The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on April 5, 2004 in the meeting room 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: Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, 4 members of public, 1 member of press
VOTER PARTICIPATION: Ms. Ruby Johnson, 16 Chestnut Hill Road, asked that her remarks in minutes of 3/15/04 meeting be amended. She did not say that she was opposed to a structural steel building, she asked if the Board of Selectmen would be in favor of that type of building at Fairfield Hills. Mrs. Johnson feels that the report by the Public Trust for Land report was “well-received”. She appreciates the work being done to control growth.
COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Rosenthal received a memo from the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). They are requesting that every town agency evaluate and implement the strategies contained in the Plan.
First Selectman Rosenthal received a letter from the Public Building & Site Commission outlining their positions regarding Fairfield Hills.
Mr. Rosenthal advised that his office is receiving complaints from residents about motorized dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles. The complaints are about the noise and also about damage being done on Forest Association property and Town open space. He contacted CCM to see what other towns have done about this problem. This will be on a future agenda for discussion.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Selectman Brimmer moved to amend minutes of the 3/15/04 meeting by deleting comment made under Voter Participation by Ms. Ruby Johnson. Motion seconded and minutes unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Road & Drainage Agreement – Bryan Lane, R&G Riverview LLC
This item will be on next agenda.
Plymouth Hall – Demolition or Re-use
On February 17, 2004, the Board of Selectman adopted a change to the Fairfield Hills Master Plan to demolish Plymouth Hall. It was decided to use the same approach as planned for Shelton House. At such time as there is a re-use of the building, there would be a study to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of demolition and new construction vs. renovation.
Selectman Brimmer moved to amend Fairfield Hills Master Plan as follows: Charge architect/contractor with performing complete study of the cost of renovating Plymouth Hall vs. constructing a new building on the site, once a re-use has been established. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Bojnowski added that he would not be in favor of spending a lot of money moth-balling this building if there is no re-use for an extended period.
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation by Tercentennial Committee
This will be placed on a future agenda.
Road & Drainage Work Agreement, Pepperidge Road
Mr. David French and Mr. Charles Spath were present. They are planning to subdivide a lot on Pepperidge Road and are proposing to install a drainage system in order to contain the flows from these two lots. They would be willing to provide the labor and machine time if the town provides the materials. Town Engineer Ron Bolmer reviewed their proposal and made a slight revision, estimating a bond in the amount of $43,400. After a brief discussion, it was decided to have Mr. French and Mr. Spath come to the next meeting with more information.
Road & Drainage Work Agreement, Jo-Mar Drive, Lot 6, Resubdivision, Robert Mathison
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve Road & Drainage Work Agreement, Jo-Mar Drive, Lot 6, Resubdivision, Robert Mathison and to set the bond at $11,950.00. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Road Bond Reduction for Fire Suppression Tanks, Resubdivison of Blakeman Construction LLC, Rollingwood, Section 5, Resubdivision Lot 43
Selectman Brimmer moved to reduce bond for Fire Suppression Tanks, Resubdivision of Blakeman Construction LLC, Rollingwood, Section 5, Resubdivision Lot 43 from $380,000 to $290,000 upon recommendation of Town Engineer and Fire Marshal. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Fire Suppression Bond Release, Application by Blakeman Construction LLC for a resubdivision into 3 lots at New Lebbon Road
Selectman Bojnowski moved to release bond in the amount of $30,000 for Fire Suppression, Blakeman Construction LLC resubdivision into 3 lots at New Lebbon Road, upon recommendation of Town Engineer and Fire Marshal. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Fire Suppression Bond Release, Application for resubdivision of 15 lots, Rollingwood Section 7, Westerly side of New Lebbon Road and East Marlin Road
Selectman Brimmer moved to release bond in the amount of $60,000 for Fire Suppression, Resubdivision of 15 lots, Rollingwood Section 7, Westerly side of New Lebbon Road and East Marlin Road, upon recommendation of Town Engineer and Fire Marshal. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Driveway Bond Releases/Extensions
Selectman Bojnowski moved to release two driveway bonds as outlined on Attachment A. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve a six month extension for one driveway bond as outlined on Attachment A. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Appointments
Selectman Brimmer moved to appoint Mr. Ed Rees, 8 Longview Road, SH as a full member of the Commission on Aging for a term to expire on January 6, 2005. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Mr. Rees is currently serving as an alternate on the Commission on Aging and will now fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Mary Tomasiewicz.
Resolution – State of CT Historic Document Grant
Selectman Brimmer moved the following: RESOLVED that Herbert C. Rosenthal, First Selectman of the Town of Newtown, or the Town Clerk, Cynthia S. Simon as his designee, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of this municipality, an application and contract with the State Library for an Historic Preservation Grant. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
April 2004 Tax Refunds No. 12
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve April 2004 Tax Refunds in the amount of $44,824.00. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Legal Matters - None
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Rosenthal advised that the UCONN Center for Research and Analysis will be sending a revised proposal and cost estimate for the Fairfield Hills survey.
Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Jan Andras, Clerk
Attachment: Driveway Bond Releases/Extensions
| 
