Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, March 08, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, BJ Bernblum, H. P. Garvin, III, Christopher Kerr,
Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~ Adam Burrows, Bob Jose
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Skip Sibley, Selectman
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~
~Alternate Members:~~David Kelsey
Guest: Mary Fiorelli, Director, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
David Stanland, Treasurer, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Alan Poirier, President, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Gary Parrington, Director of Development, Lyme Art Association
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Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
211-1100 Other Associations
7001 Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Mrs. Fiorelli highlighted the library’s revenue and expenditures. She stated that the library continues to be aggressive in their fund drive efforts and anticipates an increase of 17.6%. She stated that the Library has been taking a 5.5% draw from the Library endowment each year – 3 years rolling average which is projected up by $8,000. Fines and fees also includes passport service fees. On the expense side of the budget, the Library has a 2% pay increase to the staff, an increase in hours of three staff members and an equity adjustment to one employee who received her masters degree. The Library’s pension program has increased from seven full time employees to nine employees who are presently enrolled in the pension program. There are also increases in building and janitorial
services, libraries online network and automation, and business expenses, postage, printing and miscellaneous.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $315,000 for the PGN Library. Motion carried.
7002 Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
Mrs. Sturges stated that she and Mr. Jose met with George Synodi, Vice President of Finance at the University of New Haven and Todd Jokl, Campus Dean, and they both felt that the Academy was on the right track by consolidating administration with the University of New Haven, and running it as a business with a progressive five-year plan in place. The Academy enrollment continues to increase annually. This year’s request is $20,000 with $10,000 towards operating and $10,000 for capital for new walkways and
Board of Finance Meeting March 08, 2016
repairs. There was a discussion about addressing their capital request next week when Capital Expenditures are on the agenda.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Kerr to approve $10,000 for the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Motion carried.
7003 Florence Griswold Museum
Mrs. Sturges detailed the submitted budget for Florence Griswold Museum and stated the requested amount of $12,500 for the upcoming fiscal year.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin to approve $12,500 for the Florence Griswold Museum. Motion carried.
7004 Lyme Art Association
Mr. Parrington highlighted The Lyme Art Association and stated that the Association is seeking $6,000 for General Operating purposes. The Lyme Art Association has been seeking Capital Funds in the amount of $10,000 a year for 4 consecutive years (2014-2017) for the historic restoration of the Charles A. Platt-designed building and 2016 is the third year of this request. He explained that two phases of the project have already been completed. Phase one included a building condition assessment in which they had their entire building completely examined and assessed. Phase 2 has been completed as well which included developing a master plan to address meeting their growing needs, and the needs of the community. Their entire operating budget is under $260,000. There are no full-time
employees and staffing includes a three (part-time) person management team. The scope of work in the capital is replacing exterior shingle and trim, as well as addressing fire and code issues. The Capital request is $10,000 to move forward with their building renovation project.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kerr to approve $6,000 for the general operating purposes. Motion carried.
7005 HOPE (Old Lyme Affordable Housing)
Last year, Old Lyme Affordable Housing merged with HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere). HOPE is a regional effort to increase attainable housing and the support of the Towns is crucial in securing grants. This also helps the towns in an effort to meet the state guidelines for affordable housing in each community. Mrs. Sturges stated that in next year’s budget, it should be noted that this line item will be moving out of Other Associations and into the area of Social Services.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kerr to approve $500 for HOPE (Old Lyme Affordable Housing). Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 08, 2016
7006 Old Lyme Historical Society
Mrs. Sturges stated that the Old Lyme Historical Society is requesting grant money in the amount of $3,500. Historical Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that was incorporated in CT in February 2005. The Society is governed by its Board of Trustees, consisting of up to 25 members. The Historical Society bought the Grange Hall last year and has been working very hard to make many improvements needed to make the building more efficient as well as ADA compliant. They are still trying to create an archival area that is climate controlled for the paper documents. The Society has continued with a Capital Campaign since December 2013, and has raised approximately $247,000. The Society has requested the Town of Old Lyme approve a non-recurrent grant in the amount of $15,000 which has been
spread over three years ($5,000/year) that will be dedicated exclusively to improving the building, including the creation of the archival storage space. This is the third of the three year request and would be a Capital Non-recurring grant.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kerr to approve $3,500 for the Old Lyme Historical Society. Motion carried.
Lymewood and Ryefield Manor Tax Abatements
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that last year a 75% tax abatement was granted. Mr. Russell stated that the tax abatement amount for Lymewood is approximately $16,500 and Ryefield Manor is approximately $16,500 as well.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin to continue 75% tax abatements for the upcoming year for both entities. Motion carried.
205 Public Safety
0570 Emergency Service Retirement
Mrs. Stajduhar requested that this line be postponed until next Tuesday, March 15th.
205-0510 Valley Shore Emergency Communications
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that Individual town fees are calculated through the use of the established formula comprised of grand list, population and call activity. She informed board that East Haddam has joined Valley Shore Emergency Communications. Valley Shore Emergency Communications presently serves ten towns. Old Lyme’s share is $137,864 for Operating Budget and $12,904 for Capital budget items.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Garvin to approve $151,000 for Valley Shore Emergency Communications. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 08, 2016
Approval of February 23, 2016 Minutes
Review of the minutes of February 23rd was postponed until next week, March 15th.
Other Business
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that two bids were submitted for Town Woods Park. There were notable differences in the bids, however, there were several inconsistencies in the bids which need to be taken into account. She stated that one contractor hasn’t had any experience with the organic treatment, which is critical to the fields at Town Woods Park. Mrs. Reemsnyder will be meeting with each of the bidders to clarify the terms of their bids.
There was a discussion on the Parks and Recreation Commission having its own budget. There was discussion that their budget needs line items for a clerk, as well as miscellaneous. The other lines requested are questionable. A meeting between the Board of Selectmen with the Parks and Recreation chairman is going to be scheduled to discuss their request and necessary line items. After that meeting, the Board of Selectmen will make a recommendation to the Board of Finance.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Kerr to establish a new Parks and Recreation Commission of $1,522. The new Commission will have a line item for a Clerk ($1,512 moved from account 01-204-0400-0003) and a new Miscellaneous line ($10). Motion carried.
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Town Meeting was held last night and the OLPD/OLFD boat was approved. There was a discussion on the expenses of the boat that is slated for purchase. There may be a less expensive option more locally. Mr. Russell stated that he will contact the fire department chief to discuss his findings and get his input.
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Hall. Budgets scheduled for discussion include LYSB, RSD#18, WPCA, Capital Expenditures and Revenues.
A motion was then made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kerr to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
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