BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
June 25, 2007

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

Philip Miller called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Approval of Minutes:

Motion was made by Philip Miller to approve the June 6, 2007 Regular Meeting minutes. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the May 18, 2007 Special Meeting minutes. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Communications and Correspondence: None.

Public Comment: None.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

A. Streetscape Update:

Philip Miller reported that the last of the paving is anticipated to be complete by Tuesday.

B. Essex Court-Small Cities Grant Update:

The project is moving along. A local architect is assisting us in required design work for a nominal fee.

C. Essex Elementary School:

Philip Miller reported that there are double shifts working at the school. He just approved $181,000 in change orders and there was a meeting last week with the rating agencies to review the project and the Town.

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Neighborhood Assistance Act-Connecticut River Museum:

Philip Miller reported that the Connecticut River Museum has once again submitted an application to participate in the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program. The Neighborhood Assistance Act is designed to provide funding for municipal and tax exempt organizations by providing a corporation business tax credit for businesses that make cash contributions to these entities. The application process requires a public hearing, which was conducted earlier this evening and approval by the governing body of the municipality.

Motion was made by Philip Miller to approve the Neighborhood Assistance Act applications for the Connecticut River Museum. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

B. Viney Hill Brook Park Remediation Update:

Dennis Robida requested that approval be given for use of the contingency funds for the Viney Hill Brook Park remediation for the bio-degradable carpet over the top soil in the amount of $674.12. Philip Miller reported that contingency funds in the amount of $3,916 were approved as part of the project.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve an amount not to exceed $700 from the contingency fund for the Viney Hill Brook Park remediation funds approved at Town Meeting. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Introduction of Paul Lussier Resident State Trooper:

Philip Miller introduced our interim Resident State Trooper Paul Lussier. Trooper Lussier informed the Board that he has been a Trooper for 17 years and previously served as the Resident Trooper in North Stonington. He indicated that he is happy to be here and anticipates being here through the summer.

B. Essex Police Union, Local 660, International Brotherhood of Police Officers Contract:

Philip Miller asked Cindy Varricchio a member of the negotiating team to provide an overview of the new contract. Ms. Varricchio asked that Corporals Patrick Bowers and Marc Pisciotti come forward to assist with the overview.

Ms. Varricchio indicated that the contract was dedicated to a member of the negotiating team, Joseph Bombaci. The first page of the contract has a photo of Mr. Bombaci when he was sworn in as a constable for the Town several years ago.

Contract points:

• The negotiations were very amicable.
  
• This is the second police union contract for Essex.
  
• The contract is effective as of July 1, 2007 and is a four year contract.
  
• The contract speaks to the desire for continued police excellence and services for the town.
  
• 4% increase this year, as with all Town Employees and 3.5% for each of the following years. It should be noted that, as in the prior contract, performance evaluations play a roll in step movement.
  
• The addition of an Administrative Officer and a Training Officer role. These positions will provide greater consistent and professional policing to our residents and visitors. These positions will be appointed by the First Selectman and provide for no additional compensation.
  
• The union has agreed to annual physical assessments beginning July 1, 2008.
  
• The town in turn agreed to provide an area in the garage for a small gym/workout center.
  
• The town has agreed to allow officers who are not trainees or on probation to take home a police cruiser to a location authorized by the Town provided it is within 20 miles, Town line to Town line. This does not include any personal use. It should be noted this was an item favored by Joe Bombaci. He indicated that back when he was a constable they took home the cruisers, it provides police presence throughout the.
  
• The town has agreed that, beginning July 1, 2008, Officers who are not trainees, on probation or under suspension will be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement in the amount of one thousand dollars each fiscal year for courses approved in advance by the First Selectman which is part of a criminal justice curriculum. This is an excellent opportunity for the Town and the Police to expand the knowledge and professional of officers, especially in light of two new trainees.
  
• The contract provides for a provision that the Town and the Union agree to renegotiate the Essex Police Retirement Plan within ninety (90) days of ratification of this contract.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the Essex Police Union, Local 660, International Brotherhood of Police Officers contract effective July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2011. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

C. Swearing in of New Police Officer Trainee:

Philip Miller stated that tonight the Town of Essex continues down a new road for our Police Services, the second appointment of a Police Officer Trainee to attend the Connecticut Police Academy and our first-ever female officer. He introduced the Essex Police-Corporal Patrick Bowers, Corporal Marc Pisciotti, Officer Russell Gingras and Police Officer Trainee Salvatore Bevilacqua and our Resident Trooper whom was just acknowledged Paul Lussier, and our Town Clerk Frances Nolin who will do the actual swearing in.

Mr. Miller reported that Essex received over 50 applicants for the position of Police Officer. The process included written testing, two oral boards and physical assessment a lengthy and comprehensive process.

Mr. Miller introduced April Pawlow our next full-time Police Officer Trainee stating that April will begin attending the academy Monday, July 9th. She will attend the academy for approximately twenty weeks and then will return to Essex for her field training with our own police officers.

Mr. Miller informed April "you will be joining a select group of individuals who constantly put the needs of others before their own and she will be protecting a community that is very grateful for its police officers service."

Mr. Miller invited April to come forward with her father Richard Pawlow and her fiancée Daniel Rodriques. Town Clerk Frances Nolin conducted the swearing in of Police Officer Trainee April Pawlow. Mrs. Nolin informed Ms. Pawlow that she would need to be sworn in as a full officer upon successful completion of the academy.

The meeting recessed for refreshments provided by the Essex Police Union and resumed beginning at 7:05 pm.

D. Appointments Boards and Resignations Commissions:

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

Motion was made by Philip Miller to accept the resignation of Linda Levene from the Zoning Commission with regret and thanks. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to appoint Neil Nichols to the Planning Commission. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Vincent Pacileo stated his concern with the process for the appointment of Mr. Nichols indicating that he appreciates a Selectman's right not to support a nominee but was concerned in the way it was opposed. Mr. Pacileo stated that no nominee, Republican, Democrat or Independent should be subject to correspondence from the First Selectman that is bullying and ridiculing. Mr. Pacileo asked that a portion of the email be incorporated into the record, it is as follows: "Dear Neil, Before you expect to hear of me recommending you to the Planners, save your breath because I don't want to inject on a non political commission someone with a propensity to inject political discord. If this is some kind of setup to subsequently have you play the good guy done wrong thing, spare us both please." Mr. Pacileo stated that letters to the editors from citizens should not play a role in the qualifications of a citizen serving and that we need volunteers and conduct such as this can be discouraging.

E. Set Town Meeting Date:

Philip Miller reported that a Town Meeting is required for the Tree Committee Sinking Fund request that has been approved by both the Boards of Selectmen and Finance. The Board has already determined that a Public Hearing will be held on July 18, 2007 regarding the Elections Ordinance. There was discussion as to how to schedule the timing of the Selectmen's meeting, Public Hearing and Town Meeting on July 18th.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to schedule the Board of Selectmen's meeting at 6:00 pm, the Town Meeting at 7:15 pm and the Public Hearing at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2007. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

F. Resolution for Pumpout Boat:

Philip Miller informed the Board that a Resolution needs to be completed to authorize him to sign annual Pumpout Boat Contract:

TOWN OF ESSEX
Certified Resolution

Be it resolved that it is in the best interests of the Town of Essex to enter into contracts with the Department of Environmental Protection.

In furtherance of this resolution, Philip J. Miller, the First Selectman is duly authorized to enter into and sign said contracts on behalf of the Town of Essex. Philip J. Miller, the First Selectman is further authorized to provide such additional information and execute such other documents as may be required by the state or federal government with said contracts and to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto.

The Town Clerk is authorized to impress the seal of the Town of Essex on any such document, amendment, rescission, or revision.

Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

G. Clean Renewable Energy Legislation/Ordinance Update:

Philip Miller reported that we are seeking clarification from David Royston with regard to the recent legislation and the request for an ordinance. We were hoping to have an update and will need to await information from Attorney Royston especially as it relates to the Essex Meadows plan.

SELECTMEN GENERAL DISCUSSION:

Norman Needleman stated that he was not at the last meeting and that he appreciates what Vincent Pacileo said. Mr. Needleman stated that on the record he wanted to make very clear that there is bipartisan work on all Boards and Commissions and not just a campaign slogan.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to recess regular session. 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 Pending Litigation and a Personnel Matter. 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: Cindy Varricchio

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to return to Regular Session at 8:03 pm. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to adjourn at 8:04 pm. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Philip J. Miller
First Selectman