Board adopts goals and objectives for FY 2023
SPECIAL MEETING FEB. 22, 2022
Present: Mark Fiorentino, Sally King, Fred Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Town Manager Erica Robertson
Public Session
Glen Ballard, 280 Granville Road, inquired why the First Selectman is not in favor of using taxpayer funds to do an efficiency study, but funds were used for the solar project. He also believes the goals listed in the packet are not goals and do not line up with the responsibilities in the charter.
Kate Bogli, 198R Salmon Brook Street, hopes the board will be as thorough questioning applications from local businesses. She would also like clarification whether alcohol can be brought into the park.
Appointments
The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the following Democratic Town Committee appointments:
Lynn Guelzow (D), 41 Cooley Road to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate for the balance of a four-year term beginning immediately and ending November 21, 2023. (David Hennessey)
Dave Roberts (D), 6 Thronebrook Road to the Zoning Board of Appeals as an Alternate for the balance of a four-year term beginning immediately and ending November 18, 2025. (Wayne Chapple)
Sandra Fischer (D), 28 Cider Mill Heights, to the Library Board for the balance of a two-year term beginning immediately and ending January 9, 2023. (June Ashworth)
Anna Sogliuzzo (D), 15 Olde Orchard Road to the Development Commission for the balance of a two-year term beginning immediately and ending January 8, 2024. (Monica Logan)
The Board voted (5-0-0) to approve the following Republican Town Committee appointment:
Greg Dion (R), 62 Silver Brook Lane to the Park and Recreation Board for the balance of a two-year term beginning immediately and ending January 8, 2024. (Kevin Hobson)
Old Business
Robertson and Fiorentino have been attending town board meetings regarding the strategic plan process. They asked board members to consider ideas and submit suggestions for consideration.
Business
Consideration of Recreation and Leisure Services’ Summer Concert Series in Partnership with Rider Productions – Hosting of Event and Approval of Alcohol Use during their event.
On behalf of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, Kristine Vincent is requesting permission to host the Sunset Concert Series at Salmon Brook Park and allow general overall use of alcohol to be provided by Zen Catering in accordance with State law and the Ordinance Authorizing Promulgation of Rules and on the following dates from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
July 2, 9, 16, 23; Rain Dates July 3, 10, 17, 24
The park would not host any other structured/scheduled activities during that time. Attendees were allowed to bring in coolers last year and there were no issues.
The board voted (5-0-0) to grant permission.
Consideration of Food Trucks in the Valley, LLC Request for Use of Alcohol at Salmon Brook Park During their event Taco Festival
Vincent is requesting permission for sale and consumption of alcohol by Food Trucks in the Valley, LLC at the Taco Festival at Salmon Brook Park on Aug. 20, from noon to 6 p.m. Vincent will provide Fiorentino a packet of information regarding the use of alcohol at the park, per his request.
The board voted (5-0-0) to grant permission.
Consideration of Budget Goals and Objectives
The goals are reviewed regularly by the Board of Selectmen through the budget development process. Robertson indicated she has revised the goals slightly and reviewed them with the Board.
On A Motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Rome, the board voted (5-0-0) to adopt the following budget goals and objectives for FY 2023 and beyond.
Deliver and maintain excellent town services that maximize the highest quality of life for all residents while budgeting in a conservatively and fiscally responsible manner.
Explore alternative methods of providing services and ways to expand revenue sources to minimize property tax increases.
Provide appropriate funding to maintain the Town assets and to meet the long-term capital needs of the Town.
Move away from capital lease borrowing and fund cash purchases in the Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund.
Develop a multi-year plan to maintain unassigned fund balance reserves at a minimum of fifteen percent.
Improve and fund communication strategies with residents and business in all areas of government.
Town Manager Report
The Senior Center is piloting a new digital platform, Secure Senior Connection, which focuses on health and well-being.
The 2021 Grand List grew 3.53 percent.
The Summer Program Guide is now available online and the next program guide will be published on June 1, 2022.
Highlights for Revenues:
Tax collection is consistent with previous years at 95 percent.
Total billed for auto supplements was $620,456.79 and $406,423 was collected as of January 31, 2022. Collection rate for auto supplement is 113 percent.
The second Education Cost sharing payment from the State was received in January. The last installment is due in April.
Town Clerk and Building Permit Fees continue to be strong.
Highlights for Expenditures:
General Administration deficits are for Salaries and IT Operations (monthly service agreement). E. Robertson will request year-end transfers from Contingency Payroll Regular and Misc. Expenses line items to cover these overages.
Building Inspection, Police Department Administration, Public Works Administration, and Recreation Department deficits are due to salaries. Increases were budgeted in Contingency Payroll Regular line item. The town was in contract negotiations with the unions when the FY 2022 budget was adopted.
The Department of Public Works is on track but currently running low on salt.
Selectman Reports
King inquired about the repair (replacement) of the bridge at Holcomb Farm. A grant to fund replacing the bridge is being explored.
Neumann reported the draft of the Affordable Housing Committee’s plan is on the town website and the committee is working on the final plan to present to the board. Fiorentino will grant the committee more time if necessary.
Respectfully submitted,
Erica P. Robertson Town Manager