TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
SPECIAL BUDGET WORK SESSION MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL MONDAY, MAY 9, 2011
COUNCIL CHAMBERS TIME: 8:00 P.M.
Mayor Pelkey called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. and then recessed the Work Session in order to finish the Special Meeting. The Special Budget Work Session reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor John Pelkey
Deputy Mayor Ed Havens
Councillor Saud M. Anwar
Councillor Gary Bazzano
Councillor Tom Delnicki
Councillor Janice Favreau
Councillor Kevin McCann
Councillor Cary Prague
Councillor Keith Yagaloff
Also Present: Town Manager, Matthew B. Galligan
3. Public Participation
Mr. Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail suggested to the Town Council that a calendarized budget be used which would help to see where the budget stands at all times.
4. Communications
None
5. Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager informed the Council that they should have received a packet regarding GIS and its uses and there was also a memo from the Police Chief requesting to put two officers back into the budget. There is information regarding ideas of brining the tax rates down by using different mechanisms to do that.
Councillor McCann stated that Mr. Gonsalves brings up a good point of knowing where the budget stands at any given time. There are items that are behind budget and requested that the Town Manager give a brief update regarding the budget.
Mr. Galligan explained that the Town Council will probably have to use some of the $800,000 that was budgeted for in the fund balance and anticipating if the tax sale comes in the Town budget should break even on revenues or shy approximately $200,000 to $300,000. That is the revenue side. Mr. Galligan stated he would send a report that will show the Council where the Town is presently.
ITEM:
5. Town Manager’s Report (Continued)
Council members discussed the health benefits and how they are doing in the budget and also discussed the tax credits for Connecticut Studios. Councillor Yagaloff questioned if Connecticut Studios has said when they would be putting the bonds out for sale? Mr. Galligan felt that the bond would be sold at the end of June or beginning July because there are various agreements that need to be signed. Councillor Yagaloff then questioned if the Town should anticipate any revenue in the budget? Mr. Galligan stated that he put $500,000 anticipated revenue into the budget. The revenues should be left alone and then if they come in next year the budget can be changed.
Councillor Delnicki asked if the project labor agreement has been signed. Mr. Galligan said he would get back to the Council on this issue. Councillor Delnicki wanted to review what type of language is in the agreement. Councillor Delnicki also stated that the Town should stay conservative with projections on budget.
Councillor Prague stated that presently the Town has a deficit in the budget and he cautioned the Council that next year will be a very tough budget year and he does not want to spend funds that have not come in yet. Councillor Prague stated he would not support a budget that has anticipated funds coming in.
Mr. Galligan explained that he is recommending that the Capital budget get cut by $400,000 and when there is the sale of the firehouse, the bond that was passed by the residents of this community said the sale of the building will go into capital non-recurring and projects could be restored. The Council will have to cut the expenditure side. Mr. Galligan reiterated that budgets should be reviewed over a two year period.
Mayor Pelkey explained that possible revenues are always estimated into the budget. The new firehouse is open and has heard that there are a number of interested parties in the old firehouse. Mr. Galligan stated that presently there are four interested parties who will be putting bids in for that property.
6. Items for Discussion
A. General Government Budget
Councillor Delnicki requested in preparation of deliberations he would like to know the cost of the Zoning Enforcement Officer and also all one shot revenue streams that will be in this budget. Mr. Galligan stated that there are no one shot revenues but he can break out the revenues.
ITEM:
6. A. (Continued)
Councillor Yagaloff explained that he would like an additional decrease to the budget over and above what has been proposed to be decreased by the Town Manager. Councillor Yagaloff stated he would like an additional $1,200,000 decreased and stated that he would send a list of reductions where he feels it is appropriate to the Council.
Councillor Bazzano requested to get the salary of the Director of Public Works as well as all supervisors under the Director of Public Works. Council Bazzano also requested the number of Maintainers.
Councillor Anwar stated that the Town Council should not compromise on public safety and security. The Town Council needs to have a four or five year plan to start to fulfill one need at a time. The Town Council should try to build partnerships through private and public components and try to fulfill some requests that are heard about through the community.
Councillor Favreau stated that the Town Manager has given the Town Council a good budget and if the Town Council consistently short changing items, what will happen to the quality of life in South Windsor.
Answering questions from Councillor McCann, Mr. Galligan explained that the Town has been operating without two officers for over two years. Mr. Galligan then stated that he would forward examples of efficiencies in the operation of the Town due to the use of GIS.
Mr. Galligan explained that the items in the capital projects that could be reduced in order to find a savings in the budget are items that can be funded through capital non-recurring.
7. Executive Session
None
8. Adjournment
At 9:53 p.m. Councillor Delnicki made a motion to adjourn the Work Session. Councillor Prague seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Recording Secretary
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