BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD A. Recognition of Tony Mammola as Chairman of the Memorial Day Parade. First Selectman Pace acknowledged Tony Mammola efforts over the past years in what he believes to be the best Memorial Day Parade in the State.
First Selectman Pace presented Tony with a framed picture (of Tony) at this year's Memorial Day Parade. Tony received a standing ovation and said he was so grateful.
B. Act and discuss on hiring of Environmental Planner position. Christine Nelson introduced to the Board of Selectmen recommended candidate for Environmental Planner Kelly Volansky and explained that she will be working 2 functions; one as wetlands enforcement (permits & violations) and also assisting Town Planner with analysis and web based GIS mapping, covers Assistant Planner position supports all resources overlay individual properties within the Town. First Selectman noted that this position is not a new position but a budgeted position. Kelly Volansky stated that she is looking forward to getting started.
First Selectman Pace noted that the Board of Selectmen is pleased to have her with us.
C. Report on the Summer Youth Employment Program through Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services. Joanne Messner of Social Services gave an update on the Summer Youth Employment Program. The Town was notified on July 5th that $11,000 has been allocated through a State grant. Currently, 5 kids are working in various town offices and is hoping to increase that number to 8-10 children. First Selectman Pace noted that the program is to enhance skills the kids already have and/or to have them learn new skills. Joanne Messner noted that the children are very interested in working. Joanne asked to increase the
hourly wage from $7.65/hr. to $8.00 and also to have a pizza luncheon at the end of summer for the children and parents to gain feedback; both items will remain within budget.
D. Discuss and act on Municipal Improvement Lease of "Gateway Information Booth" to the Chamber of Commerce. First Selectman Pace confirmed with Christine Nelson, Town Planner Planning Commission at their meeting last night approved lease of the gateway building to the Chamber of Commerce.
E. Presentation from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center Adhoc Committee for the Board of Selectmen to discuss and act on their recommendation. Robert Welsh, Chairman of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center Adhoc Committee (KHCAC) introduced the Adhoc members as Torrance Downes, Wally Hirsch, Dr. David Frankel and Ann Nyberg. First Selectman Pace noted purpose of the KHCAC plan is to have run off budget for economical development of the Town and promote cultural arts within the Town; not a political entity. First Selectman Pace further noted that the AdHoc committee was formed to draft the bylaws that shall
be interpreted and applied in the operations and the activities of the center. Dr. Frankel noted that the by laws were written of the point of view of getting it out of the municipal government and as a private corporation whereas the city would be represented on the Board of Trustees and meant to be a private entity self sustained. First Selectman Pace noted that the Town will through its Board of Selectmen have three representatives that will be appointed on the Board of Trustees to make sure that fiduciary responsibilities and obligation to the Town will be adhered to and other board members will be initially appointed by the Board but then subsequent years exclusive of the three that the Board will always appoint the other 9 will be appointed elected through the process of the Board of Trustees. Part of the Board of Trustees efforts will be to raise funds on a continuous basis and look at sub committees to assist. Ann Nyberg stated she is a cheerleader to the
group and thrilled to be part of Adhoc Committee and the view of the sub committees is that anybody can become involved. PEACE/THOMAS Motion to accept and approve with gratitude the recommendation of the Adhoc Committee's draft of bylaws and establishment of Board of Trustees and forward to Town Counsel for review. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Authorization of Town Attorney to work with Katharine Hepburn Adhoc Committee on the formation of 501C3 (tax exempt).
PEACE/THOMAS Motion to authorize Town Attorney to work with Katharine Hepburn Adhoc Committee to establish formation of 501C3. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
First Selectman Pace invited Dr. Frankel to speak on the Executive Director position. Dr. Frankel noted that the KHCAC Adhoc Committee prepared a draft job description listing position duties and qualifications and different routes to go about seeking a candidate. Robert Welsh noted spending several sessions with Mike Price at Goodspeed and outcome is urgency to move forward to fulfill position. Ann Nyberg added that Committee is working hard on putting word out in trying to find someone connected to the business. Torrance Downes added the importance of the urgency to hire and Executive Director with experience and contacts in the business to run the center properly to have it active from the beginning with top notch events.
First Selectman Pace stated the Board of Selectmen to take an action on authorizing to the Adhoc Committee the agreement to move forward to seek an Executive Director pending the establishment of the Board of Trustees (as the employee) and funds.
First Selectman Pace invited Wally Hirsh to address the Board of Selectmen with a construction update on the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center. Wally noted the renovation expansion is moving along with a few snags with the old building foundation; under the vault only 1 ft. instead of 3 ft as thought and had to be strengthened for support. All shop drawings for steel work complete and to be ordered. Inside completely gutted, two old safes removed. The floor is uneven and solution suggested to cover with new layer of concrete. Builder is on site everyday. Anticipates opening early next year before summer season. Town wide mailing to go out in near future for fundraising.
THOMAS/PEACE Motion for approval of Executive Director to manage the operation of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center with two items to be approved through the Board of Selectmen Office and Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center Adhoc Committee, one is the 501C3 and the funding in relation to the Executive Director.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
First Selectman Pace discussed a Press Release for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center & Theatre. The Press Release states the approval of the establishment of Board of Trustees, submittal of draft by laws by the KHCAC AdHoc Committee and approval to recruit an experienced Executive Director.
THOMAS/PEACE Motion to approve Press Release.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
First Selectman Pace thanked the Katharine Hepburn Adhoc Committee for their hard work.
F. Discuss and act on Founders Memorial Park Adhoc Committee request for funds for Park development. First Selectman Pace stated that Robert Fish placed funds in an account available for completion of Founder's Park. Selectman Peace noted that monies in budget for leaf dump. Work still needs to be done for enhancement of slopes and driveway work. Selectman Thomas noted that funding for the park not to exceed the $50,000 request.
PEACE/THOMAS Motion to spend funds for completion of Founder's Memorial Park not to exceed $50,000.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
G. Discuss and act on Town Engineer, Nathan Jacobson recommendation for Completion Bond amount of $560,300 and inspection fee amount of $11,206 for Rankin Neely Subdivision-Ingham Hill Road.
PEACE/THOMAS Motion to accept recommendation of Town Engineer, Nathan Jacobson for Completion Bond amount of $560,300 and inspection fee amount of $11,206 for Rankin Neely Subdivision-Ingham Hill Road. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
H. Discuss and act on proposed subdivision of Jason Ziegler property on Merritt Lane-2 lots. Selectman Peace noted the proposed 4.13 acres of Chalker Mill Pond as open space to the Town and an additional 2.2 acre Conservation Easement by Jason Ziegler for the resubdivision of land (2 lots) on Merritt Lane.
PEACE/THOMAS Motion made to accept proposed open space conveyance of remainder of Chalker Pond to the Town of Old Saybrook and proposed Conservation Easement referred to Town Counsel for review. Bond amount of $560,300 and inspection fee amount of $11,206 for Rankin Neely Subdivision-Ingham Hill Road.
THOMAS/PEACE Motion to add to agenda “Discuss and act on authorizing First Selectman, Michael A. Pace to sign the Cross Easement with Saybrook Country Barn. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Discuss and act on authorizing First Selectman, Michael A. Pace to sign the Cross Easement with Saybrook
Country Barn. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to authorize First Selectman, Michael A. Pace to sign the Cross Easement with Saybrook Country Barn. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PACE/THOMAS Motion to add to agenda “Discuss and act on the Municipal Cemetery expenditure of $3,800 for design and revitalization. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Discuss and act on the Municipal Cemetery expenditure of $3,800 for design and revitalization.
First Selectman Pace noted that the Municipal Cemetery Committee is working towards becoming a self funding cemetery. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to authorize expenditure of $3,800 to secure design and revitalization of Municipal Cemetery. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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