Town of Old Saybrook, CT - Board of Selectmen Meeting 10 14 2014

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Board of Selectmen Meeting 10 14 2014 MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN Tuesday, October 14, 2014 3:30 P.M. First Floor Conference Room MINUTES Present: First Selectman Carl Fortuna Jr., Selectman Steven Gernhardt, members of the public, Police Chief Spera, Sergeant Ryan Walsh, Sergeant Jeff DePerry, Economic Development Commission Director Susan Beckman, and several members of the Pension and Benefits Board. 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. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMAN – First Selectman Fortuna commented on the litter and fish mess on the causeway. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to amend the minutes of September 9, 2014 as follows: Item V. Approval of Minutes as follows: Strike the “9” so the sentence reads “motion to amend the minutes of the August 12, 2014” minutes. Item F. Appointments, 2. Architectural Review Board. Amend the motion to read” “re-appoint Architectural Review Board member Anita M. Tilseth-Yust to a three-year term due to expire 9/2016.” MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of September 9, 2014 as amended. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD A. Discussion and possible action on a policy concerning retiree life insurance coverage. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to table the retiree life insurance policy to hear more on why this is necessary from the Finance Director. Pension Board may want to weigh in. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY B. Discussion and possible action on a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by the Town of Old Saybrook Fire Company No. 1 Retirement Plan. First Selectman Fortuna stated that because of new regulations at the Federal level (GASB), towns are being asked to formulate funding policies for their pension plans. The Pension Board made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, which the Board of Selectmen slightly modified. The change in language states that the board of Selectmen will take “into consideration the actuarially determined contribution”. The Pension Board recommended language stating that the Board of Selectmen “will base its contribution on the actuarially determined contribution”. FORTUNA/ GERNHARDT Motion to approve a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by the Town of Old Saybrook Fire Company No. 1 Retirement Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C. Discussion and possible action on a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by the Town of Old Saybrook Retirement Plan. The Pension Board made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, which the Board of Selectmen slightly modified. This is the same modification that was made to the OSFD Retirement Plan. FORTUNA/ GERNHARDT Motion to approve a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by the Town of Old Saybrook Retirement Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY First Selectman Fortuna thanked the Pension Board for their work. D. Discussion and act on recommendation of Public Works Director Larry Bonin for release of an encroachment bond – Coulter Street. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to release encroachment bond – Coulter Street. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY E. Discuss and act on property located at 13 Clubhouse Lane and year round classification. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to give year round classification to the property located at 13 Clubhouse Lane. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY F. Discussion and possible action on authorizing the First Selectman to negotiate and enter into a Financial Assistance Agreement for the Mariner’s Way site assessment. First Selectman Fortuna recognized Susan Beckman to speak to the grant process. She spoke about the Board of Selectmen Ad Hoc Committee that prepared the report on Mariner’s Way. The grant would take a look at nine properties comprising approximately 18 acres to figure out what is in the ground and what it would cost to remediate. Old Saybrook moved quickly on this grant and $155,000 was awarded. DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan viewed the property and thought it was a great candidate for assessment. The Town is hopeful the grant will cover a Phase I, II, II study and a remedial action plan. First Selectman Fortuna noted this grant was a great way for the Town to spur economic development without municipal dollars being spent. Selectman Gernhardt asked if anyone knew about the pollution that might exist. Susan Beckman stated some testing was done in the early 90’s with unfinished remediation. It is now appropriate to do more investigation to determine what might be needed for cleanup. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to approve First Selectman Fortuna to enter into a contract with DECD for the Assessment Grant. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Discussion and possible action on a recommendation that the Board of Finance appropriate and recommend to Town Meeting $155,000 for the Mariner’s Way site assessment. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to approve the Board of Selectmen request the Board of Finance to recommend to Town meeting an appropriation of $155,000, which funds will be reimbursed to the Town by DECD to conduct a site assessment grant of nine properties on Route 1 East. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY H. Discussion on a Port Security Grant. Chief Spera stated that for two years he has been seeking a grant. No monies have been put aside for a marine boat though funds have been requested in previous budget cycles. Officers DePerry and Walsh prepared a power point to discuss the process of applying for a FEMA grant for a marine vessel. They informed the Board of Selectmen of the condition of the current 22 year old vessel , which is not very good. They reviewed the funding sources, grant program, planning group list of priorities and proposed vessel (28’ Deep V aluminum patrol boat, 3 sided pilot house, twin 300 HP 4 stroke motors, tow post 250’ line capacity and trailer). They then outlined additional estimated costs for this boat of approximately $7,120, most of which will be fuel. Mr. Westerson commented on how this boat is important for seafaring businesses. Selectman Gernhardt asked (1) What determines whether the Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD) or the Old Saybrook Fire Department boat goes out. It was stated that it varies based on the incident. (2) What about quarterly mandated reports and exercises. It was stated that the OSPD already participates in these activities so that would be nothing new. (3) What about winterization and year round use? It was stated that the boat will be winterized. However, if need be, it will be available in the winter if OSPD is called upon. First Selectman Fortuna had concerns about growth in staffing for this new boat but it was stated no additional staff would be needed, and the perception that the Old Saybrook taxpayer is the one covering for other Towns less equipped. It was stressed that this boat is merely a sustainment capability upgrade. I. Possible action on recommendation that the Board of Finance appropriate and recommend to Town Meeting a $361,570.00 Port Security Grant, to be matched by a Town share in an amount of $90,393.00, for the purchase of a police boat (Total appropriation is $361,570.00). FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to approve that the Board of Selectmen request the Board of Finance to recommend to Town meeting an appropriation of $361,570.00 Port Security Grant to be matched by a Town share in an amount of $90,393.00, for the purchase of a police boat (Total appropriation is $361,570.00). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY J. Appointments 1. Economic Development Commission. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to appoint Carol Conklin as a regular member to the Economic Development Commission. This is for the unexpired portion of a five year term due to expire 6/2015. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2. Economic Development Commission. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to appoint Lauren Ashe as an alternate member to the Economic Development Commission. This is for the unexpired portion of a two year term due to expire 12/2015. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3. Ethics Commission. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to appoint Don Hunt as a member to the Ethics Commission. This is for the unexpired portion of a four year term due to expire 09/2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 4. Historic District Commission. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to appoint William Childress as a regular member to the Historic District Commission. This is for the unexpired portion of a five-year term due to expire 12/2015. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Inland Wetland Commission. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to appoint Paul Carver, effective 11/3/2014, as a regular member to the Inland Wetland Commission. This is for the unexpired portion of a two year term due to expire 11/2015. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 6. Pension and Employee Benefits Board. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to appoint Paul Tracey as a member to the Pension and Employee Benefits Board. This is for the unexpired portion of a five year term due to expire 01/2016. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN. None taken. VIII. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT Motion to adjourn at 4:40 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Respectfully submitted, Georgiann Neri Administrative Secretary

Board of Selectmen Meeting 10 14 2014

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

3:30 P.M.

First Floor Conference Room

MINUTES

Present: First Selectman Carl Fortuna Jr., Selectman Steven Gernhardt, members of the public,

Police Chief Spera, Sergeant Ryan Walsh, Sergeant Jeff DePerry, Economic Development

Commission Director Susan Beckman, and several members of the Pension and Benefits Board.

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. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMAN – First Selectman Fortuna commented on the litter

and fish mess on the causeway.

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to amend the minutes of September 9, 2014 as follows:

Item V. Approval of Minutes as follows:

Strike the “9” so the sentence reads “motion to amend the minutes of the August 12, 2014” minutes.

Item F. Appointments, 2. Architectural Review Board. Amend the motion to read” “re-appoint

Architectural Review Board member Anita M. Tilseth-Yust to a three-year term due to expire 9/2016.”

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to approve the Minutes of the regular meeting of September 9, 2014 as amended.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

A. Discussion and possible action on a policy concerning retiree life insurance coverage.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to table the retiree life insurance policy to hear more on why this is necessary from the

Finance Director. Pension Board may want to weigh in.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

B. Discussion and possible action on a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by

the Town of Old Saybrook Fire Company No. 1 Retirement Plan.

First Selectman Fortuna stated that because of new regulations at the Federal level (GASB),

towns are being asked to formulate funding policies for their pension plans. The Pension Board

made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, which the Board of Selectmen slightly modified.

The change in language states that the board of Selectmen will take “into consideration the

actuarially determined contribution”. The Pension Board recommended language stating that the

Board of Selectmen “will base its contribution on the actuarially determined contribution”.

FORTUNA/ GERNHARDT

Motion to approve a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by the Town of Old

Saybrook Fire Company No. 1 Retirement Plan.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

C. Discussion and possible action on a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by the

Town of Old Saybrook Retirement Plan.

The Pension Board made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, which the Board of

Selectmen slightly modified. This is the same modification that was made to the OSFD Retirement

Plan.

FORTUNA/ GERNHARDT

Motion to approve a Funding Policy in funding the benefits to be paid by the Town of Old

Saybrook Retirement Plan.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

First Selectman Fortuna thanked the Pension Board for their work.

D. Discussion and act on recommendation of Public Works Director Larry Bonin for release of

an encroachment bond – Coulter Street.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to release encroachment bond – Coulter Street.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

E. Discuss and act on property located at 13 Clubhouse Lane and year round classification.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to give year round classification to the property located at 13 Clubhouse Lane.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

F. Discussion and possible action on authorizing the First Selectman to negotiate and enter

into a Financial Assistance Agreement for the Mariner’s Way site assessment.

First Selectman Fortuna recognized Susan Beckman to speak to the grant process. She spoke

about the Board of Selectmen Ad Hoc Committee that prepared the report on Mariner’s Way.

The grant would take a look at nine properties comprising approximately 18 acres to figure

out what is in the ground and what it would cost to remediate. Old Saybrook moved quickly

on this grant and $155,000 was awarded. DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan viewed

the property and thought it was a great candidate for assessment. The Town is hopeful the

grant will cover a Phase I, II, II study and a remedial action plan. First Selectman Fortuna

noted this grant was a great way for the Town to spur economic development without municipal

dollars being spent. Selectman Gernhardt asked if anyone knew about the pollution that might

exist. Susan Beckman stated some testing was done in the early 90’s with unfinished remediation.

It is now appropriate to do more investigation to determine what might be needed for cleanup.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to approve First Selectman Fortuna to enter into a contract with DECD for the Assessment

Grant.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Discussion and possible action on a recommendation that the Board of Finance

appropriate and recommend to Town Meeting $155,000 for the Mariner’s Way site assessment.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to approve the Board of Selectmen request the Board of Finance to recommend to Town

meeting an appropriation of $155,000, which funds will be reimbursed to the Town by DECD to

conduct a site assessment grant of nine properties on Route 1 East.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

H. Discussion on a Port Security Grant.

Chief Spera stated that for two years he has been seeking a grant. No monies have been put aside for

a marine boat though funds have been requested in previous budget cycles. Officers DePerry and

Walsh prepared a power point to discuss the process of applying for a FEMA grant for a marine

vessel. They informed the Board of Selectmen of the condition of the current 22 year old vessel

, which is not very good. They reviewed the funding sources, grant program, planning group list

of priorities and proposed vessel (28’ Deep V aluminum patrol boat, 3 sided pilot house, twin 300

HP 4 stroke motors, tow post 250’ line capacity and trailer). They then outlined additional estimated

costs for this boat of approximately $7,120, most of which will be fuel. Mr. Westerson commented on

how this boat is important for seafaring businesses. Selectman Gernhardt asked (1) What determines

whether the Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD) or the Old Saybrook Fire Department boat goes

out. It was stated that it varies based on the incident. (2) What about quarterly mandated reports

and exercises. It was stated that the OSPD already participates in these activities so that would be

nothing new. (3) What about winterization and year round use? It was stated that the boat will be

winterized. However, if need be, it will be available in the winter if OSPD is called upon. First Selectman

Fortuna had concerns about growth in staffing for this new boat but it was stated no additional staff

would be needed, and the perception that the Old Saybrook taxpayer is the one covering for other

Towns less equipped. It was stressed that this boat is merely a sustainment capability upgrade.

I. Possible action on recommendation that the Board of Finance appropriate and recommend to Town

Meeting a $361,570.00 Port Security Grant, to be matched by a Town share in an amount of $90,393.00,

for the purchase of a police boat (Total appropriation is $361,570.00).

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to approve that the Board of Selectmen request the Board of Finance to recommend to Town

meeting an appropriation of $361,570.00 Port Security Grant to be matched by a Town share in an

amount of $90,393.00, for the purchase of a police boat (Total appropriation is $361,570.00).

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

J. Appointments

1. Economic Development Commission.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to appoint Carol Conklin as a regular member to the Economic Development Commission.

This is for the unexpired portion of a five year term due to expire 6/2015.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

2. Economic Development Commission.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to appoint Lauren Ashe as an alternate member to the Economic Development Commission.

This is for the unexpired portion of a two year term due to expire 12/2015.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Ethics Commission.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to appoint Don Hunt as a member to the Ethics Commission. This is for the unexpired

portion of a four year term due to expire 09/2017.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

4. Historic District Commission.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to appoint William Childress as a regular member to the Historic District Commission.

This is for the unexpired portion of a five-year term due to expire 12/2015.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Inland Wetland Commission.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to appoint Paul Carver, effective 11/3/2014, as a regular member to the Inland Wetland

Commission. This is for the unexpired portion of a two year term due to expire 11/2015.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Pension and Employee Benefits Board.

FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to appoint Paul Tracey as a member to the Pension and Employee Benefits Board. This

is for the unexpired portion of a five year term due to expire 01/2016.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN.

None taken.

VIII. FORTUNA/GERNHARDT

Motion to adjourn at 4:40 p.m.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Respectfully submitted,

Georgiann Neri

Administrative Secretary