Bethany Conservation Commission

February 28, 2019

Unapproved Minutes

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 8:07 by Bruce Loomis.  Also, in attendance were Brian Eitzer, Cathy Rives and Patsy Winer. Matthew Popp was absent.
2. Bruce moved to review the minutes of the Jan.10 meeting, Cathy seconded.  It was noted that we still need to review the Nov. 2018 meeting minutes.  After review Cathy moved to accept as written and Bruce seconded.  The motion passed.
3. There were no bills.  The correspondence consisted of an issue of “Connecticut Wildlife”, and a letter from Aquarion seeking nominees for their Environmental Champions Award.  The discussion of those nominations was tabled until the March meeting.
4. The Commission entered an executive session at 8:19 to discuss the Conservationist of the Year Award.  The session ended at 8:26.
5. Bruce noted that he submitted the budget request for the next year in the amount of $750.
6. The remainder of the meeting was spent working on the Bethany Open Space Inventory.
7. Patsy moved to adjourn at 9:15 and Cathy seconded.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Brian Eitzer

Secretary pro-tempore

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE BETHANY CONSERVATION COMMISSION JANUARY 10, 2019

 

 

Present were: Cathy Rives, Patsy Winer and Bruce Loomis

Absent: Brian Eitzer, Matthew Popp, Shaukat Khan

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:04

 

The November minutes could not be reviewed, as there was no copy available, and there were not three members present who had been at the meeting. There was no December meeting.

 

Correspondence included: an issue of Connecticut Wildlife, a notification from the RWA of their intent to sell 184 Downs Rd. and a copy of the CT Audubon Society Bulletin with an invitation for the Commission to join the organization.

 

Membership issues: Shaukat has turned in his resignation. Bruce has recommended to Derry that she appoint Matt as a regular member.

 

Bruce reported on meeting with a member of the Beacon Falls CC and suggested that we meet with them to see what they do.

 

Budget: Bruce made a motion that we ask for the same amount we asked for last year, including a request for $100,000 for the Land Acquisition Fund. We voted to submit this request.

 

We entered executive session at 8:13 to discuss Conservationist of the Year and exited at 8:17.

 

Open Space Plan: Patsy will call Linda François to get updated information on the Land Trust’s holdings, including the number of acres in the Grobe property and to ask about the discrepancy between the figures in the old plan and the text. For the next meeting we should bring our computers to work on assessor’s maps and work on Sections 3 and 4 of the Open Space Plan.

 

Patsy made a motion to adjourn at 8:55, Cathy seconded and all voted in favor.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Patricia Winer, Sec’y pro tem

BOARD OF FINANCE

FEBRUARY 19, 2019

Page 1 of 2

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Katie Erickson, Sharon Huxley, John Ford, Betsy Thornquist, Sally Hauser

Visitors: Fran Doba, Sheila Lane, Dr. Jennifer Byars, Michael Battista, Paula Cofrancesco, Terry Loomis, First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, John Accaballo

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:04 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. 

AMITY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT #5

Dr. Jennifer Byars, Superintendent of Amity Regional District #5 presented their budget to the Board of Finance.  The total expenditures have increased by $903,770 or 1.84%.  Salaries and benefits are higher by $670,376.  Benefits are higher by $269,797.  Improvements to buildings and sites increased by $133,000.  Debt Service decreased by $36,366.  Special education transportation and tuition decreased by $350,441.  The full time equivalent positions is a net increase of 6.7 FTE.  The position of security guards has been increased by 3.8 FTE.  One FTE Para educator for special education has been hired.  One FTE certified teacher is proposed.  Other changes proposed are to increase a 10 month associate principal position to a 12 month position and to continue to support the testing center interventionist added in the current year.  When Dr. Byars finished her presentation Board of Finance members questioned why is there such a built in surplus?  Dr. Byars indicated there is always a question about the self- insurance for medical. They want to make sure there is adequate coverage.  The future plan is to bring more special education students back in house.

FIRST SELECTWOMAN GORSKI

First Selectwoman Gorski spoke to the Board regarding repair of roads.  It is estimated that the cost to repair all roads needing work would be $7,800,000 to complete.  Alan Green has put together a list of the roads.  Perhaps the Town should consider bonding for such a large project over a period of a few years.  Interest rates are down.  They could be financed over a fifteen year period. 

AUDIT

Sharon Huxley moved a motion to move the Audit up on the agenda as the auditor was present.  Betsy Thornquist seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

John Accabello of the auditing firm of MAWC, LLC Shelton, Connecticut

  presented and explained the management letter and suggestions that it contained.  Members were given a draft copy of the audit. 

 UNREPORTED PENSION

Two employees of the Highway department were not put on the State MERS plan in the correct time period.  As a result with recent calculations the Town owes the State of Connecticut $16,246.77 for the contribution. Following discussion a motion was moved by Sharon Huxley and seconded by Katie Erickson to pay the bill from the Emplotees Pension line item and to transfer $16,246.77 from the Contingency Fund to reimburse this line item.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

 

DR. PLUMMER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

A motion was moved by Sally Hauser and seconded by Betsy Thornquist that the Board of Finance of the Town of Bethany appoint Sharon Huxley and Katie Erickson and/or as Trustees and Signatories of the Dr. Plummer Fund held by the American General, and that they be empowered to transfer, deposit, expend or sign any documents required by the same by American General and the Dr. Plummer Fund.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM

The CFC Park has requested that they be granted the Tax Incentive Program.  In consulting with Mario Panograsso this would affect the 2017 Grand List by increasing it 30% or $157,347.  If approved the CFC Park would be given a break of $67,434 over a three year period.  The motion of approval to approve this request binding approval by the Board of Selectmen was moved by Betsy Thornquist and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  The vote taken was unanimous.

APPRIOVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of October 9, 2018.  The motion was moved by John Ford IV and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  The vote was called.  There were five yes votes and one abstention that of Betsy Thornquist, as she was not a member of the Board at the time. 

Chairman Grabowski called for approval of the minutes of the meeting of January 15, 2019.  The motion of approval was moved by John Ford IV.  Sharon Huxley seconded the motion.  The vote was called.  There were five yes votes and one abstention that of Sally Huyser as she was not present at that meeting. 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Grabowski reported that the Amity surplus was $1,175,250 at the end of January. 

OTHER

A suggestion regarding budget presentation for next year, some Towns are making presentation all on the same day and then the Board can make cuts and decisions after that.  This could eliminate so many special meetings and possible complete the budget process faster.

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 9:15 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

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FEBRUARY 11, 2019

Page 1 of 2

DRAFT

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

Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry

First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:32 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 to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 28, 2019.  The motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous for approval without change.

REQUEST OF DISABLED VETERAN

Scott MacDonald a paralyzed Veteran, but not a resident of Bethany will be renting the Lakeview Lodge on June 15, 2019 for his wedding.  Since he is not a resident of Bethany he is requesting the residential rate for use of the facility because of his time of service to the country.  The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to grant this request.  The motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea. 

NON-PERMITTED TYING INTO THE TOWN’S DRAINAGE SYSTEM

 

Castleberry Construction has requested permission to drain water from 374 Bethmour Road and 198 Pole Hill Road into the Town’s catch basin.  In consulting with Nafis and Young it was determined that this request should be granted to save undirected water from running into the road.  By grading this properly, directing the run off to the catch basin would solve the problem.  The motion to approve this request was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

REPORT OF THE FIRST SELECTWOMAN

 

First Selectwoman Gorski gave a report to the Board of Selectmen regarding her appearance and testimony at the State Legislators regarding the possible 1% additional tax to be charged on Town Conveyance tax if passed by them.  If passed this revenue would be put into the Town’s Land Acquisition Fund. 

 

First Selectwoman Gorski reported on her meeting with the Selectmen of Woodbridge and Orange regarding regionalization of the schools.  More meetings will follow.

 

The budget for General Government is just about complete.  Budgets for the most part are flat.   Selectwoman Gorski is looking into bonding for road repair as much work needs to be done after the recent storms.  The Governor’s budget has not been approved, therefore we do not know until this is completed what State Revenue will be available.

 

The new session of the Senate and House are not in favor of making up back teacher’s pension money as the previous administration was.  Their final decision will also affect the Town’s budget.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                               

June G. Riley

                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 10, 2018

Page 1 of 3

DRAFT

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

Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry, Bruce Loomis, Nancy McCarthy,

The December 10, 2018 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.  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 November 12, 2018.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Donald Shea and seconded by Selectman Clark Hurlburt.  There were no changes to the minutes.  They were accepted on a unanimous vote.

REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY AGREEMENT

LICENSE AGREEMENT

That the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, a public corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Connecticut (“Licensor”), for the consideration of one dollar and other valuable consideration received to its full satisfaction from the Town of Bethany, a municipal corporation organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut (“Licensee”), does hereby grant unto the said Licensee a revocable license to use a portion of Licensor’s property abutting Brooks Road (the “License Area”) to install riprap, an 18” velocity dissipating plunge pool, and related fill and grading.

 

                The approximate location and details of the License Area to contain the riprap, an 18” velocity dissipating plunge pool, and related fill and grading shown as “Proposed Reconstructed Drainage System With New Outfall (Subject of License Agreement)” as shown on Attachment A attached hereto and as more particularly described on the plan entitled “Brooks Rd. Drainage Bethany Replacement Drainage Outfall, Prepared by DTC, 2321 Whitney Avenue, Suite 301, Hamden, Connecticut, Project 06-178-106, Sheet 1 of 1, Date: August 30, 2018” attached hereto as Attachment B.

 

                The Licensee shall perform all work associated with the riprap, an 18” velocity dissipating plunge pool, and related fill and grading in a good and workmanlike manner at its sole cost and expense and shall be responsible for all claims, damages and activities resulting from actions by Licensee or Licensee’s authorized agents.  During the term of this License Agreement, the Licensee shall maintain its riprap and plunge pool and all related structures.  The Licensee, by its acceptance of the benefit of this License Agreement, hereby agrees to all terms and conditions contained in this License Agreement.

 

Licensor and Licensee hereby agree that Licensor shall have no responsibility for the cost or performance of any maintenance of, repair to, improvements upon or any other care for the License Area to accommodate Licensee’s use of the License Area.

 

This License Agreement is expressly limited to Licensee, its invitees and guests, and is not transferrable without the written permission of Licensor.  Licensee’s use of Licensor’s property shall be entirely at Licensee’s own risk.  Licensee agrees to indemnify and save Licensor harmless from any and all losses, claims, causes of action, damages and expenses arising from or by reason of Licensee’s, its invitees’ and guests’, use of Licensor’s property which shall include any such use of Licensor’s property before the execution of this License Agreement. 

 

                This License Agreement shall not be considered to be in perpetuity nor shall this be considered the grant of an easement or other interest in land to the Licensee. As such, the Licensor reserves the right to revoke this License Agreement at its sole discretion and, upon such revocation, the Licensee shall thereupon within thirty (30) days remove the riprap and plunge pool and restore any disturbed land to its state prior to the installation of the improvements, reasonable wear and tear excepted.  Licensee’s obligation to remove the riprap and plunge pool and restore any disturbed land to the satisfaction of Licensor shall survive termination of this License Agreement.

 

Licensee shall keep in full force and effect a policy or policies of public liability insurance, insuring the Licensee and Licensor against claims for damages arising out of or connected with the occupation, use or enjoyment of the Licensor’s property by the Licensee, its agents, employees, contractors, guests, participants, and invitees.  Such policy or policies shall be in an amount not less than One million dollars ($1,000,000.00) with respect to any one occurrence, and shall expressly include the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority as an additional named insured.  All liability insurance shall include a requirement of at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Licensor of cancellation or material modification and shall be fully and promptly paid by the Licensee.  A certificate of such liability insurance shall be furnished to the Licensor.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above granted rights, privileges and authority unto the said Licensee, its successors and assigns, to its and their own proper use and be hoof.

The Selectmen reviewed the agreement.  Selectman Shea moved to accept the agreement as written.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

APPOINTMENT TO PARK AND RECREATION

Selectman Shea moved to appoint Armond Rivillini Jr. to a term on the Park and Recreation Commission.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

USE OF TOWN SEAL BY SCOUTS

Kristine Sullivan has requested the use of the Town Seal in the design of a Community Service Patch for Boy Scouts.  The Selectmen discussed the plan of Kris Sullivan for this patch.  Following discussion the Selectmen all agreed that they did not want the seal to be modified for this use.  They suggested using the seal as designed,  with the award patch to one side of the seal.  Selectman Hurlburt moved to allow the use of the seal without modification and place the awards patch next to it.  The vote taken was unanimous.

GREEN TEAM PLASTIC WRAP

The Bethany Community School has formed the Green Team.  This team is trying to collect as many plastic bags and wrap, to be sent to Trex to be recycled.  Depending on the quantity sent, the school would receive awards such as a park bench recycled from the bags.  They are requesting that the Town allow them to place containers in the Town Hall.  The Selectmen agreed to allow the containers at Town Hall for collection.

BETHANY ATHLETIC CLUB HOUSE ROOF DAMAGE

The tornado damaged the roof of the Bethany Athletic Club House.  The estimate for repair was $6,600.  The insurance company will reimburse the Town $1,600.  The Selectmen agreed this repair was necessary and that the Town would pay the balance.

TAX REFUNDS

Selectman Shea moved a motion to refund to Honda Lease Trust the sum of $151.55, to Michael Guthrie the sum of $96.53, to Proservices Landscaping LLC the sum of 20.36, to Robert Cyr the sum of $6.31 and to Toyota Lease Trust the sum of $97.73 all for overpayment of taxes.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion  The vote taken was unanimous.

FIRE HYDRANT PETITION

James Woodward sent a petition to the Board of Selectmen regarding a fire hydrant on his proposed sub-division.  No action was taken since this is a Fire Department issue.

CORRESPONDENCE

The Town received correspondence from the Regional Water Authority regarding the sale of the house,  owned by them at 184 Downs Road to be auctioned June 29, 2019.

OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

The Selectmen briefly discussed the concern of the Tree Warden Ray Pantalone, and some residents as to why the Highway Department had clear cut the lot between the Bethany Athletic Field and the Amity Gardens.  More info was needed on this matter.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

 

                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen