Board of Finance

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 18, 2004

Present: Ralph C. Gold, chairman, Celia Senzer, Thomas C. Bechtle, Earl Brecher, Roger L. Kane, Sally Hart, members. David Grossman and Anne Kosciusko, alternates. Gordon M. Ridgway, first selectman, and Wynne Kavanagh, Board of Education.

The October 21 minutes were approved as presented.

Gordon Ridgway updated the Board on various town projects. Wynne Kavanagh reported that the non-classified staff at the school has settled its contractual issues with Region I. The pay increases, retroactive to July 1, will be absorbed within the budget. Additional health insurance costs will also be covered by appropriations made for FY 2005. The contract will be filed with the Town Clerk . Ralph Gold suggested that if Sam Herrick from Region I is going to make a presentation about the contract, the Board of Finance should be invited. Tom Bechtle, the board’s representative at the meetings, gave a review of his understanding of how the contract will impact the town. Ralph thanked Tom for persevering with a difficult meeting schedule and for representing the board.

Gordon reviewed costs proposed for the winter season. Oil will be $1.80 a gallon; it was $1.00 last year. The selectmen had explored joining the Region I consortium but reliability of supply and service was an issue. Scasco will again be our supplier. The cost of road salt has similarly nearly doubled from $42.00 a ton last year to about $75.00 a ton this year. Gordon said that next year the town will look into taking part in the state bid pricing. The downside of this course is that we must take 80% of what we sign up for. Since Cornwall’s winter mix ratio of salt to sand is low, this might be a challenge.

The meeting schedule for calendar year 2005 was presented. Celia Senzer moved and Bechtle seconded a motion:

To accept the meeting schedule of third Thursdays at CCS, unless other wise noticed.

The VOTE to approve was unanimous.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 pm.

Lisa Lansing

Clerk