CONNECTICUT RIVER ESTUARY REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY

MINTUES

Monday, October 5, 2009

Attendees:

Sally Murray, Chester

Rob Wylie, Deep River

Robert Laundy, Essex

Jere Adametz, Killingworth

Pat Smulders, Killingworth

Ning Rich, Lyme

Frank Skwarek, Lyme

Jane Marsh, Old Lyme

Karen Jo Marcolini, Old Saybrook

Richard D.Tietjen, Old Saybrook (briefly)

Lee Bridgewater, Westbrook

Bill Neale, Westbrook

Linda Krause, Torrance Downes, Margot Burns, Janice Ehle/Meyer, CRERPA

1. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Jane Marsh at 7:35 p.m. at CRERPA Headquarters, Saybrook Junction, Old Saybrook CT.

2. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve February minutes was made by Rob Wylie and seconded by Jere Adametz. All were in favor.

3. Treasurer’s Report: Linda distributed the Monthly Cash Flow Report through September 2009. She reported that the amount of the State Grant In Aid (SGIA) to be received from OPM for the current fiscal year (which began on July 1) is still uncertain. It was zeroed out by OPM in the latest budget revision, but a portion was returned due to the intervention of Undersecretary David LaVasseur. It appears that the Governor vetoed the general government implementation bill earlier today, which may have contained the SGIA amount. In addition, the implementation bill included a change in the required membership on regional planning agencies. If this was one of the bills vetoed, the standing of RPA membership is very unclear. Financing is very uncertain. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Ning Rich and seconded by Rob Wylie. All were in favor.

4. Correspondence

a. Linda discussed further the situation at the State level. She noted correspondence that has been exchanged among regional planning organization directors concerning the absence of SGIA funds and how this curtails the general planning activities of the regions. In addition, SGIA funds have been used in the past to provide matching funds for other competitive grants, and their absence reduces the ability to apply for alternative funding. Linda passed around the invitation for the October 21 Change of Command Ceremony for Old Saybrook’s Police Chief.

5. Staff Report

a. Linda reported that Pat Anthony is recovering and out of the office until further notice, while Jean Davies has returned to work after a recent illness. Other staff have filled in for the missing staffers. The discussion of the Integrated Regional Transportation Access Plan which will follow later in the meeting, is based on Jean’s work.

b. It has been necessary to modify the Agency’s health insurance plan to save money, resulting in an increased burden on insured employees. The new Plan went into effect on October 1, 2009. Linda Krause will be covered by Medicare as of December, and the Agency will provide supplemental coverage. This will save some money for the Agency.

6. Nominating Committee: An informal Nominating Committee consisting of Sally Murray and Rob Wylie have made some calls and are open to suggestions for future officers. Jane Marsh formally appointed Sally and Rob as the Nominating Committee and asked them to report by the next meeting.

7. Committees/Liaisons

a. Referrals: There were no referrals.

b. Gateway Commission: Torrance reported that the Gateway Commission held a boat cruise on the Connecticut River on Friday evening, October 2. Local officials were invited to attend. The trip began near the Goodspeed and went upstream to the upper limit of the Gateway Boundary, viewing the least developed portion of the Gateway Conservation District. The Commission has established several subcommittees to help them determine their future priorities. Linda noted that there is a vacancy on the Gateway Commission for a CRERPA Board representative and urged member to consider being appointed.

c. Estuary Transit District: The District has completed its move to the industrial area in Essex, where there is adequate room for bus parking, freeing up spaces at the Saybrook Junction lot. Director Joe Cumerford has been success in expanding the service with more buses and more frequent service.

8. Old Business – Transportation and Open Space Planning

a. Integrated Regional Transportation Access Plan 2009: An additional page, Page 22, entitled Summary of Ojectives and Projects, was distributed to complete the text previously distributed to members with the agenda. Linda reported that the Plan was primarily the work of Jean Davies’ who could undoubtedly make a better presentation, but that she urged Jean to continue her rest and recovery at home this evening. Linda “walked” members through the Plan. Jane Marsh asked what was the impetus behind the plan. Linda replied that that Jean and other staff had taken the initiative to consider how the unique character and significant national transportation assets of the region could fit together for a realistic sustainable transportation system. There is increasing interest in transportation which is energy-efficient and environmentally sound. The Estuary Region is an excellent laboratory for techniques that involve generally low density development with historic nodes, and the connection to national rail and highway assets. This is a comprehensive look at how people move and how transportation can serve the land use pattern without changing the basic character of the area. Jane observed that this was a very innovative approach.

b. Bicycles and Pedestrians: Janice Ehle/Meyer reported on the Agency’s work on bicycle and pedestrian efforts. Essex has completed a “safe-routes-to-schools” program, which other towns are encouraged to consider. Linda noted that the staff considered many of the state-identified bicycle routes to be unsafe and did not recommend following the state’s bicycle route map. Bill Neale asked if the old trolley line in Westbrook was a possible trail. Margot Burns replied that such areas were under consideration. A grant application has been submitted to the Recreational Trails program to design a multi-use trail along the Valley Railroad line from Essex to Old Saybrook.

c. Trail Planning: Margot Burns explained how she and other staff had developed information concerning open space, existing land use and parcel characteristics. One goal of her efforts was to map existing trails and learn where linkages were possible. A grant application has been submitted, also to the Recreational Trails program, to map trails and create an atlas for local officials to guide them in trail planning.

d. Land Trust Collaboration: Margot reported that another outgrowth of her inventory work was the idea that it might be beneficial for local land trusts to cooperate more fully and share resources, such as possible software or use common procedures. One meeting has been held with local land trusts, at which 12 towns were represented. A second meeting has been scheduled to determine the feasibility of future cooperation. Margot is working with the Resource and Conservation District about possible funding. Jane Marsh stated that Margot has been an important addition to the staff and her graphic displays of information have been an important communications tool.

e. Natural Hazard Mitigation: Torrance reported that he is working with DEP concerning the possibility of updating the regional towns’ natural hazard mitigation plans, first prepared by CRERPA. Connecticut has received a specific allocation from FEMA for such work.

9. New Business: Jane Marsh asked if members were in favor of holding the annual Christmas Party/meeting in December. There was general agreement, and Linda noted that she will make arrangements.

10.. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Bill Neale, seconded by Sally Murray. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Krause, Acting Clerk