Town of Old Saybrook, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes 3/24/2010

Board of Selectmen Minutes 3/24/2010

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

10:00 a.m.

First Floor Conference Room, Town Hall

Minutes

Present: First Selectman Michael Pace, Selectman William Peace, Selectman Carol Manning, Environmental Planner Kelly Volansky, Town Clerk Sarah Becker, Parks and Recreation Director Vicki Duffy, EDC Commissioners James Keating and John DeChristoforo, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Sullivan, Youth and Family Services Director Heather McNeil, Town Treasurer Robert Fish, members of the press and interested citizens.

I.	CALL TO ORDER – First Selectman Pace called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.
II.	PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Selectman Pace led those in attendance in the Pledge
III.	COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – None were made
IV.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN Selectman Peace stated that he had attended a conference at Central Connecticut State University on Drug Addiction. One point that was made is that 40% of our prison population is made up of marijuana users. Connecticut has the highest per capita prison populations in the country. On another note, he stated that he and his wife went to New York City recently and the cost for the two of them on Amtrak would have been $214.00 round trip. The same trip on Shoreline East and Metro North was $60.00. If Amtrak does not make some adjustments, we may loss Amtrak due to low ridership. First Selectman Pace stated that the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding (CCJEF) filed a suit against the State of Connecticut on how education is funded. The State Supreme Court has ruled in favor of CCFEF. Selectman Manning stated that there is a Green Energy Expo on Saturday, March 27th at Water's Edge in Westbrook. This free event will be open from 9 am until 3 pm. It is sponsored by the Shoreline League of Democratic Women Voters. Selectman William Peace wanted to note appreciation from the Board of Selectmen to the employees of Youth and Family who carried the agency through the transition. Thank you for you conscientious work.
V.	BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD A. Presentation of Economic Development Commission Business Expo 2010 Judy Sullivan, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce stated that they held a very successful Business Expo on Saturday, March 13, 2010. There were 38 exhibitors, including 10 restaurants, a sellout. Over 200 people attended. This was co-sponsored by the Old Saybrook Economic Development Commission. Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele was on hand to cut the ribbon to open the Expo. Judy commented that the Chamber membership since 2005 has grown from 280 to over 400. B. Discuss and act on innovative program with Workforce Alliance First Selectman Pace invited Robert Fort from Workforce Alliance to address the Board. He stated that the Alliance covers 30 towns, they have four career work centers, retail computer labs and conduct resume and interview workshops. Mr. Fort introduced Laura Collins who will conduct a workshop here in Old Saybrook at the Pavilion at a date to be set, for people who are looking for work. MANNING/PEACE Motion to approve program and use of the Pavilion, suggest that they work with Parks and Recreation and Economic Development. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C. Discuss and authorize signing contract between the Town of Old Saybrook and the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, Inc. First Selectman Pace invited Bob Fish, Chairman of the Conservation Commission to address the Board. Bob reviewed the area to be surveyed, it is Great Cedars West. Other areas have already been surveyed. The cost will be split between Conservation and Parks and Recreation. PEACE/MANNING Motion to authorize First Selectman Pace to sign contract between the Town of Old Saybrook and the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, Inc. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY D. Appointment 1. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center Board of Trustees PEACE/MANNING Motion to appoint George (Sonny) Whelen IV to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center Board of Trustees. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN – None at this time
VII	QUESTIONS BY THE PRESS – None at this time
VIII.	ADJOURNMENT MANNING/PEACE Motion to adjourn at 11:02 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Respectfully Submitted, Roland W. Laine, Executive Assistant