MINUTES OF BOARD OF FINANCE
August 29, 2016
Present: W. Alvarez, Chairman; S. Clark; W. Mazzucco; J. Dolan; K. Yonkers ; P. O’Donnell
Also present: Finance Director Gniadek; Treasurer Meehan; First Selectman Pemberton; videographers; members of the public.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JULY 25, 2016
On the motion of W. Mazzucco and the second of P. O’Donnell, the motion to approve the 7/25/16 Minutes was unanimously approved.
- FUND BALANCE POLICY REVIEW
Mr. Mazzucco reviewed the revised Fund Balance Policy draft. Additional revisions were discussed and will be incorporated in the final version. P. O’Donnell suggested adding this and all other policies to the Town website.
On the motion of W. Mazzucco and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board unanimously approved the Undesignated Fund Balance Policy revised 8/29/16 incorporating all the changes suggested tonight.
J. Dolan left the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
- TAX COLLECTOR REPORT
Mr. Gniadek summarized an email from the Tax Collector’s office noting collection is 46% vs. 44% for July 2016 vs. 2015.
- FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT
Mr. Gniadek noted receipt of an Open Space Grant from the State of CT for the Town’s portion of the purchase of the Biehn property.
School HVAC funding was discussed and bond sales for Redding and neighboring towns was reviewed. Mr. Alvarez reported that boilers were replaced at the elementary school. Additional information is needed to determine where the funds came from, especially since, during the Board of Finance tour of RES, it was noted that the boiler would not be replaced. Since the boiler appears to have needed replacement so soon after, some members questioned the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the study on which the $5,000,000 HVAC project was based. J. Pemberton noted that the Joel Barlow boiler replacement was a budgeted item.
- TREASURER REPORT
J. Meehan reported the status as right on track and no additional money will be invested at this time.
- REPORTS FROM INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS AS ASSIGNED
W. Mazzucco and P. O’Donnell reported on their attendance at a Board of Education and Board of Finance Subcommittee meeting. J. Pemberton was also in attendance in addition to Sara Sobel and Gwen Denny. All Board of Finance and Board of Education members recognized that they could not reach conclusions at the subcommittee level but would have to discuss recommendations with their respective boards. General discussion focused on metrics for measuring the efficacy of the present education system.
The need to find metrics to determine both the cost and the success of education that are useful for both Boards was noted. The Board discussed the need not only for more standardized information to aid in the annual budget process but also for more real-time information throughout the year so that the Board would be more familiar with the ongoing activities and budget of the Board of Education. P. O’Donnell stated that this project will benefit everyone and decrease the current budget difficulties. K. Yonkers suggested hiring a consultant with relevant experience to provide assistance to the Board of Education. W. Alvarez discussed getting involved with the budget process in December.
The next Subcommittee meeting is TBA. P. O’Donnell and W. Mazzucco reported that the Board of Education representatives have been very cooperative and candid and that the meetings are productive. The Board urged P. O’Donnell and W. Mazzucco to continue to meet at the subcommittee level.
- CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINSTRATIVE MATTERS
J. Pemberton reported on the need for a bus depot for Redding and Easton buses. John Hayes is working with both towns and possible locations were reviewed.
Route 53 bridge is open. Stepney Bridge will open on 8/30/16. Temporary metal guardrail will be replaced with wood in September.
Re: Georgetown, the judge has asked for an extension. A ruling is likely around September 1, 2016.
Jenifer Wyss requested clarification on budget names and reports.
On the motion of W. Mazzucco and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly