Town Office Building January 25, 2016
Selectmen’s Conference Room 5:00 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 5:09 P.M. with Selectmen Kowalyshyn & Blessington, and Business Manager, Donna Latincsics.
Donna presented a budget summary. Eastern Highland’s Health District (EHHD - public safety) line item has not been submitted yet; but she is anticipating a slight increase this year and added a place holder in the amount of $30,951; noting that the selectmen’s budget will be
The Attorney fees line item has been adjusted and increased by $3,000 noting that contract negotiations are coming up. Donna had originally increased the line to $5,000, but ran an average over the past five years, and felt that $3,000 is more realistic. First Selectman Mailhos noted that the negotiations will not start until the middle of next fiscal year, and we should be able to track and stay on top of it as we go along. Selectman Blessington clarified that the money used to pay for attorneys to fight the gun range is a totally separate line item.
Consulting Engineer line item was decreased. First Selectman Mailhos noted that we have been incorporating the Engineering costs into the upcoming projects. Many of them are in the CIP Plan coming up this year. The MS-4 project, Village Hill Road Drainage and the Senior Center septic upgrades; for example are all coming down the pike, and have their own budgets and fund sources to cover the engineering services. In addition, Derek has been doing a lot of the work on his own, relying less on the Town Engineer. The total line has been decreased from $19,000 to $10,000.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that she would like to cut as much as we can and only end up with a $20,000 increase – or less if possible.
Selectman Blessington said that he would like to introduce the video taping of the meetings over the summer, by borrowing equipment and doing a trial run to see if there is any interest and how much it is utilized before adding a line item. Selectman Kowalyshyn said that it is a good idea, that way we will be able to see if there a following
The compensated absences line will be increased by $5,000 again this year. Ideally, it should be funded for $173,000; with the increase (total budgeted amount - $25,000) will be at $134,000. We have been on track the last few years and are tracking to be fully funded in 3 years.
The Building Inspector has increased his budget, as he will need to purchase a new Sate Code Book. Selectman Blessington noted that this is another State unfunded mandate at its best.
The Animal Control Officer line was discussed. First Selectman Mailhos would like to set up a meeting with Tolland to see if we could work out a deal to share services, like we do building inspection with the Town of Bolton.
The Memorial Day fund line item will be brought down from $1,350 to $1,000. Last year we received several donations to cover the cost of grave marker replacements, wreaths and flowers. The wreath has been replaced with a synthetic wreath that will be re-used, saving the town some money each year. The grave markers were replenished for this coming spring, and we will order as many as we can with the remaining funds. If we need additional funds, we will request donations as in years past.
First Selectman Mailhos warned that we need to think about replacing the Christmas tree on the town green. It has been noted that it has a disease and is approaching the end of it’s life. She noted that we cannot just plant a seedling nearby, as the replacement should be a mature tree. It could be costly to move a larger tree. Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested looking to see if we could get some donations to have the tree replaced. She is going to work on getting a committee together.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Board of Education is meeting tonight to discuss their budget.
Donna said that she is hopeful to have the EHHD budget in soon, and will change the numbers reflected in tonight’s meeting.
Next budget meeting will be Monday, February 1, 2016 at 5PM.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:28 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100
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