The Board of Finance held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 in the meeting room at Town Hall South, Main Street, Newtown, CT. Chairman John Kortze called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
PRESENT: John Kortze, James Gaston, Joseph Kearney, Harrison Waterbury
ABSENT: John Torok, Michael Portnoy
ALSO PRESENT: Finance Director Ben Spragg, First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal, one member of public, two members of press
VOTER PARTICIPATION: Ms. Kathy Fetchick (Board of Education candidate) what is involved with the $34 million request in the Board of Education CIP in 2012/2013 for the Middle School auditorium and cafeteria. Chairman John Kortze stated that the Board of Finance has not yet had a presentation on this project.
COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Kortze received an itemization of the Board of Education budget cuts and a copy of the up-to-date enrollment figures. These will be copied and sent to all Board of Finance members.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Mr. Gaston, the minutes of the 9/27/07 meeting were unanimously accepted as presented
FIRST SELECTMAN REPORT: First Selectman Rosenthal reported that the Economic Development Commission recently held their annual “Salute to Business”. At that event, the town’s Planning and Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker gave a report which he feels should be presented to the Board of Finance. Mr. Kortze advised that Ms. Stocker has already agreed to attend the Board of Finance meeting on 10/25/07 to give a presentation.
Mr. Rosenthal advised that this week, the Governor will be announcing Open Space Grants that have been approved and Newtown is expected to receive some grant funds.
FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT: No report other than CIP.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Capital Improvement Plan
Mr. Spragg distributed a graph showing the impact of the requested CIP projects on borrowing through 2012/2013. There was a general discussion and it was decided that the Board would like more information about the Middle School projects, as well as others. The Board of Education will be invited to the next meeting to discuss.
NEW BUSINESS
Charter Revision Commission
Chairman Kortze advised that the Legislative Council has now received the re-submitted recommendations of the Charter Revision Commission, after a review by the town counsel. The Council now has to schedule a public hearing within 30 days after the receipt. They will then deliberate, make any changes and send it back to the Charter Revision Commission. First Selectman Rosenthal stated that the CRC can then make changes as recommended by the Council or resubmit “as is” as their final report to the Council. The Council can then accept or reject any recommendations but cannot modify them. The Council decides what will go to the voters for final approval. Town Counsel has advised the Charter Revision Commission that he recommends against the proposed change to the Board of
Finance. Mr. Gaston prepared a lengthy letter outlining his concerns (attached to original minutes). It was agreed that all members agree with the points being made and will sign the letter.
Mr. Gaston moved to send a letter to the Legislative Council outlining concerns to the and to make a presentation at the public hearing on the Charter Revision Commission proposed changes. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Jan Andras, Clerk
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