BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 24, 2015

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DRAFT

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Robert Brinton Jr., Chip Spear, Sharon Huxley, Sally Huyser, John Ford IV

Visitors: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski,  John Barille, Superintendent, Fred Bartolini, Adam Carrington, Linda Saffran, Inez Kelso, Tim Sharon, Dave Merriam, Diane Krivda, Chris Pittenger, Selectwoman Aileen Magda, Alan Green

The special meeting of the Board of Finance was called to order at 7:10 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of February 10, 2015.  The motion of approval was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Chip Spear.  Sharon Huxley wanted to add that it should be researched as to when the Land Acquisition Fund was started and was it for the purpose of buying land or toward expenses to buy land.  The vote was called for approval as amended.  The vote was five yes votes and one abstention that of Robert Brinton Jr. because of his absence from that meeting.

BETHANY COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Superintendent John Barille gave a power point presentation of the budget of the Bethany Board of Education to the Board of Finance.  John explained that the budget is flat.  He has made staff changes to offset the contractual salary increases.  There is a decrease in enrollment.  All students are in the main building with no classes in the annexes.  He highlighted some of the special programs that are planned.  There is a Capital Expenditure request for a roof replacement on the main building.  Special education was generally discussed. The formation of a Building Committee will have to be recommended by the Board of Selectmen.

POLICE BUDGET

The budget of the Resident Trooper was discussed.  There is talk at the State level of charging Resident Trooper Towns 100% of the cost of a trooper instead of the present 70%.  Troope I answered 5,718 calls during the previous year.  The Town of Bethany employs four constables all under the direction of Trooper Merriam. 

PUBLIC WORKS

The budget for the Public Works was presented by Alan Green, Highway Forman.  Alan outlined roads he would like see on the list for Major Road Repair.  The list includes Emerald Lane, portions of Downs Road, and Raccio Drive.   The estimated cost of repair to these roads would be $250,000.  The estimated cost to repair Schaffer Road is approximately $1,000,000.  The cost of this repair would require bonding.  Alan is waiting for more accurate estimates on this repair. 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 9:15 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by John Ford IV.   

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                               

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance