Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, Wayne Devoe, H. P. Garvin, III,
Christopher Kerr, Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~Anne Coburn, David Kelsey, Judy Read
Timothy C. Griswold, ex-officio, Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ none
~Alternate Members:~~ none
Guest: Jane Marsh, Representative, CT Regional Planning Association
Ann Brown, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Mary Seidner, Director, Lyme Youth Service Bureau
Mary Fiorelli, Director, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
David Rahr, Board of Directors, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Ned Perkins, Board of Directors, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
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~Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.~
Minutes of February 08, 2011
The minutes of February 8th were reviewed. Correction on page 3, under the Beach Association Discussion, 2nd paragraph, include, ”allocations for the individual associations” to that section. Next paragraph, add, “a total” before the approved amount. Page 3, section 203, 2nd sentence, add the word “item” after the word “line”. On page 5, section 01-210, 1st sentence, add, the word “which” after the word “Funds”.
There being no other changes noted, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Devoe to approve the minutes as amended. Motion carried.
Minutes of February 15, 2011
The minutes of February 15th were reviewed. Corrections noted on page 3, section #0570, 1st paragraph, change “South End” to “Old Lyme”. Page 3, a typographical error was noted within the first sentence of section #610.
There being no other changes noted, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin to approve the minutes as modified. Motion carried.
202-0280 Land Use
Ms. Marsh highlighted the history and functions of the CT Regional Planning Association. It assists the Town with planning, environmental, transportation and other issues. There was discussion about the potential merger of CRERPA and the Mid-State Planning Agency to include 17 towns. Ann Brown described the Land Use fee structures and pointed out how much goes to the State of CT.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Garvin and passed unanimously to approve $142,880 for Land Use.
206-0610 Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
Ms. Seidner, Director of the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, presented the LYSB proposed budget. Contributions in all areas to LYSB are down this year, including our community campaign and holiday parties fundraiser. They have implemented reduced hours for counseling and some spending freezes. Ms. Seidner stated that the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes a 2% raise for staff. One part-time position was eliminated in 2009. Endowment is presently $500,000. LYSB has partnered up with Child and Family Agency, which brings many resources and assistance with alcohol and drug prevention. In conclusion, the LYSB is requesting $69,000 from the town. There was a considerable discussion on the LYSB’s budget. Mr. Devoe noted that the LYSB shows only
$2,500 of endowment income (0.5%). He said non-profits generally show 4% which would equate to $20,000.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $72,000. Mr. Devoe, Mr. Kerr and Mr. Russell opposed the motion and Mr. Garvin abstained. Motion failed. A new motion was made by Mr. Devoe, seconded by Mr. Kerr to approve $69,000 for LYSB. Mrs. Sturges opposed the motion. Motion carried.
211-1100 Other Associations
7001 OLPGN Library
Ms. Fiorelli, Director of the PGN Library, presented the Board with a detailed library budget proposal. The library is requesting $255,000 from the town for the upcoming fiscal year. Last year the town allocated $240,000 to the library. This request represents an increase of 1% over last year. The three main areas driving the increase are as follows: a 4.9% increase in payroll, which includes a 1.5% increase for staff and a new bookkeeper. Another staff member is eligible for health insurance, causing a 50.7% increase, and an additional staff member became eligible for the pension plan. Ms. Fiorelli stated that, for the convenience of town residents, the Library is now offering Passport Services since the Probate office moved to East Lyme. Endowment presently is $3.4 million.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Devoe to approve $255,000 for the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library. Mrs. Sturges opposed the motion. Motion carried.
7002 Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
A request was made from the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts for a grant in the amount of $15,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, up from $10,000 this year.
A motion was made by Mr. Devoe, seconded by Mr. Kerr to approve $10,000 for the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Mrs. Sturges opposed the motion. Motion carried.
7003 Florence Griswold Museum
Mr. Russell received a letter from Jeff Anderson, Director, Florence Griswold Museum. The letter thanked the Town of Old Lyme for its continued support and requested the amount of $10,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. Mr. Russell stated that this is the same amount that was requested last year.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Devoe and passed unanimously to approve $10,000 for the Florence Griswold Museum. Motion carried.
7004 Lyme Art Association
The Lyme Art Association requested a grant in the amount of $6,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. There was a discussion about funding the extra $2,000 in the Capital budget. The extra $2,000 from last year would help pay for the six figure damage resulting from the flooding last March.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Devoe and passed unanimously to approve $4,000. Motion carried.
7005 Old Lyme Affordable Housing
Mrs. Sturges reported that Les Reynolds, (Executive Director of Old Lyme Affordable Housing) moved from Old Lyme to Chester, CT last year. Mrs. Reemsnyder has been active with this organization. The Board felt that it was important to continue to award grant money to Old Lyme Affordable Housing in order to show the town's commitment to this organization. However, funds will only be released based on invoices.
A motion was made by Mr. Devoe, seconded by Mr. Garvin and passed unanimously to approve $500 for the Old Lyme Affordable Housing. Motion carried.
7006 Old Lyme Historical Society
Mrs. Sturges stated that the Old Lyme Historical Society requesting grant money in the amount of $4,000, up $500 from last year.
A motion was made by Mr. Devoe, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed unanimously to approve $3,500 for the Old Lyme Historical Society. Motion carried.
213 Sanitation
1300-0011 Single Stream Recycling
There was a discussion on the vendor chosen for the recycling carts.
A motion was made by Mr. Devoe, seconded by Mrs. Sturges and passed unanimously to approve $171,000 for Single Stream Recycling. Motion carried.
1300-0560 CT Resource Recovery Authority (CRRA)
Mr. Griswold stated that Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) tipping fee will be $69 per ton for municipal solid waste (MSW) next year, the same as last year. Because MSW volumes statewide are down but Old Lyme will budget 3,600 tons next year.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin and passed unanimously to approve $250,000 for Sanitation CRRA MSW/Tipping Fees.
1320 Recycling
Items such as waste oil, antifreeze, batteries, appliances, tires, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, bottles and cans are received at the Transfer Station. Certain items are shipped to Willimantic Waste subject to a dumpster pull fee and the Town derives revenue, depending on the market.
A motion was made by Mr. Devoe, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $38,210. Mr. Griswold requested that $10 be left in the recycling oil and antifreeze line in order to hold that line open. Mr. Devoe revised his motion, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $38,220. Motion carried.
1330 Hazardous Waste Facility
Mr. Griswold stated that Old Lyme and nine other surrounding towns participate in the Household Hazardous Waste facility located next to the Essex Transfer Station. There will be approximately 12 collection dates from April to October available to residents from any of the participating towns with two additional satellite collections. One electronic collection day will be provided by CRRA at no charge and a statewide electronic collection system will begin next year.
A motion was made Mr. Kerr seconded by Mr. Devoe and passed unanimously to approve $17,400 for Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
1340 Transfer Station
Mr. Griswold outlined the expenses relating to the transfer station operation. The landfill is closed on Sunday and Monday year-round.
A motion was made Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed unanimously to approve $72,200 for Transfer Station.
1350 Septage Disposal
Mr. Griswold stated that Septage Disposal includes $5,000 for maintenance and $144,000 for septage disposal. The disposal amount allocated is calculated by multiplying 1,200,000 gallons by $0.12 per gallon.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Devoe and passed unanimously to approve $149,000 for Septage Disposal. Motion carried.
206-670 Lymes’ Senior Center
Mrs. Sturges highlighted the Senior Center and its budget. She stated that the Senior Center Director’s hours should be increased to devote added time to fundraising and programs. Mrs. Meyer has developed a monthly newsletter and is improving the relationship with the Estuary Council. Mrs. Sturges stated that an outside bookkeeper should be hired to increase accuracy and efficiency. This would allow better accounting to track donations, grants and create various categories of income. Mrs. Sturges believes the Center must become a 501(c)3 organization.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, and passed unanimously to approve $30,200, for the Lymes’ Senior Center. This motion is Lyme and Old Lyme’s share and does not include salary or programs. Motion carried.
Mr. Griswold requested for an Executive Session to be added to this evening’s meeting. A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed unanimously to add Executive Session to this evening’s agenda. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, and passed unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss a legal matter pending litigation at 9:36 pm.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, and passed unanimously to enter into Executive Session to discuss a legal matter pending litigation at 9:35 pm.
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Russell stated that Regional School District 18 Board of Education representatives are scheduled to come to next week’s meeting to discuss the school budget. Budgets for Capital Expenditures, Revenues, and Salaries, are scheduled for discussion.
A motion was then made by Mr. Devoe, seconded by Mr. Woolley and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Hayes-Finn
Secretary
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