BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MARCH 3, 2020

Page 1 of 3                                          DRAFT MINUTES

 

Attendance:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco and Selectman Donald Shea.

 

Absent:  Selectman Derrylyn Gorski

 

Also in attendance:  Town Attorney Vincent Marino, Finance Director Sheila Lane, and Facilities Director Rod White

 

Visitor:  Fred Nevin

 

1.&2. First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at        7:02 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.

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the regular meeting of    February 18, 2020.   The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea. 

Unanimous approval.

 

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the special meeting of    February 21, 2020.   The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea. 

Unanimous approval.

 

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the special meeting of    February 28, 2020.   The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco.  There was a change in the minutes with the numbering of the items to 1 and 2 and the 3 was removed.  Voting for as amended:  Cofrancesco, Shea. 

Unanimous approval.

 

4. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – REPLACEMENT OF LODGE FLOORING

Facilities Director Rod White noted the following:

·         Asking Selectmen to waive the bidding process.

·         Received three proposals to replace lodge flooring.

·         Best bid was from Sullivan and Son.

·         Flooring will be Mohawk 12” by 24” rectangular luxury vinyl tile.

·         With the price received from Sullivan and Son will be able to include the kitchen area.

 

It was moved by Selectmen Shea and seconded by Selectmen Cofrancesco to waive the bidding process to replace the lodge flooring and to accept the proposal from Sullivan and Son.

Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea. 

Unanimous approval.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MARCH 3, 2020

Page 2 of 3

 

5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – ROAD WORK – MOVING FORWARD – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated they are waiting for the State bids which should be available within the next week to ten days.

 

Selectmen Shea noted the following:

·         We should know in a few weeks who the contractor will be.

·         Asphalt plants open March 25^th and it will take a couple weeks to get running.

 

6. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPSON PROPERTY – UPDATE

Town Attorney Marino noted the following:

·         There is a title discrepancy on the part of the seller, which needs to be corrected before we can move forward.

·         We have drafted a contract but need the title issue to be resolved first.

·         Will call seller to ask status of title and try to move the process along with the seller.

 

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated the Land Trust is concerned about the grant money.  They do not want to lose the funds.  First Selectman Cofrancesco or Attorney Marino will contact the Land Trust to get update on timeline of grant money.

 

7. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPLE RECYCLING (SOFT RECYCLABLES) – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted that she followed up with the Simple Recycling today to get the revised contract back and will forward to Town Attorney for review when received.  First Selectman Cofrancesco stated she would hope to start the program in April around Earth Day, if not sooner.

 

8. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – TAX REFUNDS

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated there are no tax refunds.

 

9. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – CEMETERY COMMISSION BYLAWS – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated she is working closely with the Cemetery Commission on deeds and plots and that the Bylaws may need to be updated to move on with this work.

 

10.  DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – STATUS OF AIRPORT HANGAR

Town Attorney Marino noted the following:

·         Town needs to decide what action to take.

·         Project paid for with grant money.

·         Insurance will pay to put structure back to pre-tornado condition, but then Town needs to decide if it wants to sue the manufacturing company or contractor due to unusable leaky building.

·         Selectmen need to come up with a recommendation.

·         Some options would be to restore and litigate or restore and pull the bond.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MARCH 3, 2020

Page 3 of 3

 

Selectmen concerned with State wanting their grant money back and suggested pulling the bond.  There was a question whether the grant from the State was to build a community center or a cold storage space.  Facilities Director White stated it was to build a community center when project started but was to be built in phases, and then it was called storage at one point due to building codes.

 

Attorney Marino recommended putting together an outline of what was done and what is needed to do.  Also, Attorney Marino suggested contacting the State to inquire about what if the building was damaged, the insurance doesn’t cover it to restore to useable condition and what is the State’s position if we wanted to just remove the building. How would that impact the grant funds, which were mostly used?

 

11. OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

·         First Selectman Cofrancesco stated she received a letter from Bridges Health Care in regard to the BOW Drug/Alcohol Action Committee (BOWDAAC) and that they are applying for a grant and need letters of support.  Town Attorney Marino reviewed the letter and stated that they are looking for an active role in this letter in various areas and that First Selectmen Cofrancesco should state in letter of support that “To the extent that Bethany’s resources allow:”.  It was moved by Selectmen Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to authorize a letter of support to the BOW Drug/Alcohol Action Committee and to include the phrase “To the extent that Bethany’s resources allow:”.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.

 

·         Selectman Shea noted that he received a call from a resident on Miller Road who spoke to the Zoning Enforcement Officer regarding neighbors that have junk in their yards and can bring his property values down.  The ZEO contacted the neighbors and was asked who was the complainant and then gave the name of the complainant to neighbor with junkyard.  Is there a law that you have to give the name of complainant out?  Town Attorney Marino stated that we would speak to ZEO and find out what her process is; and that it is common if the respondent asks for the name that you give it to them under the Freedom of Information Act.

 

·         Finance Director Sheila Lane mentioned that the Town should have an emergency plan with the situation at hand with regard to a way to notify everyone if a case has been reported at the Town Hall or schools.  First Selectman Cofrancesco stated she will follow up with the Fire Marshall.

 

12. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:50 p.m., it was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to adjourn the regular meeting.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Antonia R. Marek

Meeting Clerk

Bethany Conservation Commission

February 27^th 2020

Meeting Minutes (Unapproved)

 

            Bruce Loomis called the meeting to order at 8:05pm. Also in attendance were Brian Eitzer, Patsy Winer and Matthew Popp. The Commission welcomed guests Marie Pulito and Allison Beres-nork.

 

            Marie spoke to the Commission on behalf of Sustainable Bethany about their interest in creating a “pollinator pathway” in Bethany to create an environment for bees to flourish. Their idea is to work with multiple groups in town to build the “pathway” over the course of a year. They suggested that the land could be town-owned, private property, or part of a land trust, and any combination thereof. Marie mentioned that the neighboring town of Hamden’s Land Trust is already underway working on building a “pathway” in their town. Marie also spoke to the Commission about a second project that Sustainable Bethany is working on, which is planting trees in town as a recovery effort from damages due to the tornado in May of 2018. She mentioned the possible planting of chestnut trees specifically as part of that effort. Marie stated that she would keep in touch with the Commission with new information about both projects since they both are in their beginning stages. She asked that the Commission consider helping with both projects and that we keep a lookout for possible land that could be used for the “pathway”. The Commission noted that Sustainable Bethany’s primary mission seemed different than what was described in the email received before the previous meeting.

 

            There were no bills. The Commission received two nominations for this year’s Conservationist of the Year award. The Commission also received the annual request from Bethany Community School to sponsor their annual conservation awards in the amount of $60.00. They give the awards one boy and one girl each year. Brian moved that the Commission spend the money to fund the awards, Matt seconded. The motion passed.

 

Brian moved to accept the minutes from the previous meeting, Patsy seconded. Bruce suggested that in paragraph six, “windmills” should be changed to “wind generators”. The minutes were accepted as amended.

 

            The Commission discussed Allison’s interest in becoming a member. She will speak to the First Selectwoman about becoming officially appointed.

 

            The Commission discussed the town’s open space plan.

 

            Brian moved to adjourn the meeting, Patsy seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm.

 

 

            Respectfully submitted,

 

            Matthew Popp

            Secretary pro-tempore

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

Page 1 of 2

 

MINUTES APPROVED – March 3, 2020

 

Attendance:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco, Selectman Donald Shea

 

Absent:  Selectman Derrylyn Gorski

 

Also in attendance:  Attorney Courtney George and Finance Director Sheila Lane

Visitor:  Sharon Huxley

 

1.&2. First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at    7:03 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.

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of    February 4, 2020.   The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea. 

Unanimous approval.

 

4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – ROAD WORK – MOVING FORWARD – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:

·         Still in the process of getting invitations to bid finalized and that we hope to get them out in the next few weeks.

 

5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPSON PROPERTY – UPDATE

There was a brief discussion that the owners should be in the process of going through probate on the property, and a question was asked as to whether or not the owners had a lawyer.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will check on this and report back.  Tabled.

 

6. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPLE RECYCLING (SOFT RECYCLABLES) – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:

·         She made revisions to contract, waiting for contractor to send back for final review and will send off to Town Attorney for review.

 

 

7. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – TAX REFUNDS

First Selectman Cofrancesco distributed a list of tax refunds to be acted on by the Board totaling in the amount of $8,195.64.  It was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to approve the tax refunds totaling in the amount of $8,195.64, as shown on report.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

Page 2 of 2

 

8. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – CEMETERY COMMISSION BYLAWS – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated there is nothing happening right now with the Bylaws and the Cemetery Commission has a meeting this Thursday, February 20, 2020, in which she will attend.  Tabled.

 

9.  DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE COMPANY – RESOLUTION

Finance Director Lane stated that there needs to be new signers on the Dr. Plummer Scholarship Fund, they had no record since 2012, and they wanted a resolution.

 

It was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to approve the resolution for American General Life Company to resolve the signatory issue.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.

 

 

10. OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:

·         A request was submitted from a resident, who is part of a prayer group, looking for a discounted rate to rent an area in Town Hall, the Lodge or Pavilion on one Sunday in March, April and May. 

Selectman Shea stated that typically if a Bethany resident with a non-profit organization requests to rent, the Town waives the fee.  First Selectman Cofrancesco stated that they would have to get someone to come in to open and close and cleanup, which would cost the Town.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will contact Janice Howard, Director of Park and Recreation, who is responsible for these locations and have Mrs. Howard follow up with individual requesting rental to obtain specifics of the event.  Selectman Shea suggested possibly charging for just the cost of the coverage of the facility during the event.

·         Received an email from Charlie Rosa of the U.S. Census Bureau looking for space with chairs and tables for 20 to 25 people at Town Hall to train employees for Census.  After discussion, First Selectman Cofrancesco stated it does not seem feasible at Town Hall and will inform      Mr. Rosa that the Town Hall would not be able to accommodate this.

·         The Schedule for the Budget Workshops has been distributed and will take place next Friday, February 28, 2020, starting at 4:00 p.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

At 7:33 p.m., it was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to adjourn the regular meeting.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Antonia R. Marek

Meeting Clerk

SPECIAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Page 1 of 1

 

MINUTES APPROVED – March 3, 2020

 

Attendance:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco & Selectman Donald Shea

Not in attendance:  Selectman Derrylyn Gorski

 

Also in attendance:  Visitor: Barbara Schellenberg

 

1. First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 5:31p.m.  The meeting was held in the Commission Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

 

2. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON PARKS & RECREATION VAN REPLACMENT

Short follow-up discussion was held on the current condition of the Parks & Recreation van and options for replacement.

 

As a follow-up to the Special Board of Finance meeting, Selectman Shea made a motion to send the matter to a Town Meeting to discuss and act upon the recommendation to authorize the expenditure of up to $34,000.00 from the General Fund to purchase a multi-passenger van for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Motion seconded by First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco

Unanimous approval.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

At 5:39 p.m., it was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to adjourn the special meeting.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Paula Cofrancesco

First Selectman

SPECIAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Page 1 of 1

 

MINUTES APPROVED – March 3, 2020

 

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

Selectman Gorski left at 4:06p.m.

 

Also in attendance:  Finance Director Sheila Lane

Visitors:  Janice Howard, Nicholas Poulmas, Sharon Huxley and Vincent Ciavarella

 

1.&2. First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 3:33p.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.

 

3. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON PARKS & RECREATION VAN REPLACMENT

Extensive discussion was held on the current condition of the Parks & Recreation van. Janice Howard, the Parks & Recreation Director, provided information on the history of the van.  It was donated by the Bethany Fire Department and currently has over 200,000 miles on it.  It has recently been inspected by a local mechanic who has determined that the vehicle is in need of approximately $3,800-$4,000 worth of repairs.  Conversation included possible options besides expending the amount of money on a vehicle of that age and condition.  Ms. Howard indicated that she and Mr. Poulmas have reached out to a variety of automobile establishments, both local and out-of-state, to see what might be available.  A used van has been found that would fill the needs of the department.  Ms. Howard did provide some background as to how the van is utilized by the department on a regular basis:  transporting children to and from local activities (i.e., dance, karate, tennis and field trips), picking up students from CCD classes in Woodbridge.  These trips help to allow students to participate in the local programs and to accommodate parents who work until either 5 or 6p.m.  The van is used even more extensively during the summer to transport children back and forth to the lake for various activities held there for summer camp.

 

After lengthy discussion it was decided that no action would be taken at this time and that the issue would be brought forward to a Special Board of Finance meeting and then another Special Board of Selectmen meeting.  If it should be approved at those meetings, then it would be sent to a Town Meeting for a final vote.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

At 4:26 p.m., it was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to adjourn the special meeting.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Paula Cofrancesco

First Selectman

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

Page 1 of 2

 

MINUTES APPROVED – March 3, 20202

 

Attendance:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco, Selectman Donald Shea

 

Absent:  Selectman Derrylyn Gorski

 

Also in attendance:  Attorney Courtney George and Finance Director Sheila Lane

Visitor:  Sharon Huxley

 

1.&2. First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at    7:03 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.

 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of    February 4, 2020.   The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea. 

Unanimous approval.

 

4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – ROAD WORK – MOVING FORWARD – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:

·         Still in the process of getting invitations to bid finalized and that we hope to get them out in the next few weeks.

 

5. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPSON PROPERTY – UPDATE

There was a brief discussion that the owners should be in the process of going through probate on the property, and a question was asked as to whether or not the owners had a lawyer.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will check on this and report back.  Tabled.

 

6. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPLE RECYCLING (SOFT RECYCLABLES) – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:

·         She made revisions to contract, waiting for contractor to send back for final review and will send off to Town Attorney for review.

 

 

7. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – TAX REFUNDS

First Selectman Cofrancesco distributed a list of tax refunds to be acted on by the Board totaling in the amount of $8,195.64.  It was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to approve the tax refunds totaling in the amount of $8,195.64, as shown on report.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

Page 2 of 2

 

8. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – CEMETERY COMMISSION BYLAWS – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated there is nothing happening right now with the Bylaws and the Cemetery Commission has a meeting this Thursday, February 20, 2020, in which she will attend.  Tabled.

 

9.  DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE COMPANY – RESOLUTION

Finance Director Lane stated that there needs to be new signers on the Dr. Plummer Scholarship Fund, they had no record since 2012, and they wanted a resolution.

 

It was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to approve the resolution for American General Life Company to resolve the signatory issue.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.

 

 

10. OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted the following:

·         A request was submitted from a resident, who is part of a prayer group, looking for a discounted rate to rent an area in Town Hall, the Lodge or Pavilion on one Sunday in March, April and May. 

Selectman Shea stated that typically if a Bethany resident with a non-profit organization requests to rent, the Town waives the fee.  First Selectman Cofrancesco stated that they would have to get someone to come in to open and close and cleanup, which would cost the Town.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will contact Janice Howard, Director of Park and Recreation, who is responsible for these locations and have Mrs. Howard follow up with individual requesting rental to obtain specifics of the event.  Selectman Shea suggested possibly charging for just the cost of the coverage of the facility during the event.

·         Received an email from Charlie Rosa of the U.S. Census Bureau looking for space with chairs and tables for 20 to 25 people at Town Hall to train employees for Census.  After discussion, First Selectman Cofrancesco stated it does not seem feasible at Town Hall and will inform      Mr. Rosa that the Town Hall would not be able to accommodate this.

·         The Schedule for the Budget Workshops has been distributed and will take place next Friday, February 28, 2020, starting at 4:00 p.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

At 7:33 p.m., it was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco to adjourn the regular meeting.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Antonia R. Marek

Meeting Clerk

Bethany Conservation Commission

February 13^th 2020

Meeting Minutes (Unapproved)

 

Bruce Loomis called the meeting to order at 8:06pm. Also in attendance were Brian Eitzer, Patsy Winer, and Matthew Popp.

The minutes from the previous meeting on November 14^th, 2019 were reviewed. Patsy moved to accept them and Bruce seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as accepted. There were no corrections.

The Commission entered executive session at 8:08 to discuss the Conservationist of the Year award for 2020. The session was ended at 8:10.

There were no bills. The Commission discussed an email received from the group Sustainable Bethany. The group is interested in planting trees throughout the town as part of a recovery project in response to damage to Bethany’s trees from the tornado in the spring of 2018. The Commission had many questions about the project, and will invite members of the group to speak at the next Commission meeting.

The Commission discussed the budget for the coming year. The Commission will request a $500 operating budget from the town, and also a $1500 special request to spend on mapping required for updating the town’s open space plan. The Commission will also request that $100,000 be allotted to the town’s Land Acquisition Fund as they have done in previous years.

The Commission discussed the Planning and Zoning Commission’s new zoning regulations. The Village District zone was of particular interest and concern and the Commission had multiple questions about its details. The Commission also discussed the issue of regulations regarding windmills and free-standing solar panels. Patsy suggested that the members of the Commission do more research on those regulations before its next meeting.

The Commission discussed possible new members.

The Commission discussed the progress on revising the town’s open space plan, particularly properties acquired by the town through taxes that are currently open space. Matthew volunteered to go through Appendix 2 to identify property owned by the town that is open space but unusable by the town.

Brian moved to adjourn the meeting, Patsy seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:32pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew Popp

Secretary pro-tempore