-time employees and maintain 24/7 PSO coverage to assist Township fire/rescue services (additional $6,200).  2250 hrs. authorized in 2021; request additional 250 hours to 2500
148 Salary	Overtime (FT)	+ $25,740	Add additional hours to help cover additional shifts
192 Uniform Maintenance		+ $500	Additional COVID sanitation needs
231 Gasoline	Gasoline	($1,000)	Reduced patrol travel expenses due to PSOs shifting to fire and EMS duties
242 Emergency Management		($2,500)	Smart Board for EOC finally purchased in 2021 Full Scale Exercises not funded due to COVID precautions; probably will conduct in 2023
260 Minor Equipment	NAS Drive   Rope Rescue Supplies 2 iPads PS vehicles Training Area Equip @PW QRS Equipment	= $1,500   $4,600   = $3,000   $4,750   = $500	No change from last year.  Needed to support cameras for building security project Estimated   No change from last year.  iPads with mounts for Public Safety vehicles Stone pad and shipment container   No change from last year.  For PS1 and PS2
312 Software and License	AdHoc Recommendations PS1.1	$6,500   $2,000	2021 – For Station 2 building assessment professional fee 2021 – For Station 2 Feasibility Study Phase 1 professional fee
321 Communications Expense	Mobile Data ReGroup	+ $500 $7,866	Cost increases LA Alerts software upgrade; used by all depts
421 Training	Training	+ $16,000	Tuition reimbursement request increases, PSO leadership development courses, and CPSE Advanced Technical Writing Certificate program for Captain Wirth.
730 Mach, Equip, & Vehicles	Preemptive device	= $12,500	No change.  Preemptive devices for intersection.

 

411 – LOWER ALLEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Account		Total New Exp, + / –	Justification/Reasoning
260 Minor Equipment	Minor Equipment	+ $2,570.00	Cuts were made ‘20/21 to keep budget in 2.5% growth limit; added some minor equipment back into ‘21/22 budget
312 Services Bureau	Alpine Software	+ $6,700	Additional 12 months maintenance for Alpine Software Used by Fire, Fire Inspectors, and EMS
720 Furniture	Station 2 Fire Gear Lockers	$7,810	Station 2 wall mounted gear lockers (36) Locking boxes for gear lockers both stations (52) Carry-over, item from previous year budget, not purchased
730 Maint, Equip & Vehicles	Alpine Software / CAD System	$36,500	3-year purchase implementation of Alpine RMS Option for better interface with new County CAD system, funds not spent in 2021, project moved to 2022

Mr. Vernau reminded the Board to contact staff if clarification is needed for any of the proposed budget items.

 

ADJOURNMENT

The Budget Meeting of the Board of Commissioners adjourned at 8:19PM.