MINUTES OF THE BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING

The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at  

7:04 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.

 

The following Commission Members were present:

            Kimberly McClure Brinton, Chairman

            Michael Sullivan, Vice-Chairman

            Michael Calhoun, Member

            Doug Goldner, Member

            Donna Shea, Member

            Bradford Buchta, Alternate Member

Carol Lambiase, Alternate Member

            Eric McDonald, Alternate Member

 

The following Commission Members were absent:

 

Also present were:

             Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant

             Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

            

1. It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Shea to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the September 7, 2016, Regular Meeting.
   Abstaining was:  Goldner.
   Voting for:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

BILLS

 

1. It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to approve the payment of $1,200.00 (monthly pro rata basis), for services rendered for September 2016, by Hiram W. Peck III, AICP, Planning Consultant.

Voting for:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Goldner.

Unanimous approval.

 

1. It was moved by Calhoun and seconded by Sullivan to approve the payment of a bill for $125.00, dated for October 5, 2016, from Anne Sohon for recording services for the public hearing (591 Amity Road).
   Voting for:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Goldner.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE

 

1. Letter from Michael Katzmark, Water Source Officer for Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, revised September 8, 2016, Re:  Comments on review of Application  #2016-013, waiver request for water source for 591 Amity Road.
2. Email from John Laudano of QVHD, dated September 15, 2016, Re:  696 Amity Road, Unit GL4, guitar lessons.
3. Letter from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, to Kamm Realty, LLC owner of 28 Old Amity Road, dated September 13, 2016, Re:  Notice of Violation, parking of trailer at 28 Old Amity Road.
4. Letter from Isabel Kearns, ZEO, to Ikonomou Family owner of 28 Johnson Road, dated September 27, 2016, Re:  Notice of Violation, trespass lighting at 28 Johnson Road.
5. Letter from Prospect Planning and Zoning Commission, dated September 27, 2016, Re:  Proposed revisions to Prospect Zoning Regulations.
6. Email from Center for Land Use Education and Research, dated September 19, 2016, Re:  Land Use Academy Advanced Training, October 22, 2016.

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

• 591 Amity Road, Application #2016-013 submitted by Tammy Ronan for a Two-lot Resubdivision, waiver request for the provision of open space and waiver request for water source for fire protection -
   

At 7:16 p.m., Chair Brinton called the public hearing continuation to order.   Roll call was taken.  Chair Brinton read the legal notice for the public hearing continuation. 

 

Chair Brinton stated that the Commission visited the site at 6:00 p.m. this evening.

 

Present to speak at the public hearing continuation for this application was Mr. John Paul Garcia, P.E./L.S. representing the applicant.  Mr. Garcia stated there was a question regarding the fee in lieu of open space and that 8 acres will be open which should satisfy the requirement for open space.   Mr. Garcia feels the application was submitted in accordance with the Subdivision Regulations.

 

Commission members discussed the fees in lieu of open space and the recommendation from the Conservation Commission in a letter dated August 15, 2016.  Also, the Commission discussed the possibility of a trail easement and sidewalks in that area by the Town.

 

During the course of the public hearing, Chair Brinton noted that the Commission has received the following item relative to the subject application.  Exhibit identification was assigned as noted:

1. Exhibit 2A – Letter from Michael Katzmark, Water Source Officer for Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, revised September 8, 2016, Re:  Comments on review of Application  #2016-013, waiver request for water source for 591 Amity Road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chair Brinton asked if anyone from the public would like to speak in favor of the application or against the application.    There were no comments.

 

At 7:40 p.m., it was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to close the public hearing on the subject application.

Voting for:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Goldner.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1. 696 Amity Road, Unit A-9, Application #2016-016 submitted by Keyur Patel for a Business Change of Use – Liquor Store –
    

No one was present to speak on behalf of this application.

 

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, stated the applicant has not received Quinnipiack Valley Health District approval at this time.

Tabled.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1. 591 Amity Road, Application #2016-013 submitted by Tammy Ronan for a Two-lot Resubdivision, waiver request for the provision of open space and waiver request for water source for fire protection – 
    
   Isabel Kearns, ZEO, prepared a draft resolution.  Commission members discussed and proceeded to deliberate.
    
   It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to grant the following waiver request:

Waiver of Fire Suppression Water Source:  This application reflects a request for a waiver of the fire suppression water source as required by Section 11.5 of the Subdivision Regulations.  Michael Katzmark, Water Source Officer, in a letter dated September 3, 2016 (revised September 8) stated that “After reviewing the plans, the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department has the following concerns and will approve the documents as submitted: 1)The driveway configuration appears to currently meet the Town’s driveway specifications.  The driveway will be constructed as per the driveway specifications the Town of Bethany has adopted.  2) House numbers shall be placed at the driveway at the corner of the road.  Also, house numbers shall be placed at each individual driveway.  House numbers shall be shown in such ways that have a number that is clearly visible from the driveway.  This is to help elevate emergency services from accessing the wrong driveway and not being able to provide adequate services to the residence in a timely fashion.  3) The request to waive the requirement to install a water source is acceptable to the fire department providing the agent of record provides a letter stating, ‘All building lots are to be within 2,000 road feet of a fire department water source connection, as required by Section 11.5 of the Subdivision Regulations.’”  The waiver is hereby granted.

Voting for:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Goldner.

Unanimous approval.

 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to grant the following waiver request:

Open Space:  This application reflects a request for a waiver of the open space requirement found in Section 11.4 of the Subdivision Regulations.  The Commission received a letter from Bruce Loomis, Conservation Commission Chairman, dated August 15, 2016, in which he states the Commission does not support the granting of an open space waiver.  He encourages the PZC to work with the applicant to arrive at an alternative method of satisfying the requirement and strongly recommend that the “fee in lieu” option be agreed upon.  The waiver is hereby granted.                        .

Voting for:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Goldner.

Unanimous approval.

 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to approve the following resolution for the 2-Lot Resubdivision:

 

Whereas, The West Haven Court of Probate named Tammy V. Ronan to act as Thomas Vitagliano, et als, fiduciary in a document dated May 23, 2016;

 

Whereas, Tammy Ronan subsequently authorized John Paul Garcia to apply for the necessary zoning and building permits associated with the 2-lot resubdivision of 591 Amity Road in a document dated August 24, 2016;

 

Whereas, John Paul Garcia applied for a 2-lot resubdivision of 591 Amity Road on August 1, 2016;

 

Whereas, a public hearing was opened on September 7, 2016 and was recessed and continued to October 5, 2016, and then closed on October 5, 2016;

 

Whereas, the Commission, at a regular meeting also held  on September 7, 2016, considered the maps, testimony, and other pertinent application information relating to a request for a    2-lot subdivision of 591 Amity Road;

 

Now Therefore, the Commission makes the following findings of fact and decision regarding the application:

1. The Planning and Zoning Commission received a letter dated April 28, 2016, from Lynn Fox and Leslie Balch of Quinnipiack Valley Health District stating that the 4-bedroom dwellings proposed on Lots 1 and 2 were found to meet the minimum requirements of the applicable Connecticut Public Health Code.
2. Permit #1263 for a 2-lot resubdivision of 591 Amity Road was approved by the Inland Wetland Commission on July 25, 2016.                 
3. The Commission received correspondence dated August 15, 2016, from Bruce Loomis, Chair of the Conservation Commission.  Mr. Loomis did not recommend granting the waiver of open space.  He recommends that the applicant and the Commission work together to satisfy the open space requirement and strongly recommends “fee in lieu” of open space.
    
    
    
4. The Planning and Zoning Commission received a letter dated April 26, 2016, from Ron Walters of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority in which he states:  1) Erosion controls should be installed prior to any site work.  Controls should be inspected weekly and after each rainfall.  2) The wetland buffer area should be maintained in a relatively natural state and the use of lawn care chemicals should be avoided.  3) If excavated materials are stored on site, erosion controls should be installed around the excavated material.  4) If residences are to be heated with fuel oil, it should be stored above-ground.  Fuel storage tanks and associated piping in the basement should be segregated from floor drains and sump pumps to prevent spills and leaks from discharging to the environment.  5) All paint, oil and other hazardous materials should be stored in a secondary container and removed to a locked indoor area with an impervious floor during non-work hours.
5. The Planning and  Zoning Commission received a letter dated September 3, 2016, revised September 8, 2016, from Michael Katzmark, Water Source Officer for the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department in which he stated that the driveways configurations appear to meet the Town’s driveway specifications.  House numbers shall be placed at the driveway at the corner of the road.  Also, house numbers shall be placed at each individual driveway.  House numbers shall be shown in such a way that emergency vehicles entering each driveway will be guided to the given address.  Each structure shall have a number that is clearly visible from the driveway.
6. The Planning and Zoning Commission received a letter from Ray Pantalone, Tree Warden, dated July 27, 2016, in which he states that he would like to see the red maples near the driveway saved.
   Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that pursuant to the Subdivision Regulations of the Town of Bethany, amended to February 4, 2015, Application #2016-013, for a 2-Lot resubdivision of 591 Amity Road located in the R-65 Zone, is approved, in accordance with the following submitted plans prepared by John Paul Garcia & Associates, Bethany, Connecticut:

1. “Resubdivision Map”, dated July 30, 2015, revised to July 27, 2016, Drawing        No. C-1.
2. “Proposed Site Plan”, dated July 30, 2015, revised to July 27, 2016,  Drawing        No. C-2.
3. “Erosion & Sediment Control Plan and Typical Details”, dated July 30, 2015, revised to July 27, 2016, Drawing No. C-3.
4. “Septic Plan”, dated July 30, 2015, revised to April 19, 2016, Drawing No. C-4.

 

And with the following modifications:

 

1. Iron pins shall be located at all corners or angles the lots.  An estimate for the cost of the installation of pins shall be submitted and must be approved by Town Engineer, Nafis & Young.  The amount of the bond for the iron pins must be approved by Town Engineer and be in a form acceptable to Town Counsel.
2. A note shall be placed on the mylar stating, “Any deviations from the site plans shall result in the need for a new site plan review and approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission”.
    
    
3. Per the letter from Ray Pantalone, Tree Warden, dated July 27, 2016, every attempt should be made to save the cluster of Maple trees near the two driveways.
4. The Planning and Zoning Commission received a letter dated April 26, 2016, from Ron Walters of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority in which he states:  1) Erosion controls should be installed prior to any site work.  Controls should be inspected weekly and after each rainfall.  2) The wetland buffer area should be maintained in a relatively natural state and the use of lawn care chemicals should be avoided.  3) If excavated materials are stored on site, erosion controls should be installed around the excavated material.  4) If residences are to be heated with fuel oil, it should be stored above-ground.  Fuel storage tanks and associated piping in the basement should be segregated from floor drains and sump pumps to prevent spills and leaks from discharging to the environment.  5) All paint, oil and other hazardous materials should be stored in a secondary container and removed to a locked indoor area with an impervious floor during non-work hours.
5. The Planning and  Zoning Commission received a letter dated September 3, 2016, revised September 8, 2016, from Michael Katzmark, Water Source Officer for the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department in which he stated that the driveways configurations appear to meet the Town’s driveway specifications.  House numbers shall be placed at the driveway at the corner of the road.  Also, house numbers shall be placed at each individual driveway.  House numbers shall be shown in such a way that emergency vehicles entering each driveway will be guided to the given address.  Each structure shall have a number that is clearly visible from the driveway.

Vote 5 to 0.

Voting for:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Goldner.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

1. Discuss future Land Use Plan (possible insertion in Town Plan of Conservation & Development) –
    
   Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant, discussed with Commission members the 4 areas for possible village districts for the Land Use Map.  Hiram will prepare some standards for the zones for the next meeting or the following.  Tabled.
    
2. Discussion regarding the rewriting of the current Zoning Regulations –

 

Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant, submitted draft amendment to the Zoning Regulations for Section 7 – Signs - Basic Standards, for public hearing.  It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Calhoun to schedule a public hearing date for the Zoning Regulation amendment on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at 7:15 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room, Bethany Town Hall.

 

Also, Mr. Peck submitted for the Commission’s review, Section 1 and Section 2 of the 2016 Draft Zoning Regulations.  Tabled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT –

Isabel Kearns, ZEO, reported on the following:       

• Submitted report on Building Permits dated October 3, 2016.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Shea to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Voting were:  Brinton, Sullivan, Calhoun, Shea, Goldner.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

for the Planning and Zoning Commission

 

 

 

OF WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2016            Page 1 of 8

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

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APPROVED

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

Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry, Francis Doba, Robert McSherry, Sean Uscilla, William Bowen, Gilda Outremont, Attorney Michael Stone, Paul Zito

First Selectwoman Gorski opened the meeting of the Board of Selectmen with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:33 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 meeting of September 12, 2016.  The motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman.  First Selectwoman Gorski amended the minutes as follows:

The Bethany Fire Department has asked the Board of Selectmen to waive the bidding process for the Extrication Tool approved as a Capital Expenditure and instead post the request for proposal on the State Web Site

 The amended minutes were then accepted on a unanimous vote.

First Selectwoman Gorski moved to amend the minutes of the meeting of August 8, 2016 as follows:

Robert McSherry and Sean Uscilla were present to make a recommendation to the Selectmen for awarding of the bid for the new fire truck.  After a careful study of the two bids received, they made the following recommendations to award the bid to Rosenbauer New England as their bid was $573,350.  If the cab and chasis portion is paid for in advance for $241,000 there will be a discount of $11,000.  The motion to accept the recommendation of Robert and Sean and to award the bid to Rosenbaer New England was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt. The motion was unanimously approved. The firemen are requesting that the difference between the cost of the fire truck and the Capital appropriation be used for extra equipment with the approval of the Selectmen. No vote was taken on this matter at this meeting.

The motion was seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote was called on the amended minutes.  The vote was unanimous.

TAX REFUNDS

Selectman Shea moved to refund to Arkady L. Gordon the sum of $24.85, to Deborah Kichar the sum of $19.88, to Douglas Taumer the sum of $24.85, to Elizabeth or Alexander Smith the sum of $13.85, to Franco Carbone the sum of $98.33, to James Scaarva the sum of 44.32, to Janice Ford the sum of $26.63, to Jeanne Barletta the sum of $26.27, to John Ford IV the sum of $41.53, to Kris Johnson the sum of $21.69, to Marylynn Cincotta the sum of $99.40, to Mary Press the sum of $10.65, to Nancy Scanlon the sum of $24.85, to Pamela and David Ford the sum of $41.18, to Robert Bergen III the sum of $47.65, to Sidney Liang or Qiuping Wang the sum of $99.40, to Stephen P. or Tammy Linsky the sum of $63.55 all for overpayment of taxes.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT RADIO SYSTEM

There was only one bid received for the Fire Department Radio System.  Paul Zito, Consultant for the Fire Department, has been reviewing the bid.  Paul will also review bids on the State web site before making a recommendation. 

ADDITION TO AGENDA

Selectman Shea moved to add Awarding of Contract for Fire Department Hydraulic Rescue Tool to the agenda of this meeting.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

AWARD CONTRACT FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT HYDRAULIC RESCUE TOOL

Only one bid was received for the Hydraulic Rescue Tool.  Robert McSherry and Sean Uscilla were present to discuss with the Selectmen details of this bid.  The basic bid was $112,399 with options.  If the options were added the total cost would be $119,400.  The Capital Expenditure for this tool was approved at $120,000.  Following discussion a motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt to accept the bid for the Hydraulic Rescue Tool from Northeastern Fire Associates with the options.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.

WAIVE BID FOR GAZEBO REPAIR

 Selectman Shea moved to waive the bidding process for repair of the Gazebo at Town Hall.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The following companies submitted quotes for this repair:

Rod White Carpentry & Cabinetry            $  9,850

D & R Custom Builders, Inc.                         $11,800

R. Esposito Contractors                                 $11,225

Following discussion Selectman Shea moved to award the work to Rod White Carpentry & Cabinetry.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

BOWEN TAX REFUND REQUEST

William Bowens was again present with Attorney Michael Stone to speak to the Board of Selectmen regarding what he believed to be unfair attorney fees charged to him by the Town of Bethany.  Attorney Watts had been retained by the Town of Bethany to handle tax collections and foreclosures.  Attorney Stone related to a study he had done for similar circumstances in which the fee was much lower.  Town Counsel Kevin McSherry indicated to both Mr. Bowen and Attorney Stone that the Board of Selectmen does not regulate the fees charged by the Tax Collector as they are set by State Statute.  Mr. Bowen indicated that he would be back to the next meeting with Channel 8 News and other residents that had been taken advantage of by Attorney Watts, since the Board of Selectmen would not do anything about this excessive fee.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:20 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 SELECTMEN

OCTOBER 11, 2016

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DRAFT

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

Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry, Fran Doba, Tom Cigas, Linda Guerra, Nicholas Guerra, Andrew Seaton, Liam Connors, Eric Freedon, Robert Reinwald, Robby Reinwald, Evan Whittman, Todd Whitman

First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:30 p.m. She recognizing the Cub Scouts present working on a badge and asked them to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  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 meeting of September 26, 2016.  The motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  Since there were no changes to the minutes First Selectwoman Gorski called the vote.  The vote taken was unanimous. 

ADDITION TO AGENDA

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

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

SOLAR PANELS

Eric Frieden gave a presentation to the Board of Selectman regarding placement of solar panels at the Airport, to be used to power the Hangar and well pump at that location.  There are two grants available for the project.

1) As part of the Solar Challenge that was held in Bethany in 2013, we had an agreement with Aegis based on the number and size of installations. We earned a 5KW system worth ~$17,500.

2) Bethany is part of the Clean Energy Communities program and has earned "points" in the Renewable Energy Track. These incentives are being discontinued and must be redeemed by Dec. 31, 2016. The earned can be redeemed for clean energy projects. Bethany has earned points.

 The panels would be placed within fifty foot of the hangar.  Selectman Shea suggested checking with members of the Bethany Horsemen before putting in the unit to make sure it will not conflict with their activities.   

 

 

Following discussion Selectman Hurlburt moved to apply for the project for 7.32 KW Photovoltaic System to be installed at the Hangar location.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

MEMORIAL BENCHES

Tom Cigas a resident of Bethany brought to the Board of Selectmen an idea he had about placing memorial benches at Veterans Memorial Park at various locations around the lake.  Tom would like to place one there in memory of his wife who passed away last year.  He distributed booklet with several types of benches made of recycled plastic for the Selectmen to choose a suitable bench if approved. First Selectwoman thought that perhaps Park and Recreation should be in on the choice of bench.   The benches could be engraved with the name of the person to whom the bench was given in memory of.  The Selectmen liked the idea.  A discussion followed regarding ways to anchor the benches to prevent vandalism.  The building official would be consulted for this information.  Selectman Hurlburt moved a motion to approve the concept of memorial benches at Veterans Memorial Park and to get approval from the Build Official as to proper installation of the benches.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

MAJOR ROAD UPDATE

First Selectwoman Gorski gave an update on the Major Road projects.  The paving is almost complete for Munson Road and Carriage Drive.  Miller Road chip sealing has been completed.

LACY ROAD WELLS

The Town received a complaint regarding high sodium in some wells in the Lacy Road/Knollwood Road area.  The Town has called QVHD to do further investigation.  DEEP will run some testing on other wells in the area.

EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

Andrew Seaton was present to ask the Board of Selectmen for suggestions regarding Eagle Scout projects he might do for the Town.  Various suggestions were made i.e. power washing of the Center Station, painting of windows, possible construction for a town seal on the building. First Selectwoman Gorski suggested the possibility of taking part in the Community Connectivity Road Safety Audit Program which would make walking trails along Amity Road.

SPECIAL DAY FOR CUB SCOUTS TO SHADOW FIRST SELECTMAN

Scout Leader James Seaton asked First Selectwoman Gorski if the Cub Scouts in his troop might shadow the First Selectman for part of a day. 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:25 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen

 

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

Page 1 of 2

 

DRAFT

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Robert Brinton Jr., Sharon Huxley, John Ford IV, Chip Spear, Sally Huyser

Visitors:  Thomas Broesler, Michael Battista, First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:08 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 July 12, 2016.  The motion of approval was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Robert Brinton Jr.  There was no amendments or corrections to the minutes.   The minutes were accepted on a unanimous vote.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Grabowski gave a brief report to the Board of Finance regarding the recent Amity Finance Committee meeting.  Insurance claims for the last quarter of the 2015-16 fiscal year had been high.  They seem to be leveling off at this time. 

No date has been set for the Amity Bond Issue Hearing or Referendum.  It will be sometime after the Presidential Election. 

Amity has closed their books.  Bethany will be receiving $154,000 which is Bethany’s percentage of the surplus for the 2015-16 fiscal year.    

FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S REPORT

First Selectwoman Gorski updated the Board of Finance regarding Local Capital Improvement Projects (LOCIP) that are being done with this money.  The generator switch has been installed.  The network wiring is just about complete.  The Gazebo repair is in progress.  Plans for the Foyer renovations are just about complete. 

First Selectwoman Gorski and Tom Broesler are working on the preliminary application for the Bond Anticipation Notes for the school roof project, the fire truck, salt shed and fire department radio system.  The final cost of the fire department radio system is not known.  Only one bid was received.  Board members reviewed the bid sheet.  There are many questions yet to be answered before the bid can be accepted. 

FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORTS

Tom Broesler distributed budgetary and revenue reports for fiscal year 2015-16.  The Board reviewed the reports.  Board members questioned the closing balances for accuracy for the salary accounts of the Selectmen, Tax Collector, Town Clerk.  The budget of the Police was discussed regarding the ($123,091) balance and how the revenues would be transferred to balance out this account.  The accounts of Contracted Services, Contingency, Solid Waste, Board of Education Gas and Diesel, Repairs and Supplies, Park and Recreation, Library, Employee’s Medical Insurance, Firemen’s Retirement, and Payroll Tax Expense as to credit to be given that account from the Police Revenue account.

Sharon Huxley questioned Tom as to when they could expect a report with final numbers.  She also questioned why the Board had not received a report for the 2016-17 fiscal year yet.  The next meeting of the Board of Finance was set as a Special Meeting for October 18, 2016. The regularly scheduled meeting of October 12, 2016 will be canceled.   Board members requested an updated corrected report sent to them a week before the meeting so that they would have time to look at it and get answers to questions they may have before the meeting.    

The Board briefly discussed procedure for budget preparation for the 2017-18 fiscal year budget.  They would like to set a meeting for all department heads to be held before November 15, 2016.

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:40 p.m. after a motion was moved by Chip Spear and seconded by Sally Huyser.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SEPTEMBER 12, 2016         

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

Visitors:  Attorney Kevin McSherry, Francis Doba, Robert McSherry

First Selectwoman Gorski opened the meeting of the Board of Selectmen with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:30 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 approval of the minutes of the meeting of August 22, 2016.  The motion was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The minutes were unanimously approved without change.

ADDITION TO AGENDA

First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion to add Waiving of Bid Process for Fire Department Extrication Tool to the agenda of this meeting.  The motion to add this item to the agenda was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  The vote taken was unanimous.

WAIVE BID PROCESS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTRICATION TOOL

The Bethany Fire Department has asked the Board of Selectmen to waive the bidding process for the Extrication Tool approved as a Capital Expenditure and instead post the request for proposal on the Town Web Site.  The motion to waive the bidding process for the Extrication Tool was moved by
Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.

TAX REFUNDS

Selectman Shea moved the motion to refund to AIR Fleet Ltd the sum of $30.53, to B & B Transportation, Inc. the sum of $51.66, to Chuhau Wan the sum of $8.59, to Financial Ser Veh Trust the sum of $254.64, to Jeffrey Boyd the sum of $8.66, to Linda Kibbe the sum of $6.50, to Merrick Miller the sum of $25.49, to Nissan Infinitti, LT the sum of $38.41, to Richard Linsky the sum of $14.24, to Ryan Holt the sum of $13.24 and to Stephen Sardi the sum of $9.41 all for overpayment of taxes.  The motion was seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  The vote taken was unanimous.

BOWEN TAX REFUND REQUEST

Action on the Bowen Tax Refund Request was tabled until the next meeting as the Bowens and their attorney was not present.

WAIVE FEE FOR USE OF LAKEVIEW LODGE

No action for waiving of the fee for use of Lakeview Lodge for a fund raiser was taken as the interested parties were not present to make this request.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Selectmen briefly discussed plans for the upcoming Harvest Festival.  There will be food vendor trucks this year instead of the free food concession of previous years.  Various types of foods will be offered.

FOYER RENOVATIONS

The Selectmen reviewed the updated plans of Rob White for the renovations to the Town Hall Foyer.  All Selectmen approved of the revised plan as submitted.

RADIO SYSTEM

The Selectmen discussed with Fire Chief Robert McSherry details of the bidding process for the Fire Department radio system.  Bid opening is set for September 15, 2016.  Only one company was present for the walk thru.  There was only one letter of intent sent in.  That company asked for a 45 day extension to complete details for the bid.  If there is no bid received by September 15, 2016 then the Board of Selectmen will call a special meeting next week with Paul Zito to decide what will be the next step to take in this process.  

EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS REAL ESTATE OR CONTRACTS

At 7:55 p.m. Selectman Shea moved a motion to go into executive session to discuss Real Estate or Contracts and to invite Attorney McSherry to stay for the Executive Session.  Selectman Hurlburt seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.  At 8:12 p.m. Selectman Hurlburt moved to exit the Executive Session.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

ADJOURNMENT

At 8:15 Selectman Hurlburt moved to adjourn the meeting.  Selectman Shea seconded the motion.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Secretary, Board of Selectmen

 

 

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

JULY 12, 2016

Page 1 of 1

 

DRAFT

Attendance:  Chairman John Grabowski, Chip Spear, Sharon Huxley, Sally Huyser, John Ford IV, Robert Brinton

Visitors:  Chip Dumay, Amity Superintendent, Selectman Clark Hurlburt, Francis Doba, Scott Clearey, Terry Loomis, Bill Blake, Thomas Broesler

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectman’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

AMITY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Chip Dumay gave a presentation on proposed repairs to the Amity High School, and the Middle Schools.  The plan is to bond the $2,000,000 cost of the repairs.  They would repair the air handling system at the Amity High School and Bethany Junior High School, renovate to meet code requirements,  the science room, repairs to parking lot at Amity High School Phase I, tennis courts at Amity High School.  They plan to hold a referendum in September the date to be announced.  They would hold a Public Hearing, date to be announced.  The official statement would be ready in December and if all goes well the bond sale would be sometime in February.  It would be a ten year bond.

Superintendent Dumay introduced Terry Loomis as the new Amity School Finance Director filling the vacancy left by Jack Levine’s retirement.  Terry had been Jack’s assistant.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Grabowski had nothing to report as there has been no meeting of the Amity Finance Committee during the last month. 

FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Tom Broesler, Finance Director distributed an incomplete report on the Town’s finances for the expenditure’s for the end of the fiscal year.  He gave no bank account recommendations for the accounts he had suggested closing.  Board members questioned when he thought he would have a more complete report on year ending numbers, as they would like to know how the fiscal year was ending. 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 7:45 p.m. after a motion was moved by Chip Spear and seconded by Sharon Huxley.  The vote taken was unanimous.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                June G. Riley

                                                                                                Clerk, Board of Finance

Bethany Conservation Commission

September 8^th, 2016

Meeting Minutes (Unapproved)

 

Bruce Loomis called the meeting to order at 8:07. Also in attendance were Brian Eitzer, Patsy Winer, Cathy Rives and Matthew Popp. Absent was Shaukat Khan. Bruce appointed Matthew a voting member in place of Shaukat.

 

            The August meeting’s minutes were reviewed. Pasty moved to accept them, Cathy seconded. Corrections: In the first paragraph, Shaukat Kahn should be changed to Shaukat Khan. In the sixth paragraph, there should be an apostrophe on the word Commissions. In the eighth paragraph, weather should be changed to whether. In the final paragraph, Kathy should be changed to Cathy. The minutes passed as corrected.

 

            There were no bills for the Conservation Commission. The correspondence included the most recent edition of The Habitat, and a letter from CACIWC about the upcoming annual conference and membership renewal. Note: the CC noticed there was a discrepancy about the date of the CACIWC conference. It is on November 12^th, not 16^th. Brian moved that the CC authorize up to $75 to be spent for membership renewal for CACIWC, Cathy seconded. The motion passed.

 

            Brian suggested upping the CC’s operating budget request for the coming year to $1000 to cover increased CACIWC costs and the cost of possibly implementing town-owned recycling frames.

 

            The CC discussed renewing it’s annual request that $100,000 be allotted to the town’s land acquisition fund. It was also discussed that there be a separate request for additional money to be allotted to the fund since it was recently tapped.

 

            The issue of a trail on Miller and Bear Hill Rd. was tabled until the next meeting.

 

            The CC entered executive session at 8:35. Executive session was ended at 8:51.

 

            No new word on the issue of 4 Peck Rd.

 

            Brian moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:52, Matthew seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:52.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Matthew Popp

Secretary pro-tempore