Town of East Windsor
Capital Improvement Planning Committee
Minutes September 18, 2007
1
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Mr. Filipone called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall.
II. QUORUM
All Members Present:
Edward Filipone
Edward Farrell
Gilbert Hayes
Dale Nelson
Gary Guiliano
Len Norton
Noreen Farmer
Mary Szabo – Town Treasurer
Also present:
Chrissy Rocco Caruolo – Webster Bank Representative
III. PREVIOUS MINUTES – None
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None
V. NEW BUSINESS
a. Elect Chairman
MOTION: To appoint Ed Filipone as Chairman of the Capital Improvement Planning Committee .
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Farrell
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
b. Review and discuss the Capital Improvement plan for fiscal year ending 2009-2013 (years corrected – agenda incorrect dates)
Chrissy Caruolo from Webster Bank introduced herself as Terry Larson’s replacement and provided a brief overview of her work experience. The Committee members introduced themselves. Mr. Filipone indicated the agencies and department heads are requested to have their CIP requests in by October 1. Ms. Caruolo went through the entire CIP book and explained the book in its entirety. She reminded the Committee of the serial notes existing for 1.32 million which include a fire truck, jet vac truck and boiler for the high school. This debt was issued last year. She explained how bonds work. It was inquired if other towns transfer the WPCA funds too. Currently the Town transfers monies into the general fund to balance the budget. The Town uses this money to recoup monies spent
for the WPCA plant. The Treasurer indicated this money pays for debt incurred in the past and the money is collected by the Tax Collector through facility connection charges. Mr. Filipone was expressing the concept of dedicating the facility connection charges to future sewer projects – this can happen through town meeting. When E.W. expanded the sewer treatment plant the connection charges, collected through the tax collector, offset the bond for that project, which is not paid off. This is not a pool for WPCA improvements, it is actually repaying taxpayer money. The WPCA operates off the sewer user fees – they increased the fees because they want to increase their budget. They use the CIP as an avenue to pay for future sewer projects. Ms. Caruolo described the new statutes regarding school construction grants and the differences seen with the new statutes versus what has been done in the past. The Department of
Education web site determines the reimbursement rate for school projects. It was surmised it is currently at 54% for eligible costs.
Extensive discussion took place about the outcome of the CIP after it is recommended by this committee. There was much frustration expressed how these projects get cut at budget time and inquiries as to why this CIP Committee does not reconvene if a budget cut to it needs to be made at budget time. Ms. Farmer outlined the limited timeframe for work and that it is not possible to reconvene CIP – the BOF has to take action. It was requested and suggested that the CIP require more documentation from agencies requesting items. When budget cuts are due in the Spring, if there is no back up or materials supporting the request from the previous Fall – the requested items will be cut, as there is no materials or documentation for the BOF representatives to refer to. The Board of Finance
needs justifications in order to consider funding projects in the face of budget cuts. Several discussions took place on the concept of making a CIP line item in the budget. A certain dollar amount always in the budget, that the CIP Committee approves for certain projects for. Ms. Caruolo indicated East Windsor is one of the last towns that Webster Bank assists with CIP initiatives – the only other is Windsor Locks.
c. Review CIP request forms distributed
These forms were reviewed and suggestions made.
d. Schedule CIP presentations
The schedule was distributed. Presentations will be on Thursday, October 18 and October 25. The meeting with Webster Bank will be on November 1. The final meeting with Webster Bank will be on November 8, 2007.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
Made by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Ms. Nelson
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
| 
