RECEIVED MARCH 26, 2009 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
REDDING BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2009
Filed subject to approval
Present: Alvarez (Chairman), DeSalvo, Dolan, Guffey, Simeonidis, Viscio
Also present: First Selectman Ketcham, Selectman Takacs, Treasurer O’Donnell, Tax Collector Moisio, Board of Education Chair Lewson, P. Sullivan and A Fossbender, six members of the public and a representative of the Redding Pilot.
Chairman Alvarez called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2009 meeting as submitted. Viscio, Guffy. Approved. 4-0-2. Simeonidis & DeSalvo abstained.
PUBLIC COMMENT
James Miller: commented that road conditions are not all to be blamed on the winter weather, some have been in need of repair for a while; regarding the health insurance costs, suggested there may be cost savings by joining with other area towns; questioned why the grand list was down, especially in the area of real estate. Mr. Alvarez responded that the decrease in the grand list for real estate is primarily because one property changed ownership and was now owned by a non-profit organization. That property will be come taxable again, if and when the property is sold. Mr. Alvarez and Mrs. Ketcham reported that the sharing of medical insurance costs with other towns would be difficult due the complexity of the union contracts. Mrs. Ketcham added that the health insurance consultant indicated that
these mergers are difficult to maintain as the costs are experienced based and most municipalities are not willing to pay more when their experience level is good.
REQUEST FROM BOARD OF SELECTMEN FOR FUNDING
The Board of Selectmen recommended approval of funding of three highway trucks and roadway work for a total of $1,500,000. Mr. Alvarez recommended adding $89,000 for water system improvements for the Redding Elementary and John Read Middle schools.
Highway Superintendent Sanford provided a packet of information outlining the issues with the roads that are most in need of repair. Many of these roads were in poor condition and the winter weather has caused further deterioration of t he surface. The roads most in need of repair are Beck Road, Hopewell Woods Road, Deacon Abbott Road and Deacon Abbott Road South. The repair is estimated at 2.61 miles. In addition, 14 roads are on the “watch” list. These include: Dayton Road, Orchard Drive, Ledgewood Road, Fox Run Road, Mountain Road, Great Pasture Road, Limekiln Road, Mountain View Drive, Newtown Turnpike, Woodland Drive, North Park Avenue Ext., Sunset Hill Road, Cross Highway and Deer Spring Road.
Mr. Sanford also provided detailed information on the three general purpose trucks requested.
The topic of debt and debt service was discussed by board members. Treasurer O’Donnell recapped the current state of indebtedness. The Long Range Planning Committee was asked to reconvene and review the current and long term needs of the town and schools.
Mrs. Sullivan reported that both schools have water systems that must be repaired and upgraded. At JRMS, there is infiltration into the water, requiring additional treatment and testing. The water at both schools is continually monitored for safety levels.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Finance accept the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen to send the request for funding to a Town Meeting for $1,589,000,000from short-term borrowing pending long-term financing for three new highway trucks $495,275, for $1,004,725 for road construction, and $89,000 for the water systems for the two schools. Simeonidis, DeSalvo. Approved. Unanimous.
CONTROLLER’S REPORT
Lori McHale provided the Controller’s report. Expenditures are being deferred by departments where appropriate. The Department expenditures are on schedule with the exception of the Highway Department. The budget for snow removal is above the budgeted amount.
Tax Collector Moisio reported that as of today, the collection level is at 98.27% of the budget amount, and almost 96.99 of the actual amount to be collected. The department is very aggressive in collections. Mrs. Moisio will begin the tax sale process for those properties that are delinquent.
The draft of the auditor’s Management Letter is expected later this week. Mrs. McHale will provide board members with a copy for comments/questions prior to finalization of the letter.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Mr. Alvarez asked Mrs. Ketcham to report on the analysis/review of financial operations and the search for a new controller. The reported the consultant has been reviewing the financial operations with a goal of making recommendations for improvements. In addition, the firm is assisting with the search process for a replacement for Mr. Hutvagner. The firm will review submitted resumes, recommend a candidate pool for interview by a panel, and recommend finalists to town administration for consideration. The decision on whether the position is a chief financial officer or controller has not been made.
Mr. DeSalvo asked for a status report on the Levine Property. Mrs. Ketcham reported that ROLI is working on a marketing brochure and an open house is planned for realtors in early March.
Mr. Alvarez asked Steve Soler to provide an update on the GLDC project and status of TIF program. Mr. Soler reported the CDA approved the TIF funding as requested. The official letter has not been signed as yet. Mr. Soler is waiting to see what funding will be available from the Stimulus Package. He reported the Georgetown project is considered a high priority project and he expects some decisions to be known within the next two weeks. If the Stimulus Package funding comes through, the TIF funding might not be needed.
March 5, 2009: Budget Meeting of the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and Boards of Education.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn. Viscio, Dolan. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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