RECEIVED APRIL 12, 2010 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
3 pages
REDDING BOARD OF FINANCE
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2010
Minutes
Filed subject to approval
Present: Alvarez (Chairman), DeSalvo, Dolan, Guffey, Mazzucco, Simeonidis
Also present: First Selectman Ketcham, Selectman Takacs, Selectman Pemberton, Controller Gniadek, Treasurer O’Donnell, a representative of the Redding Pilot and 11 members of the public.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Alvarez at 7:30 pm in the Hearing Room of the Town Office Building.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the Board of Finance accept the minutes of March 22, 2010 as corrected DeSalvo, Mazzucco. Approved. 5-0-1. Mr. Simeonidis abstained.
Corrections: page 1, under Public Comment, Frank Scott. The last sentence by Mr. Alvarez should read “Regarding the petition, Mr. Alvarez noted the question was not clear because it called for a 10% tax cut without a reduction of services and that 20% of the signatures on the petition were of persons not registered or minor.”; Under Public Comment, Lewis Goldberg’s comment, first sentence, add “without the loss of state aid”.
Motion: move that the Board of Finance accept the minutes of the March 4, 2010 as submitted. DeSalvo, Mazzucco. Approved. 5-0-1. Mr. Simeonidis abstained.
PUBLIC COMMENT
James Miller, Middlebrook Pond Road: regarding the capital repair work for the schools, Mr. Miller suggested use of an “owner’s representative” rather than a project manager or a committee for oversight of the work. This individual could be a temporary employee of the Town, and one who has the Town’s best interests in mind.
CONSOLIDATED LONG RANGE CAPITAL PLAN
Mrs. O’Donnell, chairman of the Redding Long Range Financial Planning Committee, provided a consolidated list of capital needs. The consolidated list included town and school needs, broken down by year for the next five years. Board members discuss the concept of “capital” items and what should be classed as capital versus operating budget. The subject of leasing, particularly of vehicles was discussed and there was agreement that it would be economical to pursue this for the Highway & Recycling vehicles on the list. These items include the Ford 550 swap loader $52,000 for the Recycling Center, and 1 rubber tire backhoe, $100,000, 3 dump bodies, $48,000, and 1 ten wheel dump truck, $46,000 for the Highway Department.
The Board of Education Facilities Management Committee submitted additional support material for this list of 13 projects. Estimates, based on bids, for the work were included. Most of the items have a life of over 20 years. The list was reviewed. Mr. Guffey questioned why all of the work was needed to be done in the next two years. Mr. Barickman (Board of Education) responded that most of the items have been deferred over the past few years and have now reached a point where the work must be done to prevent further damage or safety concerns.
Motion: move that the Board of Finance approve the items listed on the Capital Needs list dated 4/7/10 for the schools, less the Solar Power Initiative, for a total of $4,070,000, and to be encompassed with the total capital package for short term financing pending long term borrowing. Mazzucco. Dolan.
Discussion followed. The motion included work on the septic and water systems at both schools. The BOE Facilities Committee is hoping work on the septic system can be deferred for a while, especially after the low-flow bathroom facilities are installed.
Mr. Mazzucco amended the motion, changing the dollar amount to $3,210,000, which includes only the work planned for fiscal 2010-2011, excluding the water and septic projects.
Amended Motion: move that the Board of Finance approve the items listed on the Capital Needs list dated 4/7/10 for the schools, less the Solar Power Initiative, water and septic projects, for a total of $3,210,000, and to be encompassed with the total capital package for short term financing pending long term borrowing. Mazzucco. Dolan. Approved. 4-2. Mr. Simeonidis and Mr. Guffey cast dissenting votes.
Discussion of the remainder of the list followed.
Motion: move that the Board of Finance approve the Repaving project, paving at the Recycling Center, Redding Elementary School and Community Center, for a total of $300,000, to be encompassed with the total capital package for short term financing pending long term borrowing. . DeSalvo, Dolan. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move that the Board of Finance authorizes the Controller to proceed with lease agreements not to exceed seven years for he Ford 550 swap loader $52,000 for the Recycling Center, and 1 rubber tire backhoe, $100,000, 3 dump bodies, $48,000, and 1 ten wheel dump truck, $46,000 for the Highway Department, to be funded through the General Fund. DeSalvo, Simeonidis. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move that the Board of Finance approve Highway Department road work to upgrade roads and drainage for $813,000 to be encompassed with the total capital package for short term financing pending long term borrowing. Mazzucco, DeSalvo. Approved. Unanimous.
The total for the capital package is $4,323,000. These recommendations will be sent to the Board of Selectmen who will approve the expenditure for a vote by Town Meeting or referendum. This action would likely be scheduled at the end of May or early June.
DISCUSSION OF DEBT AND FUND BALANCE POLICY DRAFTS
The Debt Policy and Fund Balance Policy drafts were reviewed. Several suggestions and clarifications were noted. Mr. Gniadek will incorporate the changes for further review at the next meeting.
DISCUSSION MIL RATE OR 2010-2011
Board members reviewed a worksheet for potential mil rate. The Mil Rate will be established following passage of the budget.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Peggy O’Donnell: commented that she was pleased that the Board was reviewing policy and establishing guidelines for action.
James Miller, Middlebrook Pond Road: also pleased that policies are being established. He suggested the policies be posted on the web site.
Jeannie Wendschuh, Deep Spring Road: thanked the Board of Finance for addressing the policy issues.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion: move to adjourn. Mazzucco, Dolan. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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