Board of Selectmen Special Meeting 02/26/2013 - Budget Workshop

DRAFT

CALL TO ORDER

The Special Meeting - Budget Workshop of the Board of Selectmen was called to order to 6:15 p.m. in the Small Meeting Room of the Simsbury Public Library.  Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Nancy Haase, Lisa Heavner, Shannon Knall and Sean Askham.  Others in attendance included:   Hiram Peck, Ed Lamontagne, Mickey Lecours-Beck, Sarah Nielson, Colleen O’Connor, Mary Ann Harris, Sue Bullock, Tom Roy, Chief Ingvertsen, Captain Boulter, and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Mr. Lamontagne, 4 George Street, Chairman of Aging and Disabilities, said he is requesting $1500.  A lot of this money is for the Super Tuesday Events, also for the Picnic in the Park.  He said in 2012 they handled 121 resident services. 

Mr. Lamontagne said Aging & Disabilities is trying to put more emphasis on mental health issues and e gave a directory to the Board.  He said the North Central Regional Mental Health Board is going to give him information and he will then make recommendations to the Board on workshops and how to get schools involved.

Mr. Lamontagne said the Simsbury Housing Authority is assisting with rentals, fuel assistance, the friendly visitors program and programs at the Senior Center.

Ms. Nielson, for Main Street, spoke about Pincho for conservation.  There will be information on PPS in March and on SCTV.    She also spoke about a 4th grade forestry program and students getting a tree for Arbor Day with directions on how to plant it and take care of it.

Discuss  - Social Services

Ms. Lecours-Beck requested that the Senior Center come in to the 21st century with electronics software.  This project would go out for bid.  Half of the cost would be handled by raising user fees, but they do need the other half. 

Ms. Lecours-Beck is also asking for Dial-A-Ride patients be asked to pay a $25 annual donation.  She said this additional money would be used for out of town medical appointments and for senior trips.  She said there were 348 passengers last year.  She also noted that many other towns charge fees.   This is a donation, if the resident can’t afford it, than fine.  They will never turn anyone away.  She said there is also a program with Veterans helping Veterans It has 7 volunteers who drive people to New Haven.

Mr. Askham asked about the Farmington Valley Health District health inspectors.  Mr. Cooke noted that it is their responsibility to inspect all food services at each event.  Ms. Glassman noted that they also inspect all of the restaurants. 

Land Use / Economic Development

Mr. Peck gave the Board a slide show about what all of the departments within the Land Use do.  He said there is 17 million dollars in construction approved with more in the pipeline. 

Mr. Peck said the Building Department has additional things to do such as changes in the building code.   He said they have a very friendly business department.  They do certain inspections at different times so as to not slow the process down on finishing projects.

Mr. Peck said he has 33 projects on his desk right now.  He said the Zoning regulation consultants range about $25,000.  They are doing the printing in-house right now.   They went through tab 2 and 13.    Mr. Peck said he would like $85,000 - $60,000 for marketing Phase II and $25,00 for zoning.

Mr. Peck said he could save on capital projects.  He is asking for a grant application for the parking deck.  However, he does feel the Administrative Assistant for the Assistant is really needed.  Ms. O’Connor does have a lot on her plate.

Ms. Glassman noted that they decreased staff when the departments were slow, however, there are is a lot more to do now so they added $25,000.  Mr. Peck said he’d like an advisory committee to look at all of this information.

Ms. Heavner asked who recruited businesses to Town.  Mr. Peck said marketing would be a great tool.  He also said that a lot of developers and real estate people come in to his office for information.  Also the Chamber and Main Street Partnership make connections.  He said he gets a lot of e-mail addresses and he tries to balance residential and businesses.  He said there is a lot of potential for development.

There is more work to be done on this budget.

Public Safety

Chief Ingvertsen and Captain Boulter gave a slide presentation on their department.  It showed what the Police Department is all about and all the things that they do for Simsbury.  It is not just handing out tickets and making the Town safe, but showing the residents how to handle situations, help with the parade, school projects, and also having fun and raising awareness on different issues. 

The Chief is asking to replace the Animal Control vehicle as the vehicle they have right now is over 10 years old and has over 125,000 miles on it.  It really isn’t very safe anymore.

Ms. Glassman thanked them for the great information.

Chief Ingervtson said they have no new projects this year.  He said the largest increase is in personnel and is related to contractual services.  They do have a vacancy, but will not be filling it this year.    He then went through his budget

Chief Ingervtson said he is asking for the fingerprint identification system .  This will allow information to go to the State Police withing 20 minutes.  The one they have is 2-5 years old and they can’t get parts for it anymore.  He feels this is really needed. 

Chief Ingervtson said they have 37 portable radios that need to be replaced as they can’t get parts to fix them anymore either. 

Possible Action/Discussion including possible action on previous Budget Workshop items

Mr. Roy handed out a sheet about the CNR budget.  He took tree work and re-painting of roads out the operations budget for $62,500.  He wants to move the leaf collections and a portion of drainage supplies back to the operations budget.  Therefore, the bottom line figure is correct. 

Mr. Roy also had additional funding requests for consideration.  He reinstated the GIS mapping, Bus shelters, paving and drainage supplies.  His increase is now $199,995. 

Ms. Harris said the new cash flow analysis needs to be discussed as the new analysis didn’t fit.  She will talk to the Board of Finance and Education as the Board of Education projects don’t fit. 

Ms. Harris said 2 year bonds are 3% and we are paying off the High School bond.  There needs to be more discussion on bonding. 

ADJOURN

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted, Kathi Radocchio, Clerk