BOARD OF FINANCE
SPECIAL MEETING
The special
meeting was called to order by Chairman James Persano at 7:05 p.m. Present were: Thomas Mazzoli, James Persano, Michael Parker, Marilyn Pronovost and
George Warner. Also attending:
Treasurer Edward Sullivan and First Selectman David Pinney.
The bans are set at 3.57% and were effective as of February 1, 2007. Bonds will be issued on August 1, 2007 for the Library expansion.
The public
hearing on the Board of Education budget is scheduled for March 5, 2007, and
the Board is meeting this evening to adopt the proposed budget to present at
that hearing. Energy has recently become a concern because of the cold weather,
and they have had a number of oil deliveries, but in all other aspects, things
appear to be on target.
Tax Collector
Donna Doyker has submitted the suspense list for approval. Many of the names on the list have been
submitted to a collection agency, but little or nothing has been collected.
A motion was
made by George Warner, seconded by Tom Mazzoli and unanimously approved to
accept the Tax Collector’s suspension list in the total amount of
$6,514.54.
V.
CORRESPONDENCE - No correspondence was presented.
Mr. Pinney introduced Joe Tulisano, Director of Emergency Management. The Selectmen have been meeting with the Civil Preparedness Advisory Council regarding preparing for emergency services for the town, considering necessary equipment and technology. They hope to be able to fund a large portion of the required items through the Homeland Security Grant. Expenses will need to presented as part of the annual budget.
Board of Finance Minutes
Special Meeting – February 12, 2007
Page 2 of 4
In further consideration of emergency services, thought is being given to establishing adequate shelter. The old high school is more practical than the new high school, but capacity issues are a concern. The best option appears to be getting generator power for the high school. It is expected that the cost will be figured in as part of the budget. The fire marshal has roughed out the fees involved and, depending upon how much power is ultimately needed, the cost will run between 40,000 and 80,000.00, with a $100,000.00 installation cost. They are considering a reasonable appropriation from CIP of $50,000.00 with help from the Homeland Security Grant as well.
Regarding the budget, most departments have submitted their proposals to the selectmen and the treasurer’s office for review. The selectmen have met with many of the departments and Mr. Pinney reported that for the most part things have been status quo at 4.1%.
Mr. Pinney added that there will also be a need to establish plans for a new Treasurer/Director of Finance now that the town will be appointing someone to hold that position. The Selectmen are exploring options and will keep the Board of Finance informed.
The Selectmen are also exploring options regarding the pending need for a new Director of Public Works.
Mr. Sullivan briefly discussed the seven-year plan that had been sent out to the Board Members. He reported that Governor Rell has presented an increase in education funds, and the net benefit to the town will be approximately $500,000.00 when cuts to other grants are factored in.
He reported that the Grand List has not been growing at the same rate that it was in the past, and actually dropped in 07-08.
VIII. MINUTES APPROVAL – This item was deferred.
IX. MINUTES CORRECTIONS - There were no corrections.
A motion was
made by Marilyn Pronovost, seconded by Tom Mazzoli and unanimously voted to
approve the following bills, transfers and appropriations and to recommend that
the Board of Selectmen take the school construction items to Town Meeting for
approval:
Board of Finance Minutes
Special Meeting – February 12, 2007
Page 3 of 4
From the Board
of Education a transfer in the amount of $18,766.00 from Acct. No. 68-10-990.1
(Capital Reserve) to Acct. 68-10-486.2 (BOE-Hustler Mower).
From the Police
Department a reimbursement appropriation of $50.00 to Acct. 20-17-520.1
(Equipment/Supplies).
From the Fire
Department a reimbursement appropriation of $50.00 to Acct. 20-16-530.5 (New
Equipment) and a reimbursement appropriation of $50.00 to Acct. 41-24-530.5
(New Equipment).
From the Public
Works Department a reimbursement of $2,610.40 to Acct. 30-18-553.1 (Road
Maintenance).
From Recreation
a reimbursement appropriation of $7,000.00 to Acct. 68-10-765.4 (Field 4
Improvements).
From Recreation
a reimbursement appropriation of $16,000.00 to Acct. 68-10-765.4 (Field 4
Improvements).
From Recreation
a transfer of $2,386.96 from Acct. 90-98-770.3 (Summer Camp Self Support) to
Acct. 90-98-508.8 (Summer Camp Payroll) and $425.55 from Acct. 90-98-770.1
(Recreation Self Support) to Acct. 90-98-770.3 (Summer Camp Self Support).
From School
Construction a transfer of $76,866.05 from Acct. 10-50-102.0 (High School
Contingency) to Acct. 10-52-411.0 (BOF School Contingency) and $46,029.74 from
Acct. 10-52-202.0 (Elementary Contingency) to Acct. 10-52-411.0 (BOF School
Contingency).
From the Board
of Selectmen a transfer of $1,700.00 from Acct. 10-10-509.1 (Temporary
Salaries) to Acct. 51-30-508.2 (Meals on Wheels Coordinator).
From the
Transfer Station a transfer of $1,200.00 from Acct. 30-34-588.1 (Recycling) to
Acct. 30-34-589.6 (Landfill Maintenance/Operation).
From the Transfer Station a transfer of $2,000.00 from Acct. 10-10-531.1 (Capital Building Maintenance) to Acct. 30-34-589.1 (Transfer Operating).
From the Fire Department transfers of $1,000.00 from Acct. 20-16-584.1 (Foam) to Acct. 20-16-531.1 (Building Maintenance) and $1,000.00 from Acct. 20-16-563.1 (Pagers) to Acct. 20-16-531.1 (Building Maintenance).
Board of Finance Minutes
Special Meeting – February 12, 2007
Page 4 of 4
From the Fire Marshal transfers of $50.00 from Acct. 20-10-534.2 (NFPA Membership/Dues) to Acct. 10-16-534.1 (Membership/Dues) and $3,000.00 from Acct. 20-10-501.3 (FM Salary) to Acct. 20-10-502.3 (Fire Investigation).
From the Selectmen a reimbursement appropriation of $5,000.00 to Acct. 10-10-518.1 (Economic Development).
From the Planning Commission transfers of $150.00 from Acct. 10-25-548.1 (Publications to Acct. 10-25-534.1 (Dues & Seminars) and $50.00 from Acct. 10-25-521.1 (Copier) to Acct. 10-25-534.1 (Dues & Seminars).
The following
bills, transfers and appropriations were not approved:
From Capital
Equipment a transfer in the amount of $5,000.00 from Acct. 68-10-990.1 (Reserve
Capital) to Acct. 68-10-633.7 (Dog Warden Vehicle).
From the Library
Project an additional appropriation of $7,000.00 to Acct. 69-10-161.0 (Library
Preliminary).
From Capital
Equipment a transfer of $2,509.00 from Acct. 68-10-990.1 (Reserve Capital) to
Acct. 68-10-382.2 (FD Hydraulic Tools).
From School
Construction a transfer of $29,283.95 from Acct. 10-52-411.0 (BOF School
Contingency) to Acct. 10-52-301.0 (MBA Construction).
It was the
consensus of the Board to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Timmons, Recording Secretary
MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVAL AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING.