Lower Connecticut River Valley Selectmen’s Association    

                                       May 9, 2007

                                           Minutes

Attendance

Chester:                       Tom Marsh

Clinton:                          Willie Fritz 

Deep River:                   Dick Smith

Essex:                           Phil Miller 

Killingworth:                                                                                                                                      

Lyme:                           Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:                     Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:               Mike Pace

Westbrook:                               

Staff:                             Linda Krause, Jean Davies, Wini Olson, Janice Ehle-Meyer                        

Guests:                        

                                    ECS Director Paula Ferraro,

                                    ETD Director Brad Beecher, Doris Sanstrom, John Horn

                                    Jeff Nelson, representing Gov. Jodi Rell

                                    Michael R. Collins and David Racki both of CL&P

                                    Jo Ann Clemens, Pictometry District Manager                                    

            Chairman Mike Pace called the meeting to order in the conference space of the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency at 9:00 AM.

I.                     Minutes

      Phil Miller moved that the minutes of the April 11, 2007 meeting be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Ralph Eno and unanimously approved.

II.                  Guests

A. CL&P

     Chairman Pace introduced David Racki who introduced Mike Collins.

Mr. Collins distributed copies of a Transmission Briefing prepared by CL&P for the CT River Estuary RPA and reviewed the material page  by page.. Mr. Collins noted that Connecticut pays the highest KW hour cost in the continental United States .  He noted that there are major bottlenecks in ISO New England. This particular part of the state has more than adequate transmission capabilities. Solving the statewide problem requires a combination of conservation, additional generation and increased transmission capacity.

B. Pictometry

     Jo Ann Clemens presented a demonstration of Pictometry, using the Arlington area as an example. Pictometry is low flown at low altitudes. It includes 40 degree angle photos from four directions that results in oblique imagery.  Special software allows Pictometry to be used independently of other GIS software.

     DEP and DEMHS joined together to have the SLOSH area of CT flown by Pictometry. The flight has been completed. All of the CRERPA towns are included. The state purchased a license that includes both state and local use.

     Each town that uses the license would be required to sign a two page agreement and designate a liaison person.  Group training will be available at a price.

III.               Transportation Updates

     There were no additional Transportation Updates

IV.                Old Business

A.     Emergency Management   

The Regional Emergency Management directors will view the Pictometry presentation at their next meeting.

B.     HHW

Doris Sanstrom has been talking with Selectman Bob Mulvihill and is sure that he, Selectman Palermo and the Board of Finance will solve the Westbrook payment problem this week.

Janice Ehle-Meyer asked if she should contract with United Data Destruction to shred documents as part of the HHW service.   It was decided not to provide the added service.

V.                   Other Business  

A.     ECSI

1. Meals

ECSI Director Paula Ferrara reported that last year, both ECSI   and CRT bid to supply meals in the Estuary Region. The federal contract was awarded to the Estuary Council of Seniors, Inc. CRT has initiated a   discrimination suit. Senior Resources is seeking new bids for 2008. Over 50,000 meals are provided annually by the ECSI.    

2. Finances

Director Ferrara reported that the ECSI has been operating in the black since January. Fund raising activities are prolific.

B.     Legislation

Dick Smith reported that he pays a lot of attention to the legislature and represents 110 towns as the COST Legislative representative. He is particularly concerned about the Ethics bill as presented by Caruso and a bill that would strip Selectman of nearly all authority and require town meeting approval of very minor matters.

Chairman Pace is concerned by the disconnect between state and local government.

C.     Phil Miller announced that he is hosting ENERNOC in Essex tomorrow    (Thursday, May 10) morning at 10:00 AM.

The meeting was adjourned at 10: 35 AM.

            .

               Respectfully submitted,

   Timothy C. Griswold, Secretary