Approved 5/7/07                             Board of Finance

 

 

Board Members Present:  Ms. Patty Kopas, Chair Jerry Sargent, Michael O’Brien, Richard Nichols, Bob Atkinson,  Michael Carter, David Muller and Secretary Donna M. Anastasia.

 

Also Attending: Finance Director Rick Darling, Bruce Chudwick of Shipman & Goodwin, Brian Gioiele of the Weston Forum, Margaret Wirtenberg, Lucy T. Li and Kathy Meighan of Weston Arts, Cemetery Committee Members Pamela Bochinski and Richard Wolf and Building/School Building Committee member Alan Swerdlowe.   

 

 

 

Discussion regarding the decision at a Special Board of Selectmen meeting (3/12/07) to

re-allocate the remaining 2.9 million dollars from the Middle School Auditorium to

renovate the High School Auditorium and repair/replace the High School roof. Mr.

Darling gave an outline of the resolution to transfer 2.890 million in remaining funds

from the Middle School bond resolution to the Weston High School Roof project and

the renovation of the High School auditorium. The combined costs of  the projects as

noted in a memo from Tom Landry (attachment) is 3.270 million. (The available funding

of the 2.890 million from bond funds, 236,000 remaining in the approved Capital budget

for the High School for this year) We will not be recommending additional appropriation

from the fund balance (144,000 shortage) because there is a contingency amount for the

roof proposal. Additional bids need to come in for the auditorium to address this.

 

Mr. Chudwick of Shipman & Goodwin, Bond Counsel discussed the resolution of the

transfer of funds between projects. The resolution states a recommendation to transfer

an appropriation bond authorization of 2.890 million from the Middle School Auditorium

project to the replacement of the roof at the Weston High School and the planning, design

and renovation of the auditorium at Weston High School. All conditions in the existing

bond authorization of 2001 remain in force.

 

Discussion regarding the contingency amount for the roof. Mr. Wolf Vice Chair of the

School Building Committee explained that there is a 10% contingency which is more

than adequate. Only portions of the “old” roof will be replaced not the entire surface.

The new work will have a 20 year warranty.

 

 

 

Board of Finance 3/15/07

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Meighan of Weston Arts gave a presentation on the High School Auditorium and

Included a needs assessment summary provided by Theater Project Consultants. The

auditorium has not been renovated or updated in 40 years. Findings included in the

consultant’s report; seats are 40 years old, stage floor needs upgrade, rigging system is

antiquated, Lightboard is in need of expansion, the sound system needs upgrading and

thrust stage to be replaced. An estimate (1.6 M) was done including the upgrades and

architectural fees. The Weston Arts plans to launch a “Seat Campaign” along with the

BOE to raise additional funds. Currently Weston Arts has a $150,000.00 anonymous

donation and $20,000.00 in an escrow account.

 

David Muller made a motion to approve the resolution of the transfer of 2.890 million

 

                                                            Vote

 

 

 

Motion carries unanimously.        

 

 

 

 

 2.      Discussion/decision regarding $10,000.00 supplemental    appropriation request from the Cemetery Committee

 

Mr. Richard Wolf, Pamela Bochinski and Alan Swerdlowe presented a request to

the Board for $10,000.00 to research a Cemetery project for the town. The Board

Of Selectmen has approved the initial request to have the preliminary research

study done. Ms. Bochinski assured the Board no more than $10,000.00 of the

supplemental appropriation will be used, possibly less to complete the study.  

 

Ms. Kopas made a motion to approve a $10,000.00 supplemental appropriation for the

Cemetery Committee to proceed with preliminary research for the purpose of having

a new cemetery built for the residents of Weston. Mr. Muller seconded, motion passes

unanimously. 

 

 

 

 

Board of Finance 3/15/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion made by Patty Kopas to approve the October 12, 2007 minutes as amended, Mr.

O’Brien seconded, motion carries unanimously. Motion made by Patty Kopas to approve

the minutes of November 9, 2007, Mr. Muller seconded, motion carries unanimously.

Motion made by Mr. O’Brien to approve the December 14, 2007 minutes, motion

seconded by Mr. Muller, motion carries unanimously. Motion made by Patty Kopas to

approve the minutes of January 11, 2007, Mr. Carter seconded, motion carries

unanimously. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Landry who was attending the Board of Selectmen meeting mentioned an appropriation of an estimated $50,000.00 to be discussed further at a subsequent

BOF meeting.

 

 

Having no further business to come before this Board, David Muller made a motion to adjourn, Ms. Kopas seconded meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

 

 

Respectfully submitted

Donna M. Anastasia, Secretary