Minutes

Connecticut River Valley Council of Elected Officials

February 24, 2010

 

Attendance:  Please see attached list

 

           

1. Call to Order:

            The CRVCEO meeting was called to order by Chairman Marsh at 12:15 a.m. at the Restaurant L&E; Chester CT. Chairman Marsh introduced the new owners of Restaurant L&E, Everett & Linda Reid. Linda Reid briefly described the mission and menu of the new restaurant.  

 

2. Approval of January Minutes: 

             Motion to approve the Minutes of January was made by Mark Walter. The motion was seconded by Phil Miller. All were in favor.

 

3. Speaker: 

            Dave LeVasseur, Under Secretary, OPM:  Mr. LeVasseur suggested proposal for RPO’s and how to best proceed.  He noted that unfunded mandates are not uncommon.  In 2012 he has been required to report on boundaries in Connecticut for the RPO’s.  Dave said he has a staff of 5 and is not only responsible for the RPO boundaries report but also for the Plan of Conservation and Development.

            He said that the data set must be readdressed.  Heretofore, phones, newspaper subscriptions and hospital service areas were key factors.  These issues are not even considered today and are not relevant.   The General Assembly doesn’t know what the RPOs do, but they want fewer of them.  Dave therefore suggested that those RPO’s who have the most in common should consider merging. There is going to be an emphasis to force regions to become COGs.   “One size does not fit all.” 

            Small towns in Hartford are perceived as “purveyors of red tape.” Dave said he would hate to see existing RPO boundaries being ripped apart.  Finding the correct data set is key.  The number 5 has been targeted for some time as the appropriate number of RPOs.  Boundaries are the key issue.  Any town can petition to be a new region.  Statute 16A4B explains this issue, and statute 16A4A, sub. 4, states the Secretary of OPM can re-establish the regions.

            If a letter were to come in stating the towns would like the regional boundary changed, for example, CRVCEO, this does not need any additional approval. Dave said he will not propose 5 regions.  It would more likely be 8 or 9 regions.  Any voluntary mergers prior to the 2010 report should be held in tact.  Rep. Sharkey is the key to the decision making.  Most gubernatorial candidates don’t know what a regional planning agency is.  Dave felt that everyone is comfortable with the present boundaries.  Municipal functions that have been successful have these common characteristics:  grass roots, save money, make sense, CEO involvement, and are built on trust.

            Linda asked if a letter should be drafted for approval by the members of the CRVCEO requesting voluntary consolidation.  Dave said he felt that this letter would be appropriate.  Tom said he appreciated Linda’s help in drafting the letter. The members of the CRVCEO asked Linda to pursue and to send them copies of the proposed letter.

            Dave said he does not see massive fiscal cuts.  The income tax structure – 80%/5% is the issue. What was suitable in 1991 does not apply today. Revenue streams have diminished with the exception of the cigarette tax.  Pension liability is staggering in Connecticut.  Dave noted that one good thing that came out of budget process was tripling the rainy day fund.

            Chairman Marsh asked that Mr. LaVasseur be given time to enjoy the luncheon and ask Bill Villano of WorkForce Alliance to talk in the interim.

              Mr. Villano said they are in the process of updating the WorkForce plan for the region.  Thirty towns are members at present with an executive committee of 7. Mayor DeStefano is trying to get the CEO’s more involved in the process and has sent out letters regarding 5 vacancies on the Board.  Bill said they would like to have more representation from this area.

            Linda said she had received a call from Carl Amento, the new Executive Director of SCRCOG, suggesting a joint meeting between the CRVCEO and SCRCOG to be held in either March or April.  He suggested the meeting be at a mid-point site.  Since the next CRVCEO meeting is scheduled to be in Hartford next month, April would be suitable.  The format of the joint meeting was briefly discussed.

            Dave said the 2012 is the year to fear.  The projected budget figures are staggering -- $3.4 billion. We are surviving on stimulus money right now.  He noted that the “last one in to the recession is the last one out”.

             The demographic shift is a key issue.  More people will collect social security and fewer people are come into the state to support this shift.  Moreover, most of the population growth will be foreign, and the financial ramification on the aging senior generation is frightening.  COST and CCM must be tenacious to ensure there are no cuts in municipal aid.

             Ralph asked is Mr. Finlay favors a five RPO structure.  Is he amenable to discussion?  Bill Peace discussed the quagmire in dealing with DOT.  He felt the bureaucracy in the State is numb and dumb.  The towns could do a better job, and do not need to be micro managed.  Dave said that the Federal Government has so many restrictions on stimulus monies that they have doomed the program for failure.  The guidelines are a labyrinth of constrictions.  The State is not totally at fault.

 

4. Business:

            1. Report from Governor Rell’s Representative:  None

            2. Congressman Joe Courney’s Report:  None

            3. Town Budgets:  

                        Chester:  2-3% increase in some areas, overall hoping for flat increase.

                        Essex:  Grand list down, bonding issue in 4th year, $300,000; possible 3% increase in mil rate.

                        Cromwell:  Issues with Bd. of Education and Superintendent.                                                           Durham: expects increase of 1/2 mil.  Laura is looking at alternatives for saving money in personnel area.

                        East Haddam:  looking at early retirement package for several employees to save some money.

                        Westbrook:  Possible 2-2-1/2% increase

                        Middlefield:  Has had not increase in 4 years.  This year there may be an increase of in mil rate.  He and Laura are looking at ways to work together to save both towns money.

                        Lyme:  Budget not yet done.

                        Old Lyme:  looking to getting increase under ½%.

                        Deep River:  VNA could be outsourced at a big savings.  Dick asked for input from other towns as to how they handle VNA issues in their towns.              

            3.  Report on the Katharine Hepburn Theater:  Torrance Downes

                        Torrance reported that “The Kate” is doing well and that it is a community theater. The Director is trying several new venues, and the simulcasts of the Met performances have been successful.  The web site is a valuable tool, and people can order tickets for performances on line.  The recent article in a Shoreline paper was misstated for the most part.

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                        Ralph suggested that the Legislator’s Dining Room adjacent to the cafeteria would be a good site for the March meeting.  Tom said he would look into this suggestion.

 

5. Adjournment:  A motion for adjournment was made by Tim Griswold and seconded by Tom Marsh.  The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m.  All were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Pat M. Anthony, Clerk