TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
BUDGET WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 7, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The Budget Workshop of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices . Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Moira Wertheimer, John Hampton, Robert Hensley, Michael Long and Richard Hogan. Others in attendance included: Kevin Kane, Gerry Toner, John Thibeault, Tom Tyburski, Mike Wallace, Warren Boyle, Steve Mitchell, Jule Gutman, Joan Coe, Rich Correia, Sarah Floroski, Anita Mielert, Richard Sawitzke, and other interested parties.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Ms. Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive said she doesn't feel that anyone should be taking a Town vehicle home. She wants more accountability for Town vehicles. She wants Main Street to justify the $50,000 that they are requesting.
Ms. Coe said Gerry Toner needs to come up with creative ideas to reduce his $72,000 debt. Certain moves can be made to reduce costs.
MAIN STREET PARTNERSHIP
Ms. Floroski played a one minute commercial from CL&P on re-building downtown. This commercial encourages economic development in Town. She feels that Main Street Partnership is good for economic development. She said Ms. Glassman has funded $34,000 like last year, but their scope of services is for $50,000.
Ms. Floroski went through their Scope of Services including marketing, promotions, special events, design, Heritage tourism, partnership and advocacy and economic development. She feels the Town is getting a great return for their investment. They can accept donations as they are a 501-3c organization.
Ms. Floroski said that the Farmington Valley Tourism and Heritage Tourism is not a duplication. They are both a long term instrument for the Town.
Mr. Mitchell said the future should focus on the center of Town. We need a strong Main Street and the budget shows good use for their money requested. He feels that the Chamber and Main Street should join forces in partnership for less duplication. The Town needs to invest in programs for a strong Simsbury.
Mr. Boyle there you can't get any more bang for your buck than to invest in Main Street. Look back at what Main Street used to be compared to what it is now. It is still improving and merchants are starting to work together to make everything better.
Mr. Corriea, President of Main Street Partnership said this is an investment
Mr. Hensley said this Scope of Services is a good baseline document, but would still like to see a list of priorities.
After further discussion, Ms. Floroski gave the Board a prioritized list.
HISTORIC SOCIETY
Lynn , from the Historical Society said they are a non-profit located in the center of Town. They rely on membership resources, grants and endowments. They hold special events and also control sales through the Museum Store. They need to maintain the facility to keep the Town proud. They are asking for $40,000. Their goal is to improve working with the free Library as well.
Ms. Glassman noted that the Town has never funded them. She said the Town needs a benchmark to measure what the return will be and what extra services will be provided before deciding on their request.
CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION
Mr. Toner said there are two portions of this budget. He said the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund shows a downfall of $72,000.
Mr. Toner said they re-evaluated their budget. There are increases costs for energy and chemicals.
He said there has been an increase in credit card fees as the went with RFP for a cost reduction of $7,500. He also said there is a family pool pass increase for Simsbury Farms and Memorial in 09/10. The fee was $85 and has been increased to $120 with early sign-up discounts.
Mr. Toner said there will also be increase for building rentals. This would pay for reservations, usage and clean-up of the facilities. They are also looking in to an on-line registration fee. They would like to charge $20 per family as a processing fee for activities. There would be members only events for on-line payers.
There was a lot of discussion on the $20 fee. This might run people off instead of bringing them in. They need to be more creative if charging a fee like this. Mr. Toner will look in to
alternatives. Ms. Glassman asked him to look in to having canoes for rent, etc. Mr. Toner said there is $5,500 for new program initiatives and he will be trying to partner with someone. Ms. Glassman said they might look into computer programs with the Library to generate some revenue. They could also look further in to the Tariffville pool and busing people to there.
Mr. Toner said he would look into other ideas to create revenue and get back to the Board. Mr. Toner said there will be an increase in golf cart fees in 09/10 excluding seniors. This hasn't been done since 2006.
Mr. Toner said they reduced golf course maintenance, but will continue the standard of maintenance they have now. The Administrative Secretary position will be reduced to part-time in both places. The Ice Rink fees will be increased across the board.
Mr. Toner noted that the hotels have been supplied with brochures of the golf course activities, which have tracking logos on them.
Mr. Toner said there has been an increase in energy related costs, agricultural supplies, and chemicals used. The recycling effort in all parks should decrease disposal costs.
Mr. Hensley asked about an "adopt a mile" program for a fee from businesses. Mr. Toner said there are individuals that do that now, but he would see if some businesses are interested as well.
Mr. Hampton asked about the Tariffville pavilions's shape. Mr. Toner said it is deteriorating and there are meetings to discuss it. The building is 23 years old.
CAPITAL
Ms. Glassman said the meeting on Capital will continue on Monday, February 11th at 6 p.m. Then the Board will hold there regular meeting. If more needs to be discussed on the budget, they will try to finish it after the regular meeting.
She asked the Board members to give any changes they would like to see to Mr. Kane before the Monday meeting.
Mr. Hogan said that Main Street made a compelling presentation for more money. Ms. Glassman said that Metro Hartford Alliance won't be funded as they have never been seen.
Ms. Glassman would like to give the Historical Society some money. Mr. Long would like to give the Police Department something as well.
There was some discussion on the conference and education money. Ms. Glassman said this would create accountability on this account. Now everyone needs to ask for the money from the Board.
There was also some discussion on Simsbury Farms improvements and ideas. The Eno Memorial Hall was also discussed and further information is needed.
The Board of Education budget will be sent to the Board of Finance as is. The Board of Ed will be invited to the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Hampton made motion to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman
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