BOARD OF FINANCE
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
40 OLD FARMS ROAD
WILLINGTON, CT 06279
MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Members Present: Members Absent:
Ken Schoppmann, Chairman Robert Wiecenski
Ann Marie Brown, Vice-Chair
Alan Ference, Secretary
Peter Latincsics
Elizabeth Marco
Annemarie Poole – Alternate
Elizabeth Treiber - Alternate
Also Present: Donna Latincsics, Business Manager; Tish Ignatowicz, Treasurer; Christina Mailhos, 1st Selectman; Dave Harding Superintendent; members of the Town's Boards and Commissions; members of the public
Chairman Ken Schoppmann called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M.
SEATING OF ALTERNATES
Alan Ference motioned to seat Annemarie Poole for Robert Wiecenski, Anne Marie Brown seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Nancy Gauthier, Fermier Road, said that she would like a balanced budget.
Alarick Fox, 66 Fermier Road, thanked the Board for their service. He talked about his 19 years here in Town and his children in the school system. He asked that the Board let the budget go to referendum for the people to vote on.
Jim Bulick, Laurel Drive, likes the budget to be tied to growth, activity and inflation.
Lisa Finkleman asked that the budget be sent to referendum as it stands.
Alex Strong, Fermier Road, spoke of the K-8 budget and the decreasing enrollment.
Christine Psathos, supports the budget as it stands and asked that the Board consider keeping the Planning & Zoning position in the budget.
Wilfred Gauthier, Fermier Road, talked of the large class sizes when he went to school. He said that if cuts are not made now they don't get cut, it just passes.
Tammy Dolce and Patty Locke, agree with Mr. Fox, sending the budget to referendum.
Board of Finance -2- March 21, 2013
Rocko Demilia, Ruby Road, said that $100 to $150 increase a years is nothing.
Bob Chabot, said that the building position is $40,000 well spent. Towns with most open space have lowest tax rates.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2013 Special Meeting with the following amendment was made by Alan Ference, Ken Schoppmann seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
Page 2 Treasurer's Budget, should read: The increase is on the salary line and dues.
Economic Development, should read: The request is for $900 which is an decrease...
Page 3 Good & Welfare - third line remove "the" in front of maintaining the boiler....
NEW BUSINESS
Town Hall Office Building - Roof Repair
Donna Latincsics presented the Board with a memo with the request. First Selectman Mailhos was present to answer questions.
Alan Ference motioned that the Board of Finance recommends that the Board of Selectmen call a Town Meeting to appropriate $70,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund to replace a section of roof on the Town Office Building, Ann Marie Brown seconded. Discussion followed.
Selectman Blessington asked that only the bid amount be approved. Chairman Schoppmann said that you can't sent the workers away mid project if more money is needed.
Vote was taken, all were in favor, motion carried.
Budget Approvals
Motion to accept the budget request for #0121 Probate Court of $2,419 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0126 Election Officials of $26,871 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0131 Board of Finance of $4,385 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0132 Treasurer of $28,981 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0133 Auditor of $38,000 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Board of Finance -3- March 21, 2013
Motion to accept the budget request for #0135 Board of Assessment Appeal of $1,273 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0151 Town Clerk of $99,435 was made by was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0161 Conservation Commission of $1,500 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0171 Planning & Zoning of $98,271 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Annemarie Poole. Vote was taken: Yes - KS, AMB, AF, AMB No: EM, PL, motion carried. The amount approved was with the added position taken out.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0172 Zoning Board of Appeals for $4,331 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0175 Economic Development of $900 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0176 Inland/Wetlands Comm. of $2,000 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0221 Ambulance Grant of $364,300 was made by Ken Schoppmann and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. Peter Latincsics voted no, All others were in favor, motion carried. The difference was reducing the Emergency Service Fund contribution.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0231 Fire Marshall of $22,430 was made by elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0232–500 WFD#1 for $120,600 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0232-590 WHFD for $108,190 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0232-810 Fire Dispatch Service Fees for $18,302 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0232-914 WFD#1 Mortgage for $10,144 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0234 Emergency Management Dir for $6,200 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0518 Emergency Preparedness for $4,000 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. Vote was taken, all voted no, motion failed.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0518 Emergency Preparedness for $1,300 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Board of Finance -4- March 21, 2013
Motion to accept the budget request for #0512 Recreation Commission for $48,017 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for #0517 Library of $162,214 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. Peter Latincsics voted no, all others were in favor, motion carried
Motion to accept the budget request for the Board of Education for $8,029,617 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. Discussion followed. Superintendent Harding informed the Board that the Health Insurance came in at a favorable $20,000. Vote was taken, Yes - KS, PL, EM No- AF, AMP, AMB, motion failed.
Motion to accept the budget request for the Board of Education for $8,009,617 was made by Ann Marie Brown and seconded by Alan Ference. Peter Latincsics voted no, all others were in favor, motion carried
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0111 Selectmen Budget for $111,907 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. Peter Latincsics voted no, all others were in favor, motion carried
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0130 Accounting Services for $193,517 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. Peter Latincsics abstained, all others were in favor, motion carried
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0134 Assessor for $91,139 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0137 Revenue Collector for $75,532 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0141 Town Council for $30,000 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0181 Town Office Operations for $90,348 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0182 Town Hall Operations for $6,977 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0183 Consulting Engineers for $29,000 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0185 Senior Center Operations for $24,844 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0233 Public Safety & Welfare for $27,752 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0235 Fire Main & Hydrants for $6,432 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Board of Finance -5- March 21, 2013
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0241 Building Official for $18,562 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0311 Public Works for $937,050 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. Discussion followed. The original request did not include $17,500 for leases. Alan Ference amended the motion to approve $954,550, Elizabeth Marco seconded. Anne Marie Poole voted no, all others were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0342 Cemetery for $2,000 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
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Motion to accept the budget request for the #0351 Transfer Station for $241,033 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0504 Capital Reserve for $223,000 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. Peter Latincsics and Ann Marie Brown opposed, all others were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0510 Accrued Sick Days for $10,000 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. Peter Latincsics opposed, all others were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0511 Dog Fund for $19,794 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0513 WYFSS Grant for $50,407 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. Elizabeth Marco voted yes, all others voted no, motion failed.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0513 WYFSS Grant for $47,607 was made by Alan Ference, Ann Marie Brown seconded. Elizabeth Marco opposed, all others were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0811 Social Security for $77,438 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All Were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0821 Unemployment for $500 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0831 Employee Insurances for $306,209 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. Discussion followed. Alan Ference amended the motion to $266,209, Elizabeth Marco seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0841 Pension for $49,884 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0851 Insurances for $91,942 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Board of Finance -6- March 21, 2013
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0871 Miscellaneous for $2,500 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0910 Debt Services for $230,250 was made by Alan Ference and seconded by Elizabeth Marco. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to accept the budget request for the #0930 Capital Expenditures for $17,000 was made by Elizabeth Marco and seconded by Alan Ference. All were in favor, motion carried.
Motion to approve the Capital Improvement Plan as presented with the exception of an adjustment for the $10,000 that we applied to the operating cost from the Emergency Services Fund 17, Alan Ference seconded. All were in favor, motion carried.
Budget Update
Chairman Schoppmann update the Board on the Region 19 budget. Right now they are at 2.9% increase. There are a few factors that might change this. They have a public meeting next week. He then asked for comments from the public.
Comments
Superintendent Harding thanked the Board of Finance for their due diligence.
Christine Psathos said she is disappointed that .46 or .5 is way too low. The mil rate should increase so we can get the roads done, hire someone for the land department.
Bob Chabot spoke of people calling about historic houses that should go to the land use dept and how they do not have enough time.
Chairman Schoppmann said that if we took out the $400,000 favorable from EO Smith our taxes would be going up 1.5 mil increase with the added spending this year with the town. We have accomplished quite about this year. Every budget that came to us this year was approved with minor changes.
Alan Ference said it's difficult to make a decision on the Land Use position, he has heard four different reasons that the position was needed.
Peter Latincsics spoke of the Board of Ed budget going up 5.1%, the Town going up 8% and the unemployment in Willington is 7 - 8%. The Grand list is only up 1% and people's salaries are not going up.
Elizabeth Marco said you cannot look at a Town Budget as a private business. We look at each individual departments separate. We try to be frugal by spending responsibly.
OLD BUSINESS - none
CORRESPONDENCE – none
Board of Finance -7- March 21, 2013
GOOD & WELFARE - none
The next Board of Finance meeting will be a Budget Hearing held at the Old Town Hall on April 9th at 7:00 pm. There will be a Special Board of Finance meeting afterward.
ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Lewis
BOF Recording Secretary
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