Friday, October 22, 2010

DISTRICT ANIMAL CONTROL
Serving the Towns of Bethany – Orange - Woodbridge
Phone @203) 389-5991

135 Bradley Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525

Unapproved Minutes for DAC Board Meeting October 14, 2010

Present: Joan Blaskey, Joseph Hellauer, Cheryl Lipson, Fred Dray, Brian Laubstein, DVM, Pamela Andreson, Clerk
Absent: James Zeoli
Guest: Kim McClure Brinton, Margie Schenk, Jeanine Russo, Bridge Albert, Chris Kowal, Pat Rubin
Staff: Paul Niedmann, Gail Evanko, Dave Dorso, Dottie Bedan

1) Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Blaskey at 7:35 PM.
2) Pledge Of Allegiance was recited.
3) Introductions.
4) Albert addressed the board with a possible solution to the communication issues between DAC, DAC Board and AARF. She suggested Margie Schenk be the new liaison between DAC and AARF. Albert would be a back-up in case Schenk was not available. Hellauer read an excerpt from the letter that AARF sent to DAC. He asked that AARF not make decisions on their own if Niedmann could not be reached. He asked that Blaskey or another Board member be contacted. Albert agreed. Laubstein asked what criteria does AARF use to determine what animals get help. Albert and Schenk answered that it depends mostly on AARF's finances. McClure, Laubstein, and Dray gave updates on Henrie. ACO's got 3 estimates for Henrie's treatment were between $1,600 and $1,800. Evanko stated that Henrie is responding well to oral medication. Laubstein stated that he should have bloodwork twice a year. Next step is to have Henrie reevaluated in 2 weeks. Laubstein asked to be copied in on results for input. All approved.
5) Review and approval of September 13, 2010 meeting. Blaskey was informed that if a motion was made during a meeting it needs to be filed with the towns within 24-48 hours. Minutes need to be filed within 7 days. Motion Lipson/Dray to accept minutes. Four members approved, 1 abstained. Hellauer stated that the CEO's of the 3 towns will meet after the audit. Payroll will be streamlined. Genovese will be taking over some of the financial management.
6) Census – Paul Niedmann: Eight animals were redeemed, 5 sold as pets, 1 DOA, 4 carried over and there are 12 cats. One hundred-twentyeight calls. Niedmann would like surveillance camera's installed to try and catch people dropping off animals. Blaskey asked Niedmann to get estimates for camera's. DEP states that DAC can take small racoons to rehab. Large animals need to be destroyed if they are injured.
7) Treasurer's Report – Joseph Hellauer: Checking account has $38,364.09. Money Market has $1,449.06. Total is $39,813.15. Extra expenses this month include washer, audit, repair on vehicles and other maintenance issues. Protocol to have animals vaccinated needs to be put in place. McClure-Brinton stated that she used to come down to the shelter once a week to vaccinate animals. Niedmann explained that the frequent turnover of staff has caused turmoil. Wait 7 days for animals to get rabies vaccine and have McClure-Brinton come to the shelter once a week again to give vaccinations.
8) Chairman's Report – Joan Blaskey: Blaskey asked if any board members were available to have meetings during the day. No one is available. Dray started a discussion on conflict of interest and getting the cheapest price even if it is not within the 3 towns. ACO's asked about getting photo ID's as DAC officers for use at Emergency Clinics such as Central. McClure-Brinton asked to be called on her cell phone if there are any issues getting treatment at Central.
9) Motion Hellauer/Dray to go into executive session at 9:10 PM to discuss Personnel issues. Blaskey invited Niedmann to stay. No motions made, no actions taken during executive session. Return to regular session at 10:23 PM.
10) Board voted to have 2 full time ACO's and 2 part time ACO's.
11) Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM.


Respectfully Submitted,


Pamela Andreson
DISTRICT ANIMAL CONTROL
Serving the Towns of Bethany – Orange - Woodbridge
Phone @203) 389-5991

135 Bradley Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525

Approved Minutes for DAC Board Meeting September 13, 2010

Present: Joan Blaskey, Joseph Hellauer, Cheryl Lipson, Fred Dray, James Zeoli, Pamela Andreson, Clerk
Absent: Brian Laubstein, DVM
Guest: Attorney Weiner
Staff: Paul Niedmann, Dottie Bedan

1) Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Blaskey at 7:02 PM.
2) Guest speaker Attorney Weiner, Town Council for the Town of Woodbridge, discussed the lease of the DAC building. Blaskey will talk to First Selectperson Gorski regarding lease. A suggestion was made to have the First Selectpeople of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge, along with each towns' Town Council, meet to discuss the lease and decide if any changes should be made. Some board members asked if DAC could get reimbursement for training, inoculations, etc. from former DAC employees. Attorney Weiner informed the Board that requesting reimbursement was not good labor practice.
3) Review and approval of August 12, 2010 meeting. Blaskey stated that she did not make any motions at the August meeting. Zeoli/Dray made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. All approved.
4) Census – Paul Niedmann: Twelve animals were redeemed, 4 sold as pets, 1 DOA, 3 carried over. One hundred-ten calls, 87 calls investigated.
5) Treasurer's Report – Joseph Hellauer: Checking account has $60,556.18. Money Market has $1,458.76. Total is $62,014.94. Payment of $1402.00 for insurance was paid. Motion to accept treasurer's report by Dray/Lipson. Unanimous approval. Lipson questioned reimbursement to DAC employee Dorso for $278.00 for Verizon phone bill. Also questioned if $35.00 a month still appropriate reimbursement for personal phones. Hellauer tried to cancel Sprint/Nextel contract and was told DAC would still have to pay. He will continue to work on it. Neidmann mentioned that the DAC computer died. Lipson asked Zeoli if the Town of Orange had any computers to donate to DAC. Zeoli will look into it.
6) Chairman's Report – Joan Blaskey: Neidmann is going to a seminar at Mohegan Sun. DAC should receive a packet listing recipients of the Feral Grant. DAC needs to find ways to save money on vet bills. ACO's should get estimates for procedures before the procedure is performed. Zeoli commented that animals should not be taken to Laubstein for rabies shots. It is a conflict of interest because of his position on the board. For regular vet care, a vet in Bethany, Orange or Woodbridge should be used. ACO's needs to report to Neidmann and Neidmann needs to report to Chairman Blaskey.
7) Motion to adjourn by Hellauer/Dray at 8:55 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,


Pamela Andreson

Friday, October 15, 2010

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010 Page 1 of 4

The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.

The following Commission members were present:
Sharon Huxley, Chairman
Melissa Spear, Vice-Chairman
John Ford IV, Member
Donald Shea Jr., Alternate Member, seated as a voting member.
Marc Adelberg, Alternate Member, seated as a voting member.

The following Commission members were excused or absent:
Mary Shurtleff, Member
Patricia Winer, Member
Nellie Rabinowitz, Alternate Member

Also present were:
Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Karen Walton, Assistant Zoning Enforcement Officer
Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant
Kevin McSherry, Town Attorney

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. It was moved by Ford and seconded by Adelberg to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the September 1, 2010, Regular Meeting.
Voting for: Huxley, Spear, Ford, Shea, Adelberg.
Unanimous approval.


GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

1. Letter from John Paul Garcia and Associates, dated September 29, 2010, Re: 116 Sperry Road, withdrawal of Application 2010-013 by Claire Wiseman.
2. Letter from SCC Regional Planning Commission, dated September 17, 2010, Re: Town of Cheshire: Proposed Zoning Regulation Amendment to Section 41.5 – Revisions and Extensions and Section 41.6 – Condition of Approval.
3. Letter from Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc., dated September 3, 2010, Re: Seminar, October 6, 2010, entitled “Using Maps for Planning”.

BILLS

1. It was moved by Shea and seconded by Ford to approve the payment of $1,000.00 (monthly pro rata basis), for services rendered for September 2010, by Hiram W. Peck III, AICP, Planning Consultant.
Unanimous approval.

ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT AND APPROPRIATE COMMISSION ACTION

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, reported on the following:

185 Beacon Road (Cusano) – The ZEO stated that the Cusano’s are once again parking trucks on their property.
Attorney McSherry stated the Town is in the process of filing an injunction against the Cusano’s. Attorney McSherry will keep the Commission informed.

437 Fairwood Road (Grieger) – The ZEO stated the owner of record has filed the mylar but has not posted the required bond. The Commission would like the ZEO to document the activity that is taking place at the property. Attorney McSherry will contact the owner of record regarding the bond.

NEW BUSINESS

1) Various locations, Application #2010-018 submitted by the Town of Bethany for road paving and drainage improvements –

The Commission formally received the application. Present to speak on behalf of the application was Kevin McSherry, Town Attorney. Attorney McSherry stated this proposal is for municipal improvements for the public safety and welfare of the community. The Commission received a letter dated September 27, 2010, from First Selectwoman Gorski with a list of the names of the roads to be repaired.

Chairman Huxley commented that by calling out specific roads and giving a specific list of the roads, would this limit what the Town can do with the funds if something happens to a road that is in need of repair. The Town Attorney stated the Commission could put a clause in the motion concerning other roads in need of repair.

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, prepared a draft resolution. Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate. It was moved by Spear and seconded by Shea to approve the following resolution for Application #2010-018:

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that pursuant to the provisions of Section 8-24 of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Bethany hereby finds that the proposed road paving and drainage improvements on Wooding Hill Road, Perkins Road, Hunters Trail, Crestwood Road, Falcon Lane, Miller Road, Schaffer Road, Clay Road, Knollwood Road, Bethmour Road, Valley Road, Tawney Drive, Collins Road, Russell Road or additional roads that maybe selected by the Board of Selectmen and/or the Town Meeting, is not in conflict with the Bethany Town Plan of Conservation and Development.
Voting for: Huxley, Spear, Ford, Shea, Adelberg.
Unanimous approval.


PUBLIC HEARING

116 Sperry Road, Application #2010-013 submitted by Claire Wiseman for a Special Exception Permit for an Indoor Riding Ring, Addition to Barn, and Paddocks -

The public hearing was not opened. The Commission received a letter from John Paul Garcia, representing the applicant, dated September 29, 2010, withdrawing the application.


OLD BUSINESS

1. Revised Draft of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development – Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant distributed copies of the revised plan with the changes the Commission requested. The ZEO will prepare a publication to be published in the local papers announcing the revised plan has been adopted and the effective date is October 30, 2010.

The Commission made the following motions:
It was moved by Spear and seconded by Adelberg to approve the payment of a bill dated October 5, 2010, for $750.00 for services completed by “Laurel Graphic Design” of West Hartford, Connecticut, for the layout of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development.
Unanimous approval.

It was moved by Shea and seconded by Adelberg to approve the payment of a bill dated October 5, 2010, for $130.68 for printing services completed by Southbury Printing Centre, Southbury, Connecticut. Unanimous approval.

It was moved by Shea and seconded by Adelberg to approve the payment of a bill dated October 6, 2010, for $69.17 for printing services completed by Southbury Printing Centre, Southbury, Connecticut. Unanimous approval.

It was moved by Adelberg and seconded by Shea to approve the recommendation of Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant, to have 25 copies of the revised Town Plan of Conservation and Development printed. Unanimous approval.


2. Discuss increasing application fees – Tabled.

3. Bethany Volunteer Fire Department revised Water Source Specifications – Tabled.

4. Discuss Architectural Reviews – Draft forwarded to the Board of Selectmen. Tabled.

5. Proposed Town of Bethany Noise Control Ordinance – Draft forwarded to the Town Attorney. Tabled.

6. Update on Halter Estates – Tabled.


It was moved by Shea and seconded by Spear to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:40 p.m. Unanimous approval.

Respectfully submitted,


Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
For the Planning and Zoning Commission

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

DISTRICT ANIMAL CONTROL
Serving the Towns of Bethany – Orange - Woodbridge
Phone @203) 389-5991

135 Bradley Road
Woodbridge, CT 06525

Unapproved Minutes for DAC Board Meeting September 13, 2010

Present: Joan Blaskey, Joseph Hellauer, Cheryl Lipson, Fred Dray, James Zeoli, Pamela Andreson, Clerk
Absent: Brian Laubstein, DVM
Guest: Attorney Weiner
Staff: Paul Niedmann, Dottie Bedan

1) Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Blaskey at 7:02 PM.
2) Guest speaker Attorney Weiner, Town Council for the Town of Woodbridge, discussed the lease of the DAC building. Blaskey will talk to First Selectperson Gorski regarding lease. A suggestion was made to have the First Selectpeople of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge, along with each towns' Town Council, meet to discuss the lease and decide if any changes should be made. Some board members asked if DAC could get reimbursement for training, inoculations, etc. from former DAC employees. Attorney Weiner informed the Board that requesting reimbursement was not good labor practice.
3) Review and approval of August 12, 2010 meeting. Blaskey stated that she did not make any motions at the August meeting. Zeoli/Dray made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. All approved.
4) Census – Paul Niedmann: Twelve animals were redeemed, 4 sold as pets, 1 DOA, 3 carried over. One hundred-ten calls, 87 calls investigated.
5) Treasurer's Report – Joseph Hellauer: Checking account has $60,556.18. Money Market has $1,458.76. Total is $62,014.94. Payment of $1402.00 for insurance was paid. Motion to accept treasurer's report by Dray/Lipson. Unanimous approval. Lipson questioned reimbursement to DAC employee Dorso for $278.00 for Verizon phone bill. Also questioned if $35.00 a month still appropriate reimbursement for personal phones. Hellauer tried to cancel Sprint/Nextel contract and was told DAC would still have to pay. He will continue to work on it. Neidmann mentioned that the DAC computer died. Lipson asked Zeoli if the Town of Orange had any computers to donate to DAC. Zeoli will look into it.
6) Chairman's Report – Joan Blaskey: Neidmann is going to a seminar at Mohegan Sun. DAC should receive a packet listing recipients of the Feral Grant. DAC needs to find ways to save money on vet bills. ACO's should get estimates for procedures before the procedure is performed. Zeoli commented that animals should not be taken to Laubstein for rabies shots. It is a conflict of interest because of his position on the board. For regular vet care, a vet in Bethany, Orange or Woodbridge should be used. ACO's needs to report to Neidmann and Neidmann needs to report to Chairman Blaskey.
7) Motion to adjourn by Hellauer/Dray at 8:55 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,


Pamela Andreson