BOARD OF SELECTMEN
JUNE 8, 2009
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Attendance: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Walter Briggs, Selectman Steven Thornquist

Guests: Janet Brunwin, James Stirling, Donald Shea, Guy Yale, Judy Yale, Ruth Barnes, Richard Barnes, Attorney Kevin McSherry joined the meeting at 7:55 p.m.

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. The first order of business was check signing. First Selectwoman Gorski ask all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of May 11, 2009. The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Briggs and seconded by First Selectwoman Gorski. The minutes were then approved on a unanimous vote without change.

APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Appointments to Boards and Commissions as listed on the agenda were tabled for this meeting, as the appointees have not submitted resumes’.

TAX REFUNDS
First Selectwoman Gorski explained to the Board the large refund to Gelco for overpayment of taxes. Gelco was a car business on Old Amity Road. The cars at this business were all registered in Bethany. When the business failed a refund was due to the owner for each car. The Assessor calculated the amount of refund due. Selectman Thornquist then moved to refund to ADP the sum of $950.57, to Citimortgage the sum of $48.78, to Gelco the sum of $25,690.88 and to Justin Robinson the sum of $1.70 all for overpayment of taxes. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.

TAX DEFERAL
Rosalind Wald requests a deferred collection of real estate taxes coming due on her property at 20 Knollwood Drive. The Tax Collector has reviewed her payment history of taxes due to the Town of Bethany and finds that she has paid all previous taxes and has already started payment of the upcoming year’s tax. In light of the request Dave Forman recommends that the Board of Selectmen grant this request per Connecticut Statute 12-174. Following discussion Selectman Thornquist moved a motion to accept the recommendation of the Tax Collector. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.

LAKEVIEW LODGE – FEE WAIVER REQUEST
James Stirling was present to request a waiving of fees for use of the Lakeview Lodge to hold an organizational meeting at the Lakeview Lodge on July 2, 2009 for the possibility of forming a
Bethany/Beacon Falls Rotary Club. Following a brief discussion a motion to waive the fee for this meeting for use of the Lakeview Lodge on July 2, 2009 was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded by Selectman Briggs. The vote was called. The vote taken was unanimous.

AMITY SURPLUS
Janet Brunwin was present to discuss with the Selectmen the Amity surplus. Janet explained how this $1,000,000 surplus happened. Some of the savings has come from refinance of the debt service. Some of the money was found in the construction audit for the building/renovation projects, and the rest in the operating budget in premium savings. The Finance Committee did at their meeting outline projects that some of the savings could be spent on. Janet wanted input from the Selectmen as to their opinion on use of this money. All Selectmen agreed in this financial climate that unless some of the projects outlined could save a lot of money in the future to be completed now, than the money should be returned to the towns, as the towns also have put off needed projects to finance school building/renovation projects.

PROBATE COURT CONSOLIDATION
Judge Guy Yale was present to discuss with the Selectmen consolidation of the Probate Courts. The State has voted to consolidate the 117 courts down to 40 of 50 for the entire state. This would put Bethany with other towns making a court that would oversee approximately 60,000 people. The individualized care would be lost. We would be then assessed a per capita cost and records would go to a central location.

CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence has been received from Bethridge Road residents regarding continued noise at Laticrete. The residents have indicated that the noise is better, however they are still meeting with Laticrete on this matter.

OTHER
Richard and Ruth Barnes were present to inquire about the completion of their cemetery deed.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:30 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Briggs and seconded by Selectman Thornquist.


Respectfully submitted,


June G. Riley
Secretary, Board of Selectmen