MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
3:30 P.m.
Town Hall – First Floor Conference Room
PRESENT: First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna Jr., Selectman Scott Giegerich, Selectman Carol Conklin and members of the public.
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 at this time.
IV. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMAN: The First Selectman commented on the following:
(1) The recent revenue adjustments at the State which resulted in Old Saybrook losing $170,000 in revenue mid-year bring the total number of cuts to the town to about $650,000 in the last 14 months.
(2) The fine job Selectman Conklin did as the Regional Monitor, a new state mandated position. Selectman Conklin explained her role and her activities.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Special Board of Selectmen Meeting December 27, 2016.
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
Motion to approve Special Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes December 27, 2016.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
It was requested that the following items be taken up out of order (B, C and A). The Board of Selectmen consented to taking the items out of order.
A. Discussion of a provision to Town Code: Buildings- Delay of Demolition.
The First Selectman stated that there were several meetings of the Planning Commission before a draft was voted on. He believes there should be a delay but that it should not be 6 months, that there should be a committee that meets within a certain period of time to be able to determine whether the delay should or should not go into effect and that he intends to make changes to the ordinance before bringing it to the Board of Selectmen again for action. Carol Conklin also thought 6 months was too long and was worried about a large demolition sign being in place for 6 months (ugly and possibly blight). Scott Giegerich agreed with these comments. Former Chief of Police Ed Mosca stated that it is the Town’s obligation to preserve or try to preserve our historical assets. Bushnell Farm is a good example as
it was going to be a strip mall. Old Saybrook is one of oldest communities in the State. The First Selectman stated what he does not like about this ordinance is how it could possibly hold up demolition or major renovation of properties with no historical value (75 year old beach house, for example). Chuck Savage thought the ordinance should apply to homes 100 years or older and have a 3-4 month waiting period. David Royston, not as an advocate for any client, mentioned that there should be a mechanism to determine the historical significance and possibly the release of the delay provision. If this is in there, the length of the delay is less important. John Aldi agreed that the proposal should be tightened up. Laura Gray (of Historic District Commission but not speaking on their behalf) agrees with a committee to determine the historical nature of a home. She has concerns about 4 homes in town that may be subject to demolition. Tom Stevenson stated that he is native Old Saybrook
and wants to make sure our town continues to look and feel like Old Saybrook. Tedd Levy requested that the Planning Commission be involved and would look forward to a revised ordinance.
B. Discussion and motion for action regarding local bid ordinance to be in compliance with State and Federal regulations.
Chief Spera attended a FEMA workshop and had concerns that our local bid ordinance conflicted with Federal Law.
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to approve and recommend to Town Meeting.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C. Horan Easement
i. Discussion of Planning Commission decision regarding the granting of an easement
on Town property.
The First Selectman noted the unique circumstances of this building lot. He also commented that in the very few other circumstances of easements on town property, there was not financial compensation to the town. Part of the reason has to do with valuation of an easement and the resulting incremental value to the property it benefits. As such, he thought that so long as the town expenses, including legal and administrative, were paid by the Horan’s pursuant to a formal agreement, that would be a fair recommendation. Selectman Giegerich and Selectman Conklin both agreed.
ii. Possible action granting the First Selectman authorization to enter into a contract concerning the Horan easement.
FORTUNA/CONKLIN
Motion to approve with above conditions as well as the conditions as outlined by the Planning Commission.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VII. COMMENTS FROM THE SELECTMEN- The First Selectman made sure the Board was aware of the Sharon Migliaccio retirement party taking place at 5:00 p.m. on January 10, 2017.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
FORTUNA/GIEGERICH
Motion to adjourn at 4:50 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Carl P. Fortuna Jr.
First Selectman
| 