REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. Old Saybrook Town Hall First Floor Conference Room 302 Main Street |
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CALL TO ORDER Chairman LaMay called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
BOF Attendant Members Absent Members
David LaMay, Chairman
Grant Westerson, V. Chairman
Barry O’Nell
Tom Stevenson
Brad Thorpe
John O’Brien
Derrik Kennedy
In Attendance
Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
Steve Gernhardt, Selectman
Bob Fish, Treasurer
Barry Maynard, Tax Collector
Julie Pendleton, Board of Education
Donn Dobson, Fire Marshal
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
Chairman LaMay led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Comment: Ms. Hanson brought to the Board’s attention and recited an opinion of the Ethics Commission minutes dated 11/27/12 in connection with a member on the Board of Finance, Mr. Westerson. Mr. LaMay reported that he would address this issue during is “Comments” at the end of the meeting.
Approval of Minutes: 12/18/12 Meeting:
Chairman LaMay asked for a motion on the minutes.
Motion: To approve the minutes of December 18, 2012 as presented.
Moved: G. Westerson Second: B. Thorpe
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
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Fire Marshal Vehicle Discussion:
Mr. Dobson presented the Board with two quotes: one for a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT, 4WD for a total of $24,710. This total price included a discount of $7,100 and a trade-in allowance of $500. The other for a 2013 Ford Escape SE, 4WD for a total of $23,310. This total price included a discount of $4,000 and a trade-in allowance of $500. Mr. Dobson reported to the Board that he got a grant from Walmart for $1,600. Mr. Thorpe inquired about the Fire Marshal’s expense budget. After a short discussion the following motion was made:
Motion: To purchase the 2013 Ford Explorer XLT for $24,710.
Moved: B. O’Nell Second: J. O’Brien
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
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After a short discussion, Mr. Thorpe made the following motion:
Motion: To take $710.00 from the undesignated fund balance for the 2013 Ford Explorer purchase. If trade-in is more than $500, the Board of Finance will recommend to reduce the undesignated fund balance for the trade.
Moved: B. Thorpe Second: J. O’Brien
Discussion: None
Approved: 6-1-0
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Board of Education Report:
Ms. Pendleton noted that there were freezes on payroll, supplies and capital. She reported that the Budget and Fiscal Committee met. The Superintendent’s budget is $23,559,848 for an increase of 3.94%. The increase equals $892,848.00; broken down as follows:Wages & benefits-non certified staff $691,028 which is 3.05% and the balance is benefits .89%. Ms. Pendleton reported on the following items:
- $341K Capital and major maintenance items;
- $40K School safety changes (2 new doors at Middle School);
- Working on insurance consortium with 4 other towns;
- Paraprofessional contract settled: presently “0” increase; 2nd yr. 2.5%; 3rd yr. 2.5%;
- Will be negotiating Secretary contract;
- Health Insurance 10% increase based on enrollment;
- Reducing 1 teaching position at Goodwin;
- Seeing lower enrollment numbers
Mr. Stevenson, liaison to BOE, noted that in BOE minutes the teachers work with students and schools look for employment in town for students.
Mr. LaMay thanked Ms. Pendleton for her report.
Finance Director Report:
Mr. Fortuna reported to the Board that Ms. Carver is out on medical leave and working at home on the budgets.
Treasurer’s Report:
Mr. Fish reported that on the expenditure side we are doing approximately 6% better than last year at this time. On the Revenue side, tax collection is coming along great. He noted that the State of Connecticut revenues are coming in better as well.
Mr. Fish passed out The Federal & State Single Audit and the Annual Financial Report for the Town of Old Saybrook from Cohn & Reznick. Some of the items discussed were: material weaknesses; net assets and depreciation; net assets decreasing due to Clean Water Fund Program; long term bonded indebtedness in very good shape; recommendations to management. These reports can be seen in the Selectman’s Office or the Treasurer’s Office.
Selectman’s Report:
Mr. Fortuna reported on the following:
- Mr. Fortuna noted that the BOS will hold a budget workshop on next Thursday, 1/24/13;
- OSPD Budget; increase of 17%;
- Mr. Fortuna noted that there is a list of town trees (after Storm Sandy) in the Selectman’s Office that were put out to bid;
- New Container Truck in Public Works budget;
- Mr. Fortuna discussed agenda items for Town Meeting;
- Needs assessment on new OSPD building;
- Catastrophic line item (reserve fund) has to be funded every year
Mr. LaMay thanked Mr. Fortuna.
Comments from the Chair:
Mr. LaMay addressed Ms. Hanson’s concerns and the Ethic Commission minutes of November 27, 2012. Mr. LaMay agreed that it would be a conflict for Mr. Westerson to work for the OSPD and retain his membership on the Board of Finance. Additionally, Mr. LaMay suggested that as a member of the Board of Finance, Mr. Westerson should recuse himself from any votes concerning the OSPD. A short discussion followed.
At this time, a motion was made to add Executive Session to the agenda.
Motion: To add “Executive Session” to the Agenda.
Moved: B. Thorpe Second: B. O’Nell
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
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The regular meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Motion: To go into “Executive Session” at 8:45 p.m.
Moved: D. LaMay Second: B. Thorpe
Discussion: None
Approved: 7-0-0
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Please note that a recording of this meeting in its entirety is on disc. You may request a copy from the Town Clerk.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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