BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
January 17, 2007

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

Philip Miller called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.

Approval of the Agenda:

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to approve the Agenda. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Approval of the Minutes:

Motion was made by Philip Miller to approve the January 3, 2007 regular meeting minutes. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was approved with Vincent Pacileo abstaining. Motion carried.

Communications and Correspondence: None

Public Comment:

Andy Colloton thanked the Board for the stop sign on Bushy Hill Road. Mr. Colloton expressed his concern that more warning is necessary prior to the sign, such as a "Stop Sign Ahead". Philip Miller indicated that he would speak with David Caroline and request that the sign be installed. Vincent Pacileo stated that we need something on the pavement as well. Mr. Pacileo stated that he is not sure if the situation is safe enough. Norman Needleman asked that Mr. Caroline look into futher.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

Philip Miller provided the following informational items:

• That a formal presentation was made to the Planning Commission for the corridor study grant the Town is seeking in the amount of $50,000. The map and other information area available in Phil's office. Norman Needleman inquired if the Planning Commission voted in favor of submitting the grant. Mr. Miller indicated that they had.
  
• That he had received a report from Richard Helmecki on the Conservation Commission that ATVs had done a lot of damage in the passive recreation side of Viney Hill Brook Park and the police were notified.
  
• That we are awaiting final word from the State. We are seeking two appraisals on the Spencer's Corner property at a cost of $1,700 for one and $1,900 for the other. There may be some delays with the chance to sell bonds pushed back.
  
• We cannot not use Essex Elementary School for the Park and Recreation summer program. We have been offered Valley Regional High School but logistically it is not a good match for the summer program. John Winthrop is a better facility. He and Maria Warnagiris will be meeting with the Superintendent to see if they can make the case to use John Winthrop. Mr. Miller stated that he has the support of the Essex Region 4 Board of Education members as well as the support of Dick Smith.

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Employee Position Descriptions:

Philip Miller reported that the position descriptions for approval today, Crossing Guard and Administrative Assistant/Secretary Zoning Commission had been given to the Selectmen at the last meeting for their review and that additional descriptions were given to them today, Zoning Enforcement Officer and Recording Secretary Zoning Commission for their review and approval at their next meeting. Norman Needleman inquired how many Position Descriptions needed to be processed. Cindy Varricchio responded that there were a few remaining with the exception of recording clerks/secretaries which need to be processed.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to approve the following position descriptions: Crossing Guard and Administrative Assistant/Secretary Zoning Commission. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

B. Viney Hill Brook Park Remediation:

Dennis Robida reported that he had received a formal proposal from Cliff Rhodes as requested by the Board of Selectmen at their last meeting. Mr. Robida stated that this doesn't eliminate maintenance altogether but it will minimize some maintenance. Vincent Pacileo inquired if this work was necessary because maintenance was not done. Mr. Robida answered that not entirely. There were heavy rain storms that contributed to the issues. Mr. Robida stated that some of the oversight needed to be clarified with respect to the Town Crew, lifeguards, etc. which seems to be understood at this point. Norman Needleman asked that once the work is completed if there is a clear understanding as to who is responsible for maintaining. Mr. Robida indicated that yes we had experienced some growing pains. Mr. Robida also stated that it is not uncommon to have a remediation one year later in a project of this scope. Mr. Pacileo stated that it was important for Park and Recreation to take advantage now inasmuch as he could not foresee approving another appropriation in the future. James Rawn stated that it is clear to the Park and Recreation that they need to recognize maintenance, each Commissioner has taken on the responsibility of auditing a specific Town park. Mr. Needleman stated that, as was discussed at the last meeting, he was not in favor of the Town Crew trying to complete the work in between their other responsibilities.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to recommend to the Board of Finance an appropriation not to exceed $31,000 from the contingency fund for the necessary remediation at Viney Hill Brook Park. Philip Miller seconded the motion.

Mr. Pacileo inquired about the quotation for the Viney Hill Brook remediation being issued to the "Viney Hill Brook Park Committee" which has been disbanded. Mr. Needleman stated that the quotation needed to be made out to the Town. Mr. Pacileo stated that he would like the quotation to be made out to just the Town before it is signed. Mr. Robida indicated that is one of Mr. Rawn's concerns as well. Mr. Rawn stated that it might make sense to establish some type of committee to ensure that individuals such as Richard Rybak and Mr. Robida have some type of coverage (insurance), as well as the Town. Mr. Rawn stated that members of Boards and Commissions have coverage but Mr. Rybak and Mr. Robida are not part of any formal Town Board or Commission at this point. There was discussion regarding the opportunity to establish some type of advisory committee to accomplish, other discussion surrounded contacting our municipal carrier as well as Town Counsel to ensure proper liability coverage. Mr. Needleman suggested that Mr. Miller contact the Chairman of Park and Recreation Don Mesite to discuss potential options for establishing a subcommittee.

Motion unanimously approved. Motion carried.

C. Planning Commission Alternate Appointments:

Philip Miller read into the record a memo from the Chairman of the Planning Commission Carla Feroni

"The Planning Commission reviewed the process for filling Planning Commission member and alternate vacancies at their meeting of December 14, 2006. The Commission requests that the Board of Selectmen choose a candidate to fill the alternate vacancies on the Commission. The Commission recommends that the board give minority representation the first choice.

At the December meeting, the Commission appointed alternate Alan Kerr as a full member to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Russell Smith. Consequently, two individuals are needed to fill the alternate positions."

The Board of Selectmen recommended to both Town Committees to seek out nominations.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Establish 2007 Budget Workshop Dates:

The Board set the following Budget Workshop dates for the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year Budget:
February 21, 2007 at 5:30 pm (prior to the regularly scheduled meeting)
February 28, 2007 at 5:30 pm
March 7, 2007 at 4:30 pm (as part of the regularly schedule meeting)

It was the consensus of the Board to cancel the February 7, 2007 meeting at 4:30 pm.

B. Resignations Boards and Commissions:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to accept the resignation of Daphne Nielsen from the Zoning Commission with regret. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

C. Appointments to Boards and Commission:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to appoint Larry Shipman as an alternate member to the Zoning Commission. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to appoint Sharyn Nelson as a CRERPA representative for the Town of Essex. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to set a Town Meeting for February 21, 2007 at 5:25 pm for the purpose of the two appointments. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

D. Dog Pound Billing 2007-2008 to Other Communities:

Philip Miller informed the Board that the other Towns (Deep River and Chester) need next year's use fee for their budget. The 2006-2007 fee is $3,300, the 2005-2006 fee was $3,200, the 2004-2005 fee we $3,100. Mr. Miller stated that we have invested substantially into the maintenance and upkeep of the pound. Mr. Miller indicated that Chester and Deep River do their fair share in the clean-up and cost of food. It was the consensus of the Board to set the fees for 2007-2008 for Chester and Deep River at $3,500 each with a reexamination and thorough analysis of the operating costs before setting the 2008-2009 fees.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to set the 2007-2008 pound use fees for Chester and Deep River at $3,500 per year. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

E. Proclamation "Wear Red Day for Women":

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the following Proclamation. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

WHEREAS, diseases of the heart are the nation's leading cause of death and stroke is the third leading cause of death;
WHEREAS, more than 6,000 women in Connecticut die of cardiovascular disease each year; and,
WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death among women; and
WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease and stroke kill more than 480,000 women in the U.S. every year; more than the next 5 causes of death combined, including all cancers and,
WHEREAS, of every five people who die from stroke, about two are men and three are women,
WHEREAS, one in 2.6 deaths in women are from cardiovascular disease, and
WHEREAS, about 46,000 more women than men have a stroke each year; and,
WHEREAS, the American Heart Association is continuing their Go Red for Women movement to encourage women to pay attention to their hearts and help them live longer, stronger lives by reducing their risk for cardiovascular disease;
NOW, THEREFORE, I Philip J. Miller, First Selectman of the Town of Essex, in recognition of the importance of the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke, do hereby proclaim February 2, 2007, to be "Wear Red Day for Women"; in Essex and urge all citizens to wear red in recognition of family, friends and neighbors who have suffered from heart disease, and as a show of support to fight it. By increasing awareness of the risk factors for this devastating disease and taking actions to reduce them, we can save thousands of lives each year."

SELECTMEN GENERAL DISCUSSION:

There was discussion regarding the protocols for codes of conduct or ethics that might be investigated as far as Town business and conflicts of interest. It was the consensus of the Board to inquire of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities to see what information they might have available.

There was also discussion regarding the Health District. It was the consensus of the Board not to send to a public hearing but rather to investigate the full time health director position.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to adjourn at 8:25 pm. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Varricchio
Board Clerk