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

MARCH 21, 2000

REGULAR MEETING

1. CALL TO ORDER

Paul Henault, Chairman, called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: James Belfiore, Peter Askham, Candace Fitzpatrick and Michael Wade. Mary Glassman arrived at 6:08 p.m. Mr. Wade departed at 7:30 p.m. Also present were Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Anita Mielert, First Selectman, Joseph Townsley, Superintendent of Schools, David Holden, Business Manager, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, Susan Bullock, Library Director, and other interested parties.

2. APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 2,2000 REGULAR MEETING

Ms. Fitzpatrick moved to table approval of the minutes of the March 2, 2000 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Askham and carried unanimously.

3. ACTION ON CAPITAL PROJECTS

Mr. Wade introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Fitzpatrick:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $ 1,000,000 for the purchase of development rights and acquisition of land for open space and municipal purposes as determined by the Board of Selectmen after approval by the Board of Finance and the Planning Commission pursuant to C.G.S. Section 8-24; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $ 1,000,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Askham:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $300,000 for installation of water main extensions in various roads; and that the Town finance the appropriation by advances from the undesignated fund balance of the General Fund; beneficial property owners shall be assessed and assessments deposited in a special revenue fund of the Town and applied to reimburse the General Fund; no portion of the appropriation shall be spent until an assessment ordinance is adopted as required by C.G.S. Section 7-137c; the location and scope of such water lines shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen after approval by the Planning Commission pursuant to C.G.S. Section 8-24; and the Board of Selectmen may enter into such arrangements as necessary with any water company to provide water service for such water main extensions.

Chairman Henault stated that there are currently prior authorizations which are outstanding and $100,000 could be sufficient. Ms. Mielert requested the capability to request additional funds for water main extensions next year since this is not a bonded item.

Ms. Fitzpatrick withdrew her resolution. Mr. Askham withdrew his second.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Askham:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $ 100,000 for installation of water main extensions in various roads; and that the Town finance the appropriation by advances from the undesignated fund balance of the General Fund; beneficial property owners shall be assessed and assessments deposited in a special revenue fund of the Town and applied to reimburse the General Fund; no portion of the appropriation shall be spent until an assessment ordinance is adopted as required by C.G.S. Section 7-137c; the location and scope of such water lines shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen after approval by the Planning Commission pursuant to C.G.S. Section 8-24; and the Board of Selectmen may enter into such arrangements as necessary with any water company to provide water service for such water main extensions.

The resolution was approved unanimously. Ms. Fitzpatrick moved that the BOF will consider a request from the BOS for further water main extensions in budget year 2001/2002 in an amount up to $200,000. The motion was seconded by Ms. Glassman and carried unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Wade:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $320,000 from the Sewer Assessment Fund for the design and construction of sanitary sewers, including the installation of sanitary sewer mains and related laterals and appurtenances and the rehabilitation of existing sewer lines. The sewers to be constructed shall be determined by the Water Pollution Control Authority after a public hearing pursuant to C.G.S. 7-247a and approval by the Planning Commission pursuant to C.G.S. Section 8-24.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Mr. Wade introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Belfiore:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $463,400 for the Town's share of costs for the implementation of design improvements for traffic flow and safety at the intersection of Routes 10 and 167 and Drake Hill Road as approved under the Federal Surface Transportation Program or other programs for highway improvements; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $463,400 to finance the appropriation; and the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Wade:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $271,400 for the Town's share of costs for the implementation of design improvements for traffic flow and safety to the intersection of Nod Road and Route 185 along with Farmington River access improvements as approved under the Federal Surface Transportation Program or other programs for highway improvements; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $271,400 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Belfiore:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $288,000 for design and construction of renovated space in the upper area of the Town offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $288,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Glassman introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms Fitzpatrick:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $1,300,000 for design and construction of renovations to the golf clubhouse, pro shop, locker rooms, and grille facility at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex, located at Old Farms Road, including the construction of a new onsite septic system, upgraded water line extension and hydrant suitable for the fire sprinkler protection system and other related work; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

Tom West, Simsbury Farms Complex Committee Chairman, stated that they anticipate $45,000 of revenue from the increased fees at the golf course and $10,000 of revenue from the lease at the renovated grill. He confirmed that they anticipate their pay back to the facility to be $55,671 per year towards the $900,000 renovation of the clubhouse. Mr. Kane stated that the bond cost on $900,000 is $120,000 per year. Mr. Askham questioned whether the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund would be able to phase-out the Town's contribution towards the renovation. Mr. West stated that the Simsbury Farms revenues will pay for the grill and the Town is paying for the clubhouse which is an improvement to the infrastructure of the town.

Ms. Mielert pointed out that the golf revenues will increase with the renovated clubhouse and these funds will help to fund other programs and projects at Simsbury Farms. She noted that if the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund pays for capital improvements than the Town will have to fund the Special Revenue Fund further. Chairman Henault recommended that the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee consider a higher lease amount on the grill. He suggested that if the lease amount is higher the BOS and BOF can discuss with Mr. Toner increasing the payment toward the bond for this project. Ms. Glassman stated that she feels that the Special Revenue Fund should receive the increased revenue from the renovation because this is the incentive portion of the Special Revenue Fund. Mr. Askham confirmed that the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee is committing to a $55,672 annual payment towards the clubhouse renovation.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Mr. Wade introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Belfiore:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $150,000 for repairs and improvements to various existing athletic fields as determined by the Board of Selectmen after approval by the Board of Finance and the Planning Commission pursuant to C.G.S. Section 8-24; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $150,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Wade:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $250,000 for design and construction of new athletic fields and other related work as determined by the Board of Selectmen after approval by the Board of Finance and the Planning Commission pursuant to C.G.S. Section 8-24; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Mr. Askham introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Wade:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $400,000 for preliminary design of renovations to the existing Simsbury Public Library located at 725 Hopmeadow Street and design of an approximately 19,600 square foot addition to the building and other related work; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $400,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

Chairman Henault stated that this $6 million project should be phased-in. He suggested that $100,000 be appropriated for this project to keep it moving forward and to fit in with the overall capital funding. He stated that this funding will allow the library to go before the Planning and Zoning Commissions and come back to the BOF for a decision as to whether to move forward with the project. Ms. Bullock stated that $100,000 will give them the design/development plan and a cost estimate for their 20 year plan. She stated that they would come back to the BOF with a phased-in approach. Ms. Glassman questioned whether they would bond the $100,000 or transfer the funds from reserves. Mr. Kane expressed his concern with assuming they will use reserves when there are other possible needs for reserves.

Mr. Askham withdrew his resolution. Mr. Wade withdrew his second.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Belfiore:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $300,000 for design and construction of an approximately 6,000 square foot building maintenance facility and addition to the existing fleet service facility located at 66 Town Forest Road, for servicing Town and Board of Education equipment; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $300,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Glassman introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms Fitzpatrick:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $675,000 for design and construction of a roof replacement at the Squadron Line School, that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $675,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Glassman:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $250,000 for design, construction and installation at Central School of a boiler to be located in the school addition, removal and disposal of heating plant equipment as needed, installation of new piping and re-piping improvements to the heat distribution system and related work; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Mr. Askham introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Wade:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $500,000 for acquisition, replacement and installation of computers, computer peripherals, network equipment, wiring and other related technological equipment in various elementary and secondary schools to the extent of available funds; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $500,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

Mr. Askham questioned whether all of the funds previously appropriated have been spent. Mr. Holden stated that all but $33,000 has been spent and the $33,000 is obligated to service switches and routers at Henry James and Tootin' Hills. Mr. Askham questioned whether the Town can bond for computer equipment. Mr. Kane responded that the bond will be based on the life of the asset and will be for less than 10 years. He noted that in the past the Town did direct pay down on computer equipment.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Belfiore:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $1,260,000 for design and construction of additions and improvements to the Henry James Memorial School to include the construction of eight additional classrooms and improvements and modifications for code compliance, and related work; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $1,260,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously,

Mr. Wade introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Fitzpatrick:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate $100,000 for preliminary design of renovations to the existing Simsbury Public Library located at 725 Hopmeadow Street and design of an approximately 19,600 square foot addition to the building and other related work; that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to finance the appropriation; and that the term of the bonds or notes not exceed ten years.

The resolution was approved unanimously.

Ms. Fitzpatrick moved to amend the agenda to address Other Business. The motion was seconded by Ms. Glassman and carried unanimously.

4. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Kane distributed the projected mill rate based on the proposed budgets (Addendum 1). He noted that Page 2 considers a $1,300,000 decrease in the budgets and Page 3 considers a property tax of 5% with no use of surplus. Mr. Kane stated that last year's BOE budget increase was 6.37% and this year it is 10.68%. Chairman Henault noted that the proposed tax increase would be out of line with previous years and he suggested that a tax increase greater than 5% would jeopardize approval of the budgets by the voters. He stated that he does not want to increase the amount of surplus used. He suggested that the BOE provide a list of the adjustments they would make if their budget were reduced by $1,300,000. Mr. Kane stated that they would keep a fund balance near 8% if they use $400,000 of surplus next year.

Ms. Fitzpatrick suggested that they educate the public, at the Public Hearing, by demonstrating how a cut of $1,300,000 would effect the BOE budget. Ms. Glassman stated that she supports the BOE preparing a reduced budget for illustrative purposes at the Public Hearing. Mr. Wade stated that he supports presenting the public with how a reduction of $1,300,000 would effect the BOE budget. Chairman Henault requested that the BOE prepare illustrations, for the Public Hearing, to show the cuts which would have to be taken if the BOE budget were reduced by $1,300,000. Dr. Townsley stated that he will provide a list of possible cuts, but they may not be the actual cuts they would make if required. He suggested that this is a unique year and a reduction of $1,300,000 would be detrimental to the town. He stated that a $1,300,000 reduction would put Simsbury in the lowest 5%-10% of the state with their BOE budget.

The meeting recessed at 7:36 p.m. and reconvened at 7:40 p.m.

6. BOS 2000/2001 BUDGET PRESENTATION (PURSUANT TO SECTION 905 OF THE TOWN CHARTER)

Ms. Mielert stated that the BOS needs a 4.8% budget increase to keep their budget status quo. She stated that they are presenting a 4% budget increase. The BOF questioned specific line items within the BOS budget which were addressed by Ms. Mielert and Mr. Kane. Ms. Mielert stated that they reduced budgets wherever previous funds were not being used. Mr. Belfiore requested information on the Fire District budget. Mr. Kane reviewed the trust funds.

7. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUESTS

Chairman Henault noted receipt of Ms. Mielert's March 13th memo requesting a budget transfer to provide $4,468 of funding to the Farmington Valley Student Union (Addendum 2).

Ms. Glassman moved to approve the budget transfers outlined in Ms. Mielert's March 13, 2000 memo. The motion was seconded by Ms. Fitzpatrick and carried unanimously.

Chairman Henault noted receipt of Chief Ingvertsen's March 17th memo requesting a budget transfer for the purchase of a new patrol car (Addendum 3). He noted that the Town is not renewing their contract with the UCONN Paramedics which is why these funds are available.

Ms. Fitzpatrick moved to transfer to the Police Vehicle Fund, from Public Agency Support, the amount of $20,000 per Chief Ingvertsen's March 17, 2000 memo. The motion was seconded by Ms. Glassman and carried unanimously.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Askham moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Fitzpatrick and carried unanimously.