Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, BJ Bernblum, Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~ Bob Jose, David Kelsey
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ H. P. Garvin, III, Christopher Kerr
~Alternate Members:~~
Guest: Mary Fiorelli, Director, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Ned Perkins, Chairman, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Dr. William Donovan, Asst. President, Phoebe Griffin Noyes
Lynn Fairfield-Sonn, Asst. Treasurer, Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Joseph Newman, Executive Director, Lyme Art Association
Mary Seidner, Director, Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau
Keith McCarthy, member of the LYSB Board of Directors
Ian Neviaser, Superintendent, Regional School District #18
Lynn Warren, Business Director, Regional School District #18
James Witkins, RSD #18 Board of Education Chair
Tim Griswold & Mark Lander, Co-Chairs, Old Lyme Historical Society
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Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Because two regular members are absent this evening, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to have Mr. Jose and Mr. Kelsey vote for Mr. Garvin and Mr. Kerr in their absence. Motion carried.
211-1100 Other Associations
7001 Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library
Dr. Donovan highlighted the financial history of the Library during the last fiscal year, stating that the library continues to be aggressive in its fund drive efforts. On the expense side of the budget, the Library has approved a 2% pay increase to the staff, which is an increase in $10,000. The Library has not added any new staff and there are presently seven employees enrolled in the pension program.
Board of Finance Meeting March 11, 2014
Dr. Donovan detailed the financial outlook of the Library, stating that the Library has been taking a 5.5% draw from its endowment each year, which is an above-average amount to draw out of the endowment annually. This year, the library is requesting $295,000 from the town, which is a $10,000 increase to offset operating expenditures.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $295,000 for the PGN Library. Mr. Kelsey abstained. Motion carried.
7002 Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts
Mr. Russell stated that the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is requesting $10,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $10,000 for the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Motion carried.
7003 Florence Griswold Museum
Mr. Russell detailed the submitted budget for Florence Griswold Museum and stated that the requested amount of $12,500 for the upcoming fiscal year represented an increase of $2,500. There was an extensive discussion of the Museum’s need for this increase in light of its strong overall financial condition and projected operating surplus.
After discussion, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Jose, to approve $12,500 for the Florence Griswold Museum. Mrs. Sturges, Mr. Jose and Mr. Woolley voted in favor of the motion. Mr. Kelsey and Mr. Bernblum opposed the motion. Motion carried.
7004 Lyme Art Association
Mr. Newman highlighted The Lyme Art Association’s history, mission and operating budged. He stated that the LAA is seeking $4,000 for General Operating purposes. Additionally, the LAA is seeking Capital Funds in the amount of $10,000 a year for 4 consecutive years (2014-2017 fiscal years) for the historic restoration of the Charles A. Platt-designed building. The 2014-15 fiscal is the second year of this request, and thanked the Town for its generous contribution last year. Mr. Newman gave an overview of the Capital Campaign Project and goals, including the Project Phases and grant opportunities. This $10,000 for the historic restoration of the Charles A. Platt-designed building was deferred to be addressed under the Capital Expenditures.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $4,000 for the general operating purposes. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 11, 2014
7005 Old Lyme Affordable Housing
Mrs. Reemsnyder shared with the Board that OLAH will be merging with HOPE (Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere) within the next few months, but she is hopeful that the Board will maintain the stipend even after the merger. HOPE is a regional effort to increase affordable housing and the support of the Town is crucial in securing grants. This also helps the Town in an effort to meet the state guidelines for affordable housing in each community. She confirmed that two seats on the Board of Directors of HOPE will be reserved for residents of Old Lyme in order to keep efforts active in our community.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $500 for Old Lyme Affordable Housing. Motion carried.
7006 Old Lyme Historical Society
Mr. Griswold stated that the Old Lyme Historical Society is requesting grant money in the amount $3,500.
Mr. Griswold and Mr. Lander highlighted the history of the Society and stated that its mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the rich history of Old Lyme. The 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. After years of searching for an affordable, permanent headquarters for the Society within the Town’s Historic District, the Society was able to purchase the Grange Hall at 55 Lyme Street for $175,000. The Society commenced a Capital Campaign in December 2013, and as of March 1st has raised just over $120,000 ($62,000 from 22 Trustees and $58,000 from 88 member of the public); it is confident that it will be able to raise the balance of the
purchase price within a 12 month period. While the building is in very good shape, it needs some improvements, such as insulation, which would permit year-round occupancy for reasonable heating costs, and a climate-controlled space, which would permit housing the Society’s archives. The Society respectfully requests that the Town of Old Lyme approve a non-recurrent grant in the amount of $15,000 that will be dedicated exclusively to improving the building, including the creation of the archival storage space, and could be spread out over more than one year. This request would be a Capital Non-recurring grant.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $3,500 for the Old Lyme Historical Society. Motion carried. Consideration of the capital request was deferred until Capital Expenditures are discussed.
Mr. Russell requested that Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau be moved up on the agenda in order to accommodate guests. Therefore, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to move LYSB up on the agenda. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 11, 2014
206-0610 Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
Mrs. Seidner, Director of the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, presented the LYSB proposed budget. She stated that the State of CT has approximately 100 Youth Service Bureaus, with most of them being town-owned. However, LYSB is one of the few private, non-profit, Youth Service Bureaus, and approximately one-third of its income is raised through fund-raising efforts. LYSB’s board continues to aggressively fund- raise to defray operating expenses. Requests for services throughout the year have steadily increased.
Mrs. Seidner stated that LYSB has partnered up with the schools, the police, the library and Child and Family Agency, which bring resources and assistance with programs such as alcohol and drug prevention. Mrs. Seidner stated that LYSB works very closely with the Police on various prevention efforts. In conclusion, the LYSB is requesting $78,000 from the Town, a $3,000 increase.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley. to approve $78,000. Motion carried.
Regional School District #18 – Board of Education
Mr. Neviaser reported that the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014-15, in the amount of $31,963,401, represents a 0.70% increase, which is the lowest in memory. The breakdown is $28,017,300 for the Operations/Program budget, an increase of $308,193, or 1.11%, over the previous year. The Debt Service budget is $3,946,101, a decrease of $86,581, or 2.15%, from the previous year’s debt service. Mr. Neviaser stated that the proposed budget is comprised of 40.4% Certified Salaries, 9.2% Non-certified Salaries, 12.6% Employee Benefits, 12.3% Debt Service, 12.9% Plant Operation and Maintenance, 3.5% Special Education, 4.6% Instructional Programs, 2.8% Pupil Transportation, and 1.6% Administrative and Support Services.
The highlights of the operations/program budget include continued adherence to class size guidelines, a reduction in both certified and non-certified staff relative to declining enrollments, and continuance of existing academic and extracurricular activities. There are adjustments for anticipated changes in the decreasing special education population, and adequate funding for maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds. Scheduled replacements include technology equipment. Program improvements that are consistent with high academic and operational standards include increasing math staffing at the High School and NEASC re-accreditation process, and increased student access to technology.
Mr. Neviaser detailed the upcoming facilities projects, which include upgrading Lyme Consolidated’s playground equipment and its gymnasium/auditorium sound system, installation of additional security cameras at Mile Creek, LOLMS, Lyme Consolidated and Center School, and lighting and motor efficiency upgrades at Mile Creek, LOLMS, Lyme Consolidated and Center School. Carpet replacement in the Media Center at Lyme Consolidated and Mile Creek is also scheduled as is replacement of the clock system at Mile Creek and installation of sound systems in the LOLHS Science Labs. Finally, the Pre-K conversion at Center School will be completed.
Board of Finance Meeting March 11, 2014
205-0510 Valley Shore Emergency Communications
Mrs. Reemsnyder received figures from the State, based on population, number of calls and the individual town’s grand list. Presently, Valley Shore Emergency Communications services ten towns.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $127,300 for Valley Shore Emergency Communications. Motion carried.
Old Business
Mrs. Stajduhar reported a projection received from the State for Resident Trooper costs (not including overtime) for FY14/15 based on the current Resident Trooper assigned to the town. The State Police contract expired on June 30, 2012 and a new contract has not yet been ratified. Estimated salary increases which may occur upon ratification of this contract are: FY13/14 Annual Salary increases plus an additional 2.00% General Wage increase plus FY14/15 Annual Salary increases plus an additional 3.00% General Wage increase. Any future changes that may occur, such as increases in salaries, fringe benefits, replacements, promotions, transfers, etc., are not reflected in this projection. After a discussion Mrs. Stajduhar had with Officer Heinssen, it was agreed that the Resident Trooper overtime
line item would cover any additional expense required on the Resident Trooper Contract line item. Therefore, no change is needed in the previously approved allocation.
New Business
Public Works: FY 13/14 Wage Increase: The Board discussed a request from the Public Works Director for a step increase for one of the department’s employees from Maintainer II to Maintainer III immediately. No action was taken. The Salary Committee will review this request at its next meeting.
Public Works: FY 14/15 Budget Increase: The Board discussed a possible change in the FY14/15 Public Works budget as a result of the step increase request. No action was taken. The Salary Committee will review this request at its next meeting.
Minutes of February 11, 2014
The minutes of February 11th were reviewed. There being no corrections noted, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve the minutes as written. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 11, 2014
Minutes of February 25, 2014
The minutes of February 26th were reviewed. On page 3, 1st paragraph, last sentence to change 20% to 26%. Within that same page, under Fire Protection, change 19,855 feet to 19,885 feet.
There being no corrections noted, a motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve the minutes as modified. Motion carried.
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Budgets for WPCA (Septage), Lymewood and Ryefield Manor, and Capital Expenditures are on the agenda. Minutes for the March 4th meeting are scheduled for discussion as well.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:40 pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
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