The Fairfield Hills Authority held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 in the meeting room at Town Hall South, 3 Main Street, Newtown, CT. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Vice Chairman Andrew Willie.
PRESENT: Andrew Willie, William Lavery, John Reed, Donald Studley, Moira Rodgers, Walter Motyka
ALSO PRESENT: Scott Baillie (O&G), Ed Marks (Parks & Rec Commission), one member of public, one member of press
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Mr. Motyka, the minutes of the 3/21/06 regular meeting were unanimously accepted as presented.
Upon motion by Mr. Motyka, the minutes of the 4/2/06 special meeting were unanimously accepted as presented.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None noted
Finance Committee – Mr.Studley distributed a summary report. Members were also in receipt of copies of the budget figures from DeMarco Management. Dr. Reed is concerned about the heating costs for the security building and the phone service costs. Mr. Studley pointed out that this Authority does not have day to day control over finances. These finance reports are only distributed for informational purposes. Dr. Reed will talk to First Selectman Rosenthal with his concerns.
Operating Committee- Mr.Willie reported that the subcommittee met last month with Ms.DeMarco, Mr. Russell Bartley, Public Works Director Fred Hurley and representatives of Fleet Environmental. They talked about the remediation work around the security building. It was decided that since Fleet did not have to dig as deep around this building, that Mr. Hurley would bring in top soil to fill the trenches and landscaping could begin. The propane tanks had to be moved for the excavation and it was decided to have the tanks buried. Mr. Willie stated that a meeting was held with Ms. Nancy Gould of the Master Gardener Program who informed them that she expected to be paid 10% to 15% of the cost of the trees and plantings. Ms. Rodgers stated that she was surprised since she had specifically
asked Ms. Gould if there would be any cost and was told that there would not be any cost other than the purchase of the plantings. Mr. Willie advised that we will now have to get three quotes since this will be above the $2,000 purchasing threshold. Ms. DeMarco will obtain the quotes once we have a listing of the plantings which Ms. Gould is expected to supply but has not been received to date.
Mr. Baillie reported on the work progress at Bridgeport Hall. The contractor has waterproofed the foundation walls while they were exposed for the remediation. Fleet Environmental is putting in all new footing drains. Mr. Hurley purchased the drain piping to be installed for all gutters and downspouts. The town hall design is continuing with total square footage and departments to be included in the building being determined. The design development for the ballfields is also proceeding. They have met with the trails committee and are continuing to look at the type and location of trails.
Regarding the utilities infrastructure, Fuss & O’Neill is working with Mr. Hurley on the utility loop. O&G will be meeting with them tomorrow to discuss coordination of the utility infrastructure.
Planning Committee – Dr. Reed stated that there is nothing to be reported at this time on economic development or funding sources.
Regarding the Use Policy, Ms.Rodgers advised that she and Ms. Dent have met with Parks & Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian and as a result will be making some changes to the draft policy. They have not received any comments from other Authority members at this time.
Security Issues – It was decided that no discussion was necessary tonight and therefore there was no need to enter executive session.
Judge Lavery moved that Fairfield Hills Authority policy be that any executive session matter be authorized by the Town Attorney before any given meeting. Motion seconded for discussion. Dr. Reed pointed out that there are certain straightforward reasons to enter executive session. It was also pointed out that Town Attorney David Grogins was consulted before entering executive session at the special meeting held on 4/3/06 and before this was placed on tonight’s agenda. After further discussion, it was decided that FOIA rules will be mailed to all Authority members by the First Selectman’s office and the motion was tabled to the next meeting.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Jan Andras, Clerk
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