BOARD OF FINANCE

SPECIAL MEETING

MAY 2, 2017

 

DRAFT

 

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

 

Visitors:  Colleen Murray, Tim Charron, Sue Carpenter, Andre Puleo Ordonez, Dawn Stark

Guests:  First Selectman, Derrylyn Gorski, Finance Manager, Thomas Broesler

 

Chairman Grabowski called the meeting to order at 7:11PM.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the draft minutes of the meeting of March 28, 2017.  Robert Brinton suggested amendments to the minutes of March 21, 2017 as follows:  “The BOF discussioned options if the state budget were not completed before the Annual Town Meeting, we should add and added the amount of any expected school building grant reimbursement to the list of information requested.” 

 

Under the Chairman’s Report:  “I believe that Bethany’s share of Amity’s budget for next year is expected to be $99,166 less than this year and tht the Amity Board voted to postpone an HVAC replacement project and to return 100% of this year’s surplus to the towns next year (the total expected surplus is about $800,000).”  The motion was moved by Robert Brinton and seconded by Sally Huyser to approve the minutes with the changes as submitted by Mr. Brinton.  The minutes were approved on a unanimous vote. 

 

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the draft minutes of the meeting of April 6, 2017.  A motion was moved by Robert Brinton and seconded by Sally Huyser.  The minutes were approved on a unanimous vote without modification.

 

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the draft minutes of the meeting of April 11, 2017.  A motion was moved by John Ford and seconded by Melissa Spear.  The minutes were approved on a unamimous vote with one (1) abstension and without modification.

 

Chairman Grabowski tabled the approval of the draft minutes of the April 24, 2017 Budget Hearing.

 

 

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Grabowski reminded the Board that the Amity Budget Referendum is Wednesday, May 3, 2017.  He stated that the objective for this night is to finalize what will be presented to the electorate at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 7PM.  Melissa Spear asked for a copy of the Power Point Presentation that was used at the Public Hearing.  Chairman Grabowski said he will provide it to the Board.

 

TAX COLLECTOR’S BUDGET

Robert Brinton asked that since the Assistant Tax Collector received an increase due to State Certification in FY16-17, should there be a budget decrease in FY17-18 as the incoming assistant will likely not be certified?  First Selectman Gorski said she would like to leave the budget as is in order to hire a Certified Assistant Collector if the opportunity presents itself.

 

LAND ACQUISITION FUND

Melissa Spear suggested and Sally Huyser agreed that there was enough support at the Public Hearing on April 24, 2017 in favor of raising the Land Acquisition Fund to $100,000 and recommended that the Board do so.  They agreed that the matter should be decided by the electorate at the Annual Town Meeting.  There was no further discussion.

 

GENERAL SALARY INCREASES

The Board questioned how salary increases are determined.  Mr. Broesler stated that the salary increases for DPW are based on the negotiated contract.  But for non-bargained for employees, the percentage of increase, if any, is recommended by the Board of Finance and voted on by the electorate.  It is applied uniformly across the board to all non-bargained for employees.  There are no “merit” increases per se.  However, if an employee receives state certification pertaining to his or her job, an increase is then recommended.  Robert Brinton said that the auditors commented that they were unable to obtain a list of town employee salaries.  Mr. Broesler said he was never asked to provide a list of salaries to the auditors.

 

MEDICAL INSURANCE

First Selectman Gorski said that she reduced this line item for the 2017-18 budget to $516,150 down from $552,500.

 

AMITY REGIONAL H.S. BUDGET REFERENDUM

The Special Education aid to the town by the state is included in the dollar amount being voted on in Wednesday’s referendum.  This money will be reimbursed to the Region once received by the town.  It will be added to Revenues and then offset as an Expense.  Going forward Mr. Broesler said he will create separate line items for Special Education in Expense and Revenue.  He said it will be Amity’s responsibility to return any unused funds to the state if this aid is not fully used as expressly granted.

 

DPW BUDGET

Sharon Huxley asked for assurance that Tree Service and Contracted Services line items would be carried throughout the 2017-18 budget as separate line items and not totaled together under Contracted Services.  Mr. Broesler assured her it would be separated in 2017-18.

 

 

FUND BALANCE

Mr. Broesler said there is $900,000 in the fund balance that can be used to fund the Land Acquisition Fund or any other non-recurring expense.  Robert Brinton recommended that one-third to one-half be used for some non-recurring expenses.

 

PROPOSED MILL RATE

Chairman Grabowski recommended waiting until the next Board of Finance meeting on June 13, 2017 to set the mill rate as there should be additional information from the state to work with by then.  He recommended the proposed mill rate of 37.9 as called out on the proposed budget for 2017-18 as soon as revenues are known. 

 

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the proposed budget for FY 2017-18.  A motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Melissa Spear.  The motion was approved by a vote of 5 to 1 with Robert Brinton voting No.

 

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion to approve the use of LoCIP financing for capital projects unless LoCIP funding is cut by the state.  A motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Robert Brinton.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

SUSPENSE LIST

The Suspense List was tabled until the June meeting.

 

The next meeting is Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 7PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment was called at 8:10PM after a motion was moved by Sally Huyser and seconded by Melissa Spear.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Frances K. Doba

Substituting for June G. Riley, Clerk, Board of Finance

 

 

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MAY 22, 2017

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DRAFT

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

Visitors:  Eric Decesare, Attorney Kevin McSherry

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski called for approval of the minutes of March 27, 2017.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Hurlburt.  There were no changes to the minutes.  They were accepted on a unanimous vote.

First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski called for approval of the minutes of April 24, 2017.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  There were no changes to the minutes.  They were accepted on a unanimous vote.

First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski called for approval of the minutes of May 9, 2017.  The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Hurlburt and seconded by Selectman Shea.  There were no changes to the minutes.  They were accepted on a vote of two yes votes and one abstention that of Selectman Shea as he was not present at this meeting.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT BID FOR RECLAIMING, MILLING, GRADING, COMPACTION, PAVING, CURBING OVERLAY AND SHIMMING

The bids for Highway Department road work had been opened on Friday May 19, 2017.  First Selectwoman Gorski looked at the bids with Alan Green, Highway Forman.  It was their opinion that S & S Asphalt Paving Inc. from Southbury Connecticut would be able to do the milling, grading, compaction, paving, curbing overlay and shimming without sub-contracting any portion to another company.  Following discussion Selectman Hurlburt moved to award the bid to S & S Asphalt Paving Inc.  Selectman Shea seconded the bid.  The vote taken was unanimous.

STATE BUDGET

First Selectmen Gorski reported to the Selectmen information she had received from CCM regarding the Governor’s budget. There is a possibility that it could be finalized within the next week.  The mill rate will be set after the first of June using figures from the Governor’s budget if available.  If it is not, the mill rate will remain the same as this fiscal year.  Adjustments would then have to be made on the tax bills for January 2018. 

HILLTOP ROAD  DRAINAGE

Eric Decesare, a resident of Hilltop Road was present at the meeting to discuss run off of water from Hill Top Road onto his property with the Selectmen.  He showed the Selectmen a video of the run off of water during a recent storm.  When the water runs across his property it then comes out on route 69, causing soil to erode onto the highway.  He has received communication from Bethany Wetlands Commission in the past regarding this runoff.  In discussing the matter with Town Counsel the problem will only be solved with the installation of a few catch basins and drainage pipe.

 

 

OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

Selectman Hurlburt wanted it noted this was EMS Week in Connecticut.  The Selectmen gave a special thanks to all EMS personnel within the Town of Bethany for a job well done. 

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

 

 

 

 

Bethany Conservation Commission

February 16, 2017

Approved Minutes

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 8:10 by Bruce Loomis.  Also in attendance were Brian Eitzer, Patsy Winer and Matthew Popp. Absent were Shaukat Khan and Cathy Rives.
2. Matthew Popp was appointed as a voting member in place of Cathy Rives for this meeting.
3. Brian moved to accept the minutes of the Nov. 10, 2016 meeting, Matthew seconded.  It was noted that in the 4^th paragraph 8;15 should be 8:15.  With that correction the minutes were approved unanimously.
4. The minutes of the December 8, 2016 meeting were tabled as there were not enough members present who were also at that meeting.
5. The only correspondence was an issue of Connecticut Wildlife.
6. There was a discussion of the tree trimming that Eversource is currently conducting in town.  Bruce mentioned that he asked Derrylyn Gorski to mention to the tree wardens and Eversource that they should be sensitive to scenic roads.
7. Bruce gave an update on the Woodward (Mesa Drive) open space.  The transfer to the land trust should be completed with the inclusion of a trail link to the existing open space.
8. There was a discussion of the ongoing issues with the Planning and Zoning Commission.  It was noted that this item was tabled at their last meeting.  The Conservation Commission’s interpretation is that the town’s regulations require that the Conservation Commission get the opportunity to review and provide advice on open space prior to the Planning and Zoning decision even though that advice does not need to be heeded (Subdivision Regulation 11.4.C).
9. It was noted that the lighted sign regulation was continued pending further research into the brightness of lights issue.
10. It was noted that Will Brinton is still following up on the issue related to the Keegan property trail right of way.
11. The commission went into Executive Session at 8:45 to discuss a land issue and the Conservationist of the Year Award.  The Executive session ended at 9:07.
12. Work was done on the updating of the various lists of open space and open space priorities in the Appendices to the Bethany Plan of Conservation and Development due to changes that have occurred in the town over the past several years.
13. Patsy moved to adjourn at 9:27, Matthew seconded and the motion passed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Brian Eitzer

Secretary pro-tempore

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE BETHANY CONSERVATION COMMISSION, MARCH 9, 2017

 

 

Present were Bruce Loomis, Brian Eitzer and Patricia Winer

Absent were Cathy Rives, Shaukat Khan and Matthew Popp

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:08pm. The minutes of November 8th were tabled again as the necessary members to approve them were not present. Winer moved to approve the minutes of February16 with amendments as follows: the second sentence of the eighth paragraph should read, "The Conservation Commission's interpretation is that the town's regulations require that the Conservation Commission get the opportunity to review and provide advice on open space prior to the Planning and Zoning decision, even though that advice does not need to be heeded. (Subdivision Regulations 11.4. c). Loomis seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved.

 

As correspondence the Commission received the Aquarion Champions of Conservation Awards entry form and information. Bruce mentioned the possibility of nominating Barry Collins again. The discussion of whether we have a candidate will be continued.

 

P&Z update as of their March meeting:

New regulations on LED lighting are still under discussion. Kevin McSherry reported on two bills in the legislature, one dealing with fees in lieu and the other with the conveyance tax. Both would allow towns to use money derived from these sources to be dedicated to open space. On the issue of communication between the Conservation Commission and P&Z, Bruce will write a letter about it to P&Z, as he did not have the opportunity to speak about the question at the meeting.

 

Budget

It was agreed that we should still propose $100,000 for the LAF, but we shouldn't go for a 100% increase in our own budget. We will ask for $750 instead, an increase over $500, which we have had as a budget figure for many years.

 

The Commission went into executive session at 8:31 to discuss Conservationist of the Year. We exited at 8:37.

 

Revision of the open space inventory:

The Commission reviewed additions to the open space inventory. Bruce has sent the list of Land Trust acquisitions to LInda François to check it with their records. Adjustments will need to be made in the text of the Open Space Plan to bring it into conformity with the additions to the tables.

 

Open space watch list:

We will put the northern part of the Woodward property abutting Northrup Road on our watch list, as  it adjoins the designated open space, and as Mr. Woodward has given up the connection between the upper and lower parts of the property that he retained, The possibility of putting the former Uniroyal property on the watch list for agricultural or recreational space was also discussed.

 

We will all check the amendments to the tables in the Open Space Plan and confirm them at our next meeting.

 

Brian moved to adjourn at 9:07. Patsy seconded. The motion was passed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Winer

 

 

 

 

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, MA

The regular meeting of the Inland Wetlands Commission was called to order at 7:35 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, Vice-Chair, Acting as Chair

         Brian Smith, Member

         Nancy Scanlon, Member

 

The following members of the Commission were excused:

         Alexandra Breslin, Chair

         Roger Hathaway, Member

         Rob Huxley, Alternate Member

 

 

Acting-Chair Sullivan stated the first order of business is to move Item #1 of New Business – 337 Beacon Road to Old Business for the application was received last month.

 

Also, Acting-Chair Sullivan stated there is a request to add 48 Amity Road to the agenda for an issue with heavy rain washing silt onto Amity Road.  It was the consensus of the Commission to add this item.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS 

 

1. 81 Humiston Drive, Application #1281 submitted by James Mooney for an IW Permit for an inground swimming pool –

 

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was James Mooney, applicant and owner of record.

 

Mr.  Mooney reviewed the proposed project and noted in discussion:

• Original owners received a variance to build the existing house. 
• Property slopped in areas.
• There is an existing deck.

 

In discussion, Commission members noted:

• Need information on what type of filter to be used for pool.  Commission prefers one that does not require backwashing.
• Need information on where the material will be stored that is being excavated.  Will it be stored onsite or offsite.
• Would like to conduct site visit.
• Will need location of pool staked for site visit.
• Need erosion controls shown on plan.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, June 26, 2017.  Tabled.

 

 

 

1. 94 Downs Road, Application #1282 submitted by Gary Martin for a modification to previous approval for a residential site development –

 

The Commission formally received the application.  Present to speak on behalf of this application was John Paul Garcia, P.E./L.S., representing the property owner.

 

Mr.  Garcia reviewed the proposed project and noted in discussion:

• This is a modification to house footprint.

 

In discussion, Commission members noted:

• Concerned with increased water runoff to swale which runs through break in stonewall and goes down to stream below.
• Would like drainage kept up high on property.
• Show erosion controls near proposed septic system.

 

Mr. Garcia will revise plans and submit before next meeting.

 

Further discussion and appropriate action on the application was deferred until the Commission’s next regular meeting adjourned to Monday, June 26, 2017.  Tabled.

 

 

1. 48 Amity Road, Re:  Notice of Violation to Laura Torrence, dated April 17, 2017, pertaining to erosion of sediment and rocks onto Amity Road after heavy rainfall –

 

Present for this discussion was Mr. Torrence.

 

Mr. Torrence noted in discussion:

• Reviewed four photographs of subject property submitted.
• When trailers were moved out, it created ruts.
• Installed riprap and haybales to correct problem.  (shown in photographs)

 

The Commission stated that with the heavy rain coming down from Bethridge Road onto his property is beyond his control.  The Commission thanked Mr. Torrence for coming in and resolving the issue.

 

Isabel Kearns, IWEO, will prepare a letter that the Notice of Violation, dated April 17, 2017,  has been released.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

1. 337 Beacon Road, Mendell’s Folly, Application #1280 submitted by the Bethany Land Trust for an IW Permit to construct a pedestrian bridge across brook –

 

No one was present for this application.

 

Commission members visited the site on May 20, 2017.

 

 

 

 

The Commission discussed and proceeded to deliberate.  It was moved by Smith and seconded by Scanlon to approve Application #1280 submitted by Bethany Land Trust for an Inland Wetlands Permit to construct a footbridge across the brook located at 337 Beacon Road, Mendell’s Folly as presented in the application, testimony and in accordance with the submitted plan, with hand-drawn markings, showing location of footbridge, submitted on April 18, 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. The total amount of disturbance in area will be the matching 12” excavation of both sides for a precast footing for the bridge.
2. Any excess material that will be removed for the bridge supports shall be broadcast to an upland area on far west side of area.

 

This approval is based on the fact that if the plans are followed as discussed there will be no adverse impact to the surrounding wetlands.

Vote 3 to 0.

Voting for:  Sullivan, Smith, Scanlon.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

1. 74 MUNSON ROAD, Harold, Thomas and Dina Durley, Updated on Cease and Desist Order issued December 7, 2016 – Silt fence in place.  Tabled.

 

1. Discussion regarding Raccio Drive – Proposal from Diversified Technology Consultants – Tabled.
    
    
2. Discussion regarding Bethany West clearing.  (Letter from Roman Mrozinski of the
   Southwest Conservation District) –  The Commission would like to revisit the site with First Selectman Derry Gorski.  The cutting has stopped.  Tabled.
    
    
3. 185 Beacon Road, Discussion with Daniel Cusano regarding non-permitted barn –

Tabled.

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Approval of minutes for March 27, 2017, has been tabled.

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

1. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO, to Matt Micros of 667 Amity Road, dated May 16, 2017, Re:  Release of Cease and Desist Order dated May 10, 2017, for erosion control measures.

 

 

 

 

1. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO to Harold, Thomas and Dina Durley of 74 Munson Road, dated April 13, 2017, Re:  Reminder to install haybales around pond area where quad riding took place.
2. Letter from Isabel Kearns, IWEO to Laura Torrence, dated April 17, 2017, Re:  Notice of Violation pertaining to erosion of sediment and rocks onto Amity Road after heavy rainfall.
    
    

SCHEDULE SITE VISIT

The Commission scheduled a site visit for Saturday, June 3, 2017.  Members to meet at        81 Humiston Drive at 8:30 a.m. 

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS –

1. 37 Hilltop Road – Decesare – Again experiencing silt down to bottom of road.  Need controls to stop runoff.  Ask the Board of Selectmen what the Town is going to do.
2. 19 Deerfield Lane – Franco – Property owner has not complied with condition of permit that the area south of the existing garage addition being reclaimed in the spring back to the state that was required by the prior IW Permit #1217 for the garage addition to the house.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Scanlon

and seconded by Smith to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek, Clerk

For Inland Wetlands Commission

 

 

 

Y 22, 2017                                                          

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