Politics & Government

Golf Club Management Company Chosen, Gas Lines Progress, School Budget Battles

Woodbridge Board of Finance Meeting Feb. 16, 2012

A brief synopsis of what happened at the Woodbridge Board of Finance meeting last night.

First Selectman’s Report from Edward Sheehy:

  • First Selectman Ed Sheehy reported that the board of education was pleased to announce the Amity Regional High School Auditorium will be renamed the Dr. John. J. Brady Center for the Performing Arts.
  • The gas company is set to install new gas lines into Woodbridge at no cost to the town as long as the school and town commit to use their services. The town is working on the estimates for the cost of converting their buildings from oil to gas, and should have those numbers ready by the April BOF meeting. Sheehy added that residents along the gas line can also choose to connect to their homes.
  • The Board of Selectmen voted to approve a contract with Billy Casper Golf to manage the town golf course. The contract is for three years, renewable for two subsequent three-year periods. Sheehy said they chose Billy Casper Golf based on their presentation, as well as the fact that they already successfully manage 72 other municipal gold courses including three in Connecticut.

Matther Gigliettie’s report as education liaison:

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  • The Amity school budget has been reduced from a 2.88 percent increase to .92 percent by reallocating $344,000 that had been set aside for a roof project as well as putting a self-funded health insurance program into place, saving $525,000.
  • The two BOE representatives from Woodbridge and the two from Bethany voted “yes” on the budget, while the two from Orange voted “no.” According to Gigliettie, based on student enrollment from each town, Orange’s share will increase by $885,000 while Woodbridge’s will reduce by $345,268. He added that even if the Amity budget remained flat, Orange would still see an increase of around $500,000 based on increased enrollment.

Report from the Recreation Commission Liaison:

  • The rec commission discussed at length the possibility of ceasing the use of pesticides on the athletic fields. The commission had two concerns. First, they were worried that a lack of pesticides might ruin the fields and make them unusable. Second, the estimated extra cost for pesticide-free fields is $15,000 in additional maintenance and $15,000 in additional equipment. The commission questioned where the extra funding would come from.

From the Library Commission:

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  • The commission is trying to work out the details of how to fund the replacement of worn carpeting in two areas of the library.
  • The library advertised for a part-time position and received 65 applications, most of them from people who have library science degrees.


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