Southampton Committee adopts 2018 budget, approves Hawkin Road speed change and road contracts

The Southampton Township Committee on May 15 adopted its 2018 municipal budget and approved a series of ordinances and road-related contracts during a meeting at the Robert L. Thompson Building.

Auditor Kevin Frenia told the Committee the 2018 general budget local purpose tax "remained flat." He also reported the sewer utility showed a deficit of $9,800 that was covered from the general fund and advised continued monitoring so the sewer utility at minimum covers its costs through user charges, the auditor said.

The Committee approved the introduced 2018 budget (Resolution 2018-41) and later adopted an amended budget (Resolution 2018-42) that reflects the sewer transfer; both measures passed on committee roll-call votes. Earlier in the meeting the Committee approved the April 17, 2018 meeting minutes; Committeeman Mikulski abstained from that minutes vote.

On ordinance business, the Committee adopted Ordinance 2018-5 on second reading to adjust the speed limit on Hawkin Road after there were no public comments. The Committee also held first reading on Ordinance 2018-6, amending Chapter 12 (Land Development) regarding performance and maintenance guarantees; the first-reading motion passed by roll call.

The Committee approved several resolutions including Resolution 2018-48 (adjustments to the Tax Collector's records) and Resolution 2018-49 (authorization to prepare estimated tax bills). It awarded a contract for improvements to Hawkin Road (Resolution 2018-50) and authorized a change order for the 2017 Local Road Program (Resolution 2018-51). The Committee also approved bills for payment by unanimous roll call.

Committee members gave brief reports: Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell summarized seminars and public activities; Committeeman Mikulski thanked colleagues for excusing him for military reserve duty and praised Public Works’ storm cleanup; Committeeman Ronald Heston noted a budget worksession and Mayor James F. Young, Sr. reminded residents about Memorial Day parade logistics and the luncheon.

The meeting recessed into executive session at 9:40 PM to discuss personnel matters related to OEM, shared court services with Lumberton and potential litigation, and returned to the public meeting at 10:03 PM before adjourning at 10:05 PM.

Votes at a glance

- Minutes, April 17, 2018: motion Heston; second Rossell; outcome: approved; roll call 4 yes, 1 abstain (Mikulski). - Resolution 2018-41 (2018 budget introduced): motion Mikulski; second Mikulski; outcome: approved; roll call 5-0. - Resolution 2018-42 (Amended 2018 budget): motion Mikulski; second Mikulski; outcome: approved; roll call 5-0. - Ordinance 2018-5 (Hawkin Road speed limit): second reading adoption; motion Heston; second Rossell; outcome: approved; roll call 5-0. - Ordinance 2018-6 (Chapter 12 land development): first reading; motion Heston; second Raftery; outcome: approved (first reading); roll call 5-0. - Resolution 2018-48 (Tax Collector adjustments): motion Mikulski; second Raftery; outcome: approved; roll call 5-0. - Resolution 2018-49 (Estimated tax bills): motion Rossell; second Raftery; outcome: approved; roll call 5-0. - Resolution 2018-50 (Award contract – Hawkin Road): motion Mikulski; second Raftery; outcome: approved; roll call 5-0. - Resolution 2018-51 (Change order – 2017 Local Road Program): motion Heston; second Raftery; outcome: approved; roll call 5-0.

The Committee’s actions were procedural and budgetary; no ordinance amendments were contested and no public comments were recorded on the budget or the Hawkin Road ordinance.