ADDENDUM TO REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 19, 2012 SELECTMAN’S REPORT |
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SELECTMAN’S REPORT:
Selectman
With regard to the town garage building, Larry Bonin put out an RFP for a 6500 square foot building with concrete pad. It will be to the left (Exchange Pond side) of the entrance of the Transfer Station. There is already $100K set aside. DEEP, as well as the town is aware that the Transfer Station is on an Aquifer and DEEP would like to be kept abreast of the progress of this building.
Selectman Fortuna reported that Mr. Bonin and Mr. Lucas put together the specs for the building and the concrete pad. The bids will come in by Friday, June 29th, 2012. The Board had questions about the DEEP with regard to the Aquifer. Mr. Fortuna noted that the DEEP just wants progress and to be kept informed. It was asked if the town was obligated to take the lowest bid. Mr. Fortuna noted that it must be a reputable contractor and they must meet the specs.
Mr. Fortuna made the Board aware of the L&M high deductible health care plan which is the direction he is trying to move the town employees in. Some people in town hall are going in that direction now. He will keep the Board informed.
Mr. Fortuna reported that Attorney Royston, who represents re Max's Place came in to see him. He noted that Kohls has an interest in coming to Old Saybrook.
There is $414K sitting in escrow that shifts to the town as soon as there is action on this. They will be appearing before Zoning. The BOS approved a slight modificaton to the square footage. Max’s Place are looking to put Kohls into 50K sq ft and possibly 45K sq ft grocery store. Mr. Royston noted that they are looking to move on this as soon as possible.
FEMA: Mr. Fortuna noted that we are $100K short of our FEMA reimbursement.
Bokum Rd: Mr. Fortuna met with the President of the volunteer organization re the trains. He noted that one of the volunteers was the first selectman of Suffield.
Security System: Mr. Fortuna met with Chief Spera regarding a security system for town hall. He noted that it is needed for late night meetings as well as day time security.
Mr. Westerson asked if a flood light will be installed on the corner of the parking lot to which Mr. Fortuna answered, yes. The system will be installed this year.
IT: Mr. Fortuna noted that the town pays Starr Computers $32K annually for 7 hours/wk services. Mr. Fortuna met with Chief Spera with regard to IT. The town has entered into an agreement with Sargent Gardner to begin with 16 hrs/wk. at $28K annually. He will work at the OSPD 3 days and at the town hall 2 days.
Mr. Fortuna noted that we will be saving $4K annually. Chief Spera noted that he will be meeting with BOS quarterly to monitor the progress. Mr. O’Brien asked about the cancellation of the contract with Starr. Mr. Fortuna noted that there was no contract. Mr. O’Brien commented that if this was not in the budget that the BOF approved 5 weeks ago, this should go to town meeting. Mr. Fortuna commented that he had no problem with taking this to town meeting, but he would get a ruling from town council. Mr. O’Brien noted that if the money was moved out of a contractual account to another account, it should have to go to a town meeting.
Mr. Fortuna, again, said he would get a ruling from town council. He noted that he didn’t see a down side and that the transition has already started.
Mr. Giegerich noted that $32K was put in budget for IT services. He also noted the additional benefit of having a police officer in the town hall.
Re senior housing: Mr. Fortuna reported that the town applied for a Small Cities Grant for eldery/senior housing on Sheffield Street in the amount of $500K. He explained that Small Cities Grants target low income housing and the like. He noted that it is going to be very competitive.
Utilities: Mr. Fortuna locked in oil, gas & diesel. He noted that the town including schools, belong to a consortium and they recommended to “buy.”
Note: This was transcribed from a CD, in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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