Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, Bennett Bernblum, David Kelsey
Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~ Adam S. Burrows, Judith Read, Anna Reiter
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ H. P. Garvin, III
~Alternate Members:~~
Guests: Ian Neviaser, Superintendent of Schools, Regional School District #18
Jean Wilczynski, Treasurer, Regional School District #18 Board of Education
Holly McCalla, Business Manager, Regional School District #18
Mimi Roach, Chairman, Board of Education
Stephanie Lyon-Gould, Director, Lymes’ Senior Center
Diane Blackwell, Chairman of the Funds Board, Lymes’ Senior Center
Kim Hale, Vice-Chair of Funds Board, Lymes’ Senior Center
Diana Seckla, Board of Directors member, Lymes’ Senior Center
Sue Campbell, Board of Directors member, Lymes’ Senior Center
Joan Bonvicin, Board of Directors member, Lymes’ Senior Center
Kathy Lockwood, Board of Directors member, Lymes’ Senior Center
Jeri Baker, Chairman, Board of Directors, Lymes’ Senior Center
Phil Parcak, Old Lyme Facilities Manager
Cynthia Taylor, Executive Director, Old Lyme Visiting Nurses Association
Tom Risom, Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Rob McCarthy, President, Old Lyme Fire Department
Jessica Rand, Purchasing Agent for the Old Lyme Fire Department
Steve Super, Deputy Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Larry Merrill, Captain, Old Lyme Fire Department
James Oldfield, Captain Old Lyme Fire Department
Tom Brown, Lieutenant, Old Lyme Fire Department
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Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and stated that Mr. Garvin would not be present this evening and had designated Ms. Read to vote in his absence.
Regional School District #18 – Board of Education
Mr. Neviaser reported that the overall budget as presented represents a 1.97% increase, including Debt Service for Fiscal Year 2018-19, in the amount of $34,298,528. The driving forces of the budget is the health insurance which is a 36% increase.
Board of Finance Meeting February 27, 2018
The district is continuing to maintain the same quality programs and educational benefits. He stated that there is a decrease in student count and certified staff. Mr. Neviaser stated and detailed the Operating budget, which is comprised of Certified Salaries (up by $111,052 or 0.81%), Non-certified Salaries (up $32,606 or 1.02%), Employee Benefits (up by $558,131 or 13.73%), Instructional Programs (up by $28,319 or 2.15%), Special Education (down by $488 or 0.03%), Support Services (up $258 or .33%), Administrative Services ($20,283 or 2.45%), Pupil Transportation ($38,387 or 3.88%), Plant Operation and Maintenance (down $4,828 or 0.12%), Operating Budget ($783,720 or 2.65%), Debt Service (down $119,463 or 2.93%), Total Budget (up $664,257 or 1.97%).
Mr. Neviaser stated that the goals to be served by the 2018-19 budget is to support the objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan by preserving and building upon the high standard of education while remaining fiscally responsible to the community, to support the ongoing renewal of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and staff development activities in response to the expectations of state and national standards, continue to plan and provide technology infrastructure and applications that are consistent with highly effective and efficient programming and operational standards, maintain high facility standards for all district buildings and grounds, main a dynamic and responsive approach to programming needs and mandates in special education, and maintain both compliance and reasonability in response to state and
federal mandates.
The operations and program budget reflects continued adherence to class size guidelines, reduction of staff to account for enrollment decline, continuance of existing academic and extracurricular activities, adjustments for anticipated changes in the special education population, adequate funding for maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds, scheduled replacement of technology and equipment and program improvements that are consistent with high academic and operational standards.
206-670 Lymes’ Senior Center
Mrs. Lyon-Gould detailed the operations and recommendations for the Lymes’ Senior Center, stating that in the last 4 years the center usage has greatly increased from 3,707 in 2012-13 to a projected 20,000 this year. Programs have increased from 63 programs a month in February 2013 to over 120 programs a month. In addition, the Center offers 2-3 day trips a month and 5+ overnight trips and cruises a year. Mrs. Lyon-Gould explained that according to the CERC Town Report for 2017, the towns of Old Lyme and Lyme has 25% and 29% respectively people that are 64+ in age and the Board of Directors voted to lower the age of membership from 60 to 55 years of age and will be official after selectmen’s approval this month, This change will further increase membership which is currently at 1,018 people (there
were 177 members in 2012-13). The Senior Center membership and dues pays for the programs, entertainment, classes, etc. The Town of Lyme pays 24% of expenses, which is based on total population.
Mrs. Lyon-Gould detailed the operating budget, which includes an increase in mileage, office supplies, contracted services, cleaning and maintenance. Decreases in the electricity budget by $3,000 is the projected savings from replacing the HVAC unit last summer. The Center would like to take that savings and redistribute it into replacing all lights within the Center with LED lights thus increasing the electricity savings for FY 2019-20.
Board of Finance Meeting February 27, 2018
Mrs. Lyon-Gould and Mr. Parcak detailed the Capital Budget, which included replacing ceiling tiles and installing dampers on the HVAC unit, and extensive porch repair. The new roof has $11,045 in the roof account and she is requesting another $10,000 put into the roofing account, with the work being done later this year.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $102,380 for the Lymes’ Senior Center. Motion carried.
205 Fire Services
0540 Old Lyme Fire Department
Mr. Risom outlined various increases and decreases within the operating budget stating that the budget has decreased 15.24%. Mr. Risom detailed the increases within the operating budget of the Fire department that includes Lyme Street firehouse operations, computer software, air/SCBA maintenance, miscellaneous equipment, chemicals and foam, apparatus inspection, air testing, SCBA cylinder hydro, pump testing and service, SCBA flow testing, and small tools.
Noted decreases included telephone-DSL and air card, Boughton Road firehouse operations, heating, apparatus fuel, hose testing, fire fighter, fire police, 2.5” hose, pagers, fire fighting classes.
Mr. Risom detailed the Capital Budget, which included Air Bottles ($11,200), Cross Lane overhead door replacement and operators ($15,000), Cross Lane exterior trim painting ($14,000), Cross Lane Roof replacement, Lyme Street attic insulation above 2nd floor ($18,000), Boughton Road paint exterior ($4,500), outboard motor ($5,000), and a partial towards the future replacement of two tankers. Mr. Risom noted that the total Operating Budget has decreased by 15.24%.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $179,954 for Old Lyme Fire Department operating budget. Motion carried.
Mr. Russell requested that the Old Lyme Visiting Nurses up on the agenda. Therefore, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Ms. Read, to move the OLVNA up on the agenda. Motion carried.
206-0630 Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association
Mrs. Taylor stated that the VNA has transitioned from Interim Health Care (which has closed its Norwich office) to the Southeastern Visiting Nurse Association which provides more services than Interim Health Care did. The budget represents $74,000 for professional nursing services/interim contract and $220 for postage. In an average month, The Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association has over 100 office visits at the Senior Center and over 30 adult health supervision wellness checks.
Board of Finance Meeting February 28, 2018
A motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $74,220 for Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association. Motion carried.
Minutes of February 06, 2018 Regular Meeting
Approval of the February 6th meeting minutes are postponed until the March 6th meeting. Therefore, no vote was taken.
Minutes of February 13, 2018 Regular Meeting
Approval of the February 13th meeting minutes are postponed until the March 6th meeting. Therefore, no vote was taken.
206-600 Social Services
0610 Social Service Dept.
Mrs. Reemsnyder highlighted the Social Service Department budget which represents mileage ($300), postage ($250), and miscellaneous ($500).
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $19,090, for the Social Service Department. Motion carried.
0620 Social Service Agencies
The grant requests of several social service agencies historically supported by the Town were discussed. Below are the following allocations:
001 Literacy Volunteers $500
002 Safe Futures 500
003 Rushford Center 500
004 Regional Mental Health 392
005 TVCCA 600
006 Sexual Assault CC 300
007 Shoreline Soup Kitchen 500
008 Arc of New London County 750
009 NL Homeless Hospitality Center 1,500
010 HOPE 500
Board of Finance Meeting February 27, 2018
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the New London Homeless Hospitality Center has requested $1,500. There was a discussion as to how many residents it actually benefits. By showing support to local organizations displays favorably when applying for various grants whose agencies investigate if the community is supporting their organization as well.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $6,042 for Social Service Agencies. Motion carried.
206-0640 Estuary Transit District
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Estuary Transit District provides scheduled bus service and Dial a Ride services for Old Lyme and surrounding towns. The nine-town shuttle runs from Old Saybrook to New London and to Middletown. It provides a valuable service to small towns.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $15,500 for the Estuary Transit District. Motion carried.
206-0650 Estuary Services
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the Estuary Nutrition site serves meals daily at the Senior Center, as well as providing “meals on wheels” to homebound clients, congregate meals, medical outpatient transportation, and preventative health services within the Town. The Estuary requested $38,347, citing an increase in number of residents being served as well as an increase in the cost of providing services on all levels. The ECSI is funded by grants, donations from individuals, fund raising efforts and contributions from each of the nine towns Estuary serves.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $39,500 for the Estuary Services. Motion carried.
Other Business
0410 Town Woods Park: Mrs. Stajduhar stated that there were questions on the Town Woods Park Field Supplies line. She highlighted two decreases within the Town Woods Park budget.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $156,400 for Town Woods Park.
Geese Control at Hains Park and Town Woods Park: Mrs. Stajduhar clarified that the amount for Geese control is split between Hains Park and Town Woods Park lines. Town Woods Park – Contracted Services was decreased by $1,500.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $154,900 for Town Woods Park.
Board of Finance Meeting February 28, 2018
203 Public Works: Mrs. Stajduhar stated that she spoke with Mr. Adanti who stated that he could decrease the Crack Seal line by $8,000 from the initial approved amount.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey to adjust the amount of $925,698 that was approved on February 13th to the reduced amount of $917,698. Motion carried.
205-0550 Fire Protection: Mrs. Stajduhar wanted to advise the board that in a recent letter from CT Water Company, it was explained that the calculations of the current rates are projected increases and water revenue adjustment are only estimates for budget purposes and cannot be guaranteed until final PURA approval. Therefore, the amount approved of $31,800 is $500 less than FY2018-19 estimates provided within the letter.
Town Aid Road Program: Per Mrs. Stajduhar, for FY2017-18, the Town was to receive a total of $230,000 distributed in two installments from the State of CT’s Town Road Aid Program. She has just received a letter from the State of CT which explained that towns that receive funding from the Town Aid Road program have received their first apportionment, however, the second payment of $115,000 has been indefinitely postponed.
MIRA Credit: Mrs. Reemsnyder stated MIRA will distribute the town a $21,000 credit. There was a discussion on method of receipt and was agreed by all to request a check instead of a credit and put the funds back into the General Fund.
Mr. Burrows mentioned the need for the Board of Finance to inform the Board of Education about the severe cuts Old Lyme received in the ECS or Education Cost Sharing State grant and that over the next five-year period this equals well over $1,000,000. It is important for the Board of Finance to express this concern and request the Board of Education to consider that we now receive no ECS funds from the State.
There was also a mention of the need to follow through with exploring cost savings in health insurance. Mrs. Reemsnyder state that she is reviewing information about the lower rates of the CT Partnership and want to work with Region #18 to further review information.
After the school representative left the meeting, the Board raised some questions about budget issues. It was suggested that in future years, the Board’s Region 18 specialists meet personally with the school superintendent and Finance Director outside of the Board of Education meetings to more fully understand the budget as it develops, thereby permitting input into the process.
Board of Finance Meeting February 28, 2018
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 06, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Budgets for General Government and Boards and Commissions are scheduled for discussion.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:57 pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
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