BUCKS COUNTY CONSORTIUM Thursday, September 3, 2009 Meeting Minutes Call to Order: A meeting of the Bucks County Consortium was held at Warrington Township on September 3, 2009 and called to order by Mr. Tieperman at 10:04 a.m. Roll Call and Introductions: The following Bucks County communities were represented at the meeting: Timothy J. Tieperman, Warrington Twp. Also in attendance: Chuck Barrett, TD Bank Presentation: Amy Sturgis and Rick Schuettler (PLCM) gave a comprehensive update on the status of the County-wide optional sales tax initiative, a status report on the budget impasse, and updated members on the pension legislation in Harrisburg. The Coalition brought the County-wide sales tax legislation to the Governor, who spoke about it in his budget address over the summer. It went to the House as a bill that would give 50% of the money to the County, 40% to municipalities who supported the levy, and 10% reserved for collaborative projects to encourage sharing of services. It transformed into House Bill #1858 which would result in a 50/50 share with the school districts- 50% to school districts, 25% to Counties and 25% to municipalities. This bill is currently sitting in House Appropriations. The Coalition is working with the Senate to try to get a better bill. The Coalition is asking for a 30 year amortization for pension losses, and there is currently pension recovery legislation that passed the House. In the Senate, they combined the County sales tax and pension legislation. There is still a budget impasse, and it is not expected to get anywhere before the Labor Day holiday weekend. Community Updates Bob Pellegrino from Northampton Township gave an update on the status of the NPDES Regulations. He attended a meeting in Harrisburg with the Consortium’s consultant Steve Hann to express concerns about the legislation. The regulation changes have been suspended for a year. Brian Jeter with Comcast gave an update to the group about the transition to digital. If municipalities get questions from customers, they can be forwarded to Mr. Jeter. Other Business Gail Weniger with Warwick Township let the members know that PA Conservation Works! Grant applications should be through the review process soon and applicants should expect to hear award notifications in the upcoming weeks. Adjournment Mr. Pellegrino made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 a.m. This motion was seconded by Mr. Cjazkowski. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, ___________________ |