Efrat Rosser

The board meeting covered several key topics, including the approval of 2021 meeting dates; a donation of $325,000 to New Hope Family Shelter; approval of a Quit Claim Deed Resolution to transfer property to the Monroe Fire District; and the requirement for elected officials to certify that no employees or contractors are related to them. A significant discussion centered around recent homeless evictions in Seminary Square, leading to a motion to create a resolution addressing the situation and to seek support from the Monroe County Trustees Association (MCTA) for its presentation. Finally, reports were given on food pantry hours, remote work arrangements for office staff, the financial settlement with Washington Township, and 2021 Local Income Tax (LIT) distribution amounts.

The board meeting covered the approval of the 2022 budget and salary resolution. Discussion also included the 2021 Community Service Grants, totaling $47,000, which had already been partially disbursed to several organizations. A report was given on a tour of New Hope's new facility.

The board meeting covered updates on the sale of the Fountain Drive property, which closed on October 14, resulting in a payment of $339,801.25 to the Township. A presentation was given by New Hope Family Shelter regarding their capital campaign for expansion, which would increase shelter capacity from seven to twelve families and child care capacity from sixteen to forty-eight children. A motion to donate $325,000 to New Hope failed for lack of a second. Proposed meeting dates for 2021 were reviewed and will be approved at the December meeting.

The board meeting covered the 2021 budget, with minor increases to housing and utility lines in the direct assistance fund. A public hearing addressed an additional appropriation of $46,908 from 2020 Public Safety LIT funds. Reports included an accepted offer for the Fountain Drive property with closing scheduled for October 9, 2020, and the sale of Engine 53 to Washington Township. A discussion on the downward trend in food pantry patrons since the health emergency was also held.

The board meeting covered key topics including the election of a new board secretary, a Rainy Day Fund transfer to make funds more accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a 2021 budget workshop which included discussions on salary increases and the impact of the economic downturn. Reports included updates on the sale of the Fountain Drive property and a COVID-19 grant. A discussion also took place regarding a disbursement to New Pig, a vendor providing supplies for hazardous material incident responses.