TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE MEETING
MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2004
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Gordon Bischoff, Christopher Comer, Al Wilke, Francis Brady, and Richard O'Brien
OTHER ATTENDEES: William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; Barbarajean C. Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer; Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager; John E. Adams, First Selectman; John Flint, George Tuffin, James Oates, Roger Hernsdorf, Diane Neumann-Hernsdorf, Mark Neumann, and other citizens
Board of Finance Chairman Guarco called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
First Selectman Adams presented Richard O’Brien with a plaque acknowledging his many years of volunteer service on various boards and commissions. Mr. O’Brien has resigned from the Board of Finance as he is relocating to another state. A brief recess took place for refreshments and good wishes for Mr. O’Brien.
MINUTES
ON A MOTION by Gordon Bischoff, seconded by Richard O’Brien, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to approve the minutes of May 20, 2004 as presented.
STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS
Administration Finance Officer Barbarajean Scibelli reported on the Budget Operations Report for May 2004. She indicated that revenues are on target except for current year taxes, which are slightly lower than projected during the budget process. Prior years taxes and interest and liens are higher than expected. Under local revenues, planning and zoning has a shortfall, however, Town Clerk fees and building fees are higher than expected. Expenditures are on target except for some accounts that need transfers, which will be discussed later this evening. Mrs. Scibelli indicated a return back to the General Fund of approximately $50,000. The June 30, 2004 fund balance is projected to be at 5%.
Town Manager Smith commented that a litigation matter has concluded and the fees are on the high side. He indicated the insurance company providing a defense attorney withdrew from representation under reservation of rights a week before trial. The town retained the same lawyers for best representation of the claim, but is now responsible for the fee. This matter is being reviewed by our Town Attorney.
Town Manager Smith answered Chairman Guarco’s query regarding how bonding institutions look at the audit, which includes fund balance from June 30th and the projected disbursement for the following year, when going out to bond.
Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager reported on the Board of Education May budget report. He indicated the return back to the General Fund was approximately $27,000, plus a portion of the $45,000 for legal fees since the lawsuit has been concluded.
Mr. Traver also indicated that the Board of Education appropriation request for $38,580 needs to be adjusted to $23,228.
APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board reviewed the memos and appropriation form outlining the request from the Board of Education to appropriate an amount to meet Special Education requirements.
ON A MOTION by Richard O’Brien, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to move $23,228 from General Fund Balance to the Board of Education to meet Special Education requirements.
APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR TOWN CLERK OPERATIONS FOR HISTORIC DOCUMENT PRESERVATION
The Board reviewed the memos and appropriation form outlining the request from the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen for Town Clerk Operations.
ON A MOTION by Richard O’Brien, seconded by Gordon Bischoff, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to move $5,000 from General Fund Balance to Town Clerk Operations.
Town Manager Smith mentioned that the Board of Selectmen approved and created a fund to handle this in the future since the grant money received from the state is designated to be used by the Town Clerk for preservation of historic documents.
CONSIDERATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2004 TRANSFER OF ACCOUNTS
The Board of Finance reviewed the information from Town Manager Smith regarding the request for transfer of accounts.
ON A MOTION by Richard O’Brien, seconded by Francis Brady, to approve transfer of accounts as listed in June 7, 2004 memo (copy attached) from Town Manager Smith to Board of Selectmen for $35,000. The Board voted (6-0-0).
CONFIRM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Chairman Guarco commented upon Richard O’Brien’s resignation from the Board of Finance. He mentioned that Mr. O’Brien brought to this board and town valued experience and dedication helping to make Granby a special place to live. He wished him well and thanked him for his many years of participation in various committees and boards.
Mr. O’Brien indicated the Democratic Town Committee is looking for his replacement presently. Mr. O’Brien commented he and his wife enjoyed living in Granby and they will truly miss the town and its residents.
The Board of Finance meeting scheduled for August 9, 2004 may be cancelled, making September 13, 2004 the next regular meeting. Town Manager Smith indicated a parcel of land located near the town’s transfer station was being negotiated for purchase by the town. A town meeting and approval by the Board of Finance is a requirement to purchase this parcel of land. A special meeting by the Board of Finance may be scheduled to act on this item.
Chairman Guarco indicated that on September 1, 2004 the Board of Education begins negotiations for the Granby Education Association agreement.
ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Christopher Comer, seconded by Gordon Bischoff, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
FM071204
TOWN OF GRANBY
MEMORANDUM DATE: June 7, 2004
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
REGARDING: Consideration of Fiscal Year 2004 Transfer of Accounts
This year, due to a variety of circumstances, we will require a few transfers. The following table identifies the request. The Board of Selectmen is requested to approve the transfers. They will then be forwarded to the Board of Finance for their approval.
Transfer From Transfer To Comment
Contingency $10,000 Legal Services $10,000 Additional Litigation
Insurances $5,000 Town Clerk Operations $5,000 Indexing and microfilming for refinancing
Police Operations $10,000 Communications & Dispatch $10,000 Part-time/ over-time needs
General Maintenance $10,000 Communications & Dispatch $10,000 Part-time/ over-time needs
In addition to the transfers, I am asking for an appropriation of $5,000 for Town Clerk Operations for Historic Document Preservation. The grant was received and deposited to the General Fund and must be used for this purpose. I recommend that the Board approve the request and recommend same for action by the Board of Finance.
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