Minutes

Connecticut River Valley Council of Elected Officials

December 2, 2009

 

Attendance:  Please see attached list

 

           

1. Call to Order:

            The CRVCEO meeting was called to order by Chairman Marsh at 12:30 p.m. at the library in Deep River. Chairman Marsh thanked First Selectman Smith and his assistant Gina for hosting the luncheon prepared by Deep River Pizza. He requested that those present introduce themselves.

2. Approval of October Minutes: 

             Motion to approve the Minutes of October was made by Phil Miller. The motion was seconded by Noel Bishop. All were in favor.

 

3. Business:    

    A. Legislative Committee Report/Discussion:  Laura Francis noted that there is a meeting scheduled regarding the resident state trooper overtime issue.  She cautioned that if a town requires overtime, it can easily have a trooper assigned from anywhere in the state, thereby incurring not only overtime expense but also a large mileage expense.  

            Laura said if the towns are paying overtime, it should be for a resident trooper.  She also noted there are safety issues related to not employing resident troopers as well as an adverse impact on grants.

            Jeff Nelson said he would ask Dave LeVasseur about the issues stated by the Selectwoman.

   B. Governor Rell’s Representative:  Jeff Nelson said the deficit is now $466.5 million.  Revenues are well below expectations.  Income tax filings are down 30%, and payroll tax revenues are down 4%.

            He said the Governor has come up with a rescission plan that does not require the legislature’s approval.  She has called the legislature back in session on the 15th.

             He said the retirement incentive program has been hugely successful.  However, the rehiring process appears to be flawed and that the rules will be far more stringent in the future. It was also suggested that the pension and benefits allocations be addressed.

            The 3% reduction in town aid may have an impact on local property taxes.  Susan is on the committee to look into the budget issues indigenous to small towns. CCM is initiating a campaign about the local tax implications of the proposed rescissions.

            Phil Miller noted that many of the CRVCEO selectmen serve on various other state and regional committees.  He suggested each selectman submit a list to pat@crerpa.com to serve as a resource tool for the selectmen. Linda said she would develop a questionnaire and email it to each selectman to fill out. The selectmen will email the completed questionnaire to Pat.

            Geoff Colegrove said there may be a labor employment program presented in the spring that will in actuality be a stimulus program.

            Mike Pace said the State has no money.  The have not “shut the back door” on benefits and pensions.  The State legislators must understand that the small towns are NOT comprised of “crying mayors”.  The small towns want to be part of the solution and not viewed as part of the problem.  Small towns are not the enemy.

   C. Finalizing 2010 Calendar: Essex will be the host town on January 27th and will host a breakfast meeting at 8:00 am.  Selectman Miller will personally contact the legislators to invite them to this important kick-off meeting.  Noel suggested that the meeting be informational and united in thought.  After this meeting, the selectmen will meet to discuss the pros and cons of forming a single organization.  Linda and Geoff Colegrove will create a summary of the issues and forward this informational booklet for discussion.

            Mike urged the selectmen not join the Capital Region and to stay regionalized.

            The February meeting to be held in Chester on the 24th will discuss regional collective bidding such as line painting and road sealing.  The selectmen were asked to fill out forms previously emailed by Laura and to email the completed forms to Laura before the 24th.

   D.  Work Force Alliance Board Appointment: Bill Villano gave a brief summary of the Work Force Alliance and distributed a Workforce Investment Agreement for perusal by the selectmen. 

            Chairman Marsh asked for a volunteer among the selectmen to serve of the Board. The Board meets four times a year.  Laura Francis volunteered for the position.

             Motion to accept was made by Dick Smith and seconded by Tim Griswold.  All were in favor.  Phil Miller volunteered to be an alternate to the board.  Motion to accept was made by Tim Griswold and seconded by Dick Smith.  All were in favor.

   E. Nomination Committee for 2010 Officers:  Tom Marsh and Jon Brayshaw were nominated by Laura France for the positions of Chairman and Secretary, respectively. 

            Tim Griswold made the motion to accept and the motion was seconded by Dick Smith.  All were in favor.

            Tom Marsh nominated Mark Walter as Vice Chairman.

              Susan Bransfield made the motion to accept the nomination and Noel Bishop seconded the motion. All were in favor.

 

5. Other Business:

            Chairman Marsh distributed a map of the present RPOs and RPAs in the State.  It has been suggested that from a total of 15 organizations, the number be reduced to five organizations.  The OPM is presently conducting a study of planning region boundaries. The findings are expected to be published in 2011.

            Linda Krause was asked to present options for strengthening the Connecticut River Valley Region.  She suggested (1). No action (allow state to determine future configuration. Basically, wait and see what happens. (2) Ride the wave or establish one larger regional voice centering on River/Sound.

            *Step One – Strengthen CRVCEO while retaining two RPAs

            *Step Two – Consolidation:  Create CRVCOG and establish Regional Planning Commission.

            She explained the process for each town in creating an ordinance and also the issues of consolidation, such as transportation planning. The hub in the lower valley is Old Saybrook, and it is Middletown for the mid states. The Capital Region has 51 legislators and has power.  Geoff said that Mid States and the Estuary might be an excellent hookup. 

            It was ultimately agreed to discuss the issue further once Geoff and Linda distribute their report.  The selectmen will then have a clearer understanding of the parameters between an RPA and a COG.

            Laura said the Federal guidelines for street signage are changing, and she has an excellent database that explains the upcoming changes and will email it to each selectman.

            Linda made the announcement that the LCVSA/CREMPO meeting scheduled for December 9th has been canceled.  The next meeting will be held on the second Wednesday in January at CRERPA Headquarters.

            Phil Miller briefly discussed the TIGER application to upgrade the Valley Railroad line to accommodate freight.  CREMPO voted to request the State to withdraw the Valley Railroad portion of the state application. Linda explained the issues involved and that lead to the decision not to approve this application.

 

6.  Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn was made by Tom Marsh and seconded by Phil Miller.  All were in favor.  The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

           

                       

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Pat Anthony, Clerk