302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
BOF MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 25, 2014 7:00 P.M. First Floor Conference Room |
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BOF Attendant Members Absent Members
David LaMay, Chairman
Brad Thorpe, V. Chairman
Tom Stevenson
Breck Lindley
John O’Brien
Barry O’Nell
Greg Gernhardt
In Attendance
Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
Lisa Carver, Finance Director
Bob Fish, Treasurer
Michael Spera, Chief of Police
John Dunn, Fire Chief
Heather McNeil, Director Y&FS
Robert Finch, Chairman, Police Commission
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
Mr. LaMay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. LaMay led in the pledge.
Two members of the public spoke of their support of the Old Saybrook Police Department.
IV. OSPD BUDGET DISCUSSION
Mr. Finch, Chairman of the Police Commission introduced himself and spoke of the work the Police Commission did on the budget. He noted that it was a fiscally responsible budget and then turned it over to Chief Spera for questions from the Board. Chief Spera then passed out the list of the fleet of vehicles for the board’s convenience. The following was discussed:
- Vehicles Lease agreement; lease payments;
- Outfitting of vehicles donated by Whelen Engineering; (over $30K); Chief Spera explained the outfitting process;
- As of July 1, 2014, all vehicles will be under warranty;
- Mr. Thorpe asked for mileage per gallon of vehicles going forward;
- Ms. Lindley inquired regarding SRO use of vehicles;
- Mr. Gernhardt inquired regarding the useful life of a vehicle;
- Mr. O’Nell inquired regarding “patrol cars”;
- Mr. O’Brien inquired regarding the 7.9% increase; what does that entail;
- Health Insurance Coverage changes
A long discussion ensued regarding the capital and operating budgets of the OSPD. Discussions included elimination of “steps” raises; raises; costs to hire a patrolman; schooling; contract negotiations since November, 2013; caliber level during the hiring process; training. Chief Spera was asked to discuss the Police Holiday Payout. Chief Spera also noted that money for raises that are not used is not expended. It doesn’t go to other places in the budget. Chief Spera also requested OSPD “legal” line item be funded.
After the discussion, Mr. Finch noted that the Board of Finance needs to come up with a philosophy that they would like to see when departments are putting their budgets together, specifically the Police Department budget.
Mr. LaMay thanked Mr. Finch and Chief Spera for coming to the meeting.
V. FINANCE DIRECTOR
Ms. Carver noted that the proposed budget will be in the Harbor News in the April 17th edition. She also noted that the Personnel Handbook will be ready to present to the Board of Selectmen soon.
VI. SELECTMAN REPORT
Mr. Fortuna reported on the following:
- Looking at gas & oil prices;
- Meeting with BOS re “Mandate Relief”
- Reval; already putting money aside for next reval; more commercial appeals this year;
- Working on waivers for insurance;
- Collective Bargaining; Health Insurance and Pension changes;
- Meeting with AFSME;
- All elected and appointed officials will pay a cost share for insurance (HSA);
- Budget drivers are personnel pay increases and insurance;
- Pension for Fire Fighters;
- Looking at LED project for lights in town; replacing 1100 lights;
- Reimbursement from FEMA is $353,506 for mini golf; $123K was paid from capital non-recurring;
- Sea walls will be done this Spring;
Mr. O’Brien, regarding WPCA, inquired if there was a budget for the Clean Water Fund. Mr. Fortuna noted that the DEEP pre-approves the money before it is spent.
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
Mr. LaMay noted the following meetings:
April 1st………..next regular meeting
April 7th………..Public Hearing on Budget at Middle School
April 9th………..available for special meeting
April 15th………next regular meeting
At this time, Mr. O’Brien noted that the Board of Finance should consider adding $25K to their budget for legal fees. He felt that the same attorney should not represent 3 boards.
Mr. Stevenson asked that consideration be given for a vehicle for the Building Inspector.
Ms. Lindley noted that she is looking to increase Youth & Family Services budget.
Mr. LaMay told the board that he will be looking for recommendations / motions if members wanted to increase or reduce any departments’ budget requests at the next regular meeting.
A complete recording of this meeting is on CD in the Town Clerk’s Office.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Thorpe at 9:07 p.m. and seconded by Mr. Stevenson and it was so voted unanimously.
Submitted:
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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