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302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
BOF MINUTES REGULAR MEETING APRIL 15, 2014 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
Greg Gernhardt
Barry O’Nell
In Attendance
Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
Lisa Carver, Finance Director
Bob Fish, Treasurer
Michael Spera, Chief of Police
Gerri Lewis, Clerk (went home ill 7:15)
Mr. LaMay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. LaMay led in the pledge.
None
IV. MINUTES
A motion to approve the minutes of April 1, 2014 was made by Mr. O’Brien, seconded by Mr. Gernhardt and motion passed with 1 abstention.
A motion to approve the minutes of April 9, 2014 was made by Mr. Gernhardt, seconded by Mr. Stevenson and motion passed with 1 abstention.
At this time, Ms. Lewis went home ill.
V. TREASURER REPORT
Mr. Fish handed out a “Mill Rate Calculation” for the year ending June 30, 2015.
Continued discussion regarding moving money from the undesignated fund balance:
- Selectman Fortuna recommended not taking any funds form the fund balance. Moody’s would like to see a fund balance between 12-12%, currently we are at 8.5%
- Selectman Fortuna reported that he attended a CCM meeting and it was indicated that the State monies would be in line with expectations
- Tom Stevenson inquired re: the mooring fees. Mooring fees go directly to an off budget account for Harbor Management
- Barry O’Nell inquired about the Special Assessment payback in revenue. Selectman Fortuna discussed the WPCA Special Assessment. Payments were off budget and debt would be paid as payments came in.
- Greg Gernhardt asked about Property Tax Relief for the elderly. Carl explained that the town provided $75,000 of tax relief and he would like to increase that amount.
- Finance Director Report:
- Lisa handed out a copy of the budget that would appear in the Harbor News and explained that because of the timing required to place it in the paper, the version that will be published in the paper was pre – Board of Finance changes. The full budget is available on-line as well as at the Acton Library.
- The Employee Handbook is complete and employees will be given a copy and will sign off that they’ve received it. There will be an HR section on the web site, which will include the handbook and copy of the union contracts. There will also be an Employee only section. She gave the Board and Clerk a copy of the Employee Handbook.
- Greg Gernhardt asked about the need to have an Employee Handbook and Selectman Fortuna commented that there is a need. Lisa added that the Handbook is not applicable to the Department of Police Services, as they have their own which, according to Chief Spera, is more restrictive.
- Lisa reported that she attended a CIRMA workshop, involving aquatics safety training, which was aimed at mitigating risks.
- Carl explained that although Lisa is the Finance Director, she has gone above and beyond her duties.
- Lisa reported that the Pension Board increased the pension benefits to the Fire Department personnel - raising the yearly benefit from $235 to $270 per year, per year of service. Carl added that the town is funding the pension according to the actuary’s recommendation. The Pension Board also increased the cap on years of service from 25 to 30, added an officer incentive and line of duty disability. Lisa stated that the pension benefit had not been updated since 2008 and the last cost of living increase came in 2004. Lisa encouraged the Board of Finance to invite the Pension Board to a meeting.
Selectmen’s Report:
- Selectman Fortuna reported that the Board of Selectmen would present, to the Board of Finance, a proposal regarding The Preserve.
- Brad Thorpe inquired re: the appraisal amount. Carl reported that the appraisal was $ 8.06MM, including the piece of property in Westbrook but not the piece in Essex. Carl added that if there were a purchase, the purchase would include the land that is in Old Saybrook and Westbrook.
- Brad asked about development rights of the piece of property in Westbrook. Selectman Fortuna reported that there have been no discussions at this point regarding development.
- Brad asked re: the appraisal. Carl reported that the Trust for Public Land had two appraisals – one for $ 7.9MM and one for $ 8.06MM and they have a contract with Lehman Brothers for $ 8.06MM.
- John O’Brien asked about the State’s contribution and the Trust for Public Land’s contribution toward the purchase. Selectman Fortuna stated that at this time, there was no information regarding other potential contributions.
- Brad Thorpe asked if the State had commented on the potential purchase. Carl will me meeting with DEEP on April 16th and would have more information following that meeting. Carl added that the property would be used for passive recreation.
Chairman’s Comments:
- Chairman LaMay reported that there would be an Annual Budget Meeting on May 5th at the High School Auditorium. Selectman Fortuna will present the Budget and provide a State of the Town report. The meeting will adjourn to Referendum on May 13th.
Motion to adjourn made by Brad Thorpe and seconded by Tom Stevenson – 8:03pm
Submitted:
Chairman, David LaMay for
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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