Minutes of the Board of Finance meeting held on Tuesday, March 05, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall.
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Present:~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~ Andrew Russell, BJ Bernblum, H. P. Garvin, III, David Kelsey
Janet Sturges, David Woolley
Alternate Members:~ Adam S. Burrows, Judith Read, Anna Reiter
Bonnie A. Reemsnyder, ex-officio
Mary Jo Nosal, Selectwoman
Nicole Stajduhar, Finance Director
Absent:~~~~~~~~~~~ Regular Members:~
~Alternate Members:~~
Guest: Ian Neviaser, Superintendent of Schools, Regional School District #18
Jean Wilczynski, Treasurer, Regional School District #18 Board of Education
Holly McCalla, Business Manager, Regional School District #18
Mimi Roche, Chairman, Board of Education
Mary Biekert, Reporter,The Day
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Mr. Russell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Mr. Kelsey stated that he has to leave at 7:30 p.m. for another meeting and designated Ms. Read to vote in his absence.
Regional School District #18 – Board of Education
Mr. Neviaser reported that the overall budget as presented represents a 2.29% increase for a total amount of $35,084,758 which also includes Debt Service for Fiscal Year 2019-20. The driving forces of the budget are the Employee Benefits, Special Education and Administrative Services.
The district is continuing to maintain the same quality programs and educational benefits. He stated that there is a decrease in student count and certified staff. Mr. Neviaser stated and detailed the Operating budget, which is comprised of Certified Salaries (up $205,879 or 1.49%), Non-certified Salaries (up $210,788 or 6.50%), Employee Benefits (up $382,797 or 8.28%), Instructional Programs (down by $30,038 or 2.23%), Special Education (up $71,504 or 4.87%), Support Services (down by $1,240 or 1.60%), Administrative Services ($25,338 or 2.99%), Pupil Transportation (down $139,010 or 13.52%), Plant Operation and Maintenance (up $147,925 or 3.78%), Operating Budget ($873,943 or 2.88%), Debt Service (down $87,713 or 2.22%), Total Budget (up $786,230 or 2.29%).
Mr. Neviaser highlighted the operations/program budget stating it reflects continued adherence to class size guidelines, reduction of staff to account for enrollment shifts, continuance of existing academic and extracurricular activities. There is adjustments for anticipated changes in the special education population. The budget reflects adequate funding for maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds, as well as scheduled replacement of technology and equipment.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
Mr. Neviaser stated that program improvements are consistent with high academic and operational standard, which included pre-K expansion, 1:1 technology expansion K-12, updated NGSS materials, and enhanced security in the schools. Mr. Neviaser spoke about the expansion of the Pre-K program.
Mrs. Reiter explained that when the town, fire department and any other area plans for a large undertaking, it is budgeted annually until sufficient funds are accumulated to comfortably implement various requests or necessities. Although she thinks the pre-school program has merit, she is uncomfortable with funding such a large project all at once and thinks it should be taken in smaller steps. Mr. Russell stated that he wasn’t against the pre-school program, but the town has some very large projects that cannot be ignored. There are over 60 miles of roads that need repaving at $400,000 a mile, several bridge repair/replacement, and dam work that needs to be included in the town’s budget, which is a very large dollar amount, besides the District’s increase, to consider.
Ms. Read inquired about the proposed facilities projects and the gym floor at Lyme Consolidated. Mr. Neviaser stated that the Capital Projects (Operating Budget) that are proposed in the 2019-2020 Operating funds include replacement of three tennis courts ($225,000), Pre-K Expansion Classrooms ($180,000), MS Media Center Partial Redesign and Carpet Replacement ($45,000), and Lyme Consolidated Carpeting Replacement ($12,000). He stated that the Lyme Consolidated gym floor is a larger and detailed project which will be included in the next budget cycle.
Mr. Burrows asked about the District’s health insurance choice. He stated that the Voluntown Public School System received a significant reduction in cost when the state of Connecticut made the decision to allow towns to participate in the Connecticut Partnership. He stated that his school system avoided a mandated 26.8% increase in 2012/13 for the premium for Anthem Health based on their performance. Every year the Voluntown Public School System Health Insurance Committee reviews their health plan with consultants and has unanimously chosen to continue with the Connecticut Partnership because of the cost savings derived from being part of a very large pool of Connecticut employees.
206-0610 Lymes' Youth Service Bureau
Moved to the March 12, 2019 meeting.
206-600 Social Services
0610 Social Service Dept.
Mrs. Sturges highlighted the Social Service Department budget which represents salary increase, mileage ($300), postage ($250), and miscellaneous($500).
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $19,864, for the Social Service Department. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
0620 Social Service Agencies
The grant requests of several social service agencies historically supported by the Town were discussed. Below are the following allocations:
001 Literacy Volunteers $500
002 Safe Futures 500
003 Rushford Center 500
004 Regional Mental Health 392
005 TVCCA 600
006 Sexual Assault CC 300
007 Shoreline Soup Kitchen 500
008 Arc of New London County 750
009 NL Homeless Hospitality Center 1,500
010 HOPE 500
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve $6,042 for Social Service Agencies. Motion carried.
206-0630 Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the VNA, Southeastern Visiting Nurse Association budget represents $73,000 for professional nursing services/interim contract.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $74,050 for Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association. Motion carried.
206-0640 Estuary Transit District
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that 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. It provides a valuable service to small towns.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $16,000 for the Estuary Transit District. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
206-0650 Estuary Services
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the Estuary Nutrition site serves meals daily at the Senior Center, as well as providing “Meals on Wheels” to homebound clients, congregate meals, medical outpatient transportation, and preventative health services within the Town. The Estuary requested $40,700, citing an increase in number of residents being served as well as an increase in the cost of providing services on all levels. The ECSI is funded by grants, donations from individuals, fund raising efforts and contributions from each of the nine towns Estuary serves.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $40,700 for the Estuary Services. Motion carried.
201 General Government
0010 Selectman’s Office
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated the Selectman’s Office budget remained mostly the same as last year. The only increases are in the Salary and Legal lines.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $287,053 for the Selectman’s Office. Motion carried.
0020 Town Clerk’s Office
Mrs. Stajduhar outlined the Town Clerk’s budget and said there is an increase in Contracted Services for their Cott System.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $126,616 for the Town Clerk’s Office. Motion carried.
0030 Tax Collector’s Office
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the Tax Collector’s budget commenting that there is a decrease in the Legal Counsel line.
A motion was made by Mr. Woolley, seconded by Ms. Read, to approve $110,247 for the Tax Collector’s Office. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
0040 Treasurer’s Office
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the Treasurer’s budget and stated that there is a decrease in Contracted Services (which includes shredding).
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $179,602 for the Treasurer’s Office. Motion carried.
0050 Registrars’ – Primaries and Referendums
The Registrars’ budget was reviewed. There is an increase and shift in Registrar’s salary with less hours in Deputy Registrar wages.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $54,136 for Registrars’ – Primaries and Referendums. Motion carried.
0060 Information Technology Department
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that there is an increase is in the Consultant line.
A motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $87,505 for Information Technology. Motion carried.
0070 Probate Court
Mrs. Stajduhar provided a handout from the Niantic Regional District 32 probate court with the proposed budget for 2019/20, detailing Old Lyme’s amount and percentage for FY2019/20.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $6,000 for Probate Court. Motion carried.
0080 Assessor’s Office
There were increases in Salaries, and Other/Miscellaneous lines. There is a decrease in the Contracted Services line.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $136,454 for the Assessor’s Office. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
0090 Building Department
The Building Department budget was reviewed. There is an increase noted in Contracted Services which relates to the online permitting system, annual maintenance and support for the permit software, View Point. There were no other increases from last year’s budget.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve $130,926. Motion carried.
0095 Health Department
The Health Departments budget represents Ledge Light Health District under Contracted Services which is comprised of an estimated per capita fee. Contracted Services – Mosquito Control includes the Mosquito Management, Inc.’s fees of approximately $36,000.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $94,789. Motion carried.
0100 Town Hall Expenses
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the Town Hall expenses include Office Supplies, Other/Misc., Telephone, Electric, Building Supplies, Business Machines, Repairs/Maintenance, Landscaping, Contracted Services (cleaning, mats, bottled water, elevator contract, fire safety and inspection), Heating Expenses, and Town Car – Fuel/Repair/Maintenance lines, as well as Facilities Management and Facilities Manager’s wages. All lines remained unchanged. A new line, in the amount of $500, will be added to the budget at the request of the ADA Committee.
A motion was made by Mr. Bernblum, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $171,500 for Town Hall Expenses. Motion carried.
0110 Insurance
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the costs of the Town’s insurance which includes premiums for Health/Dental Insurance ($590,000), Life ($16,000), Property/Liability ($135,000), and Workers Compensation ($94,000). Fire Department ($43,000), and Bonds for Officials ($2,000) remained the same as last year.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $880,000. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
0120 Special Deductions
Mrs. Stajduhar stated Special Deductions includes Social Security ($217,000), Unemployment ($1,000), Pensions ($185,000), and Buyback for sick/vacation time ($25,000).
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Bernblum, to approve $428,000. Motion carried.
202 Boards and Commissions
0200 Harbor Management Commission
The Harbor Management expenses represent Contracted Services ($1,200) for removing, storing and replacing the dinghy dock at Ferry Road each year and hauling in the moorings, plus the Miscellaneous line ($50).
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $1,250 for Harbor Management Commission. Motion carried.
0210 Economic Development Commission
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that the EDC expenses include a new request for Contracted Services ($46,000), as well as Supplies ($10) and Postage ($10) line items. The EDC requested to be on the agenda for next week to discuss request in detail. Approval was tabled until next week’s meeting.
0215 Ethics Commission
Ethics Commission remained the same.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $25 for the Ethics Commission budget. Motion carried.
0220 Water Pollution Control Authority
Mrs. Stajduhar outlined the Water Pollution Control Authority’s budget. There were increases in the Postage, Legal Counsel, Consultant, and IT software annual license. There is a decrease in the WWM Testing line.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $93,412 for the Water Pollution Control Authority. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
0230 Board of Finance
There is a slight increase in the Board of Finance Clerk hours, and Contracted Services. All other lines remained the same.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $10,425 for the Board of Finance. Motion carried.
0240 Flood and Erosion Control Commission
This budget represents the Clerk, Postage, Contracted Services, and Miscellaneous.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $540 for Flood and Erosion Control. Motion carried.
0250 Historic District Commission
The Historic District line items include Clerk, Office Supplies, Postage, Advertising and Other/Miscellaneous.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve $4,700 for the Historic District. Motion carried.
0260 Tree Commission
Mrs. Sturges spoke with the chair of the Tree Commission and their budget lines include: Clerk, Postage, Warden, Contracted Services and Other/Miscellaneous. There were no changes within the Tree Commission’s budget.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $13,950 for the Tree Commission. Motion carried.
0265 Parks and Recreation Commission
Parks and Recreation budget represents Clerk for $1,512 and $10 for the Other/Miscellaneous line.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $1,522 for Parks and Recreation. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
0270 Board of Assessment Appeals
Board of Assessment Appeals budget is comprised of Wages, Postage, Advertising and Other/Miscellaneous lines. Wages line is higher due to the upcoming Revaluation preparation and hours.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $1,528 for the Board of Assessment Appeals. Motion carried.
0275 Rogers Lake Authority
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that the entire Rogers Lake Authority budget is split 50/50 with Lyme. Steve Mattson requested that all invoices be paid through the Town of Old Lyme and then billed to Lyme 50% of the total. The Rogers Lake Authority’s budget is comprised of the following: Launch Attendant, Ranger salaries, Clerk, Dues Lake Management, Civilian Patrol, Weed Treatment (decreased by $9,000), Education/Training, and Boat Expenses.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $72,721 for the Rogers Lake Authority. Motion carried.
0280 Land Use Department
Mrs. Stajduhar stated that there are increases in the Dues and in the RiverCOG Grant expense (new line). There is a decrease in Land Use Planning and Development.related to the TIF District. All other line items remained the same.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $262,927 for the Land Use Department. Motion carried.
0290 Sound View Commission
The Sound View Commission’s budget represents, Postage, Contracted Services (for tending to the Port-o-potties at Sound View and maintaining plantings and shrubs for planters at the end of Hartford Avenue), and Printing. Other/Miscellaneous line decreased.
A motion was made by Ms. Read, seconded by Mrs. Sturges, to approve $14,460 for the Sound View Commission. Motion carried.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
0310 Conservation Commission
Conservation Commission budget represents Clerk, Advertising and Contracted Services.
A motion was made by Mr. Garvin, seconded by Mr. Woolley, to approve $3,273 for the Conservation Commission. Motion carried.
0330 Open Space Commission
Open Space Commission represents Clerk, Contracted Services (for the Open Space Coordinator/Warden), Maintenance (of trees, brush, and trails on Open Space Land), and Open Space.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve $19,716 for the Open Space Commission. Motion carried.
Minutes of January 15, 2019 Regular Meeting
The minutes of January 15th meeting were reviewed. On page 1,after the 3rd paragraph, under the section Approval of December 18, 2018 Minutes, Mr. Bernblum requested the following paragraph be added: “Halls Road Improvements Committee: YUDW – 2nd presentation: The halls Road Improvements Committee has been working with the Yale Urban Design Workshop (YUDW) to develop design options based on the community meeting held this past July. The committee held a community workshop/meeting with the introduction of design concepts on Thursday, December 6th. The YUDW presented their design recommendations and options and then conducted a question and answer session with 60+ attendees. There were mixed reviews, but quite a bit of positive
feedback by email after the presentation. There were concerns about cost and drastic changes. Working presentations will continue to be made and feedback solicited from the community in the future.”
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Mr. Garvin, to approve minutes, as modified. Motion carried.
Financial Reports
Mrs. Stajduhar highlighted the February 2019 Financial Reports.
Under Revenues, total property tax is $827,933, 99.44% year-to-date collected. Investment Interest is $30,412; $140,017 year-to-date.
The percentage of general government revenue budget received to date is 97.5%.
Board of Finance Meeting March 05, 2019
Other funds – N/A.
Mrs. Stajduhar reviewed the Expenditures: Building Department signed a contract for Viewpoint in the amount of $12,800 ($800 from FY18/19 and carryover $12,000). Town Hall building supplies in the amount of $5,134 is bags/towels/soap/toilet paper for a year or more for all sites. The Health Insurance needs $86,000 additional budget that will be on the call of the next Town Meeting. Land Use – Zoning Legal – is over budget by $13,000. Interest payment on Debt is $13,068.
Capital expenditures include Public Works, Mile Creek Road Bridge, spent $5,748 for Engineering.
The percentage of general government budget spent year-to-date, without capital or RSD#18 included, is 61.2%.
Other items include the following: CRRA/MIRA – estimated additional funds of $26,000 ($76 to $81.35 per ton on 04/01/19). Will have to go to Town Meeting.
Public Works – Capital – Contractors is over by $15,000 due to the emergency Grassy Hill Road repairs. This can be approved by Board of Finance and does not have to go to Town Meeting.
Mrs. Stajduhar reviewed the FY18/19 Special Revenue Funds, highlighting the revenue and expenditures.
Mrs. Stajduhar outlined the Capital Project Funds as of 02/28/2019
Other Business
Budgets for Lyme Youth Service Bureau, PGN Library, Other Associations, Lymewood, Ryefield Manor, HOPE, Capital Project Funds – Transfer Out, and February 26th minutes will be discussed at the next meeting, March 12, 2019.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sturges, seconded by Ms. Read, to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:30 PM. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michele E. Hayes
Secretary
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