a. Board of Education. Chairman Larsen stated the purpose of this meeting was to review the Board of Education budget. Board of Finance members received a detailed staff chart, estimated budget expenditures for the current year and responses to questions raised at the February 27 meeting.

Mr. Buck replied to a Board of Finance question regarding $371,000. He replied this was a cost avoidance for special education needs. Mr. Seery added these are cost estimates. There may be changes to special education needs.

Mr. Larcen noted in 2006/2007 you have 15 students participating in the district program. In the current year there are 12 students. Mr. Buck replied these programs are specialized programs put together for children with severe needs. He was asked if there were estimates for 2009. Mr. Buck replied the medically fragile and East Lyme High School placement will not change.

Jill Carini asked what is the difference between regular special needs and medically fragile children? Mr. Buck replied some have more severe needs. One child has been outplaced.

Mr. Seery stated the current cost for transportation for special needs children is $97,108. If a van was added we would decrease our need to use transportation services.

Mr. Taylor asked what are the five vehicles you have used for? Dr. Smotas stated they are 16 passenger vehicles that are primarily used for athletic transportation.

Mr. Taylor asked how many other vehicles do you have? Dr. Smotas agreed to provide an inventory to him.

Jill Carini asked if these vehicles are serviced by the East Lyme Highway Department? Dr. Smotas replied it depends on the service.

Mr. Taylor asked what is the Board of Education’s policy with reference to capital goods? Mr. Seery replied it leases vehicles, and at the end of the lease period for $1 the vehicle becomes property of the Board of Education. Dr. Smotas stated there was a period of time when the Board of Education was given vehicles from various town agencies. The Board of Education did not feel this was a good idea and preferred using the lease/purchase agreement. The Alternative Education Program is designed for 15-20 students. The only available building was on Chesterfield Road. These students are high school students who need to be close to the high school. Mr. Seery added if we did not have this facility, these youngsters might need to be outplaced.

Mr. Taylor stated he wishes to understand what the Board of Education policy is now and will be in the future. He asked how capital assets are disposed of. Mr. Seery replied they may be a trade in on a new vehicle. Dr. Smotas stated 95% of the equipment we dispose of is outdated or obsolete. Mr. Taylor stated it is the responsibility of the Board of Education to maximize its return.

First Selectman Formica stated we are trying to have all vehicles under one roof and have the Highway Department maintain them. We hope for an auction. There is a need to house these vehicles.

Mr. Jones asked if at the end of the lease you own these vehicles. Dr. Smotas replied they do.

Mr. Larcen asked about the van. Mr. Seery stated the $44,602 represents adding a vehicle to the fleet.

Mr. Seery was asked about $78,000 paid out of the revenue accounts. He replied it is 36.1 positions being paid out of the revenue accounts. A staffing plan has been provided.

Mr. Langan asked for an explanation on revenue monies. Mr. Seery replied this money is generated by before and after school programs which principals and supervisors administer. This revenue may be used for enrichment programs.

Mr. Seery was asked about a reduction of approximately $78,000 for equipment. He stated this represents $103,000 of which $78,718 is for equipment at Flanders. Some of the equipment is maintenance related. The High School maintenance has been reduced significantly and the Middle School has no change.

Mr. Larcen asked for an explanation of $19,000. He was informed this was for non-instructional equipment.

Mr. Larcen referred to page 2.9 for fiscal years 2005/2006 where $193,000 was spent for instructional equipment and in 2006-2007 $132,000 was spent. This year $201,000 has been budgeted. Next year it is anticipated to be $200,000. He was informed they are budgeting this year for what was spent for the year before.

Mr. Taylor asked for a list of all vehicles the school system has.

Mr. Larcen noted the software account has risen by $70,000. Last year $30,000 was budgeted. Dr. Smotas replied this is due to upgrades and licenses. Site licenses are purchased, because it is more economical.

The question was raised on how many part time positions there are. There are 36 part time positions of which 18 receive benefits. Paraprofessionals are not eligible for benefits. Currently there are 12 part time paraprofessionals.

Mr. Taylor asked how many hourly employees are eligible for benefits? Dr. Smotas replied teachers must work half time. Computer consultants must work 35 per week. Custodians and secretaries must work 19 ½ hours. Occupational therapists, paraprofessionals, school aides, instructional assistants and teaching assistants must work thirty hours to qualify for compensation towards benefits. School aides do not qualify for health insurance benefits. The Board of Education has offered some benefits to avoid them from unionizing. They may take a credit of $3,350 towards health insurance or receive a cash payment of $1,675 in lieu of benefits. They are not part of the Town’s Pension Plan.

Mr. Taylor asked what is required for teachers to be eligible for benefits? Dr. Smotas replied the High School has a block schedule with 85 minute periods. In this case a teacher would be required to teach four blocks over two days.

Mr. Seery referred to item 9. Maintenance and Clerks receive $2,800 +. Next year there will be nothing in the budget to impact staff. This is due to mandates on reporting. Mr. Taylor felt office staff and custodians should be separate categories. Mr. Seery stated they are all part of the same union.

Mr. Langan asked for an explanation of 8 secretarial positions. Dr. Smotas stated these are various positions in the Central Office: individuals in payroll, accounts payable, an accountant, a bookkeeper for activity funds, and a traffic person for transportation, a part time courier, and a part time copy person.

Mr. Langan noted in account 436 there was a reduction of $53,000 and on page 2-6 $63,000 for repair and maintenance. Mr. Seery agreed to give a detail on the $10,000 difference.

Mr. Larcen asked for an overview of the estimated expenditure for the current year. Mr. Seery replied we are showing a shortage of $106,578 in the area of unexpected special education. We do not plan to come to the Town to make up that shortage. There are surpluses in a couple of areas.

Jill Carini stated every year there is a shortage in the Special Education account. What can we do to help this situation. Mr. Seery replied Special Education cannot be projected. A Contingency Fund might be helpful. We can only budget for what we know. Dr. Smotas stated it should be noted that from December we had new information about new services needed. We amended the budget request by $400,000. As the year progressed we had more information.

Jill Carini asked if there is any part the parents of special education students can be financially responsible for? Mr. Buck replied the law says we can request parents to bill their insurance, but they have the right to refuse.

Mr. Langan noted there is a projected deficit for transportation insurance in the amount of $66,225.

Dr. Smotas stated heating oil and diesel fuel have risen and there is a shortage in those two accounts.

Mr. Larcen noted that benefits were $400,000 year to date. Dr. Smotas replied the self-insurance fund makes up most of that. Social Security and Medicare will not vary. This will not catch up until July.

Mr. Taylor noticed in the presentation that the Board of Education uses 10% and the Town uses 15%. Dr. Smotas stated there is surplus in health insurance. This $106,000 will be used for the special education deficit. Mr. Meltabarger stated we have been asked to use 10%. Some teachers have retired and some of the new individuals hired are single.

Mr. Taylor noted the cost of education in the year 2005-2006 was $11,651 per student. He asked what was the cost for 2006-2007? Dr. Smotas agreed to provide this information.

Mr. Taylor stated when the Town puts out a bond prospective it comes with information from the state. He asked why information was not provided for 2006. Mr. Seery agreed to check on this and provide information. Dr. Smotas stated enrollment figures as of March 31 were 3,318. This figure changes daily.

Mr. Taylor noted that enrollment decreased by 130 students but the employee count went up by 113. Mr. Seery stated 2002 had the highest enrollment figures in a long time (3,348). We anticipated a net loss of 40 students at the Middle School. Lillie B. Haynes has the largest increase in student population over the last couple of years. There are 3,318 students at the present time. We anticipate less Salem students.

Mr. Taylor noted 3,263 is the total student population. This is an increase of 45 students from last year. Mr. Seery stated most were at the Middle School and Lillie B. Haynes School. Mr. Taylor asked how many more students are projected for this current year? Dr. Smotas replied as of December 31, 2007 there were 3,318 students including preschool.

Mr. Taylor asked if it is felt there will be an increase or decrease for 2009? Dr. Smotas replied a decrease because of Salem.

Mr. Taylor noted the cost of living increase in the educational budget is substantial.

Mr. Taylor did not feel you would get a return on investment if Niantic Center and Flanders School windows were replaced. Dr. Smotas replied at Lillie B. Haynes there has been a $16,000 savings in heating costs. There has also been a savings on electricity costs. The improved climate is also better working and learning conditions. The Town will receive 25% reimbursement for energy conservation for this project.

Mr. Taylor asked why were the windows replaced at Lillie B. Haynes? Mr. Seery stated the school was built in 1968 and there were extreme differences in the temperature in different rooms. Jill Carini added as a parent and consumer her child complained of drafts. Mr. Seery stated all reimbursement goes into the General Fund. Anna Johnson was asked to determine whether or not any state reimbursement has been received.

Mr. Taylor asked for an explanation of $400,000 on page 14. Mr. Seery replied these are for positions not in the current budget. Dr. Smotas added this is for new initiatives.

Mr. Taylor asked for an explanation on reductions. Dr. Smotas replied there is one less teaching position at Flanders School and two less at the Middle School. These have been netted out of the teachers’ salary account.

Mr. Taylor noted a salary increase of 1.03% for the new budget year, as well as benefits of 1.45%. He asked what was the savings on the reduction of these three positions? He was informed there was a total savings of $258,000.

Mr. Taylor noted there was a net increase of $141,000. Dr. Smotas replied this is an increase to the overall budget.

Mr. Taylor noted dues and fees were $76,000, and are now $116,000. He asked what caused this 51% increase? Mr. Seery agreed to provide information on this.

Mr. Taylor asked how many hours is a regular kindergarten class? Dr. Smotas replied 2 ½ hours per day for five days per week.

Mr. Taylor noted in Section 44 tuition has increased. Dr. Smotas stated this is additional money from Salem. Dr. Smotas stated the contract requires reconciliation, and they are budgeted to pay it. They have ten months to pay it. The audits are completed in December after the close of the prior fiscal year. Mr. Taylor felt Salem should not be allowed to have ten months to pay it. Mr. Seery stated the contract language may need to be changed.

Mr. Taylor asked for clarification on insurance costs. Dr. Smotas stated insurance is a cooperative effort with the Town. We have coverage for our buildings and the contents. We have discussed its value with Smith Insurance.

Mr. Taylor felt when the roof was installed there was damage to the gym floor which insurance did not cover. Dr. Smotas replied the Town Building Committee will determine whether or not Builders’ Risk Insurance should be added.

Mr. Taylor asked why does the school system have an Occupational Therapist? Mr. Buck stated some youngster have fine motor issues and this is supported services for special education students. Jill Carini asked if this service is billable? Mr. Buck stated it is billable to Medicaid if the parent agrees.

Mr. Taylor noted on page 6-2 Other Employee Benefits are up by approximately 16%. He asked what are they for? Dr. Smotas replied this is an account for employee benefits that are not part of the bargaining unit: the Business Manager, Assistant Superintendent and Bookkeeper. Mr. Seery agreed to provide this information.

Mr. Taylor noted over a three year period professional and technical services increased by 56%. Dr. Smotas replied this is for the following contracts: school nurses, medical adviser, athletic officials at the High School and Middle School, research and development, technical support for data processing systems, ENCOR for automatic temporary controls, and preventative maintenance contracts. Mr. Seery agreed to provide information on this increase.

Mr. Taylor asked for an explanation on rental shown on page 63. Dr. Smotas replied the school system uses a building near the High School, it rents musical instruments, it rents an equipment maintenance program, for vehicle leases and storage units on school property.

Mr. Taylor asked for an explanation on p. 64 for software. Dr. Smotas replied this is software for the Business Office. This is a lease amount. This is a charge for enhancement and modification.

Mr. Larcen referred to page 6.2 on Health Insurance. He noted a 6.29% and an early reference of 10%. Mr. Meltabarger replied this is for a mix of employees. The rates have gone up to 10%.

Mr. Larcen asked what percentage of health insurance does the employee pay? Dr. Smotas replied there is benefits income of approximately $700,000 income from retirees. Mr. Seery agreed to provide additional information.

Dr. Smotas stated we have had preliminary meetings with a consultant company and they have given new thoughts on health savings plans.

Mr. Larcen asked for clarification on additional funds for special education. Dr. Smotas replied this is reimbursement. The Town needs to spend $50,000 first and then the state reimburses us for expenditures beyond that.

Mr. Lagan asked for an explanation of the 25% increase on early retirement. Dr. Smotas stated funds need to come from the salary account to pay for teacher’s retirement.

Mr. Taylor asked why the Board of Education unanimously voted to replace the bleachers? Mr. Seery replied the Board highly recommended that they be ADA compliance. The Board was concerned that there may be a liability if someone got hurt on the bleachers. Mr. Taylor stated $35,000 was allowed to fix the damaged part of the floor, yet wood was purchased for the entire floor. Mr. Seery replied moisture was found and there was concern that in time the floor may buckle. If the additional wood was not purchased at this time, the cost would have been much higher.

V. Public Discussion. The Chairman asked for public comments.

Mike Schultz of Lovers Lane, East Lyme, thanked the Board of Education and Board of Finance for its efforts. As a taxpayer he sees this as a trying year. Rather than asking to renew a contract with Salem for another three years, he feels Salem should build its own school. The Town’s per pupil cost is $11,051 and Salem contributes $8,300 per student. East Lyme does not know how much money it will have during those three years.

Teacher’s contracts call for a 7% increase for three consecutive years. He felt this is excessive.

MOTION: Mr. Jones moved to adjourn the East Lyme Board

of Finance Special Meeting of April 1, 2008 at 9:50 p.m.

Seconded by Mr. Langan. (6-0) Unanimous

Respectfully submitted,

Frances Ghersi, Substitute Recording Secretary

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES BUDGET INFORMATION UPDATES Friday, APRIL 4th, 2008

EAST LYME BOARD OF FINANCE

Members In Attendance: Jeff Langan, Acting Chairman

John Birmingham

Jill Carini

Bob Jones

Allan Taylor

Also In Attendance: Paul Formica, First Selectman

Anna Johnson, Finance Director

Absent: Steve Larcen

A. Call Meeting to Order

Acting Chairman Langan called this Special Meeting of the East Lyme Board of Finance to order at 5:00 PM.

B. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge was observed.

C. Delegations

Mr. Langan called for Delegations.

There were none.

D. New Business

Budget Reviews – FY 2008-2009

¨ Executive Session – Update on Bargaining Unit Negotiations

**MOTION (1)

Mr. Taylor moved that they enter into Executive Session at 5:05 PM for the purposes of obtaining an update on the bargaining unit negotiations and that Mr. Formica and Ms. Johnson join them.

Ms. Carini seconded the motion.

Vote: 4 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.

(Note: 5:15 PM – Mr. Jones arrived and joined the Executive Session already in progress)

**MOTION (2)

Mr. Taylor moved that they return to the Special Meeting at 5:25 PM with no action taken in Executive Session.

Mr. Jones seconded the motion.

Vote: 5 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.

¨ Contingency Account

Mr. Langan asked for an update on this.

Mr. Formica said that the purpose of this ($525,000) is to handle any unforeseen items that may or may not come up. It is not meant to fund general items.

Ms. Johnson said that she did poll the area Towns and that Stonington does not have a contingency account; Groton Town has one for $350,000; New London has one that is $1M but this also includes payroll contingency; Norwich varies from $75,000 to $100,000, Groton City varies from $115,000 to $150,000 and Ledyard had one for $10,000 that was increased to $50,000 however it has been as high as $150,000 as they carryover whatever is left from one year into the next.

Mr. Jones asked if the contingency account that they are proposing is for payroll or only for unforeseen items.

Ms. Johnson said that it would be only for unforeseen items.

Mr. Langan asked if they looked to see what they have had for special appropriations in the past as was requested.

Mr. Formica said that they have two sheets showing the update of that information and then went over them. He said that they are looking for some sort of consistency.

Mr. Birmingham asked about the approval process to get money from this account.

Ms. Johnson said that it would need the approval of both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance.

Mr. Jones asked if the Townspeople would have to approve it also, if over the $10,000 figure.

Mr. Formica said that they could if it goes over a certain figure.

Mr. Langan said that he knows that sometimes there is a need to transfer money within accounts and asked how that would be handled.

Mr. Formica said that they are trying to have the transfers tracked and brought before both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance to see what they are.

Mr. Taylor asked if the Board of Finance would be voting on the $90,000 for the bleachers.

Mr. Formica explained the process and that the Board of Selectmen had voted at the last meeting to have the Attorney re-draft the resolution on the bond package and to bring it back before the Board.

Mr. Taylor said that he has asked because he was told that it would not come before them so he was questioning it.

¨ CNRE Account

Mr. Langan asked where they stand with the existing funding and what is proposed for FY 08-09.

Mr. Formica and Ms. Johnson said that they had a new chart in their package for this meeting and Mr. Formica proceeded to explain the chart.

Mr. Langan said that it looked like they have $219,958 available still for this year.

Mr. Formica said yes, this was updated through 3/31/08.

Mr. Langan asked what the total was that is available that is not appropriated or encumbered.

Ms. Johnson said that it is $1,225,784 + $18,717 (leftover from completed projects).

Mr. Taylor said that to clarify, there is $1,225,784 that is available to spend.

Mr. Formica said yes, however; the Board of Selectmen has approved spending $441,000 and it is on the Board of Finance 4/9/08 meeting agenda for consideration. It would not be applied to this sheet until it goes through this Board and Town Meeting approval.

Mr. Langan asked if there are other capital items that they have been putting money towards somewhere.

Mr. Formica said that they have realized a new fire truck and that there are a few other items that they are working towards.

Mr. Jones asked for a list.

Mr. Formica and Ms. Johnson said that the list is under CIP and that they would also ask Public Works about any items that they have – probably concerning roads. They also received a donation for open space.

Mr. Jones said that in the past years that they used to take the CNRE and chart out what is needed down the road such as a pumper truck or a fire truck and figure out the number of years that will be necessary to fund it until they can purchase it – such as – a $500,000 vehicle could be funded at $100,000 in the CNRE for five years time before purchase.

Mr. Formica said that he thought that there was a philosophical change from doing it that way when they were not funding the accounts as would have been required to purchase the items. He added that a fire truck might be something that they want to discuss to do that way.

Mr. Taylor said that he appreciates the information however he was looking for updates.

Ms. Johnson explained that the information is contained in the sheets under the CIP area that break the items out.

Mr. Formica said that the Building Maintenance capital requests that were missing were the roofs for the fire station and the highway garage and that he was still hoping to find the dollars for that elsewhere.

¨ Additional Information Requests:

¨ Board of Education – Year to date expenses compared to budget

Mr. Langan said that Mr. Larcen had intended to get this information to him however; he did not so they will take this up at their next meeting.

¨ Town Government – Review of Requests made during hearings & new requests

Ms. Carini asked about Youth Services where they found $40,000 and what the status of that was.

Mr. Formica said that they do not have that information yet and added that it is also a non-budget issue as it relates to this year. If they bring the information forward, they will address it, as well as the other item that they had.

Mr. Formica then explained the new sheet on the maintenance of office equipment and that the copiers that they are getting will replace those older ones that are out of lease. They will also have the computers printing to a copier rather than to a printer which will reduce costs. He added that they will take the copiers that do not have leases to auction and get some money back on them. He said that he hopes that it will help with the $3600 difference.

Mr. Langan asked about the Pension Plan information.

Ms. Johnson said that she had provided them with that information and that it was according to the latest evaluation. She added that she had also provided them with a sheet on the fishing boat leases at Cini Park. Also included was a sheet detailing the fleet fuel usage and how they came up with the figures based on $2.875/gallon.

Mr. Taylor asked if they had received any information from the BOE from the questions that they had asked them at the Tuesday evening meeting.

Mr. Formica and Ms. Johnson said no.

Mr. Formica and Ms. Johnson said that they have also provided the electricity information.

Mr. Langan said that he noticed that they have bills from both Trans Canada and CL & P and asked why as he thought that they were supposed to be saving money.

Ms. Johnson said that they had signed some of the accounts to/with Trans Canada for savings however they still have the distribution charges from CL & P.

Mr. Birmingham asked about the retrofit.

Ms. Johnson said that entailed doing things such as the lights and the switches that go on when someone enters the room and ballasts in the fixtures.

Mr. Langan noted that the rest of the information was there for them to review and asked if there were any additional questions that they had regarding information that they would need in order to deliberate.

Mr. Taylor said that he was concerned about Ledge Light and where they stand there with the population situation, contract, etc.

Mr. Formica said that he met with Steve Mansfield to discuss the contract and that it seems to be the one for the transition so they will update it to a regular type of contract. He said that he also just received word as to why they bill us for the prisons and it is because they are being counted as part of the population. He said that he would make copies of that information for them and get it to them for their next meeting.

Mr. Taylor said that he could not make decisions on certain accounts such as the Town Engineer and IT – what does this mean and what does he do and the three (3) engineers – what do they do. Also, Animal Control – what is that status –

Mr. Formica said that they have an interim letter and that the intent is to share the salary equally with Waterford. We have the van and provide the fuel. He added that he has since spoken with Dominion and that they have agreed to provide a vehicle.

Mr. Taylor said that the Board of Finance budget seems to be understated – they have listed $23,500 for the audit and it is more than that.

Ms. Johnson said that has to be a typo – it should be $28,500.

¨ Capital Expenses –Identification of items that can be bonded

Mr. Formica said that this is still being worked on.

¨ Revenue – updated revenue information

Ms. Johnson said that they have this in their packets for their April 9, 2008 Regular Meeting.

¨ Recommendations of First Selectman regarding budget adjustments

Mr. Formica said that he would provide them with this during their deliberations as things are constantly changing and being worked on.

¨ Discussion by Board Regarding Budget Deliberations & Agenda for 4/9/08

Mr. Langan said that they could finalize this process at their April 9, 2008 meeting.

Mr. Taylor and Mr. Jones asked that they discuss the expenses first and then the revenues.

Mr. Langan said that he thought that might be the way that they would approach it.

E. Public Discussion

Mr. Langan called for Public Discussion.

Mike Schulz, Lovers Lane said that he had a question and that he would like to get the total figure for the Town side of the budget if possible. He said that he thought he heard $22M but he would like the most recent figure along with the percentage change (increase) over the previous year.

Karen Rak, 27 Black Point Road asked them to think very carefully about a Contingency Account being part of the budget as it has already been stated by a certain area of Town that it is a place to go for overages and this account might be a license to spend. She asked that they think very carefully about that.

F. Adjournment

**MOTION (3)

Mr. Jones moved to adjourn this Special Meeting of the East Lyme Board of Finance at 6:35 PM.

Mr. Taylor seconded the motion.

Vote: 5 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Zmitruk,

Recording Secretary

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, APRIL 9th, 2008

EAST LYME BOARD OF FINANCE

Members In Attendance: Steve Larcen, Chairman

Jeff Langan, Secretary

John Birmingham

Jill Carini

Bob Jones

Allan Taylor

Also In Attendance: Paul Formica, First Selectman & Ex-Officio

Andrew McKirdy, Deputy First Selectman

Anna Johnson, Finance Director

Absent: No One

A. Call Meeting to Order

Chairman Larcen called this Regular Meeting of the East Lyme Board of Finance to order at 7:00 PM. He noted that he had received a call from Ms. Carini indicating that she wan on her way there and would be arriving shortly. He suggested that they continue with the meeting.

B. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge was observed.

C. Delegations

Mr. Larcen called for delegations.

Lisa Picarazzi, 14 Oak Hill Drive said that she is the Chairman of the Planning Commission and that has come this evening to invite them to hear Mr. Miniutti from UCONN make a presentation regarding the POCD update that they have a $25,000 capital request before them on. She said that she would be happy if some of them could attend the presentation.

D. Approval of Minutes

¨ Wednesday, February 13, 2008 – Regular Meeting

Mr. Larcen called for a motion for approval or any changes to the Board of Finance February 13, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes.

Mr. Taylor said that anyone (on the Board) who reads the minutes can vote on them and not just those who were present. He also said that he had some comments to make:

Mr. Taylor said that there was no announcement at this meeting that he would not attend it and he had notified Mr. Larcen of that fact a month previous to the meeting.

Mr. Larcen said that he would amend the minutes to state on the front page under Call Meeting to Order that ‘Mr. Taylor had notified him a month ago that he would not be able to attend this meeting.’

Mr. Taylor said that as they had not adjourned the meeting or attempted to get a quorum and that if they did decide to hold the meeting then the people not present could chose not to support the meeting or the minutes at a later time. He said that they had unanimously agreed to support and follow ‘Roberts Rules of Order’ at one of their first meetings and he felt that they should be following them. He said that he had a copy of Roberts Rules with him if they should like to see it.

He said that he also wanted to ask some questions regarding the minutes – on Page 2 where Ms. Johnson is speaking in the middle of the page he asked about the $248,000 more for Salem tuition that was due at the end of the year. He asked Ms. Johnson if it was shown as a receivable and on the books.

Ms. Johnson said no – because they use figures at the end of the year and add it to the next year.

Mr. Taylor said that the Board of Ed explained this in the same way and that in his mind it still should be a receivable and that it should be an exact amount as they pay the actual amount.

Ms. Johnson said that this amount from the prior year is included in the amount due this year.

Mr. Taylor said that on Page 3, three quarters of the way down the page – regarding the Board of Ed $69,662 encumbrance and the explanation that about $40,000 was for insurance – if the $40,000 was put back in the General Fund.

Ms. Johnson said that they still have $29,662 more than they thought they would and that it is added to the current fund balance as an adjusting entry.

Mr. Taylor asked on Page 4 at the top of the page what the $84,625 is.

Mr. Larcen said that he believes that it is the full amount of encumbrances that were disallowed.

Ms. Johnson said that she would check and get back to them on that.

(Note: 7:15 PM – Ms. Carini arrived and was seated)

Mr. Taylor lastly said that he did not find it appropriate to set future meeting dates without input from all of the Board members.

**MOTION (1)

Mr. Langan moved to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of the Board of Finance on February 13, 2008 as amended.

Mr. Taylor seconded the motion.

Vote: 5 – 0 – 1. Motion passed.

Abstained: Mr. Birmingham

¨ Thursday, February 21, 2008 - Special Meeting

Mr. Larcen called for a motion for approval or any changes to the Board of Finance February 21, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes.

Mr. Taylor asked that on Page 7 in the second line of the third paragraph where Ms. Johnson is speaking that: ‘and if the employer contributes a full 4% then . . .’ be changed to read: ‘and if the employee contributes a full 4% then . . .’

**MOTION (2)

Mr. Langan moved to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of the Board of Finance on February 21, 2008 as amended.

Ms. Carini seconded the motion.

Vote: 5 – 0 – 1. Motion passed.

Abstained: Mr. Birmingham

¨ Wednesday, February 27, 2008 – BOF, BOS & BOE Special Joint Meeting

Mr. Larcen called for a motion for approval or any changes to the Board of Finance, BOS & BOE Joint February 27, 2008 Special Meeting Minutes.