Town of Old Saybrook, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes 7/8/2010

Board of Selectmen Minutes 7/8/2010

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Thursday, July 8, 2010

11:00 AM.

First Floor Conference Room, Town Hall

MINUTES

Present: First Selectman Michael Pace, Selectman William Peace and Selectman Carol Manning, Tax Collector Barry Maynard, Town Clerk Sarah Becker, Board of Finance member David Lamay, Town Planner Christine Nelson, Det. Sam Barnes, Town Counsel Michael Cronin, Attorneys Richard Goldstein and David Rosengren, members of the press and public.

I.	CALL TO ORDER – First Selectman Pace called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.
II.	PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Selectman Pace led those in attendance in the Pledge
III.	COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC – None at this time
IV.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN Selectman Peace would like to see Public Works when they “overlay” the Old Boston Post Road, include a 5’ bike lane. This will have a calming effect on traffic. Will be meeting with Chief Spera. Boston Post Road sidewalk project, additional funds have become available, will be able to do entire project, all the way to Staples. Selectman Manning asked if the Police appreciation day is still a possibility. Still willing to plan it. Received an email from a resident complaining about coyotes. Matter was referred to the Department of Police Services. She indicated bike safety and storm preparedness were topics about which the board of Selectmen might take a proactive role in informing the residents. First Selectman Pace stated that there are protocols in place that are followed each year, some of which include a meeting with the Beach Association Presidents lead my Emergency Management. Roland W. Laine, Executive Assistant suggested that working with the local media and the Bikeways Committee the public could be informed of some “rules of the road.” First Selectman Pace stated that the town is eligible for $10 million from the Clean Water Fund. We are just starting 2010 – 2011 budget year, next year 2011 – 2012 is going to be very difficult due to the state budget difficulties. Attended a meeting with US Representative Joe Courtney on July 7, 2010 here in Town Hall, there is a $100 million federal grant for “Future Cities of America,” Old Saybrook and the Estuary region are going to apply and hopefully be a model for the country. Transportation is a key element.
V.	APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board of Selectmen Meeting June 23, 2010 PEACE/MANNING Motion to approve the minutes of the Board of Selectmen Meeting June 23, 2010 with the following additions: Add that Fenwick Warden Ethel Davis was present at the meeting. Add to “Comments from the Selectmen:” First Selectman Pace introduced two files containing letters of complaint and alleged acts of misconduct against un-named elected officials. Selectman Manning indicated she had no knowledge of these matters and suggested the discussion might be better suited for the executive session. Both Mr. Pace and Mr. Peace indicated the files were Freedom of Information public documents. First Selectman Pace instructed Attorney Cronin to pursue the complaints and allegations. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI.	BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD A. Discuss and act on tax abatement of town acquired property on Bokum Road and Sherman Street. Tax Collector Barry Maynard addressed the Board. Even though the town has taken ownership of these two properties, tax bills were generated due to the fact that the properties were not owned by the town on October 1, 2009 (Grand List Date). This is the date that is used to generate tax bills. The Selectmen need to formally abate the taxes liens and fees on the properties. Taxes on the Bokum Road property are $148.30 for the 2009 Grand List Year. Taxes on the Sherman Street property are $861.50 for the 2008 Grand List Year and $896.76 for the 2009 Grand List Year. PACE/MANNING Motion to abate the taxes, interest and fees on these two properties in the amounts listed, per original sales agreement of transfer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY B. Discuss and act on tax abatement, per lease agreement with the town, on 6 Custom Drive; temporary location of Police Department. Tax Collector Barry Maynard stated that the taxes on 6 Custom Drive are $7,127.92 for the 2009 Grand List Year. PACE/MANNING Motion to abate the taxes, interest and fees on this property in the amount listed, per original lease agreement. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C. Discuss and act on Winterization Issues First Selectman Pace reviewed the history of the ordinance as much as he was familiar with it. He asked Town Counsel Michael Cronin to review it further. Attorney Cronin stated that it was adopted at a Town Meeting as Ordinance #62 on May 1, 1986. It specifies what criteria a Seasonal Dwelling must meet to be converted to year round use. It was amended and adopted at a Special Town Meeting on June 24, 1999. Full details of the ordinance are available in the Town Clerks office or on the town’s website. The Board of Selectmen will meet next week to discuss this matter further and some specific properties that the owners are requesting the Board of Selectmen’s approval to be deemed year round residences. D. Discuss and act on agreement between the Town of Old Saybrook and the Railroad Museum of New England, Inc, for the removal of old trains and other material stored at property on Bokum Road. First Selectman Michael Pace reviewed the history of and steps taken previously to get some of the cars removed. The town filed a complaint under the Town’s Blight Ordinance against the Railroad Museum of New England (RMNE). He stated that he has had discussions with RMNE, the Valley Railroad who leases the property from the DEP and sublets to RMNE. He has also had discussions with the DEP. RMNE has submitted a proposal and agreement with timeline for the removal of the trains. MANNING/PEACE Motion to authorize First Selectman Pace to sign agreement and forward copies to RMNE, Valley Railroad and DEP. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY E. Enter in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. PEACE/MANNING Motion to enter Executive Session at 12:25 pm. Session to include Executive Assistant Roland Laine, Town Counsel Michael Cronin, Attorneys Richard Goldstein and David Rosengren. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Messer’s Laine, Goldstein and Rosengren left the session at 1:20 pm. Board returned to open session at 1:53 pm. F. Discuss and act on recommendation of town attorneys. No action taken at this time.
VII.	COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN
VIII	QUESTIONS BY THE PRESS
IX.	ADJOURNMENT PEACE/MANNING Motion to adjourn at 1:53 pm. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Respectfully submitted, Roland W. Laine Executive Assistant