RECEIVED JANUARY 28, 2009 @ 11:33 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
REDDING BOARD OF FINANCE
SPECIAL MEETING
January 26, 2009
Filed subject to approval
Present: Alvarez (Chairman), Dolan, Guffey, Viscio
Also present: First Selectman Ketcham, Selectman Takacs, Treasurer O’Donnell, Controller Hutvagner, Assessor Ford, Tax Collector Moisio, Board of Education Chair Lewson, one member of the public and a representative of the Redding Pilot.
Chairman Alvarez called the meeting to order at 7:37 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2008 meeting as submitted. Viscio, Dolan. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2008 meeting as corrected. Dolan, Viscio. Approved. Unanimous
Correction: paragraph 4, correct the spelling of meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jeanne Wendschuh, Deer Spring Road: question regarding the progress and timeline for the TIF funding package. Mr. Alvarez responded that the CDA approved the application submitted by the Town for the TIF funding for the GLDC project. The next step is the negotiations between the CDA & Town of Redding & GLDC to work out all the agreements. Mr. Alvarez estimated that should be completed Mid-March or early April.
DISCUSSION WITH ASSESSOR ON OCTOBER 1, 2008 GRAND LIST
Mr. Ford provided a written comparison of the 2007 Grand List with the 2008 Grand List totals. He highlighted the report, noting a 1.49% decrease in the next taxable property. The net decrease in real estate taxable property is .20%. One major decrease was the result of taxable land becoming exempt as it is held by a tax exempt organization. This land will become taxable when the land is sold. Personal property decreased 20.65% primarily due to two accounts. The decrease for motor vehicle is 8.55%. Mr. Ford added that some vehicles pricing data provided by the state was incorrect, and corrections to increase those valuations will be completed for the July 1 reassessment.
CONTROLLER’S REPORT
Mr. Alvarez recognized Mr. Hutvagner for his service to Redding and the Board of Finance. On behalf of the Town and board members, he wished him well in his new position with the Town of Middlebury.
Mr. Alvarez reported the Board of Selectmen has a consultant in place reviewing the Town’s financial systems. This firm will provide assistance with the task of finding a new controller. Mrs. Ketcham added that she has asked Mr. Hutvagner to mentor his staff and prepare them for the transition period.
Mr. Hutvagner provided a written report.
Highway Superintendent, Bruce Sanford, reported on the state of the impact of winter storms on the budget. To date, there have been 13 winter storm events, and another is expected this week. Mr. Sanford estimates that the remaining winter storm budget will be fully expended after six more storms. The use of Ice B Gone has proven to be very efficient. The product is spread on the roads prior to the start of the storm. Mr. Sanford noted that many roads only require one plowing and icing has not been a problem. In addition, less sand has been used and there will be less sand to clean up in the spring and less impact on the environment.
Tax Collector Moisio reported that as of tomorrow, the collected rate will hit 80%. She also reported that numerous residents have been in contact by phone or in person regarding their difficulty in making payments.
Treasurer O’Donnell reported the bans were refinanced at a rate of 0.618% for 9 months. She noted the municipal bond market is still quite volatile. Payment on the bans must begin next year and that will be included in the budget.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Dolan reported he attended the CDA board meeting, with Mrs. Ketcham and Mr. Soler of GLDC, when they approved the TIF funding. He added that the CDA likes the project and Mr. Soler was very well prepared for the meeting.
Mr. Alvarez reported the Board of Finance was asked to study the tax abatement plan and policy. Mr. Simeonidis and Mr. Viscio currently served on the committee; however Mr. Simeonidis has asked to be replaced. Mr. Guffey volunteered to serve on the committee with Mr. Viscio and Assessor Ford.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move that the Board of Finance move to executive session for the purpose of discussion of litigation, assessment appeals. Viscio,, Guffey. Approved. Unanimous.
Mrs. Ketcham, Mr. Takacs, Mr. Ford and Mr. Hutvagner were invited to be present.
The meeting recessed at 8:16 pm
RECONVENE
Chairman Alvarez reconvened the meeting in public session at 8:45 pm
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn. Viscio, Dolan. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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