BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
Lt. Michael Spera spoke regarding the Town of Empire, Louisiana, which is the town Old Saybrook had adopted after hurricane Katrina. He noted every penny that has been raised is slated to go to Empire and that the Town of Empire, through Jay Freedman, is requesting assistance for the cost of moving limestone to replace driveways that were destroyed and the building of a new Community Center. He recommends sending the funds to build a new Community Center. It would best reflect the Town of Old Saybrook’s commitment to community efforts.
A. Present correspondence received from Ron Lyman, Max’s Place, LLC. First Selectman Michael Pace read letter from Ron Lyman. He will send a copy to the Town Attorney Michael Cronin, the Land Use Commission and a copy for the main file.
B. Discuss and act on Youth and Family Service Mission Statement. First Selectman Michael Pace reviewed Youth and Family Service Mission Statement. He noted statement was clear and concise. PACE/PEACE Motion to accept Youth and Family Service Mission Statement. MOTION CARRIED UNAMIOUSLY
C. Discuss and act on Facility Operation Agreement for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Inc. First Selectman Michael Pace spoke regarding the move of the Probate Court requiring a facility with a safe will be met by the move to the New Town Hall. The Board to Trustees for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Inc. is comprised of members from town and out of town. Facility Operation Agreement for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Inc. is
not a lease, but an operating agreement. The budgeted amount of $30,000 has been approved for the utilities this year. The building will not be open until the end of summer/fall and will give the Town of Old Saybrook 6 to 7 months to determine potential utility cost increase before the next year’s budget review. Schedules A and B are being put together, the Town will retain ownership and maintain property accordingly and the property is covered under the current insurance policy covering all municipal buildings. The Town’s Attorney will define ‘customary usage’ of utilities. First Selectman Michael Pace also noted that Paragraph 5 of the ‘Operation Agreement’ is a significant undertaking by the Board of Trustees, which has, to date, done a tremendous job with fundraising and work to set an Endowment by the Hepburn family. First Selectman Michael Pace also made note that under Paragraph 8 of the ‘Operation Agreement’ the Center’s
annual budget will be available for the public to view. Town Treasurer Bob Fish spoke regarding the construction and although there have been some delays to the project, he is confident the project will be finished within budget. First Selectman Michael Pace will contact Town Attorney David Royston. Copies need to be sent to Planning Commission and Economic Development. He is not asking for action at this time from the Board of Selectmen.
D. Discuss and act on Refunding Resolution. Bond Consultant Mark Chapman gave updated financial figures regarding current bond amounts and savings. He would like to see a 2 to 1 ratio in the town’s favor before taking action. Approval of the Resolution would enable him to act more quickly to the market. First Selectman Michael Pace introduced Resolution to Authorize, issue and sell Town of Old Saybrook General Obligation Refunding Bonds. Attorney Bruce Chadwick
reviewed Resolution paragraph by paragraph setting forth the limitations and authority, which would enable Mark Chapman to act. Selectman Velma Thomas questioned the difference of time to react they were talking about. Under the Resolution the time frame would be 30 days as opposed to 60 or more days. PEACE/THOMAS Motion to accept Bond Counsel’s recommendation. MOTION CARRIED UNAMIOUSLY
E. Discuss and act on resolution authorizing First Selectman Michael Pace to negotiate and execute all necessary documents on behalf of the Town of Old Saybrook with the Department of Transportation for Estuary District State Matching Grant for Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transportation. THOMAS/PEACE Motion for First Selectman Michael Pace to execute all necessary documents to apply for the grant. MOTION CARRIED UNAMIOUSLY
F. Enter into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, Barbara Connors case. THOMAS/PEACE Motion to enter Executive session at 7:15 PM., session to include Attorneys James Williams and Scott Ouellette in addition to the Board of Selectmen. MOTION CARRIED UNAMIOUSLY Returned to open session at 8:00 p.m. PACE/THOMAS Motion to accept recommendation of Attorneys Jim Williams and Scott Ouellette concerning Connors case. MOTION CARRIED UNAMIOUSLY
|
