Tuesday, March 17, 2020


BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

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MINUTES APPROVED – March 3, 2020
 
Attendance:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco, Selectman Donald Shea
 
Absent:  Selectman Derrylyn Gorski
 
Also in attendance:  Attorney Courtney George and Finance Director Sheila Lane
Visitor:  Sharon Huxley
 
1.&2. First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at    7:03 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.  As the first order of business, Selectman Cofrancesco asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of    February 4, 2020.   The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea. 
Unanimous approval.
 
4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – ROAD WORK – MOVING FORWARD – UPDATE
First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:
·         Still in the process of getting invitations to bid finalized and that we hope to get them out in the next few weeks.
 
5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPSON PROPERTY – UPDATE
There was a brief discussion that the owners should be in the process of going through probate on the property, and a question was asked as to whether or not the owners had a lawyer.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will check on this and report back.  Tabled.
 
6. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPLE RECYCLING (SOFT RECYCLABLES) – UPDATE
First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:
·         She made revisions to contract, waiting for contractor to send back for final review and will send off to Town Attorney for review.
 
 
7. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – TAX REFUNDS
First Selectman Cofrancesco distributed a list of tax refunds to be acted on by the Board totaling in the amount of $8,195.64.  It was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to approve the tax refunds totaling in the amount of $8,195.64, as shown on report.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
FEBRUARY 18, 2020
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8. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – CEMETERY COMMISSION BYLAWS – UPDATE
First Selectman Cofrancesco stated there is nothing happening right now with the Bylaws and the Cemetery Commission has a meeting this Thursday, February 20, 2020, in which she will attend.  Tabled.
 
9.  DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE COMPANY – RESOLUTION
Finance Director Lane stated that there needs to be new signers on the Dr. Plummer Scholarship Fund, they had no record since 2012, and they wanted a resolution.
 
It was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to approve the resolution for American General Life Company to resolve the signatory issue.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.
 
 
10. OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:
·         A request was submitted from a resident, who is part of a prayer group, looking for a discounted rate to rent an area in Town Hall, the Lodge or Pavilion on one Sunday in March, April and May. 
Selectman Shea stated that typically if a Bethany resident with a non-profit organization requests to rent, the Town waives the fee.  First Selectman Cofrancesco stated that they would have to get someone to come in to open and close and cleanup, which would cost the Town.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will contact Janice Howard, Director of Park and Recreation, who is responsible for these locations and have Mrs. Howard follow up with individual requesting rental to obtain specifics of the event.  Selectman Shea suggested possibly charging for just the cost of the coverage of the facility during the event.
·         Received an email from Charlie Rosa of the U.S. Census Bureau looking for space with chairs and tables for 20 to 25 people at Town Hall to train employees for Census.  After discussion, First Selectman Cofrancesco stated it does not seem feasible at Town Hall and will inform      Mr. Rosa that the Town Hall would not be able to accommodate this.
·         The Schedule for the Budget Workshops has been distributed and will take place next Friday, February 28, 2020, starting at 4:00 p.m.
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
At 7:33 p.m., it was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to adjourn the regular meeting.  Unanimous approval.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Antonia R. Marek
Meeting Clerk