SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Thursday, June 19, 2014
3:30 PM
First Floor Conference Room
MINUTES
Present: First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna Jr., Selectman Scott Giegerich (by phone), Selectman Steve
Gernhardt, Police Chief Michael Spera, 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 – None
IV. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
A. Discussion and possible action on ratification of Police union contract.
Police Chief Spera gave an overview of the new contract which was ratified by the Union
yesterday on an 18-2 vote. The current contract expired on 6/30/13, so while this new
contract is a three year contract, it will expire on 6/30/16.
The contract eliminates personal days which will add 552 hours back to the schedule. In
addition, for new hires, there will be a payout for holiday time instead of using floating days,
which adds another 104 hours per employee back into the schedule. Those on the 4 on 2 off
schedule will work 12 additional 8 hour administrative shifts in a year to closer equate time
worked with the 5 on 2 off shift. Life insurance coverage was increased from base salary to
two times base salary.
The biggest change is health insurance. Under this contract, the PPO plan is ended and all
members will be on the High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account. This will
be a substantial savings for the Town. Premium cost shares for employees will be 11% in
FY 2015 and 13% in FY 2016.
The Chief expressed his appreciation for the support in dealing with operational issues of the
First Selectman during the negotiations.
Selectman Giegerich asked about wages. Chief replied that there will be a retro payment of
3% which has been budgeted in the current year budget. The following year, there is a wage
table as steps are being compressed from 5 to 3. The final year of the contract is 2.5%.
First Selectman Fortuna stated this is not a four year contract as there would be an issue with
the 40% health insurance “Cadillac” tax if the contract ran into a fifth year (FY 2018).
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to ratify the collective bargaining agreement with C.O.P.S. Local #106 from 7/1/2013 to 6/30/2016.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Authorization by the Board of Selectmen to sign a STEAP grant contract with the CT DEEP for
the redevelopment of 225 Main Street/36 Lynde Street.
First Selectman Fortuna said this is a $500,000 grant from CT DEEP for parking and park improvements
on the former PD site and the rear of the 36 Lynde not being used for the new Police Station.
FORTUNA/GERNHARDT
Motion to authorize the First Selectman to sign any and all documents necessary for acceptance
of $500,000 STEAP grant.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Discuss and act on Call for Special Town Meeting, June 30, 2014, 7:00 P.M. to be held at the
Old Saybrook Middle School auditorium.
First Selectman Fortuna stated that the four items on the Town Meeting agenda will be the
appropriation for the historic survey grant; $10,000 for paving and road repairs at Cypress
Cemetery; $15,000 for fencing at Riverside Cemetery and the appropriation of $3 million for
the Preserve property (which will be adjourned to referendum).
Selectman Fortuna noted that the Board of Finance tabled two additional items: guardrails at
North Cove and benches for Main Street to hear further information.
FORTUNA/GERNHART
Motion to adopt the Call of Town Meeting, June 30, 2014, 7:00 P.M. to be held at the Old Saybrook
Middle School auditorium.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
V. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN
Selectman Giegerich gave an update on the “Three T” Committee (Turf, Track and Tennis).
The Committee has selected Guerrera Construction as the general contractor. Ground should
be broken the first week in July.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adjourn at 4:00 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Carver
Finance Director
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