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March 7, 2005

ATTENDANCE: Bruce Kimmel, Chair; Douglas Sutton; Matthew Miklave, Carvin Hillard (7:15 p.m.), Douglas Hempstead (7:15 pm), Michael Coffey (7:25 pm after items 2-6 were voted on)

STAFF: Tom Hamilton, Finance Director; Frederic Gilden, Comptroller; Lisa Biagiarelli, Tax Collector, Ken Whitman, Tax Assessor
OTHERS: Betsy Bain, Common Council, William Krummel, Common Council, Andy Garfunkel, Town Clerk

Mr. Kimmel opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Item 3. Claims Committee: receive the monthly Claims report; review and approve claims as required for Claims Report dated March 10, 2005

Ms. Biagiarelli reviewed the claims report. Mr. Whitman explained that the Court Stipulation for Ridgefield Bank was from a 1999 appeal.

Mr. Miklave recused himself.

Motion passed: 3 Yes, 1 recused (Mr. Miklave).

Item 2. Approve the Minutes of the following Finance Committee Meeting: February 10, 2005

Mr. Hempstead moved to accept the minutes as submitted.
Motion passed: 3 Yes, 1 abstention (Mr. Hempstead)

Item 2. Approve the Minutes of the following Finance Committee Meeting: February 22, 2005

Mr. Hempstead moved to accept the minutes as submitted.
Motion passed: 2 Yes, 2 abstentions (Mr. Miklave, Mr. Sutton)

Item 4 and Item 5. NARRATIVE ON TAX COLLECTIONS DATED MARCH 7, 2005 – RECEIVE REPORT AND DISCUSS
Ms. Biagiarelli reviewed the narrative on tax collections. Ms. Biagiarelli said that the June 20, 2005 tax sale is still on target.

The Tax Collector’s report for January 2005 was distributed.

Item 6. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents necessary to apply for and accept grant funds from the Connecticut State Library under the 2004-2005 Historic Documents Preservation Grant Program
Mr. Garfunkel explained that the Grant was for preserving historic documents. Mr. Miklave asked if there was any local match needed. Mr. Garfunkel said no.
Mr. Miklave moved the motion.
Motion Passed: 4 Yes, 0 No.

Item 7. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute any and all documents necessary to amend the existing lease agreement between the City and NewVisions System Corporation to add one additional workstation, including software license and maintenance in support of the NewVisions System and add three additional software licenses and maintenance in support of the NewVisions System not to exceed $16,886. Account #010500-5255.
Mr. Garfunkel explained that this authorization was to expand the system in the Town Clerk office add the Tax Assessor Office.
Mr. Sutton moved the motion.
Motion Passed: 5 Yes, 0 No.

Item 1. Adopt recommendation for final Operating Budget Cap for fiscal year 2005-06.
WHEREAS, Section I-289 of the Norwalk Charter requires that a majority of the Common Council vote to establish a specific spending limitation on locally funded expenditures during the process of establishing the next fiscal year’s operating budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK THAT:

The maximum limit on total appropriations for the City of Norwalk for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2005, shall be no more than $218,030,753. This appropriations cap represents total expenditures of $234,992,070, less estimated intergovernmental grants of $16,961,317. This cap amount is an increase of $11,533,272 over the initial placeholder cap established on January 25, 2005. This resolution requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the Council

Be it further resolved that the result of this vote and resolution, together with the attached 2005-06 Budget Guide, be forwarded by the Clerk of the City of Norwalk to the Board of Estimate and Taxation.

Mr. Hamilton summarized the budget. He said there would have been a 9% increase in the tax levy if the requested budgets by the departments were implemented. The Board of Estimate tentative budget has a 4.6% increase in the tax levy. The impact on the taxpayers is 3.6% because of the growth in the grand list. Mr. Hamilton said there were extraordinary items. They are the increase operating costs with the new police station opening and operating costs in the South Norwalk Library after it was closed this year for renovations. Mr. Hamilton also explained that $1.5 million was being taken out of fund balance to support the Fiscal Year 05-06 budget. He also explained the local real estate conveyance tax as it related to the budget.

Mr. Kimmel moved the motion.
Motion Passed: 4 Yes, 1 No (Mr. Hempstead).

Mr. Miklave moved to adjourn.
Motion Passed: 5 Yes, 0 No

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Frederic J. Gilden
Comptroller