Advisory Committee Present: Terry Abdalian
November 5, 2013 Randy Dinjian
Bob Czekanski
Connie Benjamin
Brad Cote
Julie Costello, Town Accountant
The Advisory Committee met at the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.
MEET WITH CHIEF MENTZER TO DISCUSS FIRE PONDS AND FIRE ENGINE
Mr. Jack Holbrook, who is responsible for maintenance of Bolton fire ponds, joined Chief Mentzer for the fire pond discussion. Due to the high cost of the Berlin Road pond (approximately $25,000) for which a transfer request is being made, no other fire pond maintenance projects will be initiated during FY2014. There are seven additional ponds that need to be cleaned at costs ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 each for at total of approximately $120,000. They will be addressed in future budgets.
The Advisory Committee discussed the Fire Department’s proposed purchase of a fire engine in fiscal 2015 at a cost of $525,000 to $560,000. The department did not receive the grant that they applied for in 2013 and Chief Mentzer believed that Bolton would not qualify for any future grants. The department believes the apparatus purchase is necessary because it would add an all-wheel drive vehicle, replace a vehicle that is over 30-years old, and be the primary vehicle to emergencies. The Advisory Committee requested that the Fire Department provide more information on the need for an additional apparatus; e.g., cost analysis, equipment in other nearby towns, reasons for the need.
TRANSFER REQUEST
Water Holes: On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Dinjian , the Advisory Committee voted to approve a transfer request in the amount of $6,290.91 to the Water Holes Account (220-5780) for maintenance and improvement work to the Berlin Road fire pond. (Abdalian - yes , Dinjian – Yes , Czekanski –Yes , Benjamin – Yes , Cote – Yes )
DISCUSSION WITH CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE REGARDING THE FY2015 BUDGET
Mike Gorr and Mike Guerin met with the Advisory Committee to discuss upcoming capital needs. It was agreed that the Capital Planning Committee would attend a meeting early in January to review FY2015 capital requests.
REVIEW OF FREE CASH POSITION WITH JULIE COSTELLO
Ms. Costello reviewed the make-up of Free Cash with the Advisory Committee. The certified Free Cash amount as of July 1, 2013 is $1,288,354.
REVIEW FINANCE TEAM MEETING BUDGET WORKSHEETS AND FY2015 BUDGET MESSAGE
The budget message being delivered to departments is for level funding. Completed budgets are expected to be delivered to the Advisory Committee on December 19, 2014.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE BUSINESS
Advisory Liaisons: Committee members volunteered to be liaisons to all departments and committees in order to help them through the budget process.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule: The Committee reviewed the FY2015 meeting schedule. Linda Day, Town Secretary, will confirm dates with the departments and committees.
Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEBs): Bolton’s annual required contribution (ARC) as determined by Milliman Actuarial Consultants using the Alternative Measurement Method in accordance with GASB 45 and GASB 43 is $183,031. During the FY2015 budget process, the Advisory Committee will consider whether all, part, or none of this contribution should be made. The ARC does not have to be paid each year; it does need to be disclosed annually in the Town’s financial statements.
On a motion made by Czekanski and seconded by Benjamin the Advisory Committee voted to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. (Abdalian - yes , Dinjian – yes , Czekanski – yes , Benjamin – yes , Cote –yes )
Respectfully submitted by Terry Abdalian .
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