CONNECTICUT RIVER ESTUARY REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY

MINUTES

Monday, November 2, 2009

Attendees:

 

            Bruce Edgerton, Deep River

Rob Wylie, Deep River

Robert Laundy, Essex

Jere Adametz, Killingworth

Ning Rich, Lyme

Frank Skwarek, Lyme

Jane Marsh, Old Lyme

Karen Jo Marcolini, Old Saybrook

Richard D.Tietjen, Old Saybrook

Lee Bridgewater, Westbrook

Bill Neale, Westbrook

 

CRERPA staff:  Linda Krause, Dorothy Papp,

Guest: Joe Wollack

 

1.      The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bruce Edgerton at 7:30 p.m. at

CRERPA Headquarters, Saybrook Junction, Old Saybrook CT.

 

            2.    Approval of Minutes: Since minutes were not sent to members prior to the meeting, action on the minutes was postponed until the next meeting.

 

           3.    Treasurer’s Report:  Linda distributed the Monthly Cash Flow Report through October 2009.  She noted that no funds have yet been received through the State Grant In Aid Program.  She reported that this year’s SGIA is to be only 16% of that received last year.  She wondered if further cuts would result from additional budget adjustments.  Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Dick Tietjen and seconded by Karen Jo Marcolini.  All were in favor.

     

           4.  Receipt of 2007/2008 Audit: Auditor Joe Wollack of Lewitz, Balosie, Wollack, Rayner and Giroux, LLC was present and discussed the completed audit.  Members noted that the audit was thicker than last year.  Joe replied that it fell within additional audit requirements due to the amount of state funds received.  He “walked” those present through the audit document.  The Agency finished the year very close to, but slightly under budget.  The balance at the end of the year was positive, providing for initial cash flow until new monies were received.  The new overhead rate is about 160%, although the DOT reimbursement rate is limited to 150%.  CRERPA’s overhead rate is not out of line with other regional planning organizations.  The audit showed no material deficiencies.  Rob Wylie moved and Bob Laundy seconded a motion to accept the audit report.  The motion was approved unanimously.  Members thanked Joe for his review.  Dorothy Papp stated that Joe was very pleasant to work with.  Linda praised Dorothy for her invaluable work for the agency, not only in keeping good books, but in managing fiscal matters well.

 

            5. Correspondence

Linda reported on correspondence involving the application by CONNDOT  and the Valley Railroad for 15.5 million dollars in TIGER stimulus funds to upgrade the Valley Railroad line from Old Saybrook to Middletown to allow freight traffic.  She first learned of the application in a phone call from Rep. Courtney’s office inquiring as to what CRERPA knew of the application. 

 

             6.  Staff Report

a.       Linda reported that Pat Anthony is recovering and should be back to the office soon.  She has been missed. Janice Ehle/meyer has done a good job of filling in.

b.      Jean Davies has organized three sessions for the Southern New England Planners’ Conference this coming Friday at Mohegan Sun.  The three sessions deal with aspects of regionalism.  Much to her surprise, the sessions have received the largest registrations of the conference.  Regionalism is apparently a popular topic.

 

7.  Nominating Committee/Election of Officers: In the absence of Sally Murray, Rob Wylie reported for the nominating committee. All present officers are willing to continue and there has been no interest expressed by other members in any of the positions.  Rob moved that existing officers be re-elected.  Bob Laundy seconded the motion.  There were no nominations from the floor.  The slate was approved unanimously.

 

            8. Committees/Liaisons

a.       Referrals: There were no referrals.

b.      Gateway Commission:  There was no Gateway report.

c.       Estuary Transit District: The District has completed its move to the industrial area in Essex, where there is adequate room for bus parking, freeing up spaces at the Saybrook Junction lot.  Director Joe Cumerford has been successful in expanding the service with more buses and more frequent service.

 

            9. Old Business – Regionalism: Linda reported that Brendan Sharkey, Chairman of the Legislature’s Planning and Development Committee, was holding working meetings on “Smart Growth” and additional regional legislation, aiming at the next legislative session in January.                                     

10.  Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 8:30 p.m.  The December 7th meeting will be the annual CRERPA Holiday Party.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Krause, Acting Clerk