Minutes
February 13, 2008
Attendance:
Chester: Clinton: Willie Fritz
Deep River: Dick Smith
Killingworth: Richard Cabral
Lyme: Ralph Eno
Old Lyme: Tim Griswold
Old Saybrook: Mike Pace, Bill Peace
Westbrook: Noel Bishop
CRERPA: ETD: John Forbis, Doris Sanstrom
Guests:
Charles Stannard, Hartford Courant,
Ellen Paul, Representing Cong. Joe Courtney
Pam Daniels from the Department of Emergency Management
Brad Beecher
I. The meeting of the Connecticut River Estuary Metropolitan Planning Organization was called to order by Chairman Mike Pace at 8; 30 AM in the CRERPA Conference space, Suite B of the Marketplace, Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook.
II. There were no comments from the public.
III.
Minutes
Phil Miller moved that the minutes of the January 9, 2008 meeting be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Willie Fritz and unanimously approved.
IV.
Federal
and State Programs
A. CT DOT
Jean Davies reported that she will hold off on asking COST to approach DOT on the matter of excessive oversight of small road projects.
B. DEMHS District Two (Regional Emergency Planning Team (REPT)
Richard Cabral is the newly elected chairman of the REPT. Jean reported that transportation is one of the nineteen subcommittees of the Regional Steering Committee. As vice-chairperson of the REPT, she is conferring, not only with Linda and Judy Gott but also with Capitol and South West. The Steering committee will meet in March to discuss issues.
Ralph Eno noted that the current policy of having the RPO s be the conduit for money is bound to be redesigned.
Chairman Pace asserted that his faith is in the local communities. Local updates and local responses are good. He catalogued some of the steps Old Saybrook has taken to be better equipped and better prepared.
Linda commented on the initiation of interoperable communications.
Mike mentioned his financial plan for operating is a post emergency situation.
Pam Daniels expressed concern about the lack of communication between CT DOT and DEMHS.
Pam explained that REPT is all about the money and how it will be distributed. Money will be coming for another three to five years. It is not much but can help if it is pooled regionally.
C. Project Review
Chester has withdrawn its application for state funding for the Main Street road improvements..
Old Saybrook has decided to do the North Main Street project itself for $44,000 and had notified DOT of its decision. .
D. Transit Municipal Grant Program
DOT Grant applications are available. CRE towns have in the past pooled their funds for the ETD.
John Forbis commented that use of the funds will be discussed at the ETD meeting on Friday morning.
E. LOCHSTP
Jean reported that she had conferred with Jim Rode at South Central and found that both regions are basically just monitoring job access.
V.
Other
Transportation Matters
A. Old trains
Mike Pace reported that he is seeking help from DEP in having the
un-restored antique railroad cars removed from the siding on Bokum Road to the museum in Thomaston. He would appreciate a letter of support from the CREMPO. Phil Miller moved that the board cause such a letter to be written. The motion was seconded by Willie Fritz and unanimously approved.
B. Boat Infrastructure Grant
Phil Miller asked about the status of the Boat Infrastructure Grants. Jean explained that the grants are for boats larger than would normally be accommodated at a municipal boat launch.
Chairman Pace mentioned that with AMBRO not allowing any dumping in Long Island sound, the EPA is now looking for on shore beneficial uses. He would like to revisit the idea of the towns buying a mutually owned dredge.
Dick Smith moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Phil Miller.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy C. Griswold, Secretary