THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL AT THE NEXT BOARD OF FINANCE MEETING
BOARD OF FINANCE
REGULAR MEETING
June 21, 2012
Chester Town Hall
Chester, Connecticut
CALL TO ORDER
The Board of Finance held a regular meeting on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at the Chester Town
Hall. The meeting was called to order by Virginia Carmany, Chair at 7:38 p.m.
In attendance included: Virginia Carmany, Bob Gorman, Lori Ann Clymas (seated for David
Cohen), and Richard Newgard, (seated for the vacancy). Also in attendance, First Selectman Ed
Meehan.
MINUTES
Bob Gorman made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the May 15, 2012 meeting.
Lori Ann Clymas seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Lori Ann Clymas made a motion to add to the agenda the approval of the April 19, 2012
meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Lori Ann Clymas made a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the April 19, 2012
meeting. The motion was seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS
Monthly Financials - The monthly financials were included in the BOF packet.
The protocol, figures and the determination of same at the transfer station were discussed. Ed
Meehan reported that given our population the figures appear high. We also do not get credit
for any metal recycling. This will be reviewed further.
Virginia Carmany reported on a contract with East Hampton for sewage even though Chester’s
system is now on-line. This is the last fiscal year of that contract.
Consideration and Approval of Bills and End of Fiscal Year 2011-12 Transfers
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From
From
From
From
From
From
From
To
10-02-30-1160-104
10-02-30-1160-365
10-05-55-1000-325
10-05-63-1065-265
10-05-63-1105-270
10-05-63-1160-585
10-05-63-1165-125
10-05-62-1000-150
Highway - Winter Maintenance - Overtime Payroll $ 8,958
Highway – Winter Maintenance – Outside Contractor$ 13,042
Employee Benefits – Medical Insurance
$ 55,000
Contingency – General Engineering
$ 3,000
Contingency – General Legal
$ 2,000
Contingency – Winter Maintenance
$ 20,000
Contingency – BOF General Contingency
$ 45,000
Capital Non-recurring
$147,000
Bob Gorman made a motion to approve the transfer as presented. The motion was seconded
and passed unanimously.
First Selectman’s Report
Ed Meehan reported:
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The Bank of America Lease has been advertised and one response has been received
from Essex Savings Bank. The BOS have a special meeting scheduled June 28, 2012
to discuss the lease and the Main Street Project. The space is available at the end of
August and they intend to leave all furniture. Ed outlined the process for decommissioning the back.
The second floor of the Town Hall and replacement of the Community Center were
discussed. The insurance money could be used to renovate the second floor of the
Town Hall for public meeting space. Ed is requesting authorization to add on to the
elementary school for Park & Rec. storage. All options will be discussed with the
BOE. In order to obtain the funds, the town must be under contract by December.
Currently, Park & Rec. is using storage space in either a conference room or a
classroom at the school.
Police Department budget will by short by approximately $10,000 in payroll.
Building and Grounds will be over due to Meeting House, Town Hall HVAC and fire
code expenses at the Library.
Some appliances at the Cedar Lake Snack Shack have been replaced.
The water project at Denlar Drive is 90% completed. Paving is scheduled in July.
Presently, the apartment complex owners are not hooking up to the water line
which raises concerns about digging up a newly paved road if/when these
individuals decide to hook into the system.
The webpage is being revised.
The Water Street Bridge is on schedule.
The Farmer’s Market will move to the Water Street Parking Lot.
An RFP for a re-valuation company will go out in July/August.
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The Main Street Committee has selected a consultant to develop a master plan.
Ed reported on potential Grant opportunities.
Library plans were discussed.
BUSINESS
Nomination and vote to fill Board of Finance member vacancy
Charles Parks has expressed an interest in filling a vacancy on the BOF. Virginia Carmany did
not get a response from Richard Nanke.
Virginia Carmany outlined the protocol, including minority representation (Virginia will call
Hartford for clarification), for filling a vacancy. The BOS appoints alternates and the BOF fills
full member vacancies.
It was suggested that the candidates be interviewed by the BOF prior to appointment.
Review and Comments on DRAFT (6-8-12) Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual
Ed Meehan reported on the Bidding Policy. This policy has been forwarded to John Bennet for
review. Any bid over $10,000 goes out for public bid. Preference to local business is also
included and Attorney Bennet with review this portion of the policy. The auditors have
requested the Town set a Bidding Policy.
The policy will ultimately need to be approved by both the BOF and the BOS.
AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
None.
OTHER BUSINESS
Bob Gorman is the BOF’s representation on the Retirement Board.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion made and duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Suzanne Helchowski
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