302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2016 at 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, Vice Chairman
Tom Stevenson
Barry O’Nell
John O’Brien
Carol Rzasa
In Attendance
Carl Fortuna, First Selectman
Bob Fish, Treasurer
Lee Ann Palladino, Finance Director (in at 7:25 p.m.)
Call to order
Mr. LaMay called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. LaMay led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes: None
Board of Education Report
Superintendent Perruccio reported that they have started to build the 2017/2018 budget. Principals are submitting requests which start with a “0” base and build requests based on needs.~She noted they are meeting to discuss staffing and enrollment for the upcoming school year. ~Ms. Perruccio also reported that they will be reviewing requests and putting the budget together over the next several months ahead.~
For the current budget they have just completed their hiring in the past few weeks. ~There has been a number of maternity leaves and sick leaves which has contributed to a surplus in the salary account. ~Ms. Perruccio noted also they anticipate a surplus in the Health Insurance account which is largely due to the change in benefit plan designs and enrollment within the plan. ~
Ms. Perruccio responded to a question from a Board member regarding the Math Coach position. She shared that many assessments will be used to measure changes in student performance. It will take time to show results from changes that may be implemented and that they are in the phase of assessing the current needs. ~
She reported that they have filed all of the paperwork for the Window project and expect the final payment in January. ~Both the window and roof projects are completed. ~
Mr. O’Brien inquired about legal bills. Ms. Perruccio answered that they have spent several thousand to date. Mr. O’Brien asked if BOE had a Capital Asset Policy to which Ms. Perruccio replied that they use the same process as the Town.
Action Library Report:
Ms. Van Epps answered questions from the Board with regard to facts and figures regarding the opening of the Library on Sundays for 4 hours. There were several people in the audience that spoke in favor of the Sunday openings and the value of the Library to the public. It was noted that the Library is not just a “lending” Library but so much more. Mr. Cameron told the board that he tutors for Literacy Volunteers and brought his student to the Library on Sundays. A discussion was had with the affect on the budget regarding Sunday openings. It was noted that it would cost approximately $4,500 for Sunday openings.
Mr. LaMay thanked Ms. Van Epps and the Library Board for their input and for coming in to answer inquiries from the Board.
Finance Director Report
Ms. Palladino discussed the draft Capital Asset Policy with the board’s input. The board was satisfied with the changes.
A motion to approve the Capital Asset Policy with changes was made by Mr. Thorpe, seconded by Ms. Rzasa and was so VOTED unanimously.
Ms. Palladino will put these changes in the final copy.
Ms. Palladino noted that they were at meetings regarding the software conversion all week, all day. She noted that she will bring a chart of accounts to the next meeting. Ms. Palladino noted that this was a very big undertaking.
Mr. LaMay thanked Ms. Palladino.
Selectman’s Report:
Selectman Fortuna reported that he was looking at budgets. He suggested that the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen have a joint workshop. Mr. Fortuna suggested Saturday, January 21st; perhaps have 1 or 2 of those workshops. The board was in agreement.
Mr. Fortuna discussed briefly, the following:
- 185 Bokum Road; no sale at auction
- Will now put with RE agent;
- Town & BOE on HSA (health ins.)
- Action Library roof almost done;
- The Kate work continues;
- Town Hall roof done;
- Government cuts.
Public Comment:
Other members from the public spoke in favor of Sunday openings at the Acton Library.
Comments From The Chair:
Chairman LaMay read a letter from the State of Connecticut Department of Education acknowledging the institution of binding arbitration in the matter of Old Saybrook Board of Education and the Old Saybrook Educators’ Association, which was scheduled but did not take place because a settlement was reached prior to the scheduled date.
Mr. LaMay thanked everyone for their attendance and asked for a motion to adjourn.
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Thorpe, seconded by Mr. O’Nell at 8:39 p.m. and so VOTED unanimously.
This meeting in its entirety was video taped and can be viewed on Town Website YouTube.
Submitted,
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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