Wednesday, November 9, 2016



MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDA
The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:43p.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
         Nancy Scanlon, Alternate Member, seated as a voting member
 
The following members of the Commission were absent:
         Roger Hathaway, Member
         Brian Smith, Member
         Lisa Gaw, Member
 
 Also present was:
         Isabel Kearns, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer
 
 
NEW BUSINESS 
 
  1. 357 and 375 Sperry Road, Application #1272 submitted by James P. Horbury (Eagle Scout) for an IW Application to alter approximately 600 feet of trail and install footbridges
     
    The Commission formally received the application.  No one present to speak on behalf of the application.
     
    Commission members would like to visit the site.
     
    Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, November 28, 2016.  Tabled.
     
     
    It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Scanlon to add the following application to the agenda for receipt by the Inland Wetlands Commission.
    Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Scanlon.
    Unanimous approval.
     
  2. 39 Porter Hill Road, Application #1273 submitted by David Christensen for an IW Permit to repair and maintenance of pond
     
    The Commission formally received the application.  No one present to speak on behalf of the application.
     
    Commission members would like to visit the site.
     
    Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, November 28, 2016.  Tabled.
     
     
     
    OLD BUSINESS
     
  1. 153 AMITY ROAD, Application #1265 submitted by Mark Sette for an IW Application for a Site Plan Approval – 2 Contractor Storage Buildings – 1 Building to have 1-Unit residential component – Present for this application was Mark Sette, applicant and owner of record.  Due to the absence of 3 members, it was the consensus of the Commission to defer the deliberation of this application until the next regular meeting on Monday, November 28, 2016.  Tabled.
 
 
  1. Continue Show Cause Hearing regarding Cease and Desist Order, dated June 17, 2016, to Stephen Mana of 139 Beacon Road
 
Mr. Mana contacted the clerk to say he would not be able to attend the meeting due to a work commitment.
 
Member Sullivan stated that she, Member Hathaway and Member Smith walked the property on October 19, 2016, and did not notice any new disturbance or excavation.  Other items noticed were a large pile of brush in the wetlands close to Horse Shoe Hill Road and Beacon Road which should be removed to allow vegetation to grow, the wetland crossing is an old crossing, and no evidence of new fill.
 
The Commission would like Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to prepare and send letter to Mr. Steve Mana to remove the brush in the northeast corner of the property, do not expand driveway and crossing any further and continue to keep area undisturbed.
 
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Scanlon to rescind the Cease and Desist Order, dated June 17, 2016, to Stephen Mana for his property located at 139 Beacon Road.  Unanimous approval.
 
 
  1. Discussion regarding Raccio Drive – Proposal from Diversified Technology ConsultantsTabled.
 
 
  1. 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 permit
 
No one was present for this item.  Mr. John Garcia did receive a copy of the letter from consultant, Michael Klein of Environmental Planning Services, dated October 20, 2016, Re:  Comments on review of latest plan submitted for 10 Northrop Road.  Tabled.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1. Discussion regarding Bethany West clearing.  (Letter from Roman Mrozinski of the
    Southwest Conservation District)Tabled.
     
  2. 185 Beacon Road, Discussion with Daniel Cusano regarding non-permitted barn
Commission members would like to meet with Mr. Cusano at property and review recommendations from Roman Mrozinski of Southwest Conservation District, in a letter dated November 26, 2012.
Tabled.
 
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
  1. It was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Sullivan to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the September 26, 2016, Regular Meeting.
    Voting for:  Breslin, Sullivan, Scanlon.
    Unanimous approval.
     
  2. It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Breslin to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the October 19, 2016, Special Meeting/Site Visit.
    Voting for:  Breslin, Sullivan, Scanlon.
    Unanimous approval.
 
 
BILLS
 
  1. It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Scanlon to approve the payment of an invoice dated September 29, 2016, from Martin Brogie, Inc. Environmental Services, Madison, Connecticut for $500.00 for professional services for 153 Amity Road.
    Voting were:  Breslin, Sullivan, Scanlon.
    Unanimous approval.
     
     
CORRESPONDENCE
 
  1. Letter from Ronald Walters, South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, dated October 20, 2016, Re:  Comments on review of 357 and 375 Sperry Road, trail relocation.
  2. Letter from Michael Klein of Environmental Planning Services, dated October 20, 2016, Re:  Comments on review of latest plan submitted for 10 Northrop Road.
  3. Copy of letter to Alan Green, Director of Public Works, from property owners near Blackberry Ridge Road, dated September 24, 2016, Re:  Base of Blackberry Ridge Road in need of repair.
  4. Letter from DEEP to RWA, dated September 16, 2016, Re:  Repairs to Lake Chamberlain Dam, Bethany.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
 
  1. Soil and Water, Fall 2016 Newsletter.
  2. 2015-16 Annual Report, Southwest Conservation District, Inc.
      
 
SCHEDULE SITE VISIT
The Commission will schedule a site visit and include 357/375 Sperry Road, 39 Porter Hill Road, Lebanon Road, 185 Beacon Road and Woodward property.  The clerk will email members to narrow down possible date.
 
OTHER BUSINESS
67/71 Mesa Drive – The Commission will continue to work with Mesa Drive property owners and meet with the First Selectwoman to discuss.  Tabled.
 
 
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Sullivan
and seconded by Scanlon to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Unanimous approval.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
 
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
for the Inland Wetlands Commission  
 
 
 
 
Y, OCTOBER 24, 2016                                             Page 1 of 5


BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 27, 2016


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APPROVED
Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Robert Brinton Jr., Sharon Huxley, John Ford IV, Chip Spear, Sally Huyser
Visitors:  Thomas Broesler, Michael Battista, 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 a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of July 12, 2016.  The motion of approval was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Robert Brinton Jr.  There was no amendments or corrections to the minutes.   The minutes were accepted on a unanimous vote.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Grabowski gave a brief report to the Board of Finance regarding the recent Amity Finance Committee meeting.  Insurance claims for the last quarter of the 2015-16 fiscal year had been high.  They seem to be leveling off at this time. 
No date has been set for the Amity Bond Issue Hearing or Referendum.  It will be sometime after the Presidential Election. 
Amity has closed their books.  Bethany will be receiving $154,000 which is Bethany’s percentage of the surplus for the 2015-16 fiscal year.    
FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S REPORT
First Selectwoman Gorski updated the Board of Finance regarding Local Capital Improvement Projects (LOCIP) that are being done with this money.  The generator switch has been installed.  The network wiring is just about complete.  The Gazebo repair is in progress.  Plans for the Foyer renovations are just about complete. 
First Selectwoman Gorski and Tom Broesler are working on the preliminary application for the Bond Anticipation Notes for the school roof project, the fire truck, salt shed and fire department radio system.  The final cost of the fire department radio system is not known.  Only one bid was received.  Board members reviewed the bid sheet.  There are many questions yet to be answered before the bid can be accepted. 
FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Tom Broesler distributed budgetary and revenue reports for fiscal year 2015-16.  The Board reviewed the reports.  Board members questioned the closing balances for accuracy for the salary accounts of the Selectmen, Tax Collector, Town Clerk.  The budget of the Police was discussed regarding the ($123,091) balance and how the revenues would be transferred to balance out this account.  Accounts discussed were Contracted Services, Contingency, Solid Waste, Board of Education Gas and Diesel, Repairs and Supplies, Park and Recreation, Library, Employee’s Medical Insurance, Firemen’s Retirement, and Payroll.   The Payroll Tax account will be given credit from the Police Revenue account.  Large payroll for police duty from tree trimming caused the Payroll Tax account to be over spent.  Revenue received from tree trimming will offset this overage. 
Math errors in the sub totals for Public Safety and Health were noted, which caused the total General Fund numbers to be incorrect. 
Sharon Huxley questioned Tom as to when they could expect a report with final numbers.  She also questioned why the Board had not received a report for the 2016-17 fiscal year yet.  The next meeting of the Board of Finance was set as a Special Meeting for October 18, 2016. The regularly scheduled meeting of October 12, 2016 will be canceled.   Board members requested an updated corrected report sent to them a week before the meeting so that they would have time to look at it and get answers to questions they may have before the meeting.    
The Board briefly discussed procedure for budget preparation for the 2017-18 fiscal year budget.  They would like to set a meeting for all department heads to be held before November 15, 2016.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:40 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 FINANCE

OCTOBER 18, 2016


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DRAFT
Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Sharon Huxley, Robert Brinton Jr., Sally Huyser, John Ford IV
Visitors:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Thomas Broesler, Robert McSherry, Melissa Spear
Chairman Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:00 09 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 27, 2016.  The motion of approval was moved by Robert Brinton Jr. and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  Robert Brinton moved to amend the minutes as follows:
Accounts discussed were Contracted Services, Contingency, Solid Waste, Board of Education Gas and Diesel, Repairs and Supplies, Park and Recreation, Library, Employee’s Medical Insurance, Firemen’s Retirement, and Payroll.   The Payroll Tax account will be given credit from the Police Revenue account.  Large payroll for police duty from tree trimming caused the Payroll Tax account to be over spent.  Revenue received from tree trimming will offset this overage. 
Math errors in the sub totals for Public Safety and Health were noted, which caused the total General Fund numbers to be incorrect. 
The amended minutes were then accepted on a unanimous vote.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Grabowski attended the Amity Finance Committee meeting held this month at the Bethany Junior High School.  Figures for next year’s enrollment were given.  Bethany’s enrollment will be down 19 students from this year’s enrollment.  If Amity’s budget did not increase, Bethany’s portion would be down .71% over this present fiscal year or $328,457.   It was reported that there is approximately a $290,000 surplus so far in the 2016-17 fiscal year budget.  They intend to continue with self- insuring the medical insurance for next fiscal year. 
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
Robert McSherry was present to discuss with the Board of Finance the report of Paul Zito, the radio consultant for the Firemen’s Radio System.  Robert indicated that if the Town of Bethany Highway Department did some of the digging the total cost for installation and equipment would be approximately $1,500,000.  This system would give the Town approximately 95% coverage.  He did however suggest that the Town should recommend to the Town Meeting the sum of $1,750,000 to cover any unexpected issues that might occur.  All plans would have to be approved by the Siting Council.
 
 
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Tom Broesler, Finance Director distributed a Revenue and Expenditure report he had prepared for the Board of Finance, for fiscal year 2015-16.  Modifications made to payroll accounts, changed from the last report given to the Board of Finance at their last meeting were questioned.    He was asked about progress on finding new financial software.     
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:30 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by John Ford IV.  The vote taken was unanimous.
 
                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,
                                                                                                June G. Riley
                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
 



BOARD OF SELECTMEN

OCTOBER 11, 2016


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DRAFT
Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Clark Hurlburt
Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry, Fran Doba, Tom Cigas, Linda Guerra, Nicholas Guerra, Andrew Seaton, Liam Connors, Eric Freedon, Robert Reinwald, Robby Reinwald, Evan Whittman, Todd Whitman
First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:30 p.m. She recognizing the Cub Scouts present working on a badge and asked them to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of September 26, 2016.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  Since there were no changes to the minutes First Selectwoman Gorski called the vote.  The vote taken was unanimous. 
ADDITION TO AGENDA
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to add Solar Panels to the agenda of this meeting.  The motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to add Memorial Benches to the agenda of this meeting.  The motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.
SOLAR PANELS
Eric Frieden gave a presentation to the Board of Selectman regarding placement of solar panels at the Airport, to be used to power the Hangar and well pump at that location.  There are two grants available for the project.
1) As part of the Solar Challenge that was held in Bethany in 2013, we had an agreement with Aegis based on the number and size of installations. We earned a 5KW system worth ~$17,500.
2) Bethany is part of the Clean Energy Communities program and has earned "points" in the Renewable Energy Track. These incentives are being discontinued and must be redeemed by Dec. 31, 2016. The earned can be redeemed for clean energy projects. Bethany has earned points.
 The panels would be placed within fifty foot of the hangar.  Selectman Shea suggested checking with members of the Bethany Horsemen before putting in the unit to make sure it will not conflict with their activities.   
 
 
Following discussion Selectman Hurlburt moved to apply for the project for 7.32 KW Photovoltaic System to be installed at the Hangar location.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.
MEMORIAL BENCHES
Tom Cigas a resident of Bethany brought to the Board of Selectmen an idea he had about placing memorial benches at Veterans Memorial Park at various locations around the lake.  Tom would like to place one there in memory of his wife who passed away last year.  He distributed booklet with several types of benches made of recycled plastic for the Selectmen to choose a suitable bench if approved. First Selectwoman thought that perhaps Park and Recreation should be in on the choice of bench.   The benches could be engraved with the name of the person to whom the bench was given in memory of.  The Selectmen liked the idea.  A discussion followed regarding ways to anchor the benches to prevent vandalism.  The building official would be consulted for this information.  Selectman Hurlburt moved a motion to approve the concept of memorial benches at Veterans Memorial Park and to get approval from the Build Official as to proper installation of the benches.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.
MAJOR ROAD UPDATE
First Selectwoman Gorski gave an update on the Major Road projects.  The paving is almost complete for Munson Road and Carriage Drive.  Miller Road chip sealing has been completed.
LACY ROAD WELLS
The Town received a complaint regarding high sodium in some wells in the Lacy Road/Knollwood Road area.  The Town has called QVHD to do further investigation.  DEEP will run some testing on other wells in the area.
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Andrew Seaton was present to ask the Board of Selectmen for suggestions regarding Eagle Scout projects he might do for the Town.  Various suggestions were made i.e. power washing of the Center Station, painting of windows, possible construction for a town seal on the building. First Selectwoman Gorski suggested the possibility of taking part in the Community Connectivity Road Safety Audit Program which would make walking trails along Amity Road.
SPECIAL DAY FOR CUB SCOUTS TO SHADOW FIRST SELECTMAN
Scout Leader James Seaton asked First Selectwoman Gorski if the Cub Scouts in his troop might shadow the First Selectman for part of a day. 
 
 
 
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:25 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