302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
BOE MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2013 7:00 P.M. First Floor Conference Room |
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BOF Attendant Members Absent Members
David LaMay, Chairman Breck Lindley
Brad Thorpe, V. Chairman
Tom Stevenson
John O’Brien
Barry O’Nell
Greg Gernhardt
In Attendance
Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
Lisa Carver, Finance Director
Bob Fish, Treasurer
John Dunn, Fire Chief
Michael Spera, Chief of Police
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
Mr. LaMay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. LaMay led in the pledge.
Mr. Goduti had questions and comments on the paving job on Maynard Road and the town garage. He questioned the primary function of the Director of Public Works.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 12/03/2013
Mr. LaMay asked for a motion to approve the minutes.
A Motion was made and seconded to approve the December 3, 2013 minutes.
Mr. LaMay noted that “The Kate” should be referred to as The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. He also noted that the last paragraph on page 1 should include “…savings (add “from refunding”) is $137,267.10 at a rate of….” Motion passed: 4-0-2.
V. OSFD CHIEF DUNN
Chief Dunn discussed the replacement of the 1984 Pierce Engine 352. He noted that this fire engine was purchased at Town Meeting in 1983 for $145K. This was to be replaced in 2008/2009, but the Rescue Truck replacement became a priority due to its declining condition. Again, this engine was to be replaced in 2010/2011, but the sunken fire boat took priority. It is now scheduled for replacement in 2014. Chief Dunn noted that a committee was appointed in September of 2012; bids were released in October, 2013; pre bid conference with manufacturers took place on October, 2013 and bids were received on November 6, 2013. It was voted to recommend Pierce Manufacturing by the Fire Department on December 3,
2013. Chief Dunn noted that the bid price expires on January 29, 2014. Chief Dunn laid out 4 cost options for the commission. There were several questions and comments by the Board. Mr. Gernhardt inquired and commented re refurbishing and the importance of planning on particular projects. It was noted that ladders are now physically higher due to residences in beach areas and in flood areas. After a long discussion and comments by the Board, the following motion was made:
A motion was made by Mr. Thorpe, seconded by Mr. Stevenson to recommend to Town Meeting an appropriation of $597,259.89 for the purchase of a Pierce Fire Engine. Said monies to be paid from the Old Saybrook Fire Department Capital Outlay fund and from the Undesignated Fund Balance, with monies expended from the Undesignated Fund Balance to be returned in full to said fund in future fiscal years from said Old Saybrook Fire Department Capital Outlay Fund. Motion passed unanimously.
VI. FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT
Ms. Carver passed out the Official Statement Dated December 4, 2013; Refunding Issue: Moody’s Rating: Aa2. She discussed the General Obligation Refunding of Bonds, issue of 2013. She also reported that the department heads were working on their budgets to get them to the Selectman’s Office by January 15th, 2014. She recommended to The Board of Finance that the town go out to bid for auditors. Since the merger with current auditors, the quality of work was lacking. Mr. O’Nell inquired if the town had to give notice to the current auditors. Ms. Carver will look into this and report at the next meeting. Mr. LaMay inquired if the current auditors were under contract.
Mr. LaMay thanked Ms. Carver for her report.
VII. SELECTMAN’S REPORT
Selectman Fortuna reported on the following:
- Cornfield Pt. Sea Walls;
- No news on Police Contract;
- Street Lights – LED at no additional cost to town; Mr. Stevenson commented on lights down at Saybrook Pt.
- Met with Brown & Brown re Health Insurance;
- State garage;
- CCM class for Board of Finance members;
Mr. Stevenson inquired on the progress of the Personnel Manual. He also inquired about the Ferry Road Dock progress. It was noted that Ferry Dock work was completed.
Mr. O’Nell, re WPCA, had questions re hard costs and benefit assessment.
VIII. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
Mr. LaMay inquired if the board may be interested in meeting at 6:00 p.m. during budget season. After a short discussion, Mr. O’Nell and Mr. O’Brien noted that they would not be able to make the earlier time and Mr. O’Nell had concerns about the public being able to make the earlier time. It was decided to keep the meeting time at 7:00 p.m.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Thorpe at 8:29 p.m. and seconded by Mr. Stevenson and it was so voted unanimously.
This meeting in its entirety is recorded on disc in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Submitted: Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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