TOWN OF COLCHESTER
BOARD OF FINANCE – REGULAR MEETING
TOWN HALL
127 NORWICH AVENUE
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 – 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bruce Hayn, John Ringo, Cathy Pompei, Rob Tarlov, Mike Caplet
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rob Esteve
OTHERS PRESENT: Rosemary Coyle, Board of Selectman; Gregg LePage, Treasurer; Maggie Cosgrove, CFO; Tricia Coblentz, Tax Collector; Gregg Schuster, First Selectman
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hayn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 3, 3010 MEETING MINUTES: J. Ringo motioned to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2010 meeting amending 9.1, second bullet, to reflect that the motion was contingent on Board of Selectman approval. Motion seconded by R. Tarlov. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
3. CITIZENS COMMENTS: None
4. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
5. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
5.1 Finance Department: M. Cosgrove distributed expenditure and revenue reports through January 31, 2010 as well as a General Fund Revenue Comparison report for fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2008-2009.
Legal expenses continue to be a concern. First Selectman Schuster once again emphasized that the majority of the legal fees has been from one Planning and Zoning issue.
5.2 Tax Collector: T. Coblentz distributed reports showing the collections for the month of January 2010 and delinquencies to date.
6. FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT
6.1 Selectman’s Agenda:
6.1.1 Transfer Requests: None
6.1.2 First Selectman’s Update: The budget First Selectman Schuster will be proposing will reflect a 3% increase. Due to the fact that a large portion of the budget will be for road repairs he feels it would be appropriate for Mark Decker to come speak to the Board.
The purposed budget will include layoffs. How many or what positions is yet to be determined. Employees have been informed that this will be the recommendation to the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance. Chairman Hayn said that his fear is that without layoffs on both the Town and School sides it will not pass because many tax payers have been laid off from their jobs.
Budget discussion included the possible elimination of the grant funded fire fighters. The termination of these positions would require a payback of the used portion of grant funds providing little to no savings this year but substantial savings in future years. C. Pompei commented on the increasing average age of the fire fighters and the need for younger members. She is concerned about recruitment without any incentive. Chairman Hayn said a lot had not previously been done to recruit volunteers. He is, however, concerned over the situation of the department, public safety wise.
M. Caplet questioned the status of the Fire Department strategic plan and tax incentive for fire fighters. It is believed that neither was acted upon.
7. CORRESPONDENCE: None
8. LIAISON REPORT:
Cathy Pompei -
Fire Department:
The State has agreed to a way in which to fix the well issue at the Westchester fire house. The problem can be resolved a t a cost of approximately $3,000, which can be found within the current budget.
Rob Tarlov -
Sewer and Water:
A meeting on rates was held. Several citizens, unhappy with the rate increase, attended. Colchester’s percentage of use has increased more than East Hampton accounting for the increase in the sewer cost. A. Turner and M. Decker continue to work on the RFQs for and federal funding for the extension of sewer and water.
Library:
The proposed Library budget looks promising.
9. OLD BUSINESS: None
10. NEW BUSINESS: A forum to discuss the Town side on March 10, 2010. M. Caplet volunteered to organize a survey, similar to last year’s, designed to gain knowledge of areas that have public support.
11. ADJOURNMENT: M. Caplet motioned to adjourn, seconded by J. Ringo. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
Chairman Hayn adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Dawn LePage, Clerk
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