These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes contact either the Town Clerk's office or the First Selectman's office.

Budget Workshop

February 16, 2000

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 6:14 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell, William Garrity, John Romano, Madeleine Gilkey and Thomas Vincent. Also present were: William Voelker, Director of Community Planning and Development, Susan Bullock, Library Director, Jeff Blumenthal and David Ryan, Co-Chairmen Economic Development Commission, Liz Banco and Joyce Howard, Co-Chairmen Tourism Committee, Kevin Kane, Director of Finance, and other interested parties.

2. TOURISM COMMITTEE

Ms. Mielert stated that dues and subscriptions were deleted from the Tourism Committee's budget because there was a duplication elsewhere in the budget. Ms. Howard discussed the tourism brochures and stated that they want to increase the number of brochures produced from 5,000 to 10,000 this year. She stated that it is their desire to have an additional $500 in their budget to obtain their wish list. Ms. Howard noted that their stock of 10,000 Welcome to Simsbury brochures is down to 1,500. Ms. Mielert pointed out that the Tourism Committee also has access to a revolving fund.

3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Mr. Blumenthal discussed the initiatives of the EDC. He stated that their budget includes $4,000 for the Farmington Valley Visitor's Association, $4,300 for the Regional Growth Council, a match of $40,000 for the Main Street Partnership, and $28,000 for the consultant services of MBIA Bartram & Cochran. He noted that some of MBIA Bartram & Cochran's fees should have been paid from encumbrances instead of from this year's budget.

Mr. Mandell expressed his concern with merchants' contribution to Main Street. Ms. Mielert suggested that the BOS request that Jerry Lintner, Director of the Main Street Partnership, attend their March 1st budget workshop. Mr. Blumenthal stated that Main Street has exceed the Town match with the donations received. Mr. Romano requested information on Main Street's accomplishments.

Ms. Gilkey questioned whether the EDC has any additional programs they would like to put in place if they had the funding. Mr. Blumenthal stated that they had requested $3,000 for an executive round table and they hope to reallocate these funds from elsewhere within their budget.

4. HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

Ms. Mielert stated that the Historic District Commission will continue with the subsistent $2,000 budget.

5. PLANNING DEPARTMENT/BUILDING DEPARTMENT/LAND USE COMMISSIONS

Mr. Voelker stated that his budget is comprised primarily of personnel services, postage, advertisement and education. He stated that there is a 1.36% increase in personnel services and benefit costs. He stated that he has requested an increase of $3,500 for conferences and education to cover the cost of the Senior Planner's classes and professional development programs.

6. LIBRARY

Gail Keebler Ryan stated that the Simsbury Library is ranked third in the state based on the HAPLR index. She noted that links to the library from home are twice the national average in Simsbury.

Ms. Bullock explained the HAPLR index and stated that Simsbury was one of four libraries in the state to score above 800. She provided statistics on the use of the library and stated that they will submit a grant application to the state to help fund the addition to the library. She stated that they have an architect working with the Public Building Committee and Library Board to produce schematics of an expanded library.

Ms. Bullock stated that the library is requesting a budget increase of $58,221. She noted that $35,000 is necessary due to collective bargaining agreements, $20,000 is to upgrade the part-time Business Outreach Librarian to full-time, and $4,000 is budgeted for a generator hookup. Ms. Bullock reviewed the need for a full-time Business Outreach Librarian (Addendum 1). Ms. Mielert stated that the full-time Business Outreach Librarian is a priority of the Library Board and herself.

Mr. Vincent questioned the request for capital improvements. Ms. Bullock stated that when the design phase of the expanded library is completed they will need 10% of the construction cost for design and architectural fees. Ms. Mielert stated that the expansion is proposed for 2001/2002

Ms. Mielert amended the agenda to address six of the items scheduled for the February 17th budget workshop.

The meeting recessed at 7:36 p.m. and reconvened at 7:47 p.m.

7. ELECTIONS

Mr. Kane stated that he will adjust the Registrars of Voters salaries to include the 3% increase from negotiated salaries. Ms. Mielert noted that it is unknown as to whether there will be a fall referendum, and the cost is approximately $10,000. Mr. Kane stated that the cost for a November election and May referendum have been included in the budget.

8. TOWN CLERK

Mr. Kane stated that the personnel increases are due to contract negotiations. He stated that a part-time position was changed to full-time, at a lower hourly rate. Mr. Kane noted that the increase in conferences and education is due to the need to bring the new clerk up to speed. He stated that the volume of copying and printing has decreased.

9. LEGAL

Mr. Kane stated that budget for legal is based on a ten year average. He noted that of the $189,000 budgeted $85,000 is for Updike, Kelly & Spellacy with the balance to cover additional services.

10. PROBATE

Ms. Mielert stated that there is a request for new carpeting and new furniture which they hope to accomplish this year. Mr. Kane noted that this is the first increase in this budget in 20 years.

11. BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION

Ms. Mielert stated that some of this budget was rearranged. Mr. Mandell noted that the Bridge of Flowers is handled separately.

12. POLICE COMMISSION

Mr. Kane stated that their budget is for the cost of their clerk.

13. FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Ms. Mielert stated that they did not fund the clerk position. Mr. Kane stated that with the new accounting system the clerk position is not necessary. He noted that he plans for the receptionist to provide backup for accounts payable and payroll. Mr. Kane stated that conferences and education is increased due to attendance at a software users conference in Pennsylvania, and Connecticut Association meetings for himself and the Assistant Finance Director. He stated that support services covers the maintenance agreement for the new financial system. He noted that they will apply for the GFOA award which costs $600.

14. TAX COLLECTOR

Mr. Kane stated that the maintenance fee for the tax collection system increased $100. He stated that the technical program supplies budget was increased because they are usually over budget, and postage was also increased.

15. ASSESSOR'S OFFICE

Mr. Kane noted that the increase in support services covers the payment to Quality Data system support. He stated that conferences and education include attendance at a national conference by the Tax Assessor.

16. DATA PROCESSING

Mr. Kane stated that this department is shared by the Town and the BOE. He noted that this department will obtain their office supplies from other departments. He stated that the technology and programs area has historically spent $2,000 per year. AUDITORS

Mr. Kane stated that the BOF selected the Auditors after the budget was brought forward last year and there is funding included in this budget to cover the shortfall.

17. BOARD OF FINANCE

Mr. Kane stated that the cost for the Annual Report is charged to the BOF budget. He noted that there is an increase in advertising in this budget.

18. MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET

Mr. Kane stated that the cost for parades has increased by $600. He stated that the Transportation Budget is based on 16,000 miles at $0.325 per mile.

19. GENERAL GOVERNMENT - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Mr. Kane stated that this budget includes the copiers and phone systems for all departments.

20. GENERAL GOVERNMENT - CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Kane stated that he will revise the First Selectman's salary. He stated that support for SCTV was increased $4,000. Ms. Mielert stated that they are trying to obtain more space for SCTV at Eno Hall. She noted that the General Government budget was increased by .42%

21. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Approved February 28, 2000