BOARD
OF FINANCE
JANUARY
14, 2020
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1 of 3
MINUTES
APPROVED – 2-11-2020
The
following Board members were present:
John Grabowski, Chairman; Sharon Huxley, John Ford, Catherine Erickson,
Sally Huyser and Lars Demander.
Also
in attendance were: First Selectman Paula
Cofrancesco, Selectman Don Shea, Finance Director Sheila Lane and Acting
Director Public Works Tony Ciarleglio
1. Chairman
John Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:03
p.m. The meeting was held in the
Selectman’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.
2. APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
Chairman
Grabowski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of
December 10, 2019. The motion of
approval was moved by Member Huxley and seconded by Member Ford. There were no changes to the minutes. Member Demander abstained. Voting for:
Grabowski, Huxley, Ford, Erickson, Huyser. Unanimous approval.
3. CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT
Chairman
Grabowski stated that the Amity Board of Education is returning $2,199,272 of
which $424,888 is going to Bethany for fiscal year 18-19.
The
Board discussed the proposed increase in budget by the Amity Board of Education
and that it is high. Chairman Grabowski
stated the Amity BOE will be presenting their budget on February 11, 2020, and
if any members have specific questions to email him and he will forward to
BOE.
Chairman
Grabowski mentioned that in 2023 the Amity BOE will be going for another bond
due to the fact the roof at the high school needs to be replaced.
Also,
Chairman Grabowski mentioned the items effecting the higher budget are as
follows: Increases in salaries,
benefits, security, special education, and transportation.
4. FIRST
SELECTMAN’S REPORT
First
Selectman Paula Cofrancesco noted that the Board of Selectmen recommended that
the Board of Finance approve the expenditure of $13,173 to Woodbridge Youth
Services for the Bethany Share Program so that the children from Bethany can
participate in activities in Woodbridge.
First
Selectman Cofrancesco mentioned that she received the report from BETA today in
regard to the roads but has not had a chance to review; and once the Board of
Selectmen reviews the report, they will work on an RFP so that the Town will be
ready for the spring to continue fixing the roads.
BOARD
OF FINANCE
JANUARY
14, 2020
Page
2 of 3
Finance
Director Sheila Lane mentioned that the managers in Town Hall had training
today with the Paychex Company regarding preparing performance appraisals for
employees which would possibly give the employee a merit increase, and the
merit increase would be included on the budget line for proposed raises for the
next fiscal year.
First
Selectman Cofrancesco introduced Tony Ciarleglio, Acting Director of Public
Works. First Selectman Cofrancesco
encouraged the Board of Finance Members to visit the Town Garage and observe
the condition of the building and some of the equipment being used, which can
be a safety issue.
Mr.
Ciarleglio discussed the purchasing of a truck which has already been approved
by the Town but was concerned with the cost of the interest going over the
monies that was approved. The Board of
Finance did not have concerns due to the fact the money is already in budget
and was previously approved. Finance
Director Lane will contact dealer, confirm payment options and prepare purchase
order.
Mr.
Ciarleglio also discussed the much-needed repairs of some of the equipment at
the Town Garage. Chairman Grabowski
recommended that Mr. Ciarleglio prepare a list of equipment, condition of the
piece of equipment and if in need of repair and obtain estimates to
repair. Also, Chairman Grabowski
recommended Mr. Ciarleglio prepare a list of what is needed to be purchased and
to come up with a total to present to the Board of Finance as a Capital item. Mr. Cialeglio agreed to prepare lists.
Mr.
Ciarleglio mentioned repairs to the building and Chairman Grabowski stated that
Rod White oversees all buildings and that he would need to follow up with Rod
and that Rod would be presenting this to the Board of Finance.
5. FINANCE
DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Finance
Director Sheila Lane stated for the audit we did receive an extension until
January 31, 2020. Ms. Lane also
mentioned she is working with the accountants and the system is now unlocked
and they will be back next week to continue work.
A. MONTHLY
ENDING REPORT FOR FY 2019-20
Finance
Director Lane distributed to the Board copies of the monthly report for
Expenses, and the Capitol Report and reviewed and answered questions from Board
members.
6. ADDRESS
CONTROL ISSUES
Finance
Director Sheila Lane submitted an Organizational Chart and Chart of Finance
Rolls and Responsibilities for review by the Board and answered questions about
the same.
Also,
Ms. Lane stated that she is working as a part-time status due to a health
issue.
BOARD
OF FINANCE
JANUARY
14, 2020
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7. ANY
OTHER MATTER PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
Chairman
Grabowski stated the Board will be meeting with the Amity Board of Education,
who will be presenting their budget on February 11, 2020.
The
Board discussed having workshops with each department regarding their budgets
starting in February.
First
Selectman Cofrancesco mentioned raising the cost of the use of the Bethany
Lodge and that right now we are not breaking even and will look at expenses
versus revenue.
8. ADJOURNMENT
At
8:44 p.m., it was moved by Member Huxley and seconded by Member Huyser to
adjourn the regular meeting. Unanimous
approval.
Respectfully
submitted,
Antonia
R. Marek
Meeting
Clerk
