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
Page 1 of 2
