Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, March 06, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, BJ 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
Timothy C. Griswold, Treasurer
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ H. P. Garvin, III
~Alternate Members:~~
Guest: Mary Seidner, Director, Lyme Youth Service Bureau
Amanda Blair & Bill Dunbar, Co-chairs, Open Space Commission
Peter Cable, Secretary, Open Space Commission
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Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Russell noted that regular member, Mr. Garvin, is absent this evening and has requested that Ms. Read vote for him in his absence.
206-0610 Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
Mrs. Seidner, Director of the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, presented the LYSB proposed budget, requesting $90,000 from the Town of Old Lyme. She stated that the Governor’s budget cuts that are proposed may impact State Grants available to the LYSB. Majority of their budget is salary, which is a 2% increase. LYSB is one of the few private, non-profit, Youth Service Bureaus with approximately one-third of their income raised through fund-raising efforts. This past year, LYSB added a new 5K run during the Mid-summer Festival which proved to be a
great success. Their board continues to aggressively fund-raise to defray their operating expenses.
Mrs. Seidner stated that the class of 2008 formed a committee and created the Jonathan E. Glenn Memorial Fund to honor the untimely death of a fellow classmate. This project behind LYSB includes the renovation of a multi-purpose court, including sub-base excavation, paving, edging, tree removal, lighting, and landscaping. The primary goals for this Memorial Fund are to build a Four Square court and benches, as well as addressing the mental health of students and to ensure that students can get the help that they need.
Mrs. Seidner commended the Old Lyme Police for their positive participation to the Youth and Police Program where local youths partner with the Old Lyme Police for a fun field trip, dinner out, and to generally just get to know each other. This very important program was made possible through a three-year grant and continues through Town funding.
Board of Finance Meeting March 07, 2017
Mrs. Seidner stated that LYSB continues to partner with the schools, the police, the library and Child and Family Agency, which brings resources and assistance with programs such as alcohol and drug prevention. Mrs. Seidner stated that, besides the programs mentioned, LYSB continues to work very closely with the Police on various prevention efforts. She stated that there is a Community Forum on Youth Substance Use scheduled for March 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the LOL Middle School.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to approve $90,000 for Lyme Youth Service Bureau. Motion carried.
Mr. Russell requested that the Open Space Commission get moved up on the agenda to accommodate guests, therefore, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Ms. Read, to move Open Space Commission up on the agenda. Motion carried
0330 Open Space Commission
Mr. Cable stated that the Open Space Commission had a series of set-backs. Their long-time Chairperson, Diana Atwood-Johnson passed on after a long illness. The Commission lost its Land Steward in September. These items have impacted their meeting schedule and present budget as well.
Open Space Commission represents Clerk, Maintenance of trees, brush, and trails on Open Space Land, Contracted Services for the Open Space Coordinator/Warden, and Open Space.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Ms. Read to approve $14,716 for the Open Space Commission. Motion carried.
201 General Government
0010 Selectman’s Office
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the Selectman’s Office budget remained mostly the same from last year. The only increases are in the Salary line.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $275,620 for the Selectman’s Office. Motion carried.
0020 Town Clerk’s Office
Mrs. Stajduhar outlined the Town Clerk’s budget stating there are increases in Mileage, Dues, the Other/Misc line and the Education/Training line.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $124,411 for the Town Clerk’s Office. Motion carried.
0030 Tax Collector’s Office
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the Tax Collector’s budget. There are increases in Postage, and Contracted Services, which are provided by Quality Data Company and consist of software maintenance and a variety of other tasks, such as printing the tax bills.
A motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $112,822 for the Tax Collector’s Office. Motion carried.
0040 Treasurer’s Office
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the Treasurer’s budget and stated that there are decreases in Other/Miscellaneous and Contracted Services.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $175,670 for the Treasurer’s Office. Motion carried.
0050 Registrars’ – Primaries and Referendums
The Registrars’ budget was reviewed. There is an increase in Contracted Services and a decrease in the Education/Training line.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $53,886 for Registrars’. Motion carried.
0060 Information Technology Department
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that although the position is vacant, she would like to keep the budget the same as last year with anticipation of filling it in the near future. Presently, she is looking at many different options of a part-time person, sub-contracting the position out or a Consulting firm.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $91,970 for Information Technology. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
0070 Probate Court
Mrs. Stajduhar provided a handout from the Niantic Regional District 32 probate court with the proposed budget for 2018/19, detailing Old Lyme’s amount and percentage for FY2018/19.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $6,000 for Probate Court. Motion carried.
0080 Assessor’s Office
There were increases in Contracted Services, which are provided by Quality Data Company and consist of software maintenance and a variety of other tasks, and Other/Miscellaneous lines and the Education/Training lines within the Assessor’s budget. And a decrease in salaries due to the new hire of the Assessor at a lower step.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $131,488 for the Assessor’s Office. Motion carried.
0090 Building Department
The Building Department budget was reviewed. There is an increase noted in Telephone line. Contracted Services relates to annual maintenance and support for the permit software, View Point. There were no other increases from last year’s budget.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $121,502. Motion carried.
0095 Health Department
The Health Departments budget represents Ledge Light Health District under Contracted Services which is comprised of an estimated per capita fee and a flat Transition fee. Contracted Services – Mosquito Control is a new line which includes the Mosquito Management, Inc.’s fees of approximately $36,000. There was a decrease in the Postage line and Contracted Services.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $154,885. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
0100 Town Hall Expenses
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the Town Hall expenses include an increase in Business Machines line for a new copier lease. Decreases are in Contracted Services (cleaning, mats, bottled water, elevator contract, fire safety and inspection), Heating Expenses, and Town Car – Fuel/Repair/Maintenance lines.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $171,000 for Town Hall Expenses. Motion carried.
0110 Insurance
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the costs of the Town’s insurance which includes premiums for Health/Dental Insurance ($477,000) and Life ($16,000), Property/Liability ($135,000), and, Workers Compensation ($95,000). Fire Department ($42,000) and, Bonds for Officials ($2,000) remained the same as last year.
Mrs. Reemsnyder is looking into joining the CT Partnership option for Dental and Health, increasing the cost sharing to 16%. However, the high deductible would be discontinued.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $767,000. Motion carried.
0120 Special Deductions
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that within Special Deductions, there is a decrease in Unemployment ($1,000), and increases in Social Security ($213,000) and Pensions ((176,000). Buyback for sick/vacation time ($25,000) remained the same.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $415,000. Motion carried.
202 Boards and Commissions
0200 Harbor Management Commission
The Harbor Management expenses represent Contracted Services ($1,200) for removing, storing and replacing the dinghy dock at Ferry Road each year and hauling in the moorings; and Miscellaneous line ($50).
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $1,250 for Harbor Management Commission. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
0210 Economic Development Commission
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the EDC expenses include Supplies ($10) and Postage ($10) line items.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $20 for Economic Development Commission’s budget. Motion carried.
0215 Ethics Commission
There are no increases noted with the Ethics Commission.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $25 for the Ethics Commission budget. Motion carried.
0220 Water Pollution Control Authority
Mrs. Reemsnyder highlighted the budget for The Water Pollution Control Authority. There were decreases in the Legal Counsel, Consultant, and WWM Testing lines.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $84,412 for the Water Pollution Control Authority. Motion carried.
0230 Board of Finance
The Board of Finance clerk and postage remained the same. Areas of decreases are in Office Supplies, Advertising and Printing lines. There is an increase in Contracted Services.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $10,104 for the Board of Finance. Motion carried.
0240 Flood and Erosion Control Commission
This budget represents the Clerk, Postage, Contracted Services, and Miscellaneous.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $540 for the Flood and Erosion Control Board. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
0250 Historic District Commission
The Historic District line items include Clerk, Office Supplies, Postage, Advertising and Other/Miscellaneous.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $4,700 for the Historic District. Motion carried.
0260 Tree Commission
Mrs. Sturges spoke with the chair of the Tree Commission and their budget lines include: Clerk, Postage, Warden, Contracted Services and Other/Miscellaneous.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $16,050 for the Tree Commission. Motion carried. Ms. Stajduhar stated that she had a discussion with the Tree Commission and there is a decrease in Postage and Contracted Service, therefore the original motion was amended. A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey to amend the original amount of $16,050 and decrease the budget to $13,950 for the Tree Commission. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read to add Parks and Recreation Commission to the agenda. Motion carried.
0265 Parks and Recreation Commission
Parks and Recreation budget represents Clerk for $1,512 and $10 for the Other/Miscellaneous line.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $1,522 for Parks and Recreation. Motion carried.
0270 Board of Assessment Appeals
Board of Assessment Appeals budget is comprised of Wages, Postage, Advertising and Other/Miscellaneous lines.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $552 for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
0275 Rogers Lake Authority
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the entire Rogers Lake Authority budget is split 50/50 with Lyme. Steve Mattson requested that all invoices be paid through the Town of Old Lyme and then bill Lyme 50% of the total. He also discussed a possible administrative fee be charged. There is a new line item for a uniformed Ranger to patrol the lake during the summer, have the ability to issue tickets, and will be paid for through the Rogers Lake Authority’s budget. There are increases in the Launch Attendant, Ranger, Clerk, Dues, Lake Management, Civilian Patrol, Weed Treatment, Education/Training, and Boat Expenses.
A motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $ 79,900 for the Rogers Lake Authority. Motion carried.
0280 Land Use Department
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that there are increases in Salary and CRERPA Dues, and decreases in Printing, Telephone, and Education/Training. All other line items remained the same.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $254,942 for the Land Use Department. Motion carried.
0290 Sound View Commission
The Sound View Commission’s budget increases are in the lines of Postage, Printing and Other/Miscellaneous. The increase in Contracted Services represents an increase in frequency of tending to the Port-o-potties at Sound View. Maintaining plantings and shrubs for planters at the end of Hartford Avenue decreased.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $14,375 for the Sound View Commission. Motion carried.
0310 Conservation Commission
Conservation Commission budget represents Clerk, Advertising and Contracted Services.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $3,273 for the Conservation Commission. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
0330 Open Space Commission
Approved above on page 2.
205 Other Public Safety
205-0510 Valley Shore Communication
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the cost to the Town comes from any component data changes in their funding formula. Individual fees are calculated through the use of the established formula comprised of grand list, population and call activity.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $148,000 for Valley Shore Communications. Motion carried.
Minutes of February 06, 2018 Regular Meeting
The minutes of February 6th meeting were reviewed. On page 2, 1st paragraph, 6th sentence, it should be noted that the project and future funds needed that were discussed is a Capital project. Therefore, the word “Capital” should be stated within the last sentence. On page 3, 1st sentence, after the word “that”, add, “includes a cap of 50%...”. Same paragraph, last sentence should read, “The aggregated amount is $71,700.” On page 5, 1st paragraph, 1st sentence, the sentence should state that the Board of Selectmen started a committee to address trash and recycling removal once Old Lyme Sanitation’s contract is terminated in June of 2019.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve minutes, as modified. Motion carried.
Minutes of February 13, 2018 Regular Meeting
The minutes of February 13th meeting were reviewed.
There being no corrections noted, a motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Ms. Read to approve the minutes as written. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
Other Business
205 Public Safety
205-0580 Resident State Police
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that a letter was received from the State of CT stating the projected cost of the Resident State Trooper for FY2018/19 based on the current Resident Trooper assigned to the Town. Mrs. Stajduhar stated that on February 6th, the Board approved $215,000 for the Resident State Trooper and with these new projections, her recommendation is to reduce the already approved amount for this budget number.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to approve $185,000 for Resident State Police. Motion carried.
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the State Police Contract has been settled.
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Board of Directors of the PGN Library met with the Board of Selectmen regarding bonding for their renovation project. The Library Board of Trustees established a Building and Renovation Committee and began investigating opportunities to improve services through redesign of the interior of the building and the grounds, as well as to review necessary maintenance and system improvements. The Library applied and received approval for a $1,000,000 construction grant from the State. Final approval is contingent upon availability of local funding and favorable action by the State Bond Commission. They are requesting $1.75 million and the bonding cost is 3%. Once the Library has secured all the local funding necessary to complete the project, the Library Construction Grants
can submit a request for Bond Commission consideration of the construction grant. The Library wants to take advantage of the State grant so they would like to start construction in the fall and complete it by the springtime. Total project cost is just over $3,000,000 and the Debt Service schedule was discussed.
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Budgets for Other Associations, Lymewood, Ryefield Manor, Capital and possibly Revenues are scheduled for discussion, as well as approval of minutes and Suspense List.
Board of Finance Meeting March 06, 2018
The Old Lyme Historical Society invited the Board of Finance members to their headquarters on Lyme Street at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 13th, before the regularly scheduled Board of Finance meeting at 7:00 p.m., for a tour of their facility.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:50 PM. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
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