These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 14, 2002
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Selectmen Budget Workshop Meeting was called to order at 6:05 P.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Board Members Madeleine Gilkey, William Garrity, Joel Mandell, and John Romano, Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson, Town Clerk Carolyn Keily, Director of Culture Parks & Recreation Gerard Toner, Finance Director Kevin Kane, Chief of Police Peter Ingvertsen, Historic District Commission James Oliver. Economic Development Commission Chairman William Sweeney joined the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
II. GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Ms. Keily reported that the receptionist position will be eliminated and the Assistant Town Clerk position filled; that revenues have increased in recording fees because of mortgage refinancing and equity loans.
III. CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION
Mr. Toner reported on the General Fund portion of the budget addressing the addition of the Iron Horse Boulevard field and Memorial Park field maintenance with no additional personnel; the impact of the minimum wage increase; fuel and utility increases for additional equipment and field maintenance; league and youth sports revenue, the Board of Education contribution toward field maintenance at Iron Horse Boulevard; and the revenue from Memorial Pool.
Mr. Toner then reported on the Simsbury Farms Fund stating it is now in its fourth year; that the plan is to eliminate its subsidy by the end of the fifth year; increases in facilities cost, lower revenues, transfers out of Rink and Clubhouse to General Fund, reduction in part-time hours; that the administrative secretary will spend one-half of her working day at Simsbury Farms; that programs which fail to bring in adequate revenues will be eliminated; the Opening Night scale down; contractual services; the proposed purchased of a leaf blower, leaf blower attachment and fertilizer spreader; that the concession for food at the clubhouse is out for bid; the decrease in golf rounds; and the purchase of a new 300 gallon sprayer under CNR.
MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN - BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING
FEBRUARY 14, 2002
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Mr. Toner reported on the 2005/2006 CIP golf course improvements including replacement of the irrigation pump house, renovation and expansion of the garage facility, reconstruction of cart paths and bunkers; the 2006/2007 CIP projects including Memorial Park improvements, roadway and parking improvements and the construction of additional athletic fields; the 2007/2008 CIP construction of maintenance facility and new access road and parking at Simsbury Farms.
IV. GENERAL GOVERNMENTS (continued)
Mr. Kane reported on the Central Administration budget's reductions in Conference and Education, Architectural Services, Support Services, Public Agency Support and the elimination of funding for the Visitors' Center; the Administrative Services budget including the CNR for a new copier; Telephone budget; Copy & Printing showing a reduction in the cost of paper; Board of Finance Budget reduction in part-time clerk hours; Economic Development Commission showing $15,000 in consulting fees, elimination of Bartram & Cochran Services, and support for the Main Street Partnership; reductions in the Historic District Commission, Public Building Committee, Police Commission and Tourism; increases in Elections Committee and Support Services; Finance Department budget showing the elimination of the receptionist position, increase in postage and reduction in office supplies; Tax Department budget showing increase in postage; Assessors Office budget recommending hiring a certified assistant
assessor; Data Processing showing a decrease in Conference and Education and Dues and Subscriptions; Auditors reflecting a 3 1/2% increase; Legal reflecting the use of a 10 year rolling average; and Transportation showing a decrease in mileage.
V. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Economic Development Commission Chairman Sweeney addressed the Board stating that the commission has five new members and that an action plan has been developed. Mr. Sweeney highlighted the commission's efforts toward marketing, benchmarking, and Septemberfest. After discussion between the Board and Mr. Sweeney it was decided to request the Main Street Partnership to appear before the Board to report on current plans and activities.
First Selectman Vincent asked the Board to review the CIP plan and the message to Simsbury Residents and to prioritize their wish lists, keeping in mind that whatever project monies are requested must be balanced by elimination of monies in another area and that it is his intention to present a budget within the guidelines set by the Board of Finance.
MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN - BUDGET WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 14, 2002
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VI. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made by Mr. Mandell and seconded by Mr. Garrity the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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