TOWN OF GOSHEN
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 8, 2014
PRESENT: Robert P. Valentine, Steven M. Romano, and Dexter S. Kinsella; Jim Bernard, Treasurer.
OTHERS: Cindy Barrett; Paul Adams; Colleen Finn, Recreation Dept.; Allan Dunahoo, Edwards Jones, Inc.; John Calkins, Bozzuto Insurance; Terry Hall, present via conference phone call.
Bob Valentine called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Allan Dunahoo in conjunction with Terry Hall, gave an overview of the current status of the Cemetery Accounts, beginning with the East Street Cemetery. Allan Dunahoo recommended selling of Hershey investments combined with the approximately $3K in cash and buying Johnson and Johnson stocks. This activity carries a transaction fee of $800. Terry Hall gave his “investment philosophy”. He stated the East Street Cemetery investments have earned enough money to pay for annual expenses associated with the cemetery; the only expenses anticipated in the future are the stonewall and fence along the front. Bob Valentine stated his philosophy on investments is resulting in enough income growth to match inflation.
Allan Dunahoo stated the companies that are in the growth and income funds are the types of companies that regularly increase profits. The other cemeteries in Goshen are structured differently because they have fewer dollars, and therefore are invested in mutual funds.
IN A MOTION by Jim Bernard, seconded by Robert Valentine, it was VOTED to approve the selling of Hershey investments, and include the addition of approximately $3394.70 in residual cash, totaling $23,900 and purchase Johnson and Johnson stocks. VOTED unanimously.
The other town cemeteries contain very little cash and are not earning anything. Allan Donahue suggested several methods of investing them to render a profit. Income Fund of America Fund A was preferred by Bob Valentine because it may earn profits on the shares over the long term, despite the 5% fees to be paid up front. Terry Hall stated the goal of these cemeteries is to one day become self-supporting. Up to this point in time, these cemeteries have not generated enough funds to maintain them.
IN A MOTION by Robert Valentine, seconded by Jim Bernard, it was VOTED to move the cash cemetery funds into the Income Fund of American Fund A, incurring the 5% upfront costs. This trade will take place on April 9, 2014. VOTED unanimously.
John Calkins, representative of Bozzuto Insurance, gave an overview of the current employee medical insurance plan. Robert Valentine stated that he prefers adjustments to the plan be made on a gradual, phase-in basis. Medical insurance plans will be comparable to other surrounding town municipalities. He is reviewing other CCM salary surveys to be fair to both employees and the taxpayers rendering the net effect on employees minimal, as well to the taxpayers.
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John Calkins spoke on the difference between HRA and HSA medical insurance plans: HSA deductible funds are managed by the employees – HRA funds are managed by the town. Purchasing of a high deductible plan can result in a 15% to 28% savings on premiums. He noted that insurance companies are struggling with plans that contain a narrower formula for coverage, especially for prescription drugs, where the employee pays more for drugs. The prescription drug plans are what is driving the expenses. The HRA comes under the IRS 105 code which means that it would not be taxable income for employees. This is fair to both the employee and the taxpayers. Dexter Kinsella added that perhaps this would have the least impact on the employee than a premium cost share. A specific employee plan must be
ready to be recommended to the Board of Finance at their meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.
Sealed bids for Lawn Moving Services were opened:
Hunter’s Lawn Care, LLC
Price per Mowing Public Works Complex: $52.00
Price per Mowing Town Hall Park: 22.00
Price per Brush Hogging – Tyler Lake Lot: 88.00
Price per Brush Hogging – Town Hall Field: 218.00
Price per Brush Hogging – East St. South Lot: 293.00
Price per Mowing Tyler Lake Dam: 95.00
Spring Clean Up Public Works: 73.00
Spring Clean Up Town Hall Park: 90.00
Fall Clean Up Public Works: 90.00
Fall Clean Up Town Hall: 75.00
Jepersen’s Landscaping
Price per Mowing Public Works Complex: $ 50.00
Price per Mowing Town Hall Park: 22.50
Price per Brush Hogging – Tyler Lake Lot: 80.00
Price per Brush Hogging – Town Hall Field: 200.00
Price per Brush Hogging – East St. South Lot: 275.00
Price per Brush Hogging – Tyler Lake Dam: 80.00
Price per Spring and Fall Cleanup: 324.00
David Young Lawn Service
Price per Mowing Public Works Complex: $45.00
Price per Mowing Town Hall Park: 35.00
Price per Brush Hogging – Tyler Lake Lot: 35.00
Price per Brush Hogging – Town Hall Field: 165.00
Price per Brush Hogging – East St. South Lot: 185.00
Spring Clean Up- Public Works and Park: 125.00
Fall Clean Up- Public Works and Park: 155.00
Price per Mowing Tyler Lake Dam: (2 times): 35.00 each
Haeley LLC
Price per Mowing Public Works Complex: $ 50.00
Price per Mowing Town Hall Park: 20.00
Price per Brush Hogging – Tyler Lake Lot: 85.00
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Price Per Brush Hogging – Town Hall Field: 190.00
Price per Brush Hogging – East St. South Lot: 200.00
Spring clean Up: $300.00
Fall Clean Up: 285.00
Price per Mowing Tyler Lake Dam: 85.00
IN A MOTION made by Dexter Kinsella, seconded by Steven Romano, IT WAS VOTED to forward the above bids to the Public Works Department for review and recommendation. VOTED unanimously.
IN A MOTION made by Steven Romano, seconded by Robert Valentine, the minutes of the regular meeting of April 1, 2014 were approved as submitted. VOTE PASSED, with Dexter Kinsella abstaining.
MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES:
In giving a brief review of the Board of Selectmen’s meeting of April 1, 2014, from which Dexter Kinsella was absent, Robert Valentine stated he has advised Donna Basccom of the Woodridge Lake Association of the decision on the addition of another additional member to the Lakeweed Committee.
Robert Valentine reported that his meeting with Torrington Mayor Carbone and Litchfield First Selectman Paul was productive with Torrington taking care of the furnace costs; Goshen will be responsible for 6.7% of the cost of a new Animal Control vehicle, to be paid for over 3 years. All agreed on extending the current contract for 2 additional years.
IN A MOTION by Dexter Kinsella, seconded by Steven Romano, it was VOTED to approve the warrant including payroll for April 10, 2014 in the amount of $46,723.72. VOTED unanimously
It was noted this figure consists of $23,108.02 for payroll; $23,615.70 for the warrant, inclusive of $10,214.75 for rock salt.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT:
Robert Valentine reported that in a meeting with Debbie Franklin, Accountant Consultant, they reviewed the trends in revenue and expenses. Ed Perry will review the year end estimates for the public works department. Also to be reviewed before the Board of Finance meeting takes place will be the projected use of the $316K fund balance. The completed year end budget estimates will be reviewed at the Board of Selectmen meeting of Tuesday, April 22, 2014.
Robert Valentine was pleased to report TOWN TOPICS has gone to print with so many town associations submitting articles.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
IN A MOTION by Dexter Kinsella, seconded by Steven Romano, it was VOTED to add item 9. C Old Town Hall – Goshen Players to the agenda. VOTED unanimously
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OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion 2014 – 2015 Budgets
In making comparisons of the pay scales of other municipalities town employees, Robert Valentine found Goshen town employees to fall within the median range. He gave a spread sheet showing gradual increases in compensation for years 2014-2015 i.e., 1%, 2% and 3% accordingly; this will be discussed further at the April 22nd meeting.
Robert Valentine reported on his inspection of the roof on Camp Coch and found that it needs to be replaced this year, with larger gutters a possibility. He suggested next year’s Capital requests remain at $600K of current appropriations.
Robert Valentine reported on some of the budgets he felt need careful review. He would like to see specifics on what/why expenditures are being submitted: Elections, Fire Commissioners, Fire Protection, Library, Miscellaneous, Rescue, Tax Collector, Capital and Non-Recurring are some of budgets needing review.
The next Fire Commissioners meeting will be held May 7, 2014, and noted on that agenda will be “purchasing policy”. Robert Valentine urged board members to attend.
The architect’s sketch of the requested renovations from the Goshen Players for the Old Goshen Town Hall were distributed. There are outstanding questions regarding the window treatments, other elevations, the large pillars in the front of the building, and the windows. Robert Valentine and Dexter Kinsella agreed that the original architectural Integrity of the building should remain in place. Dexter Kinsella will review the specifications and make a visit to the building.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None
IN A MOTION by Steven Romano, seconded by Dexter Kinsella, the Board of Selectmen’s meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. VOTED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucille A. Paige, Aide to First Selectman
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