Board of Selectmen
BUDGET WORKSHOP
Tuesday March 25, 2008

Present: Susan Bransfield-First Selectwoman, Carl Anderson, Sharon Gibala, Kathy Richards, Mark Finkelstein, Brian Flood, Carl Chudzik
Others: Robert Shea-Fire Chief, Sandy Darna-Parks & Rec Director, Rob Buden-Finance Director, Carl Johnson

First Selectwoman Bransfield called meeting to order at 7:03 pm.

Parks & Recreation Commission
Sandy Darna gave a brief overview of the programs that the Parks and Recreation Commission sponsors for the town. Ms. Darna requested that the BOS increase the payroll to $138,500 to account for personnel that need to be hired to cover the Skateboard Park. She is estimating this cost based on an hourly rate and 25 hours per week. The Skateboard Park is likely to be open Monday-Friday 3-6pm and Sat/Sun 12pm-5pm or 6pm. Volunteer support for this position cannot be used.

Mark Finkelstein asked for clarification on the increase for Equipment Repairs and Rentals. Answer: Repairs last year such as the light pole are items that were not budgeted. The cost for portable toilets has increased, as has the number of units that must be rented. A bucket truck and operator must be rented to put up lights on the Town tree for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Parks and Recreation is looking to purchase a new gate for Bransfield Park and to replace tables and outside furniture. There are also parking lot upgrades that need to be done.

The question was asked as to why Summer Concerts are no longer being scheduled. They were not well attended in the past and so this was discontinued.

Mrs. Bransfield asked for the Fund balance, which was stated at approximately $76,000. There is the possibility that this can be used for field improvements.

Grounds Maintenance Division
Carl Johnson presented this budget to the BOS. He clarified that the increase in Equipment Repair/Rental should be $3300, not $5400. This increase is requested to pay for the rental of screening equipment for the organic lawn care program. There is a possibility that there will be a purchased of compost material, in which case the screening equipment dollar amount should be moved to grounds supplies.

Mr. Johnson discussed the equipment repairs that need to be done and how he would like to accomplish this. Older equipment necessities repairs and the costs of the parts are increasing. There is a $3,000 increase in the line item of grounds supplies. Mr. Johnson reported that this account in already in the negative and that therefore the increase in necessary.

Carl Chudzik asked for clarification of composting purchase, inquiring why the town cannot create its own compost. Mr. Johnson replied that the compost which is purchased is a much better quality than the town can produce. It is virtually weed-free, a consideration since the Town is now using organic fertilizers.

Public Works Department:
Carl Johnson and Rick Kelsey reported jointly to the BOS that there is a possibility to enhance the operations of both Grounds Maintenance and Public works by creating one full time position that can support both departments.

Grounds Maintenance has the need for a seasonal position and Public Works has a part time position that needs to be maintained in the budget. The creation of one position to serve both departments 50% will allow for cost savings to the town and also for both departments to run more efficiently. They foresee the position to be split equitably between departments but also allowing for seasonal variations as needed. There is especially the need for Grounds Maintenance to benefit from this position due to the personnel shortages in the fall and spring for the field prep for Parks and Recreation programs which have increased considerably.

Public works budget overview:
Rick Kelsey presented this budge to the BOS. He reported that there are significant personnel changes being considered and that the reorganization of the Public Works Department is being recommended.
The Supervisor of Operations is a key position for the department and serves as the assistant to Rick Kelsey. This position is currently being used due to the need to staff Resource Recovery. Suggested in this budget is replacing the position at Resource Recovery; elimination of the Highway Supervisor and creation of a crew leader position to replace the Highway Supervisor. This reorganization can save the Town approximately $60,000 in salary and benefits while maintaining or increasing present level of service.

Mark Finkelstein asked Mr. Kelsey if the increase in road materials will be sufficient. Mr. Kelsey replied in the affirmative.

With regard to vehicle maintenance, repairs are being made and the hiring of an excellent auto technician is making a difference, however the cost of parts continues to increase.

The Town Engineer budget has been reduced by approximately 14%, yet it continues to fund necessary projects. The Elmcrest project will require the use of the Town Engineer.

Mr. Kelsey reported that the Town Building budget has an increase of 1% over last year, due to HVAC costs remaining high. The number of calls for service after hours has decreased due to a more aggressive maintenance program.

Mr. Kelsey reported that a grant has been applied for in regard to Water & Sewer, but no approval has been granted yet. Loans applied for at a very low interest rate have been approved and this funding can be used for water department repairs.

Mr. Kelsey reported that there is a possibility of closing the Resource Recovery station one day per week that the man-hours would be used in other areas of the Town on that day.

Sharon Gibala asked about the Level-A Mapping. Mr. Kelsey replied that this cost is in the long range capital budget.

Roy Guild asked the following questions regarding the Public Works budget:

• Has reducing the amount of street lights been considered? It has been considered in the past and can possibly be considered again?
  
• How many years are left on the MDC contract? [17 years]
  
• Are the part-time positions being combined part of the same union? Yes, there are no anticipated problems?

Long Range Capital
Michael Agogliati, Chairman of Long Range Capital Committee reviewed the budget requests for the BOS. $1,389,000 was cut from the original long range capital budget. He discussed some projects that are up for consideration such as:

• Handicapped van replacement for the BOE at a cost of $25,000.
  
• Fire Department gear replacement, 10 sets of gear at a cost of $2,000 per set. This gear must be replaced as the Fire Department is currently not in compliance with standards.
  
• VCT tile replacement at Gildersleeve School.
  
• Library roof repair - cost estimated at approximately $200,000. Fund $40,000 per year for the next 5 years.
  
• The town garage needs to replace the roller at a cost of $20,000.
  
• Grounds maintenance will need equipment replacements for a walk-behind mower, infield groomer and replacement of 1997 Ford F350 pick up truck.
  
• Police Department will need cruisers replaced and outfitted with equipment. Model change from Ford to Chevy at significant cost savings.
  
• Parks and Recreation needs to make field improvements.
  
• Library computers need replacing to be able to continue to provide public access to computers/internet.
  
• Public Works parking lot needs to be paved. This project was never completed. Only the first phase was done at time of construction.
  
• Funding needed for replacement of Town dump truck which was not funded last year.
  
• $15,000 needed to replace alarm panel for Town communications and Dispatch.

Mr. Agogliati requested that when considering this budget to keep in mind improvements that are needed in future years, such as parking lots in town buildings and school buildings, computers, police cruisers. In addition, no funding for the BIS roof has been requested this year. Roof is in need of repair or replacement at a cost of $500,000.

Roy Guild asked the following questions regarding the Long Range Capital Budget:

• Has a solar roof been considered for the library? [This will be looked into.]
  
• How many police cruisers does the town utilize? [10 cruisers plus one spare.]
  
• Has the Town considered replacing police department with State Police coverage? [Not at this time.]
  
• Can paving costs be saved by chip sealing at the town garage? [Answer is no.]
  
• Can the Town Garage parking lot be gravel instead of pavement? [Answer is no. There is too much traffic with large vehicles.]

The Police Department will submit their budget on April 2. There was a motion made by Mark Finkelstein, seconded by Sharon Gibala, to adjourn the meeting. Vote unanimous, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Siena, Board Clerk