Town of Old Saybrook, CT - Minutes 9/20/2007

Minutes 9/20/2007

http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/word/2003/wordml013fSPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Thursday, September 20, 2007

6:30 p.m.

Old Saybrook Town Hall

Main Level Conference Room

MINUTES

Board of Selectmen met in special session on Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 6:30 p.m., First Floor Conference Room Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Michael A. Pace, Selectman William Peace, Selectman Velma Thomas, Town Attorney Mike Cronin, Executive Assistant Roland Laine, members of the press and interested citizens.

I.	CALL TO ORDER First Selectman Michael Pace called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
II.	PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE First Selectman Michael Pace led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III.	COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – Resident Jean Castagno submitted a letter for the record and read it aloud concerning her objection of the use of $300,000 for septic system repairs as stated in a legal notice dated 9/19/07. Resident Dan Moran submitted a letter for the record and read it aloud regarding untimely postings of BOS minutes and agendas.
IV.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN – First Selectman Pace responded to Mrs. Castagno’s questions, stating that the $300,000 is from a Small Cities Grant and not from the Town’s budget. Grant funds of this nature are sought after to assist our residents in various ways. This grant will help low income residents to repair their septic systems. The borrowed money will be repaid when the property is sold or transferred. This program is separate from the Town’s WPCA efforts. First Selectman Pace fielded a question concerning theater seating for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. He stated that the theater committee is concerning variable seating in relation to the expanded variety of events now being considered as possible users of the theater. First Selectman Pace introduced Town Attorney Mike Cronin and Executive Assistant Roland Laine to comment on the filings of BOS minutes and agendas. Mr. Laine submitted a schedule of BOS agendas dating back from January 2006 to the present which shows that all but one agenda was filed properly in the Town Clerk’s office. Mr. Cronin stated that the Town is not in violation of FOIA because the statute Sec. 1-225 (a) states that minutes from a public meeting must be made available within seven days in the regular place of business. Mr. Laine confirmed that after every BOS meeting his notes are located in the BOS office and are available should anyone request such information. Selectman Bill Peace requested a moment of silence on behalf of Jim Keaney, a friend and fellow environmental activist who passed away last week. First Selectman Pace commented on his meeting earlier in the week with State Rep. Marilyn Guilano and the DCF Commissioner and two commission staff members. First Selectman Pace and Rep. Guilano conveyed the community’s concerns with safety issues. He left the meeting cautiously optimistic and hopes to hear from the Commissioner in three to five weeks.
V.	APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the Board of Selectmen Special Meeting of September 6, 2007. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting of September 6, 2007 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI.	BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD A. . Discuss and act on the Conservation Commission and Great Land Conservation Trust recommendation for proposed resolution for a clean energy commitment – 20% by 2010 Several members of public spoke in favor the resolution, including Janice Holland, President of the Old Saybrook Land Trust. Conservation Commission Chairman Bob Fish informed the BOS of the commission’s support of this initiative. Resident Tenzin Namdol, who spearheaded this initiative, was asked to read the resolution aloud by the First Selectman. PEACE/THOMAS Motion to adopt Resolution Proposing Clean Energy Commitment as recommended by the Conservation Commission and the Great Land Conservation Trust. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY B. Discuss and act on establishment of an Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality. Bob Fish noted that the State of CT has a Council on Environmental Quality and is recommending that the Town of Old Saybrook establish a similar council as an ongoing ad hoc committee of the BOS. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to adopt the Conservation Commissions recommendation to establish an Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C. Discuss and act on the lease for the Chamber of Commerce at the head of Main Street - Village Gateway Building. Adam Stuart, President of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, and Hugh Fiore, member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, both thanked and congratulated the BOS in their efforts to finalize the lease agreement and complete the Village Gateway Building. Mr. Cronin outlined the pertinent terms of the lease and stated that he is satisfied that it protects the town’s interest. PEACE/THOMAS Motion to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into the lease agreement with the Chamber of Commerce for the premises at the Village Gateway Building. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY D. Re-affirm Motorola Communication System contract. PEACE/THOMAS Motion to re-affirm the previous vote for the Motorola Communication System contract. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY E. Re-affirm Rudolf Netsch Construction Inc. contract for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center Project PEACE/THOMAS Motion to re-affirm the Rudolf Netsch Construction Inc. contract for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center project. F. Appointments 1. Town Tree Committee. Stan Niemerski and Luray Beers term expiration. These are 3-year terms due to expire 10/2010. PEACE/THOMAS Motion to re-appoint both Stan Niemerski and Luray Beers to the Town Tree Committee for 3-year terms due to expire 10/2010. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2. Public Health Nursing Board. Vacancy. This is a 3-year term due to expire 11/2009. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to appoint Mary Kennedy to the Public Health Nursing Board for a 3-year term due to expire 11/2009. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN – Selectman Thomas announced two upcoming KHCAC committee meetings: the first to discuss theater seating and the second meeting to discuss interior materials.
VIII.	QUESTIONS BY THE PRESS - none were taken.
IX.	ADJOURNMENT THOMAS/PEACE Motion to adjourn at 7:35 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Respectfully submitted, Janet S. Vinciguerra Recording Clerk