BOARD OF FINANCE         

NOVEMBER 14, 2017

Page 1 of 2

DRAFT

Attendance:   John Ford IV, Sharon Huxley, Melissa Spear, Katie Erickson, Sally Huyser

Visitors:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Fran Doba, Thomas Broesler

Temporary Chairman John Ford IV in the absence of Chairman John Grabowski called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Temporary Chairman John Ford IV called for a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 12, 2017.  The motion of approval was moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by Katie Erickson.  There were no changes to the minutes.  The minutes were then approved on a unanimous vote.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Temporary Chairman Ford gave a report for Chairman Grabowski regarding the Amity surplus.  The surplus is $800,000.  The Superintendent and Board of Education are requesting that $500,000 be kept for future capital projects.  The three towns would then be given a refund proportionately. A meeting will be held either in January or February to discuss this matter.

FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S REPORT

The Board of Selectmen received a letter from Chief Cogill requesting that the Town of Bethany reimburse the Fire Department the sum of $6,791.52 for the replacement of forest fire equipment.  These funds will cover lost equipment, food, and fuel and forestry fire hose.  The fire department has applied for a grant from the State of Connecticut for $15,767.52.  If this sum is received then the Town of Bethany would be reimbursed.  The fire was in the woods off Wooding Hill Road.  The towns of Beacon Falls, Seymour and Hamden gave mutual aid to help battle this fire which lasted from 9/28/17-10/22/17 when it was finally put out with help from Mother Nature. 

Following discussion Sharon Huxley moved to approve the request of Bethany Volunteer Fire Department for $6,792 to reimburse BVFD for food and fuel costs incurred and to purchase equipment and forest fire hose  lost fighting the on- going brush fire at Wooding Hill Road from 9/28/17 to 10/22/17 to be taken from the Contingency Fund.   The vote taken was unanimous.  If BVFD’s request for reimbursement from Connecticut Forest Fire Control and Fire Program Management is approved BVFD shall repay the Contingency Fund.  Melissa Spear seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

First Selectwoman Gorski updated the Board of Finance regarding memorial benches at Veterans Memorial Park.  The benches would be sent to the Town at a cost of $1,435.  The cost to the donor would be $1,700 which would include installation.  The Highway Department would do the installation.

The State Budget has finally passed.  Since some of the anticipated cuts were restored there will be no need to send out mid- year supplemental tax bills.

FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Thomas Broesler distributed a budget report for the period July 1, 2017 – October 31, 2017.  Tom had nothing to report when questioned about progress in finding an accounting package. 

TOWN AUDIT – MICHAEL BATTISTA

Michael Battista was present to give an updated report to the Board of Finance on the progress of the audit for 2016-17.  Michael reports that there should be an approximate surplus of $617,000 due mostly due to good prior year tax collections. 

Michal distributed a list of Capital Expenditures to be reviewed by the Board of Finance.  Some of the projects are complete and came in under budget.  A vote would need to be taken by the Board of Finance to close these accounts and the funds returned to the Capital Expenditure account for future projects.  First Selectwoman Gorski and Tom Broesler will make recommendations on what projects are complete for account that can be closed. 

CONTROL ISSUES

First Selectwoman Gorski reported that Nancy Jansen will do the bank reconciliation’s in the future.

TEACHER’S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Melissa Spear has been attending the Teacher’s Contract Negotiation meetings.  An agreement has been reached for a 7.6% increase over a three year period.

TAX COLLECTOR SUSPENSE LIST

Tax Collector Francis Doba was present to request that an account for Thomas L. Foster for $207.20 be suspended.  The Board agreed unanimously that this account should be suspended.

Tax Collector Francis Doba distributed a comparative report for last year and this year for tax collections for the Board to review. 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called after a motion was moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by Melissa Spear at 8:20 p.m.  The vote taken was unanimous.

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance

 

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY,

 

The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:34 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:

         Kristine Sullivan, Chairman

         Brian Smith, Vice-Chairman

         Nancy Scanlon, Member

         Charles Clark, Alternate Member, seated as voting member

 

The following members of the Commission were excused:

        Roger Hathaway, Member

        Rob Huxley, Member

 

 

NEW BUSINESS 

 

1. 88 Cheshire Road, Application #1298 submitted by Robert Rohloff for an Inland Wetlands Permit to replace pipe under driveway with same size pipe and fill along driveway –

. 

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was Robert Rohloff, applicant and owner of record.

 

During discussion, Mr. Rohloff noted:

• Pipe is deteriorating and rusting.
• Would like to repave driveway and would like to replace pipe first.
• Want to change from metal pipe to a material that will last longer.
• Will not do proposed activity until August, 2018 when stream dries up.

 

The Commission would like to visit the property and will schedule site visit at end of meeting.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, December 18, 2017.  Tabled.

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING

MESA DRIVE, Application #1293 submitted by James W. Woodward for an IW Permit for a Four-Lot Subdivision –

 

At 8:00 p.m., Chair Sullivan called to order the continuation of the public hearing on the subject application.  Chair Sullivan read the notice prepared for the public hearing continuation.   Roll call was taken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the course of the public hearing Chair Sullivan noted that the Commission has received the following items relative to the subject application.  Exhibit identification was assigned as noted:

1. Exhibit 2A – Letter from Michael Klein of Davison Environmental, dated     November 21, 2017, Re:  Review comments on Application 1293, Lots 1-4 Silsby Estates.
2. Exhibit 2B – Memo from Michael Klein of Davison Environmental, dated    November 21, 2017 draft, Re:  Comments to identify specificity some of the technical concerns, Silsby Estates, Mesa Drive.

 

Chair Sullivan stated for the record that all members have now visited the site.

 

Present to speak on behalf of this application was Alan Shepard, P.E., of Nowakowski, O’Bymachow & Kane, representing the applicant, James W. Woodward, who was also present.  In discussion, Mr. Shepard noted:

• Regarding the loam piles, willing to remove some of the loam piles and restore land.
• Regarding Mr. Klein report dated November 21, 2017, would like to handle issues when there is a buyer for the property.
• Regarding vernal pool on Lot 4, can merge Lot 4 with Lot 1 and have a 3-lot subdivision.
   

In discussion, Commission members noted:

• Applicant can withdraw application and provide additional information as mentioned in Mr. Klein letter dated November 21, 2017.
• Concerned with vernal pool on Lot 4 and impacts to the vernal pool with the proposed development.
• Need narrative on how each individual lot will be addressed.
   

Chair Sullivan asked if anyone from the public would like to speak for the application or against the application.  The following public individuals spoke:

• Todd Green of 64 Mesa Drive – Concerned with the road access to the Beacon Falls property, with blasting associated with the development, and beaver problem in area.
• Connie LaFemina of 50 Mesa Drive – Spoke about beaver issue.
• Bob Harrison of 53 Falls Road – Member of Land Trust and issue with beaver’s cutting trees near trails.

 

Mr. Woodward submitted consent to extension of time of 30 days to continue the public hearing.  Mr. Shepard will talk to Mr. Woodward and make a decision if will withdraw application or not.  Mr. Shepard will inform Inland Wetland Staff on decision.

 

At 8:55 p.m., the public hearing was recessed and continued to the next regular meeting on Monday, December 18, 2017, at 8:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall.   Tabled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1. Mesa Drive, Application #1293 submitted by James W. Woodward for an IW Permit for a 4-Lot Subdivision –  Public hearing continued to the next regular meeting on Monday, December 18, 2017.   Tabled.

 

 

1. 667 Amity Road, Application #1294, submitted by 667 Amity Road, LLC for a Stormwater Management Plan –

 

No one was present to speak on behalf of this application and no new information has been submitted to Commission.

 

Commission members proceeded to deliberate.  It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Clark to deny, without prejudice, Application #1294 submitted by 667 Amity Road LLC for an IW Permit for Stormwater Management Plan subject to the applicant submitting an extension of time to the next regular meeting on December 18, 2017, so that the project engineer can answer review comments in the Diversified Technology Consultants letter dated October 23, 2017.

Vote 5 to 0.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon,  Clark.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

1. 667 Amity Road, Continuation of Show Cause Hearing pertaining to Cease and Desist Order, dated August 7, 2017, issued to Matthew Micros –  Tabled.

 

 

1. Discussion regarding Lake at Veteran’s Memorial Park – Locations for placement of benches – Tabled.
    

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

1. It was moved by Clark and seconded by Scanlon to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the October 23, 2017, Regular Meeting.
   Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Clark.
   Unanimous approval.

 

 

BILL

1. It was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Smith to approve the payment of an invoice for $1,347.50, dated October 24, 2017, from Diversified Technology Consultants for Professional Services from September 3, 2017 to September 30, 2017 for properties located at 667-687 Amity Road and Mesa Drive – Lot 4.
   Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Clark.
   Unanimous approval.
    
    
2. It was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Smith to approve the payment of an invoice for $125.00, dated November 27, 2017, from Donna Cahill for recording services for the public hearing (Mesa Drive, Woodward).
   Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Clark.
   Unanimous approval.
    

CORRESPONDENCE

 

1. Letter from Michael Klein of Davison Environmental, dated November 21, 2017, Re:  Comments on review of Application #1293 – Lots 1-4 Silsby Estates, Mesa Drive.
2. Email from John Paul Garcia, P.E./L.S., dated October 25, 2017, Re:  Grant 30-day extension to act on application for 667 Amity Road.
3. Email from John Paul Garcia, P.E./L.S., dated October 26, 2017, Re:  CFC Park,         667 Amity Road, Field Report, dated October 25, 2017.
4. Letter from South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, dated October 25, 2017, Re:  10 Northrup Road, removal of invasive species adjacent to pond and removal of illicitly constructed stone water feature and pump.
5. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to Robert Knudsen, dated October 27, 2017, Re:      629 Bethmour Road, release the Stop Work Order dated August 9, 2017.
6. Letter from Robert Knudsen, owner of 629 Bethmour Road, dated October 31, 2017, Re:  629 Bethmour Road, lifting stop work order.
7. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to Luiza Dasilva of 50 Hunters Trail, dated        October 30, 2017, Re:  Notice of Violation, Airport Property Conservation Area.
8. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to John Ciola of 29 Pine Brook Crossing, dated October 27, 2017, Re:  Notice of Violation, 29 Pine Brook Crossing, driveway eroding.
9. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to Durley Family of 74 Munson Road, Re:  Silt fence down in some areas, Notice of Violation.
    

 

PUBLICATIONS

1. CFL News, Summer/Fall 2017.
2. The Habitat, Fall 2017.
3. Connecticut Wildlife, September/October 2017.
    

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

Isabel Kearns, IWEO, reviewed the following violation letters:

• 50 Hunters Trail – Woodchips placed on path on Airport Property.  Commission to do site inspection.
• 29 Pine Brook Crossing – Driveway eroding.  Public Works Director requested letter be written due to runoff from driveway into road.  Commission to do site inspection.
• 74 Munson Road – Silt fence up but not stable around pond where atv riding occurred.  Commission to do site inspection.
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE SITE VISIT

 

The Commission scheduled a site visit for Saturday, December 2, 2017.  Members to meet at the Town Hall parking lot at 8:30 a.m.  Sites to be visited are as follows:

 

Sites to be inspected:

• 88 Cheshire Road, Application #1298 submitted by Robert Rohloff for an IW Permit to replace pipe under driveway.
• 74 Munson Road, pertaining to Notice of Violation, silt fence not stable.
• 50 Hunters Trail, pertaining to Notice of Violation for dumping of wood chips on Airport Property Conservation Area.
• 29 Pine Brook Crossing, pertaining to Notice of Violation, driveway eroding.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Smith and seconded by Scanlon to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Clark.

Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

For Inland Wetlands Commission

 

NOVEMBER 27, 2017

                                                    Page 1 of 5

NOVEMBER 13, 2017

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Page 1 of 3

 

DRAFT

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

Visitors: Town Clerk Nancy McCarthy, Town Counsel Kevin McSherry,  Madison Fitzsimons, Viviene rogers, Lily Kosko, Katheryn Scully, Mackenzie Dichirson, Sadie Chadbourne, Allyson Rogers, Jennifer Kosko, Wendy Chadbourne, Claire Scully, Michael Callahon, Owen Chadbourne

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:35.  First Selectwoman Gorski asked all present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.  First Selectwoman Gorski asked all the Girl Scouts to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of October 10, 2017.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Hurlburt.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The Selectmen found no amendments or corrections were needed to the minutes.  The minutes were then accepted on a vote of two yes and one abstention that of Selectman Hurlburt, as he was absent from that meeting.

TAX REFUNDS

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to make tax refunds to the following:  Charlene Bobbie for $4,446.45, to Eric Najmowicz for $10.91, to Frank or Jeana Richo for $71.19, to Gary MacNamara for $135.01, to Sheila Marley for $333.76, to Toyota Lease Truse for $720.60, to Virsik Shumada for the sum of $43.53, to Cathy Priest for the sum of $72.10, to Francis Lagaipa for the sum of $12.80, to John Polydys for the sum of $28.86, to Thomas Priest for the sum of $76.83, to Francis Lagaipa for the sum of $49.40, to Honda Lease Trust for the sum of $98.24 and to USB Leasing LT for the sum of $43.68 all for overpayment of taxes for a total of $6,143.36.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.

STOP SIGN POLE HILL AND JOHNSON ROAD INTERSECTION

The Selectmen discussed the request of Denise Kukel for a stop sign at the intersection of Virginia Rail, Johnson Road and Pole Hill Road.  The placement of a sign at this location was discussed with the Resident Trooper.  It was his opinion that one is needed at that location.  Selectman Hurlburt moved to have the Bethany Highway Department put up a sign at the intersection of Johnson Road, Pole Hill and Virginia Rail Road intersection.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

FIRE CHIEF REQUEST FOR FUNDS

Fire Chief Richard Cogill has requested that the Board of Selectmen recommend to the Board of Finance the transfer of $6,700 from the Contingency Fund to pay for the replacement of forestry hose and forest fighting equipment, used to fight the brush fire on Wooding Hill Road.  The Fire Department has applied for a grant from DEP for reimbursement for some of the equipment used.   If the grant is approved the State will reimburse the Fire Department for other equipment used.  Following discussion Selectman Shea moved to recommend the request to the Board of Finance.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

TOWN HALL OFFICE HOURS

Town Clerk Nancy McCarthy was present at the meeting to request elimination of the Town Clerk/Building Department and Assessor’s Office evening hours on Monday night from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  The hours were added to accommodate people during the building boom of the late 1990’s. Following discussion the Selectmen agreed that effective January 1, 2018 the Town Hall offices would no longer have evening hours on Monday night.  If anyone needs this service the offices could be open by appointment only.

PLANNING AND ZONING SIGN REGULATIONS

The Planning and Zoning Commission has not given out the newly adopted regulations regarding LED Sign Boards for Community activities.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has not yet discussed the new road signs and road lines painted near the signs. 

The Fire Department has not given any judgement they may have had regarding the new signs either. 

GRANNY PODS

The State of Connecticut under Public Act 17-155 can adopt the Public Act for Granny Pods for Bethany as some towns have done.  Attorney McSherry outlined the requirement for a Granny Pod which would house a care giver for an ill family member.  The pod would be 500 square feet.  It would have to be connected to a septic system and well.  The structure would have to be removed after it was no longer needed for care giver housing.  The care giver could receive no pay for their services.   Following discussion Selectman Hurlburt moved a motion to opt out of Public Act 17-155 as adopted by the Connecticut General Assembly.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

MENORAH ON TOWN HALL PROPERTY

The Selectmen discussed the request of the Jewish Community in Bethany to place a Menorah on Town Hall Property.  Last year a few complaints were received that the Town had no Christmas Tree. 
The tree previously decorated in the front of Town Hall had died and was taken down.  The Tree Warden has been looking for a specific tree to plant on the side of Town Hall called a Fat Albert.  This type of tree will only grow to a certain height.  It may not be planted for this year.  The Selectmen all agreed to give permission for the Menorah to be placed on Town Hall property. 

INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION

The Board of Selectmen have received a letter from the Inland Wetlands Commission alerting them of damage being caused by vehicles entering Pole Hill Park beyond the Community Garden.  The Selectmen will evaluate the damage and look into a solution if it is significant.

 

 

UPDATE ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET

First Selectwoman Gorski gave a brief report on the newly approved State budget.  The Town will receive more in State Grants than expected.  The increase is not significant enough to change the mill rate mid- year.  The adjustment will be made in next year’s budget and tax collections.

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