BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SEPTEMBER 23, 2013

Page 1 of 3

 

DRAFT

 

Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Aileen Magda

Visitors:  Robert Brinton Jr., William Brinton, Eric Frieden

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:35 pm.  All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.  The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.  Check signing was the first order of business.

First Selectwoman Gorski  moved to go out of order of the agenda to allow Eric Frieden to give his presentation of Solar Lights for Veterans Memorial Park.  All Selectmen agreed.

SOLAR LIGHTS FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

Eric Frieden, Chairman of the Clean Energy Task Force was present to discuss with the Selectmen, points earned through the Neighbor to Neighbor  Program.  This program was to raise energy awareness within the community.   Bethany earned $4,600 in points.   The Committee would like to use the points earned to install a solar spot lights on the sign at the entrance of Veteran’s Memorial Park.  There would be no expense to the Town.  The sign will be lighted from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm each night.  Following discussion Selectwoman Magda moved to authorize Clean Energy Task Force to use rewards to put solar spot lights on either side of the sign at the entrance of Veterans Memorial Park and to meet all Town approvals.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

BETHANY CEMETERY COMMITTEE

The Selectmen opened discussion with William Brinton regarding repair of the head and foot stones at Carrington Cemetery as discussed with the Bethany Cemetery Committee.  William met with Skip Clark two years ago to get an idea of cost for repair.  William met with Mr. Clark recently to firm up the quotation.  Mr. Clark quoted $1,585 to repair thirty-eight stones in Carrinton Cemetery.  The Board of Selectmen would like Mr. Clark to attach a reference list of stones to repair to his quotation.  Following discussion Selectman Shea moved to authorize the spending of $1585 from the Carrington Cemetery Fund  for the repair of 38 head and foot stones at Carrington Cemetery and move the recommendation to the Board of Finance for final approval.  Selectman Magda seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

BETHANY HISTORICAL SOCIETY OIL

The Selectmen discussed with William Brinton the possibility of buying oil for the Bethany Historical Society through the Town of Bethany oil bid as they did several years ago.  The Historical Society uses 800 gallons a year to heat their building.  Discussion followed on method of reimbursement to the Town for the oil purchased.  First Selectwoman Gorski will check with the oil company to see if this is possible for this oil season since the Town bid is based on the number of gallons purchased.  If the Town should exceed the estimated gallons used for the bidding process they could be charged a penalty.  Selectman Shea moved a motion to allow the Bethany Historical Society to share the savings the Town gets on the purchase of oil if possible this year.  Selectwoman Magda seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

DISTRICT ANIMAL CONTROL

The Selectmen discussed operation of the District Animal Control now being managed by the Woodbridge Board of Selectmen for the towns of Woodbridge and Bethany.  The Board discussed cost of operation when there were four towns sharing in the cost of operations.  Selectwoman Magda suggested appointing Animal Control Liaisons.  The names of Pat Rubin and Liz Smith were suggested as they have a great love for animals.  The Selectmen all agreed with having Pat and Liz visit the facility and reporting back in 30 days. 

 

WAIVE PRINT PUBLICATION OF BIDS FOR GYM CEILING

The Selectmen opened discussion regarding Waiving Print Publication of Bids for Gym Ceiling.  First Selectwoman Gorski explained that this method of posting the bid for replacement of the gym ceiling would eliminate costly advertising in the newspaper.  The specs would be posted on our website and the State of Connecticut website as well as making calls to local contractors.  Motion moved by Selectwoman Magda and seconded by Selectman Shea to waive print publication of bids for gym ceiling.  Unanimous vote of approval.

 

 WAIVE PRINT PUBLICATION OF BIDS FOR TOWN HALL ROOF REPLACEMENT

The Selectmen opened discussion regarding Waiving Print Publication of Bids for Town Hall Roof Replacement.  First Selectwoman Gorski explained that this method of posting the bid for replacement of the gym ceiling would eliminate costly advertising in the newspaper.  The specs would be posted on our website and the State of Connecticut website as well as making calls to local contractors.  Motion moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectwoman Magda  to waive print publication of bids for gym ceiling.  Unanimous vote of approval.

 

TAX REFUNDS

Selectwoman Magda moved to refund to the following for overpayment of taxes:

Todd Stearne $6.11, Robert Defeo $18.88, Rachael Anderson $77.41, Philip Allen $5.38, Matthew Voloshin $49.19, Jane Tedeschi $2.34, Financial Ser Veh Trust $218.93, Edwin or Sharon Cox $6.28, Deborah Haze $14.18, Christopher Defeo $15.75, Cab East, LLC $305.15, B & B Transportation, Inc $9.24 and Andre or Mary Sofair $10.15.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOWN CLERK’S LIBRARY GRANT

Town Clerk Nancy McCarthy is applying for a State Library Grant.  It is requested that the Board of Selectmen pass a resolution authorizing this grant.  Selectman Shea moved the following resolution for the Town Clerk’s Library Grant: 

 

RESOLVED:  That Derrylyn Gorski, First Selectwoman, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant. 

 

Selectwoman Magda seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

 

TOWN OFFICERS MEETING

The Selectmen discussed method of calling a Town Officers Meeting according to ordinance.  Questions were asked of Town Counsel regarding  subjects that could be discussed.

 

COFFEE WITH THE SELECTMEN

Having coffee with the Selectmen was discussed.  It was determined that a special meeting would be posted for 6:45 pm. On a night that coffee would be served.   Another agenda would be posted for the regular meeting of 7:30 pm. 

 

MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MOVE 6^TH GRADE

Selectman Shea and Selectwoman Magda would like a meeting with the Selectmen and Board of Education regarding moving the 6^th grade to the Junior High School.  First Selectwoman Gorski explained moving of the 6^th grade to the Junior High was a decision of the Board of Education.  Selectwoman Magda and Selectman Shea would like a meeting where the Selectmen could discuss this matter with the Board of Education.  More information will be needed to see how this can be accomplished. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 7:55 pm after a motion was moved by Selectwoman Magda and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen