1990/01/18PAGE 1
MINUTES
BOARD OF FINANCE
JANUARY 18, 1990
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Finance was held on Thursday,
January 18, 1990 in the Board of Finance Room.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. John P. McIntosh, Chairman
Mrs. Ida M. Ragazzi, Vice Chairman
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna
Mr. Charles W. Gameros
Mr. John N. Dennehy
Mr. Sam Lomaglio
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Gary S. Clinton, Finance Director
The meeting was called to order at 7:16P.M.
Mr. Clinton stated that he would like to bring the Board up to date on
the Insurance question last week when he was asked to check on
Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage for the Golf Pro and the Corporation
Counsel. The policy is currently being reviewed, but it appears that
the cost is between $6,000 and $6,500.
Mayor Peters entered the meeting at 7:20P.M.
Mayor Peters informed the Board that he had received the appraisal on
the Orcott property. He would like to call the Board's attention to the
fact that the Town Assessor had valued the land at approximately
$274,000 and the appraisal done by David L. Clark, an outside
appraiser, values the land at $275,000. Mayor Peters stated that this
indicates that the Town has a pretty sharp Assessor that can be relied
upon.
Mr. Lomaglio asked if the Mayor had any specific purpose for the land.
Mayor Peters responded that at the present his intent is to provide
more senior housing but how soon is unknown since one of the factors
would be to see how much federal money will be available. At this time,
he feels the Town should purchase it before someone else does.
Mrs. Ragazzi stated that she is not questioning the value, but in light
of the present real estate market, perhaps the Town could negotiate a
better price.
Mayor Peters responded that the amount requested is the negotiated
figure, the sellers have come down already and he does not feel that
they will come down any more, but he will make an attempt.
Discussion was held concerning the original ownership.
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BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES
JANUARY 18,1990
Chairman McIntosh informed the Mayor that the Board will review the
appraisal.
Mrs. Ragazzi asked for the Mayor's opinion on the Voice Messaging
System that had been demonstrated.
Mayor Peters replied that from a business standpoint the system is
ideal, but the $25,000 expense must be considered.
Chairman McIntosh asked the Mayor if he had seen an article on the EMS
in New Britain.
Mayor Peters informed the Board that 2 Hunter ambulance employees have
been restricted from working in Berlin do to their handling of an
emergency in Town. Although he believes that it is the best commercial
ambulance, there is always room for improvement.
Mr. Lomaglio asked the Mayor if he was looking into the Insurance
situation.
The Mayor stated that he is presently reviewing the Town's policy
regarding insurance benefits.
Mr. Lomaglio congratulated the Mayor on his management skills and
stated that it was about time that the Town had a Mayor that took a
strong stand.
Mayor Peters informed the Board that the Executive Board will be
looking at more land and would like a member of the Finance Board to
become involved. He mentioned that Deputy Mayor Jim Tiezzi will also
be involved.
Chairman McIntosh indicated that he would like to be involved.
Mayor Peters left at 7:45P.M.
Mr. Dick Russell entered the meeting at 7:50P.M.
Chairman McIntosh requested that Mr. Russell proceed with the
presentation of the Public Buildings budget line by line.
Under the 103 account, Chairman McIntosh asked why the department
request was so high.
Mr. Russell responded that he had originally requested funds for a
Mid-Management Supervisor but the Executive Board denied the request.
Discussion was held on the placement of the funds for the custodian who
works part time at the golf course for eight months.
Mrs. Ragazzi stated that the funds for the period of time at the golf
course should be reflected in the golf course budget.
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BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES
JANUARY 18,199~
Mr. Clinton cxplained that the individual comes under Public Building
supervision and the reimbursement of the money is a revenue item.
If Dick Russell does not have control over the building and the
custodian the building will eventually suffer. He reminded the Board
that the Board had agreed not to have the custodian contracted from
outside in order to have control.
Chairman McIntosh asked if the fringe benefits were also going to be
reimbursed.
Mr. Clinton responded that Chairman McIntosh would have to ask
Mr. D'Errico when he comes in to present his budget.
Mr. Dennehy agreed that the cost should be reflected in the Golf Course
budget. Discussion was held regarding the number of positions in the
maintenance department and the additional positions requested.
Discussion then turned to the custodian problem at the library.
Mr. Russell informed the Board that he has not received one complaint
from the library regarding the custodian.
The Board members informed Mr. Russell on the ongoing discussions
concerning the custodian.
Mr. Lomaglio suggested that the Board rescind its prior approval for
funds for additional help at the library. He stated that two different
stories are being told and perhaps if money is withheld, the truth
would be learned. To him, it is a matter of principal. There are too
many conflicting stories.
Mr. Russell responded that it appears to be a lack of communication
between himself and the Library Board.
Chairman McIntosh stated that it is the Library Board's understanding
that they cannot speak directly to Dick Russell or the custodian but
must deal directly with the Town.
Mr. Clinton interjected that it might be helpful to ask Mr. D'Errico to
come in since he was in the building. There obviously is a
communications problem and with at least two of the parties involved
present in the same room, the Board could get additional facts.
Mr. Dennehy disagreed. He stated that he did not feel it was necessary
to get Mr. D'Errico, the Board could ask him later if he received any
complaints-
Mr. Russell continued on with his presentation.
Chairman Mclntosh questioned his request for additional blue collar
help.
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BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES
JANUARY 18, 1990
Mr. Clinton responded that Dick Russell has the right to request
additional help but if the Board does not pass it, the money will not
be included in the account.
Chairman McIntosh asked if Mr. Russell could do away with overtime if
outside contractors are used.
Mr. Russell explained to the Board that he is presently using overtime
to catch up on priority work because he does not have enough help. He
explained to the Board that one of his men has been tied up building a
locker room for the female officer for two months. Also he is now going
to be in charge of all the recreational lighting in the Town in
addition to being in charge of traffic lighting.
Chairman McIntosh expressed his dismay that a maintenance person was
involved in the locker room project. It was his understanding that the
job would be contracted out and the $7,500 appropriated would cover the
expense. He requested that a letter be written to the Mayor regarding
the matter.
Under dues and conferences, Mr. Russell stated that he would like his
staff to attend seminars but the Executive Board has cut the account.
Under custodial supplies, Mr. Russell mentioned that due to the
additional supplies needed at the golf course and library, he feels the
account will be short this year.
Discussion was held concerning Mr. Russell's request for vehicle
replacements and the utility accounts.
Mr. Russell ended his presentation at 8:45P.M.
Mrs. Antoinette Pajor, Social Services Director entered the meeting
to present her department's budget. She distributed a narrative
explaining her request to increase the hours for the part time mid
management position from half time to three quarter time.
Mr. Clinton informed the Board that many of the accounts are 100%
reimburesable except for the Welfare account which is 85% reimbursed.
Mrs. Pajor ended her presentation at 9:00P.M.
Mr. Dick Feegel, the Town Assessor entered the meeting.
Chairman McIntosh referred to a budget change form received from the
Tax Office requesting funds due to changes made by the Assessor's
office.
Chairman McIntosh asked Mr. Feegel to explain why assessment's were
still being lowered.
Mr. Feegel explained that assessments can be lowered due to mistakes,
such as in measuring a house or due to differences in opinion about the
value of property. He stated that mistakes made prior to his coming
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BOARD OF FINANCE
JANUARY 18,1990
have mostly been corrected and does not foresee that additional funds
will be needed later on.
Chairman Mcintosh suggested that the Board approve $4,000 due to the
fact that if another request comes through it would have to go to Town
Meeting.
90-035 Motion by Mrs. Ida M. Ragazzi~, seconded by
Mr. Charles W. Gameros and VOTED to transfer a sum not to
exceed $4,000 from account # 101-2129-121-299(Contingency) to
account ~ 101-2104-121-231(Tax Refunds). ALL IN FAVOR.
Chairman McIntosh thanked Mr. Feegel for his efforts in appraising
the Orcott property. He hopes that Mr. Feegel did not feel offended
that the Board suggested an outside contractor, but the Board might
have been left open to criticism.
Mr. Feegel responded that he understood but also mentioned that he
had ten years experience in appraisal work.
Mr. Feegel then proceeded to present his budget.
Under the Elected Assessors account, Chairman McIntosh indicated that
the Board for years has considered deleting this item.
Mr. Dennehy mentioned that the payment for the Board of Assessors is in
the charter.
Chairman McIntosh explained that the charter does not specify that they
have to be paid. The payment was based on a time when there was not a
hired Assessor, the Board of Assessor's would meet and perform the
Assessor's functions. He asked Mr. Feegel if he had an opinion.
Mr. Feegel replied that he chose not to comment.
Under Dues & Conferences, Mr. Feegel stated that he would like the
money cut to be reinstated. He explained that the Board of Assessors
has new members and with the funds they could attend a course at UCONN.
Also the money would be used for additional training for his staff.
Chairman McIntosh noted that the personal property audits was increased
and mentioned that Jim Tiezzi has advocated them for years.
Mr. Feegel ended his presentation at 9:20.
Ellen Burbridge, Senior Center Director entered the meeting a
9:20P.M. and presented her department's budget.
Chairman McIntosh indicated that no cuts were made by the Executive
Board.
Ms. Burbridge mentioned that the seniors would like to contribute
towards programs and asked for the proper procedure.
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BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES
JANUARY 18, 1990
Mr. clinton advised her to have the seniors pay the individual doing
the program directly. If Ms. Burbridge handles the money and takes it
in, it will have to appear in the general fund. If the Town pays the
individual it becomes reportable income. If it is a contracted service,
it can be paid outside the payroll and paid directly. The Town should
not touch the money. He suggested that the seniors pay the instructor
directly but the Town would provide the facility.
Mr. clinton noted that the Executive Board increased the dues and
conference account.
Ms. Burbridge said that she did not attend the budget meeting by the
Executive Board but was told that it was for two memberships in the
National Membership for Aging.
Chairman McIntosh questioned the 252 account.
Ms. Burbridge explained that the contractual services were for the
Elderly Health Screening service at $18 per person.
Chairman McIntosh questioned why the fuel costs and maintenance of the
Senior Center vehicles does not go to the Town garage.
Mr. Clinton replied that the item could be allocated to the garage.
Ms. Burbridge informed the Board that the hours at the Senior Center
have gone back to the 8:30A.M. to 4:30P.M. schedule. Since the
driver/custodian leaves at 4:00, she and her assistant are left to
secure the building.
Chairman McIntosh expressed that he was concerned about safety. He
would have a letter written to the Mayor requesting that the hours at
the Senior Center be changed to the hours that the driver works,
8:00A.M. to 4:00P.M. or that the work hours of the driver be changed to
coincide with the hours of the Senior Center.
Ms. Burbridge left the meeting at 9:35P.M.
Mr. D'Errico, Personnel Director, entered the meeting and presented the
budget for his department.
Chairman McIntosh questioned the summer help account.
Mr. D'Errico informed the Board that the summer help would organized
the personnel and purchasing files.
Discussion was held concerning the need of that position.
Chairman McIntosh questioned the Physicals and Psychologicals account.
Mr. D'Errico explained that this account is required to replace the
civilian dispatchers.
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BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES
JANUARY 18, 1990
Discussion was held as to why the civilian dispatchers get paid out of
the Police Department.
Chairman McIntosh questioned the 207 account.
Mr. D'Errico explained that this item used to be part of the Mayor's
budget.
Chairman McIntosh questioned the 209 account.
Mr. D'Errico explained that this is for training and management
development. A major portion of the funds will be used up for a CCM
instructor for all mid and upper management positions.
Chairman McIntosh asked if Mr. D'Errico if he thought it was worthwhile.
Mr. D'Errico replied yes.
Chairman McIntosh stated that the Board feels that the Town has
management problems.
A lengthy discussion followed concerning the library problems and the
complaints against the custodian.
Mr. D'Errico responded that the problem at the library is not with the
custodian. There have been no complaints regarding the custodian made
to him. The Town and the library keep circling around one issue that
being that the library wants a custodian on at night. There are no
problems with performance.
Mrs. Bertagna interrupted the discussion. She stated that it is her
belief that the Finance Board should stay out of personnel problems. If
there is a problem at the library then the Library Board should go to
the Personnel Director and give him a list of complaints. At this point
the Board has no idea which story is true and should stay out of it.
She believes that the Library Board should fight their own battles.
Mr. Lomaglio reiterated his request to rescind the funding of the
additional custodian on a matter of principal.
Mr. D'Errico took exception to that.
Mr. Gameros added that he sees that there are problems on both sides
and the problem will not be settled by providing money, it just
requires someone to the job.
Chairman McIntosh replied to Mr. Lomaglio's request to rescind the
motion. He stated that this situation should be a lesson for the Board
and the next time there is a request for funds for an additional
position, the Board may not be so apt to provide the funds.
Mr. D'Errico ended his presentation at 10:15P.M.
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BOARD OF FINANCE MINUTES
JANUARY 18, 1990
The Tax collector, Mr. Albert Scapellati entered the meeting and
presented the Tax Collector's budget.
There were no changes made by the Executive Board.
Chairman McIntosh questioned why the Water & Sewer employee was being
paid out of the Tax Department-
Mr. Clinton responded that the cost is 100% reimburseable from Water
Control.
Mrs. Ragazzi stated that even though the employee was physically in the
Tax Department, she is a Water & Sewer employee and should be paid from
their budget.
Mr. clinton responded that this was the proper way to budget the
position.
Mr. Scapellati ended his presentation and left the meeting at
10:30P.M.
CORRESPONDENC~
Chairman McIntosh read a copy of letters he had sent to the Police
Department, community Center and Senior Center requesting that the
Board be informed as to how they handle donations.
Chairman McIntosh read a copy of a letter to Tony Gandolfo,
Chairman, Public Buildings requesting that he provide the Board with
information concerning the letter sent by NU to the Building
Commission. The letter
requests information as to why 38 fixtures did not conform to specs.
Mr. clinton informed the Board that he had written a letter to the
Governor, Senator Matthews and Representative Dandrow regarding
PA 089-355.
MINUTES
Motion by Mr. John N. Dennehy, seconded by
Mr. Charles W. Gameros and VOTED to accept the minutes of the
January 16, 1990 meeting. ALL IN FAVOR.
Chairman McIntosh reminded the Board that the next meeting was to be
held on Tuesday, January 23, 1990 at 7:00P.M.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara H. Bak, Secretary
Board of Finance