CONNECTICUT RIVER ESTUARY REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY

MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

Attendees:

           

Jere Adametz, Killingworth

Bruce Edgerton, Deep River

Karen Macolini, Old Saybrook

Rob Wylie, Deep River

Sally Murray, Chester

William Neale, Westbrook

Frank Skwarek, Lyme

Richard D. Tietjen, Old Saybrook

 

Carla Iezzi, DOT

 

            The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bruce Edgerton at 7:35 p.m. in CRERPA Headquarters, 455 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook CT.

            Linda Krause introduced Carla Iezzi, DOT, to the Board.  Carla explained her position at the Department of Transportation and distributed her business card to those in attendance.

            Chairman Edgerton asked for a roll call from attendees.

 

I. MINUTES

            The July 7 minutes were approved as amended.  Referrals, Pg. 2, Deep River, Para. 2 should read: over 6,000 sq. feet.  Motion to accept as amended made by Karen, seconded by Jere Adametz.

 

II. CORRESPONDENCE 

            There was no correspondence.

 

III. STAFF REPORT

            Linda explained flex time policy and how the accrued flex time must be used by end of August.  Accordingly, most of the staff was out of the office during the month – Dorothy attended a seminar, Jean was in Seattle, Janice took her daughter to college, Margot was in New Hampshire and Linda was in Maine.

            Medical Plan: Making a decision on a medical plan for the employees was a great concern.  Blue Cross/Blue Shield is the plan in place.  The same insurance will cost 11.9% more in 2009, an increase of $6,000.

            Steve Williams continues to have health issues.  For check signing, we have 3 board members – Jane Marsh, Steve Williams and Bruce Edgerton.

 

IV. TREASURER’S REPORT

            Cash Flow Report was distributed.  Money has been received from the towns.  Accounts receivables are $11,000.  Total cash on hand is $306,982.  The two variables we don’t know are the balance at the end of the year and what the calculated overhead rate may be.

            Motion was made to accept the report as presented by Bill Neale, seconded by Frank Skwarek. So voted unanimously.

 

VI. TRANSPORTATION MATTERS

            ETD: Linda continues to hear from Katie Beecher, and Katie continues to be upset about issues relating to her husband Brad’s termination.  The Beechers have filed a complaint with CHRO and a hearing is scheduled.  There are several issues, one of which is the way the maintenance of the buses was procured.  ETD is searching for a new director.  He or she has not yet been selected.

            Carla said that if there are any transportation issues to please contact her.  For, example, the Westbrook train station issue has been repositioned from Federal to State funding.

            Linda stated that a transportation component will be incorporated into the regional plan.

            Dick Tietjen asked if there was a formalized transportation schedule.  He was told that individual bus schedules and train schedules are kept in the reception area of CRERPA.

            Linda noted there is renewed interest in bridge closures as they affect expansion of Shoreline East. Bridges stay open for the boats except for trains and that is limited to 37 closures per day.

 

VII. COMMITTEES

            Gateway Commission:  the boat trip was successful.  ZEOs and ZBAs were invited.  It was noted that a mandatory referral is necessary for any variances in the Gateway area.  New Chairman of the Commission is Melvin Woody, Co-Chairman is Nancy Fischbach.

            Judy Preston is working on tree cutting regulations and her report is expected shortly.

            Dick Tietjen reported on a tree cutting issue at 191 North Cove Road.  He submitted his wife’s deposition concerning the issue and asked Linda to read the document.  She suggested he speak to Torrance about this matter.

            Trust for Public Land is helping to organize the purchase of the Otfinoski property on the River in Chester.  The land is in Gateway.

            Invitation to Founders Memorial Park to celebrate the opening on Monday, September 22 at 11:00 was distributed.  All Board members were asked to attend.  Judy Preston played a key role in the landscaping of the park.

            1. Referral:  Salem, Town of Lyme:  New section authorizing certain year-round uses. Request for standards for a zoning text amendment regarding the conversion of seasonal dwellings to year-round dwellings was discussed and reviewed.

            Bill Neale moved the recommendation on Salem zoning regulations be accepted, seconded by Frank Skwarek.  All were in favor.

 

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

            Westbrook:  A town referendum turned down option to join CT River Area Health District.

            Old Saybrook:  Received notice of $50,000 grant from the State for Economic Growth for Affordable Housing.

            Chester:  Plan of development continues to be fine tuned.  Linda suggested that CRERPA make corrections as noted, proof and print final copy.

            Deep River:  Much is being done to enhance Main Street.

            Membership/CRERPA:  No reps for Clinton or for Essex.  One rep for Old Lyme.

            Earth Charter Climate Change Summit:  Taking place Saturday, October 11th, NOON to 5 p.m., Nathan Hale-Ray High School, East Haddam.  Speaker is Dr. Gary Yohe, co-winner with Al Gore of Nobel Peace Prize.  Summit is free.

            Katharine Hepburn Theatre:  Old Saybrook plans to use the budget surplus to correct footings problem, approximate cost is $200,000.  Linda noted that the project is moving along overall. Torrance has been working on various projects regarding the Theatre.

            Selectmen will be meeting on September 10th. Tessa Gutowski and Frank Gagliardo of the DEP will be discussing Debris management.

            Plum Island and Millstone trips will be rescheduled.

            Regional Plan:  Jean, Margot and Janice attended the New England Regional Planning Conference last week.  Energy is the main issue.  It is difficult to plan regionally.  Conference speakers suggested that it is best to prepare with small steps in today’s world.  This theory will keep us flexible in the days ahead.

            CRVCEO met in Middletown last week.  The topic was energy conservation. Att. Janelle of Shipman & Goodwin spoke on ways to manage rising utility costs in all areas. Att. Janelle emphasized that one must do due diligence in the selection process.  Always ask for a disclosure statement when hiring an energy consultant.

            1. Regional Plan:  Linda showed a prototype of the plan.  Publication date is scheduled for November.  Drafts will be presented to the nine towns.

 

X. ADJOURNMENT

            Motion to adjourn was made by Bill Neale, seconded by Jere Adametz.  All were in favor.  The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk