Minutes

Lower Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association

                                                                                                January 14, 2009

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh                 

Clinton:                      

Deep River:                 Dick Smith

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                         Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:

Old Saybrook:             Mike Pace

Westbrook:                  Noel Bishop

                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                    Joe Cumerford, Executive Director, ETD

                                    Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Representative

                                    Carla Iezzi, DOT                          

                                    Ellen Paul, Courtney Representative                                     

                                    Paula Ferrara, Executive Director, ESCI                                           

                                   

CRERPA Staff:           Linda Krause, Janice Ehle-Meyer, Jean Davies, Pat Anthony

 

 

1. Call to Order: Mike Pace, Chairman, convened the meeting at 10:30 a.m. at CRERPA Headquarters, Saybrook Station, Old Saybrook. 

 

2. Minutes: Motion to approve the December’08 minutes was made by Rich Cabral and seconded by Dick Smith.  Abstain: Phil Miller and Noel Bishop. Motion approved

 

3. Old Business:

            1. ETD Update: Covered at the MPO meeting.

            2. HHW:  Janice Ehle-Meyer stated she had received bids from two out of the  three haulers solicited—Clean Harbors, PFC and Veolia.

                        The cost previously being paid was $44 per household.  The current numbers are coming in at $51-55 per household. Linda noted that we are no longer obligated to hold as many collections.  Fewer collections would result in lower dollars expended.  The recyclable market has basically collapsed.

                        Electronics may be collected twice per month. These collections will be regional endeavors.  The issues are that the site is guaranteed and the vendor to handle  the collections is selected. The application for the Regional Electronics Plan must be at DEP by March 31st.  Ralph said that this is one of the services that have value, and that any set up fee might be negotiable. He warned that all insurance parameters should be in place if we go to another vendor. The selectmen discussed the possibility of a user fee to offset an increase in the set up fees.

            It was decided that a HHW sub-committee meeting be set up to discuss the various issues.  Janice will make the arrangements for the meeting. It noted that reports have been sent to the DEP, and that no one has been monitoring the reports due to lack of staffing.

                        Janice requested a motion concerning the Resolution for CRRA to continue the tipping fee for host the town ($30,000) and $28,000 for CRERPA.

                        Dick Smith made the motion to approve; Ralph Eno seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

            Janice said Amy Cabaniss, previous HHW coordinator, continues to work on her thesis, and will receive information regarding the upcoming collections.

            Paint:  CT is on line to be one of the test states regarding oil based paint.  Latex is being burned.  Janice will keep selectmen informed. 

 

7. New Business:

            1. Legislative Update:

                        Dick Smith said he would be willing to write a letter to legislators addressing two points: No legislation should be passed that would cost the towns any money and that it is imperative for the Selectmen to know State budget numbers ASAP.

            Jeff Nelson said that the Governor’s goal is “no cuts to municipalities”. Jeff said the Governor’s Budget Address is scheduled for February 4th.

            Paula Ferrara said that she has invited the legislators to a breakfast on the 30th  and that the selectmen are invited.  The breakfast is at 8:00 a.m.

            Dick Smith said the towns should have a voice.  He suggested that the selectmen be given time after COST meeting immediately following lunch to talk with the legislators. Dick said he would be happy to send a letter on behalf of the selectmen.

            The motion was made by Rich Cabral that Dick Smith draft a letter from the LCVSA requesting a meeting with the legislators immediate after lunch at the upcoming Cost meeting.  Motion was seconded by Noel Bishop.

            A lengthy discussion ensued regarding town budgets and what measures could be instituted to keep the costs down.  All towns are looking at zero increases to budget.

            Mike suggested an informal luncheon at CRERPA to further discuss the budget issues later in the month. Noel Bishop said he would be happy to host this business luncheon.  He will speak with Linda concerning a suitable date.

            Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Representative:

                        Jeff said that the Governor asked for no pay for her and her staff on comp days and days off.  She has asked the Legislators to turn down the Corrections Officers’ raise.  She is looking to do away with the Deputy Commissioners and appointed Commissioners, and to decrease cars in the State fleet.  Commissioners will no longer have cars.  Revenues from taxes have decreased significantly.

            2. Regionalization:  Linda distributed information on regionalization.  She briefly explained the good, the bad and the ugly and will further discuss the issue in depth at the CRVCEO meeting on the 28th to be held in the Old Lyme Town Hall at Noon.

            3. Any Other Item:  Rich Cabral reminded the selectmen of the Mayoral Institute Seminar on January 20th from 9-3 at the Guilford Fire House.  The seminar is for all hazards preparedness. 

 

Motion to adjourn was made by Rich Cabral and seconded by Phil Miller.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk