TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 2, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The Budget Workshop meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices on February 2, 2004. Present were the First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Board Members Joel Mandell, John Romano, Madeleine Gilkey, William Garrity, and John Hampton. The Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson and other interested parties were also present.
Mr. Vincent stated this is the first of the budget workshops and he confirmed the dates of the remaining budget workshops.
Mr. Vincent announced that Simsbury's Main Street Partnership, lead by Mike Goman would like to make a presentation first that evening.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION BY MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP
Mr. Vincent directed the board to the General Government tab of the budget book to find the Economic Development Commission section under Public Agency Support where Main Street falls. Mr. Goman introduced Sarah Floraski the executive director and other board and committee members.
Mr. Goman appealed to the board to maintain current funding and he gave reasons why the board should continue to support. Mr. Goman mentioned the economic development impact and their mission to promote and support existing businesses as well as attract new businesses. He explained trying to create positive image of the town and they take place at street level with hands on involvement with the merchants. They have had several volunteers put in 2,000 hours of time with Main Street Partnership. Main Street has run educational seminars, certificheck program, the sponsored Chamber Music Festival and the Simsbury Youth Hockey Jamboree promotion and a marketing calendar. Their fundraising effort has help increase membership to over 100 and they have raised $40,000 this past year and they work hard
to try and capitalize the Talcott Mountain Music Festival. The town's funding is essential for their programs. He asked the board to look at their organization as an investment since Hopmeadow Street is an economic engine for Simsbury. Member Liz Banco talked on behalf of tourism. Pat Rendy from Welden Hardware, mentioned that small merchants need continued education as competition continues. Fitzgerald's owner, said it was a good investment to protect their future. Chip Houlihan, talked about Talcott Mountain Music Festival success and playground success. Marvin Gibbs, from Gibbs Mobil, spoke as a residential taxpayer and felt we need to grow downtown businesses.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP
February 2, 2004
Page 2
Mr. Garrity confirmed with Main Street the amount of seminars that take place. Mr. Goman compared Main Street to a mall manager. Mr. Garrity questioned the possibility of funding themselves. Mr. Goman felt it was important for the town to support their organization to expand their programs. It could be a few years before they would be self funded. Mr. Garrity commended their efforts to raise funds.
Mr. Kevin Kane explained the EDC budget numbers for Mr. Mandell.
Mr. Mandell felt that we need to preserve the downtown so the businesses can grow and was happy to provide office space for the organization, and happy to see their energy and the amount of funds raised. Mr. Goman explained tangibles such as promotions and the rise in members for Mr. Romano. Ms. Floraski explained the Simsbury Youth Hockey tournament that they recently got involved with, including reduced rates at local inns etc.
Mr. Goman and Warren from Fitzgerald's explained to public audience member Simsbury Resident Joan Coe, the complexities of the Chamber of Commerce and a Main Street organization.
Competition concerns were discussed among board members. Ms. Gilkey was thrilled to see the turn around of Main Street Partnership and Mr. Hampton mentioned his support for the Main Street Partnership.
OUTLINE OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS
Mr. Kevin Kane reviewed for the Board of Selectmen projected mill rate worksheet. Mr. Kane explained how to read the worksheet and what the figures meant, including this current year's budget and next year's budget. Revenues and Appropriations were reviewed from the worksheet.
The Board of Finance guideline was set at 4% range increase. There is very little grand list growth per Mr. Kane. Mr. Kane could not explain for Mr. Garrity how the Board of Finance can think about taking out half million from surplus when we are not even funded for our insurance premiums.
REVIEW REVENUE SUMMARY
Mr. Kane explained revenues generated by the Land Use Commission as an example for revenue projection. A five-year history is taken and then a conservative average is used. Building Department Fees were discussed by board members and Mr. Kane. Maybe short in building dept. but town clerk is up they play off of each other depending on the trends. Selectman Garrity used example about traffic tickets with Mr. Kane.
Mr. Kane said he would have a breakdown for the board tomorrow night.
Mr. Vincent explained the conveyance tax for the board and Mr. Kane explained for Mr. Romano the World Skate tax.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP
February 2, 2004
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DEBT SERVICE
There will be a bond issue next year for the police station renovation.
Mr. Kane explained for Mr. Mandell the high school project and where this fits in. Approximately 24 million was bonded in September for the high school it is a 15 year bond issue.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Mr. Vincent asked to skip to Public Safety since Chief Ingvertsen had been waiting.
Police Chief Ingvertsen presented the Public Safety budget to the Board of Selectmen. Increases in contracts were explained, purchasing professional technical services were explained for Mr. Mandell. A computer consultant fee was included in that.
Increases in C-Med and service contract maintenance for Simsbury ambulance system were explained under port services. There is a search for a new officer for traffic support and helping to cut back on police officer overtime. That would put the staff at 35.
Police Chief Ingvertsen noted they were still in discussion stage of adding a management position, a captain. This would come out of the union and it is not reflected in the budget, Mr. Garrity wanted to know if this was something he wanted and needed. It would increase the public safety budget by about $9,000.
Mr. Mandell clarified the cost for a new police officer versus the cost for overtime. This was discussed among Mr. Kane, the Police Chief, and the Selectmen. There is a grant for the school resource officer which will finish out this year and we must then keep the school resource officer for a year after that. There is a need for more and more traffic surveys which takes time.
DOG FUND
Police Chief Ingvertsen explained the dog fund. There has not been a tremendous increase. Increases here are primarily in salary and insurance. It is funded by a transfer from a fund balance in the general fund as always, as confirmed by Mr. Garrity and explained by Mr. Kane. Mr. Kane and Chief Ingvertsen explained the increased medical insurance costs to Mr. Mandell. It was decided to discuss anything further about this would have to be in executive session, since the budget is for only one dog warden.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP
February 2, 2004
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GENERAL GOVERNMENT
The town clerk, Carolyn Keily was present to explain her budget. Other than personnel the budget had very little changes. The copy and printing line has increased due to the land records and the number of records anticipated they will receive, also the cost to process each document will increase as of July 1. The vendor used is Cot systems out of Ohio. The contract expires 6/30 and the costs are going up as of July 1 by about 10%. Several Selectmen asked if there is any competition and requested Carolyn to check out what other towns are paying in relation to these costs especially since this same vendor has been used for a many number of years. Mr. Romano questioned the amounts under conferences and education. Carolyn explained the two required election conferences by the
secretary of the state. The education portion refers to town clerk school classes held in the spring and the fall. Once all the classes are completed they can become certified municipal clerks. First Selectman Vincent asked members to remember in regards to the cost in processing documents that the revenues are higher which in turn created more of the paperwork that needed to be processed.
Mr. Kane explained the General Government budget. Under personnel issues Mr. Kane explained the floating clerk and the differences seen as decrease in the full time services in tax department and increase under General Administration. Since the clerk floats among several departments depending on need, Mr. Vincent placed the position under Central Administration and Mr. Kane explained as well. Mr. Kane explained the unnegotiated salaries for Mr. Garrity. Mr. Kane noted one of largest increases are among consultant fees which is independent of any staff. Public Works for example would have an expert come in as a third party to give recommendations on road improvements. Mr. Romano asked for explanations for conferences and education. Mr. Kane explained advertising costs to Mr. Romano. Mr. Kane
gave explanations of the budgets for Administrative Services, Board of Finance, Land Use Commission and Economic Development Commission. Selectmen members wanted an explanation for the conferences and education amount of $15,000 and there was a discussion.
Mr. Mandell wanted to know about the amounts for public agency support. Mr. Kane broke the amounts down to $23,000 for Main Street, $4,000 for Farmington Valley Visitors Association, $4647 for Metro Hartford and $3,000 for Visitor's Center. Mr. Vincent will try to have a representative from the Economic Development Commission come to one of the remaining budget meetings. Mr. Kane went through the rest of the General Government budgets with no changes for the Historic District Commission, Public Building Commission, and the Police Commission.
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BUDGET WORKSHOP
February 2, 2004
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There was an increase of $200 for agricultural supplies in the Beautification budget.
Tourism budget is asking to be restored to their level from two years ago.
The Elections budget for Registrars has increased. Board of Finance budget has increased under support services and Mr. Kane explained. The decrease in the Tax department was explained earlier. The Assessor's office increase was for payroll. Mr. Romano had Mr. Kane explain the conferences and education amounts. Data Processing increases are for salaries. Auditors increase was explained. Legal Fees are done by a ten-year average as explained by Mr. Kane. Mr. Garrity mentioned Meadowood and Mr. Vincent explained that for last two years the legal fees for Meadowood have been taken out of the operating budget. Town Clerk budget was previously explained and Probate Court budget and the Transportation budget was explained by Mr. Kane. Miscellaneous budget is for the Memorial Day parade and expenses incurred for the
event.
FRINGE BENEFITS AND INSURANCES
Mr. Kane explained Social Security budget. The General Liability budget saw a slight decrease. Mr. Garrity asked about Worker's Compensation and the mod.
Under Employee Group Insurance there was a 15% increase in PPO and Connecticare coverage and a 10% increase in dental coverage. Mr. Kane explained the funding and the claim process. Mr. Garrity confirmed this information means we are under-funded. Life Insurance and Disability insurance was explained. Unemployment Reserves and Pensions were explained. Mr. Kane explained the police plan with the general government plan for Mr. Garrity.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
This year there are unsettled contracts for the two CSEA unions which is why there shows a decrease. Mr. Kane can tell what is being budgeted here in Executive Session.
Mr. Kane handed out a new Capital Improvement Plan with few changes.
ADJOURNMENT
The budget workshop adjourned at 9 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,__________________
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