MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
3:30 P.m.
Town Hall – First Floor Conference Room
Present: First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna Jr., Selectman Scott Giegerich and members of the public.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- Recited
III. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC- Nancy Walsh expressed concerns that hiring a Facilities Director with a new line item in these tough budget times, especially in light of the Acton Library reductions, sends the wrong message. The First Selectman stated that this is not a new position, and not a new appropriation, that it was funded for the current fiscal year and not filled. The Board of Finance reviewed all budgets and was very much in favor of this position as a potential long term cost savings measure. The First Selectman stated that the town has nearly 30m in buildings and needs to be proactive with maintenance.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMAN- The First Selectman noted the town received another grant for Transit Oriented Development planning, which the town applied for to finish sidewalks, streetscapes and roads in the North Main Street, Stage Road, Route 1 corridor. This grant is for planning and engineering. The Town would then seek a LOTCIP grant in the future for construction costs.
The First Selectman also stated that he heard at the Zoning Commission meeting recently that people wondered why the town sought a grant for the Heineman-Hallissey property. The First Selectman stated that this property is large and was identified as an important piece of land for redevelopment and that it may have pollution issues. The First Selectman stated that he has offered the same to other landowners with identifiable issues and that this property happened to be the first.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Board of Selectmen Meeting May 24, 2016.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes May 24, 2016.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
A. Report on Estuary Transit District (ETD).
Roland Laine, the Board of Selectmen representative to the ETD, gave a report. He noted ridership is up, explained all the various routes, gave an update on ETD inventory, noted Old Saybrook in the ETD’s hub, discussed the operating budget of the ETD and discussed how technology is changing the face of the operation with mobile applications and on line routes.
B. Call of Special Town Meeting.
The First Selectman explained this one issue call for the repair of the town beach pavilion. The meeting will be held June 23, 2016, 6:30 PM, Old Saybrook Town Hall – Main Level Conference Room.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve Call of Special Town Meeting
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. “Heinemann & Hallisey” petition to amend the Old Saybrook Zoning Map from Industrial I District to Gateway Business B-4 District: referral for comment.
Attorney Dave Royston was introduced and gave a presentation. He explained the history and location of the property. He noted that a change to B-4 was denied in 2002 and he advised his clients against asking for another change until a few months ago after the Mariners Way study was complete and the overlay zone, as recommended by Economic Development Commission (EDC), was denied by zoning. He noted that he has the approval of EDC, Planning and hopes to have the Board of Selectmen and finally Zoning approve. Architectural Review Board (ARB) voted against. The B-4 is all around this property and right next door. He noted that no developer wants to come in with both potential pollution issues as well as a zone issue. Thus it is critical to get the zone changed to B-4. The First Selectman asked why we
can’t wait until the BAR grant study is complete. Attorney Royston did not see why this would change the end game. His client has waited long enough.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve to amend the Old Saybrook Zoning Map from Industrial I District to Gateway Business B-4 District.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
D. Discuss and act on Planning Commission recommendation to the Board of Selectmen that the Town engage the services of the Firm, Civic Moxie, to conduct the work for the “Mariner’s Way” Brownfield Areawide Revitalization (BAR) planning project.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve Town engage the services of the Firm, Civic Moxie,
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
E. Ratify settlement of the Dispatcher contract.
The First Selectman noted that the raises, including steps, are right around 2.3% which is quite good in terms relative to the statewide average. In addition, the health savings account deductibles go to $2000/$4000 during the contract. All in all a fair settlement all around. The union took one-half their projected raises for the FY 15-16 which made the settlement better for the town at the end of this fiscal year.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve the Dispatcher contract.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
F. Discuss and act on property located at 8 Beach Road East and year round classification.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve property located at 8 Beach Road East and year round classification.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
G. Discuss and act on Agreement between the VNASC and the Town of Old Saybrook relating to provision of specific nursing services July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016.
Same VNASC and same budget amount (Mr. Giegerich’s concern). FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve Agreement between the VNASC and the Town of Old Saybrook.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
H. Appointment of town Facilities Director.
The First Selectman recommended Dan Moran for this position. Mr. Moran helped with the new police station and has an extensive career in building management, construction and mechanicals. This is a one year contract for $20,000.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve appointment of Dan Moran as town Facilities Director.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
I. Appointments
1. Municipal Cemetery Committee. Re-appointment Dana Cosgrove. This is a six year term due to expire 7/2022.
FORTUNA/GIEGEICH
Motion to re-appoint Dana Cosgrove.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
2. CT River Gateway Commission – Re-appointment Madeleine B. Fish. This is a two year term due to expire 07/2018.
FORTUNA/GIEGEICH
Motion to re-appoint Madeleine B. Fish.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. CT River Gateway Commission – Re-appointment Belinda Ahern. This is a two year term due to expire 07/2018.
FORTUNA/GIEGEICH
Motion to re-appoint Belinda Ahern.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Conservation Commission. Vacancy appointment (resignation). This appointment is for the unexpired portion of a two year term due to expire 11/2016. No candidate
5. Public Health Nursing Board (PHNB) – Vacancy appointment (resignation) alternate member.
This appointment is for the unexpired portion of a three year term due to expire 11/2017. MaryAnn Iadarola was nominated. She was interested in another position in town that had already been filled and would like to be on the PHNB.
FORTUNA/GIEGEICH
Motion to appoint MaryAnn Iadarola for the unexpired portion of a three year term due to expire 11/2017.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Zoning Commission – Vacancy appointment (resignation) alternate member. This appointment is until 11/2017 at which time it goes to biennial town election.
Joanne Gadon was nominated and unanimously approved. The First Selectman stated how satisfied he was that the Zoning Commission now has a full board, including all three alternates.
FORTUNA/GIEGEICH
Motion to appoint Joanne Gadon until 11/2017 at which time it goes to biennial town election.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN- None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
FORTUNA/GIEGEICH
Motion to adjourn at 5:08 PM.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Carl P. Fortuna Jr., First Selectman
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