Minutes

Lower Connecticut Valley Selectmen’s Association

December 10, 2008

 

Attendance:

Chester:                      

Clinton:                       Willie Fritz

Deep River:                 Dick Smith

Essex:                         

Killingworth:               Richard Cabral

Lyme:                         Ralph Eno

Old Lyme:                   Tim Griswold

Old Saybrook:             Mike Pace

Westbrook:                 

                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                    Kim Morton, Interim Executive Director

                                    Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Representative

                                    Paul Nonnenmacher, CRRA                          

                                    Ellen Paul, Courtney Representative                                     

                                    Carla Iezzi, DOT

                                    Helena Halyna, ETD                                      

                                   

CRERPA Staff:           Linda Krause, Janice Ehle-Meyer, Jean Davies

 

 

1. Call to Order: Mike Pace, Chairman, convened the meeting at 9: 16 a.m. at CRERPA Headquarters, Saybrook Station, Old Saybrook. 

 

2. Minutes: Motion to approve the November ’08 minutes was made by Rich Cabral and seconded by Dick Smith.  All were in favor.       

 

3. ETD Update: Covered at the MPO meeting.       

           

4. Old Business:

           

            1. Emergency Management:   Table top exercise was held at the Saybrook Point Inn on November 20th.  Mike wanted to know how much money has been directed for Emergency Management and suggested that it perhaps might be wise to look into this area.

            Linda commented on the priorities of Homeland Security, and after a discussion it was agreed that we should be cognizant of the expenses. 

            Three Days-Three Ways: A symposium was held in Milford recently.  Jean commented that it is an excellent program and is directed to 4th graders.  Rich Cabral is trying to secure the program for the Killingworth 5th graders.

            2. HHW:  Janice reported that the numbers are up.  Electronics collections were at an all-time high.  Mike suggested that we have to have space within our borders here for people to drop off their electronics waste. 

                        Janice distributed an outline concerning electronic recycling and how efficient it may be to deliver them to convenient and accessible collections designated by individual municipalities.  A discussion ensued regarding the viability and cost of such a plan.

                        Ralph Eno explained the issues and urged the selectmen to do consider handling electronics recycling regionally.  There was a suggestion concerning charging a fee.

                        Paul Nonnenbacker of CRRA referred all inquiries to Tom Gaffey concerning the parameters of such a project.  Tom is the “go to” person at CRRA.

                        Tom Metzner of the DEP will help in identifying the mechanics of the collections. It is important to look for a regional site where people could drop off electronics perhaps several days a month.

                        The plan must be in place by July 1st.  Ralph and Janet will be coordinating the project.  The process must be a generic process, not a selective process.

                        Paul said the Essex site is a good site.  Ralph suggested we send a plan to DEP as early as possible.

                        Janice mentioned a paint stewardship that would ensure leftover paint and empty containers be managed in a manner that is protective of health and environment.  She noted that 60% of waste received at the HHW site is leftover paint. She explained the initiative (PPSI).  After much discussion, it was suggested that it might be cheaper and more efficient to burn the paint.  Why not research this possibility first? 

                        Another issue discussed was Ken Kells’ proposal to resolve the rust problems at the site.  After a lengthy discussion it was agreed to wait till spring and to also pursue additional price quotes. 

            Linda mentioned that at one of the collections a box containing family crystal was inadvertently collected.  After much research by Janice, the box was located, and the crystal returned to the owner.

            Jeff Nelson mentioned that the recycling business is down.  No one is buying anything.

            Paul noted that single stream recycling is the easiest and most efficient way to recycle

 

4. Business:  

            1. Legislative Updates:  Ellen Paul said Joe Courtney was in DC working on the auto bill.  Vote should be tomorrow.

            Neighborhood Stabilization:  There is a slight change in allocation.  $2.6 million will be allocated to 3 small cities.  She said it was not a great victory.

            John Holly is leaving, and Ellen will now be the new scheduler for Joe. She said the Congressman is hopeful of getting down here more often and urged the selectmen to contact him with concerns.

            Jeff Nelson, Gov. Rell’s Representative: The Governor is disappointed with the numbers at this point, and real numbers regarding the deficit are not yet known. There is some discussion about changing how the government works.

            REVALUATION:  This is another unfunded mandate.  It’s cost prohibitive for the towns and is driving the middle class out of the cities.  Many middle-class homeowners cannot afford to live in area towns.

            Judges of Probate:  A lengthy discussion took place concerning the cost.  No one appears to know what is going on.  Jeff said he had no idea if we are going to regionalize the courts.

            Regionalism:  This subject will be focal point of the upcoming CRVCEO meeting on January 28th in Old Lyme.  Regionalism is not the overall panacea; however, it does have its place.  There are pros and cons concerning this subject, and they should be explored by the individual towns.

 

5. Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn was made by Tim Griswold and seconded by Dick Smith.  All were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk

                       

 

 

.

           

           

                       

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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