BOARD OF SELECTMEN

APRIL 9, 2018                

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DRAFT

Attendance:  First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Clark Hurlburt

Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:30 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.  The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of March 26, 2018.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  First Selectwoman amended the minutes to read as follows:

First Selectwoman Gorski gave an update on State Grants.  There is a $67,000 grant available for road repair or tree cutting.  The grant can also be used for Capital projects, however the Town would need to apply for a waiver.

The amended minutes were then approved on a unanimous vote.

BUDGET UPDATE

First Selectwoman Gorski reported that 100% of the cost of the Resident Trooper had been put in the budget as no information has been received from the State regarding a final cost.  The Selectmen discussed the Solid Waste budget.  The cost of curbside recycling was not included in the draft of the budget.  There are still changes being made in the market for recyclables.  Selectman Shea suggested putting in the budget the amount for curbside recycling and let the Town Meeting vote to remove it from the budget.  The budget can always be reduced at Town Meeting but never increased.

SCHOOL ANNEX

The Board of Education has voted to release use of the Annex back to the Town.  Attorney McSherry has been given a list of school items stored in the building.  Building Inspector Robert Walsh and Rod White, Fire Marshal are working on an evaluation of what is needed for Park and Recreation level of use.

APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Shirley Lasch-Goblirsch has resigned from the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Mark Stricker has been serving as an alternate on that Board.  A motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea to move Mark Stricker to a full member.  The vote taken was unanimous.

UPDATE ON EMS PROBLEMS

Northwest Public Safety has moved its dispatch system to Waterbury from Prospect.  The present location is in St. Mary’s Hospital.  Fire Chief Richard Cogill, First Selectwoman Gorski, Selectman Hurlburt also CERT Director and Trooper Dave Merriam went to the new location to discuss with the directors, problems that are occurring since the location change.  It is the hope of our EMS Coordinator’s that the problems will be corrected.

 

UPDATE ON MEMORIAL BENCHES

A system has been set up so that anyone can order a memorial bench by calling the Selectmen’s Office.  The benches will be placed down in Veterans Memorial Park.  The total cost of a bench will be $1,700 including installation which will be done by the Bethany Highway Department.

UPDATE ON LOCAL BREAK-IN OF AUTOMOBILES

First Selectwoman Gorski has spoken to Trooper Merriam about automobile break-in in Bethany.  Several cars that were left unlocked have had items stolen out of the vehicles.  Two cars where keys were left in were stolen.  The State Police believe this is being done by a group of teenagers probably not from Town.  They are working with other police departments from surrounding towns to solve the problem.

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 7:55 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea. Completely

                                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen