SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
6:00 P.m.
Vicki G. Duffy Pavilion – 155 College Street, Old Saybrook, CT
Present: First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna Jr., Selectman Scott Giegerich, Selectman Carol Conklin, Interim Finance Director Lee Ann Palladino and members of the public.
I. CALL TO ORDER – First Selectman Fortuna called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- Led by Kate Conklin
III. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMAN- The First Selectman commented on the NAWCA (North American Wetlands Conservation Act) discussion from several weeks ago. It is the recommendation of the Town Planner to pledge the entire amount of Old Saybrook’s bond commitment to this program. The Board will take this up as an action item at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Special Board of Selectmen Meeting January 19, 2016 and Special Board of Selectmen Meeting January 20, 2016.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve minutes of the Special Board of Selectmen Meeting January 19, 2016 and Special Board of Selectmen Meeting January 20, 2016.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
V. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
A. Discuss and act on the Town Planner’s request to authorize the First Selectman
to sign authorization to apply for:~ The Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program. This is a competitive grant program that provides financial support for the following:
1. Construction projects that expand on previous state investment in transit-oriented development, as defined in Section 13b-79o of the Connecticut General Statutes, and/or
2. Planning or construction projects that demonstrate responsible growth through their consistency with the~Conservation & Development Policies: The Plan for Connecticut 2013-2018.
Christine Nelson discussed this is a program to help us make better connections in and around our Transit Oriented Development area of the Main/North Main/ Route 1 intersection from the railroad bridge to Elm Street. These streetscape improvements were not able to be done with the LOTCIP grant due to cost. This will be a continuation of other investments in the area. Ms. Conklin asked about sequencing of projects, especially with Eastpointe development. Ms. Nelson responded that there will be design work to be done and therefore any construction may not be until 2017 or 2018 and therefore not interfere with other work in the area. Mr. Giegerich thanked Ms. Nelson for the explanation and good work.
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
Motion to approve the First Selectman to sign authorization to apply for the Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
B. Discussion and possible action on Vehicle Usage Policy.
This policy has been previously discussed and comments made by the Board. The First Selectman noted exceptions on the record for the current vehicles of the Fire Marshal and the Building Official to go to personal residences. He also noted that should new personnel come into those positions, the vehicles would likely not go home with the new person.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve Vehicle Usage Policy.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Discussion and possible action on recommending to the Board of Finance appropriation on the following:
State of Connecticut Department of Economic Development (DECD) Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization (BAR) Planning Grant. Town Planner Nelson explained this grant in detail. This recommendation would be for the full $200,000 reimbursable grant
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
Motion to approve recommending to the Board of Finance appropriation for $200,000 reimbursable grant.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
State of Connecticut Department of Housing CDBG-DR Planning Grant: Community Coastal Resilience Study & Infrastructure Evaluation. Town Planner Nelson explained this $125,000 grant in detail and how it is one of the recommendations of the Sea Level Rise Committee.
Ms. Conklin commented that perhaps a public discussion on the grant process in general might be helpful. Mr. Fortuna also noted that the town put in a tide gage at Harbor One Marina that provides useful information.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve recommending to the Board of Finance appropriation for $125,000 CDBG-DR Planning Grant.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI. ADJOURNMENT
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Carl P. Fortuna Jr.
First Selectman
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