CONNECTICUT RIVER ESTUARY REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY

MINTUES

April 6, 2009

Attendees:

Alan Kravitz, Clinton

Bruce Edgerton, Deep River

Rob Wylie, Deep River

Robert Laundy, Essex

Jere Adametz, Killingworth

Pat Smulders, Killingworth

Ning Rich, Lyme

Jane Marsh, Old Lyme

Karen Jo Marcolini, Old Saybrook

Richard D.Tietjen, Old Saybrook

Lee Bridgewater, Westbrook

Bill Neale, Westbrook

Linda Krause, Torrance Downes, Pat Anthony, CRERPA

1. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Edgerton at 7:35 p.m. at CRERPA Headquarters, Saybrook Junction, Old Saybrook CT.

2. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve February minutes was made by Jane Marsh and seconded by Jere Adametz. All were in favor.

3. Treasurer’s Report: Linda reported that CRERPA may end up with a balance of as much as $100,000 at year’s end. She also said that the SGIA funding ($1million) was zeroed out by the Governor. However, the Legislature included $200,000 for the 15RPOS in their budget. Overall, while things look stable for this year, next year is uncertain.

Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Jane Marsh and seconded by Sally Murray. All were in favor.

4. Referrals:

a. Clinton, P&Z Commission, Section 11, variances: Removal of the term “use” from the section specifying requirements for Required Public Notices for use variances.

b. Salem, P&Z Commission, Standards and Definitions: Impervious Surfaces. Referral initiated as a result of comments from a potential applicant that has dropped the idea.

c. Durham, P&Z Commission: Addition of modified definitions and sketch depicting setbacks. This is a request that language be modified to clarify definitions showing how to measure such setbacks.

d. East Haddam, P&Z Commission, Section 25, Collection and Storage of junk. Property owner challenged the town to be more specific in the requirements for keeping of “junk” on property.

e. Old Lyme, Osprey Landing, LLC, PRCD density incentive. If an applicant meets seven density “criteria,” they are entitled to density bonus for PRCDs, including additional dwelling per acre and substantial reductions in setbacks, buffers and structure separation distances. A discussion ensued about the impact on coastal water.

The Board stated that there was no compelling case to change the regulations.

Ning Rich made the motion to approve, and the motion was seconded by Dick Tietjen. Jane Marsh abstained.

Gateway Commission: Torrance said the Commission has agreed to hire a facilitator to oversee the Haddam Neck property. The individual they suggested is Melissa Spires. Gateway is not a sponsor of the project, but will contribute $3,000 to hire the facilitator.

5. Correspondence/Staff Report:

HHW: Linda reported that the contracts have been signed with Veolia for the HHW site. The new vendor replaces Clean Harbor. Schedules for the 2009 HHW and Electronics collections were distributed.

Maritime Commission Appointment: Linda has agreed to serve on the Connecticut Maritime Commission and has been duly appointed by the Governor. The function of the commission is to encourage shipping in Long Island Sound.

Future Transportation Project: CRERPA is anticipating conducting a study on the boat count on the Connecticut River. Amtrak open the bridges using a “37 closings a day” rationale. Shoreline East cannot expand due to this rule. Opposition in rescinding the current rule comes from boaters.

ETD: Joe Cumerford, the new Executive Director, is doing an excellent job. CRERPA is coordinating new routes for the ETD with Joe. A new route has been completed linking Chester and Middletown

6. Regionalism/RPOs:

Linda handed out a memo that was distributed at the recent CRVCEO meeting. The memo was an overview of a policy statement noting the history of the Midstate Planning Region and the nine towns of the Connecticut River Estuary Planning Region. She explained how in 1999 the 17 town CRVCEO was formed.

The 2009 Legislative proposals were discussed and how they affect regional planning. Linda explained the ramifications of the proposals.

The elimination of the SGIA funding impacts the viability of the RPOs. The proposal for changes in the powers and eligibility for various regional grants inhibits the grant making process presently being used.

CRERPA will have to look very closely at the budget for next year and several suggestions were discussed concerning the proposed cuts.

Linda also mentioned that Judy is working on a grant for Water Chestnuts on the Connecticut River. Should the grant be approved, CRERPA would complete the grant process.

In her memo, Linda presented a blueprint for strengthening the Connecticut River Valley Region. A discussion ensued on the subject. After a lengthy discussion it was suggested that the RPOs might have to “reinvent” themselves and go forward under new names perhaps as COGs or stand alone planning agencies.

6. Regional Plan:

A prototype of the proposed regional plan was distributed. A draft of an article called “Our Regional Identity” was also distributed to the Board.

Linda said that Bruce has completed an article for the Plan and Leslie Strauss of Chester is writing one on IT. Several of the CRERPA planners have also submitted articles.

The only town left to visit is Clinton.

Linda mentioned that CRERPA is funding Amy Cabaniss to help her complete her requirements for PhD on the HHW facility.

Probate Court Regionalism Issue: Linda explained that Judge Pearl will speak at the LCVSA meeting on the 8^th and that Judge Damon will speak at the CRVCEO meeting on the 22^nd. Linda briefly explained issues regarding the regionalizing of the probate courts.

7. New Business: There was no new business.

8. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Bill Neale, seconded by Dick Tietjen. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m., seconded by Jere Adametz.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia M. Anthony,

Clerk