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RECEIVED March 17, 2011 @ 2:21 P.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
REDDING BOARD OF FINANCE
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
March 14, 2011
Present: Alvarez (Chairman), DeSalvo,Dolan, Guffey, Mazzucco, Yonkers
Also present: Controller Gniadek, Treasurer O’Donnell, Selectmen Takacs & Pemberton
Media: Redding Pilot & Patch.com
Chairman Alvarez called the March 14, 2011 special meeting at 7:30 pm
PUBLIC COMMENT
Lawrence Ford: Mr. Ford requested that the proposed budget for 2011-12 include a line item for costs the correction of the sprinkler system in the Town Office Building. He added that following the Budget Public Hearing, the First Selectman and Town Clerk met with the Fire Marshall to discuss the sprinkler system in the building. An Impairment Coordinator was appointed to oversee the project. An engineer completed an evaluation of the system and what was needed to comply with regulations. The primary focus of the work is in the basement of the building. Mr. Ford urged the Board of Finance to include funding for the project in the budget.
2011-12 BUDGET REVIEW
- Redding Board of Education: the proposed budget was discussed. Dr. Yonkers thanked the Redding Board of Education and Mrs. Sullivan for the work on the budget preparation, and thanked Sue Wolf of the Redding Pilot for their in depth coverage of the budget. Questions regarding class size and the special education identification process were asked, and were answered by the school administration and board members. Mr. Dolan commented that it appears that the budget includes recovery of reductions made in recent years, such as professional development and maintenance.
- Region 9 Board of Education: Chairman Mark Lewis reported the board is currently discussing an increase in the budget of 2.37% and that number would be finalized at their meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. He added that the increase at 2.37% would represent an increase of 1.01% for Redding’s taxpayers. The budget is split between Easton and Redding, based on enrollment from each town.
- Town Government: discussion of the town budget followed. There was agreement that the expense for the Revaluation process should be in the Operating Budget, not the Capital and Nonrecurring account. Board members discussed the need to include a regular item for that expense each year, to accrue funds for the process that occurs every five years. Board members discussed the potential need for additional roadway work due to the severe winter. Highway Superintendent Sanford is expected to complete an evaluation of the roads and present information on the condition of the roads at the next meeting. The lease versus purchase of vehicles/equipment was discussed and it was agreed that the lease option was preferable.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Selectman Takacs reported the work on the Town Office Building sprinkler system is moving forward. The work is being bid at this time. Selectman Pemberton added that the building is safe and the issue is not one of public safety, but of records retention/protection.
Jeanne Wendschuh: Mrs. Wendschuh questioned the post-employment medical benefits and suggested the budget include an accrual account for these anticipated costs. Controller Gniadek added that Highway and Police Departments have contracts that include the medical benefits from retirement to age 65. Currently there is one retiree (non-Board of Education person) receiving benefits amounting to about $18,000. The Board of Education retiree benefits (22 active retirees) are covered in the Board of Education budget.
The meeting adjourned at 8:46pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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