Town of Old Saybrook, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes 2/4/2010

Board of Selectmen Minutes 2/4/2010

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Thursday, February 4, 2010

10:00 a.m.

First Floor Conference Room

MINUTES

Present: First Selectman Michael Pace, Selectman William Peace, Selectman Carol Manning, Treasurer Robert Fish, Planner Christine Nelson, Tax Collector Barry Maynard, Town Clerk Sarah Becker, Public Works Director Larry Bonin, Town Engineer Geoff Jacobson, members of the press and interested citizens.

I.	CALL TO ORDER – First Selectman Pace called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
II.	PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Selectman Pace led those in attendance in the Pledge
III.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN First Selectman Pace asked for a Moment of Silence in honor of Transfer Station employee Michael Maikowski who passed away a couple of days ago. Selectman Manning reported that she attended the CCM “Ready to Lead” workshop. The Senior Housing group has received a grant for their improvements, it is more than they were expecting. First Selectman Pace stated that he received an email from Fire Chief JT Dunn that the new fire boat is in the water on January 27^th and three members of the department will be going to California for sea trials. He stated he had received a letter from Governor Rell concerning the formation of a committee to plan the celebration of the state’s 375^th anniversary. PACE/MANNING Motion to add to the agenda as item A-1 “Discuss and act on appointment to the 375^th Committee.” MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
IV.	APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board of Selectmen Meeting January 7, 2010 MANNING/PACE Motion to approve the Board of Selectmen Meeting minutes of January 7, 2010. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Special Board of Selectmen Meeting January 19, 2010. MANNING/PACE Motion to approve the Board of Selectmen Meeting minutes of January 19, 2010. MOTION CARRIED – Selectman Peace abstained due to his absence.
V.	BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD A. Tax Refunds 1. Laura & Andrew Alden. $ 1,522.40 PEACE/MANNING Motion to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector to refund these taxes MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY A-1 Appointment of representative to the Governor’s 375^th Celebration Task Force. PACE/MANNING Motion to appoint Barbara J. Maynard to the Governor’s 375^th Celebration Task Force. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY B. Discuss and act on recommendation by Town Engineer, Geoffrey Jacobson for bond reduction, Whisper Cove (Pasbeshauke) Subdivision. First Selectman Pace invited Public Works Director and Town Engineer Geoffrey Jacobson to address the board. Geoff stated that the developer has complied with all of the items on the punch list. The developer has asked that the bond be reduced to 5%. The town regulations require that the “maintenance bond” that will be held for one year be 10%, which is $33,130. Larry Bonin agrees that the bond should be 10%. PEACE/MANNING Motion to accept recommendation of Town Engineer and Public Works Director and set maintenance bond at 10%, $33,130. MOTION CARRIED UNAMIMOUSLY C. Discuss and act on authorizing First Selectman Michael A. Pace to sign a letter for designated alternative disposal site as contemplated under the Municipal Solid Waste Management Services Contract. First Selectman Pace reviewed the contract and stated that the alternate disposal site is in Wallingford. The cost per ton is $35.00 versus $63.00 per ton at CRRA in Hartford. PEACE/MANNING Motion to authorize First Selectman Michael A. Pace to sign a letter for designated alternative disposal site as contemplated under the Municipal Solid Waste Management Services Contract. MOTION CARRIED – First Selectman Pace abstained due to his being Chairman of CRRA. D. Discussion 2010-2011 General Government Budget. First Selectman Pace reviewed the budget preparation plans. He stated that the State of Connecticut is in severe financial crisis. However, Old Saybrook only depends on State funds for 4% of our budget, so any reduction in state funding will not impact our budget greatly. He is not planning any layoffs. He does hope to settle with the unions with an extension for one more year with a 2% raise. Our health insurance premium is going up between 12% & 16%. E. Appointments 1. Economic Development Commission. Vacancy/elevation. This is a 5 year term that is due to expire 6/2013. PEACE/MANNING Motion to appoint Mark Maguire to the Economic Development Commission. This is a 5 year term that is due to expire 6/2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY F. Enter into Executive Session to discuss legal matters and union negotiations. PEACE/MANNING Motion to enter Executive Session to discuss legal matters and union negotiations at 11:00 a.m. Session to include Treasurer Robert Fish, Town Counsel Michael Cronin and Executive Assistant Roland Laine. The Board of Selectmen returned to open session at 12:12 p.m. PEACE/MANNING Motion to accept advice of counsel legal settlement. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOULSY
VI.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN First Selectman Pace stated he has received a letter from DECD to extend the septic grant to December 31, 2010. Selectman Manning stated that she and Madge Fish have reviewed some old files on assisted living facilities that had previously been planned to be built in Old Saybrook.
VII.	ADJOURNMENT PEACE/PACE Motion to adjourn at 12:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Roland W. Laine, Executive Assistant