Minutes of the regular meeting of the Legislative Council held on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 in the meeting room of the C. H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown CT. Chairman Rodgers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: W. Rodgers, T. Holian, D. Amaral, J. Borst, D. Brown, J. Capeci, J. DiCandido, S. Doyle, M. Iassogna, P. Llodra, F. Pennarola. ABSENT: K. Jacobs. ALSO PRESENT: Financial Director B. Spragg, Library Board of Trustee President Honorable W. Lavery and members J. Humeston and K. Urso, J. Centifanto and K. Brown of the audit company Kostin, Ruffkuss and Company, Board of Education member P. Mangiafico, one member of press.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. Mr. Spragg gave Mr. Rodgers copies of a memo from Board of Finance Chairman John Kortze for distribution to the Legislative Council.
MINUTES. Upon motion of Mr. Borst, the minutes of the regular meeting of March 1, 2006 were unanimously accepted as presented.
COMMUNICATIONS. The Tax Collector asked that the local senior tax benefit cap be increased by $50,000 from the current $750,000 (Attachment A). Mr. Rodgers referred this matter to the Finance Committee.
Mr. Capeci attended a CCM seminar on parliamentary procedures. He noted that the agenda item “Old Business” should be “Unfinished Business.”
A memo from Board of Finance Chairman dated March 13, 2006 concerning the 2006/2007 budget was distributed (Attachment B). Mr. Kortze would like to address the Legislative Council at its April 5 meeting.
Mr. DiCandido reported that Ruby Johnson left literature with the Finance Committee concerning open space which he distributed to the Legislative Council tonight.
NEW BUSINESS.
Acceptance of the annual audit report. Mr. DiCandido said that the Finance Committee at its meeting tonight voted unanimously to accept as presented the “Federal and State Single Audit Report” dated June 30, 2006 and the “Comprehensive Annual Audit Report” dated June 30, 2006 including the Management Recommendations. Mr. Spragg said that these recommendations will be implemented. Mr. DiCandido moved that the “Federal and State Single Audit Report” dated June 30, 2006 and the “Comprehensive Annual Audit Report” dated June 30, 2006 be accepted as presented. Second by Mr. Iassogna and unanimously carried.
Presentation on behalf of the C. H. Booth Library. Judge Lavery noted that the average daily number of visitors to the Library in February was 506. He noted that $96,000 of the Capital Reserve Fund was used for the roof and the chimney also needs to be repaired. Funds had to be taken from the Book Account for utilities and benefits. The Friends of the Library donated enough to make up this expense from the Book Account. A grant of $9,000 was awarded from the State to plan for the Library’s future in the community for the next five to ten years. This plan should be completed by September and will be given to the Legislative Council and Board of Finance.
Library Board of Trustees treasurer Kelly Urso distributed “C. H. Booth Library Asset and Revenue Summary,” “Friend of C. H. Booth Library” and a letter to Mr. Spragg from Caldwell and Walsh (Attachments C, D, and E). She said that Friends of the Library pay for items that people check out, such as books and tapes. Mr. Rodgers noted that the Friends of the Library also donated the money to replace what was taken from the Book Account for utilities and benefits.
Mr. Borst questioned why the Public Building and Site Committee was not involved in the roof project. Judge Lavery said that the Purchasing Authority gave the Library directions.
COMMITTEE REPORTS.
Finance reported under “Acceptance of the Audit Report.”
Ordinance met and approved four proposed ordinances necessary to separate the Conservation Commission into the Conservation and Inland Wetland Commissions. Mr. Pennarola will schedule a public hearing on April 5, 2006 prior to the Legislative Council meeting.
Education. Mrs. Llodra submitted comments on the March 7 Board of Education meeting (Attachment F).
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT. Mr. Rosenthal was not present.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Charter Charge Committee voted to submit the charge to the Legislative Council. Mr. Borst moved to accept the Charter Revision Committee charge. Second by Mrs. Llodra for discussion. Mr. Holian will incorporate suggested changes and invited the Legislative Council to send him any further revisions that they may have. Mr. Brown moved to table the discussion, second by Mr. DiCandido and unanimously carried.
Charter Selection Committee will meet again.
Transfer. Mr. Holian moved to transfer from Account 01570-2000 Contingency $75,000 to Account 01510-2032 Salt $50,000 and to Account 01510-1003 Winter Overtime $25,000. Second by Mr. Borst and unanimously carried.
The items of “Foreclosure – 35 Lakeview Terrace” and “Proposed land purchase” will be carried forward.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. None noted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION. None noted.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. The Legislative Council public hearing on the budget will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium.
ADJOURNMENT. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Ann M. Mazur, Clerk
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