TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF FINANCE
MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 8, 2003
PRESENT: Michael Guarco, Chairman; Al Wilke, Christopher Comer, and Richard O’Brien
OTHER ATTENDEES: William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; Gwen Van Dorp, Superintendent of Schools; Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager; Daniel Wolfe, Board of Education Chairman
The meeting of the Board of Finance was called to order by Chairman Michael Guarco at 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
The Board reviewed the minutes of June 9, 2003.
On a MOTION by Al Wilke, seconded by Chris Comer, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the minutes of June 9, 2003.
APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR FUNDING METROHARTFORD GROWTH COUNCIL
Town Manager Smith explained that approximately 29 towns participate. This organization assists regionally to energize the economy. The Development Commission has endorsed membership in the MetroHartford Growth Council and the Board of Selectmen approved the request of funding membership outside of the General Fund Budget with revenues from Economic Development funds.
On a MOTION by Richard O’Brien, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve an appropriation in the amount of $1,862 from (CNEF) Economic Development Fund to continue membership in the MetroHartford Growth Council.
APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR THE HARTFORD FONDATION SENIOR CENTER INITIATIVE
The memo distributed was self-explanatory. It was noted that this is the last year for the three-year grant.
On a MOTION by Al Wilke, seconded by Chris Comer, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve an appropriation request of $20,935 from the General Fund to the Senior Center Initiative Fund.
APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR TOWN WEBSITE PROVIDER
Town Manager Smith gave background information about the website provider, Virtual Town Hall. This provider would replace the currently delinquent website for the town side by providing announcements to the community which can be easily maintained.
A resident of Granby, Edie Duncan, commented that this proposed provider was an easy website to navigate around and she would be pleased to see this program take place.
On a MOTION by Chris Comer, seconded by Richard O’Brien, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the appropriation of $5,000 to be spent from the (CNEF) Economic Development funds for establishing a town website with Virtual Town Hall.
APPROPRIATION REQUEST FOR HISTORIC DOCUMENTS PRESERVATION GRANT
The memo distributed was self-explanatory. Town Manager Smith indicated we have applied for this grant in the past.
On a MOTION by Richard O’Brien, seconded by Al Wilke, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the appropriation request of $7,000 from General Fund Balance to Town Clerk Operations (General Fund).
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS
Town Manager Smith addressed the June 2003 (unaudited) Operations report noting it is the end of the fiscal year and in the process of an audit. Tax collections are on target just as it has been for the past few years. In other revenues there are some shifts because of the State budget problems but overall revenues came in pretty well. The Board of Selectmen will be returning $94,000 to the General Fund.
Town Manager Smith reported on the July Operations report. It was noted Tax Collections are down approximately 2%, part of which may reflect how the month ended. The August report will better reflect the percentage of collection. Revenues and expenditures are on target for the beginning of the fiscal year. There were no items to identify as issues.
A memo outlining State Revenues for Fiscal Year 2004, from Town Manager Smith, provided additional information. It appears that we may receive additional money from the state; more than was budgeted for 2004. The status of the Local Capital Improvement Program is uncertain at this time. Town Manager Smith indicated that the Governor was again provided with powers to make mid-year cuts in grants to cities and towns.
Harry Traver, BOE Business Manager, distributed the Board of Education Financial Statement Account for July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003. He indicated the Board of Education would be returning approximately $100,000 to the General Fund, which includes the building rental account of $35,000. Under Revenues, the SPED Tuition balance from other towns is still a receivable, but slow coming in. The Board of Education is waiting for a decision on a special education due process hearing.
A discussion was held regarding the health care insurance plan making significant gains from the deficient position held in past years. Town Manager Smith indicated it would take a couple of more years to place us in a better position.
OTHER
Chairman Guarco mentioned The Drummer had articles about two town union contract agreements. He indicated both contracts had been negotiated with reasonable increases.
Town Manager Smith reported the Town Capital Improvement Projects have started. A preliminary schedule for these projects was distributed. The start dates for these projects ranged from FY 2003 through 2005.
Chairman Guarco affirmed the changes for the following committees:
· Board of Education – Chris Comer will be the liaison and David Demchak his back up.
· Intratown Cooperative Committee – Chris Comer will no longer continue to serve. Al Wilke will serve in his place. Chairman Guarco indicated a letter should be forthcoming.
Chairman Guarco mentioned a Three Board Meeting should be scheduled for sometime in late October early November given the current budgetary climate.
CONFIRM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Board of Finance is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Police Department Community Room.
ADJOURNMENT
On a MOTION by Chairman Guarco, seconded by Richard O’Brien, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia I. Chieski
Recording Secretary
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