BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
March 19, 2008

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

Philip Miller called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.

Approval of Agenda:

Motion was made by Philip Miller to approve the Agenda with the following changes-elimination of Item 7-2008-2009 Budget asking that we schedule a special meeting next week to discuss and the addition of Item G-Resolution for the Estuary Transit under New Business. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes:

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to approve the February 20, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Motion was made by Philip Miller to approve the March 5, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Communications and Correspondence:

Philip Miller reported that he had received a petition via the Town Clerk with 40 names, 29 were validated, requesting that the Essex Main Street be once again painted with the red, white and blue stripes. Mr. Miller stated that in the past he had heard from Veterans their concern that colors should not be placed where they would be tread by foot. He has also heard from many people who would like them as well. It was the consensus of the Board to have the stripes once again painted.

Public Comment: None

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

Philip Miller reported that:

o There is a group of approximately 40 citizens that have pooled funding together to sponsor fireworks for the 4th of July in the Essex harbor. Mr. Miller is coordinating with the DEP, Harbor Commission, Fire Marshal, Resident Trooper, Fire Chief and all other required personnel and groups. He will report back to the Board in April with an update.
o He met with Jim Connelly from the Essex Fire Department with regard to their anniversary parade. There has been a lot of concern that the parade would be several hours and would hinder Valley Railroad operations and other businesses as well. Mr. Connelly assured Mr. Miller that the parade would probably be no more than two hours and they will be able to stop the parade for the train and they will work to ensure a smooth process. Mr. Miller also indicated that the Fire Department would like the fees for the police waived. We will review the costs and report back to the Board the actual costs.

OLD BUSINESS: None.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Banner Request:

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to approve the Ivoryton Playhouse Banner Request from May 12, 2008 to July 1, 2008. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

B. Girl Scout Week Proclamation:

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

WHEREAS, March 12, 2008, marks the 96th 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, Girl Scouting's core values of high ideals, patriotism, respect for self and others, and community permeate its traditional and innovative programs, and,
WHEREAS, through Girl Scouting's unique leadership development program, girls develop their potential and the self-confidence and life-skills to improve themselves and the world around them; and,
WHEREAS, through the dedication, time, and talent of volunteers of different backgrounds, abilities, and areas of expertise, the Girl Scout Program is brought to over 55,000 girls in grades K-12 across the State of Connecticut; and,
WHEREAS, more than 3.7 million Girl Scout members nationwide will be celebrating 96 years of this American tradition, with nearly 50 million women who grew up participating in Girl Scouting and who exemplify the impact of this empowering Movement that emphasizes helping others and community service;
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 America's girls and their communities and proudly proclaim the week of March 9 to March 15, 2008 as Girl Scouts Make the World a Better Place Week.

Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

C. Title VI Equal Opportunity Statement: (see below)

D. Fair Housing Resolution: (see below)

E. Fair Housing Policy Statement: (see below)

F. Fair Housing Discrimination Policy: (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development policy)

Philip Miller reported that each year the Board is required to approve a Title VI Equal Opportunity Statement, a Fair Housing Resolution, a Fair Housing Policy Statement and a Fair Housing Discrimination Policy (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development policy to be adopted as the Town of Essex's policy). This is under the guidance of Wagner Associates and in conjunction with the CDGB funding.

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the Title VI Equal Opportunity Statement, the Fair Housing Resolution, the Fair Housing Policy Statement and the Fair Housing Discrimination Policy. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

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.

TOWN OF ESSEX
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and
WHEREAS, State and Federal Fair Housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, lawful source of income, sexual orientation, familial status, be given equal access to rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Essex is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town of Essex hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase and obtain financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the First Selectman of the Town of Essex or his/her designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practices in the Town of Essex.

TOWN OF ESSEX
FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT

It is both the policy and strong commitment of the TOWN OF ESSEX to promote Fair Housing opportunities in all its programs and housing development activities and to take affirmative action through education and implementation to ensure equal housing opportunities for all persons and families.

The TOWN OF ESSEX will take affirmative action to ensure that all tenants, applicants and residents are treated fairly without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, learning disability, mental or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, age, individuals with children or lawful source of income.

The TOWN OF ESSEX will continue to make a good faith effort to comply with all Federal and State laws and policies which speak to fair housing practices.

It is the policy of the TOWN OF ESSEX that all Housing related personnel be trained and educated in the principles of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity so that Equal Opportunity Housing may be available to qualified applicants.

The Fair Housing Policy Statement reaffirms our personal commitment to the principles of fair housing and equal opportunity housing practices.

The Fair Housing Officer, PHILIP J. MILLER, or their designed representative is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of the Fair Housing Regulations/Plan and the enforcement of this policy. The Fair Housing Officer may be reached at 860-767-4340 extension 114.

Complaint(s) pertaining to discrimination in any program funded by this TOWN OF ESSEX may be filed with the Fair Housing Officer. The Town's Grievance Procedure will be utilized in this case(s).

Complaints may also be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT 06106.

TOWN OF ESSEX
Philip J. Miller
First Selectman

G. Resolution for Estuary Transit Matching Funds:

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to approve the following resolution on behalf of the Estuary Transit District:

Resolution authorizing the First Selectman, Philip J. Miller, to negotiate and execute all necessary Agreement/Contract documents on behalf of the Town of Essex with the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut and to affix the corporate seal.

SELECTMEN GENERAL DISCUSSION:

Board members agreed to check their calendars and confirm an available time for the following week to schedule a meeting for the purpose of additional budget review and revision.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to adjourn at 7:57 pm. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Varricchio
Board Clerk