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DRAFT
North Stonington Board of Finance
Minutes Meeting Agenda Tuesday April 1, 2014
Senior Center
North Stonington, CT
@ 8:00pm
- Call to Order: Chairman Dan Spring called the meeting to order at 8:00pm. Members present were Emile Pavlovics, Mustapha Ratib, Charlie Steinhart and Tim Main.
- Public Comments and Questions: Mr. Mike Urgo addressed the BOF to emphasize the need for the schools upgrade. He spoke specifically about the current BOE School Building Project and its potential to affect student outcomes by offering a positive environment. He also expressed the potential of investing in the towns schools to act as a catalyst for economic development. He ended his comments by stating that he sees the proposed project as a priority.
- EMS/Fire Complex Building Project: Mark Perkins representing the Building Committee stated that the project is within 10 days of the original time line. Concerns for the potential cost overruns on site development were being activity addressed. This includes repositioning the building on the site. He revisited that construction costs were higher than originally anticipated. The original projection was based on $260/sq. ft. to an anticipated $340/sq. ft. It’s noted that RFPs maintained the right to negotiate with the lowest bidder. He forecasted that excavation for the building to be Summer/Fall 2015 and the committee is addressing PNZ for required permits.
Mark Perkins also introduced the potential of State money for the project. Diana Urban, State Representative spoke to the possibility of a grant for the project in the amount of $900,000 to be distributed in equal amounts over a three phase period.
- EDC Budget Proposal 2014-2015: Chair of the Economic Development Commission, Bret Mastrioanni, was not present. Marilyn MacKay from the Commission spoke to the need for an economic development specialist with a projected compensation of $31,700 annually. This was proposed to be a new position giving the Town an individual to specifically enhance economic development.
Board members made inquiries as to the planning and zoning regulation updates that are critical to the success of an economic development specialist. It was voiced that updates have not been forthcoming and are needed on an accelerated basis.
- Tax Reports: The current tax report was reviewed with a collection rate of 96.87% illustrated. It was noted that this collection rate is still under a projected goal of 98%+.
- Future Strategies: Further communication from Kerri Perez was distributed for review relative to the magnet school transportation issue.
The BOE Building Project Proposal will be presented for the first time to the BOF, April 2, 2014.
- Previous Minutes: The minutes of the BOF meeting dated March 26, 2014 were reviewed and amended. A motion to approve the minutes was presented by Charlie Steinhart and seconded by Mustapha Ratib. The motion carried 5-0-0.
- Adjournment: The motion to adjourn was presented by Dan Spring and seconded by Charlie Steinhart. The motion carried 5-0-0. Adjournment was at 9:53pm.
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