BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
February 28, 2007

Present: Philip J. Miller, First Selectman
Norman Needleman, Selectman
Vincent A. Pacileo, III, Selectman

Philip Miller called the meeting to order at 5:42 pm.

Approval of the Minutes:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the February 21, 2007 special meeting and budget workshop minutes. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Communications and Correspondence: None

Public Comment: None

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

Philip Miller reported that

• Pfizer is bringing more people to this area and that he would like to encourage Pfizer employees to consider Essex. Vincent Pacileo, who works for Pfizer, indicated that he will notify the appropriate Pfizer person that Essex welcomes them.
  
• The beginning of STEAP Phase 2 is scheduled for March 1 and that a handout with information will be provided to the residents and businesses alerting them of traffic patterns and the work to be done.

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Employee Position Descriptions:

Philip Miller reported that the position description for approval today, Police Officer had been given to the Selectmen at the last meeting for their review.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to approve the Police Officer position description. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was approved with Norman Needleman abstaining. Motion carried.

Norman Needleman abstained indicating that he had not been able to review the description.

B. Clean Energy Options Program:

Philip Miller stated that there are 80 Essex families enrolled in the Clean Energy program. Mr. Miller asked that Selectman Needleman and Pacileo consider enrolling.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Sale of Tax Liens:

Information from Attorney Royston was reviewed regarding putting in place a Resolution for the Sale of Tax Liens. The Board would like further clarification from Attorney Royston and would like to schedule for an upcoming meeting.

B. Resignations Boards and Commissions:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to accept the resignation of Susan G. Nilsen from the Zoning Board of Appeals with thanks and regret. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

2007-2008 BUDGET:

A. Overview:

Philip Miller reviewed the First Selectman's Proposed Budget for 2007-2008 as follows:

The First Selectman's Proposed Budget for 2007-2008 for General Government is $6,052,020, an increase of $377,838 or 6.7% over the 2006-2007 budget. Excluding the interest expense associated with the Essex Elementary School Renovation, the increase is 3.3%.

At the outset of the budget process this year, I requested that Departments, Boards and Commissions to request "as close to a zero increase" as possible. The initial budget requests for town government have been carefully reviewed by me and Town Treasurer Robert Dixon and have been reduced by over $250,000.

The significant budget increases are as follows:

• Debt Service-Interest (page B47) increased by $166,257 as a result of the anticipated bonding for the Essex Elementary School Renovations project.
  
• Libraries (page B49) increased by $38,000, which is in keeping with the commitment made to the Essex Library to increase operating cost support and with the goal of providing the Ivoryton Library with 70% of their operating costs.
  
• Director of Health (page B37) increased by $36,306 reflecting the addition of a full-time Director of Health beginning January 1, 2008 and additional funding for the current part-time Director of Health to allow for a smooth transition.
  
• Fringe Benefits (page B10), increased by $30,386 as a result of six individuals entering the retirement plan (after three years of full-time employment) with the corresponding three years of back contributions.
  
• Park and Recreation (page B21), increased by $30,315 to provide for a full-time Park and Recreation Director position as well as a part-time dedicated maintenance person for park maintenance through the spring, summer and fall. It should be noted that the revenue for Park and Recreation has increased by $19,149.
  
• Police Services (page B34), increased by $16,842 to reflect the overlap of a retiring police officer and two new police officer trainees. It should be noted that the Essex Police have been short one officer since July of 2005.
  
• Central Services (page B3), increased by $14,967 as a result of a 22% increase in electricity costs, and the proposal to install two hatchways on the Town Hall roof and the replacement of eight turbine ventilators.
  
• Board of Finance (page B16), increased by $12,000 to provide for additional contingency funds and additional audit fees for a Federal audit if USDA funding is used for the Elementary School Renovations Project.
  
• Social Services (page B42), increased by $11,819 to provide for the availability of additional hours for the Municipal Agent during seasonal load. Additional funding has also been provided for social outreach.

It should be noted that the 2007-2008 Expenditures Summary (pages A3 and A4) reflect revenue offsets for various departments, such as:

• Pumpout Boat (page B39), new account within the budget, offset by revenue in the amount of $50,952.
  
• Town Clerk (page B7), fees to the State of Connecticut in the amount of $47,700 which are offset by revenue and Historical Preservation grant revenue in the amount of $7,000.
  
• Clean Energy Task Force (page B17), a new account within the budget, offset by grant revenue and other income in the amount of $4,000.

It should be noted that we do not have the Essex Elementary School and Region 4 proposed budgets at this time. I am hopeful that we will receive their budgets shortly to fully consider in our budget review process.

Revenue Summary:

The Grand List has risen by .85% and the estimated revenues for budgetary purposes reflect this increase. There are many revenue items which are not available at this time, such as the Governor's proposed elimination of the car tax. The revenues at this time are estimated and subject to change and review.

Mr. Miller stated that he looks forward to the discussion and formal review of the Proposed Budget with his fellow Selectmen and members of the Board of Finance, other Boards and Commissions and the public.

Vincent Pacileo stated his concern with a 4% increase for non-union Town employees indicating that 3% is more in line with the private sector. Mr. Pacileo stated that he is favor of finishing the Ivoryton sidewalks. There was discussion regarding this year's surplus for capital improvements offsets in the 2007-2008 budget.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to adjourn at 9:05 pm. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Varricchio
Board Clerk