Loading...
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. -2- 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. -3- 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. -4- 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. 5 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. --6-- 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. --7-- 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. -8- 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. -9- 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