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

JOINT BOARD MEETING

January 12, 2000

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. in the Old Court Room of Eno Memorial Hall. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, William Garrity, Madeleine Gilkey, Thomas Vincent, Paul Henault, Peter Askham, Michael Wade, Mary Glassman, Joseph Townsley, Superintendent of Schools, John O'Neil, Mary Porter Wright, Lydia Tedone, Mary Margaret Girgenti and Charles Moret. Also present were: Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, and other interested parties.

2. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED SIX YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Ms. Mielert presented the Town's six year capital improvement plan (Addendum 1). She reviewed the items listed, in particular those projects slated for fiscal year 2000/2001. She pointed out those items which include funding from outside sources. Ms. Mielert addressed the recap at the end of the plan, noting that she proposes projects amounting to $2,208,400 of debt for fiscal year 2000/2001.

Mr. Askham questioned whether, based on the 2 year capital policy, the proposed debt will equal $4.5 million over 2 years. Ms. Mielert stated that $4.5 million is accurate, over the next 2 years, but the BOS never agreed to a 2 year debt policy. Mr. Henault noted that the BOF debt policy is to incur debt every 2 years and if the BOS wants to review this policy it needs to be discussed. In response to Mr. Henault, Mr. Kane stated that the Towns of Avon and Granby have been included in the plan because they have a 30% ownership in the sewage treatment plan.

Mr. Garrity questioned the amount of capital projects allowed for the next 2 years. Mr. Kane responded that there would be funding, within the debt policy, of $7.5- $8 million. Mr. Henault pointed out that there is a savings to bonding every 2 years. He noted that the needs shift between the BOS and the BOE.

Mr. Askham questioned whether the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund is reflected in the plan. Ms. Mielert stated that the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund applies to the operating budget at Simsbury Farms. She suggested that the Special Revenue Fund couldn't be expected to pay for a 30 year old facility in need of upgrading. She noted that increased fees at the golf course and expansion of the grill are expected to generate enough revenue to offset the golf course improvements by 50% over 10 years.

Dr. Townsley presented the six year capital improvement plan adopted by the BOE (Addendum 2). He stated that the costs associated with increased enrollment total $65-$70 million of the plan. Dr. Townsley stated the assumptions for this plan: (1) the construction of homes in Meadowood has not been included, (2) the other residential projects which are approved and are pending have been taken into consideration, (3) a new high school will be on-line in 2004, and (4) the old high school will be converted to a middle school housing Grades 6-8.

Dr. Townsley stated that this year they had additional 200 students, which was 120 more than anticipated, and next year they project an additional 230 students. He stated that the $822,840 for elementary classroom construction is the safety net to address 2001/2002. He noted that Squadron Line School will have close to 1,000 students in 2003/2004 and if they were to add classrooms they would not have enough core space to accommodate the additional students. Dr. Townsley stated that Henry James Middle School will exceed 900 students in 2003 and the $870,000 proposed would provide 4 classrooms. He noted that they may need to have a 4 graded middle school if a new elementary school is not constructed.

Dr. Townsley stated that the high school construction project numbers include the cost to purchase a site. He stated that the architect is considering a Phase 3 at the existing high school if they were to go above 1,850 students. He stated that the BOE voted 8-0 to construct a new high school and the new high school plans were sent to the State.

Dr. Townsley stated that the cost to renovate the existing high school is $80 per square foot and the overall cost to upgrade the high school and bring it up to code is $9 million (Addendum 3). He stated that the conversion of the existing high school to a middle school is proposed for 2003/2004. He noted that if a new high school is not constructed then they would need to construct a new elementary or middle school and during that analysis they should include the Meadowood project.

Dr. Townsley stated that the Tariffville School project, approximately $3 million, was removed from the capital plan. He pointed out that if they expand the existing high school they would need to build an athletic complex in town. He stated that a new high school would address the athletic field needs and the fields at the existing high school would be available to the town.

Mr. Henault noted the importance of balancing the needs of the BOS and the BOE. He stated that next year will be a capital reload of $7-$8 million for a 2 year cycle. He noted that they need to consider the impact of the high school renovation and the Meadowood project. Mr. Henault suggested that they look at the priorities and necessities for this year and determine what can wait until next year. Ms. Girgenti questioned whether Mr. Henault was suggesting that $7-$8 million would address all of the needs. She stated that they must address the need first and then determine how to address it. Mr. Henault noted that the BOE is proposing $2.9 million in capital projects, excluding the high school. He pointed out that the BOF and the BOS still have a say in whether a new high school is built or the existing high school is renovated.

Dr. Townsley suggested that the debt policy needs to be considered around the needs of the town. He stated that they need to address the high school by 2004/2005 or they will have to go to double sessions and have 30-40 modules. Dr. Townsley pointed out that the earliest a new high school could go to referendum is November and if they decide to purchase a site that could go to referendum this Spring. He stated that the high school situation cannot fit within the debt policy. Mr. O'Neill recommended that the BOE provide the best numbers they can and let the taxpayers decide if they want a new high school. He stated that it would be fiscally irresponsible to expand the existing high school.

Mr. Askham pointed out that a new high school and conversion of the existing high school would cost the Town $60 million and with a 20 year bond would increase taxes by 6%. Mr. Henault stated that this proposal would put the town in a 12% debt ratio. He suggested that they need to have balance and maybe a 10% debt ratio would be more acceptable.

Mr. Garrity stated that a contingency plan needs to be in place to address the situation at the high school if the voters don't approve the construction of a new high school. Dr. Townsley stated that the backup plan is to renovate the high school over a phased-in schedule. Ms. Wright stated that if they renovate the existing high school they will still need to build an additional school and in the future a new high school. She suggested that Plan B would be more expensive than Plan A.

Mr. Askham questioned whether the enrollment increase is a bubble situation. Dr. Townsley stated that Dr. Chung believes Simsbury is not leveling off the number of students entering Grade 9. Ms. Wright pointed out that this proposal needs the support of those running the Town in order for it to go forward. Mr. Garrity questioned whether the Town could reduce the tax burden on the elderly for this type of project.

Mr. Henault stated that the BOF needs to consider whether to use all of the $8 million this year if the high school project is unresolved. He suggested that they may want to consider appropriating a percentage of the debt to the high school and lower the debt policy for the future. Ms. Mielert noted that the capital projects meet the debt policy, without the high school. Mr. Askham expressed his concern that the taxpayers may approve a new high school and not approve any other capital projects.

Dr. Townsley stated that the existing high school is not feasible for 1600-1800 students. He stated that the Site Selection Committee needs to choose a site and bring it to the BOS. He stated that without a site choice this Spring, there will be no resolution to the high school situation before 2005. Mr. Askham questioned whether a modernization of the existing high school would meet the needs of the community. Dr. Townsley stated that: (1) 1600 students at the high school will be exceeded so they would need to add a Phase 3 to the renovation, (2) if the cost is the same to build a new high school, why renovate the existing high school, and (3) they need to build a school.

Ms. Mielert pointed out that increased revenue, through economic development, would offset some of these costs. Mr. Garrity stated that the BOS and the BOF need to let the BOE know what dollar figure is acceptable. Mr. Wade pointed out that additional discussion will not change the construction costs. Mr. Henault noted that the BOF will be holding a Public Hearing on capital projects.

Dr. Townsley distributed the memo, from the Town Attorney, addressing procedural steps. He noted that if Town property is selected in the site process then the cost for the project would decrease. He pointed out that the square footage cost is less for a new school than for a renovation. Mr. Garrity suggested that any land acquisition be contingent upon voter approval of the high school.

3. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Approved January 24, 2000