Minutes

Lower Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association

                                                                                               September 9, 2009

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh

Clinton:                       Willie Fritz

Deep River:                 Dick Smith

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                         Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:             Mike Pace

Westbrook:                  Noel Bishop                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                    Stephen Livingston, DOT Representative                 

                                    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 9:35 a.m. in the CRERPA Conference Room in Old Saybrook CT.

 

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

 

3. Probate Court Consolidation Update:

            The probate consolidation for the 9-town region passed as requested.  Marilyn Giuliano was instrumental in its successful outcome, and her perseverance was commended by the Chairman.  It was suggested that Linda write a letter to Rep Giuliano thanking her for her support and help.  The final outcome is yet unknown.

            Ralph felt that the towns’ probate records should remain in their respective towns and not be sent en masse to Hartford.

 

4. Old Business:

            a. Budget Update:  Linda gave a brief explanation of how the decrease in funding for CRERPA will impact the agency. She said that she expects about $12,000 as opposed to $65,000 from OPM – an 80% cut in funding.  While layoffs are not currently expected, cut backs on hours may be in the foreseeable future. 

            Dick Smith said how much he appreciates the way CRERPA works for the towns and felt the towns need CRERPA’s expertise more now than ever before. Linda was asked to prepare a fact sheet on what the Agency does for each town.

            Linda explained that the demographics of the region as we know will be changing. Tom Marsh said he might have space for the agency in Chester as the space used by the Probate Court in that town will be empty.

            Linda again explained how the Transportation Access Plan 2009 is of particular importance as a source of funding needs.  It is necessary to see where there are opportunities and to seek funding from these areas.  She also asked the selectmen send her a letter identifying the CRERPA designee for each town.  This requirement is a State mandate

            b. HHW:  Janice distributed the tallies comparing the ’08-’09 collections.  She noted that we had 420 drop offs on the 5h.

            Veolia:  Of six barrels of paint that were collected, one tested positive for PCBs.  After negotiating with Veolia concerning a charge the company affixed  for handling the PCBs, Veolia withdrew its charge and said it valued our business much more than the issue of the cost.

            Prescription Collection:  Janice asked if the selectmen were interested in pursuing this type of collection.  The general consensus was they were not.  Mike suggested we look to see if anyone else in doing this type of collection.

            CRRA:  A memorandum was distributed concerning CRRA and a contract they have with SHRED-IT.  Participating towns can bring anything made of paper, especially items that could be used to steal identity, and have these records properly destroyed.  Janice was asked to send additional information concerning this program to the towns.

            Community Garden:  The garden did well in Essex and will expand next year.

            Mike said that he has compost available to any town and to contact his DPW for details.

 

5.  New Business:

            a. Legislative Updates:                      

                        Jeff Nelson said the budget has passed without the signature of the Governor.      

                        Energy Block Money: Grants have been delayed due to Federal guidelines glitches.  There is $1million for regional projects; however that money has also been delayed.  The application form has not yet been approved.

                        Tomorrow there will be a summit on the HlNl flu at the Convention Center.

                        Amey Marella will fill the full time spot as Commissioner of DEP effective February 2010.

                        Mike spoke briefly on why CRRA pulled out of Franklin and said the effort has been suspended.  CRRA’s new business model will be coming out shortly.  The towns will be given an option to stay with CRRA or to go with someone else. Mike said the political process in Hartford is difficult to deal with.

                        The Katharine Hepburn Community Theater has opened, and a black tie event is scheduled for October 17th.  Thirty events are scheduled from now to Christmas, several of which are sold out.  Tickets for the Met opera tickets are $25.00

                        Flood Plan Maps:  Ralph said that a great deal is in jeopardy and cautioned that all towns must be attuned to the updated regulations.  This is a big deal.  Homeowners may not be able to get insurance and should reapply so that the premium rate does not go higher.  There is a grandfather provision for the insurance.

 

6. Adjournment:

            Rich Cabral 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