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 TOWN OF OLD
SAYBROOK Board of Finance |
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING April 7, 2009 at 7:30 P.M. Pasbeshauke Pavilion |
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I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman, Carl Fortuna, called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:35 p.m.
Attendant Members Absent Members
Carl Fortuna, Chairman John O’Brien
George Whelen
Robert Finch Absent
David LaMay Gerri Lewis, Clerk
Glenis Caouette
Lee Sparaco
In Attendance
Michael Pace, First Selectman
William Peace, Selectman
Barry Maynard, Tax Collector
Bob Fish, Treasurer
Larry Bonin, Director of Public Works
Mario Gaboury, Chairman, Board of Education
Julie Pendleton, Director of Finance & Operations
Joseph Onofrio, Superintendent of Schools
Deputy Chief Michael Spera
Members of the Board of Education and School Dept
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: There were multiple questions concerning the $60,000.00 designated in the budget for Ferry Road ball fields. Questions included:
· Is this a down payment on a recreation center;
· What does the 60k get the Town and will this be a yearly recurring expense;
· Why does the Town need more ball fields;
· Does the Town intend on installing drainage;
· Will there be concessions/bathrooms.
Selectman Pace answered that this is what Park & Recreation requested and that the money is there to create the fields, that no bathrooms are currently on the drawing board, that the attainable housing will share this property. Larry Bonin also commented that the ball fields in Town are jam packed and overused and OS needs more fields.
There was also a comment from a homeowner on Lynde Street indicating she did not want Lynde St. chip-sealed.
The chair asked the Board to consider the minutes of the Special Meeting of March 24, 2009.
Motion: To approve said minutes as drafted
Moved: C. Fortuna Second: S. Whelen
Discussion: None
Approved: C. Fortuna; S. Whelen; ; D. LaMay; R. Finch, G. Caouette Abstained: L. Sparaco
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The B of F was next asked to consider further the 09-10 budget discussion.
Lee Sparaco asked the school department about Goodwin School staffing and enrollment. Principal Sheila Brown responded by saying the actual enrollment is usually significantly higher than state projections and that the staffing is not excessive as a result.
Further questions were asked of Robert McIntyre, Chair of Planning. Mr. Sparaco asked re: having a full time planner, part-time environmental planner and also contractual assistance. Mr. McIntyre responded by saying the Town employees were invaluable but may not have some of the expertise of a contracted consultant. His example was on the attainable/affordable housing proposed project on Ferry Road. In addition, he feels that, with the slow down in residential building, the Planning Commission is able to spend more time with the Town Planners on the town plan of conservation and development. Mr. Sparaco commented that perhaps some of this money would be better spent at EDC.
Mike Pace comment that he feels the Town side budget is lean yet delivers all the services that people expect.
Bob Fish handed out revenue projections. He expects the Town side to come in almost dead on with expenses. Real estate taxes are coming in exceedingly well.
Bob Finch asked about whether any revenue was coming in off the communications tower. Deputy Chief Spera indicated that since it is not up and running yet, there is no such opportunity. He projected that something like that could be a possibility commencing in 2010.
A short discussion then ensued regarding the Fire Boat. Mr. Fish was asked whether he felt it was OK to spend monies on the Fire Boat that were already allocated for other capital items in the capital outlay sinking fund (cosf). He thought so but the Board of Finance was not so sure. It was agreed that the Chair would get an opinion from town council.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
· A question was asked re: the town bond refinancing. Mr. Fish explained that the Town saved about 200k, not 300k as projected at the time, by doing the refinance of which 65k will be frontloaded in 09-10.
· Jean Castagno asked re: the Health District not being funded by the State. It was answered that the Town added money to the account for next year but there is still a net savings. She also asked whether the fire boat would be voted separately. She was told that it would be.
· Mr. Goduti was worried that the Town did not know what it was getting with the 60k being allocated to Ferry Road.
· Mr. Conti asked whether there were additional expenses associated with the new fire boat, ie, new slip, maintenance. JT Dunn responded that with fuel efficiencies, even though the boat is bigger, expenses associated therewith will not increase. He also asked if perhaps boat owners at the marinas could be taxed to assist with the maintenance of the boat. Mr. Finch disagreed and Mr. Sparaco thought it might be illegal.
· Mr. Conti asked if insurances for the town were put out to bid. Ms. Pendleton explained how CIRMA assists the Town in getting the best rates.
· Ms. Castagno asked about the sewer fund balance. Mr. Fish responded that there is about 1.4 m in said fund.
· Mr. Sparaco asked Mr. Pace why insurances were segregated in the Town Budget. Mr. Pace explained that it was done for clarity and efficiency.
Motion: To adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
Moved: L. Sparaco Second: R. Finch
Discussion: None
Approved: C. Fortuna; S. Whelen; ; D. LaMay; R. Finch, G. Caouette L. Sparaco 6-0-0
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A motion was made to adjourn at 8:35 pm. By: Mr. Sparaco, seconded by Mr. Finch and unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carl P. Fortuna, Jr., Chair
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