Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall Meeting Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, Bennett Bernblum, H. P. Garvin, III,
Alternate Members:~ Robert Jose, David Kelsey, Gil Soucie
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Skip Sibley, Selectmen
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members: Christopher Kerr, Janet Sturges, David Woolley
~Alternate Members:~~
Guests: No guests present
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~Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Russell stated that Mr. Bernblum brought up a State Statute that if a voting member was not going to be present, they can elect an alternate to vote in their place. However, it was noted that the board has to have proportionate representation from the two parties, as well.
Mr. Kerr is not able to attend this evening’s meeting and elected Mr. Kelsey to vote in his absence. Mr. Russell stated that Mrs. Sturges and Mr. Woolley could make attend the meetin as well. Therefore, a motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Bernblum to have Mr. Kelsey vote for Mr. Kerr, Mr. Jose to vote for Mrs. Sturges, and Mr. Burrows vote for Mr. Woolley in their absences. Motion carried.
Approval of the Minutes of October 20, 2015 meeting
The minutes of October 20th were reviewed. On page 2, 1st paragraph, 4th sentence, add, “a document changing” after the word “that” and deleted the word “proper”. There were numerous corrections to the 3rd paragraph, 1st sentence.. Mr. Bernblum stated that the words used were not clear. Mrs. Stajduhar also did not agree with what the attorney said or how he worded it. There was an extensive discussion on the wording within that sentence. Therefore, a motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Burrows, to table the minutes until clarification of wording from the attorney at the December meeting. Motion carried.
Review of Monthly Financial Reports
Mrs. Stajduhar outlined the Financial Report Notes for October 2015. Under Revenues, the Property tax, total tax collections were $167,905, 53.83% of total tax department budgeted collected. Under Grants – ECS (25%) in the amount of $151,397. Sound View Improvement Project Reimbursement - $5,570.
Mrs. Stajduhar detailed expenditures, which included First Selectman – Legal of $3,354 for Labor attorney and $4,303 to Town Attorney for quarterly billing. Treasurer Contracted Services - $5,215 for progress billing by auditor. Pension line paid out $39,407 for first quarter pension for Town employee.
Board of Finance Meeting November 17, 2015
Under Capital – $72,581 to Howard Fairfield, LLC for Public Works plow and dump truck. Capital – Road Overlay - $24,400 was paid to Anton Paving for Police station parking lot and side road.
Other funds include Hains Park Boathouse Fund paid $3,360 to Professional Construction Services for Restroom Facility designs. Harbor Management Dredging Grant Fund paid $143,832 to Patriot Marine LLC for progress billing and $11,339 to Coastline Consulting for Project Management.
Old Business
WPCA Update: Mr. Russell stated that Atty. DeCrescenzo should have his final report ready for the December Board of Finance meeting. He asked the the WPCA Update to be added to the December agenda.
New Business
Policy for Finances: Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Board of Selectmen has been updating the draft and they have been making suggested changes. When the final draft with changes are finalized, there will be a meeting with the Boards of Selectmen and Finance to review the draft. The Board of Selectmen are hoping to have the revised final copy of the Policy for Finances completed during this fiscal year.
Selectman’s Report
Emme Heating System: Mrs. Reemsnyder reported that the Emme System is in the process of being installed throughout the Town Hall. The work should be completed and actively working by the first week of December.
Boathouse/Hains Park Improvements: Schedule A for construction documents of the boathouse. After reviewing the initial designs of the bathrooms, it was decided to utilize the existing footprint with changes to the mechanical location by possibly adding a small addition and moving the mechanicals and supplies to that area. This would allow for larger bathrooms, which are handicap accessible, as well as cleaner, safer and an aesthetically more pleasing space. She stated that the committee was looking into wintering the bathrooms in order to accommodate winter activities and if that happens, there will need to be an annual maintenance and cleaning fee included in the budget for that facility.
Route 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements: Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Route 156 Bikeway/Sound View Improvements Committee received notice from the DOT that they have been authorized to move from the preliminary design to final design. Estimates for this phase came in at approximately $750 for planning and construction of which 80% will be funded with a grant. It was originally hoped that the construction could start in the spring of 2016, however construction may not begin until after Labor Day 2016.
Board of Finance Meeting November 17, 2015
Rogers Lake Weed Control: Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Rogers Lake freshwater mussels survey has been completed and a report was sent to the DEEP. The NDDB found a very small population of the rare freshwater mussels throughout the lake and less in the treated areas. Therefore, the rare Eastern Pond Mussel was found in the less weed dense area. The treated area is within the higher density areas. Mrs. Reemsneyeder stated that the report was submitted and feels that realistically the permit will be applied in March with hopes to treat in June.
Black Hall and Four Mile River Dredging project: Mrs. Reemsnyder reported that the Black Hall and Four Mile River dredging project is proceeding. They are presently working on the Four Mile River. The project manager, Mark Jackson of Coastline Consulting, is watching the depth and the various necessary specifications, and the project has to be completed by the end of March, per grant specifications.
Halls Road Improvement Committee and the Solid Waste and Recycling Review Committee: Mrs. Reemsnyder reported that the Board of Selectmen formed two new committees. The Halls Road Improvement Committee will be concentrating on assessing the current configuration of Halls Road and expects this project to be long term with several phases of improvements. The Solid Waste and Recycling Review Committee met and will be working on reviewing and updating the Solid Waste Ordinance and any current contracts for waste and recycling removal.
C-PACE Program: Mrs. Reemsnyder said that a presentation was made to the Board of Selectmen on the C-Pace (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) program. It’s similar to the solarize program, however, this one deals with energy efficient programs for businesses. She explained how CT Green Bank and the C-Pace program could benefit commercial business owners and property owners to make themselves more energy efficient. The businesses can pay for the energy upgrades over 10-20 years at a lower interest rate and the businesses have to save more than they’re investing. C-Pace has worked with 112 municipalities and in order for the town or businesses to take advantage of the program, the Board of Selectmen would have to pass a resolution.
WPCA/Administrative Order Update: Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that she received an email from the DEEP stating that the town is in compliance, even though the EIE (Environmental Impact Evaluation) hasn’t been submitted by the engineers. Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the meeting was very productive and will keep the board posted of the outcome of the final EIE after it is completed and submitted.
Schedule of 2016 Meeting
Mr. Russell reviewed the Schedule for 2016 meetings. He stated that if any of the budget specialists want to change their area of specialty, let him know.
A motion was made by Mr. Burrows, seconded by Mr. Kelsey to approve the 2016 Regular Meeting Schedule, as presented. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting November 17, 2015
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Jose to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
Michele E. Hayes
Office Manager
Selectman's Office
Town of Old Lyme
52 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT 06371
tel. 860.434.1605, x-212
fax. 434.1400
M-F, 9-4pm
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