Minutes
Attendance
Chester: Tom Marsh
Killingworth:
Lyme: Ralph Eno
Old Lyme: Tim Griswold
Old Saybrook: Mike Pace
Westbrook: Noel Bishop
Staff: Linda Krause, Jean Davies,
Guests: Rep. James Spallone
ECS Director Paula Ferraro
ETD Director Brad Beecher, ETD Chairman Doris Sanstrom
ETD Board member John Horn
Ellen Paul representing Congressman Joe Courtney
Steve Luckett Old Saybrook WPCA Coordinator
Mary Rose Dubarek, Director, Emergency Management District
Chairman Mike Pace reconvened the meeting as the Lower Connecticut River Valley Selectman’s Association in the conference space of the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency at 8:57 AM.
I.
ETD
Chairman Pace stated that the discussion was to be general and open. Should personnel matters be discussed, they could be open or in executive session by option. ETD Chairman Doris Sanstrom stated that she would like to report on recent developments at the ETD. She has been meeting with an attorney. An ad hoc committee has been appointed. It consists of former Chairman Virginia Zawoy, Board member John Forbis and Chairman Doris Sanstrom. They have been advised to hire a personnel consultant, selected by the attorney.
Chairman Sanstrom reported that the ETD is functioning in a small space. The ETD grew very fast. The ETD now hires drivers directly. Over twenty drivers are in and out of the office. She mentioned that “Brad has found new office space.” Chairman Pace identified “the space” as the former Pasta Vita. The new location will offer adequate office space and sufficient parking for the anticipated eleven busses.
Dick Smith asked about personnel issues, mentioning that the staff had also had issues with the previous director. Dick recalled warning the ETD that giving authority and extra pay to the staff between administrators would made it tough for the new Director. He asked if the tail is wagging the dog.” Dick asked why Chairman Sanstrom resorted to an attorney and a consultant. He directed that the Director be allowed to handle the staff.
Chairman Sanstrom relied that whistle blowers cannot be fired.
The term “whistle blowers” was discussed. It was agreed that
the term is being used very loosely.
Ralph Eno inserted that there are deeper problems. The current Executive Director is getting things done. He is not given proper authority. The board micro manages. The Selectmen, who appoint the board members, must set some ground rules. He would recommend that the board set forth their policies in writing.
Dick Smith suggested that Selectmen attend meetings of the ad hoc committee.
Phil Miller commented that the office space is only a symptom. In three years, rider-ship has increased from 30,000 rides a year to 80,000 rides per year. All personalities involved, including the board members need to put aside their feelings and work together.
It was agreed that the Director is responsible for outreach and development.
Noel Bishop asked if the by-laws give management authority to the board. No one knew. Is there a personnel committee? There is not.
Linda Krause commented that it is an interesting board with strong personalities and a hands-on attitude.
Ralph Eno asked how much the attorney is owed to date. Chairman Sanstrom estimates that it may be around $5,000.
Chairman Pace appointed Noel Bishop, Dick Smith and Tim Griswold to serve with the ETD members on the ad hoc committee.
Dick asked the ad hoc committee to meet before the consultant is hired.
Chairman Sanstrom precluded that possibility, stating that she already has the authority to hire the consultant.
Noel Bishop
offered to host the meeting in the
Linda Krause noted that Friday is pay day for the ETD.
Chairman Pace suggested that balances be printed out and that whoever does the pay roll should ask a board member to serve as a witness.
Concern was expressed that the office and the computer is available to anyone with keys.
Director Brad Beecher stated that his staff is gone. He does not have the password to access the payroll accounts.
Board member John Horn mentioned that the 2 staff members had resigned, as of the meeting yesterday.
Phil Miller moved that the appointment of Dick Smith, Noel Bishop and Tim Griswold to serve with the ETD members on an ad hoc committee be
endorsed by the association. The motion was seconded by Tom Marsh and unanimously approved.
Tim Griswold announced that due to the question of the current status of the staff, outside help is needed.
It was agreed that the ad hoc committee should meet on Friday.
II. Minutes
Phil Miller moved that the minutes of the June 13 meeting be approved as
circulated. The motion was seconded by Ralph Eno and approved
III.
Transportation
update
The matter had been previously covered.
IV.
Legislative
Update
A. Rep. Spallone
Rep. James Spallone reported things are quiet in
The Legislature is technically in special session. Adoption of the bond package is pending. STEAP needs reauthorization. It is scheduled to receive $40,000,000. Dick Smith and Ralph Eno volunteered to serve on a legislative advisory committee.
Chairman Pace mentioned that DCF has contracted with
B. Rep. Courtney
Ellen Paul urged all Selectmen to attend the Grants forum scheduled for September 24. Chairman Pace asked her to recirculate the E-Mail announcement.
Ralph Eno
asked about the Senate schedule for the
Chairman Pace asked about the dredging of North Cove. He was advised to call Jenny Contois.
Dick Smith mentioned the approval of a second sub. He noted that there is no indication that the approval will be vetoed.
V.
Other
Business
A. Small Cities
Chairman Pace reported that Old Saybrook is applying for a Small Cities Grant to help implement the Sewer Avoidance plan. Revolving loan money is available for home improvements such as a new roof or a new septic system. A family of four earning less than $60,000 per year or a family of two earning less than $40,000 would qualify. The grant would be interest free. Repayment is postponed until the property is transferred. At that time, the money would be returned to Old Saybrook to be reinvested in another home. He asked that the LCVSA support the application.
Old Saybrook WPCA Coordinator Steve Luckett added that the program is based on income, not assets. Income will be screened by the Youth and Family Services.
Noel Bishop moved that the LCVSA support the application. The motion was seconded by Tom Marsh and unanimously approved.
B. Emergency Services
1. Mary Jane Engel
Mary Jane mentioned that she has emailed information to Emergency Management
Directors and Health Directors of the seven Lower Connecticut River Valley
towns that are in District regarding vaccinations and mass dispensing of
preventative medication. The previous “Small Pox” plan was not workable. It has
been superseded. The dispensation site will still be the
Mary Jane stressed that it is important for the group to meet and get to know one another before an emergency occurs.
Most EM Directors, Selectmen and Health Directors are NIMS Certified and have taken both the 100 and 700 courses. Mary Jane recently took both the 300 and 400 Incident Command courses. She stressed the need for Selectmen, Emergency Managers and Health Directors to understand that level of organization. She is arranging to have courses offered for the region, probably in October.
2. Mary Rose Dubarek
Mary Rose Dubarek, Director of Emergency Management for District 2, reported that work continues on the Regional Emergency Management plan. Training are being scheduled. She announced that by-laws are being promulgated for the sub-committees. The proposed by-laws would incorporate one vote for each municipal CEO.
Linda Krause inserted that each of the five DEMHS regions is to have a
plan. District 2 encompasses four RPOs
and
Mary Rose offered guidance to towns that apply for Emergency Performance Grants. Currently only Westbrook and Old Saybrook participate. Up to $3,000 in matching grants is available per town per year. In kind services are applicable. Smaller budgets can qualify for a grant.
C. Questionnaire
Linda called attention to a questionnaire prepared by the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee. It was distributed via Email on July 27 to all Chief Elected Officials eliciting opinions about Regional Planning, Homeland Security and the State’s Long-term Planning efforts. The LPRI committee has asked Linda to encourage the selectmen to reply.
D. Electronics
Janice Ehle-Meyer distributed figures regarding the June 16, 2007 Clean Harbors calculations. The net weight of the collection proved to be greater than the per household count.
Janice has negotiated a compromise bill. It was agreed that in spite of the cost, it is well worth doing. Chairman Pace suggested that perhaps a fee could be imposed next year.
He noted that CRRA will expand their service. He suggested that the $10.00 per ton that CRRA returns to towns that deliver all of their recyclable materials could help off set the Clean Harbors bill.
E.
Paula Ferrara reported that the ECS Nutrition program seems to be safe for another year. The Senior Resources application is not ready yet, however, Senior Resources will extend the current contract for 2007-2008.
The 2008 ECS budget was passed by the ECS Board. Expenditures are down by $30,000. The program is operating in the black and expects to be in the black at the end of the year.
F.
Tim Griswold reported that he and Mike Pace toured Plum Island. The feds are
looking at five different sites to relocate the project. A hearing will be held at the Saybrook Point
Inn on August 22. About 200 workers
commute daily from
G. CRVCEO
Phil Miller announced that the Connecticut River Valley Council of Elected Officials will not meet in August. The September meeting will be in Westbrook, hosted by Noel Bishop.
H. ETD
Using the proposed reconfiguration in the center of Westbrook as an example, Doris Sanstrom asked all Selectmen to notify ETD of road work that might affect a bus route.
I. Health District
Chairman Pace reminded members that Health District is working well. Additional members are welcome.
The meeting
was adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy C. Griswold, Secretary