Board of Finance

Town of Weston - Minutes

The Board of Finance of the Town of Weston met on Thursday, April 6th, 2006, at the Weston Town Hall, Weston, Ct. Members of the Board present were: Messrs. Sargent, Atkinson, Carter. O'Brien, . Muller and Ms. Kopas. Also present were: Dr. Pierson, Superintendent of Schools Weston; Ellen Uzenoff, Chairman of the Weston Board of Education; Lyn Kimberly and Phil Schaefer of the Board of Education; Dan Clarke, Director of School Facilities; Don Saltzman amd Walter Erickson, as well as Mr. Tom Landry, Town Administrator; Rick Darling, Weston Finance Director and Assistant Town Administrator. Chair~an Sargent called the meeting to order at 8:02 p.m. and advised that the purpose of this meeting is to review the budget for 2006/7 and to reach a decision as to the total budget to be presented to the Annual Town Budget Meeting on April 19th, 2006 for their approval.

Mr. Sargent said that he is concerned about certain items mentioned at the Public Hearing held on April 4th, 2006 where questions were raised about certain items that seemed to concern some of the people present. Mr. Atkinson mentioned the cost of benefits, which was explained by Dr. Pierson and members of the Board of Education. He also expressed concern about some general support items (shown on Page #394 of their budget) which were explained by Dr. Pierson. Mr. O'Brien asked about certain items shown on Page #13 of their Budget about salaries shown there. Dr. Pierson explained these for him and pointed out how they tie in to the overall picture. Mr. O'Brien outlined what he would like to see in the various insurance matters, pointing out the advantages of such arrangements. Mr. Carter asked questions about various items in the budget and made suggestions as to what he would like to see there. Mr. Landry explained some of the reasons for overlaps, etc. in certain items and gave some examples. Ms. Kopas said that she would like to see items grouped into one line descriptions and not in many, many places. Ms. Kopas also asked about Summer Work and the salaries shown (Item 1128). Dr. Pierson explained how this works and what is involved. Dr. pierson also answered Ms. Kopas questions about tutors (Item 1132) Mr. Muller, in commenting on the overall Dudget, said that he has no specific items that bother him. It would only be a question of overall things and he feels that most of them have been well covered.

Board of Finance

Town of Weston - Minutes

The Board of Finance then went on to consider the Selectmen's Budget, as follows:

ACCOUNT #100 - ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE - $587,928: After discussion on this account, Mr. MUller moved to approve same in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #110 - GENERAL ADMINISTRATION - $2,979,150: After discussion on this account, Mr. O'Brien moved to reduce this account by $50,000. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote on this reduction was all in favor. Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount of $2,929,150. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #115 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS - $251,223: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #120 - PROBATE COURT - $4,900: After discussion on this account Mr. O"Brien moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #130 - ELECTIONS/REGISTRARS - $39,411: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #141 - BOARD OF FINANCE - $48,600: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #142 - TREASURER - $22,802: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #143 - ASSESSOR - $111,164: After discussion on this account Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #144 - TAX COLLECTION - $102,080: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #145 - BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS - $500: After discussion

on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #150 - LEGAL COUNSEL - $184,000: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #160 - TOWN CLERK - $117,537: After discussion on this account Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

Board of Finance

Town of Weston - Minutes

ACCOUNT #170 - PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION - $87,394: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #175 - HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION - $450: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #180 - ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS - $2,050: After discussion on this account, Atkinson moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. O'Brien seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #191 - BUILDING INSPECTOR - $93,369: After discussion on this account, Mr. Atkinson moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #195 - BUILDING COMMITTEE - $1,200: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #210 - POLICE SERVICES - $1,552,251: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #220 - VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT - $198,026: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #240 - FIRE MARSHAL - $62,036: After discussion on this account Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #250 - ANIMAL CONTROL - $61,681: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #260 - COMMUNICATIONS CENTER - $327,068: After discussion on this account, Mr. Carter moved for a reduction in the overtime account of $12,000 .. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor. Mr. Carter moved for approval of $315.068 for this account. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #263 - SW Conn. Emerq. Med.Serv. - $1,260: After discussion on this account, Mr. Atkinson moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #264 - EMERG. MED. COMM. SERVo - $11,932: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. O'Brien seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACOUNT #266 - REGIONAL PARAMEDIC - $121,053: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

Board of Finance

Town of Weston - Minutes

ACCOUNT #300 - PUBLIC WORKS HIGHWAY - $1,590,928: After discussion om this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #410 - SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL - $106,958: After discussion on this account. Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. O'Brien seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #510 -WESTPORT/WESTON HEALTH DISTRICT - $178,396: After discussion on this.account, Nr, Nuller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms.Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #515 - SW REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH BOARD - $1,545: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #520 - CONSERVATION COMMISSION - $69,419: After discussion on this account, Mr. Carter moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #530 - WESTON WATER UTILITY - $20,900: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #550 - SCHOOL/TOWN WATER SUPPLY - $34,380: After discussion on this account, Mr. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #600 - HUMAN SERVICES - $64,413: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #700 - YOUTH SERVICES - $45.280: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #750 - COMMISSION FOR THE ELDERLY - $73,171: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #810 - PUBLIC LIBRARY - $354.062: After discussion on this accound, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount

requested. Ms. Kopas seconded. The vote was all in favor except Mr. Atkinson who recused himself as his wife is the Director of the Public Library and Ms. Kopas who abstained.

ACCOUNT #910 - RECREATION DEPARTMENT - $162,806: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amounts requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

Board of Finance

Town of Weston - Minutes

ACCOUNT #912 - PARKS AND FIELDS - $115,742: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #913 - MIDDLE SCHOOL POOL - $67,126: After discussion on this account, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #930 - MUNICIPAL DEBT (INTEREST) - $3,014,943: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and th€ vote was all in favor.

ACCOUNT #950 - MUNICIPAL DEBT (PRINCIPAL) - $3,560,000: After discussion on this account, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

The Board of Finance went on to consider the items included in the Capital Budget, as follows, using the identifying numbers from the Budget Copy presented to the Board of Finance:

After discussion on these two items, Ms.Kopas moved for approval of both of them. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#023 - Assessor - Revaluation - $75,000: After discussion on this item Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor except Mr. Carter who was opposed.

#037 - DPW SNOW REMOVAL TRUCK - $95,000: After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#043 - TOWN BUILDING REPAIRS - $55,000; After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#060 - NATURE CONSERVANCY - LACHAT - $450,000; After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#075 - ANIMAL CONTROL VEHICLE - $27,000: After discussion on this item, Nr. Carter moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

Board of Finance

Town of Weston Minutes

#083 - BOE/P&R TURF REPLACE. FUND - $40,000: After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#087 - DPW ONE TON PICKUP TRUCK/PLOW - $31,000: After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#088 - P&R BLEACHERS MOREHOUSE - $12,500: After discussion on this item, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#089 - P&R DRIVEWAY MOREHOUSE - $25,000: After discussion on this item, Mr. Atkinson moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#090 - DPW FUEL MONITOR/PRINTER - $17,680: After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Muller seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#091 - REPLACE FIRE ENGINE NO.3 - $175,000: After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. O'Brien seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#092 - DISPATCH HARDWARE/SOFTWARE - $120,000: After discussion on this item, Mr. Atkinson moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#093 - PUBLIC SERVICE GENERATOR - $100,000: After discussion on this item Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#095 - BOE CURTAIN DRAIN EAST - $50,000: After discussion on this item, Mr. Atkinson moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. O'Brien seconded and the vote was all in favor.

#099 - MS/HS REPLACE ASPHALT PAVING - $100,000: After discussion on this item, Mr. Muller moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. O'Brien seconded and the vote was all in favor.

100 - MS/HS PARTIAL ROOF - $300,000: After discussion on this item, Ms. Kopas moved to approve this account in the amount requested. Mr. Atkinson seconded and the vote was all in favor except Ms. Kopas who

was opposed. (Ms. Kopas said that this money should be put into the roof repair account and needed repairs done at one time, rather than doing bits and pieces each year.)

Board of Finance

Town of Weston - Minutes

As a result of tonight's deliberations, the final budget figures to be presented to the Annual Town Budget Meeting on Wednesday, April 19th, 2006, will be as follows:

follows:

Mr. Muller moved to approve the Town Budget in the amount of $9,792,191. Mr. Carter seconded and the vote was all in favor.

Mr. Sargent moved to approve the Board of Education budget in the amount of $40,051,557. Mr. O'Brien seconded and the vote was all in favor.

Mr. Muller moved to approve the Total Net Budget in the amount of $54,924,402. to be presented at the Annual Town Budget Meeting. Ms. Kopas seconded and the vote was all in favor.

If these figures are accepted at the Annual Town Budget Meeting, they would produce a Mill Rate of 22.94

There being no further business to properly come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Recording Secretary.