Tuesday, October 15, 2013


                        BETHANY CONSERVATION COMMISSION

                                                  SITE VISIT

                                          SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

 

 

The commission met at Bethany’s Veteran’s Memorial Park at 4:30pm for a site walk to inspect the condition of the park.  Present were Bruce Loomis, Chair, Cathy Rives, Dorothy Seaton and Shaukut Kahn.

 

Of particular interest was cutting and clearing along the shores of the lake as a result of a request from the Inland Wetlands Commission for the Conservation Commission to be involved in the issue.

 

The members walked all around the lake and also the recreation fields and sloped beyond and made noted and observations.  Dorothy took a number of pictures of some of what we observed.

 

The walk adjourned at approximately 5:45pm with discussion to be held at a regular meeting of the commission.

 

 

 

Bruce Loomis, Chairman

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF WEDNESDAY,  OCTOBER 2, 2013                                      Page 1 of 11

 

The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.

 

The following Commission Members were present:

            Kimberly McClure Brinton, Chairman

            Salvatore Amadeo, Vice-Chairman

            Michael Calhoun, Member

            Michael Sullivan, Member

            Douglas Goldner, Member

            Donna Shea, Alternate Member

            James Gugliotti, Alternate Member

            Bradford Buchta, Alternate Member

 

Also present was:

            Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

1.      It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Sullivan to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the September 4, 2013, Regular Meeting.

Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

Unanimous approval.

 

2.      It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the September 18, 2013, Special Meeting/Site Visit/Hearing Continuation.

Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

BILLS

 

1.      It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to approve the payment of a bill for $105.00, dated October 2, 2013, from John McLeod for recording services for the public hearings (91 Bethway Road and 31 Rolling Green Road).

Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

Unanimous approval.

 

2.      It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Sullivan to approve the payment of $1,000.00 (monthly pro rata basis), for services rendered for September 2013, by Hiram W. Peck III, AICP, Planning Consultant.

Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

 

3.      It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to approve the payment of $175.00 to Connecticut Federation of Planning and Zoning Agencies for Workshop for Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission on September 4, 2013 by Steven Byrne.

Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

 

1.      Memo from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, dated July 11, 2013, Re:  Review of 91 Bethway Road, proposed indoor riding arena.

2.      Email from Elizabeth Doering of 91 Bethway Road, to Isabel Kearns, ZEO, dated   September 17, 2013, Re:  Manure removal procedure for Sperry View Farm, Arena Detail and Gooseneck Lighting for 91 Bethway Road.

3.      Email from Patricia Winer of 7 Carrington Road, to Isabel Kearns, ZEO, dated        September 23, 2013, Re:  Comments on Liz Doering application, 91 Bethway Road,  regarding lighting.

4.      Letter from Derrylyn Gorski, dated September 9, 2013, Re:  Section 8-24 Review for proposed addition to the Bethany Community School.

5.      Memo from Bethany School Building Committee, dated September 23, 2013, Re:  Section  8-24 Referral for new addition to Community School.

6.      Letter from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, to Claire Wiseman of 110 Hatfield Hill Road, dated September 12, 2013, Re:  Deed merger to be filed on land records for Permit #2013-015 located at 110 Hatfield Hill Road.

7.      Letter from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, to Donna Lagaipa of 45 Falls Road, dated September 16, 2013, Re:  Final Courtesy Correspondence, unregistered motor vehicles.

8.      Letter from Steven Byrne of Connecticut Federation of Planning & Zoning Agencies, dated September 4, 2013, Re:  Thank you for opportunity to present workshop to Planning and Zoning Commission.

9.      Email from Eugene Livshits of South Central Regional Council of Governments, dated October 2, 2013, Re:  Town of Cheshire referral.

 

PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

 

1.      CLEARscapes, A Newsletter of the Center for Land Used Education and Research at the University of Connecticut, Fall 2013.

 

ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT AND APPROPRIATE COMMISSION ACTION

 

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, reported on the following properties:

  • 110 Hatfield Hill Road, Claire Wiseman – Deed of merger to be filed on Land Records.  Ms. Wiseman’s lawyer is working with Town Attorney Kevin McSherry.
  • 45 Falls Road, Donna Lagaipa – Has removed unregistered motor vehicles.
  • 650 Carrington Road – Property owner working on cleaning up property.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

·         Application #2013-018 submitted by Elizabeth Doering for Special Exception Permit for an indoor riding arena located at 91 Bethway Road -

 

At 7:17 p.m., Chair Brinton called to order the public hearing continuation on the above referenced application.  Chair Brinton recused herself due to the fact she is an abutting property owner.  Acting Chairman Amadeo seated Donna Shea, Alternate Member, as a voting member for the public hearing continuation and read the call to the hearing.

 

Acting Chairman Amadeo then noted that the Commission has received the following items relative to the subject application.  Exhibit identification was assigned as noted:

1)      Exhibit 2A – Liz Doering submitted revised “Floor Plan” dated July 16, 2013, Sheet #1.01, “Elevations” dated July 16, 2013, Sheet #2.01 prepared by King Construction Company, New Holland, PA.  (Original plan submitted was not to scale.)

2)      Exhibit 2B – “Boundary & Overall Plan”, revised October 2, 2013, by the applicant,    Liz Doering, with hand drawn revisions (added manure storage containers and underground utilities).

3)      Exhibit 2C – Memo from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, dated July 11, 2013, Re:  Review of        91 Bethway Road, proposed indoor riding arena.

4)      Exhibit 2D – Email from Elizabeth Doering of 91 Bethway Road, to Isabel Kearns, ZEO, dated September 17, 2013, Re:  Manure removal procedure for Sperry View Farm, Arena Detail and Gooseneck Lighting for 91 Bethway Road.

5)      Exhibit 2E – Email from Patricia Winer of 7 Carrington Road, to Isabel Kearns, ZEO, dated September 23, 2013, Re:  Comments on Liz Doering application, 91 Bethway Road, regarding lighting.

6)      Exhibit 2F – Copies from the Land Records, Special Exception Permits, Commission action date October 13, 1993, July 6, 1994, and March 2, 1994.

 

Present to speak on behalf of this application was Elizabeth Doering, applicant and owner of record.

 

Ms. Doering noted:

o   All additional lighting will be full cutoff lighting.

 

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, stated she has not received any complaints in past 3 years but all lighting should be in compliance with full cutoff lighting.

 

In discussion, some Commission members noted:

o   Will add a condition regarding the lighting in the permit.

 

Acting Chairman Amadeo asked if anyone from the public would like to speak.  There was no one.

 

At 7:35 p.m., it was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to close public hearing.

          

·         Application #2013-021, submitted by Christopher Kiley for a Special Exception Permit for an Accessory Apartment located at 31 Rolling Green Road -

 

At 7:36 p.m., Chair Brinton called to order the public hearing on the above referenced application.  The call for the public hearing was read.  Chair Brinton reviewed the complete contents of the application file.

 

No one was present to speak on behalf of this application.

 

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, stated that applicant needed to come in for a permit to refinance their house and that this application complies with the Bethany Zoning Regulations.

 

Commission members had no comments.

 

Chair Brinton asked if anyone from the public would like to speak.  No one commented.

                  

At 7:40 p.m., it was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to close the public hearing.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1)      Discussion and action regarding C.G.S. Section 8-24 Review regarding addition to Bethany Community School

 

Present for this discussion from the School Building Committee were John Paul Garcia and

Namita Wijesekera.

 

Mr. Garcia briefly reviewed the proposal to add an addition to the Bethany Community School.  Mr. Garcia stated the new addition will be fully enclosed and secured.

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate. 

 

It was moved by Goldner and seconded by Calhoun to approve the following resolution:

 

Whereas, Section 8-24 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that a municipality refer proposals to locate public buildings to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report; and

 

Whereas, First Selectman, Derrylyn Gorski, has requested such a report in a letter dated    September 9, 2013, relative to the addition to the Bethany Community School; and 

 

Whereas, The Town Plan of Conservation and Development, adopted November 18, 1998, and last revised August 31, 2010, specifically Section 7, Municipal Facilities; and

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission hereby finds that the proposed addition to the Bethany Community School, as outlined in information submitted, is consistent with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development adopted November 18, 1998, and last revised August 31, 2010.

      Vote 5 to 0.

      Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

      Unanimous approval.

 

 

2)      One year update regarding 327 Litchfield Turnpike (Farming Operation)

 

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, stated this was an agricultural endeavor and one of the conditions of the permit was to revisit the property in one year to see if any neighbors had complained.  Ms. Kearns stated there were no complaints.

 

 

3)      Discussion regarding 4 Peck Road – 8-30g Preliminary ProposalTabled.

 

 

4)      333 Downs Road, Application #2013-022 submitted by Philip Brunwin for a Home Occupation Permit to manufacture guitars

 

The Commission formally received the application.  No one was present to speak on behalf of this application.

 

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, stated there will be no traffic and no employees.

 

Chair Brinton reviewed the contents of the application file.

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.  It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Sullivan to approve the following resolution for Application #2013-022:

 

Whereas, Philip Brunwin, applicant and owner, applied to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a home occupation permit to manufacture guitars and a home office for same located at 333 Downs Road;

 

Whereas, the Commission at its regular meeting of October 2, 2013, considered the statement of use, narrative, testimony and other pertinent application information relating to this home occupation application;

 

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

 

1)                  Lynn Fox, Quinnipiack Valley Health District representative, signed off on the back of the application form on October 1, 2013 indicating her approval.

2)                  Rod White, Fire Marshal, signed off on the back of the application form on      October 2, 2013 indicating his approval.

 

 

 

3)                  The Planning and Zoning Commission received a letter dated October 1, 2013, from Ronald Walters of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority in which he states he has no comments.

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that pursuant to Section 4.3.D.4.b. of the Town of Bethany Zoning Regulations, amended to December 7, 2011, the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission approves the application of Philip Brunwin for a home occupation permit to manufacture guitars and associated home office located at 333 Downs Road, as outlined in the Statement of Use dated September 27, 2013.

      Vote 5 to 0.

      Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

      Unanimous approval.

 

 

5)      562 Amity Road, Apt. D, Application #2013-022 submitted by Myron Rice for a Home Occupation Permit for a home office for a package delivery business

 

The Commission formally received the application.  No one was present to speak on behalf of this application.

 

Chair Brinton stated this property is owned by her mother-in-law and that she would not act impartially.

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.

 

It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Sullivan to approve the following resolution for Application #2013-023:

 

Whereas, Janet Brinton, owner of the subject property, (in a letter dated September 26, 2013) authorized Myron Price to apply to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a home occupation permit for a home office for a package delivery business;

 

Whereas, Myron Rice, applicant, applied to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a home occupation permit to operate a home office for a package delivery business located at 562 Amity Road, Apartment D;

 

Whereas, the Commission at its regular meeting of October 2, 2013, considered the statement of use, narrative, testimony and other pertinent application information relating to this home occupation application;

 

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

a.       Lynn Fox, Quinnipiack Valley Health District representative, signed off on the back of the application form on October 2, 2013 indicating her approval.

b.      Rod White, Fire Marshal, signed off on the back of the application form on October 2, 2013 indicating his approval.

c.       The Planning and Zoning Commission received a letter dated October 1, 2013, from Ronald Walters, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority representative, in which he states he has no comments.

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that pursuant to Section 4.3.D.4.b. of the Town of Bethany Zoning Regulations, amended to December 7, 2011, the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission approves the application of Myron Rice to operate a home office for a package delivery system located at 562 Amity Road, Apartment D, as outlined in the Statement of Use dated September 27, 2013.

      Brinton abstained.

      Vote 4 to 0.

      Voting for:  Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

      Unanimous approval.

 

 

6)      28 Munson Road, Application #2013-024 submitted by Timothy Smethurst for a Change of Use Permit for a Athletic Facility – Cross Fit

 

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application were Tim and Crystal Smethurst, applicants.

 

Tim and Crystal Smethurst reviewed the proposed project noting:

·         There will be no structural changes inside or outside the building.

·         Received approvals from Quinnipiack Valley Health District and Regional Water Authority.

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate. 

 

It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Goldner to approve the following resolution for Application #2013-024:

 

Whereas, Timothy Smethurst applied on October 2, 2013, to the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission for a Change of Use Permit to operate a Cross Fit Gym and an 8-foot by 8-foot free-standing sign located at 28 Munson Road;

 

Whereas, in a letter dated September 30, 2013, Steve Czupi, owner of 28 Munson Road, authorized Timothy Smethurst to apply for any land-use permits for the operation of a Cross Fit Gym located at 28 Munson Road;

 

Whereas, the Commission, at its regular meeting of October 2, 2013, considered the application information, statement of use, testimony and other pertinent information relating to a request for the change of use and an 8-foot by 8-foot free-standing sign for the operation of a Cross Fit located at 28 Munson Road;

 

Now Therefore the Commission makes the following findings of fact:

 

1)                  The Zoning Regulations allow 75-feet of free-standing signage on any parcel in the business and industrial area.  The proposed sign is only 64-square feet and is, therefore, in compliance with the regulations.

2)                  The Planning and Zoning Commission received correspondence dated September 30, 2013, from John Laudano, representative from the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, in which he states that a code compliant replacement septic system could be installed should the existing system fails; thereby approving the application.

3)                  Rod White, Fire Marshal, signed off on the back of the application form on October 2, 2013, indicating his approval of this application.

4)                  The Commission received a letter dated October 1, 2013, from Ron Walters of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority in which he stated that he has no comments.

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved that pursuant to Section 5.5.A. of the Bethany Zoning Regulations, amended December 7, 2011, the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission approves the change of use to operate a Cross Fit Gym and an 8-foot by 8-foot sign located at 28 Munson Road

 

And with the following condition:

 

1)                  A building permit for an Interior-Fit-Out must be approved by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal prior to any renovations to or occupancy of the building.

Vote 5 to 0.

      Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

      Unanimous approval.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1.      91 Bethway Road, Application #2013-018 submitted by Elizabeth Doering for a Special Exception for an indoor riding arena 

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate. 

 

It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Sullivan to approve the following resolution for Application #2013-018:

 

Whereas, Elizabeth Doering, owner of 91 Bethway Road, applied for a Special Exception Permit to construct a new 84 foot by 200 foot riding arena located at 91 Bethway Road on July 3, 2013;

 

Whereas, the Commission opened a public hearing on this application on September 4, 2013.  Said hearing was continued until October 2, 2013, and the hearing was closed at the conclusion of testimony that same evening;

 

Whereas, the Commission, at its regular meeting also held on October 2, 2013, considered the maps, testimony and other pertinent application information relating to a request for a Special Exception Permit for a  new 84 foot by 200 foot riding arena located at 91 Bethway Road;

 

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

 

1)                  Lynn Fox, Quinnipiack Valley Health District representative, submitted a letter to the Commission dated August 22, 2013, in which she approves the new riding arena. 

2)                  The Inland Wetlands Commission issued Permit #1202 on August 26, 2013, for the construction and associated filling for an 84 foot by 200 foot riding arena located     91 Bethway Road;

3)                  The Planning and Zoning Commission received correspondence from Ronald Walters of the South Central Regional Water Authority dated August 7, 2013, stating that the storage of manure should conform to the State of Connecticut Public Health Code (see letter).

4)                  Rod White, Fire Marshal, signed off on the back of the application form on        August 30, 2013, indicating his approval.

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that pursuant to Section 4.4.E. of the Zoning Regulations of the Town of Bethany, effective December 7, 2011, Application #2013-018 from Elizabeth Doering, the Commission hereby approves the Special Exception Permit to construct a new 84 foot by 200 foot riding arena located at 91 Bethway Road, as shown on the following plans prepared by Megson & Heagle of Glastonbury, Connecticut:

a)       “Boundary & Overall Plan”, dated October 16, 2012, revised to July 19, 2013.

b)      “Site Plan”, dated October 16, 2012, revised to July 19, 2013.

c)      “Erosion & Sediment Control Notes & Details”, dated July 19, 2013, with no revisions.

 

and with the following conditions:

 

1)      Any new lighting shall be full-cut off lighting.

2)      All manure shall be stored in a covered dumpster and shall be removed as needed and comply with the Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut.  There shall be no stockpiling of manure.

3)      Eliminate Condition #4 from the Special Exception Permit approved on October 13, 1993, recorded on the Land Records, Volume 103, Page 43.

4)      Existing outdoor arena lighting will not be used past 8:00 p.m.  Should a complaint arise in the future, the Planning and Zoning Commission reserves the right to revisit the issue to review or require full cut-off lighting.

Brinton recused herself.

      Vote 5 to 0.

      Voting for:  Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Shea, Sullivan.

      Unanimous approval.

 

2.      31 Rolling Green Road, Application #2013-021 submitted by Christopher Kiley for a Special Exception Permit for an Accessory Apartment

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.

 

It was moved by Goldner and seconded by Sullivan to approve the following resolution for Application #2013-021:

 

Whereas, Christopher Kiley applied to the Commission on September 4, 2013, for a Special Exception Permit for an accessory apartment with 529 feet of floor area located at 31 Rolling Green Road;

 

Whereas, the Planning and Zoning Commission opened a hearing on Application #2013-021 for an accessory apartment located at 31 Rolling Green Road on October 2, 2013.  Said hearing was closed at the conclusion of testimony that same evening;

 

Now Therefore, the Planning and Zoning Commission makes the following findings of fact and decisions regarding the application:

 

1.      The Commission received an e-mail from Lynn Fox, representative of Quinnipiack Valley Health District, which states that they can recommend approval of the accessory apartment based on the attached floor plan submitted August 9, 2013.

2.      Rod White, Fire Marshal, signed off on the back of the application form indicating his approval on September 23, 2013.  However, he noted that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are required.

3.      The application and Statement of Use dated September 9, 2013, demonstrate that the proposed accessory apartment would contain only 529 square feet of living space, and the Town of Bethany Zoning Regulations allows a maximum of 700 square feet of living space.

4.      The Planning and Zoning Commission finds that the Special Exception Permit Application for an after-the-fact accessory apartment at 31 Rolling Green Road complies with Section 4.4.J. of the Bethany Zoning Regulations and satisfies the intent of the Regulations, as it is wholly contained within the existing structure.

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that pursuant to Section 4.4.J. of the Bethany Zoning Regulations, amended to December 7, 2011, the Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission approves the application of Christopher Kiley for a Special Exception Permit for a 529 square foot accessory apartment located at 31 Rolling Green Road (#2013-021) as shown on the floor plan submitted August 9, 2013, by the applicant and as per the statement of use dated August 9, 2013;          

 

And with the following conditions:

 

1)                 The owner of the property shall provide to the Commission an annual affidavit, due prior to occupancy of the apartment and during the month of January each year, to the effect that the accessory apartment continues to be in full compliance with Section 4.4.J. of the Bethany Zoning Regulations.

2)                 Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are required by the Fire Marshal.

3)                 An after-the-fact building permit must be received by the building official to assure that the apartment complies with all building codes.

      Vote 5 to 0.

      Voting for:  Brinton, Amadeo, Calhoun, Goldner, Sullivan.

      Unanimous approval.

 

 

3.      Continue discussion and possible action to set public hearing date regarding proposed amendments to the Zoning Regulations on accessory buildings, signage for larger parcels, home occupation permits, etc. -  Tabled.

 

 

4.      Continue discussion on Village DistrictsTabled.

 

 

5.      Discuss increasing application fees   Tabled.

 

 

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Goldner to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:45 p.m.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

For the Planning and Zoning Commission

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Page 1 of 3

 

DRAFT

 

Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Aileen Magda

Visitors:  Robert Brinton Jr., William Brinton, Eric Frieden

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:35 pm.  All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.  The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.  Check signing was the first order of business.

First Selectwoman Gorski  moved to go out of order of the agenda to allow Eric Frieden to give his presentation of Solar Lights for Veterans Memorial Park.  All Selectmen agreed.

SOLAR LIGHTS FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

Eric Frieden, Chairman of the Clean Energy Task Force was present to discuss with the Selectmen, points earned through the Neighbor to Neighbor  Program.  This program was to raise energy awareness within the community.   Bethany earned $4,600 in points.   The Committee would like to use the points earned to install a solar spot lights on the sign at the entrance of Veteran’s Memorial Park.  There would be no expense to the Town.  The sign will be lighted from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm each night.  Following discussion Selectwoman Magda moved to authorize Clean Energy Task Force to use rewards to put solar spot lights on either side of the sign at the entrance of Veterans Memorial Park and to meet all Town approvals.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

BETHANY CEMETERY COMMITTEE

The Selectmen opened discussion with William Brinton regarding repair of the head and foot stones at Carrington Cemetery as discussed with the Bethany Cemetery Committee.  William met with Skip Clark two years ago to get an idea of cost for repair.  William met with Mr. Clark recently to firm up the quotation.  Mr. Clark quoted $1,585 to repair thirty-eight stones in Carrinton Cemetery.  The Board of Selectmen would like Mr. Clark to attach a reference list of stones to repair to his quotation.  Following discussion Selectman Shea moved to authorize the spending of $1585 from the Carrington Cemetery Fund  for the repair of 38 head and foot stones at Carrington Cemetery and move the recommendation to the Board of Finance for final approval.  Selectman Magda seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

BETHANY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OIL

The Selectmen discussed with William Brinton the possibility of buying oil for the Bethany Historical Society through the Town of Bethany oil bid as they did several years ago.  The Historical Society uses 800 gallons a year to heat their building.  Discussion followed on method of reimbursement to the Town for the oil purchased.  First Selectwoman Gorski will check with the oil company to see if this is possible for this oil season since the Town bid is based on the number of gallons purchased.  If the Town should exceed the estimated gallons used for the bidding process they could be charged a penalty.  Selectman Shea moved a motion to allow the Bethany Historical Society to share the savings the Town gets on the purchase of oil if possible this year.  Selectwoman Magda seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

DISTRICT ANIMAL CONTROL

The Selectmen discussed operation of the District Animal Control now being managed by the Woodbridge Board of Selectmen for the towns of Woodbridge and Bethany.  The Board discussed cost of operation when there were four towns sharing in the cost of operations.  Selectwoman Magda suggested appointing Animal Control Liaisons.  The names of Pat Rubin and Liz Smith were suggested as they have a great love for animals.  The Selectmen all agreed with having Pat and Liz visit the facility and reporting back in 30 days. 

 

WAIVE PRINT PUBLICATION OF BIDS FOR GYM CEILING

The Selectmen opened discussion regarding Waiving Print Publication of Bids for Gym Ceiling.  First Selectwoman Gorski explained that this method of posting the bid for replacement of the gym ceiling would eliminate costly advertising in the newspaper.  The specs would be posted on our website and the State of Connecticut website as well as making calls to local contractors.  Motion moved by Selectwoman Magda and seconded by Selectman Shea to waive print publication of bids for gym ceiling.  Unanimous vote of approval.

 

 WAIVE PRINT PUBLICATION OF BIDS FOR TOWN HALL ROOF REPLACEMENT

The Selectmen opened discussion regarding Waiving Print Publication of Bids for Town Hall Roof Replacement.  First Selectwoman Gorski explained that this method of posting the bid for replacement of the gym ceiling would eliminate costly advertising in the newspaper.  The specs would be posted on our website and the State of Connecticut website as well as making calls to local contractors.  Motion moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectwoman Magda  to waive print publication of bids for gym ceiling.  Unanimous vote of approval.

 

TAX REFUNDS

Selectwoman Magda moved to refund to the following for overpayment of taxes:

Todd Stearne $6.11, Robert Defeo $18.88, Rachael Anderson $77.41, Philip Allen $5.38, Matthew Voloshin $49.19, Jane Tedeschi $2.34, Financial Ser Veh Trust $218.93, Edwin or Sharon Cox $6.28, Deborah Haze $14.18, Christopher Defeo $15.75, Cab East, LLC $305.15, B & B Transportation, Inc $9.24 and Andre or Mary Sofair $10.15.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOWN CLERK’S LIBRARY GRANT

Town Clerk Nancy McCarthy is applying for a State Library Grant.  It is requested that the Board of Selectmen pass a resolution authorizing this grant.  Selectman Shea moved the following resolution for the Town Clerk’s Library Grant: 

 

RESOLVED:  That Derrylyn Gorski, First Selectwoman, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant. 

 

Selectwoman Magda seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

 

TOWN OFFICERS MEETING

The Selectmen discussed method of calling a Town Officers Meeting according to ordinance.  Questions were asked of Town Counsel regarding  subjects that could be discussed.

 

COFFEE WITH THE SELECTMEN

Having coffee with the Selectmen was discussed.  It was determined that a special meeting would be posted for 6:45 pm. On a night that coffee would be served.   Another agenda would be posted for the regular meeting of 7:30 pm. 

 

MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MOVE 6TH GRADE

Selectman Shea and Selectwoman Magda would like a meeting with the Selectmen and Board of Education regarding moving the 6th grade to the Junior High School.  First Selectwoman Gorski explained moving of the 6th grade to the Junior High was a decision of the Board of Education.  Selectwoman Magda and Selectman Shea would like a meeting where the Selectmen could discuss this matter with the Board of Education.  More information will be needed to see how this can be accomplished. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 7:55 pm after a motion was moved by Selectwoman Magda and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen