The workshop was called to order by President Nader at 7:05 p.m. and adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Councilmembers Thomas Nader, Michael Glagola, Theresa Rusas, Elizabeth Heer, James Kovach, Richard Kostin, and Kevin Ziegler
Others Present Arthur Shufflebarger, Village Manager, Becky Jacques, Treasurer/Financial Director; Jessica Cronenwett, Huron Valley Youth Assistance (HVYA); Lea Ohmer, Huron Valley Council for the Arts (HVCA)
Huron Valley Youth Assistance
Ms. Cronenwett provided Council with 2008 statistics and updated them on the 2009 statistics to date. She announced that HVYA has moved to the Apollo Center. She stated a majority of their cases are referred by the schools and police liaisons from the schools. HVYA is in need of more volunteer mentors. Ms. Cronenwett thanked Council for their support in the past through sponsorship and CDBG monies.
There were no changes made to the HVYA proposed budget at this time.
Huron Valley Council for the Arts
Ms. Ohmer reviewed HVCA’s programs for Council. She stated only 10 percent of their funding is used administratively, with 90 percent going to the community. She thanked Council for any support they would give.
Mr. Shufflebarger stated funding was budgeted for this year and next, but at this time nothing was forecasted for future years.
There were no changes to the proposed HVCA budget proposal at this time
With the full Council present, Ms. Jacques reiterated information from previous meetings regarding the five year projection, specifically SEMCOG’s projected 20% decrease in tax revenue over the next three years, funding for refuse collection, Police Dept., Major and Local roads, and Water and Sewer rates.
Council asked if the refuse collection contract could be renegotiated, or if there was a penalty if the contract was cancelled.
No significant budget changes or requests for Legislative, Manager and Elections budgets.
Treasurer
Ms. Jacques stated there was a slight increase in the departments’ wages. This was to cover increased hours for the part-time employee during the Deputy Treasurer’s maternity leave. She commented that even though she likes the history Plante Moran has with the Village, she is considering bidding out the Audit.
Information Technology
Ms. Jacques stated that updates are needed for the BS&A software. She will be spreading the installation and education/training over three fiscal years. Capital outlay expenses are for replacement of a computer and the file server. She stated the file server needs replaced because it has reached storage capacity. Council questioned whether equipment could be leased, or if on-line storage was an option.
Ordinance Enforcement
Ms. Jacques stated the two enforcement officers each worked 24 hours a week, including weekends. They have taken on the task of facilitating sidewalk repairs and issuing notices. There is a uniform allowance included in the budget. The capital outlay is one-half the cost to buy an old police car.
Landfill
Mr. Shufflebarger had hoped attorney fees regarding the landfill would decrease as the Village has met the original conditions agreed to with the MDEQ. This included installing and connecting new water main to the affected homes and conducting on-going water monitoring. He is to meet with MDEQ next week to find out if anything else will be required of the Village. There is still no guarantee that the Village won’t have to contribute to the cost of capping the landfill.
General Administration
Ms. Frazer stated she hoped to find ways to reduce the telephone and office supplies budgets. Mr. Shufflebarger stated there is money budgeted in contract services for maintenance of the storm water program.
The HVCA and HVYA contracts were covered under Community Relations. Otherwise, no significant changes or requests.
Community Development Block Grant
Mr. Shufflebarger stated the sidewalk line item will be a two-year accumulation and will be used to make the handicap sidewalk ramps ADA compliant. The Village will be doing an inventory of sidewalk ramps that need to be updated and generating a plan for improvements.
Transfers to Other Funds
Transfers are to the Retiree Health Care Fund and Major and Local streets.
General Fund Debt
The Debt covers the purchase of Hubble Pond Park and a dump truck.
Retiree Health Care Fund
Ms Jacques stated the increase in this fund was a result of the actuary report and recommendations.
Mr. Shufflebarger summarized areas of concern for Council to consider. This included possible restoration of the Refuse or General Fund millages.
He stated the Council could consider addressing street maintenance as a separate millage, recommending a half mil for five to ten years. This would cover crack sealing and patching of streets, and possibly small repairs, and would also relieve the General Fund.
Combining the Village and Township Parks & Recreation Commission into a P&R Authority with a Township wide millage was discussed. This would give the Village relief in maintaining all the Parks.
Mr. Shufflebarger will report to Council on the dead-line for language to be placed on the September ballot. | 
