CLERMONT TOWN BOARD
PARK/BUDGET WORKSHOP
OCTOBER 21, 2013
The Clermont Town Board held a special meeting on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town Hall to discuss long range plans for the park and budget. Those present were Supervisor Raymond Staats, Councilman Edward Kahle, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilwoman Nancy Moore and Councilman Evan Hempel. Others present were Mary Howard, Kris Gildersleeve and Dawn Brownson.
BUDGET:
The Supervisor handed out fund balance analysis sheets for the General Fund and Highway Fund. There was discussion on donations for the park that have been received in the past and those funds should be in the Parkland Reserve fund.
Bob suggested getting a list together of who has donated to the park so that when we do have a dedication we have all those who have donated. Also, he would like to specifically put a name to a particular purchase by putting signs on the equipment, etc.
The Supervisor has received the third quarter sales tax in the amount of $86, 555.83.
We budgeted to receive $300,000.00 and will need to receive about $64,000.00 to hit this mark. He feels comfortable with what we have in the budget for 2014 sales tax revenues, so does not think we need to adjust it. The mortgage tax came in higher this year than was budgeted by about $17,000.00. Councilman Desmond suggested putting more in the Highway Capital Equipment Reserve fund. Supervisor Staats said that at the end of the year, if we have received more revenues we could put an additional $5000.00 in the Highway Reserve. Councilman Desmond asked if we could roll any Highway fund balance into the equipment reserve. Supervisor Staats would rather leave the highway fund balance as is. We are putting $35,000.00 in the budget this year for the Capital Equipment Reserve. The Mortgage Tax Revenue A-3005 was increased by $5,000.00 and the Transfer to Capital Reserve A-9950.9 in the Highway Fund was increased by $5000.00. There is no effect to the amount to be raised by taxes.
It was also discussed about the Germantown VFW and whether or not they are still in operation. At one time, a donation of $500.00 was given, but they had told us that they lost their charter. They may have their charter back and if they let us know, we can make the donation at that time.
The preliminary budget figures are as follows:
Appropriations $604,299.00
Less Revenues $439,119.00
Less Unexpended Balance $ 60,600.00
Amt.to be Raised by Taxes $104,580.00
PARK: We were awarded the grant from the Hover Foundation, but have not yet received the check. The foundation has asked that if the funds are not used in the next year or not used for the purpose, that it be returned.
Councilman Desmond addressed his long range plan for the park. He has suggested two swing sets, for separate age groups, with a rubberized tile fall surface. The largest expense would be for a 42 x 36-foot area fall surface for $15,000.00 with a 15-year warranty. There are other fall surfaces, such as, a wood chip substance, pea gravel or rubber mulch. He sees problems with these because they would require more maintenance and additions of materials over a shorter time. Councilman Hempel would like to use the pea gravel, unless we get donations for the other. Councilman Kahle said we could save now by using mulch and when the donations start get the other surface.
Another suggestion by Councilman Desmond was to put a sign on the donated items, they could be memorials, individuals or business donations. There is a 24 x 60" sign which costs about $800 installed with pole and frame. Councilman Desmond would like to install the first rubberized tile fall surface to show people and hopefully get donations for two additional playground fall surfaces. Funds can be used from the Recreation fund or the Con Ed fund.
Supervisor Staats thinks we should have something for the families while they are at the games and he would like to see more for less, but wants it to be safe for the children.
Mary Howard thinks that if the swing set has four swings, it must be handicapped accessible. This has to be looked into further. She also said that one study in Illinois, did say that although the cost of the tile fall surface is more initially, over the lifetime, it is probably cost effective. Also, that the maintenance would be less.
Supervisor Staats would like to see benches or picnic tables and a split rail fence to separate the parking lot from the playground. There was discussion on what kind of tables or benches to get.
For the next meeting we should have prices for the different falls surfaces, fencing, benches or picnic tables and put together a plan for what has been discussed.
Mary Howard has been searching for grants for parks, but there are no state grants that apply. She did suggest having a not for profit organization apply for a grant for the town and they would then turn it over to the town less administrative fees. This would have to be reviewed by the town attorney.
Another way that Mary suggested for funds would be to put it on social media which would be shared with friends, family, such as Facebook.
Iroquois Pipeline has a November 1st deadline for grants for municipalities, she will try to get a grant in by the deadline.
The next meeting will be Monday, November 25th at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Helen Shannon, RMC
Town Clerk