BOROUGH OF NEWTOWN
NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Borough of Newtown Board of Burgesses on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Edmond Town Hall, Newtown, CT. Warden Gaston called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
Present: Warden James Gaston, Senior Burgess Joan Crick, Second Senior Burgess Jay Maher, Burgess Anthony Baiad, Burgess Bill Lucas, Clerk Ann Benore, Tax Collector Jodie Enriquez, Treasurer and Burgess Marie Walker, Zoning Officer Jean St. Jean
Also Present: Tree Warden Rob McCulloch
Absent: Burgess Betsy Kenyon
Burgess Walker made a motion to accept the May 10, 2011 meeting minutes, seconded by Burgess Lucas and unanimously approved.
Burgess Baiad made a motion to accept the May 24, 2011 special meeting minutes, seconded by Burgess Walker and unanimously approved.
Public Participation: None.
Warden’s Report: Warden Gaston had nothing new to report.
Tree Warden’s Report: Rob McCulloch reported that it was pretty quiet. The tree at 62 Main Street was scheduled to be taken down on this past Friday, but due to the storm it is being rescheduled for some time this coming week. Mr. McCulloch said that he will prepare a list of tree work for the upcoming year and will present it at next month’s meeting.
Tax Collector's Report: Tax Collector Enriquez reported the following: Total Taxes Due for the List of 2009: $168,497.50; Current Taxes: $164,388.00; Back Taxes: $3,422.59; Interest: $2,147.23; Lien Fees: $456.00; Return of Overpayments ($3,014.88). Total Submitted to Treasurer to Date: $167,398.94. Current Taxes Collected: $161,373.12.
Burgess Walker made a motion to accept the Tax Collector’s report, seconded by Senior Burgess Crick and unanimously approved.
Tax Collector Enriquez asked the Board for permission to attend a class for her certification; the cost being $165.00.
Burgess Baiad made a motion to approve $165.00 be reimbursed to Jodie Enriquez for a tax certification class, seconded by Senior Burgess Joan Crick and unanimously approved.
Senior Burgess Crick made a motion to waive the tax burden on Scudder Smith’s property, 1 Main Street, amounting to $174.67, because the private property is used for open recreation for the public, seconded by Burgess Baiad and unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Walker reported the following: A deposit of $498.94 was made from Jodie Enriquez making a total of $167,398.94 to date. A deposit was made from Jean St. Jean of $3,304.38. A transfer of $10,000.00 was made on 6/14/11 to cover this month’s invoicing. The total in the NSBMM account is $190,170.03 as of 6/14/11. Capital Reserve is $1,899.42 as of 5/31/11. Three line items need to be increased to pay bills – Elections ($90.00); Office Supplies ($156.79); Legal ($5,933.00).
Burgess Baiad made a motion to transfer $5,933.00 from Sidewalks to Legal, seconded by Second Senior Burgess Maher and unanimously approved.
Senior Burgess Crick made a motion to transfer $90.00 from Sidewalks to Elections, seconded by Second Senior Burgess Maher and unanimously approved.
Burgess Walker made a motion to transfer $156.79 from Sidewalks to Office Supplies, seconded by Burgess Baiad and unanimously approved.
Senior Burgess Crick made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Burgess Lucas and unanimously approved.
Zoning Officer’s Report: Zoning Officer Jean St. Jean reported that United Water asked for a site plan approval for moving their electrical box from the front to the side of the building. Application was denied because there needs to be an amendment to the regulations before approval. There are four active developers looking at the Lexington Gardens property. Ms.St. Jean spoke to the property owner of 27 Church Hill Road regarding the need for grass cutting at that location. The property is next to a school and could cause a tick problem in its current condition. She also asked Wells Fargo Bank to remove the red signs in their windows (they were allowed for its Grand Opening but now they need to be removed). My Place Restaurant asked for a variance for lighting for
their outside dining. Dental Associates is looking at providing more parking for customers and may put in a temporary driveway off Wendover Road during the construction phase.
Historic District: Due to Burgess Kenyon’s absence, Warden Gaston reported that the application for renovations at 62 Main Street was approved.
Sidewalks: Second Senior Burgess Maher reported that he intends to go before the Board of Selectmen to define the scope of the sidewalk project on Queen Street as well as ask for funding. Burgess Maher is inclined to put the sidewalks on the west side while considering elevation changes and tree removal. Warden Gaston asked Burgess Maher to look at the site work, square footage of concrete, and to make the request in stages. Rob McCulloch will assess the tree removal.
Streets & Parks: Second Senior Burgess Maher reported that the bench in front of the General Store has not yet been repaired.
Old Business: Burgess Baiad asked about the progress of the CL&P work to be done along Main Street and Church Hill Road. Warden Gaston said that work has not been started yet. Warden Gaston noticed that the Borough sign outside the office door installed by the Board of Managers is spelled incorrectly. He asked that Clerk Ann Benore look into the matter.
New Business: None.
Public Participation: None.
There being no further business, Burgess Walker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50p.m., seconded by Burgess Baiad and unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann M. Benore
| 
