BOARD OF FINANCE
MINUTES
November 28, 2005
I. CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Tom Harrison Present were members Cathy Durdan, Tom Gugliotti, Bill Hooper, Jim Speich and Mark Zacchio. Michael Monts was absent.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – led by Mark Zacchio
III. COMMUNICATION FROM AUDIENCE – None.
IV. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING: September 26, 2005.
On a motion made by Mr. Gugliotti seconded by Mr. Hooper, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance approve the minutes of the July 25th meeting, as submitted.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Zacchio and Ms. Durdan voted in favor.
V. OLD BUSINESS
05/06-01 – Review and Discuss: 06/07 Budget Process. Mr. Harrison introduced the topic by reviewing what we are trying to establish in regard to setting guidelines on spending limitations. He reported we had talked about setting those guidelines tonight so that they will be in place as we go into the budget process. He referred to information that has been submitted to us to help us develop guidelines that we can submit to the Town Council and the Board of Education. He reported the guidelines we set last year was 5.5% spending increase for the Board of Education and 4.5% spending increase for the Town, which resulted in an overall tax increase of 2.98%. That passed, as did the Referendum on the High School which was for
a considerable sum of money. The Town Manager reported we are estimating a Grand List growth of 2.25% for a dollar increase of $47,966,940 which means an additional $1,159,606 in actual revenue. He indicated there will be no changes in non-tax revenues. Currently our General Fund Balance is estimated at $3,679,779, an increase of $774,343 which produces a total General Fund Balance of 6.8%. He also noted there could be an unanticipated expenditure for electronic Voting Machines in the amount of $200,000. Other possible Capital Budget items could include a new roof for Roaring Brook School for $750,000. The Library would like to go ahead with their expansion. He hasn’t yet seen the Fire Department Capital Budget – they will have a meeting with the Town Council this week. There is a need for a new phone service at the Middle School and the Middle School also needs a new Fire Alarm System as the old system has had recent
minor failures. The renovations and additions to the High School are currently being reviewed for a second estimate, as the initial figures seem to be coming in above original estimates.
The Board discussed numbers for the increase in spending. A 5.0% increase would develop a tax increase in the area of 3%. The 5.0% for the Town could also include the Capital Improvement Plan which would give the Town Council more discretion to consider Capital items that may not be judged on their own merit. Mr. Gugliotti reported he would like to see some sort of reward system – if spending is maintained below the level we set for a guideline, could there be some sort of reward for this. This concept was discussed, but no decision was made at this time. Mr. Harrison canvassed the members of the Board regarding their feelings, and all agreed that 5.0% and 5.0% limitations would be acceptable. John Carlson, member of the Town Council attended the meeting. Margaret
Bratton, newly elected member of the Board of Finance who will have to work with tonight’s decisions by the Board was also asked if she had any comments or questions. Ms. Bratton basically agreed with the plan and is looking forward to working with this group.
On a motion made by Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mr. Hooper, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance recommends a guideline not to exceed 5.0% in spending increases over the current budgets for both the Town Council and the Board of Education.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Zacchio and Ms. Durdan voted in favor.
05/06-09 – Supplemental Appropriation: $31,266 – The Town has received a check in the amount of $31,225.56 under the DUI Enforcement Vehicle Program. The Police Chief has requested this money be transferred to Patrol Services, Vehicles.
On a motion made by Mr. Zacchio, seconded by Mr. Hooper, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance hereby amends the FY 04/05 budget by increasing REVENUES, General Fund, Intergovernmental, DUI Enf. Veh. Fed 05-164-AL, ST 0185-6537, Account #01-0330-43320 in the amount of $31,226 and increasing APPROPRIATIONS, General Fund, Patrol Services, Vehicles, Account #01-2107-53311 in the amount of $31,226 for the purpose of recording receipt of a federal grant to purchase the DUI Enforcement Vehicle.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Zacchio and Ms. Durdan voted in favor.
05/06-10 – Supplemental Appropriation: $53,305 FEMA Reimbursement.
The Town has received a check in the amount of $53,304.64 for the January 22-23, 2005 storm. Mr. Williams is requesting this money be released to Buildings & Grounds, Overtime.
On a motion made by Mr. Speich, seconded by Ms. Durdan, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance hereby amends the FY 04/05 Budget by increasing REVENUES, General Fund, Intergovernmental FEMA Reimbursement, Account #01-0330-43313 in the amount of $53,305, and increasing APPROPRIATIONS, General Fund, Building & Grounds, Overtime, Account #01-3401-51915 in the amount of $53,305 for the purpose of recording additional revenues received as reimbursement from FEMA for exceptional winter storm costs.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Zacchio and Ms. Durdan voted in favor.
05/06-11 – Supplemental Appropriation: $10,000, Towpath School Oil Tank Removal. This is the first step in planning for the demolition of Towpath School. Although the building will still be in use until June, the DEP has issued a warning that all underground tanks in excess of 2100 gallons be removed or we will face a penalty. The Town Council has authorized the removal of the tank in order to meet the DEP mandate and to begin the demolition process on the Towpath School Building. The estimated cost for the removal of the old tank and installation of the temporary tank to service the Farmington Valley Health District is $10,000, which has been approved by the Town Council. The Town Manager reported we are looking at this as the
first step in the demolition process and the creation of Open Space in its place.
Mr. Gugliotti asked if we can sell anything to citizens as mementos of the building. The Town Manager reported the Town Council would like to take bids for parts of the building that would be of interest to the residents.
The Town Manager certified there are sufficient Reserved Fund Balance resources to finance $10,000 for the removal and installation of a boiler at Towpath School.
On a motion made by Mr. Gugliotti, seconded by Mr. Zacchio, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance hereby appropriates a sum not to exceed $10,000 from Account #02-0390-43923, Capital Projects Fund (Facil & Equip), Other Financing Sources, Fund Bal. Res. Land Acq./Pres. to Account #02-4848-53052, Capital Projects Fund (Facil & Equip), Town CIP-Facil/Land Acquisition Preservation, Towpath School Demolition Project for the purose of oil tank removal and replacement at Towpath School to meet the Connecticut DEP mandate.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Zacchio and Ms. Durdan voted in favor.
VII. MISCELLANEOUS – The Town Manager reported that the Town has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Budget Award for the 19th consecutive year. He reported the others are mounted on the wall in the Avon Room. The Board thanked Ms. Colligan and her staff for a fine job well done.
VIII. OTHER BUSINESS – None.
IX. ADJOURN
On a motion made by Mr. Gugliotti, seconded by Mr. Hooper, it was voted:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Finance adjourn at 8:45.
Messrs. Harrison, Gugliotti, Hooper, Speich, Zacchio and Ms. Durdan voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas A. Gugliotti, Secretary
Attest: Elinor Burns, Clerk
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