Tuesday, January 24, 2017


BOARD OF SELECTMEN
JANUARY 9, 2017                   

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DRAFT
Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Clark Hurlburt
Visitors:  James Roman, Francis Doba, Attorney Kevin McSherry
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was call to order at 7:40 P.M.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room in the Bethany Town Hall.    The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of December 12, 2016.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  There were no changes to the minutes.  The minutes were then approved on a unanimous vote. 
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the special meeting of December 22, 2016.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous. 
TAX REFUNDS
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to approve tax refunds to the following:
JP Morgan Chase for $183.11, to Paul Tomaski for $5.79, Toyta Lease Trust $151.41, and to Zhijie Yan & Lei Zhang $3,093.65 all for overpayment of taxes. 
The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST CONGREGATIONAL CEMETERY
James Roman representing the First Church of Christ Congregational Cemetery Committee explained to the Selectmen that the church is experiencing financial difficulties and would like to turn the Congregational burying grounds on Amity Road over to the Town of Bethany.  Jim was not sure what the Trust Fund balance was.  Jim explained there are maps and records of burials and vacant graves.  The Selectmen agreed to take the concept to the Board of Finance for their approval.  The actual acceptance would have to be completed at a Town Meeting. 
ROADSIDE TREE TRIMMING
First Selectwoman Gorski reported that she had met with the arborist from Eversource regarding the tree trimming in Bethany along the power lines.  Eversource intends to do seventy-two miles of tree trimming on Bethany roads. Ray Pantalone, Bethany Tree Arborist had met with Eversource before he went on vacation regarding this matter and had given permission for the work to be done.  Lewis Tree is doing the work.  
 
 
OTHER MATTER PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
First Selectwoman Gorski received a letter questioning why there was a Menorah on the front lawn of the Town Hall and no Christmas Tree this year.  First Selectwoman Gorski explained that the spruce tree previously lighted at Christmas time had died.  The Town will be replaced in the spring.  Ray Pantalone has recommended a tree called Fat Albert.  This type of tree will not grow too tall.           
Amity High School is inviting the Selectmen to the cutting of the ribbon for the fuel cell, to be held January 23 at 11:30 A.M at Amity High School.  The Governor will attend.
A cemetery deed for Strong was negotiated.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:05 P.M. after a motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.
 
                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,
 
                                                                                                June G. Riley
                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen