Minutes

Lower Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association

October 8, 2008

 

Attendance:

Chester:                       Tom Marsh

Clinton:                       Willie Fritz

Deep River:                 

Essex:                          Phil Miller

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                          Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:            

Westbrook:                  Noel Bishop

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                    Kim Morton, Interim Executive Director

                                    ECSI Executive Director, Paula Ferrara                         

                                    Roy Piper, DEMHS

                                    Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Office  

                                    Carla Iezzi, DOT

                                    Helena Halyna, ETD                                      

                                   

CRERPA Staff:           Linda Krause, Janice Ehle-Meyer

 

1. Call To Order:

 

            Tim Griswold, Secretary, called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. at CRERPA Headquarters, Saybrook Station, Old Saybrook. 

 

2. Minutes:

 

             Rich Cabral asked that the August minutes be amended regarding comments by Dick Smith concerning ETD, page two, top paragraph.  Re: September minutes, paragraph 3, Kim Morton meant to say bus services, and asked that the word be included in the minutes.  Motion to approve the minutes as amended made by Rich Cabral, seconded by Tom Marsh and voted unanimously.

 

3. Old Business:

            1.  ETD Update:  Kim Morton, Interim Executive Director

                        Kim said the audit for 2008 has finally been closed.  She has received word from DOT about several issues.

                        A Budget Balance Plan was submitted for review.  The 2008 deficit was $52,588.  Any town reserves is now gone.  There is no money in the bank and no cash flow.

            It was noted that legal fees of $83,000 and a $60,000 settlement paid to the previous Executive Director in separation package contributed to the deficit situation.

            The Budget Balance Plan included the following information:        

 

                                                                         Deficit                                    Savings/Other

            2008 Deficit:

            2008 Carry over Deficit                                  -$52,588

            2009 Town Contributions not allocated                                             $16,970

            Town-One-Time Assessment                                                              $38,000

            Total Surplus to be carried over to 2009     $   2,382

 

            2009 Budgeted Deficit                                  - $66,000

            Total Remaining Town contributions            -$   2,382

            2009 Deficit Sub Total                                   -$63,618         

 

Savings Plan Effective November 1st

            Elimination of Saturday Service (Shoreline and Riverside)              $12,847

            Elimination of 3 of the 12 trips on 5 weekdays, including

            the Essex extension.  The Essex extension will be covered by

            Dial-a-ride                                                                                           $34,427

            Administrative Restructuring Plan                                                     $16,324

Total Cost Savings Plan:                                                                                 $63,598

2009 Deficit Balance                                                    -$20

 

The formula used for estimating town contributions was discussed.  Kim went over the formula noted at the bottom of her hand out. She also discussed the individual town’s distributions based on total contribution of $38,000 and on a total contribution of $50,000.

            Kim said the availability of the $10,000 credit card line request is questionable. She will be talking with the Essex Savings Bank.

            Discussion ensued by all Selectmen concerning the assessments.  They requested a one-sheet explanation from Kim to present to their Boards of Finance.  Kim said she would comply. She said she would be happy to go to the towns and address their Boards of Finance.

            Paula Ferrara, Executive Director, ECSI, brought up the question of Dial-a-Ride fares for seniors.  It was suggested that this issue be taken up at a later time and that a clear understanding of the Senior Resources Grant parameters be researched. A meeting will then be set up to further discuss the issues. Linda Krause volunteered to arrange the meeting. Paula said she would be contacting Senior Resources.

            Kim said that aside from the legal fees and the package given to the previous ETD director, ETD would have been doing fine.

            Kim asked that the selectmen contact her if there are any questions. She would be happy to clarify any items noted.

            Motion: Understanding of the LCVSA that the original $30,000 in matching funds allocated by the Senior Resources Grant will be maintained in the custody of the Estuary Transit District regardless of their acceptance of the Senior Resources Grant, and those funds would be used to continue to support Dial-a-Ride services provided by the ETD.        

            Rich Cabral made the motion to accept; seconded by Willie Fritz. All were in favor with the exception of the opposition of Tom Marsh, Chester.   

 

            2. Emergency Management:  

                        Roy Piper, Region 2 Coordinator, DEMHS:

                                    1. Memorandum of Understanding: 52% of the towns have responded. 75% of towns must respond in order to be eligible for 2007 Federal monies.

                                    2. REPT:  November 3rd meeting in Guilford.

                                    3. Email sent to CEO’s and EMDs regarding table top exercise coming up on November20th at the Saybrook Point Inn on Severe Cold Weather Event. Please let DEMHS know if you are attending.

            3. HHW: 

                        Janice distributed HHW Maintenance Recommendations and Plan as presented by Ken Kells, Engineer.  In general the five-year old facilities are meeting the needs of the HHW program and are in overall good condition with only several items that need attention. Those items will be are being addressed and will be completed in a timely manner.

 

4. New Business:  

            Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Eastern Office:

                        1. Heating aid requests are three times higher this year than last year.

                        2. State received adjustment assistance of $1.5 million for people who lost jobs.

                        3. $300 million deficit right now, but this amount does not reflect issues on Wall Street.

                        4. $35 million in rescissions have been made. Cap for Governor is 5% and that figure has been reached.

                        5. 2010-2011 projected budget has a $2 billion deficit.

 

5. Adjournment:

            Motion to adjourn made by Rich Cabral; seconded by Noel Bishop.  All were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at 10:35.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk

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4. New Business

                           a. Heating Oil Crisis: A seminar sponsored by Marilyn Giuliano, is being held at the Estuary Council of Seniors this month. Date and time will be advertised in the Courant.

                          Selectmen noted they are concerned about fuel assistance, but town budgets are very tight. Bill Peace of Old Saybrook said the town has a $5,000 grant.  A quote from one oil company was $5.49 a gallon. The Towns may have to go to organizations in town to seek additional funds such as the Rotary and Lions Clubs.

                         b. Any New Item:  Phil Miller announced that Jennifer Janelle, Attorney, will be speaking at Noon at the CRVCEO about smart energy choices and solutions. He suggested the Selectmen ask Emergency Personnel in respective towns to attend this important meeting at the Middletown Town Hall on August 27th.

                          

5. Adjournment

                        Motion to adjourn was made by Rich Cabral; seconded by Phil Miller.  All were in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk