MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Thursday, March 19, 2009
6:30 P.M.
First Floor Conference Room
MINUTES
Present: First Selectman Michael A. Pace, Selectman William Peace, Selectman Velma Thomas, Assessor Norm Wood, Town Attorney Michael Cronin, Deputy Chief Michael Spera, members of the Press and concerned 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 reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
A concerned citizen, Jean Castagno, read a letter from the Old Saybrook Taxpayers Association (OSTA), regarding the current re-evaluation of properties in Old Saybrook. OSTA has gathered 700+ signatures of property owners in support of the Town of Old Saybrook’s appeal to defer the October 2008 re-evaluations. It expresses the concerns, in light of the current recession and declining home values, of the citizens with the current re-evaluations. The letter goes on to cite CGS §12-117(b) regarding a town petitioning the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to postpone the implementation of the re-evaluation to allow the Board of Assessment Appeals to give fair and equitable consideration to the high number of appeals expected in the time allotted. The second State Statute CGS §12-62(d)(2)
states a town may petition the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to waive the statutory penalties associated with the failure to implement the revaluation on July 1, 2009, which due to the current economic downturn and declining home values, the OSTA feels the assessment values are inappropriate and unenforceable. Mrs. Castagno asks that the Board of Selectman, under the Freedom of Information Act forward a copy to OSTA any letters or documents it prepares in response to their concerns.
A concerned citizen noted that pensions statewide are precarious and asks what condition Old Saybrook’s are in.
First Selectman Michael Pace noted the Old Saybrook Pension Board meets next week and would defer the question to them.
A concerned citizen noted the during the Board of Finance’s July meeting the values were down and no numbers were available at the December meeting.
First Selectman Michael Pace responded that he did not have a number available, but the Town does not borrow money to cover their pension.
A concerned citizen then asked if there was a procedure to challenge a Union to re-negotiate a contract.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated the Town of Old Saybrook has three separate unions that they must negotiate with, one that represents management personnel, one that represents support staff and a separate one for the Police Department Personnel. The town is not currently negotiating with any of the respective unions.
The concerned citizen asked if there was a cost of living adjustment include in the pensions.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated that currently there are no cost of living adjustments for retired individuals. The town has redone the retirement terms to remove post-retirement medical benefits. A person hired after the new policy (contract) was implemented would not receive medical benefits after retirement, and the town is currently mitigating the cost of employees hired prior to the re-negotiations.
The concerned citizen asked how long would an individual have to work for the town prior to retirement.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated there is a booklet containing an explanation and terms available to employees.
A concerned citizen asked how much time was allowed before an accounting of the pension funds must be shown to the state.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated there is not a specific deadline.
Selectman William Peace noted that the State Pension is currently un-funded and as of July 2008 the town was approximately 108% funded on the pension plan. These funds were originally coming out of the Town’s operating account and the town has worked hard to insure that are being properly funded.
The concerned citizen noted that the figures he has calculated over the past 10 months bring the amount in the fund closer to 6 million.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated that the Pension Board is responsible for the figures on these accounts and questions should be forwarded to them for a more accurate amount.
First Selectman Michael Pace noted that he would be unable to comply with OSTA request for a response within five days due to the fact that the legal aspects of the revaluations still need to be reviewed.
Town Assessor, Norm Wood, noted that the re-sale values have continued to rise since 2003; however they are still reviewing the numbers.
Town Attorney Michael Cronin stated that every effort to post-pone the revaluation is being made. He went on to note that the Town will not qualify for an extension to handle appeals as the town is not required to review appeals of certain commercial properties. He also noted that the statute stated a postponement could be requested due to ‘an act of god’ or ‘upon the death of an Assessor. Postponement would put Old Saybrook into its 6th year, which would require physical inspection of all properties. This would require the town to hire inspectors at a cost upward of $400,000. He went on to note the Committee Bill #388, currently before the legislature, list certain circumstances in which a town may extend deadline, however, the time limit may have expired by the time the bill passes and the
language is unclear regarding the penalties and fees a town would incur.
A concerned citizen, Jean Castagno, noted that Senator Stillman and Senator Daily are working on Bill 997, currently on Legislative Appeal, which would effect revaluations in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and covers approximately 46 towns. She asked how the Board of Assessment is made up.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated the members of the Board of Assessment are three members who are elected.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN
Selectman William Peace stated he had met with the new supervisor at the Department of Transportation to review the parking for the train station. He also noted that he hopes the stimulus money earmarked for the town will be used for overlay (paving) of roadways and needed sidewalks. He also reported that the Ad Hoc Bikeways Committee is progressing on Schoolhouse road project and has many individual with good ideas.
Selectman Velma Thomas noted that she had met with Joe Courtney and Old Saybrook is slotted to receive money for repaving roads.
A concerned citizen asked if any money has been set aside or requested for new windows at the Goodwin School.
First Selectman Michael Pace responded that he has put in a request for money for new windows at Goodwin.
Selectman Velma Thomas noted that the Design Committee completed several walk-throughs at the Center and 90% of the colors have been decided upon.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board of Selectmen Meeting of February 19, 2009
THOMAS/PACE
Motion to accept the minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting of February 19, 2009 as presented.
MOTION PASSED. Selectman William Peace abstained.
VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
A. Discuss and act on recommendation by the Zoning Commission for amending the flood application permitting fee schedule.
First Selectman Michael Pace asked a memorandum from Robert Friedmann, Chairman of the Zoning Commission, regarding the amendment of Flood Application fees currently charged are less than the actual cost and with consent would like to send to the Town Attorney Michael Cronin for review.
B. Discuss and act on resolution authorizing Board of Selectmen to enter into agreement with Veolia Environmental Services and Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency (CRERPA).
First Selectman Michael Pace briefly outlined that 8 or 9 years ago several area towns formed a group to establish a safe way to dispose of household hazardous waste. The town of Essex agreed to house the facility and once the waste was unloaded from a vehicle it became the responsibility of the servicer. There is a new servicer, Veolia Environmental Services and Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency.
PEACE/THOMAS
Motion to authorize First Selectman Michael Pace to sign the agreement with Veolia Environmental Services and Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Discuss and act on disestablishing the Board of Selectmen Ad Hoc Founders Memorial Park Committee.
Barbara Guenther, who has worked as the Chairman of the committee, wanted to express her thanks for the support and community effort that went into the project. She noted that although the job has been completed, a dedicated group of volunteers would continue to provide upkeep on the park. The Department of Public Works will provide some maintenance.
First Selectman Michael Pace thanked her on behalf of the Board for her efforts and great work.
Selectman William Peace noted that Barbara has served the town in many ways for many years and it was a pleasure to work with her.
Vicky Duffy also expressed her thanks for all the hard work and effort of the committee.
THOMAS/PEACE
Motion to disestablish the Board of Selectman Ad Hoc Founders Memorial Park Committee.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Reaffirm Charge of The Ad Hoc Committee on Bikeways.
PEACE/THOMAS
Motion to amend to change the number of members and reaffirm Charge of The Ad Hoc Committee on Bikeways.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
E. Re-adopt Town of Old Saybrook Compliance with Affirmative Action Policy Statement.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated the Town of Old Saybrook was required to re-adopt Town of Old Saybrook Compliance with Affirmative Action Policy Statement every year.
PEACE/THOMAS
Motion to re-adopt Town of Old Saybrook Compliance with Affirmative Action Policy Statement.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
F. Re-adopt Town of Old Saybrook Fair Housing Policy Statement.
THOMAS/PEACE
Motion to re-adopt Town of Old Saybrook Fair Housing Policy Statement as presented.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
G. Re-adopt Town of Old Saybrook Fair Housing Resolution.
THOMAS/PEACE
Motion to re-adopt Town of Old Saybrook Fair Housing Resolution as presented.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
H. Appointments
1. Historic District Commission.
a. Regular Member. This is a five-year term due to expire 12/2013.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated that Mr. Jeff Meotti was interested in the position, lives within the district and had been recommended by the Historic District Commission for membership.
THOMAS/PEACE
Motion to appoint Jeff Meotti as a regular member; this is a five-year term due to expire 12/2013.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b. Alternate Member. This is a five-year term due to expire 12/2010.
First Selectman Michael Pace stated that Mr. Mark Carruthers was interested in the position, lives in North Cove however not within the district, very active within the community and had been recommended by the Historic District Commission for membership.
THOMAS/PEACE
Motion to appoint Mark Carruthers as an alternate member; this is a five-year term due to expire 12/2010.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. Bikeways Ad Hoc Committee. Member Appointment.
Deputy Chief Michael Spera stated that Youth Officer Samuel Barnes was placed on the committee as a regular member, however the Chief of Police is requesting a spot be created for continuing membership for the Old Saybrook Youth Officer, which position Samuel Barnes currently holds.
PEACE/THOMAS
Motion to create a continuing position for the Old Saybrook Youth Officer and appoint Samuel Barnes to the position.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN
None taken.
VIII. QUESTIONS BY THE PRESS
None taken.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
PACE/THOMAS
Motion to adjourn at 7:30 P.M.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Tracy Masterson
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