The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on Monday, August 18, 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: Finance Director Benjamin Spragg, Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, 2 members of public, 2 members of press
VOTER PARTICIPATION: None noted at this time
ADD TO AGENDA: Mr. Brimmer moved to add discussion of Fairfield Hills Master Plan to tonight’s agenda. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: None
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Selectman Bojnowski, the minutes of the 8/4/03 meeting were unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bond Release, Road & Drainage Work agreement, Pine Tree Hill Road, “Winton Farms” Subdivision
Selectman Bojnowski moved to release maintenance bond in the amount of $24,400.00 for Road & Drainage Work Agreement, Pine Tree Hill Road, “Winton Farms” Subdivision. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Endorsement of “Relay for Life”
Selectman Brimmer moved to endorse a “Relay for Life” event to be held in Newtown in April 2004. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
First Selectman Rosenthal advised that he spoke with a member of the Board of Selectmen in Bethel and with the First Selectman in Monroe. Both assured him that this event was very successful in their towns.
Capital Improvement Plan 2004-2009
First Selectman Rosenthal and Finance Director Ben Spragg spent some time going through the proposed CIP and drafting a priority order for the projects, for the Board of Selectmen’s consideration. They also moved a few projects to later years and reduced the proposal for a Parks & Recreation maintenance facility.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve the 2004-2009 Capital Improvement Plan as presented this evening (attached) and forward to the Board of Finance. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Fairfield Hills Master Plan – added to agenda
Since the recent referendum defeating the proposed Master Plan, each member of the Board of Selectmen has received numerous comments from residents regarding their vote. It is apparent that there isn’t one consistent reason why people voted either way. Apparently, some people believed they were voting not to spend any money. Spending was authorized two years ago and will come up again during budget votes as each part of the plan is implemented. Some people stated that they wanted more educational and cultural use of the campus. Some wanted more commercial development and some didn’t want any. Some wanted a mall and some a golf course.
It was decided to look into hiring a firm to do an “exit poll”. We have the voter list and know who voted. The Plan cannot be changed without having a better sense of what to change.
Selectman Brimmer pointed out that the most troubling thing is the apathy shown by the low voter turnout. Maybe this process has been going on too long and people have lost interest.
NEW BUSINESS
License Agreement for installation of rock wall/fence at 7 Currituck Road
Mr. Philip Clark, the property owner was present. This matter was discussed as part of public participation at the last Selectmen’s meeting. A copy of a license agreement used elsewhere in town was sent to Mr. Clark, who is requesting a few minor modifications to the agreement.
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve the license agreement between the Town and Debora T. Clark of 7 Currituck Road for a stone wall/fence subject to discussions with Town Attorney and Town Engineer. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Driveway Bond Releases
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve five (5) driveway bond releases (attached). Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Resolution for State Cost Sharing Agreement
Selectman Brimmer moved BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that Herbert C. Rosenthal, First Selectman, 45 Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470-2185, is authorized to execute an Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Newtown for the installation of Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption System equipment at the intersection of Route 25 (Main Street and South Main Street) at Route 302 (Sugar Street and Glover Avenue) in the Town of Newtown. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: First Selectman Rosenthal advised of the first positive incidence from having a GIS system. An elderly patient walked away from The Homesteads during the recent blackout. The public works department had just received a draft of new GIS mapping with countours which the police and public works department were able to use in the search. The woman was found and was safe.
Appointments
Selectman Bojnowski moved to enter executive session to interview a potential appointee and to invite clerk to attend. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Meeting entered executive session at 8:07 pm and returned to open session at 8:20 pm.
Selectman Brimmer moved to appoint Jane Ford Shaw, 3 Hi Barlow Road to fill term as an alternate member of the Hattertown Historic District for a term to expire on 6/30/05. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Legal Matters
Selectman Brimmer 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 8:22 pm and returned to open session at 8:30 pm.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to defend the Town in the following tax assessment appeals: Pateley Associates LLC; Alexander J. Reznikoff; Arbar Properties LLC; and Martin Bennett. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 pm.
Jan Andras, Clerk
Attachment A: 2004-2009 Capital Improvement Plan
Attachment B: Driveway Bond Releases
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