Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, Bennett Bernblum, Christopher Kerr,
Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~ Bob Jose
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ H. P. Garvin, III
~Alternate Members:~~David Kelsey
Guests: Roy Johnson, Treasurer, Point O’Woods Beach
Barry Harrison, White Sand Beach Association
Scott Boulanger, Federation of Beaches & Miami Beach
David Evers, Rogers Lake West Shore Association
Tom Swaney, Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Rob McCarthy, Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Bob Pierson, Treasurer, Board of Directors, Lymes Senior Center
Stephanie Lyon, Director, Lymes’ Senior Center
Mike Sicord, Rogers Lake Authority
Rob Roach, Rogers Lake Authority
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~Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Russell stated the some members didn’t receive the February 11th minutes until this evening. Therefore, a motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to move approving the minutes until the next meeting, March 4, 2014.
Mr. Russell stated that Mr. Garvin could not make this evening’s meeting. Therefore, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to have Mr. Jose vote for Mr. Garvin in his absence. Motion carried.
Private Beach Associations
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, the consensus of the Board of Selectmen was that the Private Beach Associations’ stipends should remain the same for this year but that a committee would be appointed by the Board of Selectmen to study the issue. The committee will be asked to recommend a reasonable methodology for determining the stipends in future years, such as by linking them to the associations’ costs for private security which, in turn, reduces the town’s policing costs. Mrs. Reemsnyder also stated that she checked with several surrounding towns regarding stipends to their private beach associations and was told that they do not give stipends. East Lyme did say that if there is a particular area in which they need assistance, they will consider
requests on a case by case basis.
Board of Finance Meeting February 25, 2014
Mrs. Sturges stated that she listened to both sides of the issue and has based her opinion on fairness. She stated that there are many private associations within the town that do not receive stipends and assistance from the town. Mr. Russell stated that there are several beach representatives present this evening and although there is not public comment within the meeting, he would like to give them the opportunity to comment. Four representatives from the private beach associations expressed their concerns.
A motion was by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve the awarded amount of $101,300. Motion carried. The breakdown is as follows:
Point O’Woods $ 20,600
Old Lyme Shores $ 13,500
Old Colony Beach $ 13,500
Miami Beach $ 20,000
White Sand Beach $ 16,500
Rogers Lake West Shores $ 5,100
Hawks Nest Beach $ 3,100
Federation of Beaches $ 9,000
Total $101,300
205 Fire Services
0540 Old Lyme Fire Department
Mr. McCarthy outlined the operating budget of the Fire department that includes heat, electricity, telephone, building maintenance, supplies, technology, and miscellaneous (postage, office supplies, etc.). The technology and computer line include a licensing fee, firefighting software and server operations. Firefighting expenses have increased, which include the engineers who maintain the trucks, apparatus, fuel, repairs, preventative maintenance and tire replacement. Fire fighting equipment, which includes protective equipment, fire hoses and fittings, SCBA/PASS equipment, small tools, rescue equipment, and communications (pagers, etc) equipment, have also increased.
Mr. Swaney detailed the Capital Budget, which included fire/rescue boat replacement, replacement of two tankers, air bottles, mobile radios, and a thermal imaging camera, which detects the temperature of the fire/heat.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $228,390 for Old Lyme Fire Department operating budget. Mr. Kerr abstained from voting. Motion carried.
Mr. Russell requested that since Mr. Pierson is the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Lymes’ Senior Center, that item should be moved up on the agenda. Therefore, a motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mr. Kerr, to move the Lymes’ Senior Center up on the agenda. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting February 25, 2014
206-670 Lymes’ Senior Center
Mr. Pierson detailed the operations and recommendations for the Lymes’ Senior Center, stating that the largest increase request would be in salaries, moving the part-time Director to a full-time position. Ms. Lyon detailed the operating budget and highlighted the increases, which includes mileage, postage, building cleaning, telephone, electricity, building maintenance, heating, alarm system and propane. There was a decrease in the landscaping and office supplies due to consolidation with the Town Hall. Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the new total reflects a 20% increase over the current year’s budget.
The Capital Budget, which included exterior painting, carpet replacement, replacing the lobby furniture, and installing a handicap door opener, was then discussed. It was decided not to include converting the screened porch into a three-season room; however, it will need maintenance because it serves as a fire exit. There was a discussion regarding budgeting funds for roof replacement in the future.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mr. Kerr, to approve $79,904 for the Lymes’ Senior Center. Motion carried.
Mr. Russell stated that the agenda needed to be rearranged to accommodate guests. Therefore, a motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to move Rogers Lake Authority up on the agenda. Motion carried.
205-0595 Rogers Lake Authority
Old Business: Rogers Lake Authority - Police/Crew Boat: Mr. Sicord made a request for a new boat that can be used for policing the lake, for rescue operations and for crew practices and races. Mr. Roach explained that the boat the Authority currently has is unsafe and should be replaced. Mr. Sicord stated that the Town of Lyme and Regional District #18 would share the cost one-third each. Since no documentation was provided regarding the condition of the current boat or the agreement to share the cost of its replacement, Mrs. Reemsnyder requested that the Authority present pictures of the old boat, a professional report regarding its current condition, specifications regarding the proposed boat and trailer, and written confirmation of the willingness of Lyme and Regional District #18
to share the expense. There was discussion of alternative new and used boats that might be less expensive or more appropriate for the intended purposes. Mr. Sicord agreed to follow up with the Board’s requests. No action was taken.
0550 Fire Protection
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the Town pays the fire protection expenses to Connecticut Water Company, as approved by the DPUC, for 19,855 feet of underground pipe and 20 hydrants in Town and State roads. The cost is calculated on linear feet.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $28,350 for Fire Protection. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting February 25, 2014
0560 Fire Marshal
Mrs. Stajduhar stated the only areas of increase are in salaries.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $62,799 for Fire Marshal, which includes salaries. Motion carried.
0570 Emergency Service Retirement
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that this amount is comprised of 70 eligible and the plan administrator fees.
A motion was made by Mr. Jose, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $64,900 for Emergency Service Retirement, which includes salaries. Mr. Kerr abstained from voting. Motion carried.
206-600 Social Services
0610 Social Service Dept.
Mrs. Sturges highlighted the Social Service Department budget. She stated that there is an increase in need within the town and that the Director, who works only twelve hours a week, has requested an increase in hours. There was discussion of the Social Service Department’s services and the needs of the Town’s residents.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kerr, to approve $17,168 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 and the following amounts agreed upon:
Literacy Volunteers $500
Women’s Center 500
Rushford Center 500
Regional Mental Health 392
TVCCA 600
Sexual Assault CC 300
Shoreline Soup Kitchen 500
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Jose, to approve $3,292 for Social Service Agencies. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting February 25, 2014
0630 Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the VNA budget represents $59,982 for professional nursing services and $350 for postage. The OLVNA always returns unused funds back to the town.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $60,332 for Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association. Motion carried.
0640 Estuary Transit District
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.
A motion was made by Mr. Kerr, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $12,695 for the Estuary Transit District. Motion carried.
0650 Estuary Services
The Estuary Nutrition site serves meals daily at the Senior Center, as well as providing “meals on wheels” to homebound clients within the Town. The Estuary sent in a request for $33,150, citing an increase in fuel and decrease in donations. Estuary services are as follows:
1000 Estuary Nutrition Services $29,150
1001 Estuary Medical Transportation $ 4,000
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $33,150 for the Estuary Services. Motion carried.
Old Business
Pension Changes: Mrs. Reemsnyder explained that the Pension Committee investigated various investment vehicles for town employees. The Pension Committee chose T. Rowe Price to maintain investment funds for the Town’s Pension Fund. The Committee adopted a Pension Investment Policy which will be reviewed at the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting. By moving the retirement funds over to T. Rowe Price and employing a third-party administrator, thousands of employee dollars will be saved in fees over the years.
Water Pollution Control Authority: Mrs. Reemsnyder explained the Water Pollution Control Authority’s scope of authority as an independent municipal body to maintain and operate wastewater collection and treatment systems in the town.
Board of Finance Meeting February 25, 2014
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 04, 2014 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. Kerr, to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:00 pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
Michele E. Hayes
Office Manager & Payroll Administrator
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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