NOVEMBER 13, 2017

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

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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