Minutes

Lower Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association

                                                                                               July 8, 2009

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh

Clinton:                      

Deep River:                 Dick Smith

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                         

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:             Mike Pace

Westbrook:                  Noel Bishop                                                                                                                                                   

Marilyn Giuliano, State Representative                                             

                                    Stephen Livingston, DOT Representative

                                    Joe Comerford, ETD Executive Director

                                    Paula Ferrara, ESCI Executive Director                                

                                    Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Representative

 

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

                                     

1. Call to Order: Chairman Mike Pace convened the meeting 9:33 a.m. in the CRERPA Conference Room in Old Saybrook CT.

 

2. Approval of June Minutes:  Motion to approve minutes was made by Tom Marsh and seconded by Rich Cabral..

 

3. Probate Court Consolidation Update:

            Mike Pace said that Judge Pearl of Essex had put forth several additional plans concerning the consolidation of the probate court in the lower valley.  Old Saybrook was left out in her plans.

             Pearl indicated that she was not included in previous meetings of the Selectmen concerning the consolidation. She suggested Clinton go with Madison, Old Lyme with East Lyme.  She did not want the seat of the probate courts located in Old Saybrook.  It appeared that the Commission on Redistricting may be going with Judge Pearl’s proposal.  The selectmen felt that Clinton was vital in the redistricting and should be included with the nine towns.

            Tom Marsh volunteered to write a letter to the Commission to reinforce the selectmen’s original letter.  He will contact Willie Fritz to reaffirm that Clinton concurs with the proposed plan.

            Jamie Spallone asked that he be kept apprised of all issues concerning the consolidation.  He said it made sense to listen to the selectmen; however, the Commission on Redistricting has the final say.        

            Cabral made the motion that a letter be written, referring to our original letter, identifying the Selectmen’s parameters for the consolidation of the courts.  It should also state that Old Lyme would now go with East Lyme and that Haddam be included with the nine towns. The seat would be in Old Saybrook.  The motion was seconded by Dick Smith. All were in favor. Tim Griswold abstained.

 

4. Old Business:

            a. Regional Update:  Jamie said there is little to report.

                        Linda reiterated that a selectman or his designee must be appointed to the CRERPA Board.

            Ralph Eno has been appointed by Governor to do some research on Health Districts.  Phil spoke of his recent experience to ascertain what was suitable and cost effective for his town.  The decision was that joining the health district would be beneficial to Essex.

            The subject of fiscal independence in the area of education was discussed at length. The State does not have financial insight regarding the issue. Regionalism of the school districts was also discussed.

            A mill rate breakdown on tax bills was suggested.

            b. HHW: 

                        Janice said she emailed the towns regarding the cost of painting the HHW building.  She will email those towns who did not respond.

                         She asked that the towns return the questionnaire concerning their transfer stations.         

                        Janice will look into the rumor that Veolia has been involved in a buyout and will report her findings at the next meeting.

 

5.  New Business:

            a. Legislative Updates:

                        Dick Smith asked about a new line item for towns in the State budget of $100,000,000.  He asked where is that money going and to whom? No answer was forthcoming from those present.

                        Resident Trooper Program:  COST is having a meeting on this subject. Towns are due to be reimbursed approximately 30%.  It was suggested the selectmen attend this meeting for any updates.

                        Marilyn had nothing to report.  She said there was a gross imbalance in the legislature. Next year does not look good.

                        Jeff Nelson indicated that his office may be closed.  He’s unsure about his position at this time.   

                        Energy Block Money: Several towns indicated how the money will be used:  recycling carts, making Helping Hands building energy efficient, lighting upgrades, replacing oil with gas furnace for fire house, and energy efficient skylights. One town will audit air flow in public building to conserve heat.

                        Tom Marsh said he asked Eileen Daily and Brian O’Connor to speak at the CRVCEO meeting on the 22nd at Fiore’s in Old Saybrook.

            c. Emergency Management: Nothing to report

 

6. Adjournment:

            Tim Griswold made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Dick Smith.  All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk