Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall Meeting Hall.
Present: Regular Members: Andrew Russell, Bennett Bernblum, Christopher Kerr,
Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members: Bob Jose, David Kelsey, Gil Soucie
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Absent: Regular Members: H. P. Garvin, III
Alternate Members:
Guest: Rick Sullivan, White Sand Beach Association
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Mr. Russell called the regular meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr.Woolley to have Mr. Jose vote for Mr. Garvin in his absence.
Mr. Russell stated that due to guests present, he requested that White Sand Beach Association request be added under New Business and to move New Business up on the agenda. A motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mrs. Sturges to move New Business up on the agenda and add White Sand Beach to the agenda. Motion carried.
New Business
Mr. Sullivan explained that extensive road work is constantly needed on a low area of White Sand Beach Road. The reason for the erosion is due to water and traffic and the low area and the Association has been been trying to keep up on patching the problem areas, however, the road has eroded and is above and beyond patching. White Sand Beach Association respectfully requested that the town split the expenses in the amount of $2,800 associated with the patching. He stated that the town uses that road exclusively to access the town lot. After discussion, it was decided to move further discussion and decision to the August meeting under Old Business.
Minutes of the May 8, 2014 Special meeting
The Special Meeting held between the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance were reviewed.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve the Special meeting of May 8th minutes, as written. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting July 15, 2014
Minutes of the May 19, 2014 Regular meeting
The minutes of the May 19th regular meeting were reviewed. Mrs. Sturges questioned the Senior Center Board Fund Program expenditures of $4,940 and how it was worded.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve the May 19th minutes, as written. Mr. Woolley abstained as he wasn’t present at that meeting. Motion carried.
Minutes of the June 17, 2014 Special meeting
The Special Meeting held before the regular Board meeting minutes were reviewed.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve the Special meeting minutes of June 17th, as written. Mr. Kerr abstained as he was not present. Motion carried.
Minutes of the June 17, 2014 Regular meeting
The regular meeting minutes were reviewed.
A motion was made by Mr. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 17th, as written. Mr. Kerr abstained as he was not present. Motion carried.
Review of Monthly Financial Reports
The unadjusted Financial Report Notes for June were reviewed. The June revenue and expenditure reports are unadjusted for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, still to be booked are sick buyback, 4th quarter pension, CRRA for June, as well as adjustment to the Tax Collector balance sheet accounts.
Under Revenues, the Property tax, total tax collections were $147,700. Revenue budget has been met over 100% in all categories. The Sound View street parking and lots revenue is $25,879 and beach stickers revenue is $15,480 so far. The Transfer Station has $30,000 excess revenue due to storm debris, and will offset Recycling Department overages. The Lyme Senior Center Board Fund collected $11,207 for programs.
The Expenditures were highlighted. Tax Collector – Legal services drove the entire department over budget by $1,209 to date. Under the Health department – Contracted services, a class was held to qualify individuals in food preparation (cost totaled $3,800 and a fee was charged to cover per Health Department). The Town Hall Office Supplies line, $2,800 was paid to Complus for the new beach sticker program. Public Works department is over $2,300 to date. Under the Old Lyme Fire Department, $25,700 was paid to Shipmans for 10 sets of turnout gear and $5,461 was paid for OSHA classes. The State Trooper line paid $120,059 for the FY13/14 contract which brought the entire department over by $7,800.
The Senior Center Repairs/Maintenance line paid out $4,000 to Benedetto Heating for A/C tune ups and a new thermostat. The Recycling department is over $16,300 due to storm debris which was offset by extra revenue from the Transfer Station. Under Capital Expenditures, $7,717 for new servicer (line item over budget by $5,600) and $4,050 for Reverse 911 System.
Other funds include: Revaluation Fund, $33,540 – partial payment on contract to Vision Appraisal; Harbor Dredging Grant, $10,600 for final payment on contract to Coastline Consulting; Boathouse Project paid $8,800 to Nina Peck Architect; Senior Center Board Fund, $4,300 for payments for programs; and, Open Space Fund, $137,700 for final payment on the Ames Property.
Old Business
WPCA Update: WPCA voted in May to proceed with the Regional Plan option which will utilize the New London Wastewater. The Town is working with the three chartered beach associations who have already begun the process. The WPCA, Engineers, and DEEP met to discuss the needs of the town and Mrs. Reemsnyder feels that each group is moving positively in the same direction. Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that regarding the funding aspect, the engineers are working on the figures and an expenditure schedule for the financing and timing for the various steps of funding will be in place. Mrs. Reemsnyder met with the Chairs of Conservation and Planning to discuss the future needs of the town and what impact this development will have on the town going forward. She will continue to keep the
board posted on any developments that arise.
New Business
Fire Department/VFIS – Insurance Limits: Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Emergency Service organization with VFIS has requested an increase in Accident and Sickness coverage. She highlighted the various increases. She stated that the increases requested were presented a few years ago and never voted on. After discussion, it was decided that a representative from the Fire department and VFIS come before the next Finance board meeting to present their proposal. No action was taken.
Selectman’s Report
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that a commitment was signed to reduce municipal consumption of energy by 20% . The Town will try to communicate to its residents to use energy efficient steps to lower home energy bills as well as preserve the environment. As a result of saving costs to homeowners, the town receives credit and presently the town has 88 credits. Once the town receives 100 credits, a $5,000 grant to use towards energy consumption within the town and town buildings.
Mrs. Reemsnyder participated on the Statewide Emergency Drill. Most of the departments were represented with the focus being to meet the needs of people needing transportation, having medical and/or ambulatory issues, and making sure that the Town was well-prepared in the case of a hurricane. Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that a phone call to each individual with medical needs was made and feels confident that the Town is more prepared in emergency situations. However, seasonal residents offers an unknown population of those who also may need medical attention in case of an emergency.
The Boat House/Hains Park Improvement project is moving forward. Because of the way the area is zoned, the project is going before the Zoning Board of Appeals this evening to receive approval on the variances due to the scope of the construction.
The Special Town Meeting is scheduled for July 29th at 7:30 in the Meeting Hall. Acceptance of DEEP Parcel and approval of a $30,000 allocation for the Rogers Lake Weed Study are on the call of the meeting.
The Selectmen have chosen six applicants out of ten received to serve on the Beach Stipend Committee. Representation is from Roger’s Lake, Point O’Woods, Edge Lea, as well as a few private association, have been chosen to look at the practice of the Town giving private beach associations, as well as some other beach associations, a stipend each year.
Mrs. Reemsnyder reported that the CT Trust for Historic Preservation has Grant Opportunities of up to $50,000 to five communities to plan renovations that would preserve their historic area. She stated that the Halls Road project is the perfect project for such grant. The improvements to the area would include lighting, signage, sidewalks and various esthetically pleasing changes that would bring people to the local businesses on Halls Road and highlight the town’s art community and heritage.
The third Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast will be held tomorrow at the Sound View Community Center. Topics and presentations include the Sound View Improvement/Route 156 Bikeway project and the waste water plan. The breakfast is open to the public and members of the board are welcome to attend.
Mrs. Reemsnyder wanted the board to know that she receives thank you letters from the various organizations that the town funds throughout the year.
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley to adjourn the Regular meeting at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
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