Minutes
Lower Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association
March 12, 2008
Attendance:
Chester: Tom Marsh
Clinton: Willie Fritz
Deep River: Dick Smith
Killingworth: Richard Cabral
Lyme:
Old Lyme: Tim Griswold
Old Saybrook: Mike Pace
Westbrook: Noel Bishop
ETD: John Forbis
Guests:
Charles Stannard, Hartford Courant,
Ellen Paul, Representing Cong. Joe Courtney
Jeff Nelson, Representing Gov. Rell
CL&P Account Supervisor David Rackie
Christopher Swan, Director of Siting and Municipal Relations for
CL&P
I. Chairman Mike Pace called the meeting of the Lower Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association to order in the CRERPA Conference space, Suite B, of the Marketplace, Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook at 8:32 PM.
II. Chairman Pace introduced CL&P Account Supervisor David Rackie who in turn introduced Christopher Swan who is the Director of Siting and Municipal Relations for CL&P.
Director Swan distributed copies of a power point presentation that he used as the outline for his talk. Since 50% of the electricity used in Connecticut goes to the south-western corner, Chairman Pace asked if a like proportion of energy is generated there. Some is, but it is not proportional and is primarily fired by gas and oil.
CL&P buys power at one price for statewide distribution. The highest price paid prevails. In the United States, Connecticut is second only to Hawaii for the price of electricity.
III. Minutes
Rich Cabral moved that the minutes of the February 13, 2008 meeting be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Phil Miller and unanimously approved.
IV. Nominating Committee
Richard Cabral reported on behalf of the Nominating Committee. The nominations are for Mike Pace to serve as Chairman, Dick Smith to serve as Vice-Chairman and Tim Griswold to serve as Secretary. Willie Fritz moved that the nominations be closed and the slate approved as presented. The motion was seconded by Noel Bishop and unanimously approved. Committee Chairman Cabral submitted his written report for the record.
V. Old Business
A. ETD Update
John Forbis reported on behalf of the ETD that the Niantic Route serving Lyme, Old Lyme and the western portion of East Lyme is up and running as of March 3. There are five trips daily. Particular attention has been given to attracting senior riders. Both Paula Ferrara, Director of the Estuary of Seniors, and Sherrie Meyers, Director of the Lyme Senior center have been cooperative. Service provided to the door of seniors within a mile of the route is paid for by an Older Americans grant.
Money for a Middletown connection is available through DOT.
John reported that when he and Paul met with Tony Bondi of Haddam, he understood that if bus stops are established in Haddam, Haddam might be interested in contributing to the ETD.
B. ECS
Paula Ferrara reported that the Senior Center is undergoing an energy audit today. She will take the information to the board for authorization to participate in the project.
Paula reported that moving the lunch program in Clinton from the Legion Hall to Town Hall went smoothly.
Rep. Joe Courtney will be at the Senior Center on March 19, the same day that the Selectmen will be delivering Meals on Wheels.
Paula reported that she is investigating the possibility of establishing a Killingworth lunch site at Jensen’s.
Chairman Pace alerted Paula that grants are available in Old Saybrook to repair failing septic systems. People who qualify for energy assistance would also qualify for the septic system program.
C. Emergency Management
Linda reported that Jean Davies is the CRERPA representative to the Regional Emergency Planning Team. Linda announced that CRERPA recently appointed Bill Buckridge to represent the Emergency Management directors of the region. Linda reported that Sgt. Santry of Clinton had contacted her regarding the JAGLLE grant. Clinton and Old Saybrook will participate in a joint training operation. The deadline for the application is March 14.
REPT Chairman Rich Cabral stressed that it is important for each Selectman to send a representative to the REPT meeting on to learn what each of the committees is doing.
Attendance at the May 5 meeting at 9:30 AM in the Guilford Firehouse is even more vital. A quorum is needed to assure the approval of the distribution of $1,000,000.
Jean Davies reported that within the REPT, she is urging coordination of transportation. She is promoting interaction between towns, regions and the DOT.
Chairman Pace noted the local budget for Emergency Management is rising. He suggested that the next LCVSA meeting be devoted to comparing budgets and preparations for major events. He noted that the premiums on Homeowners Insurance went up 85%. Tim Griswold suggested that Emergency Management Directors be invited to participate. Rich Cabral suggested that each member bring a written summation of their plan.
It was agreed that the next meeting will be held in the Old Saybrook Emergency Management Center. EM personnel are welcome.
D. HHW
1. Proposed Budget
Janice Ehle-Meyer distributed copies of the 2007 Slam Baseline and Credit. It was reviewed, explained and accepted.
Janice announced that, thanks to Mike Pace and the CRRA, the electronics will be disposed of for five and a half or 6 cents per pound. The lowest bid had been sixteen cents.
Phil Miller asked for electronic copy to include in Essex Events.
VI. New Business
A. Congressional Update
Ellen Paul reported that the $2,000 energy tax credits expired at the end of 2007. The House has passed a bill that would reinstate the program with a $4,000 credit. It has not yet passed the Senate.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:44 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy C. Griswold, Secretary