Coming Events Board of Selectmen’s special meeting: Monday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Media Center. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the preliminary report of the Charter Revision Commission. Board of Selectmen’s regular meeting: Monday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Media center. Board of Finance Budget meetings: Generally Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings throughout the month of March. Check Town website for place and times. Highlights of Selectmen's Meeting Town Finances: Jay Wahlberg, the town’s controller, reported that our financial position is …
Hopefully you know that about a year ago the Board of Selectmen appointed a committee to review the Town’s Charter (our governing document). The Town is required by law to review the charter periodically. There were several things the Selectmen specifically asked that they review, though that in no way limits the scope of what they may look at. The process requires this committee to hold at least two public hearings prior to making a preliminary report to the Selectmen. The Selectmen then have an opportunity to comment and ask for further review. After that, the committee must turn in its …
Coming Events: There is a Special Town Meeting, Tuesday, January 31 at 7 p.m. at the High School. The Board of Selectman, at their January meeting, requested the Board of Finance to appropriate $485,000 to pay the sewer assessment related to the sewer extension to the High School. The Board of Finance unanimously approved the request. Our Town Charter requires that a Town Meeting be called to approve an appropriation of this size. The funds will come from our Fund Balance (savings account). The appropriation is being sought now, rather than through the budget process because it is a one-time …
A Year End Message: As we are in the end of year holiday season I want to wish you all the best. Whatever faith we follow, whatever our observances at this time of year, we share a common bond and with it comes common cause for the enrichment of the community we share and call home. Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy new year. Changes to my newsletter: Though I have been at this for a couple of years now I am always looking for ways to learn and improve. Recently, while talking to a friend and advisor, I realized to make this a more valuable communication for you I would not only …
Town Meeting: There is a Town Meeting Thursday, November 17 at the High School at 7 p.m. More details on this below. A word of thanks: The election is past. It is time to move on and focus on those things that need to be done to continue to provide the quality of life that we cherish in our corner of Connecticut. To make Brookfield the kind of place we enjoy living in, educating our children and raising our families. Before we move on, however, I did want to take a moment to thank all those who participated, to reflect on the last few months, the results of the election and to confirm the …
The annual Town Meeting will be on Tuesday, May 3, at the high school at 7:30 p.m. It is important for all to attend. Not only will the meeting vote on the date of the budget referendum, the Town Meeting has the authority to take certain actions affecting the budget and how it is presented. The Town Meeting can decide whether the vote shall be on one figure for the total Town Budget or to split the vote into two amounts, one for the Town and one for the Education Budget. Should there be 4 percent or more (about 400) registered voters in attendance, the Meeting may amend the budget prior to …
It is that time of year when our thoughts turn to the Annual Town Meeting and the town budget. The Board of Finance has scheduled two public hearings where they will present their proposal and hear feedback from the community. The first meeting was this past Saturday the 9th, at Huckleberry School. The second meeting is Thursday the 14th at 7:30 p.m. at the High School. Following the meeting on the 14th, the Board of Finance will meet to finalize their proposal that will go to the Annual Town Meeting that will take place on May 3at the High School. The Town Meeting will vote on the date …
As I have in the past, I want to take an opportunity to discuss an issue of pressing importance. No doubt you have seen in the media stories about state and municipal pension funds. How these, "unfunded" liabilities are placing a drag on finances of their respective government budgets with the potential to "break the bank" so to speak. It is natural to ask how we in Brookfield are doing in this regard and whether we, as tax payers, should be concerned. In brief: Brookfield is in a good position relative to its pension obligations. Our assets are sufficient to meet our obligations for well …
Finances: The town's revenue projections continue to be on target. Tax collections are slightly ahead of last year, but in general as expected. I did note last month that there was a "windfall" of investment income of $290,000 due to the premium on the bonds we sold over the summer. Upon reflection and discussion with the Town controller we realize that these funds should be set aside in a fund to be used for future interest payments, rather than go into the general fund. We should see a resolution to that effect by the next meeting. Roads: Ralph Tedesco, our Director of Public Works, …
Important Dates Informational Meeting on Water October 19 The purpose of this meeting is to give and hear information relating to the Greeridge water district. See more information below. The meeting will be at the Town Hall at 7 p.m. Public Hearing on Parks Investment Program October 20 The purpose of this meeting is to give and hear information relating to the proposal for renovation of the Town Beach, Cadigan Park, Kids Kingdom and the Still River Greenway. The meeting will be at the High School at 7 p.m. Election Day: November 2 Board of Selectmen meeting highlights Public Comment and …
Board of Selectmen meeting highlights Still River Greenway: This project has been talked about and planned for many years. Recently the DOT and the Town have been working together to see what can be done to bring this planned two-mile bike and hiking trail to fruition. At this point it looks like the total cost is estimated to be about $1.8 million (a large part of this is because of an accessible bridge that needs to be built consistent with federal standards). All but about $600,000 will come from other governmental sources. The Selectmen approved the First Selectman entering into an …
Town Meeting Tuesday August 24 The purpose of the meeting is to consider the request by the Gurski Homestead Commission for an appropriation of $372,000 (half to be funded by a state grant) for renovation of the farmhouse on the Gurski property. More on this issue below. The meeting will be in Town Hall at 7:30 pm. Board of Selectmen meeting highlights Finance: The controller reported the town finished the year ending June 30, 2010, with a net surplus of about $70,000. Though he had expected it to be higher, revenues were not as expected the last month of the year. Still a good showing, …
Town Meeting Monday August 2 The purpose of the meeting is to consider the request by the WPCA for $430,000 to fund the extension of the sewer line to Old New Milford Road. The amounts will be paid by the users. The meeting will be at the High School media center at 7:15 p.m. Board of Selectmen meeting highlights Park and Recreation Project: If you do not already know, the town was given a grant of $750,000 to go toward the renovations of the Town Beach. I am told this is specifically for the proposed building but confirmation is pending. I will keep you informed. Finance: We reviewed …
The Budget Passed!! It was a major milestone and accomplishment to pass the annual town budget on the first vote! The turnout, though low by general election standards was exceptional, 40 percent of voters, for a budget referendum. Thank you to all who voted. I think this says a lot about the direction the community is moving. Communicating and working together we can accomplish great things. WEB SITE! Watch for updates and copies of past newsletters on my web site! www.LasserBrookfield.com. While there is not a lot there right now, more is in the works, including tours of open space and …
Reminder to VOTE!! Tuesday, May 18, is the referendum on the Town budget. The budget as presented would raise taxes 3.2 percent. For details on the budget click here. Please support this budget. This is a good plan for Brookfield, for seniors and children alike. It balances concerns about the economic situation of our families while maintaining our basic services. It is important to get out and VOTE YES on this budget. This budget is scrubbed clean. There is no waste or inefficiencies. Reductions would mean cuts to services. I have heard some say, citing the recessionary economy: this is…
Parks update: The primary purpose of this note is to pass along important information about the upcoming Town Meeting and the budget. However, I know people are wondering after the referendum on the Parks failed, what next? As reported in the paper, for the moment there is nothing to report. However it would be good to hear from you and your ideas of what you would like to see happen. Send your thoughts and ideas to howard.lasser@charter.net. I will forward on to the other Selectmen. Budget Update: The Board of Finance agreed in its meeting, this past Tuesday, to send to the Town Meeting…
Board of Selectmen Meeting Highlights After going though the process of getting our initiative for the Brookfield Reinvestment Program to the voters (more on this below but I will take this opportunity to remind you to vote Tuesday April 13) and then getting a good budget together and presenting that to the town and the Board of Finance, this month's Selectmen's meeting was rather anti-climactic, but nonetheless important as we turn our attention to some critical issues that need to be addressed. Water: Of primary concern is getting water to the southern part of Federal Road. This is not …
Before you lose interest in the detail that follows, I want to urge all of you to contact the Board of Finance (BOF). The BOF is currently reviewing the budget and will formulate its proposal to be presented at two public hearings in April. It is best that they hear your point of view now, not after they have put forward a proposal. I hope you will give consideration to my notes that follow and support the Board of Selectmen's proposals (with noted adjustments). Budget Update: As I approached the task of working with the other Selectmen formulating a budget for the next year, I had hoped…
