MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
First Floor Conference room
MINUTES
Present: First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna Jr., Selectman Scott Giegerich, Selectman Steve Gernhardt,
Town Planner Christine Nelson, Public Works Director Larry Bonin, Fire Marshal Donn Dobson,
Tax Collector Barry Maynard, Finance Director Lisa Carver, members of the public and press.
I. CALL TO ORDER – First Selectman Fortuna called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Recited
III. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Cris Cryder asked the Selectmen if there was a timeline for referring the acquisition of the Preserve
property to the Board of Finance. First Selectman Fortuna replied that it would definitely not be
before the Budget Referendum in May especially as he is still negotiating a contract with the Trust
for Public Land. He expects that a referendum on the Preserve will take place sometime in June.
Steve Senatro, President of Saybrook Manor Cove Beach Association, was present for discussion on
the lease between the Association and the Town.
Dick Goduti asked if there was a third option for the Preserve that did not involve the Town losing
all that taxable property as we are a land poor community.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMAN - None
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2014.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to add item to the agenda regarding the membership of the Sea Level Rise Committee.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
First Selectman Fortuna indicated that there was a great interest in people serving on the Sea Level
Rise/Climate Adaptation Committee, including some new names that had not been on commissions
or involved locally before, and who had on point backgrounds. The proposed members are:
Walter Smith (Conservation Commission Chair), Robert Yust, Jerry Brophy, Janice Holland, Tom Gezo,
Larry Ritzhaupt, Michael Momparler, Bill Webster, Douglas McCracken, William Johnson, Jr.,
and John Donnelly.
Town Planner Christine Nelson indicated the Committee is hoping to complete its work in 18
months and the desired outcome will be a report to the BOS on effect locally of sea rise.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve the membership of the Sea Level Rise/Climate Adaptation Committee as listed.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
A. Tax refund – Janet and Robert Brown $789.84
First Selectman Fortuna indicated that Mr. Brown was a disabled veteran who had been receiving his
veteran’s tax exemption, but not the disabled veteran exemption which must be applied for each year.
The $789.84 refund is for three years of the disabled exemption, the farthest going back that is
allowed under state statute.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to grant a tax refund to Janet and Robert Brown in the amount of $789.84.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Ratification of Historic Preservation Enhancement Grant application proposal.
First Selectman Fortuna reported that a year ago, then intern Andrew Heckler worked with the
Historic Commission on the Town becoming a Certified Local Government which would then
allow the Town to apply for certain historic preservation grants. This grant, spearheaded by
resident Ted Levy, for $30,000 toward an inventory of local historic properties, is such a grant.
Since this application had to be in by March 31st, the First Selectman has already signed
which is why this is for ratification rather than adoption.
Selectman Gernhardt asked if the work on historic barns would be incorporated in this to
which Town Planner Christine Nelson replied they would be.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to ratify the signing of Historic Preservation Grant application.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LTCIP) application for North Main Street.
First Selectman Fortuna indicated that the State is adding 200 additional parking spaces off
North Main Street. This grant application is for the Town to take on adjacent improvements
such as better road layout and sidewalks leading to better connectivity to Main Street. This
grant can potentially be $1 million. Engineering would be paid for by the Town.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to approve the application for a LOTCIP grant for North Main Street improvements.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Discussion and action on Old Saybrook Fire Company Pension Plan.
Finance Director Lisa Carver indicated that in a conversation this morning with Fire Chief
J.T. Dunn, she was informed that the Town’s Actuary, Steve Lemanski from Milliman, had
some language that needed to be changed, in particular to define the benefit amount for a
permanent disability pension for a line of duty injury. It is recommended that the BOS table
the matter until the final language is adopted by the Pension Board.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to table the amendment to the Old Saybrook Fire Pension Plan.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
E. Discussion and action on renewal of lease agreement between the Town and Saybrook
Manor Cove Beach Association.
First Selectman Fortuna recommended this item be tabled as several Association residents
had some concerns and had retained legal counsel.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to table the lease renewal between the Town and Saybrook Manor Cove Beach
Association.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
F. Discussion and possible action on Town of Old Saybrook Policies and Procedures
Employee Handbook.
First Selectman Fortuna reported that this was several months of working with a consultant
and getting feedback from department heads. After some questions from employees in
the audience, he went on further to indicate that this manual applies to paid employees
and not volunteer commission members, and that it does not supersede any collective
bargaining agreement provisions, such as those relating to payment of overtime. There
are also several policies associated with the Handbook that the BOS will vote on separately.
Selectman Gernhardt asked that the cover page include the date of adoption by the BOS
and that each page have a footer for version control should changes be made in the future.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to accept the Town of Old Saybrook Employee Handbook.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
a) Use of Information Technology and Internet Policy
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adopt the Use of Information Technology and Internet Policy.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
b) Drug and Alcohol Policy & Procedures
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to adopt the Drug and Alcohol Policy & Procedures.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
c) Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adopt the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
d) Family and Medical Leave Act Policy
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to adopt the Family and Medical Leave Act Policy.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
e) Harassment Prevention Policy & Procedures
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adopt the Harassment Prevention Policy & Procedures.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
f) Individuals with Disabilities Policy & Procedures
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adopt the Individuals with Disabilities Policy & Procedures.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
g) Outside Employment Policy
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to adopt the Outside Employment Policy.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
h) Workplace Threats and Violence Policy & Procedures
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adopt the Workplace Threats and Violence Policy & Procedures.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
G. Discuss and act on recommendation to reduce bond amount as recommended by Town Engineer
for Max’s Place LLC Resubdivision.
Public Works Director Larry Bonin wanted to make sure the Town held Max’s Place feet to the fire to
do the work they are supposed to do. The First Selectman indicated that he is following town
engineer’s advice.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to reduce the bond for Max’s Place LLC by $142,100 as recommended by the Town Engineer.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
H. Discuss and act on resolution authorizing the First Selectman to enter into and delivery any
necessary documents to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public
Protection.
GERNHARDT/GIEGERICH
Motion to authorize First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. to enter into and delivery any necessary
documents to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
deemed necessary.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
I. Discuss and act on FFY 2013 State Homeland Security Grant Program Memorandum of Agreement.
First Selectman Fortuna indicated this is so the Town can participate in receipt of federal grant funds
distributed through the region.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to adopt the FFY 2013 State Homeland Security Grant Program Memorandum of Agreement.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
J. Discuss and act on re-adopting Fair Housing Resolution.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to re-adopt the Fair Housing Resolution.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
K. Discuss and act on re-affirming Fair Housing Policy Statement.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to re-affirm the Fair Housing Policy Statement.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
L. Discuss and act on re-affirming Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to re-affirm the Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
M. Discuss and act on re-affirming the Affirmative Action Policy Statement.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to re-affirm the Affirmative Action Policy Statement.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
N. Discuss and act on re-affirming the Municipal Grievance Procedure.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to re-affirm the Municipal Grievance Procedure.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
O. Discuss and act on re-affirming the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Notice.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to re-affirm the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Notice.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
P. Discussion and possible action on elderly tax benefit recommendation.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to set the Elderly Tax Benefit at $75,000.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Q. Discuss and act to sunset and re-establish the Elderly Benefit Committee.
First Selectman Fortuna is recommending the following individuals to the Committee: Carol
Conklin, Lisa Carver, Ruth Fitzgerald, Cornelius McCrudden, and Sharon Tiezzi. Assessor Norman
Wood is advisor.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to sunset and re-establish the Elderly Benefit Committee with members as listed.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN.
Selectman Giegerich stated that the 3-T (Turf, Track and Tennis) Committee has met nine times to
date and has chosen a design firm who has started working. After much discussion, the turf field
will be on the existing football field. The tennis courts will get an improvement with a 15 foot buffer
in between the courts (3 and 3) for picnic tables and observers. This has been a great process with
lots of input from coaches and other stakeholders.
Selectman Gernhardt suggested that once the budget process is completed that the Selectmen put
on their agenda some discussions on cost saving proposals.
VIII. FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adjourn at 4:25 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Carver
Finance Director
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