These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 2002
I. CALL TO ORDER
The special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 6:10 P.M. in the Lower Conference Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Board Members Madeleine Gilkey, William Garrity, Joel Mandell, John Romano and Anita Mielert, Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Roberston, Finance Director Kevin Kane, Chief of Police Peter Ingvertsen, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission William Sweeney, Public Works Director William Wrabel and other interested parties.
II. BOARD OF SELECTMEN - OPERATING BUDGET
Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson read an e-mail received from Roxanne Blake, owner of Say Cheese, encouraging the Board of Selectmen to support the Main Street Partnership.
Thomas Horan, President of Main Street Partnership, read a written statement highlighting the expansion of the boundaries, the search for a new executive director, the commitment of its members, plans for small events, commitment to historic preservation and architectural character, the program's role in the Streetscape plan, and urging support for the program.
Mr. Horan read a letter from Wayne Bursey, 24 Ferry Lane, in support of the Main Street Program.
Ferg Jensen, Obie Martin, William Sweeney, Carol Cole, and Grace Connors all spoke in support of the Main Street Partnership.
Joan Coe felt that the Economic Development was fragmented into too many organizations and should be under the auspices of a single entity.
Ms. Mielert responded that the economic development is diversified by design to achieve certain goals, i.e. bringing in new business, retaining existing businesses, highlighting downtown, tourism and image enhancement.
In response to Mr. Garrity's question, Mr. Horan said that including dues, gifts and in-kind, the Main Street Program brings in approximately $100,000.
In response to Mr. Romano's question, Mr. Horan said that the proposed salary for the new executive director would be in the range of $40,000 - $50,000.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN - BUDGET WORKSHOP
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In response to Ms. Gilkey's questions, Mr. Horan said that the State Main Street Program continues to support the program, giving workshops, etc.; that there are other programs in the state still being funded after the initial five-year program; that his experience in Hartford speaks to the need to support existing businesses as well as trying to encourage new businesses; and that the program is working on plans to coordinate small events with the Hartford Symphony concerts.
Mr. Mandell referred to a letter received from Ensign Bickford in support of the Main Street Partnership stating that if the Board approves the $35,000 for the program they will give the town a $10,000 grant for whatever use the town deems appropriate.
III. BOARD OF SELECTMEN - BOARD OF EDUCATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Ms. Mielert made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mandell and passed unanimously to approve $471,823 for CNR.
Regarding the BOE Capital Projects, Finance Director Kevin Kane informed the Board that the bonding period for capital purchases is based on the useful life, and in the case of computer technology that would be three to five years. Ms. Mielert reviewed the Computer Technology Capital Improvement Project Mr. Kane reviewed the debt policy in relation to capital expenditures and suggested that bonded projects be prioritized.
Ms. Mielert reiterated her request that funding for open space be $1,000,000 per year.
Ms. Coe said that according to the Computer Technology Committee, that computer technology is a continuous expense and suggested it be placed in the BOE operating budget.
Mr. Vincent responded that the Computer Technology project falls within guidelines of purchases of $100,000 or more with an expected life of five years or more.
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Mr. Romano and passed unanimously to approve the Board of Education Six-Year Capital Improvement Project Plan for 2002/2003 through 2007/2008.
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FEBRUARY 26, 2002
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Mr. Garrity made a motion to approve the Board of Selectmen Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan for 2002/2003 through 2007/2008. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano.
After discussion of the separate fund to support economic development, the reduction in the general fund as a result of this separate fund, and its impact on bond ratings, the motion passed unanimously.
IV. BOARD OF SELECTMEN - OPERATING BUDGET (continued)
Ms. Mielert reviewed the Suggestions for Budget Adjustments, distributed to the Board Members, highlighting cuts in Central Administration, Part Time, BOF Annual Reports and EDC Consultant Fees.
Mr. Wrabel said that the new energy management system should result in a savings in energy costs.
Mr. Vincent said that the Highway Department staffing is a priority but there is also a critical need for part-time staffing.
Mr. Garrity said that going forward it is important to look at privatizing services, i.e., sweeping, snowplowing, etc.
Mr. Wrabel said that cuts in the current staffing levels will result in cuts in service and that there is a quality of work issue in privatizing.
Mr. Romano strongly supported the Police Department request for a replacement vehicle.
Chief Ingvertsen stressed the importance of having dependable vehicles to ensure public safety and informed the Board that there is a designated fund called Community Policing, which can accept donations should the Board want to consider putting the Ensign Bickford grant toward a cruiser.
First Selectman Vincent said when making the "wish list" presentation to the Board of Finance, Highway Department staffing and the police cruiser would be top priorities.
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mandell and passed unanimously to approve the Board of Selectmen Operating Budget in the amount of $13,519,941.
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Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey and passed unanimously to approve the Debt Service Fund Budget in the amount of $4,286,630.
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Mr. Romano and passed unanimously to approve the Sewer Use Fund Budget in the amount of $1,222,947.
Ms. Gilkey made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mandell and passed unanimously to approve the Residential Rental Properties Fund Budget in the amount of $47,722.
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey and passed unanimously to approve the Dog Fund Budget in the amount of $72,631.
Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey and passed unanimously to approve the Simsbury Farms Fund Budget in the amount of $1,491,604.
Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Mr. Romano and passed unanimously to approve the Land Fill Fund Budget in the amount of $0.00.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Mr. Roman and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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