MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
3:30 P.m.
Town Hall – First Floor Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER-All members present
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-Recited
III. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC-none
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMAN: The First Selectman commented on the following:
Don Lucas - The Town received a thank you letter from the First Selectman in Westbrook for his part in helping them choose a new building official.
The Town now has a tide gage for the public to monitor storm surge. This will also be a useful tool for emergency management and the town’s ongoing commitment to monitoring sea level rise.
The DOT has apparently reached an agreement with Saybrook Junction for handicap parking which will allow the new commuter lot to open while AMTRAK and DOT continue to confer on a ramp in the new lot.
The Town is looking at grants for the transfer station to assist with storm water runoff. At the same time the town is participating with the COG in a best practices study.
The Kate has an exciting new partnership with CPTV to broadcast shows. There were six filmed already with six more each in 2016 and 2017.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board of Selectmen Meeting December 8, 2015 and Special Board of Selectmen Meeting December 30, 2015. GIEGERICH/FORTUNA
Motion to approve minutes Board of Selectmen Meeting December 8, 2015 and Special Board of Selectmen Meeting December 30, 2015.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
Report of Findings: Study of Sea Level Rise and Climate Change.
The Town Planner presented the Board with the Report of Findings from the Sea Level Rise and Climate Adaptation Committee (SLRCAC). Noting it is a real problem that will continue to impact the town and the entire state and beyond. Ms. Nelson requested that the Board of Selectmen consider charging the Planning Commission to continue the work started by this committee. In addition, the town recently received a 125k grant from the Department of Housing which will involve a coastal engineer to loop at options for the town in the future. Two members of the SLRCAC were present: Douglas McCracken and Janice Holland. The Town will continue to involve members from the Natural Hazard Mitigation Committee and the SLRCAC committee as their work has laid the groundwork for all that is to come.
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
The Board of Selectmen moved to add to the agenda an item “To charge an existing town agency, the Planning Commission, to continue work started by this committee and to monitor changes to SLR forecasts based on new data or improved scientific models.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
To charge an existing town agency, the Planning Commission, to continue work started by this committee and to monitor changes to SLR forecasts based on new data or improved scientific models.
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
Motion to charge the Planning Commission, to continue work started by this committee and to monitor changes to SLR forecasts based on new data or improved scientific models.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Discussion: Preserve open space grant funding.
Min Huang from DEEP Wildlife came to discuss the use of the Preserve acquisition expenses as credits/leverage for future land purchases for habitat conservation, primarily migratory birds. DEEP would work with the Town and other towns under a federal grant program to leverage dollars spent towards match funds for the NAWCA program (North American Conservation Wetlands Act). To access these funds, DEEP needs non-federal match funds/properties. This makes conservation dollars go twice as far. The 3m from the town, as well as the State and Trust for Public Land (TPL) funds used for the Preserve purchase would count towards the match. It is a pool of money for anyone in the state to use. Selectman Giegerich asked for an example of how the program works and Mr. Huang gave an example. Christine Nelson asked if
the funds can be used twice: perhaps for NAWCA but also for marsh conservations. Mr. Huang said they cannot. There are other match programs for coastal preservation. Selectman Conklin asked if the Feds would control the money/project once received. They would not. Selectman Giegerich asked if we could contribute less than the 3m. Yes we can. Ms Holland of the SLRCAC committee stressed the importance of marsh preservation/migration issues, sounding a cautionary note. The Board agreed to continue to discuss with staff.
Discuss and act to establish a Board of Selectman AdHoc Committee: Marine Patrol.
The First Selectman read a proposed memorandum that will be sent to the Chairs of the Police Commission and the Board of Finance asking for two members from each board to sit on a committee to determine the future of the Marine Patrol. There will be two ex-officio members (non-voting) appointed by the Chief of Police. Selectman Conklin stated that she thought we should have an adequate boat for patrol as opposed to rescue. Selectman Giegerich agreed that he is on board with a patrol.
Scott Masse expressed concern that the maritime community was being “excluded’ from the process. The First Selectman said no one is being excluded as the committee will hear from all aspects of the community and anyone can offer testimony or documents to the committee.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to establish a Board of Selectman AdHoc Committee: Marine Patrol.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Discussion and possible action on Vehicle Usage policy.
The policy was discussed. Both Selectmen commented on the policy, noting some small areas that need to be clarified, perhaps with regard to vehicle idling laws as well as some typos in the document. This policy will be revisited at the next meeting.
Discussion and possible action refund of building permit fees:
Modern Home Construction - $1,592.75
Trinity Solar - $236.87
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
Motion to approve refund of building permit fees to Modern Home Construction, $1,592.75 and Trinity Solar, $236.87
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to add to the agenda the appointment of Deputy Fire Marshals Eugene Hayes and William Robbins.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Appointment of Deputy Fire Marshals Eugene Hayes and William Robbins.
Fire Marshal Donn Dobson stated that he is seeking the appointment of Mr. Hayes and Mr. Robbins as deputies. This does not add to the budget but instead in budgeted already as there has always been coverage for when the Fire Marshal is out.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to appoint Deputy Fire Marshals Eugene Hayes and William Robbins.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN- Selectman Conklin would like to congratulate all those who received special recognition at the Old Saybrook Fire Department banquet on Saturday night.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
Motion to adjourn at 4:40 PM.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Carl P. Fortuna, Jr.
First Selectman
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