1993/10/14PAGE 1
BOARD OF FINANCEc.~!...*:'!q
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OCTOBER 14, 1993 ":
A Regular M~eting of the Board of Finance was held On'Thursday,
October 14, 1993 in the Board of Finance Room, Town Hall.
MEMBERS PRESENT; Dr. John P. Mclntosh, Chairman
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi, Vice-Chairman
Mrs. Audrey Hertagna
Mr. Fred Jortner
Mr. Sam Lomaglio
Mr. James O'Donnell
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Gary Clinton, Finance Director
Mr. Steven Kelly, Recreational Services Director
Mr. James Peterson, Community Center Supervisor
Mr. Richard Russell, Superintendent of Public
Buildings
Mayor Robert J. Peters
Deputy Mayor Thomas J. Veronesi
Mr. William Baccaro, Chairman, Parks and
Recreation Commission
Mr. Jerome Skolnick, Chairman, Public
Building Commission
Ms. Susan Garro, Herald Reporter
Mr. William Norton
Mr. Philip Cyr
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
Mr. William Norton of Grove Hill, Kensington stated that he wanted
the boiler at the Community Center repaired, or if necessary, a
new boiler be installed. Mr. Norton also stated that the KGS building
dates back to the early 1900's and that it should be restored because
it is a historial building.
BUDGET CHANGES
MOTION was made by Mr. James O'Donnell, seconded by Mrs.
Audrey Bertagna and VOTED to TAKE OFF TIIE TABLE a Budget
Change request for $17,000.00 to repair the boiler at the
Community Center.
ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
A Budget Change Form was received from Mr. Richard Russell,
Superintendent of Public Buildings, requesting $17,000.00 to repair
the boiler at the Community Center.
PAGE 2
Dr. John P. Mclntosh, Chairman, noted that this request has been
tabled three times already and that the Board has been waiting too
long to act on this request.
Dr. McIntosh stated the Board was waiting for the Community Center
Comparison Study to be completed. The completed study would be
used by the Board for informational purposes only.
Mayor Robert J. Peters explair~ed that whatever is done with the
information contained in the ComparisonStudy is at least one year
or longer away.
Mayor Peters noted that if the Community Center was closed, the
insurance costs would go up at least $8,000 - $9,000 a year because
of possible vandalism and fire. Mayor Peters also stated that
approximately 1300 people use the Community Center on a monthly
basis and the programs would have to be relocated. Mayor Peters
also stated that the employees of the Community Center would have
to be housed in a new location.
Mayor Peters stated that he was told if monies were allocated to
repair the boiler, this repair could be completed in two weeks.
Mayor Peters urged the Board to move forward and allocate the funds
requested. Mayor Peters reminded the Board that whatever is done
with the Community Center, monies must be spent.
Mr. William Baccaro, Chairman, Parks and Recreation Commission,
explained that he was urging the Board to spend the monies necessary
to repair the boiler.
Mr. Baccaro stated that he has a list of impacted groups that would
be displaced should the Community Center be closed. Mr. Baccaro
also stated the Community Center houses fifteen (15) recreational
services department programs.
Mr. James Peterson, Community Center Supervisor, stated that some
groups use the Center weekly, some biweekly, some monthly. He also
stated that three (3) rooms are open daily to the public. They
are the game room, the weight room, and the golf room.
Mr. Steven Kelly, Recreational Services Director, stated that the
Community Center is an integral part of the recreation programs
in Town. He stated that people identify with it.
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi stated that she felt that money should be given
to the schools to keep the recreational programs going rather than
to keep the Community Center building going.
Mrs. Ragazzi also stated that so many other things need doing at
the Community Center, not just a repair to the boiler.
Mr. Fred Jortner noted that he felt the Board was not being fair
to the taxpayers and that we should cut our losses and not pour
any more money info'the Community Center building.
PAGE 3
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna stated that in the beginning she agreed with
Mrs. Ragazzi and Mr. Jortner that the Board should know the status
of the KGS Building before spending any more money.
Mrs. Bertagna noted that she knows people who use the Community
Center and it would be at least three (3) years before any final
decisions are made regarding a new Community Center.
Mrs. Bertagna stated the present Community Center would have to be
kept open at least three (3) more years and that dividing $17,000
by 3 is not a lot of money.
Mr. Philip Cyr, Lamentation Drive, asked to speak at this time.
He stated that the Community Center Building should be torn down
or sold. He stated that he felt taxpayers money should not be used
to keep the building open. He suggested that townspeople be asked
what to do with the present building.
MOTION was made by Mrs. Audrey Bertagna, seconded by Mr.
James O'Donnell and VOTED to approve a request for $17,000
to repair the boiler at the Community Center.
ALL THOSE VOTING IN FAVOR: Dr. John P. McIntosh, Mrs. Audrey
Bertagna, Mr. James O'Donnell
OPPOSED: Mrs. Ida Ragazzi, Mr. Sam Lomaglio, Mr. Fred Jortner
Vote being 3 - 3. Motion defeated.
A Budget Change Form was received from Mr. Richard Russell,
Superintendent of Public Buildings, requesting $62,779.00 to renovate
lighting systems in the Senior Center and at the Town Hall.
Mr. Russell explained that the Town would be eligible for rebates
from the utility company totalling $12,040.00. The Town is also
applying for State Grants totalling $38,438.00. This request will
not be brought to a Special Town Meeting until the State Grant is
in place.
Mr. Russell noted that the Town must front end the entire cost of
the project and then be reimbured by Northeast Utilities and by
the State.
MOTION was made by Mr. James O'Donnell, seconded by Dr. John
P. McIntosh and VOTED to transfer $62,779.00 from account
101-1393-930-0944 (General Fund Balance) to account 101-3267
121-0157 (Transfers - Public Building Light Fund) to renovate
lighting systems at the Senior.Center and at the Town Hall.
ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
At this time, Mr. James O'Donneli asked Mr. Russell if he knew of
any other pressing problems at the Community Center besides the
boiler problem,
PAGE 4
Mr. Russell responded that you're looking at serious deterioration
if there is no heat in that building. Mr. Russell noted that
even if the building is mothballed, you need heat, at least 55
degrees, so that the building doesn't deterioriate further.
Mr. Russell noted that the actual cost of the boiler repair would
be $]8,000 and that the entire project would take one month to
complete.
At this time, Dr. Mclntosh asked if anyone on the opposing side
wish to reconsider the motion regarding the boiler repair, that
they could do so at this time.
The Democratic members of the Board decided to hold a short caucus.
Mr. Jortner explained that after listening to Mr. Russell and hearing
additional information that the building could be maintained for
several more years at a minimum cost, he is moving to reconsider
the defeated motion regarding the Community Center boiler repair.
MOTION was made by Mr. Fred Jortner, seconded by Mrs. Ida
Ragazzi and VOTED to RECONSIDER THE MOTION previously defeated
to approve funds to repair the boiler at the Community Center.
ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
MOTION was made by Mr. James O'Donnell, seconded by Mrs.
Audrey Bertagna and VOTED to transfer $18,000 from account
101-2129-121-0299 (Contingency) to account 101-2338-121-0270
(Public Buildings - Contractual Services/Projects) to repair
the boiler at the Community Center.
ALL THOSE VOTING IN FAVOR: Dr. John P. McIntosh, Mrs. Ida
Ragazzi, Mr. Fred Jortner, Mrs.
Audrey Bertagna, Mr. James 0'Donne]l
OPPOSED: Mr. Sam Lomaglio
Vote being 5 - i. Motion passed.
A Budget Change Form was received from Mayor Robert J. Peters
requesting $56,000.00 to allocate funds to settle a Heart and
Hypertension claim with a member of the Berlin Police Department.
MOTION was made by Mr. James O'Donnell, seconded by Mrs.
Ida Ragazzi and VOTED to transfer $56,000.00 from account
101-1393-930-0944 (General Fund Balance) to account 101-
2232-101-232 (Police Department).
ALL VOTED IN FAVOR.
MOTION was made by Mr. James O'Donnell, seconded by Dr. John P.
McIntosh and VOTED to add to the agenda a Budget Change Form
for $10,000.00 which was received from the Tax Department.
ALL VO~ED IN FAVOR.
PAGE 5
Board Member Sam Lomaglio exited the meeting at this time.
A Budget Change Form was received from Mr. Albert Scapellati,
Tax Collector, requesting $10,000.00 be allocated to replenish
the tax refunds account.
Mr Gary clinton, Finance Director, explained that in some cases,
· his usually happens when taxpayers
taxes are collected twice. T - - bank and then pay the
have their taxes taken out in escrow Dy m
tax bill again when they receive a copy of the bill.
Mr. clinton noted that these people are entitled to a refund.
MOTION was made by Mr. James O,Donnell, seconded by Dr.
John P- McIntosh and VOTED to transfer $10,000.00 from
account 101-2129-121-0299 (Contingency) to account 101-
2104-121-0231 (tax Refunds) to replenish this account
ALL VOTED 1N FAVOR.
RESOLUTION _ WILLARD sCHOOL
The Board Members present reviewed the resolution to provide
capital improvements to Willard school based upon an amended
Statement of Need to provide six (6) classrooms.
A Copy of the resolution is attached to these minutes.
vote by the Board of Finance:
NAY____~_S
AYES
Dr. john p.--~cIntOSh
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna
Mr. Fred jortner
Mr. James O,Donnell
cORRESPONDENCE
Mrs. Ida RagazZl distributed a copy of Substitute Senate Bill No.
978; PubliC Act No. 93-103 - An Act allowing municipal employees
to serve on zoning Commissions, to Dr. McIntosh- Mrs. Ragazzl
asked that copies be made for each Board member and also that a
copy be given to Mayor Robert J. Peters.
~NT BALANCES 7 l 92 - 6 30 93
No discussion.
MINUTES Ida
MOTION was made by Mr. Fred Jortner, seconded by Mrs.
Ragazzi Bnd voTED to accept the minutes of the September
9, 1993 meeting as submitted.
pAGE 6
ALL THOSE vOTING IN EAVOR: MrS. Ida Ragazzi, Mr. Fred
jortner, Mrs- Audrey Bertagna,
Dr. John P- Mclntosh
ABSTAINED: Mr. james o,Donnell
MOTION was made by Mr. james o,Donnell, seconded by Mrs.
Audrey Bertagna and voTED to add to the auenda a discussion
on the Firemen'S pension MeetingS'
ALL voTED IN FAVOR-
Mr. james o,Donnell asked the Board to go intO Executive Session
to discUSs the Firemen'S pension meetings that he has been attending.
MOTION was made by Mr. James o,Donnell, seconded by Dr. ~ohn
p. Mclntosh, and voTED to enter intO Executive Session at
this time-
ALL voTED IN FAVOR.
At this time, the Recording Secretary left the meeting-
Respectfully submitted,
j~oAnn Budzinski
Recording secretary
To consider and act upon a recommendation of the Board of
Finance to amend the Statement of Need adoDted in connection
with the addition to and renovation of Willard School to
increase the number of additional classrooms from four to six,
and related equipment and furnishings and utilizing the
existing $7,085,000 Willard School Improvement Bond Resolution
to pay for said improvements.
RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TO WILLARD
SCHOOL BASED UPON ANAMENDED STATEMENT OF NEED TO PROVIDE
SIX CLASSROOMS
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has requested fun~s to perform
certain improvements to Willard School consisting of the conversion
of the lower level storage area to not to exceed six classrooms,
and equipment for said classrooms and related facilities;
WHEREAS, the funds for the above referenced improvements are
available from the $7,085,000 Wi~lard School Improvement 'Bond
authorization. The improvement~ identified in the Statement of
Need pursuant to the $7,085,000 bond authorization have been, or
will be, completed within the authorization, and the estimated
$550,000 cost of the additional improvements will be paid from the
unexpended balance of said $7,085,000. The Willard School
Statement of Need has been amended by duly adopted vote of the
Board of Education on July 12, 1993 and is attached hereto,
together with the revised budget for said improvements;
WHEREAS, the Board of Finance has on 9-9-93
recommended such expenditures and amendment to the Statement of
Need to include . four classrooms, and thereafter on
10-14-93 approved the Statement of Need increasing the
number of classrooms from four to six;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the above action of the Board
of Finance recommending the amendment of the Statement of Need
submitted by the Board of Education for improvements to Willard
School to be increased from four to six classrooms, as attached
hereto, and authorizing said improvements and expenditures
therefore, is hereby approved.
REQUEST FOR FUNDS TO PROVIDE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS TO
WILLARD SCHOOL BASED UPON ANAMENDED STATEMENT OF NEED TO
PROVIDE SIX CLASSROOMS
The Board of Education hereby requests additional funds to
perform certain improvements to Willard School, approved by the
Board of Finance on 10-14-93 , to consist of the conversion
of the lower level storage area to not to exceed six classrooms,
and equipment for said classrooms and related facilities.
The Board of Finance on 9-9,93 previously approved the
amendment of the Statement of Need to include four classrooms, and
hereby requests an additional twb classrooms for ~ total of six.
The funds for the above referenced improvements are available
from the $7,085,000 Willard School Improvement Bond authorization.
The improvements identified in the Statement of Need pursuant to
the $7,085,000 bond authorization have been, or will be, completed
within the author~zation~ and the estimated $550,000 cost of the
additional improvements will be paid from the unexpended balance of
said $7,085,000. The Willard School Statement of Need, which
includes six classrooms, has been amended by duly adopted vote of
the Board of Education on July 12, 1993 and is attached hereto,
together with the revised budqet for said improvements, and is
submitted herewith fo~ approval by the Board of Education.
Vote By Board of Finance:
Resolved:
The above amendment to request for funds by the Board of
Education for improvements to Willard School, submitted in
conjunction with an amended Statement of Need incorporating said
improvements and approved by said Board is hereby
APPROVED/DENIED
Ayes Nays
Dr. John ~. McIntosh
Mrs. Ida Ra§azzi
Mrs. Audrey Berta§na
Mr. Fred Jortner
Mr. James O'Donnell
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