COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN First Selectman Michael Pace stated that we have endured a “100 Year Storm” producing about 10” of rain. He read letters he has written to the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works and Emergency Management commending them on their hard work and cooperative work assisting the residents of Old Saybrook. Selectman Manning thanked the Fire
Department for their assistance at her home, pumping out the basement. Also thanked the Police Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation. As well as businesses in town who donated pumps and equipment to assist residents. The flooding was phenomenal; she lost her water heater and sump pump. Police Chief Michael Spera stated that Public Safety Plan worked. Public Works personnel worked above and beyond assisting residents. The communication between departments worked very well. Fire Chief JT Dunn stated that the new communications system worked great. They received their first call at 4:00 a.m., smoke in house. They worked until 1:30
a.m. the following day. They assisted 110 addresses, 51 out of their 85 members responded, most took the day off from work. He thanked Oak Leaf Marina staff and the loan of pumps. He also stated that the Public Works crew assisted the Fire Department in pumping basements. Fire Marshal Donn Dobson, worked overtime to assist. Don Lucas followed up with inspections to make sure structures were safe. Fire Department spouses provided food to personnel and residents. There were over 1,000 radio transmissions during the 20 hours that the Fire Department was assisting residents. Larry Bonin stated that without the Police SUV’s many locations could not have been reached. Mike Spera commended the Fire Department, Public Works and especially Larry Bonin. He continued that the Police Department sustained significant damage. Over 8” of standing water, damaged uniforms, records, ammunition, weapons, exercise equipment. The locker room is not useable, have a trailer on its way to provide a temporary locker room/restrooms for staff. He further stated that he is concerned about the air quality of the building. Our insurance company CIRMA has been very cooperative; they have provided personnel to clean out the basement. Have rented seven storage units that are on site to store records and equipment that has been salvaged. First Selectman Pace read letters he has sent to Fire Department, Police Department, Emergency
Management, and Public Works. Public Works Director Larry Bonin thanked several companies who assisted the town, B & L Construction and BJM Pumps. First Selectman Pace introduced Meredith McCaslin from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Meredith reviewed the plans for a walk-a-thon in Old Saybrook to benefit the son of an Old Saybrook resident on May 1, 2010. Has received approval from the Police Department. There are 15 walks this year through out Connecticut. Old Saybrook is new this year. Selectman Pace asked Social Services Coordinator Sue Consoli to work with the foundation. She stated that she would do so. Planner Christine Nelson stated that Point One Architects is sponsoring a design/build project with the High School to construct a replacement kiosk like the one that used to stand in front of the old town hall. First Selectman Pace stated that Public Works, Police and Harbor Management are working on a redesign of the parking on Sheffield Street at the Town Dock. |
