President Paul Stein called the meeting to order at 10 AM and then led the meeting in reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance". He also noted that Channel 79 is video recording the meeting.
Don Hudson read minutes for the previous meeting held on March 2, 2012.
Jerry Transue gave the MEMBERSHIP REPORT:
♦The SMC now has 448 members
♦Four guests attended the meeting
George Perkins gave the MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANCE REPORT:
♦Rad Stone had knee surgery and is now at recuperating at the Carolton, a convalescent hospital in Fairfield, CT.
♦Ray Kotch is now home after knee surgery.
♦Don Tiefenthaler was welcomed back to the meeting.
COUTH update:
♦Tracey Mackle gave a short update on the trip to the NY Philharmonic rehearsal next Thursday March 15th.
♦Mike Allocca announced a docent led tram ride at the NY Botanical garden for April and that a flyer will be available next week.
SMC ACTIVITIES reported on their status and plans.
♦The Paddle/Tennis group announced that their annual picnic is planned for Monday May 21st from 6 to 9PM.
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
♦Roger Colson announced plans for another AARP driving course.
♦Don Rowland told about the South Elementary School Reading program the second week in April and the he was counting on member support.
♦Nick Yanicelli announced free tickets are available on the SMC website for the home show at Sono Field House on March 10th and 11th.
♦Paul Stein reminded the meeting about the play Sweet Charity being presented by the NCHS.
♦Jack Brophy gave the members a short singing audition and announced everyone as qualified to join his singing group.
Mike Law, the JESTER for the meeting, told about a well executed retirement plan.
SPEAKER:
Nick Yanicelli introduced Rob Mallozzi the program speaker. Rob is our newly elected First Selectman and was a member of the New Canaan Board of Selectman from 2007 through 2011. He has been active in public service with many organizations, including the Rotary Club, the New Canaan YMCA, Winter Club, Teen Center, Village Association, Fire Company #1, the Downtown Study Group, and The Fund for New Canaan.
Rob presented his vision for New Canaan, the major issues facing the town, and some new policies he is trying to implement.
1. The budget for 2012-13 is the biggest issue currently facing the town, and New Canaan will have to make some difficult choices.
2. Due to the CFO resignation, Kathleen Corbet is acting as interim CFO. Rob is looking for a hybrid CFO with corporate and municipal experience.
3. The driving issues are (1) the teachers contract, (2) the hiring freeze, (3) the 1.5M+ increase in the pension contribution, and (4) how to minimize any tax increase.
4. The old town hall building has issues that must be addressed now.
5. Working on enhancing controls by (1) changing the role of treasurer, (2) meeting periodically with counsel, and (3) looking at projects that have not completed.
Q&A discussion items:
1. Where is the money coming from for the town hall project?
2. Explanation of the need for the $1.5M+ pension payment?
3. Will New Canaan be able to have access to the natural gas pipeline?
4. Criteria for improving the quality of the town roads?
5. What can be done to improve transportation for seniors?
6. The P&Z issues with the Jelliff Mill townhouse project?
7. What can be done to improve voter participation in local municipal elections?
Minutes recorded by Robert Smith