BOARD OF FINANCE SPEC IAL MEETING MARCH 22, 2011 Page 1 of 2 Attendance: Chairman Janet Brunwin, Chip Spear, Sally Huyser, John Grabowski, Robert Brinton Jr., Stephen Squinto joined the meeting at 7:20 p.m., First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski Visitors: Tim Connellan, Kathleen Schurman, Aileen Magda Chairman Brunwin called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Brunwin moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 15, 2011. The motion was seconded by Robert Brinton Jr. There were no changes to the minutes. The minutes were then accepted on a unanimous vote. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Superintendent Tim Connellan distributed a staff organizational chart. Superintendent Connellan indicated that the assistant principal works 11 months of the year. The superintendent works 225 days of the year. The Board of Education employs 100 people. The present enrollment is 514 students. The Board of Finance questioned the number of employee/student ratio. First Selectwoman Gorski gave a statistics report for other towns in Connecticut with approximately the same number of students. The student /employee ratio was approximately the same throughout. The Board of Education could reduce their budget by $71,500 if the union accepts Aetna as their medical provider. Modifications within the teaching staff could save an additional $23,000. Superintendent Connellan indicated that the replacement of the oil tanks as they are twenty years old was the first priority on the Capital Expenditures list. The replacement of the water tank would be next on the list. The furnace replacements in both annexes need to be done but could be placed last on the list. CORRESPONDENCE The Bethany Library Association submitted a letter, further explaining their budget increase and giving clarification for statistical profile. AIRPORT FUND & MAINTENANCE The horse rings at the Airport are in need of repair. The announcer’s stand is also in need of repair. First Selectwoman Gorski has received a quote for repair of the rings. Three quotes were given, first for total repair by an outside contractor, second for repair by an outside contractor with the Town of Bethany purchasing the materials, and the third for machine rental from an outside contractor with the Town of Bethany hauling and supplying the materials. Two members of the Lion’s Club have volunteered to repair the announcer’s stand. They will need materials to do this repair work. Following a brief discussion Chairman Brunwin moved to approve up to $20,000 to be taken from the Airport Fund for repair of the horse rings and announcer’s stand. The vote was called. The vote was unanimous. BUDGET 2011-12 The Board reviewed the spread sheet listing the submitted budgets for all departments. The actuarial report for the Firemen’s Pension indicated that additional funds should be put into the investment account over the next few years because of recent lower interest rates on this account. There will be one fireman retiring during fiscal year 2012 and two the following year. Robert Brinton Jr. suggested increasing the snow and ice budget to at least the actual average cost of the past few years. Board members agreed with his suggestion. This line item was increased to $195,000. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES The Board opened discussion regarding closing out of some Capital Expenditures accounts. Following discussion Chairman Brunwin moved to close out the capital account for a tractor for $32,000 approved in 2006 but never purchased, balance of fire hose account for $2,158 requested in 2009 and fire tanker for $80 balance of lease purchase. The monies will revert back to the capital expenditures fund. Robert Brinton Jr. seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous. Other capital expenditure requests were discussed. No vote was taken on recommendations at this time for the 2011-12 budget year capital requests. ADJOURNMENT Adjournment was called at 8:35 p.m. after a motion was moved by Chip Spear and seconded by John Grabowski. The vote taken was unanimous. Respectfully submitted, June G. Riley Clerk, Board of Finance