1995/03/28PAGE
BUDGET HEARING
MARCH 28, 1995
The Board of Finance held a Town Hearing at McGee,MiddlefSchool
on Tuesday, March 28, 1995 for the proposed budget for the"
fiscal year ending June 30, 1996.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. John P. McIntosh, Chairman
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi, Vice chairman
Mr. Joseph Bajorski
Mrs. Audrey Bertagna
Mr. Fred Jortner
Mr. Sam Lomaglio
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Gary Clinton, Finance Director
Mrs. Gail Erickson, Accountant
Mayor Robert J- peters
Elected officials
Department Heads
Board of Education Members
Town Residents
The Hearing was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Mrs. Ida Ragazzi,
Vice Chairman of the Board of }Finance.
Mrs. Ragazzi stated that the purpose of this hearing was to
review the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1996.
Mrs. Ragazzi as]zed Mr. Gary Clinton, Finance Director to comment
on the revenue section of the budget.
Mr. Clinton stated that the current levy represents a 1.4 mill
increase. He noted that the present mill rate is 33.2 mills and
that with a 1.4 mill increase it would bring it up to 34.6 mills.
Mr. Clinton noted that in the education budget, due to Governor
Rowland's proposal, four (4) grants are now rolled into one (I)
grant, the Education Equalization Grant for a total of $3,224,004.
He noted that this is a reduction from what the Town is presently
receiving from the State.
Mr. Clinton also noted that due to Governor Rowland's proposal,
several other grants have been rolled in a block grant. He noted
the elimination of the Elderly Property Tax Relief Grant, the
Disability for social Security Grant, and the Additional Veterans
Exemption Grant.
Mr. clinton noted that Governor Rowland's proposal is that grants
will no longer go directly to a Town, but to a consortium. Berlin
is now in a seven(7) Town consortium- The seven (7) towns include
Bristol, Plainville, New Britain, Southington, Plymouth, Burlington
and Berlin. The chief executive officer from each of the seven (7)
Page 2
towns will meet and determine a new method to allocate these funds.
He noted that voting will be done by population, therefore, Bristol
and New Britain, will outpoll the other smaller towns. He noted
that Berlin will have no control on the outcome of these funds.
Mr. Clinton noted a federal grant for a new police officer which
will offset the salary for a new officer.
Mr. Clinton sa±~ the fund balance going into this year is a little
over 1.7 million dollars. He noted that the Town is anticipating
using $275,000 from the fund balance next year.
Mr. Clinton noted that 1,7 million dollars equals 4.28% of the
operating budget. He also noted that Moody's recommends that the
Town have between 5% and 10% set aside. He also noted that Standard
and Poor's recommends 8%.
Mr. Clinton noted a large law suit of $10,000,000 against the
Town for an assessment and it could impact the Town significantly,
and the fund balance would help soften this blow.
Mr. Clinton noted that the fund balance is important for bonding
purposes. It also helps with interest costs.
Question from Dr. Mark Russak - West Lane. Dr. Russak asked if the
Town has been drawing down the fund balance in lieu of raising taxes
Mr. Clinton replied that the Town has in past years pumped in
one million dollars and gradually lesser. He noted that last year
it $350,000 and this year it will be $275,000. He noted that the
Town does have a healthy bond rating - an A1 which places the Town
in the upper 40%.
Statement from Mayor Robert J. Peters. Mayor Peters noted that the
Town of Newington is better off than Berlin and they are taking
one million dollars from their Fund Balance and pumping into their
Town Budget to keep their tax rate from going up. He noted that Berlin
is flnanically stable.
Question from Mr. Len Pryqoda - Ridqewood Lane. Mr. Prygoda asked
what percentage of the mill rate is due to cut backs by Governor
Rowland's budget proposals.
Mr. Clinton stated that the Town is losing $84,000 on the educational
side and another $300,000 in the property tax relief. He noted that
this is about 4/10th of a mill.
Mrs. Ragazzi noted that the hearing will next proceed with the
education portion of the budget. She noted that the Board will
take questions on this budget for the next hour.
Statement from Mr. Robert Weiss - Whispering Brook Road. Mr. Weiss
stated that he is asking for a clarification of line item - 101/0107
Nurses - School Health Program (school Expenses Account). Mr. Weiss
PAG~ 3
asked if budget includes underwear for elementary school students
and a step stool. He stated that recently in an elementary school
the need arose for these items and there were no funds available
purchase them. He noted that outside source needed to be used.
He stated that he is asking the Board to add an additional line
item, $50.00 for each elementary school, for a supply account to
purchase small items such as these.
Mr. Clinton noted that the line item Mr. Weiss referenced was a
salary item. He noted that the only supply account in this budget
is for dental supplies.
Question from Ms. Chris Mothersele - New Britain Road. Ms. Mothersele
asked what is 121/0270 - contractual services and why is there such
disparity between the department request and the estimated 95/96.
Mr. Clinton noted that fire alarms update was shown in two (2)
places in this budget. He noted that it originally appeared in
the contractual services account and in a separate account for
fire alarms. The funds were then taken from the contractual services
because they were already in a separate line item in the same budget.
Question from Mrs. Eileen Greene - Worthlnqton Ridqe. Mrs. Greene
asked about the analysis of total board of education expenditures
and cost per pupil shown on Page 114. She noted the Connecticut
Expenditures Council does not compute statistics this way.
Statement from Mr. Richard Paskiewicz - Ellwood Road. Mr. Paskiewicz
stated that at McGee School there are sixty (60) classes w~th 26 or
more youngsters in them. EIe noted a language arts class with 29 pupils,
and another one with 32 students. He noted a math class with 27 pupils
and another one with 3] students. He noted a science lab with 27,
27, 29 and 31 students. He also noted a Social studies class with
27, 27, 29 and 30 students. He noted the foreign language class with
26 students. He also noted that the physical education classes all
have over 27 students.
Mr. Paskiewiec also noted that next year's budge% won't help the
class size because the budget expenditures do not take into consideratio~
enrollment. He noted that it was out of control.
Statement from Mrs. Terry Padelli -Carriaqe Drive. Mrs. Padelli
stated that her daughter, Myka, wanted to present a petition to the
Board of Finance.
Myka Padelli stated that she has oollected over 150 student signatures
on a petition against budget cuts to the Board of Education.
Statement from Mr. Jeffrey Russo - Toll Gate Road. Mr. Russo stated
that the student to teacher rate shown (14-1) is urroneous information.
He noted that it includes special education teacher, the speech therapist,
and the school psychologist and this information is misleading.
Statement from Mr. John Richards - South Slope Drive. Mr. Richards
stated that he wanted to read letter to the Board oL Finance. In it,
Page
Mr. Richards said he was disappointed in the planned outlay for
the education budget. He noted the education budget is 94% contracts,
be they salaries, fringe benefits, or transportation costs. He
asked that the Board of Finance reconsider their recommendation for
education spending. He suggested a three (3) year plan by which
the Board of Finance reduces the Board of Education's shortfall
by at least $300,000 a year for the next three (3) years.
Statement from Mr. Jim Day - Kenwood St~ Mr. Day stated that he
is a teacher and a coach in Town. He noted that under current
conditions in special educatiOn at the high school, there are certain
conditions that are unacceptable. He noted this year at the high
school there were eight (8) suicidal situations. He said there
is only one (1) social worker who is responsible for pPT's and
crisis intervention- He noted that some students need and deserve
the one on one participation and funds are not there to do that.
Statement from Mr. Richard Zaccardo - Brooke Meadow Road. Mr.
Zaccardo noted that he was opposed to the proposed idea of "pay for
play" where middle school and high school students would have to
pay fees to participate in sports activities. He noted that this
would change the focus of school athletics.
S__tatement from__Mrs. Martine Query - Old Wood Road. Mrs. Query stated
class size is a problem. She noted that in the past, teachers were
borrowed from the high school and transferred to McGee School. She
asked that the Board of Finance be creative and find funds to increase
the school budget.
Statement from Mrs. Anthony Farone - Farminqton Avenue. Mrs. Farone
said that she is--the mother o~three (3) students- She said that
she knows that the economy is in a sad state of affairs. She also
said that it is a question of priorities and that children should
be the first priority. She stated that class size should be kept
down and that technology should be kept up.
Statment from Mr. Dan Wai__dda - Mildrum Road. Mr. waida stated that
the Boar~of Finance should visit or video tape classrooms to see
how crowded they are. He noted that it is only getting worse.
Statement from Mr. Len Pryqoda _ Rid~wood Lane. Mr. Prygoda stated
that both sides should band together to fight at the state level.
He suggested lobbying for a property tax credit on homeowners who pay
a certain amount of income tax. He noted that this program is in
effect in some other towns already-
Mrs. Ida Ragazzi called a ten (10) minute recess at this time.
The Hearing will reconvene at 8:25 ?M at which time the town side
of the budget will be heard. Mrs. Ragazzi also noted that if there
are any other commentS on the school budget, they will be heard after
the town portion of the hearing.
2101 - Mayor's offic__e
No discussion.
pAGE 5
2102- Finance De artment
No discussion-
~ Ms. Mothersel
tion ~ls M. ot. her~l~e~i~New Britain Road_ ·
asked $io,uuu
Mr. Clinton replied that new systems are being put in the
payroll office, the assessor's office, the building inspector's
office and the tax collector'S office- He noted that this system
is complex and that training is needed for the employees who will
be using the systems.
Mr. clinton also stated that under computer equipment - the
lowest bid received - was $9,000 more that projected. He noted
that the equipment being purchased is for the emergency response
system - the firefighters, police and dispatchers-
2104 - Tax Collector
No discussion.
2105 - Treasurer
No discussion.
2106 - Cot oration Counsel
No discussion-
2107 - Em lo ee Benefits Mrs. Picard asked
lcard - Kensinton Road
about pay raises for management-
Mr. Clinton stated that department heads received a 2½% increase and
mid managers a 4% increase. He noted that the blue collar has not
yet been formalized and that the white collar is just beginning to
negotiate-
Mr. clinton also noted that the department heads do get a step increase.
Mrs. Picard replied that there seems to be no belt tightening at the
Hall level.
Town .Mrs~ - ~Pari~-~i~ Mrs. parish asked
~'-~nd longevity that is now being distributed
sa~lon ~ ~'~- ~ the board of education
by departments- she asked if this includes
budget.
Mr. clinton replied that these expenses are taken from the school
expenses account - ~2861 and distributed to the school budget
PAGE 6
Statement from Mr. Richard Rutkowski Ridgewood Lane. Mr. Rutkowski
stated that he felt that the salary in lieu of vacation account is
ridiculous and he recommended that this be deleted in the future.
~uestion from Mr. Robert weiss - Whisperinq Brook Road. Mr. Weiss
asked if layoffs are ant~clpated because of the increase in the
Unemployment Compensation account.
Mr. Clinton stated that this is just a guessimate. He did note
that there is one position where the Town will be paying UC for six
(6) months.
2108 - Personnel
No discussion.
2109 - Assessors
Statement from Mr. Robert Weiss - Chairman of the Board of Assessors
Mr. Weiss referred to a letter he sent to the Board of Finance
requesting that the part time clerical position now at 14 hours
per week, be increased to 24 hours per week. He noted that with
the revaluation beginning - it means more work for every one in that
office.
Mr. Weiss also stated that for the record - the assessor does not
answer to the Mayor, but to the Board of Assessors.
2110 - Reqistrar of Voters
Mr. Clinton noted several increases in this account. He stated
that the part time account has been deleted. He also stated that
the supplies account is increased to $4000 to print mailers (canvassing
will now be done by mail.) He also noted an increase in the postage
account to $7000.
2111 - Town Clerk
Statement from Mrs. Eileen Greene Worthinqton Ridqe. Mrs. Greene
stated that she was concerned with the substantial i~crease in salary
for the town clerk position-
Mrs. Joanne Ward, Town Clerk, responded by saying that because of
the charter change on November 15th, her position will go from an
elected position to a management position. She noted that she has
been working for the Town for 31 years.
~uestion from Dr. Mark Russak - West Lane. Dr. Russak asked why if
Mrs. Ward deserve a raise, did the ExecuLive Board wait until this
year to give it to her.
Statement by Mrs. Connie Marshall - Cider Mill Road. Mrs. Marshall
stated that she wanted the people to read the newly ~assed Charter.
She stated that it says nothing in it about the town clerk's position
being a full time job.
PAGE 7
2112 - Board of Tax Review
No discussion.
2114 - Planninq & Buildinq Department
Question from Concerned Resident. Why is there such an increase in
the cooperative education assistant account.
Mr. clinton replied there is no increase in salary for thisaccount
which is used to employ a college student in a work study program.
He noted there is only an increase in hours for this student.
2115 - Zoninq Commission.
No discussion.
2116 - Zoninq Board of Appeals
NO discussion.
2117 - Economic Development
No discussion.
2118 - Conservation Commission.
No discussion.
2119 - Inlands/Wetlands Commission.
No discussion.
2121 - Veterans Advisory Committee
No discussion.
2122 - Desiqn Review Committee
No discussion.
2124 - Berlin Historic District.
No discussion.
2125 - Charter Revision Committee
Mr. Clinton noted that if the referendum passes, $4500 will need to
added to this account.
2126 - Commission for the Disabled.
No discussion.
2127 - Public Buildlnq Commission-
PAGE 8
No discussion.
2129 - Indirect Expenses
Question from Mrs. Connie Marshall - Cider Mill Road. Mrs. Marshall
asked for an explanation of the advertising account.
Mr. Clinton stated that this account is used to pay for publishing
all public hearing notices, for ads for personnel and for purchasing/
bids.
2228 - Ambulance
No discussion.
2230 - Animal Control
No discussion.
2231 - Fire Department
Question from Mrs. Olqa Plcard - Kensinqton Road. Mrs. Picard asked
where the funds used to purchase the fire truck are showm.
Mr. Clinton explained the funds were taken from the Capital &
NonRecurring Fund. They are shown in the Annual Report.
Mayor Robert J. Peters also noted that this purchase of the fire
truck had to go to a town meeting to be approved.
2232 - Police Department
~uestion from Mr. William Norton - Grove Hill. Mr. Norton asked for
an explanation of the overtime account.
Mr. Clinton explained this account is used to pay for any overtime
and for holiday coverage and for coverage for vacations and illness.
2234 - Fire Marshall
No discussion.
2335 - Municipal Garaqe
No discussion.
2336 - Public Works
No discussion.
2337 - Hiqhwa¥ Department
No discussion.
2338 - Public Buildinqs
No discussion.
PAGE 9
2542 - Rec___reation
Question fro~leau - Fox Hill Lane. Mr. Pepleau asked about
~ Sagerk Lighting accOunt~ why [-[ ~ o.
Mr. clinton replied that funds are being transferred from the
Par]cs & Recreation Commission's Capital & NonRecurring Fund to
purchase and install lights at the baseball field in Sage Park.
2543 - Golf Cours~ee
Question from Mr. Ro~bber% Weiss - Whispering Brook Roa~dd. Mr. Weiss asked
about the additional blue collar employee being added to this department.
Mr. A1 Hawkins, Director at the Golf Course, replied that this
position will be fully funded by raising fees at the golf course.
He also noted that in the winter months, this employee will be
helping out in the Highway Department at no extra charge to the Town.
254_____44- Libraries
Statement from Mr. David BorthwicK - Ellwood Road. Mr. Borthwick,
Chaxrman of t e Library Board a~k~ the Boar~inance to fund the
additional hours for .reference sLaffin~ 18 hours per week and to
fund circulat±on staffing - 12 additional hours per week.
254___~5 - Public Ground__s
~uestion from Mr. William Norton - Grove Hill. Mr. Norton asked why
the increase in the Labor ServTces account-
Mr. clinton replied that this department did not receive any new
employees, but did receive an additional $12,000 in the labor account
for outside contractual services-
2752 - Health Department
Mr. clinton noted that the flu vaccine clinic account has now been
transferred to the nursing department.
2753 - Nu~rsing Department
Mrs. Jean Conway, Director of Nursing spoke requesting that her
administrative assistant be given five (5) additional hours per week
because her duties and responsibilies have grown. Mrs. Conway also
spoke in favor of nurses salaries. She stated that her office gives
service seven (7) days a week, weekends and holidays. She is requestinc[
an additional 750 hours in this account. Mrs. Conway also spoke in
favor of increasing her dues and conferences account. She noted that
her staff is mandated to take twelve (12) hours of staff education
yearly. Mrs. Conway also spoke in favor of increasing the mileage
account to $4000 because of increase case load.
Question from Mrs. Ol_~a p~card - Kensint~[~q~ Road. Mrs. Picard asked
about the increase in the home health aide account.
P~GE 10
Mrs.=Conway explained that she has a new employee hired this year,
She stated that because of the case load, she also needs to contract
out for at least 7-10 extra aides at any given time.
2754 - Social Services
No discussion.
2755 - Senior Center
No discussion.
2859 - St. Paul's
No discussion.
3063 - Princlpal, Payments - Town
No discussion.
3064 - Principal Payments - Schools
No discussion.
3165 -Interest p~yments - Town
No discussion.
3166 - Interest Payments -Schcols
No discussion.
3267 - Transfers - Town
No discussion.
3268 - Transfers - School
No discussion.
Water/Sewer Funds
No discussion.
At this time, Mayor Peters stated that he wished to hand out to
each Board member a list of reductions in different departments
that he wanted the Finance Board to review. He noted that he was concerned
about citizens on fixed incomes, the unemployed and those underemployed..
Mrs. Ragazzi now stated that if any one else wanted to speak about
the school budget, she would take comments at this time.
Statement from Mr. Darry] Johnson - Berlin Street, EastBerlin.
Page 11
Mr. Johnson stated that he was the newest member of the Board of
Education. He stated that he was here to ask the Board of Finance
to look at the enrollment figures before they make any decision
regarding the school budget. He noted that he felt that the Board
of Finance was very unfair in presenting their figures to the public
without looking at the ~hole picture.
Statement from Mr. Tom Galvin - Principal at Berlin Hiqh School.
Mr. Galvin stated that until last year, classes at the high school
were on the decline. He noted that since 1988 his staff of teachers
has been reduced by eight. He also noted that enrollment is starting
to increase again and that no increase in staff is being given to
the high school. He asked that the Board not forget the needs at the
high school, Mr. Galvin stated that he has three (3) worries - the
increase in large class size, the special ed services - because the
population is changing and lastly the pay to play. He stated that
pay to play does not belong in Berlin.
Statement from Mr. Alex Drachenberq -Ronal Drive. Mr. Drachenberg
stated that he is living on a fixed income and he is asking that the
mill rate be kept down. He then commended the Board of Finance for
the excellent job they are doing for the Town.
Statement from Mrs. Connine Caunt - Primrose Lane. Mrs. Caunt stated
that children are our future, and that everyone needs to support educatien
for the children of Berlin.
Statement from Mr. Peter DeMichele - Bittersweet Lane. Mr. DeMichele
stated that he is president of the Booster Club at Berlin High School.
He stated that by paying taxes, every parent is entitled to have
their children compete in sports if they wish. He stated that he is
totally against the "pay to play" proposal.
Mrs. Ragazzi thanked everyone for coming to the hearing to this evening.
The Hearing was adjourned at 10:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnn Budzinsk~;
Recording Secretary
APPROVED
March 28, 1995 . .,' ,~. '..
Mayor Robert Peters called the meeting to order at M, eC~ School' at
10:45 p.m. following the Annual Budget Hearing. Present were Deputy
Mayor Thcmas Veronesi, Joanne Ward-Town Clerk, James D'Errico-Director
of Personnel/Purchasing, Attorney Joseph Fasi-Bonding Counsel, Kelley
Beaucar-Herald reporter, Mary Ellen Wazorko-Hartford Courant reporter,
and Janice Serafino, secretary. Deputy Mayor Arthur Powers was not
present, as he was on vacation.
Additions to Agenda
Mayor Peters moved to add a resolution regarding bonding regulations to
the agenda, seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed unanimously.
The TownClerk stated that Attorney Fasiwas in attendance to explain
to the EXecutive Board new federal regulations regarding bonding.
Attorney Fasi stated that the Securites and Exchange Cc~ssion has
adopted new regulations which will require the Town to enter into an
agreement with those who purchase the Town's bonds to provide financial
information each year to electronic depositories throughout the
country. The Bonding Counsel presented a resolution that would allow
for the Town to enter into such agresments with those who presently
hold Townb~nds. He said that the resolutions passed for future bond
sales will give that authorization. Mayor Peters asked if this
requires Town Meeting action, to which Attorney Fasi responded
affirmatively. Deputy Mayor Veronesi motioned to accept the resolution
and place it on the agenda of the April 4th Special Town Meeting,
seconded by Mayor Peters, passed unanimously.
Mayor Peters moved to add the Town Clerk to the agenda, seconded by
Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed unanimously.
Mrs. Ward presented a letter to the Executive Board in which she stated
that, in accordance withSection 7-188(b) of the Connecticut General
Statutes, she has certified 1,488 names on a petition filed with her on
March 23, 1995, which requests the appointment of a Charter Revision
Cc~ssion that would call for a referendum to vote on retaining the
present form of government.
Mayor Peters moved to place this item on the agenda of the next
Executive Board meeting, seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed
unanimously.
Attorney Fasi and Joanne Ward left the meeting at this time.
Personnei/PurchasinqMatters
Request for Re-Classification of_Library Position-Tabled
To r~nain on the Table.
Blue Collar Work Schedule-Tabled/Executive Session
Mayor Peters asked that this remain on the Table and, as the change in
the work schedule would only affect the employees of the Municipal
Garage, that the Chief Mechanic be asked to the next meeting to discuss
the proposal.
Discussion of Ambulance Contract-Tabled/Executive Session
Retirees' Pension and Insurance Matter-Tabled
Had been Tabled to April 4th meeting.
Mr. D'Errico reported that the Town has a tentative contract with the
Blue Collar Union on which the members will vote Thursday. If ratified
by the Union, Mr. D'Errico said he will present it to the Executive
Board at the next meeting. Mayor Peters said he believes it is a good
contract and this was the last attempt to come to a settlement before
going to Artibration.
5~. D'Errico left the meeting at this time.
Corporation Counsel
Discussion of Timberlin concession
Mayor Peters reported that Mr. Chirico has signed the contract for the
concession and it is being returned to Corporation Counsel at this
time. The Mayor said that upon receipt of the contract he would sign
it, as the Board reviewed and approved the draft changes. Deputy Mayor
Veronesi agreed with the Mayor.
The Mayor said that work on the facility is nearly completed and the
concessionaire is planning to open next week.
Update on Hunqerford Park Court Case
The Mayor stated the Judge has ruled that Berlin be taken out of the
suit filed by the Friends of Hungerford Park against the City of New
Britain.
Letter from Cedar Acre Residents Association Regardin9 Silver Lake
Re--st Site-Tabled
To remain on the Table. The Mayor said that to his knowledge no odor
complaints have been reported since receipt of the letter.
Certificate of Discontinuance: Stantack Road-Tabled
To remain on the Table. Mayor Peters said he is still researching the
Planning Cc~mission minutes.
-2-
Economic DeveloDment Matters
Nothing to report.
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Peters moved to approve the minutes of March 21,
seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed unanimously.
1995 as written,
New Business
Acceptance of Donation to D.A.R.E. Program
Mayor Peters moved to accept a $1000 donation to the Police
Department's D.A.R.E. program by the Hartford Lodge 88 A.F. & A.M.,
seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed unanimously.
Schedule a Special Town Meetinq and Set Agenda
Mayor Peters moved to schedule a Special Town Meeting for April 4, 1995
at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Rocm and to place the following
items on the agenda of that meeting:
1. Transfer a s~n not to exceed $25,000 from account 650-1393-930-941
(General Insurance Fund) to account 650-3267-121-134 (Catastrophe Fund)
to establish a catastrophe fund to meet ~nergencies.
2. Transfer a sum not to exceed $11,000 frc~ account 101-2129-121-0299
(Contingency) to account 101-2861-131-400 (School Expenses/Capital
Purchases) to purchase equipment for the B.H.S. Track Program.
3. Transfer a sum not to exceed $27,000 from account 101-2129-121-0299
(Contingency) to account 101-2861-121-270 (School Expenses/Contractual
Expenses) to replenish this account.
4. Transfer a sum not to exceed $5000 from account 643-1393-216-0000
(Retained Earnings) to account 644-131-000-0000 (Sanitary Sewer/Capital
Expenditure) to fabricate and install water assembly at Route 5 & 15
sanitary sewer pump station.
5. Transfer a sum not to exceed $15,000 frcrn account 644-1393-216-0000
(Retained Earnings) to account 644-131-000-0000 (sanitary Sewer/Pumping
Expenses) for the electrification of Lamentation Water Storage Facility.
6. Transfer a sum not to exceed $90,000 frc~ account 644-1393-216-0000
(Retained Earnings) to account 644-189-000-0000 (Sewer Fund/New
Construction) for the Project Northbrook Trunk sanitary Sewer Extension.
7. Transfer a sum not to exceed $145,165.00 from account
319-1393-930-0944 (Parks and Recreation Field Capital & Non-Recurring
Fund) to 319-2542-131-0429 (Lighting-Sage Park Baseball Field) to
purchase and install lighting for the baseball field at Sage Park.
-3-
8. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TOWN OFFICIALS TO COVENANT AND AGREE ON
BEHALF OF THE TOWN TO CC~PLY WITH SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
ACT RULE 15c-12.
Board and Cc~ssion Matters
No action taken.
Financial Matters
Budget Transfers and/or Appropriations
Mayor Peters moved to approve a request sutxmitted by Richard Russell,
Superintendent of Public Building Maintenance, to appropriate an
additional $2000 to account 101-2338-101-121 (Overtime) to replenish
the account to end of this fiscal year due to unanticipated overtime,
seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi. In the discussion, the Mayor noted
that the Executive Board had cut $5000 from Mr. Russell's original
budget request for this line item. The motion passed unanimously.
Tax Refunds
Mayor Peters moved to approve the following Tax Refunds, seconded by
Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed unanimously:
-$174.97 to Mildrum-Bruno Insurance Associates, change in assessment by Board of Tax Review
-$29.12 to William T. or June Duksa, motor vehicle sold-$52.81 to Robert N. Brown, corrected assessment by Board of Tax Review-$242.36 to David R. and Susan L. Yorski, Real Estate, asses~nent
reduced, construction not complete
Additions to Agenda
Mayor Peters moved to add a letter from Jean Conway, Director of Public
Health Nursing, asking that 160 hours be restored to the budget for
weekend and holiday hours worked. Mrs. Conway stated that for budgeting
purposes 750 hours are needed and funding for only 590 hours was
provided in the 1995-96 budget. Following a brief discussion, Mayor
Peters moved to approve the request to add funding for 160 hours to the
NursingDepartment budget for weekend and holiday hours, on the
condition that the Finance Director verifies that it was not included
in the original figures, seconded by Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed
unanimously.
Mayor Peters moved to add a letter drafted by AttorneyAnderson
regarding the State's Affordable Housing Act to the agenda, seconded by
DeputyMayor Veronesi, passed unanimously.
The Mayor said that this letter is to be sent to our State Legislators
from the Executive Board asking that they look to either clarify or
repeal the Act. After a discussion of the recent Appellate Court
decision of Wisniowski v. Berlin Planning Cc~nission, which favored the
developer, Mayor Peters moved to approve the draft and prepare a final
-4-
copy for signing by the Executive Board, seconded by Deputy Mayor
Veronesi, passed unanimously.
Unfinished Business
Set Priorities for Capital Improvements-Tabled
~--r-l~ Land Trust: Land Use Proposal-Tabled
To remain on the Table.
Potential Land Purchase-Tabled/Executive Session
Mayor Peters moved to remove this item from the Table, seconded by
Deputy Mayor Veronesi, passed unanimously.
The Mayor said that although he wanted to wait until all members were
present before taking any action, he wanted to discuss a budget request
he he prepared in the amount of $400,000, to be funded through Bonds
and Notes. The Mayor said he believed this amount would cover the
purchase of the land in question, preparation of it for future use,
possibly for soccer, and renovations to the present fields at Percival
Heights for Little League fields. To be addressed at the next meeting.
adj~t
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m..
-5-