BOARD OF SELECTMEN

APRIL 7, 2020

Page 1 of 5    -   VIA ZOOM

                                                                     MINUTES – Approved 4-21-2020

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

 

Also in attendance:  Town Attorney Vincent Marino, Finance Director Sheila Lane

 

Visitors:  Sheila Wade, Marie Pulito, Sharon Huxley and Fred Niven

 

Via 1. First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order via Zoom at        7:02 p.m.   

 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

First Selectman Cofrancesco called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the regular meeting of    March 3, 2020.   The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by First Selectman Cofrancesco.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Selectman Gorski abstained.  Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea.  Unanimous approval.

 

3.  PRESENTATION BY SHEILA WADE AND MARIE PULITO – POLLINATOR PATHWAY PROGRAM

Present for this discussion were Sheila Wade and Marie Pulito.

Some comments in discussion made by Sheila Wade were:

·         This program is formed of a group of environmental concerned citizens that want to create a conservation movement for pollinators.

·         Need the Board of Selectmen to endorse this project.

·         Would be going for a grant from Sustainable CT to purchase the plants/seeds.

·         Would plant along the trails in Town or identify different properties, such as, First Church and Clark Memorial Library.

·         We are still in conversations of Stage 1.

·         Would like to promote in the Bethany Bulletin.

·         Will update Board of Selectmen on progress.

 

It was moved by Selectman Gorski and seconded by Selectman Shea to put forth a motion to support the Pollinator Pathway Project as presented at meeting by Sheila Wade and Maria Pulito.

Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea, Gorski.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

APRIL 7, 2020

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4.  APPROVAL OF MEMBERS TO THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION:

     A.  Robert Huxley – Regular Member

     B.  Ali Beres-Nork – Alternate Member

It was moved by Selectman Gorski and seconded by Selectman Shea to approve and appoint the following members to the Conservation Commission:  Robert Huxley – Regular Member and Ali-Beres-Nork – Alternate Member.

Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea, Gorski.

Unanimous approval.

 

5.  DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – TAX REFUNDS – POST ISSUANCE

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated that the refund list was unavailable for the March 3^rd BOS meeting and then the March 17^th meeting was cancelled and that the refund checks have already been issued.  First Selectman Cofrancesco previously emailed in the meeting packet a list of tax refunds to be acted on by the Board totaling in the amount of $1,045.15.  It was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski to approve the tax refunds totaling in the amount of $1,045.15, as shown on report dated April 2, 2020. 

Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea, Gorski.

Unanimous approval.

 

6.  DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – APPROVE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE BOARD OF FINANCE TO ADOPT FINAL BUDGET FOR THE TOWN OF BETHANY IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 7I, SECTION 13

First Selectman Cofrancesco had emailed all members a copy of the resolution and stated that Governor Lamont has given the authority to suspend the in-person budget adoption requirements for municipalities. 

 

Finance Director Sheila Lane stated next week the Board of Finance will approve a draft budget and then a modified version of the draft budget will be sent to residents in the mail and that a complete version will be posted online.  Residents will be able to call in or email their comments. They will offer to residents a hard copy option if needed.  Also Ms. Lane stated all the information from the residents will be given to the Board of Finance for their review.  Ms. Lane stated the procedures will be finalized with the Board of Finance next week, April 14, 2020, at their meeting.

 

It was moved by Selectman Gorski and seconded by Selectman Shea to approve the resolution of the Board of Selectmen in accordance with Executive Order No. 7I, Section 13 (copy attached).

 

Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea, Gorski.

Unanimous approval.

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

APRIL 7, 2020

Page 3 of 5

 

7.  DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – AUTHORIZING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 7S, SECTION 7, FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

First Selectman Cofrancesco had emailed all members a copy of the resolution and stated that Governor Lamont has given the authority to the Board of Selectmen regarding the budget, and this resolution consists of three items for supplemental appropriation from the Board.  Also, she stated Latricrete is donating $5,000 towards the van and the Bethany Athletic Association has offered a donation (amount not confirmed yet) towards the van.

 

During discussion, Selectman Shea, stated some of his concerns:

·         Park and Recreation shut down right now due to pandemic, what would hardship be if we put this item (van) off at this time?

·         Electrical system for the Town – Why wasn’t this addressed before we purchased the generator?

Sounds like we are hiding items and then it becomes an emergency.

 

Finance Director Sheila Lane stated when work on the generator was taking place contractor found that the annex electrical is connected to the Town Hall and the Building Official stated it is not safe and can cause fire danger and there were other updates needed for safety reasons.

 

Selectman Gorski mentioned holding off on the van because the van can’t be used right now and we can put it in the budget under capital items. 

 

Sharon Huxley mentioned that if the Park and Rec doesn’t have the money available there is a possibility they would lose an opportunity to put a deposit on a used van if they find one. 

 

Selectman Gorski then mentioned she would approve $25,000.00 for a van, not the $35,000.00 as requested. 

 

It was moved by Selectman Gorski and seconded by Selectman Shea to approve the resolution as amended of the Board of Selectmen in accordance with Executive Order No. 7S, Section 7 (copy attached).

 

Voting for:  Cofrancesco, Shea, Gorski.

Unanimous approval.

 

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

First Selectman Cofrancesco noted that she does have final contract with all corrections made and it has been reviewed by the Town Attorney.  We will be holding off on implementing this due to the pandemic.  Tabled.

 

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

APRIL 7, 2020

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

Selectmen Shea noted the following:

·         Three excavating companies working on catch basin repairs.

·         Tilcon will be starting in a couple weeks.

·         Tilcon has given us 5 different routes and they want to go in order.  If we do not go in order that will raise the price a little. 

·         The way the drainage is going we won’t be ready for Zone 1.  Zone 2 and 3 are ready.

·         Will be meeting with Tilcon tomorrow with the Acting Public Works Director to discuss this further.

·         We will be putting a bid out for Chip Sealing.  If we don’t like bids, we will go off the State Website.

 

10. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – SIMPSON PROPERTY – UPDATE

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated this is on hold and in probate court.  Tabled.

 

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

First Selectman Cofrancesco stated this is on hold.  Tabled.

 

12.  DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION – STATUS OF AIRPORT HANGAR

Town Attorney Marino noted the following:

·         I have contacted Attorney Kevin McSherry.

·         Town needs to decide what action to take.

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

·         We can contact the State to let them know building was hit by tornado and they might forgive the grant and we can just tear it down and Town will have to pay cost to tear down. 

 

Selectman Gorski noted the following:

·         The Building Department should have information from engineer that we had hired to review building for damages and what needs to be repaired to make building safe.

 

Attorney Marino then stated we will locate information from engineer, will have to get estimates for cost to repair the leaks and will have to get approval for money for project. 

Tabled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

APRIL 7, 2020

Page 4 of 5

 

13. OTHER MATTERS PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

            None

 

14. ADJOURNMENT

At 7:58 p.m., it was moved by Selectman Shea and seconded by Selectman Gorski to adjourn the regular meeting.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek

Meeting Clerk

MINUTES OF THE BETHANY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020.    Page 1 of 4

 

 

The special meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.

 

The following Commission Members were present:

Bob Harrison, Vice-Chairman – Acting as Chairman

Donna Shea, Member/Secretary

Rob White, Member

Andy Zielinski, Alternate Member – seated as voting member

Brad Buchta, Alternate Member – seated as voting member

The following Commission Member conferenced in:

Kimberly McClure Brinton, Chairman

The following Commission Members were excused:

Alex Hutchinson, Member

Brett Pallotto, Alternate Member

Also present were:

            Hiram Peck, Planning Consultant

            Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer

                                                                       

CORRESPONDENCE

 

1.      Letter from Rod White, Town of Bethany Fire Marshal to the Planning and Zoning Commission, dated March 11, 2020. Re: 9 Russell Road, Compliance with Fire and Life Safety Comments.

 

AGENDA – OLD BUSINESS

Discussion and possible action on the following:

1.      9 Russell Road – B&I Application #2020-01 submitted by David Logue for a Commercial Site Plan Approval for Car Sales and Commercial Garage.

2.      9 Russell Road – B&I Application #2020-02 submitted by David Logue for a Commercial New Use Permit for Car Sales and Commercial Garage.

3.      9 Russell Road – B&I Application #2020-03 submitted by David Logue for a Commercial Special Exception Permit for Car Sales and Commercial Garage.

4.      9 Russell Road – B&I Application #2020-04 submitted by David Logue for a

Special Exception Permit Earth Excavation.

5.      9 Russell Road – B&I Application #2020-05 submitted by David Logue for a

Special Exception Permit Outside Storage.

 

DRAFT MOTION

Re: Application #2020-01, #2020-02, #2020-03, #2020-04 and #2020-05 for property at 9 Russell Road, Bethany, CT

 

The applicant, David Logue in connection with Green Light Auto Sales has submitted the following applications for property located at 9 Russell Road:

·         Application #2020-01 Site Plan Approval for Used Car Dealership and commercial garage,          and

·         Application #2020-02 for a New Use permit for a used car dealership and commercial Garage, and

·         Application #2020-03 for a Special Exception permit for commercial garage, and

·         Application #2020-04 for a Special Exception permit for Earth Excavation, and

·         Application #2020-05 for a Special Exception permit for outside storage.

 

The applications were all properly legally noticed as described by the Chairman and as noted in the record of the meeting.

The Commission held a public hearing on these applications at its regular meeting of March 4, 2020. At this time the Commission heard a presentation from the applicant’s agents and took all testimony from the public as required by law and considered the maps, narrative, testimony from the public and questions from staff and other pertinent information relating to the referenced applications.   

As part of the public hearing the Commission notes the following:

A. The property is located within the Business and Industrial Zone and is not located in a public drinking water supply watershed area.

B.   The Commission received a letter dated January 30, 2020 from John Laudano, QVHD representative, stating that the plan demonstrates that a code-compliant septic system and well could be installed on the property.

C. The Planning & Zoning Commission is in receipt of a letter dated February 18, 2020 from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation which states that a Connecticut DOT Encroachment permit will be required and a bond for work at this site will be required by the DOT.

D. The Commission received an email from Kristine Sullivan, IWC Chair, which states that the Inland Wetlands Commission will not require a permit for this application, subject to the erosion controls on 9 Russell Road being in place and maintained during the course of site development of 9 Russell Road.

E. The Commission received an email report dated February 18, 2020 from Dave Nafis, Town Engineer, which posed several questions to the applicant’s engineer, and a follow up email dated February 26, 2020 which states his agreement with the revisions which have been made to the plan. The applicant has agreed to comply with all comments made by the Town Engineer.

F. The Commission received a memo dated February 27, 2020 from Ray Pantalone, Tree Warden, in which he states that he would like to see new trees planted along Russell Road.  He would like to have some input as the types of trees to be planted.  He suggests some smaller ornamental trees like Dogwoods, so they won’t grow into the wires that are along that side of Russell Road.

G. The applicant is to submit building plans to the Fire Marshal for review. Items to be addressed include, but are not limited to:

·         The possible need for sprinklers in the building,

·         Compliance with all aspects of the Fire Code,

·         Revisions to the plan to allow the ability of emergency service vehicles to access the building in case of emergency.

 

The applicant’s engineer also responded to several questions from staff and the public regarding lighting, stormwater runoff, site access, earth excavation details and landscaping of the site upon completion.

 

The public hearing was closed on March 4, 2020.

After discussion the Commission deferred action on the application in order to receive the Fire Marshal’s review comments.

 

The Commission held a Special Meeting on March 11, 2020 to discuss and take action on the subject applications.

 

The following motion to approve the above applications with conditions and modifications was made by Commissioner Harrison.

 

Motion to approve applications #2020-01, #2020-02, #2020-03, #2020-04 and #2020-05 with the following conditions and modifications:

 

1. A building permit must be received prior to any construction.

2. The 100’ x 50’ building with a 50’ x 30’ bump out totaling 6,500 square feet must be constructed and certificates of compliance and occupancy must first be obtained prior to any use of the property.

3. No floor drains are permitted in the building. This has been agreed to by the applicant.

4. Per Town Engineer, Dave Nafis’ email dated February 26, 2020, the applicant shall create a rip rap channel to convey the stormwater from the detention basin outlet to the bottom of the slope. Any necessary permits or easements to complete this task are the responsibility of the applicant. The applicant shall comply with all remaining comments of the Town Engineer in the noted review comments. 

5. The owner shall install any and all necessary E&S controls to the satisfaction of the applicant’s site engineer, the Town Engineer and the ZEO prior to the start of any earth moving site work.  Bonding amount for these controls shall be determined by the applicant’s site engineer and must be submitted to the Town Engineer in writing, approved by Town Engineer and must be in a form approved by Town Counsel.

6. The owner shall provide the Commission (ZEO) with a complete set of plans for the building as may be required by the Fire Marshal and the Building Official. These plans shall show the floor plan as well as the exterior materials for the proposed building.

7. Regarding the Tree Warden’s memo of February 27, 2020, some smaller ornamental trees such as Dogwoods should be planted along the north side of Russell Road.  There are wires along that side of Russell road, and larger trees planted would impact the wires in the future as they grow to maturity.

8. Site lighting on poles shall be installed at the minimum working height feasible. The applicant has agreed and the Commission through the ZEO will ensure that the sit pole lights are to be turned off not later than 9 p.m.

9. The pole and building lights may be required to have additional shielding placed on them if it is determined by the ZEO that the site lighting is overly intrusive to residential neighbors or a hazardous to the drivers of motor vehicles on roadways in the area.

10. The applicant/owner shall not unload vehicles or permit vehicles to be unloaded at any time on Russell Road. Car carriers shall enter the site and unload on the site without blocking Russell Road.

10. All application approvals are based upon site plans SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SPD1 and SPD2 dated January, 29, 2020 with revisions made on January 31, 2020, February 20, 2020 and site plans SP1 and SP2 last revised February 24, 2020 by G. Capitanio of Borghesi & Engineering Co, 2155 East Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790.

11. The applicant shall comply with the Fire Marshal’s review and comments as noted.

 

Regarding Earth Excavation:

12. The applicant shall install all necessary site erosion and sedimentation controls to the satisfaction of the applicant’s site engineer and the ZEO prior to the start of any site excavation work.  Bonding for these controls shall, as stated above, be determined by the applicant’s site engineer and must be approved by Town Engineer.

13. There shall be no operation, maintenance or running of machinery or vehicles associated with the operation conducted between 5 P.M. and 8 A.M., nor during such additional hours as the Commission may decide nor on Saturdays, Sundays, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, July 4^th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following day and Christmas Day, except with approval of the Commission.  Maintenance of machinery and vehicles is permitted on Saturdays between 9 A.M. and 12 P.M., provided that such a day is not a holiday as described above as a prohibited work day.

14. Any required blasting shall be coordinated with abutting neighbors to the extent feasible to prevent damage to such structures. Methods of rock removal shall be selected to the extent feasible so as not to damage abutting property owner structures.

 

The motion was moved by White and seconded by Buchta to approve the applications as drafted.

The applications were approved as noted above by a vote of 0 to 6.

Voting for:  Brinton, Shea, Harrison, White, Zielinski, Buchta.

Unanimous approval.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved by Harrison and seconded by Shea to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:25 p.m.

Voting for:  Brinton, Shea, Harrison, White, Zielinski, Buchta.

Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Lina V. Frazer, Clerk

For the Planning and Zoning Commission

BOARD OF FINANCE                               DRAFT MINUTES

MARCH 10, 2020

Page 1 of 3

 

The following Board members were present:  John Grabowski-Chairman, John Ford, Sharon Huxley, Catherine Erickson, Sally Huyser and Lars Demander.

 

Also in attendance were:  First Selectman Paula Cofrancesco, Finance Director Sheila Lane, Facilities Director Rod White

 

Visitors:  Lina Frazer

 

1.      Chairman John Grabowski called the meeting of the Board of Finance to order at 7:05 p.m.  The meeting was held in the Selectman’s Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.

 

2.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the Regular Meeting of     February 11, 2020.  The motion of approval was moved by Member Ford and seconded by Member Huyser.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Members Huxley and Erickson abstained.  Voting for:  Grabowski, Ford, Huyser, Demander.  Unanimous approval.

 

Chairman Grabowski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the Special Meeting of     February 28, 2020.  The motion of approval was moved by Member Huxley and seconded by Member Erickson.  There were no changes to the minutes.  Voting for:  Grabowski, Ford, Huxley, Huyser, Erickson, Demander.  Unanimous approval.

 

3.      CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Grabowski reported on the following:

·         Attended Amity Finance Committee meeting on March 9^th and will try to attend Amity Board Budget Workshop meeting on March 11, 2020.

·         The Amity Board of Education reviewing the 3 tiers to see what they can change due to increase in their budget.

·         Debt service will be deferred to next year.

·         Schools removing Student Resource Officers and replacing with armed Security Guards.

·         $779,396 is the current surplus.

·         Bethany Board of Finance needs to schedule a special meeting before April Budget Hearing.

 

4.      FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

First Selectman Cofrancesco reported on the following:

·         Had a preliminary meeting with BETA, and they did a powerpoint presentation.  They charted Bethany with a 66.2 rating for the roads, but after we did Phase 1 the rating jumped to 75.01.  We will have a maintenance plan for the roads so that they won’t deteriorate.  Information on new road work completed will be given to a BETA staff representative assigned to Bethany who will enter the information on the site, which keeps information updated.  The Highway Department is starting catch basin work on the roads that will be paved.

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

MARCH 10, 2020

Page 2 of 3

 

·         First Selectman Cofrancesco noted that in early December 2019 she asked Janice Howard, Director of Parks and Recreation, to take on the responsibility of managing the reservations for the Lodge and Pavilion at the Veterans Memorial Park. First Selectman Cofrancesco is requesting the creation of a stipend of $1,500.00 starting the 2020-2021 fiscal year to pay Janice for this added responsibility she took on. Also requesting a payment of $100.00 per month for December 2019 to June 2020 to cover her work when she took on the responsibility initially. Discussed with Finance Director Lane, and there is money in the contingency fund. 

The Board discussed and proceeded to deliberate.  It was moved by Member Erickson and seconded by Member Huxley to make a motion to create a stipend for the responsibility to manage the reservations for the Lodge and Pavilion at the Veterans Memorial Park and to pay the monthly rate for December 2019-June 2020.  If the responsibility moves to another person then the stipend would move to that person.  Voting for:  Grabowski, Ford, Huxley, Huyser, Erickson, Demander.  Unanimous approval.

 

·         Bethany Volunteer Firehouse flooring discussion with Rod White.  Chairman Grabowski stated Mr. White needs to obtain bids so that numbers can be on Town Meeting call for Town to approve; and money would be used out of general fund.  First Selectman Cofrancesco to check with Town Attorney if this item can be added to Budget Hearing call.  Also, discussed electrical issue at Town Hall and need to get numbers for the Town Meeting.  This electrical work needs to be done before generator connected.

 

·         Town Attorney Vin Marino and a few other attorneys have parted ways with Cohen and Wolf and started their own business.  We will reengage Town Attorney Vin Marino and his new group, and they will have a new business name as our Town Counsel.

 

5.      FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORTS

Finance Director Lane stated audit should be completed by next week.

 

A.    MONTHLY ENDING REPORT FOR FY 2019-20

Finance Director Lane distributed to the Board copies of the following reports:

·         2020 Detail Expenditure Year Analysis

·         2020 Expenditure Summary by Month

·         Five-Year Capital Plan – 2020-21.

 

      Some items discussed were:

·         Solar panels on Town Hall and Firehouse.  Concern regarding the 20-year contract lease to own the solar panels, which the Town is paying for.  Need to have Town Counsel review lease.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will investigate.

·         Planning and Zoning Budget missing from Town Budget, i.e., Town Plan of Conservation and Development, which is required to redo every ten years.

·         There is an issue with the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department well.

 

 

BOARD OF FINANCE

MARCH 10, 2020

Page 3 of 3

  

6.      ADDRESS CONTROL ISSUES

No updates to report.

 

7.      DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON FOLLOW UP TO BUDGET PRESENTATIONS ON FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Some items of discussion were:

·         Financial Director Lane stated she made all changes that were discussed at the Budget Workshop on February 28, 2020.

·         Town Hall repairs bumped up due to electrical upgrade of $70,000. 

·         Solid Waste higher due to higher cost to dispose of recycling.

·         Highway Department – discussed Sweeper rebuild and Fuel System upgrade monies be expended from snow and ice surplus.  The Board proceeded to deliberate.

It was moved by Member Erickson and seconded by Member Huxley to authorize that the cost for the Sweeper rebuild of $14,375 and the cost for the Fuel System upgrade of $14,000 for the Highway Department be expended from current year surplus for snow and ice.  Voting for:  Grabowski, Ford, Huxley, Huyser, Erickson, Demander.  Unanimous approval.

·         Fire Department – discussed request for Command vehicle and utility vehicle.  Fire Department will need to justify need for both vehicles at the Budget Hearing on April 20, 2020.

·         Chairman Grabowski requested that all department heads attend Budget Hearing so they can answer questions from the public.  First Selectman Cofrancesco will send message out.

·         Member Huxley mentioned that there is a State Statute that every department has to report their actual expenditures.

 

The Board will schedule a Special Meeting for Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Conference Room to continue discussion on Budget and have Audit presentation and vote.

 

8.      ANY OTHER MATTER PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING

No discussion.

 

9.      ADJOURNMENT

 

At 9:10 p.m. there being no further business, it was moved by Member Huyser and seconded by Member Erickson to adjourn the regular meeting.  Unanimous approval.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Antonia R. Marek

Meeting Clerk

Bethany Conservation Commission

February 13^th 2020

Meeting Minutes (Approved)

 

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 wind generators and freestanding 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