PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
March 31, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Timothy Edwards Middle School
Room Alt. 6
PURPOSE: To receive citizen input on the Proposed Board of Education Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016
Mayor Anwar called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m.; and requested that the Clerk of the Council read the call of the meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto). There were approximately nine (9) people present in the audience.
Mayor Anwar asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to speak.
Public
Mr. John Bereuter, D4 St. Marc Circle came before the Council and voiced concern over the phase II of the school project because he feels that phase may cause a burden on the taxpayers of South Windsor. The Board of Education has worthy projects but they may need to be careful when the projects are brought to the public.
Mr. Matthew Birdsey felt that the source of funding needs to be balanced out to what residents are able to afford. There has been a drop in the student population and Mr. Birdsey stated he does not feel that 6 new FTE’s are justified. The Board of Education needs to review their budget further. Mr. Birdsey stated he would like to see more transparency in the Board of Education’s budget.
Mr. Mike Berghuis, 18 Mountain View Road came before the Council and explained that his home abuts the soccer and football field at the high school. In March there was a presentation regarding putting artificial turf on the existing Stadium field. The gentlemen who spoke are not scientists, but are professionals who also are salesmen trying to sell this artificial turf to South Windsor. Both men who were doing the presentation would not sign anything saying that the turf is safe. There are many conflicting reports and Mr. Buerghuis requested that the Town Council consider all of the facts regarding this field and the dangers that may be associated.
Mr. Robert Dickinson, 19 Birch Road came forward and stated that one problem with the Board of Education’s system, as others, is the budget is funded through property taxes rather than what individuals make. One concern with this budget is the high cost of special education. The federal government created a mandate and said they would cover 40%, which they have not even come close to. If the State is going to mandate items, they should cover the costs. There is always something that could be done to create cuts, but Mr. Dickinson said he has heard that this budget is a tight budget.
Board of Education Budget Public Hearing
March 31, 2015
Page 2
Following comments from the Public, Mayor Anwar asked for a Straw Vote, the results of which were as follows:
Those supporting the School Budget as submitted to the Town Council: - 1
Those in opposition of the School Budget as submitted to the Town Council: - 6
The public hearing was closed at 7:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Deborah W. Reid
Clerk of the Council
Public Hearing Notice – Exhibit A
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