Town of Somers
January 16, 2008
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Tom Mazzoli called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.. Members present were David Pinney, Bill Meier, Bob Cafarelli, Tim Potrikus and Jim McFeat. Shirley Warner arrived at 7:07
Also attending: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maynard Suffredini and Finance Director Greg Simmons.
II. OPENING REMARKS
Introductions were made. Chairman Mazzoli discussed the different approach this year is to address absolute emergencies first, we should be repairing items on an on-going basis. Chairman Mazzoli asked if there were any emergencies that needed to be addressed. Mr. Potrikus discussed a high jump pit mat for $6,000 is being brought forward for approval tonight and indicated that funds could come from other 07/08 projects with funds available. Motion made by Mr. Potrikus seconded by Shirley Warner to bring the request for the mat to the Board of Finance. The motion carries unanimously.
Chairman Mazzoli reviewed the ranking system in place in prior years. Mr. Meier asked if we can present a report to the Board of Finance with Mr. Simmons help to show the total amount of funds needed for CIP in town and request an increase in the annual appropriation to $750,000. Mr. Potrikus pointed out the challenge to have residents agree to the need but not to the increase in the mil rate. Mr. Meier mentioned that requested items drop off the bottom of the CIP list each year and never return or are revisited. Mr. Pinney agreed and stated that discretionary items like tennis courts are hard to compete with the safety issue items.
III. 2008 MEETING DATES
Motion by Mr. Meier to hold the next two meetings on Thursday January 31, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday February 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. second by Mr. Potrikus. The motion passed unanimously.
IV. EVALUATE CIP PROJECT REQUESTS
Mr. McFeat reviewed the situation with emergency lighting at the elementary school not being in code and the danger that imposes especially if a function is taking place at night. The not to exceed price to repair the system is $10,000 for a new inverter. Chairman Mazzoli asked if there are other items of concern for the Schools, Mr. McFeat said the mowers are okay, and thanked the group for last years support. Dr. Suffredini asked about the phone system and discussion took place regarding replacing or repairing the necessary drives which should be accomplished in the next couple of weeks.
Chairman Mazzoli asked for the Board’s priorities. Mr. Potrikus said computers are the first. The second is the applied engineering program, which comes to $225,000 over four years. The third item is a student data system, which includes scheduling, requirements of No Child Left Behind, grading and attendance. The current system is no longer being supported however they feel they can continue to use the current system for the next fiscal year.
Chairman Mazzoli asked Mr. Cafarelli about the needs for Public Works. Mr. Cafarelli said they continue to replace old machinery that requires too much maintenance as indicated by the items being requested. Mr. Cafarelli indicated that in the future drainage projects around town would need to be evaluated. General consensus of the group is to have a more comprehensive CIP list including building maintenance, roads, drainage, etc.
A general discussion took place on lease versus purchase options and how those are recorded.
Mrs. Warner questioned the terminology used for the Applied Engineer program, and felt that did not convey the scope of the project, which includes knocking down walls. Mr. Potrikus and Dr. Suffredini indicated she is correct, operating costs of the program are not included in this request and will be carried by the Board’s operating budget, this request represents physical changes and equipment needs. The committee agreed and decided to change the terminology to “Applied Engineering Facilities and Equipment.”
Chairman Mazzoli indicated that the Board should proceed with the emergency repair situation regarding the elementary school lighting and the Board of Finance will approve the transfer at their January 28, 2008 regular meeting.
Mr. Meier recommended that the committee find a way to communicate the items we are not able to recommend due to a lack of funding to the residents of Somers.
V. OTHER
Motion to adjourn by Mr. Meier, second by Mr. Potrikus. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gregory Simmons
Recording Secretary