North Stonington Board of Finance
Meeting Minutes
of
Wednesday September 19, 2012
New Town Hall
North Stonington, CT
1. Call to Order: Chairman Dan Spring called the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M.
Brent Woodward, Emile Pavolvics, Mustapha Ratib and Peter Nimirowski were present.
2. Special Meeting, Board Vacancy: See special meeting minutes of September 19, 2012.
3. Public Comments and Questions: Public comments are as follows:
Lisa Mazzella asked if the BOF was considering adding items back to the BOE budget. She was specifically interested in teaching supplies/equipment (white boards) and the math intervention teacher. No decision had yet been made by the BOF.
Mike Urgo noted the disadvantages of holding the next referendum in the New Town Hall. Although the Senior Center seems a better solution for the future, there is not enough time remaining to make the change. The Selectmen are taking action to change the polling starting time to 6:00 AM for the next (fourth) referendum.
4. Budget 2012-2013 Survey Review: Key points affecting budget decisions resulting from the survey/ community dialogue meeting of September 17, 2012 are as follows:
· Town Hall Services; reduction in hours
· Public Safety; police overtime, radio narrowband mandate
· Debt Schedule; bridge repair cost
· Government Efficiency; business manager
· Public Works; over staffing at supervisor level
· Revenue Generation; business initiatives
The above items were explored to determine both advantages and disadvantages. First Selectmen Nick Mullane requested approval to spend $24,000 toward implementation of the radio narrowband upgrades noting that the total cost would exceed the budgeted amount of $60,000. He was asked to provide a plan of action for meeting the state mandate before the Board would authorize any spending. He agreed to do so at the next meeting. He also will define the FY 2011/12 budget spending surplus.
Nick Mullane is investigating the possibility of bringing a business manager into the mix of Town officials and noted that seed money may be necessary. He will consult with the BOE and the Superintendent on this issue.
5. BOS; Budget: Consensus among the Board was that the government operating budget should be reduced. Dan Spring challenged the BOS with a reduction goal of $250,000. Mitigation costs, debt payment schedule and salaries were addressed as potential candidates.
6. BOE; Budget Review: Consensus among the Board was that the BOE budget should remain at $12,095,282.
7. Reports; Gain/Loss, BOE Monthly Expenditures, Tax Reports: BOE budget reports though August 31, 2012 were provided. The FY 2011/12 budget spending surplus was $131,596. The General Fund profit and loss report through August 31, 2012 was also provided but given that the Town has not approved a budget no expenses were itemized. The Tax report dated August 31, 2012 was included as well.
8. Previous Minutes: Peter Nimirowski moved to approve the minutes of September 5, 2012 as amended. The motion was seconded by Dan Spring and passed 5-0-0.
9. Future Strategies: No discussion.
10. Adjournment: A motion was made by Dan Spring to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Peter Nimirowski and passed 5-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 11:43 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Brent Woodward
Secretary, Board of Finance
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