Minutes
Lower
Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association
June
11, 2008
Attendance:
Chester: Tom Marsh
Clinton:
Deep River: -----
Essex: Phil Miller
Killingworth: Richard Cabral
Lyme: Ralph Eno
Old Lyme: Tim Griswold
Old Saybrook: Mike Pace
Westbrook: Noel Bishop
ETD Kim Morton, Acting Executive Director
Helena Famiglietti, Financial Administrator
Guests: ECSI Executive Director Paula Ferrara, Ellen Paul, representing
Congressman Joe Courtney, Jeff Nelson, representing Governor
Rell , Charlie Stannard, Reporter, The Courant
Bill Peace, Selectman, Old Saybrook
CRERPA Staff: Linda
Krause,
Call To Order:
Mike Pace, Chairman, call the meeting to order at 9:50 a.m., in the CRERPA Conference Room, Suite B of the Marketplace, Old Saybrook
I. Minutes:
Rich Cabral moved that the minutes of the May ’08 meeting be approved. Tom Marsh seconded the motion. All were in favor.
II. Old Business
1.
ETD Update
Kim Morton, ETD, acting Executive Director, distributed scenarios, favorable and unfavorable, on the projected financial position of the transit district. At the end of the fiscal year on June 30, she noted that the Dial-A-Ride operating funds of $21,000 was not enough money to support the service. Reserves were depleted. Leadership turnover directly impacted operations.
If one were to use Scenario No. 1 (favorable) based on the assumption that funds will be forthcoming from DOT, there will be a deficit of $23,873; if not, the deficit is $83,183. If the Unfavorable Scenario is used, then the deficit would be $101,427.
All overruns are contingent on DOT payments. However, both scenarios show deficits with no reserves. Legal fees and the prior Director’s separation agreement are big items. Some services have been cut. A cash advance on the ETD credit card had to be used to pay salaries. Kim did not believe they were going to “crash and burn.” DOT has not given any approval for expenditures. Kim noted that Deep River, Essex and Chester do not pay the $2,400 addition fee for the Riverside Shuttle that the towns along the Shoreline Shuttle Route pay. The Line of Credit cannot be used at this time since it is secured by accounts receivable.
The 08/09 Budget is very tight. There is no room for engine replacements or major repairs on the 13 buses. Service hours have been cut. Jeff Nelson, aid to Governor Rell, volunteered to make call to help expedite DOT funds.
Under the best scenario, the nine member towns would need to contribute an additional $30,000 to cover the 07/08 deficit.
Cost of fuel was discussed. Mike Pace said ETD could “piggyback” on Town’s pricing for coming year.
Kim said a Public Hearing is scheduled with two possible alternatives regarding fare adjustments. The purpose of the adjustments is to assist in the offset of rising operating expenses associated with providing public transit services. The ETD expects to implement one of the two options no later than August 1, 2008. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at the Acton Public Library.
A discussion period ensued. Rich Cabral cautioned all to be extremely careful when any reference is made about the ETD or any previous situation. Any “blame” for the current problems should be placed on the Board of Directors.
Search for new ETD Executive Director:
A search committee has been formed and interviewing will commence.
2. Emergency Management – Nothing to report.
3. Estuary Council of Seniors: Paula Ferrara, Executive Director, reported that the Volunteer Fair was a huge success. She reminded the Selectmen that National Accreditation is scheduled for July and will inform them of the date. ESC is finishing the year in the black. The Patio is open and the “buy a brick” campaign was successful. An all-day Café is scheduled to open in July. Coffee, pastries and fruit will be served from 9-11.
4. HHW Update: Janice Ehle-Meyer, Coordinator
Haddam is looking to use the LCVSA facility. There are several conditions which have to be met in order for membership in the facility to be expanded. Overall financial benefits for Haddam to join were discussed.
Motion to approve made by Ralph Eno to approve the request from Haddam to use the facility, effective in July when all terms and conditions are met, seconded by Noel Bishop. All were in favor.
Ralph stated that this is the last year of our 5-year agreement, which will end on June 2009. It was suggested that this be noted on the January 2009 agenda.
III. New Business
Energy Costs/Possible Tour of Millstone:
Mike Pace suggested a tour of Millstone. He will arrange with the Chief Officer who suggested a walk thru at Millstone. With power grids and costs going up, it would behoove selectmen to visit the site. Linda will assist Old Saybrook in coordinating the visit.
Plum Island: Mike clarified that the Plum Island facility is NOT moving to the Preserve, despite rumors to that effect. However, the Island might be another trip to do. He will try to set something up for a tour.
Ellen Paul, Representative Joe Courtney’s Office.
1. Seminar for small businesses is planned. Approximate 800 small businesses will be attending.
2. Shop Act: Health Care Bill for Smaller Businesses. Pooling of small businesses should bring health costs down.
3. Dedication of Post Office in memory of Corp. Steven Bixler, whose father was a postal worker. Corp. Bixler was a casualty of the Iraq war.
Jeff Nelson, aid to Governor Rell:
1. The Conveyance Tax is being discussed in the special Session of the General Assembly, which convenes today. Extension of the local share is expected to pass.
2. Ethics Reform is also being addressed.
3. A bill allowing cash discounts at Connecticut gas stations is also on the Special Session agenda.
Mike asked if there were any initiatives on energy. Jeff wasn’t aware of initiatives, but thought Governor would be focusing on this.
Motion to adjourn was made by Rich Cabral; seconded by Tom Marsh. All in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Anthony, Clerk