BOROUGH OF NEWTOWN
NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT
Minutes of the meeting of the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at Town Hall South, Newtown. Warden James Gaston called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
Present: Warden James Gaston, Senior Burgess Joan Crick, Second Senior Burgess Jay
Maher, Zoning Officer Jean St. Jean, Treasurer and Burgess Marie Walker, Tax
Collector Jodie Enriquez, Burgess Betsy Kenyon, Burgess Anthony Baiad, Clerk
and Burgess Darlene Spencer
Absent: None
Burgess Kenyon made a motion to accept the May 26, 2009 special meeting minutes, seconded by Burgess Walker and unanimously approved.
Burgess Baiad made a motion to accept the May 12, 2009 meeting minutes, seconded by Burgess Maher and unanimously approved.
Public Participation: None
Warden’s Report: Warden Gaston reported that he attended the Police Commission Meeting concerning the flagpole area. Approximately 30-40 people were in attendance including Senior Burgess Crick and Burgess Kenyon. The presentation was well received and several comments and suggestions were made including posting a police officer/patrol car at the flagpole area to slow traffic. Burgess Gaston stated that the Police Commission understands that Borough officials are not in favor of any type of traffic lights at the flagpole. Discussion followed. Burgess Gaston said that it was mentioned that the stripes at the crosswalk on Glover Avenue have been effective. There was discussion regarding the possibility of light
stanchions that would illuminate as you approach the crosswalk. They would be located on the side of the road so that cars could see that a pedestrian is waiting to cross.
Legislative Council’s Maintenance subcommittee has held three meetings, the last of which was held on June 8th. Warden Gaston learned that the GIS technology group had worked with the Police Department to create a map showing the locations where the greatest numbers of traffic accidents occur. Discussion followed. Discussion was also held concerning traffic counts that were conducted in 2004 and 2009.
Tax Collector's Report: Tax Collector Enriquez reported the following for the month of April: Total Taxes Due for the List of 2008: $165,083.29. Current Taxes $161,941.30; Back Taxes $3,001.49; Interest $1,914.87; Lien Fees $528.00; Return of Overpayments ($1,546.41). Total Submitted to Treasurer to Date $166,000.00. Current Taxes Collected 97.2%.
Burgess Walker made a motion to accept the Tax Collector’s Report, seconded by Burgess Kenyon and unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Walker reported the following: A deposit of $500.00 was made from Tax Collector Enriquez for a total of $166,000.00 to date. A transfer of $22,000.00 was made to cover this month’s invoicing leaving a total of $236,717.21 in the NSBMM Account as of June 9, 2009. Capital Reserve is $1,882.96 as of May 31, 2009.
Senior Burgess Crick made a motion to transfer $164.90 from Contingency to Advertising, seconded by Burgess Baiad and unanimously approved.
Burgess Baiad made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Burgess Spencer and unanimously approved.
Zoning Officer’s Report: Zoning Officer St. Jean reported on the number of building and zoning fees and DEP funds which were received this past fiscal year. She attended the latest Access Management Study Committee Meeting in which Warden Gaston has been made a member as well as BZC Chairperson, Linda Shepard. The next meeting will be held on September 16th. On June 24th the Access Management Study Committee will conduct a community workshop at the Cyrenius H. Booth Library from 12:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The community is invited to stop by and get more information, view the study maps and make comments/suggestions. Discussion followed.
Zoning Officer St. Jean gave an update regarding Mr. Rizzardi. She stated that St. Rose will be coming before the BZC for a variance regarding their “150” sign which is in violation of zoning. My Place Restaurant received an amendment from the Planning Commission to have outside dining. They will be coming before the BZC. Dr. Young’s proposed addition passed through Planning and Zoning. Gas Stop asked for a four year extension. The BZC only grants one year extensions. They will be coming before the BCZ tomorrow night. Zoning Officer St. Jean updated the Burgesses regarding the property for sale on Church Hill Road. Peter Weihl is going forward with his plans for a medical building at the corner of Church Hill Road and The
Boulevard. He is waiting for a tenant. Scudder Smith is planning to give some land to the Newtown Hook and Ladder. Discussion was held regarding the Borough Land Trust.
Historic District: Burgess Kenyon reported that there are no new applications. She distributed copies of the “Report of the Historic District Study Committee for the Proposed Historic District of the Borough of Newtown 1995-1996” and the “Report of the Historic District Study Committee for the Proposed Expansion to The Historic District of the Borough of Newtown 2008-2009”. She explained that she is working on two projects. One is the distribution of Historic District plaques. There are not enough plaques to give to the newly added residents. More will be ordered and she will inform the Board regarding the cost. The second project is signage. Burgess Kenyon is hoping to order and install five “Entering the Historic
District” signs on the main arteries leading into the Borough. She and Historic District Commission Chairperson, Stephanie Gaston, will compile the information regarding the cost, etc. for the next meeting. Burgess Kenyon asked Burgess Maher to contact the State about the signs. Warden Gaston asked if a sign could be placed on Rt. 302. Burgess Kenyon reported that Historic District Commission member, Chuck Fulkerson, has drawn a picture of the sign that they are going to order. It will read, “Entering Historic District of the Borough of Newtown 1824”. She will bring in a few proposals at the next meeting.
Sidewalks: Burgess Kenyon spoke to Borough resident, Maureen Rohmer, about resetting the sidewalk in front of her house for safety reasons. Mrs. Rohmer is in favor of it. Burgess Maher will prepare a proposal for review at the next meeting. He stated that he will also prepare a proposal for the sidewalk repair at 58 Main Street. Discussion followed.
Streets & Parks: Burgess Maher spoke to Rob Connor about planting a replacement tree at 29 Main Street.
Senior Burgess Crick expressed concern that the tree located at 3 Glover Avenue near Alan Shepard’s driveway may be diseased. Burgess Maher will contact Rob McCulloch and ask him to evaluate it.
Burgess Walker made a motion to appoint Rob McCulloch as Borough Tree Warden, seconded by Burgess Baiad and unanimously approved.
Old Business: none
New Business: none
Public Participation: none
The next regular meeting of the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Borough Office at Town Hall South.
There being no further business, Burgess Walker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m., seconded by Burgess Kenyon and unanimously approved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Darlene M. Spencer
Borough Clerk
| 
