Monday, February 9, 2015


BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 3, 2015
DRAFT
Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Sharon Huxley, Sally Huyser, John Ford IV, Robert Brinton Jr.
Absent:  Chip Spear
Visitors:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Hiram Peck, Isabel Kearns, Robert McSherry, Michael Barrista, Rod White, Kim Brinton, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectwoman Aileen Magda
Chairman Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:08 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Grabowski called for approval of the minutes of January 20, 2015.  The motion of approval was moved by John Ford IV and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  Sharon moved to amend the minutes regarding the details of the Town Clerk’s Preservation Account.  Town Clerk Nancy McCarthy reported that a portion of the revenue received into the Historic Preservation Fund under Public Act 00-146 can be used for community investment, i.e. book shelves or special equipment at Town Hall. The amended minutes were then accepted on a vote of 4 yes votes and 1 abstention that of Robert Brinton Jr. 
Chairman Grabowski called for approval of the minutes of December 9, 2014.  The motion of approval was moved by John Ford IV and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  Sharon then amended the minutes by adding that Sandra Wellwood had distributed to the Board of Finance a separate document containing information on internal controls for the Town.  The amended minutes were then accepted on a unanimous vote.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Robert McSherry presented the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department budget.  There is a $5,650 increase over the last year’s recommended budget being requested.  The operating budget remained flat, however the increase in the request is for a computer back up system.  He then reviewed with the Board the Capital Expenditure requests of the department.  The communication system request for radio equipment was discussed.  The proposal is for $1,850,000.  This is only an estimate as location of antennas and other information will be needed to give an accurate total cost.  The second request is for replacement of engine 83 for a cost of $575,000 and the third request is for tires on four apparatus per NFPA regulations for $11,000.  Their total request for Capital Expenditures is $2,436,000.  Robert explained that the fire truck would take one year to build. 
LAND USE BUDGET
Kim Brinton, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission presented a proposal to the Board of Finance of $21,000 to update the Zoning Regulations. Hiram Peck, Land Use Consultant spoke to the Board about the need for these revisions.  The expenditure could be spread over two years as it will take at least fourteen months to complete.  The Commission would also like to increase Hiram’s salary from $1,000 per month to $1,200 per month.  Hiram would like to modify the Sub-division Regulations after the Zoning Regulations have been completed. 
Isabel Kearns briefed the Board on the Land Use operating budget.  There was no significant change from last year.
FIRE MARSHAL
Rod White went over the budget of the Fire Marshal/Emergency Management.  Rod attached a letter explaining to the Board slight modifications to his budget.  In his five year plan he is requesting a replacement vehicle for the one he is presently using.  His present vehicle is a used police cruiser with 100,000 miles on it.  Rod is also requesting funding for compensation for his Deputy Fire Marshal in the event of his absence or when his assistance is required.  He would also like to have funding for the CERT for training, equipment since the State/Federal funding has dropped off and without this, the Team will cease to exist.
SCHEDULE FOR NEXT MEETING
The Board of Finance scheduled Conservation Commission, Library, Health and Park and Recreation for the February 10, 2015 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 9:15 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by John Ford IV.  The vote taken was unanimous.
                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                                                June G. Riley
                                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance
 
 


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