These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes please contact the Town Clerk's Office.

JANUARY 21,2000

SPECIAL MEETING

1. CALL TO ORDER

Paul Henault, Chairman, called the Special Meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 8:35 a.m. in the Lower Conference Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: James Belfiore, Peter Askham and Candace Fitzpatrick. Mary Glassman arrived at 8:40 a.m. Ms. Fitzpatrick departed at 8:47 a.m. Also present were Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Anita Mielert, First Selectman, Joseph Townsley, Superintendent of Schools, and Dave Holden, Business Manager.

2. REQUEST TO AMEND ICE RINK CAPITAL PROJECT APPROPRIATION

Chairman Henault noted that these funds were taken into account toward the cost of the rink, but they expected them to be paid directly to the contractor instead of to the Town. He pointed out that this project was approved at the Town Meeting because the appropriation was less than 3% of the budget. Chairman Henault suggested that the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund budget be amended to include these funds (Addendum 1).

Mr. Belfiore moved to amend the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund Budget Revenue and Appropriation Budgets, as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Fitzpatrick and carried unanimously.

3. REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SIMSBURY POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES SPECIAL REVENUE FUND

Mr. Kane stated that nothing can be spent from this account unless the funds are there. He stated that currently there are 28 Special Revenue Funds. Mr. Belfiore questioned what these funds would be spent on. Ms. Mielert stated that the funds would be expended for community initiatives, reward initiatives and professional interests of the Police Department. Ms. Glassman noted that this fund may be an incentive for donations.

Ms. Glassman moved to authorize the establishment of a Simsbury Police Department Community Services Special Revenue Fund. The motion was seconded by Ms. Fitzpatrick and carried unanimously.

4. JOINT STUDY ON MUNICIPAL FISCAL IMPACT AND SCHOOL DEMOGRAPHICS EFFECT OF THE "MEADOWOOD APPLICATION"

Dr. Townsley distributed the proposal from Dr. Chung to do a municipal and school impact study of Meadowood. He stated that the cost for the study is $38,000 if the PTO's complete the surveys. Ms. Mielert stated that this study will be needed for the Town budget with regard to the effect of Meadowood on the Police Department, Fire Department, road maintenance and athletic fields. She suggested that the document could also be useful in the current legislative discussion and if the project results in an appeal.

Ms. Glassman questioned whether the study would just cover Meadowood. Dr. Townsley stated that the survey would include an analysis of 800 current homeowners, and the previous owners of those homes, in order to draw an analysis on Meadowood. Mr. Belfiore questioned whether the increased Town costs, due to Meadowood, would be included in the study. Dr. Townsley suggested that this be negotiated into the project.

Chairman Henault questioned whether another consultant was considered. Dr. Townsley stated that they have not found anyone with Dr. Chung's experience. He noted that Dr. Chung has given them good enrollment results in the past and has done municipal studies for other towns. Mr. Askham questioned whether the study will look at the turnover of housing and new building in town. Dr. Townsley stated that those items were included in the previous report by Dr. Chung. He distributed Dr. Chung's 10-Year Enrollment Projections.

Chairman Henault questioned the time frame for completion of the study. Dr. Townsley stated that the study will take at least 2 months. Ms. Glassman suggested that Dr. Chung be required to attend more than 3 public meetings. Mr. Askham questioned whether the purpose of the study is limited to Meadowood. Dr. Townsley stated that the analysis includes other information. Mr. Askharn requested that this be noted in the document. He pointed out that the Town could use this study for buying land.

Ms. Glassman moved to approve $40,000 to conduct a study, and for the Town to negotiate a broader scope which includes more public meetings and a full representation of the town, not just the proposed Meadowood project. The motion was seconded by Mr. Belfiore and carried unanimously.

5. REQUEST FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND PROFESSIONAL FEES FOR PRELIMINARY HIGH SCHOOL ANALYSIS

Mr. Askham addressed the procedural steps outlined by the Town Attorney. He stated that he assumes a study of need has been done and the long-term building program is included in the 6 year capital improvement plan. Dr. Townsley stated that a study of need has been done, with a gap for the Meadowood project. Mr. Askham pointed out that the 6 year capital improvement plan has changed. Dr. Townsley stated that the previous plan was to add onto all of the elementary schools and to redistrict. He noted that the enrollment growth has been greater than they anticipated. He stated that when Dr. Chung explained that the number at the high school could go above 1,850 students, the BOE decided that building a new high school makes more sense than renovating the existing high school.

Mr. Askham questioned whether they have enough information about the long-term needs. Dr. Townsley stated that the students moving from expanded elementary schools to an expanded middle school will be entering the high school. Mr. Askham noted that modules will be needed regardless of the decision about the high school. He stated that the long range BOE plan will cost $62-$64 million over the next 6 years, and he questioned whether this plan will meet the needs of the community over the next 10-20 years. Dr. Townsley stated that the current 6 year plan will not meet the long-term needs of the community and they will have to look at the plan after the high school project. He stated that Simsbury is not experiencing a bubble in enrollment, but instead a continuing growth pattern. He pointed out that 141 houses will be built in the next 18 months, and 55 of those homes are in the Squadron Line district. Dr. Townsley stated that the cost to lease modules for 3 years is the same as building, since the State pays 32% of the construction cost.

Ms. Mielert suggested that the Town needs a totally built-out analysis so they know the effect on the schools and the purchase of open space. Dr. Townsley recommended that members of the BOF meet with his staff to look at the fact finding which has been done, and to determine whether they are making the right decision. Mr. Askham stated that the BOF is looking for a fiscally responsible way to meet the needs of the community. Ms. Mielert pointed out the importance of economic development and the need to purchase open space.

Chairman Henault confirmed that the requested $85,000 appropriation is needed in order to get a firmer picture and estimate of the proposed new high school. Dr. Townsley stated that they expect a site decision on Tuesday. Ms. Glassman suggested that they hold a referendum on the purchase of the site as soon as possible, and have a range on the cost of a new high school, so they know how the voters feel about constructing a new high school. She stated that if the purchase of a site is voted down they will know that the residents don't want to construct a new high school.

Ms. Glassman moved to appropriate $55,000 for a preliminary high school analysis, to be appropriated from Reserves, subject to BOS approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Belfiore.

Chairman Henault stated that it is fiscally responsible to get the hard numbers on the construction of a new high school. He recommended that a workshop be held with the BOE staff. Mr. Askham requested that Mr. Kane provide a model for the BOE and BOS long-term capital plans. He noted that they need to make sure that the plan is adequate for the Town.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

Mr. Belfiore requested that the Town Clerk respond as to whether a series of questions can be part of a referendum.

6. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Henault moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 a.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Belfiore and carried unanimously.