BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MINUTES
February 20, 2008

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

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

Approval of 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 Minutes:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman February 6, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Communications and Correspondence: None.

Public Comment: None

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:

Philip Miller reported that:

• For the Preserve issue, trial court agreed with Essex and upheld the Old Saybrook Wetland Commissions' decision denying River Sound's application to conduct regulated activities. The Court found that not only substantial evidence in the record of adverse impacts to the wetlands but also that River Sound failed to demonstrate that there were no feasible and prudent alternatives with less wetland impact. The Judge specifically focused on the potential to shorter or reduce the golf course and to cluster some of the proposed estate homes.
  
• The STEAP grant application for the foot of Main Street, Novelty Lane and the Ivoryton sidewalk is just about complete.
  
• We have received payment for the Main Street park incursion and he is working with Garden Club for future plans.

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Traffic Authority-Lynn Road:

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 that he had received the Traffic Study from Bruce Hilson for Lynn Road and Winthrop Hills Road. One of the recommendations as it relates to Winthrop Hills Road was to remove trees to improve the site line.

Norman Needleman stated his concern with regard to site lines at Winthrop Hills Road. Vincent Pacileo stated his concern that if a stop sign is installed it not be for just one direction but for both North and South. Mr. Miller stated that he would prefer to make a site line adjustment, as recommend with the clearing of trees and overgrowth. Mr. Needleman stated that he believes a stop sign is the only way to slow traffic down. Mr. Miller reminded the Board that stop signs can not be used to regulate speed. Mr. Needleman further stated that the site lines are an issue. Mr. Pacileo stated that fundamental he is not sure the study solves the problem for Winthrop Hills Road and not sure it addresses speed.

It was the consensus of the Board that the site line issues due to trees overgrowth are worked on over the new few months and that the Board re-address.

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

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Appointments to Boards and Commissions: None

B. Banner Requests:

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to approve the Literacy Volunteers banner request for their 5k race from March 2, 2008 to March 24, 2008 and the Community Music School banner request for their Vina Musica from March 24, 2008 to April 7, 2008. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

C. Town Meeting Date:

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to schedule a Town Meeting for March 19, 2008 at 6:45 pm provided that the Tax Abatement request from the Essex Land Conservation Trust is approved by the Board of Finance. Philip Miller seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

D. Banner Requests:

Motion was made by Norman Needleman to approve the Essex Board of Trade Banner Request for the Holiday Stroll from November 24, 2008 to December 15, 2008. Vincent Pacileo seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

E. 2008-2009 Budget Introduction:

Philip Miller distributed the First Selectmen's budget to the Board of Selectmen. A cursory review and initial budget discussion ensued. It was the consensus of the Board to cancel the previously scheduled budget workshop for February 27th inasmuch as a member of the Board would be unable to attend because of work commitments.

SELECTMEN GENERAL DISCUSSION: None.

Motion was made by Vincent Pacileo to recess at 8:40 pm. Norman Needleman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Cindy Varricchio
Board Clerk