302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741 BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MAY 5, 2015 7:00 P.M. First Floor Conference Room Town Hall |
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BOF Attendant Members Absent Members
David LaMay, Chairman Breck Lindley
Brad Thorpe, V. Chairman Barry O’Nell
Tom Stevenson Greg Gernhardt
John O’Brien
In Attendance
Carl Fortuna, Selectman
Bob Fish, Treasurer
Mr. LaMay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. LaMay led in the pledge.
III. MINUTES 3/24/15; 3/31/15; 4/21/2015
A motion was made by Mr. Thorpe, seconded by Mr. O’Brien to approve the minutes of March 24, 2015 and motion was so voted unanimously.
A motion was made by Mr. Thorpe, seconded by Mr. O’Brien to approve the minutes of March 31, 2015 and motion passed with Mr. LaMay abstaining.
A motion was made by Mr. Stevenson, seconded by Mr. O’Brien to approve the minutes of April 21, 2015 and motion passed.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT; Selectman Fortuna reported on an email he received on the subject of other towns having a “poet laureate.” He reported that he passed it on to the Library Director, Michelle VanEpps. A member of the public, Pat O’Brien was also interested in pursuing this and she would contact Ms. Van Epps.
V. FINANCE DIRECTOR: No report.
Treasurer Fish reported on the interview of auditors and the selection process, noting that Mr. O’Nell attended these interviews.
A motion to leave the selection of an auditor to the interviewing group was made by Mr. LaMay, seconded by Mr. Thorpe and it was so voted unanimously.
VI. TREASURER REPORT
Mr. Fish noted that General Government expenditures are beginning to run a little higher than last year. Bonded indebtedness payments will finish $13,362 above budget. WPCA bond payments will require $28,784 less than budgeted, but there will be a June 1 accrued interest payment for the “Preserve” bond of $42,146.
Carryover expenses for roads and sidewalks are completed. These expenses are not part of this year’s budget, but they will affect the Unappropriated Fund Balance.
Mr. Fish noted that taxes continue to come in well. Total taxes received at year end will be above budget. State of CT payments to Old Saybrook are back on track. We received the expected ECS payment of $355,364 on May 1. Local revenues are normal, continuing to run higher than last year. Mr. Fish commented that we should end up with a surplus for the General Fund budget.
Mr. Fish noted and discussed the departments that have overages. Mr. Stevenson asked about the status of Gardiner. It was noted that he is a non-police employee part time and is not under union contract.
Mr. LaMay thanked Mr. Fish.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORT
Selectman Fortuna spoke on the Small Business Energy Advantage Program for the Acton Library. He handed a print out of this program. Mr. Fortuna reported that he met with the Library Director Michelle VanEpps. He noted that there was a grant involved and that it was the same project as Town Hall. Mr. Fortuna noted that for the town, the bid was going out May 6, 2015.
A motion was made to authorize and recommend to town meeting, the total project cost of $111,261, a Small Business Energy Advantage Program for the Acton Library, seconded by Mr. Stevenson, and was so voted unanimously.
Selectman Fortuna also reported on bills proposed at the state level; cancer bill for firefighters; car tax.
Mr. O’Brien inquired about the assessment appeals and the effect on the mill rate. Mr. Fortuna noted that there will be an effect on the mill rate.
Mr. Fortuna reported on the press conference regarding Eastpointe and RR parking.
Mr. LaMay thanked Mr. Fortuna.
VI. CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS: Mr. LaMay thanked the board and reminded them that the Referendum on the budget is May 12th 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. and that there is a special meeting of the BOF immediately following referendum to set the mill rate.
These minutes are recorded in their entirety on CD in the Town Clerk’s Office.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Thorpe and seconded by Mr. O’Brien at 7:47 p.m.
Submitted:
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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