The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on Monday, March 17, 2003 at the C. H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT. First Selectman Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.
PRESENT: First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal, Selectman Joseph Bojnowski,
Selectman William Brimmer
ALSO PRESENT: two members of public, one member of press
VOTER PARTICIPATION – Ms. Ruby Johnson, 16 Chestnut Hill Road – stated that the Powerpoint presentation given by the Master Plan Advisory Committee to the Board of Selectmen gave the impression that the “themes” were accepted at the Town Meeting. She feels that is not correct and the Board of Selectmen should have it removed from the Master Plan. She has also heard comments that the Advisory Committee’s recommended Master Plan is similar to that proposed by the Friends of Fairfield Hills. She feels there are “serious” differences since the long-term goals are different.
Mr. Rosenthal advised Mrs. Johnson that if you read the bonding resolution adopted by the Legislative Council and Town Meeting, it includes the statement that the “$21,850,000 is appropriated for various public improvement projects, all to be completed in substantial accordance with a report entitled “Fairfield Hills Campus Proposed Work Program And Cost Estimates” dated May 21, 2001, prepared by Harrall-Michalowski Associates, Inc”. The themes are included in that report and were presented at the Town Meeting on 6/6/01.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Selectman Brimmer moved to add the following items to tonight’s agenda: 1) Resolution for Fair Housing Month, 2) Maintenance Bond Release for Alpine Circle, and 3) Interim Policy for Private Entities at Fairfield Hills. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Rosenthal distributed a communication from Senator Dodd, stating that he voted against a bill which cuts $1.6 billion from first responder programs from the levels approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee last year. He assured that he will continue to be a leader in the fight for funding for first responders.
First Selectman Rosenthal distributed a communication from Congresswoman Nancy Johnson advising that towns will be receiving federal reimbursement for snow removal money spent during the President’s Day Blizzard in Connecticut.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Selectman Bojnowski, the minutes of the 3/03/03 meeting were unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Proposed Increase of Building Permit Fees – Commercial
This item will be on next agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
Driveway Bond Extension
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve a six month extension for one driveway bond as outlined on Attachment. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Appointments/Reappointments
Selectman Brimmer moved three new appointments and two reappointments as outlined on Attachment. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Transfer
Selectman Bojnowski moved to transfer FROM Account 01570-2000 Contingency $95,000 TO Account 01510-2031 Sand $17,000 and TO Account 01510-2032 Salt $14,000 and TO Account 01510-1003 Winter Overtime $28,000 and TO Account 01500-3050 Repairs $36,000. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
March 2003 Tax Refunds
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve March 2003 Tax Refunds No. 10 in the amount of $40,397.69. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Resolution – Fair Housing Month
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve Resolution Recognizing the Month of April 2003 as Fair Housing Month in Newtown (copy attached). Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Maintenance Bond Release, Road & Drainage Work Agreement, Alpine Circle, “Watch Hill” Subdivision
Selectman Brimmer moved to release Maintenance Bond Release, Road & Drainage Work Agreement, Alpine Circle, “Watch Hill” Subdivision in the amount of $3,500. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Interim Policy for Private Entities at Fairfield Hills
First Selectman Rosenthal advised that Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker is receiving calls from private entities interested in Fairfield Hills. He feels there should be a policy for how these inquiries are handled so as to be consistent with each inquiry and to ensure that all inquiries and responses are on the public record.
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve “Interim Policy for Private Entities at Fairfield Hills” (copy attached). Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Legal Matters
Selectman Bojnowski moved to enter executive session to discuss legal matters and to invite clerk to attend. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Meeting entered executive session at 8:15 pm and returned to open session at 8:20 pm.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve legal defense of the Planning & Zoning Commission in action taken by the Cambodian Buddhist Society of Connecticut, Inc. and Pong Me. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 pm.
Jan Andras, Clerk
Attachment A: Driveway Bond Extension
Attachment B: Appointments/Reappointments
Attachment C: Resolution – Fair Housing Month
Attachment D: Interim Policy for Private Entities at Fairfield Hills
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