BOARD OF SELECTMEN


APRIL 8, 2013

Page 1 of 2

Attendance: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Steven Thornquist, Selectman Donald Shea

Visitors: Attorney Kevin McSherry, Andre Sofair, Attorney Mike Derin

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. Check signing was the first order of business.



APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of March 11, 2013. The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectwoman Gorski. There were no changes to the minutes. The minutes were accepted on a unanimous vote.



First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of March 25, 2013. The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectwoman Gorski. There were no changes to the minutes. The minutes were accepted on a unanimous vote.



TAX REFUNDS

Selectman Shea moved to refund to Brent Ciccarelli the sum of $3.84, to Jeffre Rubleman the sum of $2.63, to Kane Construction Co the sum of $4.58, to Veronica Horvath the sum of $29.99 for a total of $41.04. Selectman Thornquist seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.



APPOINTMENT TO GREATER NEW HAVEN TRANSIT DISTRICT

Selectman Shea moved a motion to appoint Catherine Weiss as the Town of Bethany representative to the Greater New Haven Transit District. First Selectwoman Gorski seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.



USE OF VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK LAKE FOR WINTER SPORTS

Andre Sofair and Mike Derin were present to discuss with the Selectmen use of the lake at Veterans Memorial Park for skating and ice fishing. Andre had been told by an employee of the Town that skating was not allowed. Andre had done an ice boring and had found the thickness of the ice safe according to an equation he had used. Attorney Derin had commented about a court case involving a municipality. If the municipality creates no liability and an area is posted to use at your own risk then there should be no liability according to the outcome of this case. Selectman Thornquist moved a motion that the Board of Selectmen will look at all options and talk with the Park and Recreation Commission regarding a proper and safe use for the lake in the winter months. Selectman Shea seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.



PONY RIDES AT THE PAVILION FOR PARTIES

An inquiry has been made by someone wanting to rent the Pavilion at Veterans Park. Would pony rides be allowed with such a use? In discussing this matter the Selectmen felt they would need more information such as insurance coverage by the person providing the pony rides. Would this area be suitable for such an activity? Would it be better to have it at the Airport where fences are available and other activities are not taking place? No decision was made at this time due to lack of information.





OTHER

The Selectmen briefly discussed the arrest of the animal control officer serving Bethany. Since this is an employee of the Town of Woodbridge no action is needed by Bethany at this time.

Selectman Shea spoke of an abandon house at the beginning of Dayton Road that had been brought to his attention during campaigning. Since Bethany does not have a blight ordinance and the owner is paying taxes on it there is nothing that can be done by the town.



ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:20 pm after a motion was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded by Selectman Shea. The vote taken was unanimous.





Respectfully submitted,





June G. Riley

Secretary, Board of Selectmen