The Stonington Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on this date at 7:00 p.m. at the Stonington Police Station. Present were First Selectman William S. Brown, Selectman Stephen E. Bessette and Selectman Peter L. Balestracci. Also present were Jason Vincent (Director of Planning); Lynn Young (a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the WPCA); members of the public, and a member of the press.
(1) Call to Order
Mr. Brown called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
(2) Comments from the Public
Lynn Young, Stonington, urged the Board to create the Design Review Advisory Committee being considered as item 7.a. on tonight’s agenda. She suggested it should be a non-binding committee that reports to the Board of Selectmen. She stated that the Town needs it, it will be good for us, and it will provide a means for architectural review. She commented that it will be prudent for us to do this, to help avoid the construction of “tin boxes”. She inquired as to whether the Board has any candidates for the Committee.
Jason Vincent stated that his department sent letters out to prospective candidates, asking them to send letters of interest to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Vincent commented that this Committee would be part of an advisory process, to try to enhance and improve designs. He reiterated that there is no regulatory component to this Committee. He stated that we are not trying to create another level of bureaucracy; most developers are willing to be flexible at the beginning of a project, before they’ve spent money on their design.
Selectman Bessette inquired if funding is needed for this Committee. Mr. Vincent replied no, the Planning Office will provide staff support to get them going. Selectman Bessette inquired about the Committee reporting to the Board of Selectmen, and Mr. Vincent replied he would envision them doing so annually or more often if the Board wants them to, while providing recommendations to the Planning Office or Planning and Zoning Commission on an “as needed” basis for particular applications.
Mr. Brown commented that he will request an opinion from the Town Attorney to make sure we can do this.
Mr. Balestracci inquired about the size of the Committee, to which Mr. Vincent replied that five members would be good. Mr. Balestracci inquired if Mr. Vincent would be part of the Committee, to which Mr. Vincent responded he would be “ex-officio” to help them function. Other members of the planning staff will be able to assist the Committee as well. Mr. Vincent reiterated that the Committee will not be a regulatory body, it will be advisory only.
Mr. Bessette stated he would not want to see this create a delay in the application process, and Mr. Vincent encouraged the Board to make that point clear during the interview and appointment process for new members of the Committee.
Ms. Young commented that we have a right to declare what we want our Town to look like and advise prospective developers of our desires.
Mr. Brown commented he was concerned originally about this Committee possibly causing further delay and cost in the application process, but after tonight’s discussion he agrees with Ms. Young and Mr. Vincent.
Louise Fabrykiewicz, New London, distributed and spoke about a letter dated January 24, 2006, along with a proposed resolution, requesting that the Board of Selectmen join with other communities and organizations throughout Connecticut in passing a resolution to oppose the development of the Broadwater Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal.
David Stamm, Cove Road, Stonington, distributed two documents regarding GASB 45. GASB stands for Governmental Accounting Standards Board, and GASB 45 was issued to provide more complete financial reporting regarding the costs and financial obligations that governments incur when they provide retirement benefits other than pensions as part of the compensation for services rendered by their employees. Of particular concern is the cost of retiree health care benefits. He inquired if the Town has begun any planning regarding the implementation of GASB 45, which will require a report on the Town’s total cost of these benefits.
Mr. Brown and Mr. Bessette responded that this matter “is on the front burner”. Mr. Bessette commented that he is a member of the Retirement Committee and they will be addressing GASB 45 requirements at their next meeting (February 13 at 9 a.m. at Old Mystic School).
Ed Habarek, Moss Street, a member of the Board of Education, distributed a document showing the main level of the High School and the lighting situation as it currently exists. He expressed his concerns regarding lights being left on all night long in the closets, library, box office, cafeteria, café area, kitchen, gym, etc. CL&P has raised its rates and leaving the lights on is costing the Town a lot of money. Stonington High School already uses 53% of the electricity budgeted for all of the schools. He commented that he understands there are requirements to be met because the High School is the Town’s emergency shelter. However, the situation where the switching is “all on or all off” doesn’t make sense. A solution needs to
be arrived at. He also voiced concerns about the First Selectman sitting as a member of the K-12 School Building Committee, as that Committee ultimately answers to the Board of Selectmen. He inquired if the First Selectman has ultimate authority over the actions of the Building Committee.
Mr. Brown responded by saying that he does not have authority over the Building Committee.
Further discussion took place. Mr. Brown stated that Sam Agnello is the liaison between the School Building Committee and the Board of Education. Mr. Brown commented that the School Building Committee is fully aware of the lighting concerns, and at their last meeting a decision was made to put in manual switches and someone will be assigned the task of shutting off unnecessary lights. Mr. Brown stated that he appreciated Mr. Habarek bringing his concerns to the Board of Selectmen, and he is welcome to attend School Building Committee meetings.
Mr. Balestracci asked Mr. Brown to obtain an opinion from the Town Attorney regarding the First Selectman being a member of the K-12 School Building Committee and whether it poses any conflict or not. Mr. Brown agreed to do so.
(3) Bid Awards / Letters of Agreement - None.
(4) 9-1-1 Street Numbering - None.
(5) Correspondence
a. Pawcatuck River Duck Race request for permission to use Pawcatuck Park
A letter dated January 11, 2006 was received from Lynda Boucher, Events Manager for the Greater Westerly Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce, requesting permission to utilize the grounds at Pawcatuck Park for the 8th Annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race, scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2006. The festivities will consist of face painting, duck games, moonwalk, and food booths run by the local schools and non-profit organizations. This event is expected to raise more than $60,000 for the groups involved in this fundraiser.
A motion was made by Mr. Bessette, seconded by Mr. Balestracci and unanimously voted to grant permission to conduct the Pawcatuck River Duck Race and associated activities at Pawcatuck Park on Saturday, April 29, 2006.
(6) Re/Appointments Boards and Commissions -None.
(7) Old Business
a. Design Review Advisory Committee
A motion was made by Mr. Bessette, seconded by Mr. Balestracci and unanimously voted to create a five-member Design Review Advisory Committee, contingent upon approval to do so by the Town Attorney.
(8) New Business - None.
(9) Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the Board, the regular meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathy A. Kent
Recording Secretary
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