RECEIVED JUNE 2, 2009 @ 9:30 A.M.
Kerry Miserendino, Redding Asst. Town Clerk
2 Pages
REDDING BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING
May 26 2009
Filed subject to approval
Present: Alvarez (Chairman), DeSalvo, Guffey, Simeonidis
Also present: First Selectman Ketcham, Selectman Takacs, Selectman Miller, and a representative of the Redding Pilot
A quorum was not present. Mr. Alvarez opened the meeting to public comment.
James Miller: question regarding the decrease in the Town’s Grand List. Mr. Alvarez responded that the primary cause for the decrease was depreciation on personal property, including cars. Several cases that came before the Board of Assessment Appeals are not finalized as yet.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW CONTROLLER
Mrs. Ketcham introduced the Town’s new controller, Steve Gniadek, who will begin work on June 1, 2009.
STATION ROAD BRIDGE OPTIONS
Mrs. Ketcham provided information on the available options for the Station Road Bridge. One option is to keep the road/bridge closed. The condition of the bridge was worsened by the storm of April 2007, but FEMA funding for repair has expired. The repair estimates from engineers is $459,000. Mrs. Ketcham applied for and received approval under the State Local Bridge Replacement Program, an amount of 26.95% of the cost, or $144,000. In addition, the repair has qualified and approved for Stimulus Funding $158,749 through the regional agency. The net cost to the town would be $176,973. Mrs. Ketcham provided the information to the Board of Finance for further direction.
Chairman Alvarez called the meeting to order, with a quorum present.
Discussion on the bridge repair continued. Selectman Miller addressed the Board of Finance regarding the Board of Selectman’s desire to get input from the BOF and direction in this time of economic problems so the Board of Selectman can make an informed decision on the repair. The Board of Selectman will take the board input back for further planning.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the April 20, 2009 meeting as submitted. DeSalvo, Simeonidis. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2009 meeting as submitted. DeSalvo, Simeonidis. Approved. Unanimous.
AGENDA ADDITION
Motion: move to add an executive session to discuss personnel matters. DeSalvo, Guffey. Approved. Unanimous.
YEAR TO DATE BUDGET REPORT AND CONTROLLER’S REPORT
Acting Controller McHale submitted a written report for review.
REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Simeonidis reported the school’s Superintendent Search has been reconstituted with a different structure and at some point the new committee will ask a member of the Board of Finance to participate in the discussions. Mr. Simeonidis has volunteered to represent the Redding Board of Finance.
UPDATE ON TIF/GLDC
Mrs. Ketcham reported there was no new information.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Tina Miller: question regarding the item on the Controller’s Report on the Heritage Center Senior Bus Grant and which fiscal year the grant was for. Mr. Alvarez will get the information for Mrs. Miller.
Tom Dederian, Sidecut Road: addressed the Board of Finance regarding the need to repair the Station Road Bridge and open the road as soon as possible because the road (Station Road) provides access for the West Redding Fire Department and EMS Services, the roadway is a primary access road for general traffic, and the need to take care of town property in a timely manner. Mrs. Ketcham recapped the steps that have been taken, the planning & engineering work, to get the bridge repaired in a timely manner. The planning and engineering work needed to get the bridge repaired will likely take several months and not be completed until next year.
Steve Martin: commented on the financial health of the town, and concern about the amount of the town’s borrowing and the amount in the fund balance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to executive session of a discussion of personnel matters. DeSalvo, Guffey. Approved. Unanimous.
Mrs. Ketcham was invited to be present.
The meeting recessed at 8:25 pm
RECONVENE
Chairman Alvarez reconvened the meeting in public session at 9:00 pm
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn. DeSalvo, Guffey. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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