The Ad Hoc Fairfield Hills Management Committee held a meeting on Thursday, July 29, 2004 in the meeting room at Canaan House, Fairfield Hills, Newtown, CT. Chairman John Reed called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: John Reed, Robert Geckle, William Lavery, Moira Rodgers, Donald Studley, Richard Sturdevant, Andrew Willie ABSENT: Amy Dent
ALSO PRESENT: First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal, State Representative Julia Wasserman, Jan Andras (clerk), one member of press
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Lavery moved to approve the minutes of the 7/20/04 meeting. Motion seconded. Ms. Rodgers offered a correction to typo on page 2. Minutes unanimously approved as corrected.
Public Participation: None present
Acceptance of Minutes: Upon motion by Mr. Sturdevant, seconded by Mr. Lavery, the minutes of the June 30, 2004 were unanimously accepted.
REPORTS
Officers – Chairman Reed reported that he was contacted by William O’Neill, Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission, who reminded that once the town takes title, we will need procedures in place for public use of the campus. Mr. Reed asked Ms. Rodgers and Ms. Dent to begin drafting policy and procedures. Mr. O’Neill suggested contact between the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Management Committee during the process of adopting the policy and procedures.
Chairman Reed prepared a form for the public to request information, ask questions or share information with committee members on items that are not on that evening’s agenda. This form will be available at all meetings.
Mr. Lavery received a letter from a resident with a suggested use for the campus. All members received a copy. Chairman Reed will send an acknowledgement letter and the subject will be considered at a later time.
First Selectman – Mr. Rosenthal advised that The Bee reported that the closing on the property could be as soon as tomorrow. All documents have been signed with the exception of a few state signatures. The closing will occur between the attorneys, with checks being given, documents recorded and maps filed.
OLD BUSINESS
Recommendations to Board of Selectmen pertaining to Security
Mr. Sturdevant and Mr. Geckle met with the First Selectman, Police Chief, Police Captain and several other town employees on July 22. Copies of the confidential report prepared after this meeting were distributed to all members for discussion.
Mr. Lavery moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen to adopt recommendations for signage as soon as possible, with work to be done by town personnel and number of signs to be determined by Board of Selectmen. Motion seconded by Mr. Studley and unanimously carried.
First Selectman Rosenthal advised that he spoke to Maria DeMarco regarding immediate security. The present security company will stay on, however Ms. DeMarco has made it clear what the expectations are once the town takes over ownership. She will work with us to develop an RFP to go out for hiring of a permanent security agency.
Mr. Lavery moved to recommend that the Board of Selectmen proceed with the installation of gates at the four discussed locations and installation of a guard house at the intersection of Wasserman Way and Trades Lane. Motion seconded by Mr. Geckle and unanimously carried.
Mr. Lavery moved that an RFP for a firm to provide security personnel be developed as soon as possible and that this board review the bids and make recommendations. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Mr. Rosenthal advised that Ms. DeMarco will obtain pricing for cleaning buildings of debris. The town can use any of the firms that she deals with because they are on the state bid list. It is felt that use of an outside firm will be more cost effective than the use of town employees. Mr. Lavery moved that each building be inspected, with debris removal, tunnels secured and buildings securely closed up as soon as possible after town taking ownership of Fairfield Hills. Motion seconded by Mr. Sturdevant and unanimously carried.
Mr. Sturdevant advised that the security subcommittee will be holding another meeting on August 12.
By Laws
Mr. Lavery advised of minor amendments made from comments received from members of the committee.
Mr. Lavery moved to adopt the By Laws, as amended and without the alternate proposal. Motion seconded by Mr. Geckle and unanimously carried.
Tour of Campus for Committee Members
It was decided to schedule a tour on Saturday, August 21. First Selectman Rosenthal stressed that this tour will be for committee members ONLY. No members of the public or press will be included.
Meeting Schedule
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, August 19. After that time, the regular meeting dates will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm.
Mr. Studley moved to adopt the Meeting Schedule as proposed (attachment). Motion seconded by Mr. Willie and unanimously carried.
Return to Security Matters
Mr. Sturdevant moved to enter executive session and to invite the clerk to attend. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Meeting entered executive session at 9:00 pm and returned to open session at 9:05 pm.
Mr. Lavery moved to accept the recommendation from the security subcommittee as reviewed during executive session and to refer the matter to the First Selectman. Motion seconded by Mr. Studley and unanimously carried.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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Robert Geckle, Vice Chairman
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