Tuesday, January 12, 2016


BOARD OF FINANCE

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Page 1 of 2

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Sharon Huxley, Chip Spear, Sally Huyser, Robert Brinton Jr., John Ford IV

Visitors:  Thomas Broesler, First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:08 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for motion to approve the following minutes:

May 5, 2015:       Motion moved by Chip Spear and seconded by Sally Huyser.  There were no changes to the minutes.  They were accepted on a unanimous vote.

September 15, 2015:  Motion moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Robert Brinton Jr.  Correction made by Robert Brinton Jr. to add the word an on second page near SWARK.  The minutes were then accepted on a unanimous vote.

October 6, 2015:  Motion moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by Chip Spear to accept as written.  The vote taken was unanimous.

October 13, 2015:  Motion by John Ford IV and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  Minutes were amended regarding the library grant writer.

May 27, 2015:  Motion by Sally Huyser and seconded by Robert Brinton Jr.  The vote was called to accept the minutes as written.  There were four yes votes and two abstentions that of Sharon Huxley and John Ford IV as they were both absent from that meeting.

July 8, 2015:  Motion by Robert Brinton Jr. and seconded by John Ford IV to accept the minutes as written.  The vote taken was five yes votes and one abstention that of Sally Huyser as she was absent from that meeting.

November 10, 2015:  Motion by John Ford IV and seconded by Sally Huyser.  The minutes were amended by adding the First Selectwoman had told the Board members about the new refrigerator at the Lakeview Lodge for informational purposes only.  The amended minutes were approved on a unanimous vote.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

There was no Chairman’s Report as the Finance Board will meet next week.

AUDITORS

The auditors have met with Coleen Murray the new superintendent regarding the school portion of the audit and the report from Hooker and Holcolme.   The actuaries report has not been completed for the school’s portion of the audit. 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Tom Broesler gave the Board members a financial report.  The report did not include payroll interface or revenues.  After a review Board members asked if the report could be sent electronically to them a few days prior to the meeting.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

First Selectwoman Gorski reported on the Troop I threatened closing.  Of the nineteen towns served by Troope I, sixteen of them have their own police departments.  The Legislature will vote on this within the next few days.

The Board of Education has informed the Town that they will be reimbursed 37% for the security cameras from the State for a refund to the Town of $13,000.

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 7:55 p.m. after a motion was moved by Chip Spear and seconded by Sally Huyser.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 21, 2015

Page 1 of 3

DRAFT

 

Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Clark Hurlburt, Selectman Donald Shea

Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry, Fran Doba, Robert McSherry

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:35 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

November 10, 2015:  A motion of approval was moved by Selectman Hurlburt to approve the minutes of the meeting.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote for approval was two yes votes and one abstention that of Selectman Shea as he was absent from that meeting.

TAX REFUNDS

Selectman Shea moved to refund to Connecticut Branches the sum of $1,949.21 for overpayment of taxes.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

LOCAL CAPITAL ROAD PLAN

A motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea to accept the LOCIP Road Plan for fiscal year 2014-2016.  The following roads were accepted for the LOCIP Road Plan for fiscal year 2014-201:  Downs Road, Schaffer Road and Peck Road.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

TROOPE I CLOSING

First Selectwoman Gorski reported that the State of Connecticut Legislature has decided against the closing of Troop I at this time.  The suggested closing was part of the Governor’s plan to reduce the State budget deficit. 

CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence was received from Ryan Buford asking permission to trap on Town property.  After a discussion regarding this matter it was determined that the Selectmen did not want to have anyone trapping on Town owner property because of the liability. J

MEYERS ROAD

First Selectwoman Gorski did some research on the environmental impact using millings to regrade Meyers Road.  Some of the residents living on this road had complained about the millings, as they thought it was against the rural road ordinance to put them on this rural dirt road.  The findings were that there is no environmental impact. 

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 7:45 p.m. Selectman Shea moved to go into Executive Session and to invite Robert McSherry and Attorney McSherry to stay for the session.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.   At 8:10 p.m. Selectman Hurlburt moved to exit the executive session.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 After exiting the session Selectman Shea moved to authorize the First Selectwoman to negotiate and enter into a lease agreement with Channel 8 to allow the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department to place a communications antenna on their tower.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

A motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt for First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski to authorize and enter into a letter of intent with Paul Zito, to complete RFP for radio system for the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department and authorize Paul Zito to be retained for evaluation of the RFP subject to Bethany Volunteer Fire Department approval with price not to exceed $5,000.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.

ADJOURNMENT

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

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                               

June G. Riley

                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2015                                           Page 1 of 6

The regular meeting was scheduled for Monday, December 28, 2015, and was postponed and is being reconvened this evening.

 

The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:36 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.

 

The following members of the Commission were present:

         Alexandra Breslin, Chair

         Kristine Sullivan, Vice-Chair

         Brian Smith, Member

         Roger Hathaway, Member

 

The following members of the Commission were absent:

         Lisa Gaw, Member

         Nancy Scanlon, Alternate Member

 

Also present was:

         Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1)      53 Atwater Road, Application #1258 submitted by NHB and Associates, LLC for an IW Permit to cross brook, clear timber, remediation of site

 

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was Derek Iwaszkiewicz, representative for NHB & Associates LLC.

 

Mr. Iwaszkiewicz briefly reviewed the proposed project and noted in discussion:

·         Moving forward with Licensed Environmental Professional and Engineer to remediate the property.

·         Would like to cut trees legally to prepare for remediation.

·         No wetlands crossing at this time.

·         Submitted a seven page packet entitled “Bethany Agricultural Center”.

·         Submitted a three page packet with cover page “Family Home Plans”.

 

In discussion, Commission members noted:

·         Applicant would like to just cut timber at this time.

·         Commission would like to see development plan to fully understand what is being proposed.

·         Applicant has asked to cross brook, clear timber and grub site on application form.

·         Misunderstanding in application.

·         Chair Breslin would like applicant to withdraw application and she will speak to Town Counsel regarding this site.

 

Mr. Iwaszkiewicz submitted a letter of withdrawal, dated December 29, 2015, and will reapply in the future.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1.      99 Round Hill Road, Application #1254 submitted by Hunter Freeman for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a driveway

 

Present to speak on behalf of this application was Alan Shepard, P.E., of Nowakowski, O’Bymachow and Kane, representing the Freemans’. 

 

Also in attendance were Peter Sulkis, Intervenor and his attorney, Marjorie Shansky.

 

Mr. Shepard stated he has been in communication with Mr. Sulkis and Attorney Shansky and submitted a copy of what correspondence has been sent to Mr. Sulkis and Attorney Shansky, dated December 22, 2015.

 

Also, Mr. Shepard submitted a letter from Alan Shepard, P.E., of NOK, submitted    December 22, 2015, Re:  Response to Diversified Technology Consultants letter dated November 17, 2015, 99 Round Hill Road and reviewed with the Commission.

 

The Commission received a letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated  December 28, 2015, Re:  Comments on review of revised plans dated through December 15, 2015, for 99 Round Hill Road, Application #1254 and reviewed.

 

Attorney Majorie Shanksy noted the following:

·         Concerns with the limits of clearing on the driveway.   Have been working with       Al Shepard to do plantings to create vegetated buffer for driveway.

·         Concerned with drainage plan monitoring or observance over time.  Would like to have maintenance plan recorded on land records.  Would like a more robust maintenance plan.

 

The Commission would like to refer the draft drainage maintenance plan to Town Counsel for review.

 

Mr. Shepard submitted a letter of consent to extension of 35 days to act on said application, dated December 29, 2015.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, January 25, 2016.  Tabled.

 

 

2.      304 Wooding Hill Road, Application #1256 submitted by Barbara Welker-Griggs for an IW Permit for a Site Plan Review

 

Present for this discussion was John Paul Garcia, P.E., representing the applicant, Barbara Welker-Griggs who was also present.

 

Mr. Garcia explained that this is a first split of the property and there is an application in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission for a Special Exception Permit for a rear lot. 

 

 

The Commission feels Mr. Garcia should withdraw the application.

 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Hathaway that it is the consensus of the Inland Wetlands Commission after reviewing the plans revised to December 8, 2015, submitted by Barbara Welker-Griggs for property located at 304 Wooding Hill Road, the lot split should have no adverse impact at this time but it is required that a note shall be placed on the record map and the deed that prior to the site development of Parcel B, the site development plans shall be submitted to the Bethany Inland Wetlands Commission for review and appropriate Commission action.

Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Smith, Hathaway.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

3.      33 Old Amity Road, Application #1257 submitted by Manuel Preta for an IW Permit for a modification to Permit #1241 to change size of building -

 

Present to speak on behalf of this application was Wayne Zirolli, P.E., representing the applicant Manuel Preta.  

 

The Commission received a letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated  December 28, 2015, Re:  Comments on review of application for 33 Old Amity Road, Application #1257.

 

Mr. Zirolli submitted a Sketch Plan with fill quantities showing the fill that was hauled in from Route 67 and Route 63.  Also, Mr. Zirolli spoke with Town Attorney McSherry and his client, Mr. Preta, agreed to not bring any more material on site.  The Commission asked if the soil brought on site was tested.  Isabel Kearns, IWEO, stated she is in discussion with the State DOT regarding what testing needs to be done.

 

Mr. Zirolli reviewed the drainage plan.

Mr. Zirolli will revise plans in accordance with comments from DTC letter dated    December 28, 2015 and submit for next meeting.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, January 25, 2016.  Tabled.

 

 

4.      Continue Show Cause Hearing regarding Cease and Desist Order, dated       October 21, 2014, to Mrs. Bitina Patel of 10 Northrop Road, extension of patio, stonewall along the pond, waterfall and clear cutting of trees within the 150-foot upland review area without permitTabled.

 

 

5.      Revisit site in November the continue discussion regarding road and overland run-off across 37 Hilltop Road (DeCesare) down to Route 69 -  Tabled.

 

 

 

 

6.      Discussion regarding Bethany West clearing.  (Letter from Roman Mrozinski of the

Southwest Conservation District)Tabled.

 

 

7.      185 Beacon Road, Discussion with Daniel Cusano regarding non-permitted barn

Tabled.

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

1.      Approval of the minutes of the Monday, November 30, 2015, Regular Meeting, was tabled for further review.  Tabled.

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

1)      Letter from Town Clerk Nancy McCarthy, dated November 10, 2015, Re:  Request for schedule of regular meetings for 2016 with attached draft. (Tabled at November 30, 2015, meeting) 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith to approve, as amended, the draft schedule for regular meeting dates for year of 2016 as requested by Nancy McCarthy, Town Clerk, in a letter dated November 10, 2015.

Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Smith, Hathaway.

Unanimous approval.

 

2)      Letter from Alan Shepard, P.E., of NOK, submitted December 22, 2015, Re:  Response to DTC letter dated November 17, 2015, 99 Round Hill Road.

3)      Letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated December 28, 2015, Re:  Comments on review of revised plans dated through December 15, 2015, for 99 Round Hill Road, Application #1254.

4)      Letter from Diversified Technology Consultants, dated December 28, 2015, Re:  Comments on review of application for 33 Old Amity Road, Application #1257.

5)      Email from Dennis Colwell of 94 Downs Road, dated November 30, 2015, Re:  Request for refund of Application #1247 for 94 Downs Road.

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Smith that with the withdrawal of Application #1247 submitted by Dennis Colwell for property located at 94 Downs Road and no expenditures by the Inland Wetlands Commission for legal notice or engineering review that the application fee be returned.

Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Smith, Hathaway.

Unanimous approval.

 

6)      Letter from DEEP dated December 16, 2015, Re: 2015 Legislation and Regulation Advisory, Public Act No. 15-85-An Act concerning court operations and the claim against the state of Lori Calvert and 15-68-An Act validating the action of a municipal assessor, extending the filing deadline for certain property tax exemptions and concerning notice requirements for zoning applicants.

 

 

 

PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

 

1)      Connecticut Federation of Lakes, Fall 2015.

2)      Latest edition of the “Registry of Soil Scientists” dated 2015.

 

 

ENFORCEMENT OFFICER REPORTS AND APPROPRIATE COMMISSION ACTION

 

SCHEDULE SITE VISIT  None.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Chair Breslin stated that she would like to have an informal meeting with Commission members to discuss upcoming year (2016) regarding procedures and other items.

 

Also Chair Breslin stated she received a proposal from Andy Bevilacqua of Diversified Technology Consultants regarding drainage at Raccio Drive after meeting with him.  The clerk will add this item to the agenda for January 25, 2016.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Hathaway

and seconded by Smith to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

for the Inland Wetlands Commission

 

 

Bethany Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes (Unapproved)

 

December 10, 2015

 

Bruce Loomis called the meeting to order at 8:07. Also in attendance were Cathy Rives and Matthew Popp. Absent were Brian Eitzer, Shaukat Kahn, and Patsy Winer. Dorothy Seaton has resigned her position due to conflicting obligations for the Board of Ed. Bruce appointed Matthew to vote in place of Brian. Also present was Louis Harter to discuss concerns regarding scenic roads.

 

Prior to the meeting, Patsy gave Bruce copies of Bethany’s Scenic Road Ordinance. Bruce distributed them to the Commission for us to read through. Louise gave valuable input about scenic roads, which the Commission discussed. It was decided to table further discussion until the next meeting.

 

The November meeting minutes were reviewed. Bruce moved to approve on condition that in regards to Mr. Woodward’s engineer’s report, “Open Space” be corrected to “Open Space/Steep Slopes”. Matthew seconded. Bruce moved to accept the minutes as corrected. All were in favor.

 

There was no new correspondence or bills received by the Commission. Bruce submitted a letter to the town clerk for reimbursement of expenses for those that attended the 2015 CACIWC conference. Those that attended were Bruce, Brian, and Matthew.

 

Nothing new had happened regarding Mr. Woodward’s proposal because of a technicality with the earth removal permit.

 

There was nothing new about Woodhaven Country Club.

 

The Peck Road affordable housing application was denied.

 

Despite numerous calls and messages to the CT DOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and Senator Joe Crisco, Matthew is still unsuccessful in determining if there is a federal mandate about painting double yellow lines on roads. He will keep trying.

 

The Commission took a preliminary look at land use maps supplied by Hiram Peck for later use.

 

Bruce proposed the suggestion of adding a regulation for freestanding solar panels. Discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

 

Bruce moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:09. Cathy seconded, and all were in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Matthew Popp, Secretary pro tempore