TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Board of Finance
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
April 5, 2011 7:00 P.M.
Old Saybrook Town Hall
CALL TO ORDER Chairman, Carl Fortuna, called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:02 P.M.
Attendant Members Absent Members
Carl Fortuna, Chairman
Grant Westerson
Sonny Whelen
John O’Brien
Barry O’Nell
Lee Sparaco
Dave LaMay
In Attendance
Michael Pace, First Selectman
Bill Peace, Selectman
Carol Manning, Selectwoman
Michael Spera, Chief of Police
Larry Bonin, Director Public Works
J. T. Dunn, Fire Chief
Don Dobson, Fire Marshall
Julie Pendleton, Director of Operations and Finance
Brad Thorpe, Board of Ed
Barry Maynard, Tax Collector
Mr. Fortuna welcomed back Mr. Sparaco.
Public Comment: None
Motion: To amend the agenda to add Suspense List
Moved: C. Fortuna Second: D. LaMay
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-10
|
Mr. Maynard submitted to the Board the list of outstanding tax accounts. They are personal property, motor vehicle regular, and motor vehicle supplement to be changed from active status to “suspended” for the Grand List Year 2005. Mr. Maynard explained that this is a function or process that the auditors look for during the annual review of tax collector records. The accounts remain collectible and are collected when possible.
At this time, Mr. Fish explained the process of foreclosing on real estate vs. collecting delinquent personal property taxes.
Mr. Fortuna asked if the board had any questions for Mr. Maynard and there being none, asked for a motion.
Motion: To approve the suspense list for the Grand List Year 2005.
Moved: L. Sparaco Second: G. Westerson
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
|
Board of Ed Report:
Mr. Fortuna called upon Ms. Pendleton for an update. Ms. Pendleton reported on the following:
- Current year difficult;
- 5 new special ed placements;
- $160K deficit; Special Ed Budget over; expect $300K from State; moving target; no control;
- Fire Inspection: elevator, roof, suppression system, fence on baseball field; all are typical of the types of expenses that come up when running a busy school system with multiple buildings;
- Limiting use of school facility to save on utilities;
- Administrators Union 2011-2012 made concessions of $12K; voluntarily extended contract 1 year thru 2013; took lower increase current contract; new contract is “0” increase;
- Maybe 1 teacher retirement;
- Staff may stay the same but waiting for kindergarten numbers;
- Next year significant capital items;
- No significant reduction in staff;
- Most difficult hurdle is special ed; funding from State is down 35-40%; facing most severe cases; age 18-21 requirements are growing; these mandates are, for the most part, federally mandated;
- BOE needs money for technology; ball fields; tennis courts
Mr. LaMay asked about the healthcare numbers. It was noted that numbers stabilized in February; they are carrying out the prescription drug program and there may be a small decline.
Mr. Fortuna asked for a motion to amend the agenda to hear the Fire Chief.
Motion: To amend BOF agenda to add Fire Chief budget.
Moved: B. O’Nell Second: G. Westerson
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
|
Mr. Dunn reported that the town received $55K for replacement of the fire department boiler. They will need $8,500 to change from oil to natural gas. Mr. Pace recommended that the $8,500 be taken out of the contingency fund, which has $27K.
Motion: To authorize the transfer of $8,500 out of the contingency fund.
Moved: B. O’Nell Second: G. Westerson
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
|
Treasurer’s Report:
Mr. Fish discussed memo from OPM.
Mr. Fish noted on the monthly report that we are within $120K of collecting taxes for the fiscal year 10-11. Mr. Fish felt we were in a breakeven position. Mr. Fish discussed the projections and how they will affect the mill rate.
Mr. Fortuna noted that the general government submitted budget is down $459K, while the board of ed budget is up $350K. However, due to the projected loss of revenue, the Town will need to collect an additional $250k in new taxes.
Mr. Fish noted that 1/10 mill = $250K
Mr. Fortuna thanked Mr. Fish. He noted that the second public hearing on the budget was April 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Middle School Auditorium.
At this time, Mr. LaMay inquired of Mr. Pace regarding CIRMA and unanticipated revenue. Mr. Pace reported that the town would be getting $19K and the Board of Ed would be getting $7,500.
Selectman Report:
Mr. Pace discussed the following:
- Arbitration with 2 unions; demands are still too rich;
- PD has 29 issues; AFSME has 11 issues; there is no deadline;
- WWMC; bids put out; may put bids out again because bids came in high.
- Police Department Building Committee will be reappointed.
There being no further business, Mr. Fortuna asked for a motion to adjourn.
Motion: To adjourn at 8:13.
Moved: C. Fortuna Second: D. LaMay
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
|
Respectfully submitted,
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
| 
