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REDDING BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING
January 31, 2007
Filed subject to approval
Present: Alvarez, Cotton, Dolan, Guitar
Also present: Hutvagner, O’Donnell, Ketcham, Takacs, Moisio, Fonda, six members of the public and S. Wolf of the Redding Pilot
Mr. Cotton called the January 31, 2007 meeting to order at 7:30 pm in the Conference Room of the Redding Town Office Building.
PROCLAMATION
First Selectman Ketcham read a proclamation recognizing Mary Ann Guitar for her service to the town of Redding and celebrating her 85th birthday.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of December 18, 2006 as submitted. Dolan, Guitar. Approved. Unanimous.
TAX COLLECTOR REPORT
Mrs. Moisio reported that as of today, 94.7% of the total grand list was collected, representing 95.2% of the budgeted amount. Collection of back taxes has been slower and is at 65% of budgeted amount.
Mrs. Moisio also reported she continues to work on getting an ATM machine installed in Town Hall. The initial plan with the bank was not possible due to issues and building requirements. She is considering two additional options.
ASSESSOR GRAND LIST REPORT
Mrs. Fonda provided Grand List figures as of today. Currently the grand list is up by 3.16%. The largest increases are the result of the Georgetown Land Development project and the Meadow Ridge phase 3 construction. In addition, personal property had a substantial increase.
ACCEPTANCE FO 6/30/2006 TOWN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Finance accept the Town Financial Statement audit of June 30, 2006. Alvarez, Dolan. Approved. Unanimous.
REQUEST FOR TRANSFER FROM BOARD OF SELECTMAN FOR FIELD SCHEMATIC DESIGN FUNDING FROM CONTINGENCY
First Selectman Ketcham summarized the work of the Athletic Fields Committee to date and the need to complete the study of the existing fields and their potential before considering the addition of new fields. Blades & Goven was brought in to analyze the fields and prepare proposals and options. They presented options for the fields at JRMS, RES and the Redding Community Center. Blades & Goven submitted a proposal for services to get answers to open issues and further information necessary for cost analysis and a firm cost estimate to do the work.
Barry Blades of Blades & Goven explained the work would include:
1. work to refine the cost estimates;
2. consideration of wetlands impact: engage a soil scientist to test the soils and have a dialogue with the conservations department regarding the approvability of the field siting options;
3. geotechnical engineer to do borings at JRMS and RCC Field #2 to determine presence and extent of rock and impact on budget; to analyze the available soil stockpiled at the Town’s Highway Department and suitability for fill at JRMS;
4. lights at JRMS, to determine availability of electrical power at the site, either with a pole or underground and the cost implications;
5. septic field issues, both the JRMS and Field #2 at RCC are close to existing septic fields, issues and DEP restrictions need to be studied;
6. independent cost estimator, to confirm the estimates prepared by Blades & Goven;
7. schematic drawings, more detailed drawings to provide additional information for preparing the cost estimates.
Mrs. Ketcham added that the Board of Selectmen can cover a portion of the cost with transfers from the consultant’s accounts, and are requesting an additional $18,500 to be transferred from the Contingency account.
Motion: move that the Board of Finance approve the request of the Board of Selectmen to transfer $18,500 from Contingency to the Selectmen’s management/consultant services account 112900-5240. Dolan, Alvarez. Approved. Unanimous.
YEAR TO DATE FINANCIALS & CONTROLLER’S REPORT
The year to date financial report was reviewed. Mr. Hutvagner reported expenses and income was tracking as anticipated. The Town of Redding is participating in the CCM consortium for electricity and the increase in rate for next year will be 24%. Replacement of electrical fixtures for more cost effective fixtures at the Community center has been completed.
Mr. Hutvagner reported an incident of identify theft of the Town of Redding. Fraud though the use of one of the Town’s account was discovered by Lori McHale in the Controller’s office. She noticed unusual activity on an account, and the check sequence was not correct. Police Chief Fuchs and Lieutenant Leonard were notified immediately. Two individuals have been arrested. Several other towns in Connecticut experienced the same problem and the FBI has become involved. Mrs. Ketcham thanked Ms. McHale for taking note of the transaction and taking immediate action. The bank has made good on the fraudulent check and the account was closed.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Mr. Cotton reported that Mr. Pizzi of Westport Solar Consultants is near completion of his study of the town buildings in Redding. He has indicated there is a potential for use of solar panels at the Redding Community Center and Redding Elementary School. A formal report should be available at the next meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to executive session for a discussion of negotiations. Dolan, Alvarez. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting recessed at 8:12 pm
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 8:23 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:23 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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