Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, Bennett Bernblum, H. P. Garvin, III David Kelsey
Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~ Adam S. Burrows, Anna Reiter
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~
~Alternate Members:~~Judith Read
Guests: Stephanie Lyon-Gould, Director, Lymes’ Senior Center
Tom Risom, Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Rob McCarthy, President, Old Lyme Fire Department
Jessica Rand, Purchasing Agent for the Old Lyme Fire Department
Steve Super, Deputy Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Tom Brown, Leutenient, Old Lyme Fire Department
Mike McCarthy, Jr., 1st Assistant Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
James Oldfield, 2nd Assistant Chief, Old Lyme Fire Department
Ed Adanti, Director, Old Lyme Public Works
Don Bugbee, Director, Old Lyme Parks and Recreation
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Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and stated The Regional School District Board of Education discussion has been moved until the March 5th meeting. Therefore, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to move the District until next week. Motion carried.
206-670 Lymes’ Senior Center
Mrs. Lyon-Gould detailed the operating budget, which includes an increase in the part-time administrative assistant’s position, the Miscellaneous/Other line for training and Grant Writing Training for the Assistant. Mrs. Lyon-Gould explained that the electricity budget fell short this past year, therefore, increased that line. The facility maintenance line added $5,000 for the Facilities Manager’s time which is already accounted for in the budget, so the Town of Lyme can pay a portion of the maintenance performed at the Senior Center. There is an increase in the Landscaping line for lawn maintenance, which is currently being provided by the town, plus $750 for landscaping. Mrs. Lyon-Gould stated that there are three new lines added which include assistance for large events, to provide concert
lighting, set up and cleaning and general help to work four concerts, four luncheons and two other programs, and, for an outside contractor to take care of the Snow Plowing at the Center.
Board of Finance Meeting February 26, 2019
Mrs. Lyon-Gould detailed 2018 at a glance stating that the Senior Center has 1,099 members with 802 (73%) from Old Lyme and 205 (19%) from the town of Lyme, and, 92 (8%) from neighboring communities. She stated that 39% of seniors in town are members and 25% from the town of Lyme, and attendance continues to grow with 173 new members within the last year. There has been over 25,000 visits to the center last year with a wide variety of educational classes, such as computer classes, lifelong learning classes, and 8-10 lectures and entertainment programs offered each month. Weekly there are exercise and dance classes, several card/dice games that meet, as well as art classes and workshops. Besides the four very well-attended outdoor concerts on the lawn, there are 5 Holiday lunches a year and over 20
day trips/overnights and cruises to participate in.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $121,835 for the Lymes’ Senior Center. Motion carried.
205 Fire Services
0540 Old Lyme Fire Department
Mr. Risom outlined various increases and decreases within the operating budget stating that the budget has decreased by $180. Mr. Risom detailed the increases within the operating budget of the Fire department that includes Lyme Street firehouse operations, computer software, air/SCBA maintenance, miscellaneous equipment, chemicals and foam, apparatus inspection, air testing, SCBA cylinder hydro, pump testing and service, SCBA flow testing, and small tools. Noted decreases included telephone, heating cost, apparatus, chemicals and foams, fire extinguishers, face masks and rescue tools. There is an increase in radio tower expenses line.
Mr. Risom detailed the Capital Budget, which included Air Bottles ($17,600), and a partial payment towards the future replacement of Rescue 38 ($150,000 for the next five years). Mr. Risom explained that Rescue 38-1 is their primary rescue unit and is used to support the attack engines along with bringing rescue and extrication equipment to the scene of an emergency situation. It is essential for response to automobile accidents and is a primary responder to I-95 calls. OLFD apparatus has been placed on a 20-25 year replacement plan and has been part of the Town’s capital plan as requested by the Board of Finance. Replacement cost is estimated to be $600-$800,000 and the Fire department is requesting $150,000 beginning with FY19/20 to start to accumulate funds allowing the replacement to take
place on schedule.
A motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $180,134 for Old Lyme Fire Department operating budget. Motion carried.
Mr. Russell requested moving Public Works up on the agenda to accommodate guests. Therefore, a motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to move Public Works up on the agenda. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting February 26, 2019
203 Public Works
Mr. Adanti highlighted the budget for Public Works operating expenses and summarized the expenses. He explained the various areas and noted that there are no increases from last year’s budget. Mr. Adanti reported decreases in line painting, crack seal and in uniforms.
The road paving schedule was reviewed and discussed. Mr. Adanti explained that road paving that will be done in the FY2019/20 include Grassy Hill Road and Coach Drive for $390,000. He explained that depending on material costs, several other roads (Hatchetts Hill Rd., Squire Hill, Boggy Hole Rd., Briar Hill Rd., Brighton Road, Duchess Dr., Lords Meadow, and Whippletree Lane) will be included within the 2019/20 fiscal year. Mr. Burrows stated that he met with Mr. Adanti at the Public Works building. He complimented the condition of the building, grounds and general operation of Public Works.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve $932,958 for Public Works. Motion carried.
Public Works: Capital
Mr. Adanti highlighted the Capital and Projects which included $5,000 for small equipment, $40,000 for Black Top Hot Box and $25,000 for Garbage and Recycling bins at the Transfer Station. Public Works Roads included $230,000 Road Overlay and $400,000 for Transfer Out – Road Improvement Fund.
Capital Public Works Projects include Outside Contractors, cameras at the Transfer Station, truck wash down, Sount View design plan for sidewalks, Kus stumping ground closure design and closure, Grassy Hill Road Bridge, Lower Mill Pond Repair, and the bridge on Mile Creek Road over the Blackhall River.
Mr. Adanti explained that the Animal Control van needs to be replaced. He explored several choices of vehicles for the Animal Control Officer and investigated pricing and set –up options for the van. He stated that the cost would be approximately $25,000, fully set-up and delivered. Because the current van has issues and age, it wouldn’t pay to trade it in. He stated that Public Works could do the necessary repairs to it and use it for signs when doing road work projects.
213-1320 Recycling
Mr. Adanti stated that the oil, antifreeze, freon, and tires line items have remained the same as last year. There is an increase in the all items line by $2,000. The Solid Waste/Recycling Review Committee, has been meeting and reviewing present ordinances and educating the public in the future. The Committee has line items of $500 and $3,000 for education, printing and postage of informative materials.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $41,800 for Recycling. Motion carried
Board of Finance Meeting February 26, 2019
213-1340 Transfer Station
This covers the daily operation of the Transfer Station on Four Mile River Road. There was a discussion on the increase in cost of waste oil disposal in the future. However, there is no change in the various line items from last year’s request.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to approve $232,269 for the Transfer Station. Motion carried.
01-204-400 Parks and Recreation
0400 Parks and Recreation
Mr. Bugbee reviewed the Parks and Recreation budget. Contracted Services, reflects the RSD18 custodians used at the school for Parks and Rec programs, and Goose Control. It was noted that the Goose Control line used to be under the Health department but is now being split 50/50 between Parks and Recreation and Town Woods Park.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve $252,034 for Parks and Recreation operating budget. Motion carried.
0410 Town Woods Park
Mr. Bugbee outlined the Town Woods Park budget. Mr. Bugbee stated that for the most part, the budget remained the same.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $152,710 for Town Woods Park. Motion carried.
Parks and Recreation – Other
This area encompasses the following:
0420 Fireworks - $19,500
0421 Memorial Day - $ 3,000
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve $22,500 for the Parks and Recreation - Other. Motion carried.
Board of Finance February 26, 2019
Parks and Recreation – Capital
Mr. Bugbee stated that Parks and Recreation does not have a five-year Capital plan, however, expensive items, such as, reconstruction of three tennis and two basketball courts ($134,000 & $67,000, respectively) in town, is imminent and should be considered in the five-year capital budget. Filling cracks and resurfacing prices are very expensive, as well as is reconstruction. A request for Rollout mats for White Sand Beach for handicap accessibility is included for the upcoming fiscal year ($3,600).
213-0011 Sanitation
213-1300-0011-000 Municipal Refuse Collection (MSW): Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the new contract is signed and trash and recycling will be picked up weekly. The amount projected above for FY19/20 is $540,000.
213-1300-0011-001 Single Stream Recycling: Single Stream Recycling program is growing in popularity and is going to be picked up weekly. The cost is included under the Municipal Refuse Collection.
213-1300-0560-000 Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority (CRRA): New name: MIRA. Mrs. Reemsnyder reported an increase to $83/ton and MIRA’s amount is $274,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $814,000 for Sanitation. Motion carried.
213-1330 Household Hazardous Waste Facility
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that she does not have the final number yet. Therefore, Household Hazardous Waste Facility discussion has been postponed until the March 12th budget meeting.
01-210 Capital Project Funds
Mrs. Stajduhar outlined the Capital Project Funds, which are monies taken out of the budget to pay for non-recurring purchases of equipment and/or services. The following transfers are recommended.
*1000 Revaluation - $ 20,000 – towards next physical revaluation in 2019
*1002 Sanitation & Recycling – $1,000 - towards study of sanitation & recycling options
*1006 Building Improvement Fund - $5,000 –To be used towards building projects
*1007 Road Improvement Fund - $630,000 – For large road projects (overlay included)
*1020 Open Space - $75,000- Open Space Commission request
*1030 Fire Apparatus & Equipment - $125,000 – For replacing two trucks over 7 years
Board of Finance February 26, 2019
Proposed Capital Project Funds:
Info. Tech - $115,000 – towards technology upgrades
Parks & Rec - $201,000 – for tennis and basketball courts resurfacing
Public Works Vehicles & Equipment - $40,000 – towards replacement
The various Capital Project funds were discussed in detail. Further discussion and voting was moved to the March 12th budget meeting.
01-215-1500 Debt Services
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the Debt Service Principal will be $315,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelsey, seconded by Mr. Woolley to approve $315,000 for Debt Service. Motion carried.
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the Interest is $38,000, which includes Town Hall and six months of the Library.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $38,000 for Interest. Motion carried.
Minutes of February 05, 2019 Regular Meeting
The minutes of February 5th were reviewed. There was a correction to page 1, 4th paragraph, to delete the last sentence from that paragraph. Correction to page 2, 2nd paragraph, should read as follows: “Mr. Bernblum stated the Private Beach Association’s Grants follow a formula that has a cap of 50% of the amount actually spent on security…” On page 2, under Resident State Police, it was noted that the Resident State Trooper took a position with the Lieutenant Governor, not Secretary of State, as written.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve the Minutes of February 5th, as amended. Motion carried.
Other Business
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated price for electricity has decreased.
Mrs. Reemsnyder reported that there will be a 0% increase in liability, property, and Workman’s Compensation.
Board of Finance February 26, 2019
Mr. Russell stated that the next Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 05, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Budgets for Regional School District #18, Lyme Youth Service Bureau, Social Services Department, Social Service Agencies, Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association, Estuary Transit District, Estuary Services, General Government, and Boards and Commissions.
A motion was then made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
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