Board of Finance Special Meeting Minutes-4/15/14
BOARD OF FINANCE
SPECIAL MEETING - 6:00 PM
MINUTES
APRIL 15, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Askham, Chairman, called the Special Meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 in the Board of Education Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The following members were also present: Nicholas Mason, Linda Schofield, Jeff Blumenthal and Moira Wertheimer. Also present were Mary Glassman, First Selectman, Sean Kimball, Deputy Director of Administrative Services, Joseph Mancini, Director of Finance/Treasurer, Matthew Curtis, Superintendent of Schools, Burke LeClair, Board of Education Business Manager, Leslie Brigham, Commissions Clerk and other interested parties.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Public Audience
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, discussed several items on the current budget and that she does not agree to the funding for Simsbury Farms Golf Course. She also believes that Ethel Walker should be paying taxes to the Town of Simsbury. Ms. Coe stated that Simsbury cannot be competitive with other towns when the mill rate in Town is so high. She stated that she does not support the budget as presented.
Dave Blume, 11 Musket Trail, asked the Board members if there is a five year plan for bringing Simsbury’s mill rate in parity with other communities in the Farmington Valley?
Mr. Askham stated that there is no written plan but that the Board has looked at how Simsbury has compared to other towns. He noted that in the last few years, Simsbury was below the surrounding towns on increases.
Dr. Michael Rinaldi, 32 Pinnacle Mountain Road, voiced his displeasure on the Town’s mill rate. He also discussed the per pupil change in Simsbury in the past years as well as the Board of Education Budgets.
Mr. Blumenthal stated that the Board is aware of the tax burdens in Simsbury. He believes that there are a number of variables to be aware of, including the re-evaluation periods.
Dave Chase, 39 Woodhaven Road, voiced his concern that the ballot for the Ethel Walker Woods land does not indicate the possibility of state grant money the town could receive for this purchase.
Mr. Askham noted that the total amount has to be listed; however, the grant is not guaranteed to the Town. Mr. Mancini will look into the ballot wording before the referendum.
3. Approve Minutes
- March 25, 2014 – Regular Meeting
Mr. Blumenthal made a motion to approve the minutes as amended from the March 25, 2014 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mason and was passed 5-0.
4. Discussion and possible action on proposed 2014/15 Operating Budgets
Board members discussed the bonding of some of the items in the 2014-2015 budget as well as paying some with reserves. Mr. Mancini reviewed a spreadsheet with Board members, which showed the projects on the budget for 2014-2015, and discussed what items could be funded with reserves or bonding.
Mr. Askham read a note from Ms. Petitjean stating her desire to use reserves for the maintenance of paving the roads in Town.
5. Discussion and possible action on proposed 2014/15 Capital Improvement Plan
Board members discussed the locker replacement project at Henry James Memorial School. Mr. Blumenthal stated that one student, who spoke at the public hearing last week, obtained 76 student signatures who all stated that new lockers were not necessary. Mr. Askham questioned whether or not this project should be approved later and if more communication is needed.
Mr. LeClair stated that the lockers continually need maintenance due to jamming and discussed why he believes these lockers should be replaced in the 2014-2015 budget.
Board members and Ms. Glassman discussed the Simsbury Farms Golf Course revenue and operating budget.
Mr. Mason questioned if it is appropriate for the referendum to lump together so many different operating budgets into one question. Ms. Glassman noted that Mr. Mancini will be looking into this issue for next year’s budget referendum.
6. Approve resolutions and referendum language for 2014/15 Operating and Capital Projects
OPERATING BUDGETS
Mr. Mason made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Board of Selectmen Operating Budget in the Amount of $18,711,363. Mr. Blumenthal seconded the motion which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Mr. Blumenthal made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Board of Education Operating Budget in the Amount of $65,602,817. Ms. Schofield seconded the motion which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Non-Public School Operating Budget in the Amount of $533,737. Mr. Blumenthal seconded the motion which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Ms. Schofield made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Debt Retirement Operating Budget in the Amount of $6,166,819. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Capital Non-Recurring Fund Budget in the Amount of $1,141,934. Mr. Mason seconded the motion which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Mr. Mason made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Sewer Use Operating Budget in the Amount of $2,953,372. Ms. Schofield seconded the motion which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Mr. Blumenthal made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Residential Rental Properties Operating Budget in the Amount of $48,230. Mr. Mason seconded the motion which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the 2014-2015 Simsbury Farms Fund Operating Budget in the Amount of $1,877,200. Ms. Schofield seconded the motion which was approved by 4 votes in favor and 1 vote opposed.
Ms. Wertheimer made the following resolution:
Pursuant to Section 808 of the Town Charter the following motions were introduced at the Special Meeting of the Board of Finance on April 15, 2014:
Be it resolved, that the appropriation recommended and approved by the Board of Finance for the purposes of paying the expenses of the Board of Selectmen annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, shall be approved and implemented in the amount of $18,711,363.
Be it resolved, that the appropriation recommended and approved by the Board of Finance for the purposes of paying the expenses of the Board of Education annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, shall be approved and implemented in the amount of $65,602,817.
Be it resolved, that the appropriation recommended and approved by the Board of Finance for the purposes of paying the expenses of Sewer Use Fund (Sewer Treatment Plant), Residential Rental Properties, Simsbury Farms/Special Programs, Non-Public Schools, Debt Retirement and Capital Non-Recurring annual budgets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, shall be approved and implemented in the amount of $12,721,292.
In Accordance with Sections 406 (Automatic Referendum) and 808 (Duties of the Board of Finance on the budget) of the Charter, the recommended operating budgets will be submitted to a referendum in the following forms:
Questions for Referendum Ballot:
- Shall the appropriation recommended and approved by the Board of Finance for the purposes of paying the expenses of the Board of Selectmen annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, be approved and implemented in the amount of $18,711,363?
- Shall the appropriation recommended and approved by the Board of Finance for the purposes of paying the expenses of the Board of Education annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, be approved and implemented in the amount of $65,602,817?
- Shall the appropriation recommended and approved by the Board of Finance for the purposes of paying the expenses of Sewer Use Fund(Sewer Treatment Plant), Residential Rental Properties, Simsbury Farms/Special Programs, Non-Public Schools, Debt Retirement and Capital Non-Recurring annual budgets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, be approved and implemented in the amount of $12,721,292?
Mr. Mason seconded the resolution which was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Mr. Blumenthal tabled the $280,000 for the renovation of the hallway which includes the lockers pending the Board of Education evaluation of the project and total expense in light of the comments of the students for the primary use of the lockers. Ms. Schofield seconded the motion and was passed 3 votes in favor and 2 votes opposed.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Ms. Wertheimer introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Schofield:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,150,000) for the acquisition for open space of approximately 42 acres (Parcel C), as described in an Agreement dated July 11, 2007. The Town anticipates receipt of grants in the amount of $500,000 to defray, in part, the appropriation. The appropriation may be spent for survey fees, engineering and other consultants’ fees, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The Board of Selectmen may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope, of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project; and that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $1,150,000 to finance the appropriation.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Blumenthal introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Mason:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends and approves the appropriation by the Town of Simsbury from General Fund Reserves of TWO HUNDRED TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($212,000) for the Tariffville Connection, improvements to the Farmington River Trail, and River Loop Multi-Use Trails including resurfacing, surfacing, signs & fences and related work. The appropriation also includes consultant fees for updating the Tariffville park and Simsbury Meadow master plans. The appropriation may be spent for design, engineering, and other consultants’ fees, site work, construction and equipment costs, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The Board of Selectmen may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope, of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Mason introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Blumenthal:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends and approves the appropriation by the Town of Simsbury from General Fund Reserves of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($125,000) for design and construction of improvements to the Simsbury Farms Golf Course, including drainage installation and repair, fairway renovations, greens renovation, cart path work, tree replacement, other on-course improvements and related work. The appropriation may be spent for design and construction costs, survey fees, site work, equipment, materials, furnishings and supplies, architects', engineering and other consultants’ fees, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The Board of Selectmen may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Ms. Schofield introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Blumenthal:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends and approves the appropriation by the Town of Simsbury from General Fund Reserves of ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($115,000) for design and construction of various bridge improvements, and for costs related to the financing thereof. The project is contemplated to include rehabilitation of the bridges, including concrete deck replacement, membrane waterproofing and bituminous concrete overlay, approach paving and guardrail work, and other related work and improvements as required or desirable. The appropriation may be spent for design, construction, acquisition and installation costs, right-of-way acquisition, materials, administrative, testing, engineering fees, consultant and legal fees, related improvements, repairs or renovations, net interest on borrowings and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project. The Board of Selectmen may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Ms. Wertheimer introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Mason:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,500,000) for repaving, repair and rehabilitation of the Town roadways pursuant to the Town’s pavement management program, including repair and repaving on existing sections. The project shall include: crack sealing, chip sealing, hot in place asphalt recycling (heat scarification), milling and overlay, full depth reconstruction, and related engineering, inspection, testing and support services. The appropriation may be spent for equipment, materials, land and easement acquisition, site improvements, material testings, survey fees, engineering fees, legal fees, net interest on borrowings and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project or its financing. The Board of Selectmen may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project; and that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $2,500,000 to finance the appropriation.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Blumenthal introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Wertheimer:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($600,000) for design, acquisition and installation of town-owned technology infrastructure to replace aging equipment. The project shall include: fiber optic cable installation and connection, police and Town network storage & recovery, print and copy management, software upgrades and GIS mapping & data management technology, and integrated public safety equipment. The appropriation may be spent for design, engineering and other consultants’ fees, equipment costs, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The Board of Selectmen may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project; and that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $600,000 to finance the appropriation.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Mason introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Schofield:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends and approves the appropriation by the Town of Simsbury from General Fund Reserves of ONE HUNDRED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($103,000) for alternative energy efficiency projects. The appropriation may be spent for design, engineering, feasibility studies, and other consultants’ fees, construction costs, equipment costs, legal fees, utility fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The project shall include HVAC, building management system improvements, solar installations, natural gas conversions, and related improvements. The Board of Selectmen may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Ms. Schofield introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Blumenthal:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends and approves the appropriation by the Town of Simsbury from General Fund Reserves of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($150,000) for design, acquisition and installation of a school district-owned network infrastructure to replace aging equipment. The appropriation may be spent for design, engineering and other consultants’ fees, equipment costs, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The Board of Education may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Ms. Wertheimer introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Mason:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($775,000) for relocating and renovating of the main office to improve access control and security for the main office of Henry James Memorial School, incorporating door access control, security cameras, monitors and infrastructure and to update telephone, voice mail, alarms systems, sprinkler system, and lighting, and related work. The Town anticipates receipt of grants to defray, in part, the appropriation. The appropriation may be spent for equipment, furnishings, materials, legal fees, net interest on borrowings and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project or its financing. The Board of Education may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project; and that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $775,000 to finance the appropriation.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Blumenthal introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Wertheimer:
RESOLVED that the Board of Finance recommends and approves the appropriation by the Town of Simsbury from General Fund Reserves of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($250,000) for the renovations and costs in connection with the reconstruction of the athletic fields and tracks, including re-surfacing, re-grading, installation of drainage and irrigation systems. The appropriation may be spent for design, construction and installation costs, equipment, materials, engineering, inspection and consultant fees, administrative costs, legal fees, net interest on borrowings and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The Board of Education may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Mason introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Wertheimer:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate ONE MILLION FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,050,000) for relocation and renovation of the main office and adjacent nursing office to improve access control and security at the Squadron Line Elementary School, incorporating door access controls, security cameras, monitors, and infrastructure to move and update telephone, voice mail, alarm systems, lighting, hazardous material abatement, and related work. The appropriation may be spent for equipment, furnishings, materials, site improvements, legal fees, net temporary interest and other financing costs, and other expenses related to the project and its financing. The Board of Education may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project; and that the Town issue bonds or notes and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed $1,050,000 to finance the appropriation.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ms. Schofield introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Mason:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate from the Sewer Use Fund SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($65,000) for costs in connection with the improvements to the SCADA Controls and Pump Upgrade at the Longview Drive pump station. The appropriation may be spent for design, construction and installation costs, equipment, materials, engineering, inspection and consultant fees, administrative costs, legal fees, and other expenses related to the project. The Water Pollution Control Authority may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ms. Wertheimer introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Schofield:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate from the Sewer Use Fund ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS ($156,000) for costs in connection with sewer main extensions in the area of Buttonwood Drive, Longview Drive, Musket Trail, Flintlock Ridge, Hawks Lane, or other areas, following a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes, Revision of 1958, as amended. The appropriation may be spent for design, construction and installation costs, equipment, materials, engineering, part-time employees, inspection and consultant fees, administrative costs, legal fees, and other expenses related to the project. The Water Pollution Control Authority may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Blumenthal introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Ms. Wertheimer:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance recommends that the Town of Simsbury appropriate from the Sewer Use Fund TWO HUNDRED SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($260,000) for costs in connection with installation of an inline grinder and screening unit at the wastewater treatment facility. The appropriation may be spent for design, construction and installation costs, equipment, materials, engineering, inspection and consultant fees, administrative costs, legal fees, and other expenses related to the project. The Water Pollution Control Authority may determine the particulars, and may reduce or modify the scope of the project, and the entire appropriation may be spent on the reduced or modified project.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Board members discussed the projects in the budget to be bonded.
Mr. Mason introduced the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Blumenthal:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Finance of the Town of Simsbury recommends (1) that any bonds issued to implement the various capital improvement projects recommended at this meeting be issued for a term not to exceed ten years, (2) that the maximum term of any bonds issued to refund any bond anticipation notes be reduced by the period of time that bond anticipation notes are outstanding in excess of two years, and (3) that the Town retire any such notes which are outstanding in excess of two years in an amount equal to at least 1/10th of such notes no later than three years from the date of initial note borrowing and again no later than four years from the date of initial note borrowing.
The resolution was approved by 5 votes in favor and 0 votes opposed.
Adjournment
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blumenthal and was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________ ______________________________
Peter Askham, Chairman Leslie Brigham, Commissions Clerk