BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 27, 2014
I. OATH OF OFFICE
Following the swearing in of new Board of Finance members Margaret Bratton, Cathy Durdan, Thomas Gugliotti and James Speich, Town Clerk Ann Dearstyne opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall.
II. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION OF BOARD OF FINANCE CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY
Ms. Dearstyne requested nominations from the Board for this year’s Chairman.
On a motion by Mr. Gugliotti and seconded by James Speich it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance voted to elect Mr. Harrison as the Chairman of the Board of Finance.
Messrs: Harrison, Gugliotti, Hamilton, Speich, Stoll and Mmes: Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
Mr. Harrison moved that the Board nominate and elect a Board Vice Chairman and Secretary.
On a motion by Mr. Harrison and seconded by Mr. Stoll it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance vote to elect Mr. Gugliotti as Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Finance.
Messrs: Harrison, Gugliotti, Hamilton, Speich, Stoll and Mmes: Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
III. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. at the Avon Town Hall by Chairman Thomas Harrison. Members present: Chairman Thomas Harrison, Vice Chairman/Secretary Thomas Gugliotti, Margaret Bratton, Catherine Durdan, Dean Hamilton, James Speich and Brian Stoll. A quorum was present.
IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Thomas Gugliotti.
V. COMMUNICATION FROM THE AUDIENCE
Ms. Zirolli, liaison for the Board of Education reported that according to the December financials the previously reported projected deficit for FY 13/14 of $270,000 is currently forecast to run a projected surplus of $309,431. This has been achieved through careful evaluation and implementation of a mitigation plan.
During the BOE annual reflection session it was proposed that it would benefit the town to hold a joint board meeting with the BOF to have a dialog about the meaning and implementation of PA 13-60. Mr. Harrison thought the meeting would make sense, but he would address it further during the agenda item IX, sec C.
VI. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING:
December 16, 2013 Regular Meeting
Page 1, Sec. III, change “that” to “than” and “compromise” to “comprise”
On a motion made by Mr. Hamilton, seconded by Ms. Durdan, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance approve the minutes of the December 16, 2013 Meeting as amended.
Messrs: Harrison, Hamilton, Speich, Stoll and Mmes: Durdan voted in favor. Mr. Gugliotti and Ms. Bratton abstained.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
13/14-07 Review and Discussion: FY 14/15 Budget Process
Mr. Harrison asked the Board to review the slides used in last year’s budget presentation. He posed the question to be discussed at the next meeting of “Is it time to change the whole format?” He expressed concern for all information generated by the 2013 revaluation be clearly conveyed to the public.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
13/14-12 Update on Revaluation Impact
Harry DerAsadourian reported he will sign off on the new Grand List on Friday with the Town Clerk. A multiyear comparative history labeled Assessed Value of Taxable Property was distributed. He stated that all written appeal forms are due by February 20th, and that to date there has been about 1% who have availed themselves of the appeal process. As forecast, the Grand List overall has declined by 4.79%. After discussion with Board members he had a to-do list of three items that he will have prepared for the next meeting.
13/14-13 Technology Lease/Purchase Approval
In a memo dated January 2, 2014 to Mr. Robertson from John Spang background details and a copy of the lease were provided for approval.
On a motion made by Mr. Gugliotti, seconded by Ms. Bratton, it was voted:
RESOLVED: The Board of Finance approve the Technology Lease/Purchase agreement between the BOE and Dell for the acquisition of computers for $217,000 payable over three years.
Messrs: Harrison, Gugliotti, Hamilton, Speich, Stoll and Mmes: Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
IX. TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT
- Monthly Financial Report Summary
- Details were included in the packet report dated period ended 11/30/13 prepared and reported by Margaret Colligan. The BOE financials for November were included in the packet and a supplement with December financials were distributed.
- Public Act 13-60
- Details were provided in a memo from Michael Markowicz of Murtha Cullina to Mr. Robertson on January 17, 2014. Mr. Stoll would like the definition of non-educational services. Mr. Harrison would like a meeting of all three major boards to determine scoping and framework for compliance with the new law. Mr. Mala stated that he will disaggregate non-educational services by line item within the current proposed budget.
- Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Ms. Colligan stated the report will be reviewed in detail at a later meeting; however she can report that it was on time and came out better than expected. On page 4 it is stated that reserves are at 10.15%, slightly above the Town Council's stated goal.
There was none.
X. OTHER BUSINESS
There was none
XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was none
XII. ADJOURN
On a motion made by Mr. Gugliotti, seconded by Ms. Durdan, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Messrs: Harrison, Gugliotti, Hamilton, Speich, Stoll and Mmes: Bratton and Durdan voted in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Thomas A. Gugliotti, Secretary
Attest: Mary Marinello, Clerk
All referenced material will be available to the public in the Town Clerks office.
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