Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, H. P. Garvin, III, Christopher Kerr,
Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~ Anne Coburn, David Kelsey, Judy Read
Timothy C. Griswold, ex-officio, Nicole Stadjuhar, Finance Director
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Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Wayne Devoe
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Guest: Skip Sibley, Selectman
Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectwoman
Bob Pierson, President, Old Lyme Fire Department
David Jewett, Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Ellis Jewett, Old Lyme Fire Department
Ed Adanti, Superintendent, Old Lyme Public Works
Bill Paradis, Treasurer, Lymes’ Senior Center
Sherry Meyers, Director, Old Lyme Social Services/Lymes’ Senior Center
Tom Brown, President, Old Lyme Volunteer Ambulance
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~Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:02~p.m.~ He stated that Mr. Devoe will not be attending this evenings meeting, therefore, a motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to have Ms. Read vote for Mr. Devoe in his absence. Motion carried.
205 Fire Services
205-0540 Old Lyme Fire Department
Mr. Pierson highlighted the operating budget of the Fire Department that included heat, electricity, telephone, building maintenance, supplies, technology, and miscellaneous which includes postage, office supplies, etc. Technology and computers include a licensing fee, firefighting software and server operations. Firefighting expenses increased by 2.4% which includes pay for the engineers that maintain the trucks, apparatus fuel, repairs and preventative maintenance for nine fire trucks, consumable items, and compliance. There is an increase in foam prices, which impacted this line. Fire fighting equipment included protective equipment, fire hose and fittings, SCBA/PASS equipment, small tools, rescue equipment and communications equipment. There is an increase in education and training
seminars, which includes conferences and training materials for firefighters and EMS/MRT classes. Fire Prevention encompasses handouts and education of school children in town.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin seconded by Ms. Read to approve $198,256. Mr. Kerr abstained from voting. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 3, 2009
205-0550 Fire Protection Charge
The Town pays the fire protection expenses to Connecticut Water Company, as approved by the DPUC, for 19,000+ feet underground pipe and 21 hydrants in Town and State roads. The cost is calculated on linear feet rather than on a foot basis.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin and passed unanimously to approve $25,400.
205-0560 Fire Marshal
Mr. Griswold went through the budget with Mr. Roberge, the Fire Marshal.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Sturges and passed unanimously to approve $57,186.
205-0570 Emergency Service Retirement
This line item funds the Town’s annual contribution to the Emergency Services Retirement Plan for the members of the OLFD and the South End Volunteer Ambulance Association. The Town’s contribution is placed into individual accounts for each eligible, active volunteer, subject to a seven year vesting schedule. The purpose of the Plan is to encourage people to become members of the OLFD and the South End Volunteer Ambulance Association and to retain existing members. The contribution for each active member will be $660 plus fees of $2,600.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to approve $41,540. Mr. Kerr abstained from voting. Motion carried.
206 Social Service Department
206-0610 Social Service Department
Ms. Read highlighted the Social Service Department. Ms. Meyer stated that, due to the economy, Social Service activities have picked up substantially. Areas of increase include assistance with utilities, food, fuel aid and temporary financial assistance. Renters rebate will begin in May and Ms. Meyers is requesting 5 additional hours a week to 20 hours a week. Ms. Meyer stated that private donations to the Social Services Emergency Fund have been strong.
Board of Finance Meeting March 3, 2009
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed unanimously to approve $1,300 without salary or $14,538 with salaries. Motion carried.
206-0620 Social Services Agencies
Mr. Griswold recommends funds in the amount of $2,792, be distributed to various local agencies for Social Services Agencies. Requests for assistance have been received from the following agencies:
Regional Mental Health Board: $392
Thames Valley Council (TVCCA) $600
Literacy Volunteers $400
Womens Center of CE CT $400
Rushford Center $400
Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern CT $200
Middlesex County Homeless Shelter (Eddy Shelter) $200
New London Homeless Shelter $200
A motion was then made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed unanimously to approve $2,792 for Social Services Agencies.
206-0630 Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association
Mr. Griswold stated that the Executive Director, Muriel Drugan, explained that Interim Health Care, which provides visiting nursing services, would be providing a Registered Nurse at $43.89/hour for 1,350 hours for the year. It should be noted that this is a 6% increase, however, the rate has not increased in three years. The Visiting Nurses historically returns funds to the town for unused contract hours.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Woolley and passed unanimously to approve $59,252 for the Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association.
206-0640 Estuary Transit District
The Estuary Transit District provides scheduled bus service, and Dial a Ride services for Old Lyme. The nine town shuttle runs from Old Saybrook to New London and a new bus will be added going north to Middletown.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges seconded by Mr. Garvin and passed unanimously to approve $9,142.
Board of Finance Meeting March 3, 2009
206-0650 Estuary Council of Seniors: Estuary Nutrition Site and EMOT (Medical Transportation)
The Estuary Nutrition Site serves approximately 10-15 meals daily at the Senior Center, and there are about 15 “meals on wheels” clients within the Town. A donation of $2.50 per meal is requested.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Ms. Read and passed unanimously to approve $30,000 for the Estuary Nutrition Site and Medical Transportation.
51-580 Senior Citizens
Lymes’ Senior Center
Mr. Paradis and Ms. Meyer outlined the Senior Center’s budget stating that there are many programs held weekly at the Senior Center and the attendance has increased. Rentals have been eliminated because the Senior Center Board has decided that the revenue does not compensate for the aggravation and the damage done to the Center. The Center allows civic groups to use the facility without charge. Donations from their fund drive just barely cover Ms. Meyer’s $12,000 salary. Ms. Meyer outlined the Senior Center’s budget stating that there are many programs held weekly at the Senior Center. The attendance in programs has increased due to the wide variety of programs offered.
There are increases in utilities, oil, propane gas, heat, alarm service, and telephone expenses. There was considerable discussion about the towns being responsible for the Director’s compensation. For Old Lyme, combining the positions of Social Services Coordinator/Senior Center Director to become a full-time position, including benefits would increase our cost from $12,800 to $42,900 or 335%. Mr. Griswold distributed a comparison sheet outlining the Social Services Coordinator and Senior Center Director full time vs. part time. Mr. Russell asked the Board of Selectmen to make a recommendation about this matter.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Ms. Read and passed unanimously to approve $28,650. (No compensation included)
Public Works
Mr. Adanti highlighted the budget worksheet for Public Works operating expenses. He explained the various increases and decreases in line items. Mr. Griswold stated that contracted services include beach cleaning, safety services, and leased items.
Board of Finance Meeting March 3, 2009
Mr. Adanti outlined the various purchases line items which included the following: Pipes, block, catch basins, signs and post, chip seal, blacktop, cold patch, winter sand and salt, gravel, stone, tires, outside repairs, gas/diesel/motor oil, parts, tools, welding supplies, fertilizer, lumber/paint, uniform rental, safety equipment, and cleaning supplies. Mr. Adanti recommends the chip seal account be increased from $72,000 in FY09 to $167,500 in FY10. Roads scheduled for chip sealing are Four Mile River Road, Sill Lane, and Saunders Hollow Road.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $878,858 for Public Works. Motion carried.
213 Sanitation
213-1300 CRRA
Mr. Griswold stated that Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) tipping fee will be $69 per ton for municipal solid waste (MSW). Assuming 4,000 tons annually, Old Lyme should budget $276,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Ms. Read and passed unanimously to approve $276,000 for Sanitation CRRA MSW/Tipping Fees.
213-1320 Recycling
Items such as waste oil, antifreeze, batteries, appliances, tires, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, bottles and cans are recycled in town. Cardboard, newspapers, magazines and bottles/cans are sent to Willimantic Waste with tipping fees on a per ton basis. There was discussion on what will be done with leaves in the future.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to approve $193,960. Motion carried.
213-1330 Hazardous Waste Facility
Mr. Griswold stated that Old Lyme and eight other surrounding towns participate in the regional Household Hazardous Waste facility located in Essex at the Transfer Station. It been in operation for a few years and each “household” is charged a $37 fee by Clean Harbors, the contractor who collects the waste.
Board of Finance Meeting March 3, 2009
There are approximately 14 collection dates from April to October available to residents from any of the participating towns with two additional satellite collections. The fees for four electronic collection days are funded by CRRA.
A motion was made Mr. Woolley, seconded by Ms. Read and passed unanimously to approve $14,700 for Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
213-1340 Transfer Station
Mr. Griswold outlined the expenses relating to the transfer station operations. He explained the permit process through the State of CT Department of Environmental Protection. There is an increase in office supplies and a decrease in contracted services, telephone, fuel, and equipment maintenance. There is also discussion to keeping the landfill closed on Mondays year round instead of just in the winter months.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Garvin to approve $191,494. Motion carried.
Salaries/Wages
Mr. Griswold distributed the Salary and Wage sheets and highlighted the areas of increases and decreases in salaries. Because there are two unions in town, Public Works and Police, that have contracts that have either expired or will expire before June 30, 2009, the bottom line figure could change. The salary and wage sheet provides for a 2% increase for employees except for seasonal employees and meeting clerks.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Kerr and passed unanimously to approve $2,244,163.
Other Public Safety
205-0530 Animal Control
Mr. Griswold highlighted the Animal Control budget. He stated that there have been changes in personnel and duties. Increases were in the area of telephone, auto, heating oil, education, training, uniforms, animal expenses which includes vet visits, rabies shots and general kennel expense.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mrs. Sturges and passed unanimously to approve $60,643.
Board of Finance Meeting March 3, 2009
Old Lyme Ambulance Association
Mr. Brown stated their request is for two twelve hour shifts per day. Proposed budget provides for coverage by 2 EMT’s from 6:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Two persons x 12 hrs. x 5 days x 52 weeks = 6,240 hours. 6,240 hrs. x $18.40 per hour x 1.02 (2% cost of living increase) = $117,112.32
Old Lyme Volunteer Ambulance Association will provide volunteer members coverage on Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m., and on weekends. The Association provides administrative expenses including but not limited to supervision, training, equipment and supplies. The Association has also purchased ambulances ($120-150,000) every five years and contracts for patient billing.
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
A motion was then made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Garvin and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Hayes-Finn
Secretary
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