A Budget Work Session of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA at 9:00 AM in Meeting Room B. Supervisors Anthony F. Greco, William L. McKernan III, and Brian W. Young were present. Assistant Township Manager / Township Engineer Roman M. Pronczak, Director of Finance M. Elizabeth McBride, Police Chief Mark A. Smith, Director of Public Works Ronald J. Cione, Code Enforcement Officer Michael E. McAndrew, Fire Marshal David M. Camarda, Parks and Recreation Director Kurt W. Baker, and Assistant Finance Director Andi Gallagher were also present. Chairman Leigh P. Narducci, Supervisor Joseph J. Palmer, and Township Manager Phyllis C. Lieberman were absent.

Ms. McBride distributed an explanation from Berkheimer regarding projected revenues from the EMT/ LST tax. She also informed the Supervisors that it may be beneficial to consider a DROP program for non-uniformed employees as way to prepare for employees' retirement and as a cost saving measure. Mr. McKernan suggested that year -end expenditure projections should be scrutinized because if they are overestimated the projected year-end cash balance will be artificially low. A concern was raised that the Township should try to recoup legal expenses from litigation and enforcement matters where the courts determine that the Township's actions were appropriate.

Ms. McBride and Mr. Camarda reviewed the computer replacement program, indicating that servers are typically replaced on a five-year cycle and PCs and laptops are on a four year cycle. Mr. Pronczak reviewed the budget request for Planning/Engineering and indicated that there is approximately a $15,000 reduction from the previous year's budget. Mr. Cione then discussed the building maintenance costs and indicated that by performing these services with Township forces, as opposed to contractual service, the security concerns that previously existed have been resolved. He added that the quality of work has also improved. The Supervisors asked Chief Smith whether the proposed legislation which would allow local police departments to use radar for speed enforcement would significantly impact the budget. Chief Smith indicated that the legislation only allows a municipality to retain fines in an amount not to exceed expenses associated with speed enforcement; any excess funds must be turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Regarding the Public Works Department budget, it was noted that the increase in the health insurance account (430-1510) seemed high when compared to the year-end projections for the current year. It was also noted that many of the accounts in this department are impacted by increased fuel costs and higher construction material costs. The Supervisors asked whether more could be done with contractual services in the area of parks maintenance to reduce expenses. Mr. Cione indicated that he already uses some contractual services for this purpose. He added that he also relies heavily on seasonal employees who do not receive benefits.

The Supervisors indicated that programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department needed to be tied to revenues and expenses. The Supervisors added that certain programs such as the sale of discount tickets or the Harvest Festival should be self sufficient or eliminated. The Supervisors also felt that the business community should be more involved in community events, which in turn could generate more revenues and cover the costs of programs or events. The possibility of sponsorship or advertising on township fields was also discussed. Mr. Baker indicated that when Wentz Run Park was being built, the Board made a policy decision not to allow advertising; however, this is a policy that can be changed by the Board at any time. The possibility of turning the concession stand over to a private operator or to the organizations that utilize the fields was also discussed.

Contributions to various service organizations were also discussed and it was decided that the annual contribution to the WRA should remain. The Supervisors felt that this organization provides a tremendous service to the community, which the Township could not provide for the same cost as the contribution.

Ms. McBride also presented a summary of 5 year projections and introduced the capital budget. Mr. Cione reviewed the truck replacement schedule for the Public Works Department and mentioned that he is looking at replacing some of the larger dump trucks with smaller vehicles to reduce costs. The Supervisors requested that a debt service schedule be provided that the next budget meeting.

At approximately 11:00 AM, the Budget Work session was adjourned.

Roman M. Pronczak, P.E. 
Whitpain Township Engineer/ Assistant Township Manager

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