Attendance: Please see attachment for attendance
Minutes
September 26, 2007
.
I.
Chairman
II. Guests
A. Election Changes
Chairman Miller introduced Mike Kozic of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Attorney Kozic explained that the change to optical scanners was mandated by federal law. An audit trail is required for each vote cast. We therefore will revert to paper ballots. The Office of the Secretary of State has been holding training sessions all summer. The emphasis has been to familiarize Registrars of Voters with the new system. All potential poll workers were welcome. Attorney Kozic reviewed the list of required seals and the chain of custody for the memory card. He advised that safe storage with controlled access is needed for the equipment and the ballots. Atty. Kozik explained that, in addition to the memory card with the details of the specific election, the unit contains a logic chip with the information needed to perform all of the necessary computations.
Brad Parker explained that East Haddam votes in the old town hall, with heat supplied by a pot bellied stove. It was agreed that a locked closet might be acceptable.
The portable storage units that are offered commercially could be an answer.
Liz Steffen, who is a Registrar of Voters for the Town of Old Saybrook and the Borough of Fenwick and also an official trainer for the Secretary of State, gave a detailed description of the purchased storage unit that she finds quite convenient.
Ms. Steffen distributed ballots to the members and demonstrated the scanner. She explained how it deals with over votes, under votes; write in candidates, absentee ballots, etc. Martin Klein asked about how to correct an error when casting ballot. Ms. Steffen explained the process of dealing with spoiled ballots.
The issue of privacy and the approximation of checks and balances were discussed.
Mike Pace moved that the July 2007 minutes be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Brad Parker and unanimously approved.
IV. Business
A.
Legislative Report
1. Ellen Paul reported that Rep. Joe Courtney is paying attention to the Old Saybrook Outer Light and to the need for dredging. Senator Coveen has placed a hold on the Eight Mile River bill in the Senate. The submarine issue is in committee in the Senate. Children’s Health insurance is before both the House and the Senate. Congressman Miller has introduced a new version of No Child Left Behind.
2. Jeff Nelson reported that Gov. Rell has established Mortgage Foreclosure hot line. Individuals can talk to a live person and receive personalized advice.
Under Connecticut Now, First Responders may use an old State Police frequency and talk to other first responders throughout the state, if they have the right equipment.
Emergency Management performance grants are being issued.
Gov. Rell intends to veto the bond package. She will be available to discuss the issue at the governor’s residence on Monday.
Marty Klein returned the conversation to the new version of No Child Left Behind. Ellen Paul commented that the bill is 1000 pages. The staff has not finished reviewing it. There is some opposition to the concept of performance pay.
Noel Bishop expressed confidence in local educators while Tom Marsh has faith in No Child Left Behind. Tony Bondi expounded on some inner city schools that are in real need of change.
Jeff Nelson commented that real concern is being expressed about the urban area employee pool. He suggested that both dollars and accountability are needed.
Mike Pace noted that the program features a catchy phrase but leans on the art of scoring vs. the science of brain maturation. Some urban classrooms have a75% replacement ratio of students during a school year. A child must be warm, fed and safe, both at school and at home. We have to break the cycle of poverty and provide integrated learning with practical applications.
VI. New Business
1. Chairman Miller noted that the October 24 meeting will coincide with CCM. He asked if the CRVCEO should therefore meet on Thursday, October 25. It was agreed that would work.
2. Chairman Miller thanked Noel Bishop for his hospitality.
3. Chairman Miller noted that this is the last official CRVCEO meeting for Town Manager Alan Bergren. He thanked him for his many years of service, as a member and as Secretary of the organization. He wished him well. He will be missed.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:49 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Alan Bergren, Secretary