BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
January 3, 2007

Present: Philip J. Miller, First Selectman
Norman M. Needleman, Selectman

Philip Miller called the meeting to order at 4:35 pm.

Approval of the Agenda:

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

Approval of the Minutes:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the December 20, 2006 regular meeting minutes. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Communications and Correspondence: None

Public Comment: None

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

Philip Miller provided the following informational items:

• January is National Radon month. There are kits, in limited quantities, available in the Health Department.
• January 20th is the Second Annual Winter Wonderland Walk for the Cure for Breast Cancer. More than 100 municipalities have issued a proclamation in support of the Walk.

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

Whereas, breast cancer is the one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women, and more than 211,240 new cases of breast cancer in women and in some men will be diagnosed in the United States in 2006; and
Whereas Connecticut has the highest rate of breast cancer in the United States
Whereas Connecticut is home to 37,000 breast cancer survivors
Whereas, more then 2,739 Connecticut women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 875 are expected to die from the disease in 2006: and
Whereas, thanks to early detection, the five year survival rate for Connecticut women, estimated to be 97 percent, is one of the highest in the country; and
Whereas, the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age and early detection is its best defense. The American Cancer Society has set forth guidelines, considered by many in the medical community to be the standard of care, that women aged 40 and older have an annual mammogram; and
Whereas, women who are uninsured or underinsured can have access to breast cancer screening and treatment through the national Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; and
Whereas, the State of Connecticut is dedicated to promoting better health for all women through increased community education and community awareness of the breast cancer health crisis in our state; and
Whereas, celebrating a decade of success, the Breast Cancer Alliance continues it's mission of seeking to fund innovative breast cancer research and promote breast health through education and outreach, and improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients; and
Whereas, on January 20, 2007, the Outing Club, Eastern Mountain Sports Connecticut stores will sponsor a fundraising and awareness event, the Winter Wonderland walk For the Cure To Benefit Breast cancer Research and the Susan G. Komen Foundation Connecticut Affiliate Breast Cancer Alliance; now
Therefore, I, Philip J. Miller, First Selectman of the Town of Essex of the State Of Connecticut, in recognition of the need to increase awareness about breast cancer, do hereby officially join our Governor, M. Jodi Rell, of the State of Connecticut, in proclaiming January 20, 2007 as Winter Wonderland Walk For The Cure Day in the City of Danbury, of the State of Connecticut.

• He is investigating the use of B-20 biodiesel for our public works vehicles. There are no major changes required to adapt equipment for B-20 biodiesel use.
• NIMS Certificate Presentation: Wayne Sanford the Deputy Commissioner for the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Mary Rose Duberek were in attendance to present to the Town a certificate acknowledging our National Incident Management Systems compliance. Mr. Sanford commended Bill Buckridge, who was in attendance, on the great work he does for Essex.

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Employee Position Descriptions:

Philip Miller reported that the position descriptions for approval today, Assessor and Landfill/Recycling Operator had been given to the Selectmen at the last meeting for their review and that additional descriptions were given to them today, Crossing Guard, Administrative Assistant/Secretary Zoning Commission for their review and approval at their next meeting.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the following position descriptions: Assessor and Landfill/Recycling Operator. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

B. Health District:

Dr. Christopher Goff and Sanitarian Carol Speer were in attendance.
Philip Miller stated that we previously held a public hearing regarding this issue. Mr. Miller indicated that the newly formed health district, according to the participating towns First Selectman, was running very well.

Norman Needleman stated that he would like to bring some type of conclusion as to the proposal of a health district for Essex. He would like the citizens to have the opportunity to vote yes or no. Mr. Needleman also expressed his concern that Essex is prepared from a public health point of view. Mr. Needleman stated his belief that it is the Board of Selectmen's job to ensure that the Town is prepared and that we do what we need to. Mr. Needleman asked Dr. Goff for his overview. Dr. Goff stated that things have dramatically changed in 26 years. In reviewing the responsibilities there are nine areas of function:

1. Environmental Services/Health
2. Public Health Statistics
3. Health Education
4. Communicable and Chronic Disease Control

We do the first four very well. They are reactive rather than proactive.

5. Nutritional Services
6. Community Nursing Services
7. Emergency Medical Services

Other organizations provide.

8. Maternal and Child Health

We don't do, we used to, demand for is way down.

9. Public Health Preparedness and Readiness

We have clearly met the State planning requirements, however there is a long was from paper to execution. There are not a lot of interagency drills. If anything, 9-11 has taught us is that no one single agency has all the answers. In our case, if something happens we are learning while under fire. The Health Director is funded for 35 hours per year. Half of that time is spent in two mandatory State meetings, leaving 16 hours of funded time.

Vincent Pacileo arrived.

Dr. Goff stated that the next level would provide Essex with four options:

1. Leave everything as it is.
2. Increase the Health Director's hours.
3. Health District
4. Full Time Health Director

Mr. Needleman stated that he feels obligated for us to do one of the last three. We cannot sit back and not do anything. Mr. Needleman would like to have one more public hearing. Dr. Goff indicated that many towns have assembled a non-political group to investigate, advise and make recommendations.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Police Union Contract Amendment:

Cynthia Varricchio reported to the Board that an amendment had been negotiated to the police contract to reflect a new wage classification of Police Officer Trainee. Both the Town and Union are in agreement that a new wage classification for non certified officers is appropriate. The Union has ratified the change. President of the Union Marc Pisciotti stated that the Union had approved the amendment. Mrs. Varricchio stated that the amendment requires Board of Selectmen approval.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the amendment to the Essex Police Contract, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 660 to provide for a new wage classification-Police Officer Trainee. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

B. Animal Control Officer Reappointment:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to reappoint Joe Heller as Animal Control Officer for the term of January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2008. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

C. Historian Reappointment:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to reappointment Donald Malcarne as the Historian for the term of January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2008. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

D. Banner Requests:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the Connecticut River Museum banner request from January 15, 2007 to January 29, 2007 for the Holiday Train Show and Eagle Quest Tours and the Essex Board of Trade banner request from November 26, 2007 to December 3, 2007 for their annual Holiday Stroll. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to recess the regular session at 5:30 pm. Norman Needleman 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: Resident Trooper John Mesham, Corporal Marc Pisciotti and Cynthia Varricchio.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to return to Regular Session at 8:22 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