BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DECEMBER 15, 2008
Page 1 of 1Attendance: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Walter Briggs, Selectman Steven Thornquist
Guests: Attorney Kevin McSherry
First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:34 p.m. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall. First Selectwoman Gorski asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. Check signing was the next order of business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of November 24, 2008. The motion of approval was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded by Selectman Briggs. The minutes were then approved on a unanimous vote.
SOLID WASTE CONTRACT
First Selectwoman Gorski discussed the renewal of the existing contract with CRRA with the Selectmen. The five year renewal of the contract reduces the disposal of trash in the first year of the contract by $20 per ton over the present year’s contract. Following a brief discussion Selectman Briggs moved to authorize First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski to sign the five year renewal of the existing contract with CRRA. Selectman Thornquist seconded the motion. The vote was called. The vote was unanimous.
QUESTIONAIRE FOR TOWN MEETING STUDY COMMITTEE
The Selectmen reviewed the draft questionnaire to be sent to Town residents regarding the value of the Town Meeting. The Selectmen all agreed that the questionnaire would be sent out in the next mailing as presented by the committee to the Selectmen.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 7:45 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded by Selectman Briggs. The vote taken was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
June G. Riley
Secretary, Board of Selectmen
Friday, January 23, 2009
BOARD OF FINANCE
JANUARY 14, 2009
Page 1 of 2
Attendance: Chairman Janet Brunwin, Sally Huyser, Robert Brinton Jr., Stephen Squinto
Guests: Brian Laubstein
Chairman Brunwin called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Brunwin called for approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion of approval was moved by Chairman Brunwin and seconded by Brinton Jr. The vote was called. There were three votes to approve as presented with Squinto abstaining because of his absence from the previous meeting.
VISITORS
Brian Laubstein was present requesting specific information about the Board of Education’s budget, and questioning the Board of Education’s ability to transfer money from one line item in their budget to another. Board members did not have answers to his questions, indicating that the proper explanation would have to come from the Board of Education.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Brunwin announced that she has received about 75% of the Annual Reports due from Boards and Commissions for the printing of the Annual Report for fiscal year 2007-08.
Budget request notices have been sent out. All budgets must be submitted by January 31, 2009.
Chairman Brunwin will meet with the Assessor to determine Grand List total. The Assessor indicated to Chairman Brunwin that the Grand List overall has increased due to the Power Line upgrades and re-valuation.
Ovations Benefits has indicated that health insurance premiums could increase by 16-20%.
Amity salary negotiations are completed and the rate of increase for this year will be 3.5%. There is an 11.5% increase over the four year life of the contract. Dr. Brady has indicated that the 2009-10 fiscal year budget is just about complete.
The individual responsible for the $100,000 theft from the student activity funds at Amity Regional has been arrested. This theft is covered by insurance. The district should receive the reimbursement check soon.
A draft of the 2007-08 Town audit was received by Chairman Brunwin via email at 3:30 p.m. today. This did not allow adequate time to make copies for Board of Finance members for this meeting.
A special meeting of the Board of Finance will be called for January 26, 2009 to accept the final Audit for 2007-08.
FIRST SELECTWOMAN DERRYLYN GORSKI
First Selectwoman Gorski reported that she has sent to the State of Connecticut a list of shovel ready projects to get on the list for possible grants per the request of the Governor.
The Senior Housing project is progressing. Test holes have been dug to see if the ground is suitable for septic systems.
The Town has hired a constable for part time work. He is presently a full time Hamden police officer, so training will not be necessary. In the near future it will be necessary to get a car for the constable to use.
BUDGET REVIEW FISCAL YEAR 2008-09
It was noted by Board members that Interest on the General Fund will probably be only half of what the Board had estimated.
Board members requested moving the expenditures for the Pine Brook Crossing repair to the Capital account. It was noted that the reimbursement of $5,000 for asphalt used at Hinman Station, from the Bethany Fire Department was credited to Road Materials. The actual expense had come from the Major Road Account. This adjustment will be made. The Board requested that the Highway Foreman Alan Green come in with a revised budget for the balance of this fiscal year for each account.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:50 p.m. after a motion was moved by Brinton Jr. and seconded by Huyser. The vote taken was unanimious.
Respectfully submitted,
June G. Riley
Clerk, Board of Finance
JANUARY 14, 2009
Page 1 of 2
Attendance: Chairman Janet Brunwin, Sally Huyser, Robert Brinton Jr., Stephen Squinto
Guests: Brian Laubstein
Chairman Brunwin called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. The meeting was held in the Conference Room of the Bethany Town Hall.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Brunwin called for approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion of approval was moved by Chairman Brunwin and seconded by Brinton Jr. The vote was called. There were three votes to approve as presented with Squinto abstaining because of his absence from the previous meeting.
VISITORS
Brian Laubstein was present requesting specific information about the Board of Education’s budget, and questioning the Board of Education’s ability to transfer money from one line item in their budget to another. Board members did not have answers to his questions, indicating that the proper explanation would have to come from the Board of Education.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Brunwin announced that she has received about 75% of the Annual Reports due from Boards and Commissions for the printing of the Annual Report for fiscal year 2007-08.
Budget request notices have been sent out. All budgets must be submitted by January 31, 2009.
Chairman Brunwin will meet with the Assessor to determine Grand List total. The Assessor indicated to Chairman Brunwin that the Grand List overall has increased due to the Power Line upgrades and re-valuation.
Ovations Benefits has indicated that health insurance premiums could increase by 16-20%.
Amity salary negotiations are completed and the rate of increase for this year will be 3.5%. There is an 11.5% increase over the four year life of the contract. Dr. Brady has indicated that the 2009-10 fiscal year budget is just about complete.
The individual responsible for the $100,000 theft from the student activity funds at Amity Regional has been arrested. This theft is covered by insurance. The district should receive the reimbursement check soon.
A draft of the 2007-08 Town audit was received by Chairman Brunwin via email at 3:30 p.m. today. This did not allow adequate time to make copies for Board of Finance members for this meeting.
A special meeting of the Board of Finance will be called for January 26, 2009 to accept the final Audit for 2007-08.
FIRST SELECTWOMAN DERRYLYN GORSKI
First Selectwoman Gorski reported that she has sent to the State of Connecticut a list of shovel ready projects to get on the list for possible grants per the request of the Governor.
The Senior Housing project is progressing. Test holes have been dug to see if the ground is suitable for septic systems.
The Town has hired a constable for part time work. He is presently a full time Hamden police officer, so training will not be necessary. In the near future it will be necessary to get a car for the constable to use.
BUDGET REVIEW FISCAL YEAR 2008-09
It was noted by Board members that Interest on the General Fund will probably be only half of what the Board had estimated.
Board members requested moving the expenditures for the Pine Brook Crossing repair to the Capital account. It was noted that the reimbursement of $5,000 for asphalt used at Hinman Station, from the Bethany Fire Department was credited to Road Materials. The actual expense had come from the Major Road Account. This adjustment will be made. The Board requested that the Highway Foreman Alan Green come in with a revised budget for the balance of this fiscal year for each account.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:50 p.m. after a motion was moved by Brinton Jr. and seconded by Huyser. The vote taken was unanimious.
Respectfully submitted,
June G. Riley
Clerk, Board of Finance
MINUTES OF THE BETHANY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALSREGULAR MEETING OF MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009
The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 8:05 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.
The following Board members were present:
Carol Goldberg, Chair
Arnold Sabatelli, Vice-Chair, who arrived at 8:11 p.m.
David Forman, Member
Steven Massey, Member
Ruth Beardsley, Alternate Member, seated as a regular member
The following Board members were absent:
Rudolph Beckert, Jr., Member
James Foley, Alternate Member
Brian Sackett, Alternate Member
Also present was:
Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer
MINUTES
It was moved by Beardsley and seconded by Forman to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the December 8, 2008, regular meeting.
Unanimous approval.
BILLS
1. It was moved by Forman and seconded by Massey to approve the payment of a bill for $95.00, dated January 12, 2009, from John McLeod (Court Stenographer) for recording services for public hearing (325 Amity Road).
Unanimous approval.
PUBLIC HEARING: 325 Amity Road
Chair Goldberg opened the continuation of the public hearing at 8:09 p.m.
Chair Goldberg stated it would be for the best interest of the applicant to have one more Member present. Mr. Sabatelli, Member, was in route to the meeting. Chair Goldberg recessed the continuation of the public hearing at 8:10 p.m.
Mr. Sabatelli arrived at 8:11 p.m. Chair Goldberg reconvened the continuation of the public hearing.
Chair Goldberg read the Notice of Continuation for the public hearing into the hearing record.
Chair Goldberg reviewed the procedure that would be followed to conduct the continuation of the public hearing.
Chair Goldberg noted that the Board received the following items relative to the subject application. Exhibit identification was assigned as noted:
a) Exhibit 1B – Submitted by the applicant six Green Return Receipt cards from neighbors within 100 feet of the subject property with proof of receipt of notice of the ZBA application and eight returned letters that were not picked up at the Post Office.
b) Exhibit 2B – A copy of letter from Brad Bertele to neighbors within 100 feet of the subject property, dated November 25, 2008, submitted by Member Dave Forman and read into the hearing record by Chair Goldberg.
Present for this application was Mr. Brad Bertele, applicant and owner of record and Ms. Melissa Pogwizd. Mr. Bertele briefly reinstated the need for the larger sign and also stated he would be willing to look at something smaller if necessary.
At 8:25 p.m., Chair Goldberg closed the public hearing.
DELIBERATION & DECISION MAKING SESSION
Board members proceeded to discuss the application and deliberate.
325 Amity Road – It was moved by Beardsley and seconded by Forman to accept the following motion to deny the application submitted by William B. Bertele for property located at 325 Amity Road (Blackhorse Equestrian Center):
The Zoning Board of Appeals denies the application of William B. Bertele for the property located at 325 Amity Road and shown on Assessor’s Map #113, Lot #34 for a Variance of Section’s 7.1. N, 7.2.F and 7.2.E of the Bethany Zoning Regulations.
Based upon the evidence presented at the public hearing and the facts revealed by the Board’s general acquaintance with the Town and with the general locality of the subject property, the Board makes the following findings:
1) The application does not demonstrate that special conditions and circumstances exist which are unique to the subject property involved.
2) The application demonstrates that granting the variance will confer upon the property owner a special privilege that is denied by the Bethany Zoning Regulations to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning district.
3) The reasons set forth in the application do not justify the granting of the variance.
4) Literal enforcement of the Bethany Zoning Regulations will not result in exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship.
5) The variance will not be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Bethany Zoning Regulations.
Vote 5 to 0.
Unanimous decision.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Sabatelli and seconded by Beardsley to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Unanimous approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
For the Zoning Board of Appeals
The regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 8:05 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Bethany Town Hall, 40 Peck Road, Bethany, Connecticut.
The following Board members were present:
Carol Goldberg, Chair
Arnold Sabatelli, Vice-Chair, who arrived at 8:11 p.m.
David Forman, Member
Steven Massey, Member
Ruth Beardsley, Alternate Member, seated as a regular member
The following Board members were absent:
Rudolph Beckert, Jr., Member
James Foley, Alternate Member
Brian Sackett, Alternate Member
Also present was:
Isabel Kearns, Zoning Enforcement Officer
MINUTES
It was moved by Beardsley and seconded by Forman to approve, as submitted, the minutes of the December 8, 2008, regular meeting.
Unanimous approval.
BILLS
1. It was moved by Forman and seconded by Massey to approve the payment of a bill for $95.00, dated January 12, 2009, from John McLeod (Court Stenographer) for recording services for public hearing (325 Amity Road).
Unanimous approval.
PUBLIC HEARING: 325 Amity Road
Chair Goldberg opened the continuation of the public hearing at 8:09 p.m.
Chair Goldberg stated it would be for the best interest of the applicant to have one more Member present. Mr. Sabatelli, Member, was in route to the meeting. Chair Goldberg recessed the continuation of the public hearing at 8:10 p.m.
Mr. Sabatelli arrived at 8:11 p.m. Chair Goldberg reconvened the continuation of the public hearing.
Chair Goldberg read the Notice of Continuation for the public hearing into the hearing record.
Chair Goldberg reviewed the procedure that would be followed to conduct the continuation of the public hearing.
Chair Goldberg noted that the Board received the following items relative to the subject application. Exhibit identification was assigned as noted:
a) Exhibit 1B – Submitted by the applicant six Green Return Receipt cards from neighbors within 100 feet of the subject property with proof of receipt of notice of the ZBA application and eight returned letters that were not picked up at the Post Office.
b) Exhibit 2B – A copy of letter from Brad Bertele to neighbors within 100 feet of the subject property, dated November 25, 2008, submitted by Member Dave Forman and read into the hearing record by Chair Goldberg.
Present for this application was Mr. Brad Bertele, applicant and owner of record and Ms. Melissa Pogwizd. Mr. Bertele briefly reinstated the need for the larger sign and also stated he would be willing to look at something smaller if necessary.
At 8:25 p.m., Chair Goldberg closed the public hearing.
DELIBERATION & DECISION MAKING SESSION
Board members proceeded to discuss the application and deliberate.
325 Amity Road – It was moved by Beardsley and seconded by Forman to accept the following motion to deny the application submitted by William B. Bertele for property located at 325 Amity Road (Blackhorse Equestrian Center):
The Zoning Board of Appeals denies the application of William B. Bertele for the property located at 325 Amity Road and shown on Assessor’s Map #113, Lot #34 for a Variance of Section’s 7.1. N, 7.2.F and 7.2.E of the Bethany Zoning Regulations.
Based upon the evidence presented at the public hearing and the facts revealed by the Board’s general acquaintance with the Town and with the general locality of the subject property, the Board makes the following findings:
1) The application does not demonstrate that special conditions and circumstances exist which are unique to the subject property involved.
2) The application demonstrates that granting the variance will confer upon the property owner a special privilege that is denied by the Bethany Zoning Regulations to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning district.
3) The reasons set forth in the application do not justify the granting of the variance.
4) Literal enforcement of the Bethany Zoning Regulations will not result in exceptional difficulty or unusual hardship.
5) The variance will not be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Bethany Zoning Regulations.
Vote 5 to 0.
Unanimous decision.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Sabatelli and seconded by Beardsley to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Unanimous approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Antonia R. Marek, Clerk
For the Zoning Board of Appeals
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009
7:30 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM, BETHANY TOWN HALL
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
JANUARY 12, 2009 MEETING
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORT OF CONSORTIUM GROUP
TAX REFUNDS
CORRESPONDENCE
ANY OTHER MATTER PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009
7:30 P.M.
CONFERENCE ROOM, BETHANY TOWN HALL
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
JANUARY 12, 2009 MEETING
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORT OF CONSORTIUM GROUP
TAX REFUNDS
CORRESPONDENCE
ANY OTHER MATTER PROPER TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
Friday, January 16, 2009
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
JANUARY 12, 2009
Attendance: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Walter Briggs, Selectman Steven Thornquist
Guests: Attorney Kevin McSherry, Randy Raddatz, Rhoda Geogheghan, Patrick Geogheghan, Marcel Lamy, Gay Lamy, Brian Laubstein
First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Check signing was the first order of business. First Selectwoman Gorski asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of December 15, 2008. The motion to approve the minutes as presented was moved by Selectman Briggs and seconded by Selectman Thornquist. The vote was called. The vote was unanimous.
ADDITION TO AGENDASelectman Thornquist moved to add Tax Refunds to the agenda of this meeting. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
TAX REFUNDS
Selectman Thornquist moved to refund to Andre Yontef the sum of $444.22 and to Regina D’Addio the sum of $165.76 as presented by the Tax Collector for overpayment of taxes. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Kristine Sullivan resigned as a member of the Conservation Commission. Selectman Thornquist moved to appoint Brian Eitzer to complete the term of Kristine Sullivan. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION
Selectman Thornquist moved to appoint Kristine Sullivan as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Commission. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
STEAP GRANT COMMITTEE
Selectman Thornquist moved to appoint Nicholas Poulmas and Andy Taylor as alternate members of the STEAP Grant Committee. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
NOISE PROBLEM LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL AND BETHRIDGE ROAD RESIDENTS
Randy Raddatz submitted a letter to the Board of Selectmen and Town Attorney McSherry in which he states that he was surprised to hear at the November 24, 2008 meeting of the Board of Selectmen that First Selectwoman Gorski and Attorney McSherry each state that Laticrete was operating their business legally. Raddatz believes Laticrete is violating CT regulations for the Control of Noise. Raddatz states that “he requested that his comments be accurately recorded in the minutes of the November 24, 2008 meeting.” The relevant environmental law he referred to for his complaint is Section 22a-69. Raddatz then gave the Selectmen copies of information that he had gathered on the subject of noise control, aerial photos of the location and maps.
Patrick Geoghegan read and then presented a letter he had written to the Board of Selectmen further listing dates he had heard the disturbing noise coming from the emptying of the truck at Laticrete. He emphasized the negative impact this noise is having on himself and his wife and is asking for resolution to it. First Selectwoman Gorski indicated that she is going out this evening with the Resident Trooper, who will have a meter to measure noise level emanating from Laticrete. A State Marshal will be posted at Laticrete to insure that the truck driver is banging on the side of the truck as loud as possible. She has also set up a meeting with David Rothberg and Jim Bolton of Laticrete to attempt resolution to this problem.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:17 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded by Selectman Briggs. The vote taken was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
June G. Riley
Secretary, Board of Selectmen
JANUARY 12, 2009
Attendance: First Selectwoman Derrylyn Gorski, Selectman Walter Briggs, Selectman Steven Thornquist
Guests: Attorney Kevin McSherry, Randy Raddatz, Rhoda Geogheghan, Patrick Geogheghan, Marcel Lamy, Gay Lamy, Brian Laubstein
First Selectwoman Gorski called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Check signing was the first order of business. First Selectwoman Gorski asked all to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectwoman Gorski called for a motion of approval for the minutes of the meeting of December 15, 2008. The motion to approve the minutes as presented was moved by Selectman Briggs and seconded by Selectman Thornquist. The vote was called. The vote was unanimous.
ADDITION TO AGENDASelectman Thornquist moved to add Tax Refunds to the agenda of this meeting. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
TAX REFUNDS
Selectman Thornquist moved to refund to Andre Yontef the sum of $444.22 and to Regina D’Addio the sum of $165.76 as presented by the Tax Collector for overpayment of taxes. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Kristine Sullivan resigned as a member of the Conservation Commission. Selectman Thornquist moved to appoint Brian Eitzer to complete the term of Kristine Sullivan. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
INLAND WETLANDS COMMISSION
Selectman Thornquist moved to appoint Kristine Sullivan as an alternate member of the Inland Wetlands Commission. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
STEAP GRANT COMMITTEE
Selectman Thornquist moved to appoint Nicholas Poulmas and Andy Taylor as alternate members of the STEAP Grant Committee. Selectman Briggs seconded the motion. The vote taken was unanimous.
NOISE PROBLEM LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL AND BETHRIDGE ROAD RESIDENTS
Randy Raddatz submitted a letter to the Board of Selectmen and Town Attorney McSherry in which he states that he was surprised to hear at the November 24, 2008 meeting of the Board of Selectmen that First Selectwoman Gorski and Attorney McSherry each state that Laticrete was operating their business legally. Raddatz believes Laticrete is violating CT regulations for the Control of Noise. Raddatz states that “he requested that his comments be accurately recorded in the minutes of the November 24, 2008 meeting.” The relevant environmental law he referred to for his complaint is Section 22a-69. Raddatz then gave the Selectmen copies of information that he had gathered on the subject of noise control, aerial photos of the location and maps.
Patrick Geoghegan read and then presented a letter he had written to the Board of Selectmen further listing dates he had heard the disturbing noise coming from the emptying of the truck at Laticrete. He emphasized the negative impact this noise is having on himself and his wife and is asking for resolution to it. First Selectwoman Gorski indicated that she is going out this evening with the Resident Trooper, who will have a meter to measure noise level emanating from Laticrete. A State Marshal will be posted at Laticrete to insure that the truck driver is banging on the side of the truck as loud as possible. She has also set up a meeting with David Rothberg and Jim Bolton of Laticrete to attempt resolution to this problem.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was called at 8:17 p.m. after a motion was moved by Selectman Thornquist and seconded by Selectman Briggs. The vote taken was unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
June G. Riley
Secretary, Board of Selectmen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)