1997-01-23BUDGET HEARING
TOWN OF BERLIN
JANUARY 23,1997
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Jortner.
2. ROLL CALL
Those in attendance were:
Paul Argazzi, Councilman
John McIntosh, Chairman
Gary Clinton, Finance Director
Ida Ragazzi, Councilman
Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager
Fred Jortner, Councilman
Bruce Trevethan, Councilman
Joanne Ward, Clerk of the Meeting
Mary Jean Agostini, Councilman
SUMMARY AND REVIEW OF BUDGETS
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS
William Diskin, Board of Assessment Appeals Member, presented his
budget to the Committee.
Mr. Diskin stated that they're not sure how many appeals they will
have but in comparison to New Britain at 12OO appeals, they can
approximate 500 appeals for Berlin. He stated that when all the
special questionnaires are returned they will have a better idea
as to how many appeals there will be.
Mr. Diskin stated that this Board has no secretary at this time
and he is unsure as to the amount of funds that will be needed for
supplies. He also stated that they may require extra help during
the appeals process.
Town Manager Therrien suggested that the Board could establish
a supply account or take the funds for supplies from the Assessor's
budget as it has been done in the past.
The committee determined that a supply budget of $100. will be
allocated to the Board of Assessment Appeals.
GOLF COURSE
A1 Hawkins, Director of Golf Course and Public Grounds, addressed
the committee along with the following: A1Beckley, Golf Course
Foreman, Park & Recreation Commission members; Leonard Zielinski,
David Bush, Philip Maule, Sebastian Senia, William Baccaro, Chrm.
and Park & Recreation Director Steve Kelly and Public Grounds
Foreman Dave Paradise.
Account 242-1 Seed and Chemicals
A1 Hawkins stated that the cost of seed and chemicals is on a
constant rise ($3,500. increase) in the budget this year. Also
most chemicals are a by product of oil which is at a premium today
causing an increase in the price.
Account 216 Gas and Oil
A1 Hawkins noted that this account has been increased because of
a lot of the products they use derive from a base product of oil
which price has increased dramatically.
Account 252-5 Golf Pro
A1 Hawkins noted that this account has been decreased to zero due
to the fact that the golf pro now has complete control of the golf
carts. Mr. Hawkins gave a further explanation on this item.
William Baccaro, Chairman of the Park & Rec Commission suggested
that when the golf pro's contract is up the Council should take
another look at it particularly with respect to the carts.
Account 417-7 Storaqe Shed
A1 Hawkins stated that they were asked to wait on this item.
Account 421-4 Two Ranqer Carts
A1 Hawkins stated that they can repair one of the carts and purchase
one cart, decreasing the account from $10,000. to $5,000.
He stated that the following equipment is over 20 years old and
in need of replacement; leaf blower, leaf picker, top dressed,
and the overseeder.
Account 25-2 Cart Paths
William Baccaro, Chairman Park & Rec Commission, asked that the
reduction in this account from $6,000. to $3,000. be reconsidered.
He stated that the upkeep of the cart paths is very important to the
golf course.
PUBLIC GROUNDS
Dave Paradise, Public Grounds Foreman, presented the Public Grounds
budget to the committee.
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Account 108 Part Time Help
Dave Paradise stated that the reason for the increase of $19,000.
to $25,400. is due to the transfer of an employee from the
Park & Recreation Department to the Public Grounds Department.
The person in charge of the pools will now be under this budget.
Account 105 Blue Collar
Mr. Paradise stated that this account was increased from $255,358.
to $277,136. because he is asking for an additional employee.
Account 121 Overtime
Mr. Paradise stated that the increase in this account is because
75 percent of the overtime is spent on doing Park & Recreation
functions. He has approximately $3,000. of overtime for eight
employees for other town functions.
William Baccaro stated that he hopes that the Committee will
grant the request for an additional employee for Public Grounds.
Town Manager stated that operating expenses for this budget have
basically remained the same.
Account 420-5 Rotary Mower (Replacement)
Mr. Paradise stated that the existing rotary mower is 11 years
old and worn out.
Account 406-4 Alarm System
Mr. Paradise stated that there is no burglar alarm or heat sensor
alarms at Sage Park maintenance building and he would like to
protect the building and equipment from vandalism, break-ins and
fire.
Account 428 Bleachers
Mr. Paradise stated that the request for $5,000. is for bleachers
at the Little Leagues. He stated that they are bringing all the
bleachers in Town up to State Fire Codes.
Account 421-2 Sander Replacement Truck ~23
Mr. Paradise stated that the steel sander is heavily rotted and it
would be in the best interest of the Town to replace it with a
stainless steel unit that can better handle the harsh chemicals.
Account 424-3 Pool Ladder
Mr. Paradise stated that an additional ladder for East Berlin Pool
is needed for safety reasons.
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Account 424-4 Ground Fall Protection (Sand) For Playgrounds
Hr. Paradise stated that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
has upgraded the guidelines on playground equipment. Mr. Paradise
stated that he would like to bring all the playgrounds up to
C.P.S.C. standards.
Account 424-5 New Filter Systems
Mr. Paradise stated that pool maintenance will be cut in half with an
updated filter.
Account 429 Field Improvements
Mr. Paradise stated that due to a very wet season all four fields
need extra topsoil, sand, seed and sod to improve there conditions.
William Baccaro asked the committee not to diminish the $7,000.
request for playing field reconstruction due to the amount of use
on the playing fields.
Account 437-1 Leaf Blower For Turfcat
Mr. Paradise stated that this piece of equipment would be used for
blowing debris off the parking lots, fields and track.
PARK AND RECREATION
Steve Kelly, Recreational Services Director, presented his budget
to the committee.
Account 201 Supplies
Mr. Kelly stated that they are hoping to have their Park & Rec
program brochures professionally done, this reflects the increase
in this account.
Account 230 Rent
Mr. Kelly also stated that there is an increase in the school uses
account due to the increase in programs.
Account 293 Telephone
Mr. Kelly stated that Percival Pool and East Berlin Pool only have
a pay phone and when that goes down they have no other means of
communication other than a two-way radio. He urged that telephones
be installed at both pools.
Account 428-2 Weight Training
Mr. Kelly addressed the Capital Items request. He stated that the
most requested and used item is the treadmill for the Community
Center.
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Account 429-4
This account is for the completion of an ongoing project with the
Sage Park baseball field. It includes bleachers, emergency lighting,
scoreboard, water fountain, etc.
Account 429-1 Sage Lighting
Mr. Kelly stated that this request is for auxiliary lighting at
Sage Park.
Mr. Baccaro addressed the problems and concerns with the upkeeping
of the football field and the possibilities of purchasing property
to use for football fields. He stated that the best alternative
they came up with was the request for $155,000. for lighting the
soccer fields which would eliminate the soccer players from having
to play on the football fields. He was open for suggestion from
the budget committee on this matter.
A lengthy discussion was held on the what can be done to improve
the situation regarding the use of these fields.
NURSING
Carol Wade, Administrator of the Berlin Public Health Nursing
Services, presented her budget to the committee along with the
following: Berlin Public Health Nursing Services members;
John Roman, Larry Broisman, Robert Sataline, David Cornwall,
President also Fran Geschimsky from the Nursing Department.
Account 103 Mid-Manaqement
This figure was provided by the Finance Director and is according
to the Mid-Management Contract. It represents the next step
on the Mid-Manager Wage Scale.
Account 104 Clerical
This is less than last year due to two positions with longevity
were vacated and filled at a lower hourly rate.
Account 107 Nursinq
The increase represents a three percent (3%) raise which is con-
sistent with the Town's Bargaining Unit.
Account 122 Longevity
This represents the longevity for nurses, clerical union employees
and home health aides.
Account 128 Home Health Aides
The figures represents a three percent (3%) increase.
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Account 214 .Uniforms
The figure remains unchanged from previous years.
Account 207 Orqanization Fees
This is less there year because they will not be doing the JCAHO
accreditation until the year 1998.
Account 208 Professional Development
Carol Wade stated that they are mandated to provide each nurse
and each home health aide with 12 hours of continuing education
annually.
Account 118 Speech Therapy
Carol Wade stated that they have two part-time speech therapists
who are paid on a per visit basis. The visits are 100% reimbursed
by Third Party Payers.
Account 212 Copying
This is an estimated figure provided by the Finance Director.
Account 213 Mileaqe
As some cars may be "put out of service" it is anticipated more
mileage will be added to personal cars.
Account 253 Professional Services
This service is for the annual Hospital Cost Study Audit Fee provided
by the auditors, Simeone & Simeone.
Account 254 Proqram/Data Processinq Services
Carol Wade stated that the Picker Business Systems monthly service
charge will increase in Fiscal Year 1997-98. She also stated that
they will be purchasing a Patient Satisfaction National Database
and Benchmark Program.
Account 276 Flu Clinics
This is a reflection of the increase in the cost of the vaccinations
and supplies.
Account 293 Telephone/Answerinq Service
Carol Wade stated that there is a decrease in this account.
Account 401 Computer Equipment
Carol Wade stated that they are requesting 2 P C's, one for the
Clinical Supervisor and one for the Administrator, 2 laptop
computers for nurses in the field.
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Account 403 File Cabinet
Carol Nade stated that they are required to keep medical records
for 10 years and with the existing cabinets full they are seeking
additional space.
Account 506-2 Beepers
Carol Nade stated that they would like to upgrade the beeper system
for the nurses.
Account 107 Nurses
This represents a 3% increase, consistent with the Town's bargaining
unit.
Account 122 Longevity
Three school nurses will qualify for longevity in Fiscal Year 1997-
1998.
Account 128 School Health Room Aides
This represents a 3% increase, consistent with the Town's bargaining
unit.
Account 129 Dental Hygienist
This represents a 3% increase, consistent with the Town's bargaining
unit.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Antoinette Pajor, Social Services Director, presented her budget to
the committee.
Account 207 Organizational Fees
Antoinette Pajor stated that this is money paid to the Substance
Abuse Council.
Account 252 Contractual Services
Antoinette Payor stated that she is in agreement with Town Manager's
reduction of this account to $10,000. for an additional 183 hours
for the fiscal year.
Account 277 Youth Grant
This line reflects the balance of revenue from the State of CT
Department of Children and Families.
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Antoinette Pajor addressed the General Assistance Reimbursements
for financial and medical.
Account 287-6 Homemakinq
This needs to be changed from $1,135. to $1,192.
Antoinette Pajor stated that item 438 of Capital Items has been
deleted. Overall a decrease in her budget of $13,336.
Town Manager stated that she reduced Account 121-1 Overtime from
$1,500. to $500. since it is not being used.
Antoinette Pajor stated that she is here to answer any questions
that the committee may have on the State taking over the General
Assistance Program. Antoinette also gave an explanation on how
this take over will impact her department.
WATER CONTROL COMMISSION
Jack Ross, Administrative Assistant Water Control and Morgan Seelye,
Director of Public Works, presented their budget to the Committee.
Mr. Ross stated that on page 3 of the proposed Water Control Budget
is an explanation of the water revenues from that department and on
page 5 is the narrative for the revenues. Mr. Ross stated that the
expenditures are listed on page 7 and on page 8 & 9 are the
narratives for the expenditures.
Salaries/Administration
Mr. Ross stated that there is a decrease in this due to the fact
tha~ a long term employee retired and was replaced by another
employee at a lower pay scale.
Mr. Ross stated that the sewer revenues are listed on page 13 and
the narratives on page 14.
Gary Clinton, Finance Director, explained the Account 193 -
Depreciation.
Mr. Ross stated that account 421 Miscellaneous Service reflects
the payment from Mattabassett District Sludge Management Program
of $22,445.00
Mr. Ross stated that the sewer expenditures are listed on page 17
and the narratives on pages 18-21.
Capital Expenditures
Mr. Ross stated that they have 12 sewer pumps stations in the
district. They are planning to over-haul the pump station on
Middletown Road.
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Account 192 Salaries/Operations & Maintenance
Hr. Ross stated that his account is lower due to a new employee.
Gary Clinton stated that the insurance cost has not yet been
calculated into this budget.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Maryann Cherniak, Health Director, presented her budget to the
Council.
Town Manager Therrien addressed the Wage-Salary account for the
department head.
Account 104 Clerical
The request for Secretarial assistance with the understanding that
the problem of a lack of Health Department Support Staff will be
resolved during the Town Manager's efforts to reorganize the
Town Hall allocation of support staff.
Account 252 Contractual Services
Maryann Cherniak stated that this account is for food service
inspection. She stated that this position is paid partly by
State/Federal Grant.
Maryann Cherniak explained to the committee the amount of inspections
she has to do each year and some of her other responsibilities.
She stated that she is in charge of eight core programs and she
is hoping to get additional hours for the contractual position.
PLANNING
Brian Miller, Town Planner, presented the Planning/Zoning budget to
the committee along with the Planning & Zoning Commission members;
Bruce Moore, Chairman, Joan Carey, Timothy Zigmont and Robert Weiss.
Account 111 - Commission Secretary
Mr. Miller stated that this account was decreased due to the combin-
ing of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Account 253-1 Inspection/Demolition
Mr. Miller stated that this item should be in the Planning Zoning
Department budget. Gary Clinton stated that he will move it to that
department.
Mr. Miller stated that this budget basically remained the same with
little increase.
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Mr. Miller did inform the committee that during Planning/Zoning Hear-
ings in the Council Chambers it is very difficult to present maps
without an updated lighted easel.
Mayor Ragazzi stated that she is looking into this situation and
perhaps this money will be taken from the Council's budget.
PLANNING & BUILDING INSPECTORS DEPARTMENT
Account 103 Mid-Manaqement
This account reflects the salary of three full time employees; the
Building Inspector, Asst. Building Inspector and the Zoning Officer.
ZBA
There was no one present to discuss this budget.
SENIOR CENTER
There was no one present to discuss this budget.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Argazzi made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
Seconded by Councilman Ragazzi.
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Respectfully submitted,
Clerk of the Meeting