BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 22, 2018                

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DRAFT

Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea.  Selectman Clark Hurlburt was absent from the meeting.

Visitors:  Andrew Seaton, James Seaton

All present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Andrew Seaton.

The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:35 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the previous meeting of January 8, 2018.  Motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectwoman Gorski. The only correction to the minutes was for spelling error in Derrylyn Gorski’s name.  The vote taken was unanimous.

TAX REFUNDS

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to approve tax refunds to the following:

Alfred Ledewitz                                               $ 231.46

Barbara Fritz                                      `$   53.03                                                            

Donald Shea 3^rd                                                $   21.57

Jacqueline M. Corsaronugent    $ 174.43

JP Morgan Chase Bank                   $ 288.80

Katelyn & Craig Stevens                               $ 118.72

Lisa A. Sacramone                           $ 13l.86

Mark & Peggy Ruggiero                 $   41.56

Martin Gary & Lin Chien-ju          $      4.49

Nissan Infiniti, LT                             4 524.34

 

The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectwoman Gorski.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

ANY OTHER MATTER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Andrew Seaton was present at this meeting to explain to the Board of Selectman an Eagle Scout project he is proposing for the Old Fire House at 460 Amity Road.  The building is presently being used to house constable cars and the meeting place for the CERT Team.  Andrew would like to power wash the building, clear brush from the fence in the back of the building and landscape the North, West and South sides of the building using low and slow growing plants such as Hosta, Blue Star Juniper, Spirea bushes and Butterfly bushes.  Following discussion Selectman Shea moved to approve the Eagle Scout project as proposed by Andrew Seaton.  First Selectwoman Gorski seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

 

GRANT FOR SUSTAINABLE CONNECTICUT ENERGY PROGRAM

First Selectwoman Gorski reported that the Town had received approval and the check for the Sustainable Connecticut Energy Program.  The money will be used to replace lighting in the Town Hall to LED lighting. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 7:50 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectwoman Gorski.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen

 

 

 

 

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018

   

The regular meeting of the Inland Wetland Commission was called to order at 7:30 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

         Rob Huxley, Member

         Nancy Scanlon, Member

         Charles Clark, Alternate Member, seated as voting member

 

The following member of the Commission was excused:

         Roger Hathaway, Member

   

NEW BUSINESS 

 

1. 4 AND 21 MEYERS ROAD, Application #1300 submitted by Green Haven, Inc. for an extension of IW Permit #1209 for a Site Plan and a Stormwater Management Plan –

Present to speak briefly on behalf of this application were Brenda Caldwell and Rich Wilbert of Rocky Corner Cohousing.

 

Chair Sullivan mentioned that per the State Statutes the Commission can allow a maximum of a 5-year extension.  Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.

 

It was moved by Smith and seconded by Scanlon to approve Application #1300 submitted by Green Haven, Inc., for an extension of IW Permit #1209 for a Site Plan and a Stormwater Management Plan for five years for property located at 4 and 21 Meyers Road.  The new expiration date of IW Permit #1209 shall be May 27, 2024.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley, Clark.

Unanimous approval.

 

1. Executive Session regarding “discussion of an open space grant” –

 

At 7:57 p.m., it was moved by Clark and seconded by Scanlon for the Commission to enter into an executive session.  Unanimous approval.

 

Isabel Kearns, IWEO and Antonia Marek, IWC Clerk were invited into the executive session.

 

At 8:09 p.m. it was moved by Scanlon and seconded by Huxley for the Commission to exit out of executive session.  Unanimous approval.

 

It was moved by Huxley and seconded by Smith that the Inland Wetlands Commission supports the grant for the open space proposal discussed in executive session for the Town of Bethany requested by the First Selectman.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley, Clark.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

 

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1. MESA DRIVE, Application #1299 submitted by James W. Woodward for an IW Permit for a Three-Lot Subdivision –

 

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

 

During discussion, Mr. Shepard noted the following:

• This application is for 3 lots compared to previous application for 4 lots.
• Submitted letter from Quinnipiack Valley Health District, dated January 12, 2018, Re:  Silsby Estates, creation of a 3-lot subdivision, comments on review.

 

Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.  It was moved by Smith and seconded by Huxley to approve Application #1299 submitted by James W. Woodward for an Inland Wetlands Permit for a three-lot subdivision for the property located at Mesa Drive as presented in the application, testimony and in accordance with the following submitted plans prepared by Nowakowski, O’Bymachow, Kane, Associates, Shelton, Connecticut:

1. “Record Subdivision Map prepared for Silsby Estates”, dated July 18, 2017, revised to December 8, 2017.
2. “Overall Site Plan prepared for Silsby Estates”, dated July 18, 2017, revised to December 8, 2017.
3. “Septic Proposal for Lot 1 Silsby Estates, dated July 18, 2017, revised to December 8, 2017.
4. “Soil and Erosion Control Plan prepared for Silsby Estates, dated July 18, 2017, revised to December 8, 2017.
5.  “Soil Test Data Sheet prepared for Silsby Estates”, dated July 18, 2017, revised to December 8, 2017.

 

In addition, this permit is subject to the following conditions including the standard conditions found on the Land Records, Volume 93, Page 802 and Page 803:

1. Prior to any development on Lots #1 and #2, an Inland Wetlands Permit for a residential site development shall be required.
2. The placement of Inland Wetlands Conservation Area Signs shall be required every 50 feet at angle points along the rear of Lot #2 and Lot #1 Conservation Easement.

 

This approval is based on the conditions listed and that the applicant follows the plan as shown, there should be minimal or no adverse impact to the wetlands. 

Vote 5 to 0.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley, Clark.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Discussion regarding Lake at Veteran’s Memorial Park – Locations for placement of benches – Chair Sullivan stated she located a map of the pond, will mark locations for benches and bring to next meeting.  Tabled.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

1. It was moved by Smith and seconded by Clark to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the December 18, 2017, Regular Meeting.
   Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon, Huxley, Clark.
   Unanimous approval.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

1. Letter from Eversource Energy, dated December 19, 2017, Re:  Scheduled maintenance activities by Eversource Energy on selected electric rights-of way in Bethany in 2018.

 

PUBLICATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

1.  Connecticut Wildlife, November/December 2017.

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Property issues discussed with IWEO were as follows:

• 667 Amity Road – Erosion controls.
• Hunters Trail/Airport property Conservation Area – trails created on Town property.

 

 

SCHEDULE SITE VISIT

None

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Huxley      and seconded by Clark to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith

Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

For Inland Wetlands Commission

                      

                             Page 1 of 4

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 8, 2018

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2

DRAFT

Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derry,lyn Gorski, Selectman Clark Hurlburt, Selectman Donald Shea

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.  The meeting opened with the pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTRS

First Selectwoman Gorski called for approval of the minutes of the meeting of December 11, 2017.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  There were no changes made to the minutes.  The vote was called.  There were two yes votes and one abstention that of Selectman Hurlburt as he was not present the meeting.

SIGN CALL FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

All the Selectmen signed the call for the Special Town Meeting of January 18, 2018.

ADDITION TO AGENDA -SUSTAINABLE CT

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to add Sustainable Ct to the agenda of this meeting.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.

SUSTAINABLE CT

The following resolution was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 WHEREAS, Sustainable CT is a comprehensive, statewide, action-oriented voluntary certification program, built by and for municipalities, with the vision that: Sustainable CT communities strive to be thriving, resilient, collaborative, and forward-looking. They build community and local economy. They equitably promote the health and well-being of current and future residents. And they respect the finite capacity of the natural environment.

WHEREAS, Sustainable CT is designed to boost local economies, help municipal operations become more efficient, reduce operating costs, and provide grants and additional support to municipalities.

WHEREAS, the Town of Bethany embraces an ongoing process of working toward greater sustainability, selecting which actions it chooses to pursue from the voluntary menu of actions provided by Sustainable CT.

RESOLVED, by the Board of Selectmen of Bethany that we do hereby authorize Selectman Clark Hurlburt to serve as Bethany’s Sustainable CT contact person for the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification process and authorize him to complete Municipal Registration on behalf of Bethany.

 RESOLVED, that to focus attention and effort within Bethany on matters of sustainability, and in order to promote Bethany’s Board of Selectmen’s local initiatives and actions toward Sustainable CT Municipal Certification, the Board of Selectmen establishes an advisory Sustainability Team.

RESOLVED, that the first meeting of the Sustainability Team must be held within 90 days of passing this resolution and that the Sustainability Team shall meet as frequently as needed, but no less than quarterly.

RESOLVED, that the Sustainability Team shall report annually to the Board of Selectmen on the progress of its activities toward Sustainable CT certification, with reports and presentations made publicly available.

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

 

 

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, J

The Special Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of Wednesday, January 17, 2018, commenced at 7:02 p.m.

 

The following Commission Members were present:

Kimberly McClure Brinton, Chair

Michael Calhoun, Vice-Chair

Donna Shea, Member

Bob Harrison, Member

Alex Hutchinson, Member              

Eric McDonald, Alternate Member

Carol Lambiase, Alternate Member

 

The following Commission Member was excused:

Brad Buchta, Alternate Member

 

Also present were:  Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant

                                 Kevin McSherry, Town Attorney

                                 Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer

 

 

Agenda

 

Discussion and possible action on development at 667-687 Amity Road, CFC for review of status of all approved plans and owners request for a temporary and partial CO –

 

Present for this discussion were Matt Micros and Steve Coxon, owners of the subject property.

 

In discussion, some items mentioned by Mr. Micros were:

• Submitted two planting estimates from Blue Sky Wholesale Nursery.
• Building work completed.
• Building official checked lighting, bathrooms, etc.
• Shields for lights ordered for exterior lighting.
• Would like to post bond for landscaping and will complete landscaping in spring.
• Have contacted a new Architect, Kosinski Architecture of Branford, Connecticut.
   

 

In discussion, some items of concern mentioned by Commission Members were:

• Need a plan with elevations.
• Need landscaping plan.
• Lights on exterior of building not the same as light in plan that was approved.
• More lights on exterior installed than what is on approved plan.
• No septic system approval at this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant and Kevin McSherry, Town Attorney reviewed the items of concern and discussed the bonding issue.

 

Mr. Peck recommended the Commission determine a bonding number to address all landscaping and lighting issues.  Also, Mr. Peck mentioned the original plan had potential parking in the rear and it is now constructed and that the owners need to submit an asbuilt that reflects all the revisions; such as, the parking in the rear, walls constructed, lighting, and landscaping

 

Also, Mr. Peck asked the owner’s electrician submit specifications of the exterior lighting that was installed which is different from what was approved.

 

It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Hutchinson that the bond amount shall be set for $80,000.00 and in a form acceptable by the Town Attorney.   The owners shall complete the following:  (1) Full cutoff lighting shall be installed with verification in writing from the electrician of what was installed.  (2) Landscaping shall be completed including labor and plantings. (3)  Asbuilt plan shall be submitted showing all revisions from approved drawing including elevations.  (4) Landscaping elevation plan shall be submitted completed by a landscape architect.

Vote:  5 to 0.

Voting:  Brinton, Calhoun, Shea, Hutchinson, Harrison.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

There being no more further discussion, at 7:50 p.m. it was moved by Hutchinson and seconded by Harrison to conclude the meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

For the Planning and Zoning Commission

ANUARY 17, 2018       Page 1 of 2

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 8, 2018

Page 1 of 2

 

DRAFT

Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derry,lyn Gorski, Selectman Clark Hurlburt, Selectman Donald Shea

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.  The meeting opened with the pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTRS

First Selectwoman Gorski called for approval of the minutes of the meeting of December 11, 2017.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  There were no changes made to the minutes.  The vote was called.  There were two yes votes and one abstention that of Selectman Hurlburt as he was not present the meeting.

SIGN CALL FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

All the Selectmen signed the call for the Special Town Meeting of January 18, 2018.

ADDITION TO AGENDA -SUSTAINABLE CT

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to add Sustainable Ct to the agenda of this meeting.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.

SUSTAINABLE CT

The following resolution was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 WHEREAS, Sustainable CT is a comprehensive, statewide, action-oriented voluntary certification program, built by and for municipalities, with the vision that: Sustainable CT communities strive to be thriving, resilient, collaborative, and forward-looking. They build community and local economy. They equitably promote the health and well-being of current and future residents. And they respect the finite capacity of the natural environment.

WHEREAS, Sustainable CT is designed to boost local economies, help municipal operations become more efficient, reduce operating costs, and provide grants and additional support to municipalities.

WHEREAS, the Town of Bethany embraces an ongoing process of working toward greater sustainability, selecting which actions it chooses to pursue from the voluntary menu of actions provided by Sustainable CT.

RESOLVED, by the Board of Selectmen of Bethany that we do hereby authorize Selectman Clark Hurlburt to serve as Bethany’s Sustainable CT contact person for the Sustainable CT Municipal Certification process and authorize him to complete Municipal Registration on behalf of Bethany.

 RESOLVED, that to focus attention and effort within Bethany on matters of sustainability, and in order to promote Bethany’s Board of Selectmen’s local initiatives and actions toward Sustainable CT Municipal Certification, the Board of Selectmen establishes an advisory Sustainability Team.

RESOLVED, that the first meeting of the Sustainability Team must be held within 90 days of passing this resolution and that the Sustainability Team shall meet as frequently as needed, but no less than quarterly.

RESOLVED, that the Sustainability Team shall report annually to the Board of Selectmen on the progress of its activities toward Sustainable CT certification, with reports and presentations made publicly available.

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

 

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

JANUARY 9, 2018

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Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Sally Huyser, Katie Erickson, John Ford IV, Sharon Huxley

Visitors:  Fran Doba, First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski; Tom Broesler joined the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of December 12, 2017.  Motion of approval moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by John Ford IV.

Katie Erickson questioned meeting regarding Quick Books.  No changes were made to the minutes.  The vote was called.  The vote was 4 yes votes and one abstention that of Sally Huyser as she was absent from the meeting.

AMITY FINANCE MEETING

Chairman Grabowski gave a report on his attendance at the Amity Finance Committee Meeting.  John reports that a new chairman has been chosen for the Amity Board of Education.  His name is Chris Browe.  There is an $840,827 surplus in the current year budget.  Bethany’s portion of the surplus for fiscal year 2016-17 is $370,081, which will be returned to the Town.  The present draft of the Amity budget for fiscal year 2017-18 has an increase of 1.87% overall.  Due to a drop in enrollment from Bethany our budget will be $137,178 less that last year if the present draft were to be accepted.  Amity will present their budget to Bethany Board of Finance on February 13, 2018.  A tentative schedule of meeting dates discussed were as follows:

Budget Hearing                                                April23, 2018

Annual Town Meeting                   May 21, 2018

 

Board of Finance Budget Meetings

February 13, 2018            Regular Meeting              Amity budget

February 20, 2018            Special Meeting                               Bethany Community School, Library

February 27, 2018            Special Meeting                               Park and Recreation, Fire Department and Public Works

March 6, 2018                    Special Meeting                               Work on budget

March 13, 2018                  Regular Meeting              Work on budget

 

Chairman Grabowski has requested that all Annual Reports be submitted to him by January 31, 2018 for fiscal year 2016-17. 

 

 

 

AGENDA FOR SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

There will be a Special Town Meeting held on January 18, 2018 for the following purpose:

Item A

 Shall the Town of Bethany accept the transfer of real property containing 1.36 acres located at 453 Amity Road, Bethany Connecticut known as the FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST CEMETERY from the owner,

First Church of Christ 511 Amity Road, Bethany, Connecticut and take over the ownership, administration and operation of the Cemetery?

Item B

 To consider the adoption of a resolution to amend the Code of the Town of Bethany Connecticut Chapter 184  Effective October 1, 2018, and applicable to assessment years commencing on or after October 1, 2018, and pursuant to Public Act 17-16, upon application to the Assessor, any parent whose child was killed in action or the surviving spouse of a person who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces, as defined in Subsection (a) of Section 27-103 of the Connecticut General Statutes, which parent or surviving spouse is a resident of the Town of Bethany, shall be entitled to an exemption from property tax in the amount of $10,000, provided that such parent's or surviving spouse's qualifying income does not exceed the maximum income amount as provided under Connecticut General Statutes § 12-81l plus $25,000. The exemption shall be applied to the assessed value of any such eligible parent's or surviving spouse's property. The yearly application period shall commence on April 15 with a deadline of September 30 each year.

TAX COLLECTIONS

Fran Doba gave a presentation on tax collections for fiscal year 2017-18.  At this time $3,200,000 has been collected vs. last year’s collections of $1,931,000 for current year collections.  The supplemental collection was $221,286 for the current year vs. $226,681 for the previous year. 

CLOSE OUT UNEXPENDED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ITEMS

First Selectwoman Gorski presented the Board of Finance with a list of the Capital Expenditure items on a spread sheet showing items still open and those that are completed.  (List attached)  Following discussion a motion was moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by Sally Huyser to close out twenty -one Capital Expenditures completed per the attached schedule and return the funds as unassigned to the Capital Reserve Fund.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 9:10 p.m. after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by John Ford IV.  The vote taken was unanimous.

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance