Tuesday, January 7, 2020


BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 9, 2019

Page 1 of 2

 

DRAFT

Attendance:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco, Selectman Donald Shea, Selectman Derrylyn Gorski

Visitors:  Attorney Vince Marino

First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:48 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectmen’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.  As the first order of business, Selectman Cofrancesco asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance,

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of November 25, 2019.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Gorski.  There were no changes to the minutes.  The vote taken - Approved – 2; Abstention 1-Gorski.

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON SMALL CITIES MORTGAGE RELEASE

Discussion and possible action on Small Cities Mortgage Release was tabled – no action at this time.

MAJOR ROAD WORK

First Selectman Cofrancesco reported that all work was completed and just waiting on all billing to be submitted before making payment. No further action needed at this time.

SIMPSON PROPERTY LAND ACQUISITION

Attorney Marino provided a quick update on the Simpson property Land Acquisition:  Having some issues with communication with the attorney for the family; Proceeding with a title search; Probate Court issues are still pending – may need to go through two layers as both parents are deceased before settling with the sons.  Any monies expended in the acquisition of this property will be paid from the grant monies.  No further action taken at this time.

SIMPLE RECYCLING (SOFT RECYCLABLES)

First Selectman Cofrancesco reported that she had a meeting with Bruce Loomis and Kristen Brown (from Simple Recycling) regarding the pink bag program.  Discussion followed – Attorney Marino mentioned that he covers a couple of towns that do the program.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will provide a copy of the contract to Selectmen Shea and Gorski for further review and discussion after the 1st of the year.  No action taken at this time.

DEFERRED TAXES

No action required.

CEMETERY COMMISSION BY-LAWS

Discussion and possible action on the Cemetery Commission by-laws was tabled. 

 

 

 

OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

KNOLLWOOD ROAD WELLS

First Selectman Cofrancesco reported that she had received the billing for the replacement of the three wells.  Came in at or below what was originally quoted.  Mapping of the sites was attached to each bill.

QUINNIPIACK VALLEY HEALTH DISTRICT

First Selectman Cofrancesco reported that she had received correspondence from QVHD indicating a budget request in the amount of $6.40 per capita.  This is an increase of .25 cents.  The total payment for the Town of Bethany for the 2020-2021 fiscal year would be $35,180.80.  This amount is based on the 2018 population estimate of 5,497.  Selectman Gorski indicated that they had the best rates/fees compared to other companies that provided the same or comparable services.  Selectman Gorski moved to approve the new rate from QVHD.  Selectman Shea seconded.  Vote taken – approved – unanimous.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

First Selectman Cofrancesco reported that the American Red Cross had been contacted a couple of weeks ago that the blood drive scheduled for December 26th would need to be rescheduled as the Town Hall would not be open. Selectmen were not sure who actually gave the approval for that day. Selectman Gorski mentioned that Janet Hescock may have worked with Janice Howard, but that could not be verified.  First Selectman Cofrancesco indicated that she had been contacted by the organizer for the blood drive on the 6th to see if there was any way the Town Hall could be opened.  First Selectman Cofrancesco indicated to the organizer that she would bring it to the Board of Selectmen for discussion and decision.  After some discussion it was decided (unanimously) that the Town Hall would remain closed.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will call the organizer and let her know that she will need to reschedule or find another venue for the drive.

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:28 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski.  The vote taken was unanimous.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Paula Cofrancesco

                                                                                                First Selectman