BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD A. Acceptance of a gift from Alan and Diana Clarke to the Founder’s Memorial Park Fund. Barbara Guenther, Chairman, Founder’s Memorial Park Committee reported that the “old” landfill area on Coulter Street is close to successfully being turned into a park. After a great deal of permitting with the State Department of Environmental Protection and Board of Finance funding completion is set for early Fall. A large amount of the area could not be disturbed and credited Public Works for the areas that were worked on allowing for a fantastic viewing area of the Connecticut River. Barbara noted that in the 1990’s the Robert Clarke family gifted to the Town portions of the park, later dedicated the park to the Robert Clarke Family and had been in contact Robert up until his passing this past May. In Robert’s memory, the family, in lieu of flowers, accepted donations to the Founder’s Memorial Park fund and matched gifts received to date with a check for $750.
B. Report on end of year surplus, fiscal year 2006-2007. Robert Fish, Town Treasurer presented a Financial Report, 2006/2007 Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2007 (unaudited). The General Fund shows line items with actual expenditure and revenues ending with a surplus, $273,000. Available fund balances in the general fund, budgeted operations is $2,893,219; Sewer Fund, $1,393.185(confirmed this money is committed only to the Sewer fund) and Capital Outlay Sinking Fund
(C.O.S.F.), $1,466.137. Three infrastructure Projects employing bonds or notes: High School/Middle School Renovations, Cultural Arts Center and Communications System.
First Selectman Pace noted that funds translate into equity side of the balance sheet.
Robert Fish stated that in summary the financial condition equals healthy fund balances and the Town’s net worth of $68.5 million continues to climb. Long term debt, $25.5 million with future debt levels dropping as we pay off past bond issues is presently at the $3 million policy limit for payment. First Selectman Pace stated this policy was brought to the Board of Finance and it was concurred not to exceed a certain number of dollars on an annual basis at present face value of taxpayers dollars and fund balances with money put away to pay in cash and stay out of debt.
Robert Fish noted the new mill rate for 2007/2008 is 15.84 and remains one of the lowest tax rates in the State.
C. Discuss and act on Call for Town Meeting.
First Selectman Pace stated that residents of Anchorage Lane are concerned with an agency opening a “group” home at 7 Anchorage Lane. Safety for the group home clients as well as communication between the Town and the agency are the main issues. State representative Marilyn Guiliano has written a letter to the Department of Children & Families, Commissioner, Susan Hamilton regarding these concerns and for review of process and application. First Selectman Pace noted that the Gilead Agency went through the proper Town Boards for approval and met regulations but that it is important and legitimate to address the matter of facility safety and appropriateness of location. Residents of Anchorage Lane brought forward and asked, in accordance with the law which sates that any resident in a
municipality in which such community residence or care facility is located may with the approval of the legislative body of such municipality petition the Commissioner and challenge issuance of permit for the facility. Anchorage Lane resident, Mr. Caputo forwarded with this request in his letter dated 7/21/07 submitted for the record. A letter dated, August 16, 2007 from Town Attorney, Michael Cronin to First Selectman Pace, added to the record, responds to Mr. Caputo’s request and states that in order to petition the Commissioner and challenge the issuance of permit legislative body approval is required which the Board of Selectmen has the power to call in the format of a Town Meeting. Selectman William Peace stated his support to move to Town meeting. Four pages of comments from Mr. Caputo were added into the record. A book entitled, “Safety Report and Risk Analysis Update, July 1, 2007 – Use of 7 Anchorage Lane as a
D.C.F. Group Home” by Tom Kehlenbach III was added into record. Mr. Kehlenbach gave an overview of the book by stating the safety of the children as an issue in that the home is surrounded by 3 sides of water and concerned with possible drowning(s). Also, a pedestrian path leads to the I-95 Baldwin Bridge, less that 1500 ft. away. First Selectman Pace read the Call of the Town Meeting. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to call a Town Meeting, August 28, 2007, 7:30 p.m. at the Old Saybrook Middle School as substantially discussed. First Selectman Pace questioned if there were any concerns,
questions or misinterpretations of the intent of the motion. None voiced and so noted for the record. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Discuss and act on sale of “Breakwater” Lighthouse
First Selectman Michael Pace stated that the federal government is looking to dispose of the “outer” Lighthouse, a key to the mouth of the river and important navigational beacon for safety. First Selectman Pace contacted State Representative Joe Courtney’s office for understanding of procedure and protocol for disposal of lighthouse. The Coast Guard maintains the lighthouse “light” and the Parks Service is in charge of the disposal. The property has no public access. It can not be used for a house but can be a museum or some type of educational piece. First Selectman Pace spoke with the Borough of Fenwick as both have a mutual interest, though prefers the federal government continue ownership as public safety, it may be going up for sale and recommends the Town
put in the necessary paperwork to show interest in joint application with the Borough of Fenwick or on our own.
Micahel Spera, Director, Emergency Management stated that the Town of Old Saybrook to act on acquiring. Selectman Peace agreed. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to move forward acting on the sale of outer lighthouse and authorize First Selectman Pace to move forward with the Borough of Fenwick to investigate for further discussion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
E. Discuss and act on Water Pollution Control Authority recommendation of L. Wagner & Associates for professional services for the 2007 DECD Small Cities Application for Sewer Avoidance Program. Steve Luckett , Water Pollution Control Authority reported that the WPCA is in favor of acquiring L. Wagner & Associates for professional services to move forward with the grant application. The grant is a safety net for lower income households with a long term loan program, no interest and no need to pay back until public land transfer. WPCA responsibility to oversee community wide solution to the sewer issue and the grant is the
vehicle to not only replace whole systems but have the ability to replace minor system deficiencies to include defect baffles, install filters, risers, bring systems up to code. Income eligibility is based on household annual income, not location, $40,000 individual and $60,000 family of four.
PEACE/THOMAS Motion for First Selectman Pace to engage with L. Wagner & Associates for professional services for the 2007 DECD Small Cities grant as recommended by the Water Pollution Control Authority. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY PEACE/THOMAS Motion to add to agenda a resolution for DECD Small Cities Program grant application for $500,000. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Discuss and act on resolution for DECD Small Cities Program grant application for $500,000. PEACE/THOMAS Motion to pass the certified resolution for DECD Small Cities Program grant application for $500,000. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PACE/THOMAS Motion to add to the agenda to discuss and act to re-adopt an ADA Notice and Grievance Procedure to meet the requirements of Title II of the American with Disability Act. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PEACE/THOMAS Discuss and act to re-adopt the ADA Notice and Grievance Procedure to meet the requirements of Title II of the American with Disability Act. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PACE/THOMAS Motion to re-adopt the ADA Notice and Grievance Procedure to meet the requirements of Title II of the American with Disability Act MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
PACE/THOMAS Motion to add to the agenda to discuss and act to re-adopt. the Affirmative Action Policy Statement for the Town of Old Saybrook. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Discuss and act to re-adopt the Affirmative Action Policy Statement for the Town of Old Saybrook.
PACE/THOMAS Motion to re-adopt the Affirmative Action Policy Statement for the Town of Old Saybrook. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY F. Appointments 1. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center and Theatre. Board of Trustees PACE/THOMAS Motion to appoint Robert Welsh, Ann Nyberg, Dr. David Frankel, Elaine Staplins, Torrance Downes and Sandy Chase. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
THOMAS/PEACE Motion to add to the agenda Economic Development Commission and Cable TV Advisory Council appointments. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2. Economic Development Commission (EDC) Term expiration, regular member, Howard Huelsman. This is a five-year term due to expire 06/2012 THOMAS/PEACE Motion to re-appoint Howard Huelsman to the Economic Development Commission. This is a five year term due to expire 06/2012. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3. Cable TV Advisory Council. Term expiration, Kingman Snow. This is a 2 year term due to expire 07/2009 THOMAS/PEACE Motion to re-appoint Kingman Snow to the Cable TV Advisory Council. This is a 2 year term due to expire 07/2009. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
G. Approval of Minutes of the Special Board of Selectmen Meeting of July 16, 2007, Board of Selectmen Meeting of July 19, 2007 and Special Board of Selectmen Meeting of August 2, 2007.
THOMAS/PEACE Motion to table the minutes of the Special Board of Selectmen Meeting of July 16, 2007 and Special Board of Selectmen Meeting of August 2, 2007. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
THOMAS/PEACE Motion to accept the minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting of July 19, 2007 with change on Page 2, Item E., to remove Wally Hirsch listed as an Adhoc member. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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