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North Stonington Board of Finance
Minutes Wednesday March 26, 2014
New Town Hall
North Stonington, CT
@ 7:30pm
- Call to Order: Chairman Dan Spring called the meeting to order at 7:37pm. Board members present were Charlie Steinhart, Emile Pavlovics, Tim Main and Mustapha Ratib (@7:55pm). This was a recorded session
- Public Comments and Questions: Mr. Brad Borden, a prior member of the Board of Finance, offered comments on the proposed Board of Education Building Project:
- Have all moneys secured for the capital project.
- Utilize expert counsel for vetting the project contractors that have bid on the project.
Ms. Kerri Perez petitioned for a review of the expenditure for school transportation specific to the magnet schools. This service had been excluded in the proposed 2014-2015 BOE budget. Though she realized that this service is not mandated by the State, she stated that it did create a hardship for her choice of schooling for her children. At length she debated the actual potential savings to the Town. Her sentiments were joined by those of Patrick Murphy, also a town resident, sending children to the Marine and Science Magnet School in Groton. The Board responded with consideration for further review of the issue.
- BOE: The Board of Education presented its 2014-2015 budget. Superintendent Peter Nero brought forth a budget with a projected increase of 1.8% ($229,257) over the 2013-2014 budget. The cited reason for the increase was, in majority, salaries, benefits, and discretionary requests e.g. Technology.
Superintendent Nero stated that the increase for the budget in 2013-2014, adding in particular a math specialist, has significantly aided students to achieve higher ability levels.
- BOS: Members of the Board of Selectman were not present so no issues brought forth.
- Future Strategies: It was noted that the BOE Building Project proposal is to be presented on April 2nd and to be held at the multipurpose room of the elementary school.
It was strongly suggested to call a Special Meeting to elect a new member to the BOF due to one vacant seat. Moreover, that the seat to be filled needs a candidate to add depth and contribution during the specific period of budget preparation.
- Previous Minutes: The minutes of the BOF meeting dated March 19, 2014 were presented. A motion was made by Tim Main to approve them as amended and seconded by Charlie Steinhart. The motion carried 5-0-0.
- Adjournment: The motion to adjourn was made by Dan Spring and seconded by Charlie Steinhart. The motion was passed 5-0-0. Adjournment was at 10:15pm.
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