302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741 Telephone: 860-395-3123 Facsimile: 860-395-3125 HMC SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 22, 2015 7:PM EDC OFFICE TOWN HALL
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Meeting was moved across the hall to first floor conference room and notice was posted.
1. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Chairman Ray Collins.
2. Roll Call:
Present: Ray Collins, Chairman; Les Bowman, Secretary; Dick Goduti; George Wall; David Cole; Gerri Lewis, Clerk
3. Chairman Collins read the amended agenda item which was to consider and act upon an appropriation from the Harbor Management Fund established under the provisions of Section 22a-113s for the purpose of providing assistance to the Town’s marine patrol. He then made the following motion:
A motion by Mr. Collins to not appropriate funds from the Harbor Management Fund to provide assistance to the Town’s Marine Patrol was seconded by Mr. Bowman.
Discussion: Chairman Collins commented that he was a strong supporter of the Marine Patrol as Old Saybrook has the largest coastline on the sound and there are many boaters out there that are not safe and courteous. He noted that there is a great need for the patrol boat for the safety and security of our waters.
Selectman Fortuna commented that from a process point of view, it was perceived that there was a possible FOI violation at the June 8th meeting. He suggested that the commission not appropriate the funds for lease of a patrol boat. Mr. Fortuna went on to say that he believed the Harbor Management Commission was brought into this controversy but they should not be involved. This could put the Marine Patrol budget at risk. He noted that this is precedent setting and dangerous. Mr. Fortuna did say there needs to be a call to work towards a resolution. He said that the Selectmen will not be signing the lease. He also noted that the Board of Finance felt that the rug got pulled out from under them. He said that these were the reasons for urging the Harbor Management Commission
not to appropriate funds.
Mr. Goduti commented that by what authority does the Harbor Management Commission have to appropriate or not appropriate funds. Mr. Fortuna noted that he believed that this meeting was more about process. Mr. Goduti disagreed and went on to say that the purpose of the Harbor Management Commission was to recommend to Board of Selectmen/Board of Finance. He noted that the basic flaw was that the Harbor Management Commission should never have been brought into this. Mr. Goduti went on to read Sec. 22a-113s from the statutes and sections from the Harbor Management Plan and the Town Charter which copies were handed out to the commission.
Mr. Bowman noted that he crafted the resolution that was voted on at the June 8, 2015 HMC meeting. He said that what was presented to the harbor commission was presented as a last resort to provide marine patrol services for this summer. Mr. Bowman read from the Harbor Management Plan adopted by the Town indicating it is town policy to maintain and enhance existing public safety services. He noted that he crafted something that was intended to be responsible and a one time solution, until another solution could be sought. He did note however, that he withdraws that resolution.
Selectman Fortuna offered a protocol suggestion, in light of the harbor management commission’s concern with FOI. He suggested proposing a motion appropriating the funds and voting the resolution down.
End of discussion.
The motion did not pass 0-4-1 present (Goduti)
The following motion was then made:
A motion by Mr. Collins to appropriate funds from the Harbor Management Fund to provide assistance to the Town’s Marine Patrol was seconded by Mr. Bowman.
Discussion: Mr. Wall commented that this was an inappropriate use of funds. He also noted that the fire boat still hasn’t been looked into. Mr. Goduti noted that he was against this and that it wasn’t in the purview of the Harbor Management Commission.
Motion did not pass 0-4-1 present (Goduti)
Adjournment: A motion to adjourn at 7:28 p.m. was seconded and passed.
Submitted: Gerri Lewis, Clerk
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