MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Thursday, February 21, 2008
6:30 p.m.
Old Saybrook Town Hall
Main Level Conference Room
MINUTES
PRESENT: First Selectman Michael A. Pace; Selectman William Peace, Lawrence Bonin, Director of Public Works, and 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:
Comments were taken.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN
Selectman Pace noted that Selectman Thomas was sick and could not make the
meeting.
Selectman Pace read a letter aloud from the DEP to OS Zoning Enforcement Officer with regard to the Aquifer Protection Program.
PACE/PEACE
Motion to add agenda item: Appointments to Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Selectman Pace noted the appointments of three people to the Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality. They are Julie Pendleton, Eon Gibson, and George Chang.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES of the Board of Selectmen Meeting of
January 17, 2008.
PACE/PEACE
Motion to accept the minutes of the Meeting of January 17, 2008 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
i. Updated report on road endings
Larry Bonin gave a progress report on the road endings. He noted that there were five (5) or six (6) road endings. The monuments are in the right places and the posts are ready to go in. The Cornfield Point Association has been contacted and they will be notified when the work will commence.
ii. Discuss Sidewalk Plans
Selectman Pace asked Larry Bonin to discuss the sidewalk plans. Mr. Bonin noted that certain sidewalks “in town” were being looked at to be repaired. He noted that there were erosion and cracking problems with Coulter Street and Dudley Avenue due to the problem with the tree roots. Also Pennywise Lane will be looked at. Selectman Peace also commented that Maynard Road was having problems with its sidewalks.
iii. Discuss Roadway improvements; road resurfacing historic districts, residential districts and scenic roads
Selectman Pace asked Larry Bonin to discuss roadway improvements. Mr. Bonin explained the process of “chip seal” vs. asphalt. The cost for the “chip seal” at $1.50 per square yard vs. the asphalt at $6.00 per square yard was a great savings and the life span was approximately the same for both. He noted that it was great in winter for tire traction and easy to plow with a different type of blade. Mr. Bonin passed around pictures for all to see.
Selectman Pace noted that the finished product would be very appealing and would “soften” the look in the historic, residential and scenic roads. He brought in a bag of the crushed stone used in the “chip seal” and commented that it was the same used in colonial Williamsburg.
iv. Discuss 15 Beach View; Year Round Use
Selectman Pace recognized Lisa and Bill Piechowski who proceeded to inform the Board of Selectmen of their findings in the further title search of their property. They handed out a packet to the Selectmen and interested citizens. Selectman Pace has worked with the Piechowskis since October, inviting in the Town Planner, Building Official, Chief Sanitarian, WPCA Coordinator and Town Attorney to investigate this property and the issue of “winterization” requested by the Piechowskis. Lisa Piechowski noted that she found a “misfiling” of a document in the Building Department file at the Town Hall. The Piechowskis feel there was a clerical error made from years ago.
Selectman Pace looked at the “200 List” and noted that there was always a foundation. He asked if there was a basement to which Mrs. Piechowski replied that there was a crawl space only. The Selectmen inquired as to water supply and septic. The Piechowskis noted that they have a well, which they don’t use and there was a new septic system installed just before they purchased the property.
Selectman Peace commented that he wanted to hear from the Health Department. Selectman Pace asked the Piechowskis to contact the Health Department so that information could be sent to the Selectmen’s Office. They agreed to do this. Selectman Pace noted that a decision could not be made at this time and that this would be put on the Agenda in 3 to 4 weeks, after more information could be obtained and when all 3 Selectmen were present.
E. Discuss Blight Ordinance
Selectman Pace read aloud a letter from Town Attorney Michael Cronin, Jr. which enclosed a “draft” of a Blight Ordinance modeled after the Blight Ordinance of the Town of Clinton.
Attorney Cronin suggested in his letter to the Selectmen that this should be brought before a Town Meeting. Selectman Peace noted that the ordinance needed much clarification before going forward.
PACE/PEACE
Motion to table the Blight Ordinance to get further clarification.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
F. Budget Workshop
Selectman Pace went over the General Government budget by departments. He noted that the Police Commission will be meeting Monday, February 25, 2008, to finalize their budget which was reduced by Selectman Pace. Right now, the increase in the general government budget is $216,622.00. Selectman Pace noted that this budget, not including the Board of Education budget, is up 1.4% including insurances, electricity, gas, oil and replacement of the fire truck. Selectman Pace noted that the 5 Year Capital Plan continues to play out.
Selectman Pace also noted that the next revaluation will be done in-house by the Assessor’s Office and, therefore, this budget includes $50K for this purpose.
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN
The Selectmen will meet at a special meeting February 27, 2008, at 6:00 P.M., at the same location. Please note the time change.
VIII. QUESTIONS BY THE PRESS – Were taken
IX. ADJOURNMENT
PEACE/PACE
Motion to adjourn at 7:45 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted:
Gerri Lewis, Acting Clerk
| 
