Friday, February 26, 2010

Attendance: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Steven Thornquist
Attorney Kevin McSherry

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:45 P.M. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. Check signing was the first order of business. First Selectwoman Gorski requested all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

TAX REFUNDS
Selectman Shea moved to refund to First American Bank the sum of $5,721.17, to Gary Industries the sum of $9.00 and to GMAC the sum of $2,562.84 all for overpayment of taxes. Selectman Thornquist seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.

CORRESPONDENCE
The Selectmen acknowledged receipt of the minutes of the Laticrete and Bethridge Road neighbor’s meeting.

CURBSIDE PICKUP BID OPENING
First Selectwoman Gorski reported that the bids were opened on Friday February 19, 2010 for curbside pickup. Bids were received from Trash Master LLC and Latella Rubbish Removal. The bids will be studied and the successful bidder will be announced at the March 8, 2010 meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

BUDGET 2010-11
The Board of Finance is working on the budget for fiscal year 2010-11. Due to a lowered evaluation for the completed power lines of Connecticut Light and Power it is estimated that the Grand List will be $1,000,000 lower than last year.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:15 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Thornquist. The vote taken was unanimous.



Respectfully submitted,


June G. Riley
Secretary, Board of Selectmen
BOARD OF FINANCE
FEBRUARY 23, 2010
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Attendance: Chairman Janet Brunwin, Robert Brinton Jr., John Grabowski, Chip Spear, Stephen Squinto, Sally Huyser, First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski
Visitors: Dawn Brinton

Chairman Brunwin called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:07 p.m. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Brunwin called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of February 9, 2010. The motion of approval was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Chip Spear. The vote was called. The vote taken was unanimous.

PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Dawn Brinton submitted the budget of the Park and Recreation Commission. Dawn explained the salary account for camp counselors. Enrollment at camp will determine how many counselors will be hired. Robert Brinton Jr. questioned whether the enterprise fund had been set up yet. He was told that it had not. More guidance is needed from the auditor to see that proper procedures are followed. Questions were asked about the signage that is requested. It is needed at Veterans Memorial Park. Rules and regulations will be posted on it. The Board will review further the requests of the Park and Recreation Commission, and if further information is needed they will contact Dawn.

SOLID WASTE
The budget for Solid Waste is incomplete at this time. The awarding of the bid for curbside pickup will be made at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting of March 8, 2010. First Selectwoman Gorski is awaiting the disposal fee for fiscal year 2010-11 for recyclables.

GENERAL GOVERNMENT
Tax Collector
Board members discussed the tax collector’s salary increase request of $5,762. David has completed his certification to a step two tax collector. This salary is the recommended amount for his certification.

Land Use
The salary line item for Land Use has been reduced. The building officials will work less hours next fiscal year as there has been a big reduction in the number of building permits issued during this fiscal year. A brief discussion took place regarding adding expenses for operation of the GIS System to the Land Use Budget.

Operation Town Hall
The Operation Town Hall budget will have to be increased due to additional water testing for next year. The price of fuel oil per gallon will increase also.


CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
A portion of the balance in the Capital Reserve Fund has already been allocated with previous years commitments , Chairman Brunwin indicated that only the lease purchase payments should be made from the Capital Reserve Fund during fiscal year 2010-11.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:35 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Stephen Squinto. The vote taken was unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,



June G. Riley
Clerk, Board of Finance

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010 Page 1 of 8


The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:00 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
Mary Shurtleff, Member, arrived at 7:07 p.m.
Patricia Winer, Member
Marc Adelberg, Alternate Member
Donald Shea Jr., Alternate Member, seated as second alternate as needed.
Nellie Rabinowitz, Alternate Member, seated as first alternate as needed.

The following Commission member was absent or excused:
John Ford

Also present were:
Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer
Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. It was moved by Spear and seconded by Shea, to approve as submitted the minutes of the January 6, 2010, Regular Meeting.
Voting for: Huxley, Spear, Winer, Rabinowitz, Shea.
Unanimous approval.

2. It was moved by Winer and seconded by Spear to approve as submitted the minutes of the January 17, 2010, Public hearing continuation/Site visit/Special Meeting.
Abstained: Huxley
Voting for: Spear, Winer, Rabinowitz, Shea.
Unanimous approval.


GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

1. Letter from SCC Regional Planning Commission, dated January 15, 2010, Re: Comments from review of proposed Zoning Regulation Amendments to Section 8.3.B.3 – Notice to Abutting Property Owners; Section 14.1.B.5.e – Zoning Variances; Section 14.3.C – Public Hearings.
2. Letter from Marian Doering of 56 Downs Road, dated January 21, 2010, Re: Neighbor of 63 Downs Road, Simon, concerned with water problems.
3. Letter from Joan Jackson of 72 Downs Road, dated January 17, 2010, Re: Neighbor of 63 Downs Road, Simon, concerned with runoff from site.


4. Letter from Dennis and Patricia Colwell of 86 Downs Road, dated January 19, 2010, Re: Neighbor of 63 Downs Road, Simon, concerned with water problems.
5. Letter from SCC Regional Water Authority, dated January 25, 2010, Re: Review comments for Application #1022-M-1, 63 Downs Road.
6. Letter from Earl Sickinger owner of 121 Amity Road, dated January 11, 2010, Re: Reopening of delicatessen at 121 Amity Road.
7. Letter from QVHD to Earl Sickinger, owner of 119 Amity Road, dated January 22, 2010, Re: Proposed new food service Big E’s Gas and Grill, 119 Amity Road.
8. Letter from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, to MWP, LLC, dated January 11, 2010, Re: Notice of Violation of Section 8 of the Bethany Zoning Regulations for the property located at 94 and 100 Mesa Drive.

PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

1. Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Association of Wetland Scientists on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Mountain Ridge in Wallingford, CT.


BILLS

1. It was moved by Shea and seconded by Winer to approve the payment of $1,000.00 (monthly pro rata basis), for services rendered for January 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:

Ms. Kearns distributed a draft letter addressed to Daniel Cusano of 185 Beacon Road pertaining to the second notice of violation to Section 4 of the Zoning Regulations for the Commission to review.
.
Also, Ms. Kearns stated she will be issuing a second notice of “Correction Enforcement Notice” to Mr. and Mrs. Todd Ryker of 2 Clay Road for conducting a “regulated activity” within a wetland and its upland review area and will be issuing a “Notice of Violation” to John and William Ciola for 5 Amity Road and 10 Round Hill Road for stockpiling of logs and mulch with out a zoning permit.


It was moved by Shurtleff and seconded by Spear to move to the items of New Business.
Unanimous approval.



NEW BUSINESS

1. 63 Downs Road, Application #2010-003 submitted by Roger and Mary Ellen Simon for a Site Plan Modification - The Commission formally received the application. Present to speak on behalf of the application were Roger and Mary Ellen Simon, applicants and owners of record.

Mr. Simon reviewed the proposed project noting:
· The barn has not been built at this time and would like to extend the permit.
· The original plan showed a toilet and sink; not changing anything.
· The water runoff is coming from Downs Road. Storm water basins have not been cleaned.
· This property is a large piece and needs to be maintained. Would like to keep equipment in barn.

Chairman Huxley stated the Commission received correspondence from the neighbors on Downs Road with water runoff concerns and feels it would be appropriate to hold a public hearing.

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, stated the applicant was originally submitting for an extension of the original permit but there were revisions to the plan so is submitting for a site plan modification.

In discussion, Commission members noted:
· Need to review what was originally approved in 2005.
· Discussed clear cutting on the property.
· Approved by QVHD on January 11, 2010.
· Modifications might have been made because of conditions of approval of original permit.

The Commission scheduled a public hearing date of Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall. Tabled.

2. 788 Amity Road, Application #2010-004 submitted by Anthony and Gail Vallillo for a Site Plan Modification – Place modular building at end of existing kennel for training purposes only -The Commission formally received the application. Present to speak on behalf of the application was AnthonyVallillo, applicant and owner of record.

Mr. Vallillo reviewed the proposed project noting:
· Installing a sink and toilet which is tied into septic system and approved by QVHD.
· Less police dogs and more personal dog training.
· This modular building is for training purposes only.
· Proposed building is a totally closed building with insulation.



In discussion, Commission members noted:
· Any dogs housed in proposed building. Is building sound proof to protect neighbors? No dogs will remain overnight in this building shall be a condition.
· Any more employees? Mr. Vallillo commented no.
· Need to come back with information for sound proofing.

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, prepared a draft resolution and Commission members reviewed and proceeded to deliberate.

It was moved by Winer and seconded Shurtleff to approve the following resolution for Application #2010-004 as follows:

Whereas, Anthony and Gail Vallillo applied on February 3, 2010, to the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission for a Site Plan Modification (#2010-004);

Whereas, the Commission, at its regular meeting held on February 3, 2010, considered the maps, narrative, testimony and other pertinent information relating to a request for a Site Plan Modification to locate a 25-foot by 50-foot modular building (#2010-004);

Now Therefore, the Commission makes the following findings of fact and decision regarding the application:

1) Cindy Gaudino of the Connecticut Water Company responded that she has no concerns in an e-mail dated February 3, 2010.
2) Quinnipiack Valley Health District Permit #1173 was issued for the placement of a detached mobile office trailer at 788 Amity Road.
3) Rod White, Fire Marshal, signed off on the back of the application form indicating his approval on February 3, 2010.
4) The Planning and Zoning Commission received a letter dated February 2, 2010, from the Inland Wetland Commission, which stated that this application does not require any Inland Wetland Commission action.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, the pursuant to Section 5.2.A of the Bethany Zoning Regulations, amended to September 15, 2008, the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission approves the Site Plan Modification (#2010-004) in accordance with the submitted plan, untitled, with hand drawn revisions prepared by the applicant and submitted on February 3, 2010, and with the following condition:

1) No dogs to remain overnight in the training facility.
Unanimous approval.






3. 770 Amity Road (Preliminary Discussion pertaining to possible use of property) –

Present for this discussion was Gail Vallillo who is interested in purchasing abutting property at 770 Amity Road. Would like to expand business for Kitty Cattery, Pet Store and Grooming.


PUBLIC HEARINGS

· Proposed amendments to the Bethany Zoning Regulations in Section 8 – Earth Removal, Excavation, Filling, Stockpiling and Grading under Section 8.3.B.3 – Notice to Abutting Property Owners and Section 14 – Zoning Board of Appeals under Section 14.1.B.5.e – Zoning Variances and Section 14.3 – Public Hearings

At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Huxley called to order the public hearing on the proposed amendments. The call for the public hearing was read. Chairman Huxley reviewed the complete contents of the application file.

Chairman Huxley then noted that the Commission has received the following items relative to the subject application. Exhibit identification was assigned as noted:
Exhibit 1A – Letter from SCC Regional Planning Commission, dated January 15, 2010, Re: Comments from review of proposed Zoning Regulation Amendments to Section 8.3.B.3 – Notice to Abutting Property Owners; Section 14.1.B.5.e – Zoning Variances; Section 14.3.C – Public Hearings.

At 7:40 p.m., due to defective notice (Town of Prospect not notified), the public hearing was recessed and continued to the next regular meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall. Tabled.


· 26 and 46 Mesa Drive, Application #2009-026 for a Special Exception Permit for Two (2) Rear Lots, Application #2009-027 for a Thirteen Lot Subdivision (Woodward Estates), Application #2009-028 for a Special Exception Earth Removal, Excavation, Filling, Stockpiling and Grading Permit submitted by Alan Shepard P.E. for James W. Woodward Jr.

At 7:41 p.m., Chairman Huxley called to order the public hearing continuation on Applications #2009-026, #2009-027 and #2009-028. The call for the public hearing continuation was read. The hearing was opened on January 6, 2010, site visit on January 17, 2010.

Marc Adelberg, Alternate member, recused himself.







Chairman Huxley then noted that the Commission has received the following items relative to the subject application. Exhibit identification was assigned as noted:
A. Exhibit 2A – Letter with review comments for the Woodward Subdivision Special Exception Earth Excavation from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, dated January 22, 2010.
B. Exhibit 2B – Letter from NOK dated January 26, 2010, Re: Response to review letter from the ZEO dated January 22, 2010, Woodward Subdivision.
C. Exhibit 2C – Letter from Nafis and Young, dated January 28, 2010, Re: Review comments from the proposed subdivision plans for Woodward Estates.
D. Exhibit 2D – Submitted by Al Shepard, maps prepared by NOK entitled as follows:
· “Earth Excavation Plan (1 of 2)”, dated January 20, 2010, revised to January 26, 2010.
· “Earth Excavation Plan (1 of 2)”, dated January 20, 2010, revised to January 26, 2010.
E. Exhibit 2E – Submitted by Ken Martin, letter from Bethany Conservation Commission, dated February 3, 2010, Re: Conservation Commission’s concerns pertaining to the proposed Woodward Estates Subdivision.

The Commission conducted a site visit on January 17, 2010, and individually noted their concerns.

Present to speak on behalf of the application was Alan Shepard, P.E., and partner with the firm Nowakowski, O’Bymachow and Kane, Shelton, CT, representing the owner of record, Mr. James W. Woodward, Jr. who was also present.

Mr. Shepard submitted and reviewed the Earth Excavation Plans (Exhibit 2D). Mr. Shepard also reviewed the comment letter from Nafis and Young dated January 28, 2010 (Exhibit 2B).

Commission members commented and discussed their concerns.

Chairman Huxley then asked if there were any comments from the public. The following public members spoke:

1) Mark Cullen of 69 Tawney Drive
2) Don Murphy of 67 Tawney Drive
3) Dorothy Bedan of 15 Tawney Drive
4) Marc Adelberg of 29 Mesa Drive
5) F. Xu of 71 Mesa Drive


Ken Martin, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, submitted and reviewed a comment letter from the Conservation Commission (Exhibit 2E) with the Conservation Commission’s concerns.




Mr. Woodward submitted a letter of consent to extension of time to continue the public hearing for 30 days on the subject applications.

At 9:30 p.m., Chairman Huxley recessed the public hearing and continued it to the next regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, 2010, in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall.


OLD BUSINESS

1. 26 and 46 Mesa Drive, Application #2009-026, submitted by Al Shepard, P.E. For J. Woodward for a Special Exception Permit for Two Rear Lots – Public hearing continued to March 3, 2010. Tabled.

2. 26 and 46 Mesa Drive, Application #2009-027, submitted by Al Shepard, P.E. For J. Woodward for a Thirteen-Lot Subdivision – Public hearing continued to March 3, 2010. Tabled.

3. 26 and 46 Mesa Drive, Application #2009-026, submitted by Al Shepard, P.E. For J. Woodward for a Special Exception Earth Removal, Excavation, Filling, Stockpiling and Grading Permit – Public hearing continued to March 3, 2010. Tabled.

4. Proposed amendments to the Bethany Zoning Regulations in Section 8 – Earth Removal, Excavation, Filling, Stockpiling and Grading under Section 8.3.B.3 – Notice to Abutting Property Owners and Section 14 – Zoning Board of Appeals under Section 14.1.B.5.e – Zoning Variances and Section 14.3 – Public Hearings – Public hearing continued to March 3, 2010. Tabled.

5. Discuss increasing application fees – Will ask staff at next regular meeting to pull costs of legal fees. Also discussed putting legal’s on website. Tabled.

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

7. Zoning Regulation Amendment for Windmill, Towers, and Energy Producing Wind Devices – Public hearing scheduled for March 3, 2010. Tabled.

8. Town Plan Revision – Discussion and possible action – Ken Martin, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, stated Open Space Plan is completed. Mr. Peck stated only two lines need to be changed on the draft. The Commission scheduled a hearing date for the draft Town Plan of Conservation and Development for Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Tabled.

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






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

11. Update on Halter Estates – Tabled.




It was moved by Shurtleff and seconded by Spear to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:52 p.m.
Unanimous approval.

Respectfully submitted,



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

Friday, February 12, 2010

BOARD OF FINANCE
FEBRUARY 9, 2010
Page 1 of 2

Attendance: Chairman Janet Brunwin, Sally Huyser, Chip Spear, Stephen Squinto, John Grabowski, Robert Brinton Jr.

Visitors: Tim Connellan, First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski

Chairman Brunwin called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Chairman moved to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 12, 2010. Huyser seconded the motion. There was no modification made to the minutes of this meeting. The vote was called. The vote taken was unanimous.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Tim Connellan was present to give the Board of Finance members an update on a special education change within his budget. One student has been sent out of district with a residential placement. This placement will greatly affect the cost of Special Education for the remainder of the year. Tim indicated that the Board of Education budget for fiscal year 2010-11 will be submitted with a 2.43% increase above the budget for 2009-10. The medical insurance premium will increase by 24.5%, if the Board of Education remains with Connecticare. At this time they are waiting bids from other carriers to see if their rates are lower.

Following Tim Connellan’s presentation at this meeting, John Grabowski the Board of Finance’s representative to the Elementary Board of Education, gave a report on the meeting of that Board he had attended. There were no significant issues to report.

BUDGET 2010-11 – CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Brunwin reports that after talking with the Assessor about the Grand List, she finds that Real Estate shows no increase over last year. Personal Property is down by 7%. Motor vehicle showed no increase. Overall the Grand List is down .2%. Tax Collections appear to be coming in for this year at a normal rate. The Tax Collector has received $36,719 in delinquent taxes in the month of January. The Town Treasurer predicts that General Fund interest for this fiscal year will be $85,000. He is suggesting that the Board of Finance budget $95,000 for General Fund interest in fiscal year 2010-11. Early reports regarding State Grants indicate that there should be no drastic cuts.

Chairman Brunwin attended the Amity Finance Committee meeting. The Amity budget for fiscal year 2010-11 is up by 2% over last year. As this increase is not a significant increase to Bethany there is no significant concern for the 2010-11 budget, however Chairman Brunwin was concerned about reports of large increases for the following two year’s projections. Following discussion the Board of Finance members agreed we should wait and be concerned if it happens. Alternative measures could then be taken if necessary.




REPORT OF THE FIRST SELECTMAN
First Selectwoman Gorski reported that the town is in the process of Union negotiations with the Highway Department.

The bid has just gone out for Curbside Pickup. Bids are due February 19, 2010.

First Selectwoman Gorski has met with the commander from Troop I regarding assignment of troopers to the town. The commander has agreed that only local troopers from Troop I will do local patrol when the Resident Trooper is not available, at the same rate of pay as the Resident Trooper. For traffic control a trooper will be taken from the list at the Central Office to do duty in town.

Throughout the town there are several trees that need to come down because of their rotted condition and the danger that they could cause if they fell. Alan Green has gotten an estimate of $10,000 for a company to come in and drop the trees. The Highway Department would then clean up the debris from them. The trees in question have been tagged by the Tree Warden and Alan Green.

BUDGET REPORT REVIEW FISCAL YEAR 2009-10
The Board members reviewed the budget report for fiscal year 2009-10. No trouble areas were noted at this time.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:45 p.m. after a motion was moved by Huyser and seconded by Grabowski. The vote was called. The vote was unanimous.


Respectfully submitted,


June G. Riley
Clerk, Board of Finance
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
FEBRUARY 8, 2010
Page 1 of 2

Attendance: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Steven Thornquist

Visitors: Attorney Kevin McSherry, Ken Cohen, Linda Cohen, Craig Stahl

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
Selectman Shea moved to add Wooding Hill Road and Amity Teen Center to the agenda of this meeting. The motion was seconded by First Selectwoman Gorski. The vote was called. The vote was unanimous.

WOODING HILL ROAD
Craig Stahl was present to speak to the Board of Selectmen regarding the condition of Wooding Hill Road. Stahl feels that the use of the Ice B Gone applied before a storm and during a storm is preventing the center of the road, under the pavement from freezing, as this is where the material is applied. The material is not applied to the shoulders, therefore freezing takes place on the shoulders causing the center of the road to cave in. First Selectwoman Gorski will check this concept out with other towns using the product. She indicated to Stahl that Wooding Hill Road is on the list of roads to be repaired next fiscal year. First Selectwoman Gorski did indicate that the Board of Finance is considering putting Major Road Repair in as a Capital Expenditure item, rather than in the operating budget, that way the town would vote at Town Meeting on the list of roads to repair each year.

TEEN CENTER
Linda Cohen was present at this meeting to give a report on the activities and operating budget of the Teen Center. The Center has been open six days a week this fiscal year, however due to budget cuts it will be open only four to five days a week next fiscal year. Attendance for activities at the Center has grown. The budget request for next fiscal year remains the same as previous years at $5,000. The request will be forwarded to the Board of Finance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectwoman Gorski called for approval of the minutes of the meeting of January 25, 2010. The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded by Selectman Shea. The vote was called. The minutes were unanimously approved as written.

WOODWARD SUBDIVISION
First Selectwoman Gorski reports that the letter and modification maps requested from the engineering firm of Nowakowski, O’Bymachow and Kane, Associates, for the Woodward Subdivision, for Hiram Peck to review, were received today. A report of his review will be given to the Board of Selectmen.

WATCH HILL SUBDIVISION
First Selectwoman Gorski reports that the letter requested by the Board of Selectmen, for Hiram Peck, explaining modification on lot #3 in the Watch Hill Subdivision Section III, for drainage improvement were received today. This information will be forwarded to Hiram Peck for his review. A report of his review will be given to the Board of Selectmen.

WAIVE FEE FOR USE OF LAKEVIEW LODGE
Kristine Sullivan has requested that the fee for the use of Lakeview Lodge on Wednesday April 28, 2010 by the Wepawaug Valley District of Connecticut Yankee Council Boy Scouts of America be waived. The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Thornquist. The vote taken was unanimous.

TAX REFUNDS
Selectman Thornquist moved to approve tax refunds to the following for overpayment of taxes:

Dawn Thomas $750.00
Catheryn Languerand $3,732.08
Curtiss Downs $9.49
Joan and Jerry Gervasio $3,232.17
John Riley $40.50
Michael Boyarsky $10.00
Seth Weiss $6.00

Selectman Shea seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.

EMERGENCY TREE REMOVAL
First Selectwoman Gorski will request from the Board of Finance on Tuesday, $10,000 from the Contingency Fund to do emergency tree work.

BUDGET 2010-11
First Selectwoman Gorski is working on the budget for 2010-11. She reports that due to the large increase of 25% in premium for health insurance with Connecticare our present provider, she is looking into other alternatives.

At a luncheon with Rosa DeLauro today it was learned that Federal Grants available are going to larger cities. It was suggested that perhaps some of this funding could be made available through Local Capital Improvement funding where it would be more easily for small towns.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:15 P.M. after a motion was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded the Selectman Shea. The vote taken was unanimous.


Respectfully submitted,


June G. Riley
Secretary, Board of Selectmen

Monday, February 8, 2010

Special Town Meeting
Airport Hangar Building – Change of Use
December 14, 2009


First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski called the Special Town Meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. There were approximately 115 in attendance.

The First Selectwoman called for nominations from the floor for a Moderator. There was a motion by Jean Swanson, duly seconded to nominate Steven Thornquist. There were no further nominations.

Moderator Thornquist stated that the meeting tonight is about the airport hangar and that those speaking tonight must speak to the topic at hand. The building as it stands is relatively dangerous and something must be done with it soon.

John Garcia, 190 Fairwood Rd – The flyer sent out and all information published mentions only one thing – the airport hangar. I make a motion to focus solely on the hangar. The motion was duly seconded by Sue Corrone.

Moderator Thornquist interjected that in the context of the airport hangar the plan of the airport property may also be discussed.

There was a voice vote against keeping the discussion solely on the hangar. There was a majority of Nays.

Moderator Thornquist read the call of the meeting. He then introduced Art Slicer, Chairman of the Airport Hangar Study Committee.

Art Slicer, Chairman of the Airport Hangar Study Committee & Airport Hangar Steering Committee - We had a feasibility study done and on the basis of that study it was decided by the committee to preserve the hangar. The committee talked about destroying the entire building, restore it as it is or renovating it as a historic landmark. Members of the Airport Hangar Study Committee are Art Slicer, Dick Van Horn, representing town finance, Ruth Beardsley, Park & Recreation, Pat Martin, Dave Tressel, Planning & Zoning; Bob Kelley & George McDonnell, representing the Lions Club; Tony Lebedivitch, representing the Bethany Athletic Association; Bob McSherry, representing the Fire Department. The committee decided that the best use of the hangar is community recreation and activity. Since the beginning we talked about not taking tax payer money but doing fundraising, grants, private grants and donations from corporations. We hope that you will agree with us that this is an outstanding use of 120 acres of our property to be used in an appropriate manner and safe environment. Art then introduced Alan Plattus.

Alan Plattus, Director of the Yale Urban Design Workshop said that the committee started in 2005 and the Yale Urban Design Workshop started working with them shortly thereafter in 2006. We have been working in towns and cities in Connecticut for almost twenty years. We have worked on town plans and daycare centers – all sizes and types of facilities. The airport is an extraordinary site and it still has some aspects of its original character. We spoke about all aspects of the project – the site, parking, access and a range of attractive possibilities for uses of the site while still preserving and enhancing the original plan of the building. We are in consultation now with Ames & Whitaker Architects who are involved more with the technical aspects of the project.

Larry Corrone, 35 Russell Rd – How much has it cost and who is paying you?

A. Plattus - We were paid for the first year. It was not very much money.

First Selectwoman Gorski – They were paid $25,000 - $27,000 as a nonprofit organization. The money was paid out of the airport fund. The funding was approved by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.

Greg Ames – Ames & Whitaker, Architects, P.C. - was introduced to give a power point presentation. He showed a site plan. Parking was limited to what would be needed on a daily basis so as to keep the building environmentally soft. There are approximately twenty-eight spaces. Total building is a little over 6,000 sq ft. The toilet and kitchen areas are configured so that when the building is not being used, they can be open to the exterior for outside events. The plan includes a conference room, a visitor’s gallery and on the roof is a reviewing stand. A structural engineer was brought in to see how much of the existing structure can be used, a mechanical and electrical engineer so that we can be consistent in the costs we are projecting, and an environmental engineer for asbestos and lead paint in the building. We are looking into making the building green. The south end of the building can use solar energy. The west side has a roof overhang – we are looking into putting in some deciduous trees. Once these details are fine tuned, then you think about solar collectors, geothermal heat or hot water collectors.

The Moderator asked for questions or comments from the floor.

Melissa Spear, 360 Amity Rd – Planning & Zoning Comm. - What percentage of the existing building will we be able to retain and what would be the relative cost to raise the existing building and build new?

G. Ames - The slab is sound. The vault itself has a great deal of rust at the bottom, there are leaks and there is asbestos. By taking it away we dispose of the asbestos without going through an intricate remediation process. We start to save money. By putting in a new shell, it would be sound, insulated and finished. That is actually more economical than trying to restore the metal that’s there.

Tom Hunt, 809 Carrington Rd - What is the life expectancy of a new shell?

A. Plattus - There is a 30 year guarantee on a new shell with insulation already applied

Mark Scott, 49 Tuttle Court – Would like to see open space preserved. The Airport Hangar is a piece of history. I think the facade of the building is what keeps its character. There is a balcony on the south face that takes away from the structure. I’m wondering why it is there?

G. Ames - It will not be there. It was taken out. It will actually be an open area – all glass - with activity going in and out. The current structure is not insulated but a new shell can be insulated and we will do so. It will be a four season building.

Aileen Magda, 28 Deerfield Lane – How much would it cost to operate the building without the geothermal and other environmental plans just for heating, cooling, etc.? What would be the cost to keep it as a hangar and historical building?

A. Slicer – to restore to original state it would not be functional as a community center and recreation facility. It wouldn’t incorporate the food, bathrooms and storage areas that are necessary for sports activities that are currently played there and the inside activities would have to be eliminated. If that is the direction that we are going in, then I would say demolish it and move on. The cost of maintaining it as we see it redesigned, we do not know.

L. Corrone,- Has anyone pursued the actual history of the property?

A. Slicer – yes we did. Our committee researched the history of the property during the preparation before beginning the project.

L. Corrone – The original committee sat for seven years. We did a survey. 80% of those surveyed wanted the site for recreational use. It was supposed to be put in the hands of Park & Recreation to insure that it was maintained. No business could be put there. Now there is a sign – No Dogs. It seems that the property is being cut up.

Darius Iwaskiewicz, 95 Peck Rd - Is it limited to the existing structure? Would it cost much to add another 15 feet to make it more usable for certain sporting events? You can’t even tell us how much it will cost to operate?

A Slicer – Expansion of the building did come up at our meetings. There is 3,000 sq. ft. and the additional add-ons for the kitchen and bathroom facilities. You can play tennis, badminton dancing. You just can’t play a basketball game. It would be a big leap to add on additional footage beyond the original foundation. If the proposal is accepted and there is a recommendation for 50 additional feet it can be done. The facility will be open every day.

Russell von Beren, 134 Wooding Hill Rd – The question was asked how many people are serviced at the Lion’s Club food service. von Beren stated that approximately 400 are served.

David Forman, Tax Collector – I am excited about the project. It is the most visible landmark in Bethany. I think it will bring people to some of the businesses in the area. Is there a place where there will be displays of historical value?

G. Ames – yes there will be a gallery/foyer of aeronautical information and history of Bethany.

Randall Raddatz, 22 Bethridge Rd – You called it a community recreation center for the past five years. Now recently emergency shelter comes in. There are only two events where I remember having a need for an emergency shelter. There has to be some sort of technicalities or regulations or sources of water for it to be an emergency shelter. I am in favor of it as a community recreation center but I don’t want the emergency shelter aspects added to it. Why was that added in and what are the encumbrances or should we remove them?

First Selectwoman Gorski – Right now the community school and middle school are the emergency shelters in town. It already meets the requirements. It is just a temporary shelter in case of a hurricane, power failure. If it is taken out of the school and a portion of the town needs a temporary shelter, we do not have to cancel school if school has power. It is just to give us some flexibility.

R. von Beren – Are we talking about the functions that we presently have or other functions? If it is used for serving food, people will have to walk from one side of the property to another to get to the food area. This will be a safety issue. The Community School has everything for an emergency shelter. We should knock the building down and put up a plaque. We have a $200,000 Steap Grant. There are other things that are more necessary for this money – roads, guard rails. This project will need to use a lot more than the grant money. I do not want any of my money going to this project.

Ann Warner, 228 Falls Rd - I don’t hear a driving need for the use of a gathering place. I could see if it was for senior housing, etc.

A. Slicer – There is a vision for recreation & community use. The fields and buildings are being stressed to the limit with the number of children within the town. This is a large piece of the town that has not been used in forty years. It is believed with the number of families in town this could be a building where activities could be offered. The fields would also be a part of this building. It also gives it landmark history along with the other needs in the building.

Dawn Brinton, Park & Recreation Director – made a few comments about the possible uses of the hangar. Lions Club tag sales could be held inside on rainy days. Use of the hangar could open the door for some outdoor activities to be held inside. The Harvest Festival could have been held here. How many people can the building hold? 200 for a sit down event and 400 for an auditorium.

Kim Brinton, 168 Sperry Rd – I don’t think we should vote in favor of a project that we do not know the cost of maintaining. I am past president of the Lion’s Club. We donated a gazebo for the Town Hall property. There seems to be a question as to who is maintaining it. We need to know what those costs will be.

A. Slicer – We cannot project the income at this point so we cannot project what it will cost to maintain.

Paul Manger, 43 Bethmour Rd – What is the projected total cost as it was presented?

A. Slicer – $2.2 million dollars.

Andrew Liveten, 166 Carrington Rd - Horse Comissioner – Will the fields be kept for multiple uses? Yes, as it is now.

Ann McDonnell, 5 Rowe Ct – Where is the money to run the building coming from?

First Selectwoman Gorski – It will have an operating budget much the same as Lake View Lodge. There is a cost to run the lodge but we also get revenue. We charge for renting and the same would happen here.

Bruce Hescock, 160 Humiston Dr – The tag sales would not fit in the hangar.

A. Magda – We were told the money would come from donations. Where would these donations come from? Is there a time limit for gathering these donations? We already have Lakeview Lodge. We are building a pavilion there that will have bathroom facilities. How many facilities does a small town need?

A. Slicer – The hangar would be 365 days a year. The pavilion at Veteran’s Memorial Park is a summer facility for the most part. The intent is to hire a fundraiser and they will survey the community and find out how much fundraising is possible. How much can people give? Where can the money come from in different entities such as grants, foundations, private donations or events. If the fundraiser says we can not raise that kind of money then it’s over. If they say we can we will go forward with the raising of the money.

Gary Ross, 153 Fairwood Rd – The only part that we can salvage of the hangar is the slab? Is it 6,000 sq ft?

A. Slicer - Yes. The building is 3,000 sq ft as it stands. With the additions, it will bring it to 6,000 sq ft.

Karin Hackett, 328 Wooding Hill Rd – How can we be supportive if we do not know the cost to maintain the project? I work for a large organization that manages large facilities – events, convention centers and arenas and we would never go into a project like this unless we had included in our feasibility study what events would be coming in, what we charge for them and what the expected revenue and income would be. Without having an understanding or estimate of that I don’t see how you can expect the townspeople to be supportive. Will there be full time employees to run it, custodial services, etc.?

A. Slicer – With Veteran’s Memorial Park and Lakeview Lodge we did not have a projection of the revenue and income. It changes on a daily basis. We didn’t do it there and I don’t know how we can do it here.

Will Brinton, 168 Sperry Rd – There has been reference to Lakeview Lodge. I have some personal knowledge. I worked on it slightly. I believe (from memory) that the cost estimates were for $100,000 for janitorial, heating, electrical, etc. The grant is for $200,000 and the project is 2.2 million dollars. If we vote on this tonight, how tied in are we to the 2.2 million dollars? Are we going to have part of the structure built and then we will have to do the rest?

First Selectwoman Gorski – With the Steap Grant we have five years to raise the balance of the money. If it is not raised you do not go forward. The use of the building must be changed from a storage facility to an occupancy facility before we can move forward. Right now we need to decide whether to start the project or reject the grant. We will not start a project we cannot finish. The 2.2 million is a fully equipped, dream facility – not necessarily what we will be doing.

Lisa Amadeo, 25 Amadeo Dr - Will we need to change the zoning at the airport and if so how does that impact the airport?

First Selectwoman Gorski – It will be a change of use for the hangar. It will not affect the airport property.

M. Spear – In the mid nineties we did have an airport study committee and a Park & Recreation Committee. We did a town plan. We looked at the property very carefully and one of the things we did recommend was that the Town of Bethany do a needs assessment in terms of Park & Recreation. We did gather a lot of information in regards to this property and its uses. I would hate to see it voted down tonight because we don’t have enough information. We need to have an opportunity to gather the information such as operating costs, potential uses of the property.

Alex Smith, 355 Downs Rd – What happens after 30 years?

A. Slicer -Do we tear it down and start over? No. The building will be there as long as you maintain it. The Quonset hut would have been there another fifty years had it been maintained. Water settled along the edges of the foundation and so now it is sagging in the middle.

Madeline Slicer, 70 Lacey Rd – When we talk about maintaining this project we are only talking about the maintenance for the building - heat, light, maintenance. We are only talking about this building.

A. Slicer – The cell tower on the airport property generated $2,500 per year and now we are collecting $25,000. That money was earmarked to be spent on that property. The money from that tower can be used to maintain the building.

Liz Appel, 11 Carriage Dr – It was a great presentation but I would like to see more information on the cost. I do not want the project voted down but I feel we need more information.

Marc Adelberg, 29 Mesa Dr – What is the cost to get a fundraiser?

A. Slicer – Most often it is on a percentage rate or flat fee. It depends on the fundraiser.

Mary Sofair, 41 Deerfield Ln – Bd. of Education – Are there any other options between doing nothing and spending 2.2 million dollars?

A. Slicer – The feasibility committee discussed everything from erasing it from the property to preserving it and putting it to community use. We worked along that spectrum. 2.2 million is the outside range – the structure could be done for $1.1 million for the shell, not including the interior.

Sharon Huxley, Chairman Planning & Zoning Comm. – I just wanted to clarify that the project came to us as a CGS Section 824 review to see if it was in conflict with the Town Plan. It is not in conflict with the Town Plan. That is not an approval or disapproval of the project.

Ken Martin, Chairman Conservation Comm.- Is the vote tonight on the change of use or are we voting on the project?

Moderator Thornquist stated that the vote tonight is simply on a change of use. It allows for more work to be done. It does not approve or disapprove the project.

A. Slicer – If the project is not approved then the building is unsafe and will have to be taken down. It will cost about $85,000 to take the hangar down.

Larry Eisner, 44 Valley Rd - Treasurer – I make a motion to table the resolution. It was duly seconded to report back with further information.

Moderator Thornquist asked for a retraction of the motion so that Ms. Warner could speak.
Eisner retracted his motion, duly seconded.

A. Warner - made a motion, duly seconded to report back with further information within six months but allow the project to move forward with the change of use as it currently stands.
All those in favor of making an amendment to the motion - overwhelming yeas.

R. von Beren – made a Motion to scratch the word emergency shelter, duly seconded.

Kris Sullivan, 783 Amity Rd – Having it as an alternative emergency shelter can do no harm. It just means that it can be used for that purpose.

L. Appel - Also, it may bring us more grant money

All those in favor of amending the motion as presented to scratch the words emergency shelter – overwhelming nays. It does not carry.

All those in favor of the main motion as amended – yeas have it.

The amended resolution reads:

Be it resolved at the Town Meeting of the Town of Bethany that the use of The Bethany Airport Hangar Building shall be changed from the current use as a storage building to a Community Recreation Center/Emergency Shelter.

Be it further resolved that the Town of Bethany shall prepare an analysis of:
a) Potential expenses and revenues for the project, including potential alternatives, and
b) Fundraising strategies

to be presented back to a Town Meeting within 6 months.

Be it further resolved that, pending approval of such analysis, said Bethany Hangar shall be renovated and restored preserving as much of the building as is reasonable and restore or replicate the existing construction to respect and memorialize the existing hangar building and its significance in the history of the Town of Bethany.

The renovation and restoration of the Bethany Airport Hangar shall be in a manner consistent with proposals of the Airport Steering Committee and design of Ames & Whitaker.

The project is to be funded through the use of the $200,000.00 Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant awarded to the Town of Bethany for the purpose of renovating and restoring the Bethany Airport Hangar.

Slicer thanked the Ames & Whitaker, Architects, P. C. and Alan Plattus, Yale Urban Design Workshop for their work on this project.

There was no further discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Nancy A. McCarthy, CMC
Town Clerk