BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
April 18, 2007

Present: Philip J. Miller, First Selectman
Norman M. Needleman, Selectman
Vincent A. Pacileo, III, Selectman

Philip Miller called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm.

Approval of Agenda:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the agenda with the addition of New Business C - Appointment to Regional Mental Health Board, and Executive Session-Personnel Matter. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the April 4, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Communications and Correspondence:

Philip Miller provided the following information to the Board:

• The Lower Valley Visiting Nurses Association Scholarship
  
• That he met with GM2 Associates with regard to the Walnut Street bridge in Ivoryton.
  
• There is a joint Economic Development Commission and Planning Commission on April 24
• There is an issue with regard to people parking on the sidewalks in Ivoryton.

Public Comment: None.

PROCLAMATION Girl Scouts 95th Anniversary:

The Scouts in attendance were Juliette Scout Jillian Northrop, Scouts Katie Schroeder and Julia Wlochowski and Leader Cindy Schroeder.

Motion was made Philip Miller to approve the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, Monday, March 12, 2007, marks the 95th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, throughout its distinguished history, Girl Scouting has helped build millions of girls and women of courage, confidence and character; and
WHEREAS, through the dedication, time, and talent of volunteers of different backgrounds, abilities, and areas of expertise, the Girl Scout organization thrives for girls in so many settings;
WHEREAS, through Girl Scouting's unique leadership development program, girls define leadership by making the world a better place by discovering, connecting, and taking action in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scouting takes an active role in increasing girls' awareness of the opportunities available to them today in math, science, sports, technology, health and fields that can expand their horizons; and
WHEREAS, more than 3.7 million Girl Scout members nationwide will be celebrating 95 years of this American tradition, with nearly 50 million women who grew up participating in Girl Scouting and exemplify the impact of this amazing Movement;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Philip J. Miller, by virtue of the authority vested in me as First Selectman of the Town of Essex, do hereby applaud the commitment Girl Scouts has made to American girls and proudly proclaim the week of March 11 to March 17, 2007 as Girl Scouts Make the World a Better Place Week.

Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

Philip Miller informed the Board that:

• On April 30th he is participating in a site walk with the Planning Commissioners on the MacWhinney and Roland properties.
  
• We have not yet received the annual $30,000 Regional Recycling facility payment from CRRA.
  
• The merchants funded up to $7,500 to add the fourth restroom stall for the Main Street Public Restrooms. The quotations thus far for the electrical and plumbing work are approximately $5,785.
  
• On May 2nd we will be hosting a Census Bureau Workshop that has been arranged by Wini Olsen.
  
• There are four Electronics Collection dates set-April 21, June 16, August 11 and October 6.

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Traffic Authority:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to enter Traffic Authority. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Philip Miller reported the topic of an additional stop sign on River Road had been tabled from the last meeting. Mr. Miller indicated that he had received inquiries with regard to installing a stop sign for traffic coming from Essex toward Deep River. It was the consensus of the Board for Mr. Miller to solicit feedback from the Resident Trooper/Essex Police and the Director of Public Works.

Norman Needleman stated that he would recuse himself from a future vote for this stop sign.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to exit Traffic Authority. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

B. Elections Ordinance:

Philip Miller reported that we do not have the legal opinion from Town Counsel David Royston regarding the elections ordinance as it effects the date of office for the First Selectman and Board of Selectmen.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Canoe, Kayak and Boat Rack Ordinance-Public Access:

Philip Miller reported to the Board that the Harbor Management Commission is recommending that the Board consider an ordinance with regard to the storage of canoes, kayaks and boats, especially at Bushnell Park. The language of the Ordinance they are recommending is as follows:

Canoe, Kayak and Boat Rack Policy Ordinance
Bushnell Park and Other Public Access Points

The Essex Harbor Management Commission proposes the following procedure to manage and control the canoes, kayaks and boats left in storage at Bushnell Park and all other public access points.

Vessel owners should be required to register their vessels with the Town Clerk and purchase a vessel sticker at a nominal fee. The sticker will be numbered, with the number recorded with the Town Clerk. The vessel shall display the sticker so that easy identification can be made. Cost of the sticker shall equal the cost of having the sticker made, rounded up to the nearest dollars.

All vessels must be removed from Bushnell Park and other public access points by November 30 of each year. Vessels may return on April 1st. Launching of vessels may be done throughout the year, vessel storage shall not be allowed from December 1 through March 31 to allow for park maintenance and control.

Vessels not removed by their owners will be impounded by the Town.

Vessel registration shall include the Hull Identification Number (HIN), as required by USCG and the Federal Code of Regulations, state registration numbers (if applicable) and a description of the vessel to include model, length, color and other identifying characteristics.

Owners of the vessels will be required to remove their vessels n the event of an official NOAA hurricane warning. The Town of Essex shall bare no responsibility for the care, condition or security of vessels left in storage at Bushnell Park.

Signage shall be displayed at Bushnell Park, informing interested parties of this Ordinance.

There was discussion regarding enforcement, the issuance of the stickers, fines imposed etc. It was the consensus of the Board to seek information from Town Counsel David Royston with regard to the Ordinance, in addition to having CIRMA review the liability issues, to notify the Town Clerk of the suggested Ordinance and to seek input from the Harbormaster Paul Riggio.

B. Title V Equal Opportunity Statement:

Philip Miller informed the Board that an additional statement needs to be approved by the Board for the CDGB funding for the Essex Housing Authority.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the following resolution:

TOWN OF ESSEX
COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

The Town of Essex does not discriminate in the provision of services, the administration of its programs, or contractual agreements. The Town of Essex seeks to fully carry out its responsibilities under the Title VI Regulations
.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Title VI provides that no person shall on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any programs covered by the Regulations.

This policy is effectuated through the methods of administration outlined in the Town's Fair Housing Plan and is fully implemented to ensure compliance by the Town, as the recipient, and by subrecipients. The cooperation of all Town personnel is required.

Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to waive the permit fee for the Essex Fire Department in the amount of $20.00 for a propane installation. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

C. Appointment to the Regional Mental Health Board:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to reappoint Wini Olson to the Regional Mental Health Board for a two-year term beginning May 1, 2007 through April 30, 2009. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

SELECTMEN GENERAL DISCUSSION: None

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to recess regular session at 8:00 pm. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Varricchio
Board Clerk

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to enter executive session for the purpose of Personnel Issues. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Present: Philip J. Miller, Norman M. Needleman, Vincent A. Pacileo, III

Invited Guests: Cynthia Varricchio.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to return to Regular Session at 8:17 pm. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to adjourn at 8:22 pm. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Philip J. Miller
First Selectman