The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on August 16, 2004 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, Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker, EDC Chairman Chet Hopper, EDC members Kim Daniziger and Steve Small, 12 members of public, one member of press
VOTER PARTICIPATION: Ms. Ruby Johnson, 16 Chestnut Hill Road, asked about progress of utilizing 38 acres on Commerce Road for a technology park. Ms. Stocker answered that we have had wetlands mapping prepared and an engineering firm has been hired. A conceptual plan will be prepared and brought to the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Richard Brady, Botsford Fire Co. Truck Committee, advised that the specs for the truck have been revised three times. They do not feel there is enough money to purchase the truck. First Selectman Rosenthal advised that the Board of Selectmen approved $320,000 towards a truck during the budget process. Mr. Brady stated that when the specs were first turned in, that amount was adequate. This truck has already been put off for a year and a half. Last year, they were asked to wait because of the expense of the new 5/6 school.
COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Rosenthal advised that today he met with Governor Rell, along with four other first selectmen/mayors from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and four from the Council of Small Towns, to discuss municipalities issues. He feels it was a very productive meeting.
Selectman Brimmer distributed a copy of the new Tercentennial Committee handout. The upcoming planned celebrations include fireworks and a picnic on August 6, 2005.
Appointments: This item was moved up on the agenda. First Selectman Rosenthal introduced Ms. Gerri Brehan who has been hired to take over animal control since the retirement of George Mattegat. Mr. Mattegat served as Assistant Municipal Animal Control Officer and the Police Chief was the M.A.C.O. There has now been a restructuring and Ms. Brehan is being hired as the M.A.C.O. A member of the public asked what animals Ms. Brehan is responsible for? She replied that it depends on whether animals have had an interaction with humans. As a rule, the M.A.C.O. does not handle stray cats but she will go out if a cat is injured. She also does not answer calls for healthy wildlife. However, if an animal is injured or has had contact with a human, she will check it
out.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve the appointment of Gerri Brehan as Municipal Animal Control Officer for the Town of Newtown. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve the appointment of (D) Ross Carley, 66 Currituck Road as a member of the Commission on Aging for a term to expire on 01/06/07. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Selectman Brimmer, the minutes of the 7/19/04 meeting were unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Regarding the closing on the purchase of Fairfield Hills, First Selectman Rosenthal reported that the Ad Hoc Management Committee has held several meetings. The safety subcommittee has also met with town staff (public works and police) and signs have now been installed restricting hours in the interest of public safety. This gives the police the power to enforce trespassing violations. Gates will be installed at the three entrances to the property. We do not yet have a report from UCONN on the survey results but this is expected shortly.
NEW BUSINESS
Business Incentive Plan
EDC Chairman Chet Hopper and members Kim Danziger and Steve Small were present, along with Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker. Mr. Hopper gave a brief overview of the Plan proposed by the Economic Development Commission. Mr. Rosenthal advised that this Board of Selectmen suspended a Plan when first selected because it had been approved by the former Board of Selectmen but never fully approved and implemented by the Legislative Council. Under the Statutes, the CEO of a municipality can enter into negotiations with businesses for tax abatement with the approval of the legislative body.
Mr. Tom Sharp and Mr. Frank Harrington were present. They recently built S.M.T., a 72,000 s.f. industrial business off of High Bridge Road, which is expected to open soon. Prior to starting this $5 million project, they did approach the town about an incentive program. They are very interested in seeing a Plan implemented.
Mr. Rosenthal advised that the town attorney raised the issue of some type of “recapture” possibly in the form of penalties if a tax break is given and then a business moves in less than a certain amount of time. Mr. Hopper stated that this was discussed by the EDC but it was felt it would be difficult to enforce because most likely if a company were leaving after a short amount of time, it would be due to financial difficulties. This can be discussed further with the town attorney.
Mr. Rosenthal advised that the Legislative Council has been requesting input from the Board of Finance on all matters relating to revenue. He will send this Plan on to the Board of Finance for their input.
Resolution Appropriating $320,000 For The Purchase of A Class A Fire Pumper Truck
First Selectman Rosenthal stated that we cannot go to a Town Meeting to vote on a resolution until bids are received (expected September 11). This truck was requested during the budget process, when the Board of Selectmen recommended bonding the expense. In order to expedite the process, the Board of Selectmen has to initiate the special appropriation and send it on to the Board of Finance.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to inititate a special appropriation in the amount of $320,000 to purchase a Class A Fire Pumper Truck and to recommend borrowing as the means of financing. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Mr. Rosenthal will speak with the Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners about the issue raised tonight by the fire department truck committee representatives.
Driveway Bond Releases
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve the release of eight (8) driveway bonds and one six month extension as outlined on attachment. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Maintenance Bond Release, Daniel’s Hill Road, “Daniels Hill Estates” Subdivision
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve the release of a maintenance bond, Daniels Hill Road, “Daniels Hill Estates” Subdivision in the amount of $26,000, upon recommendation of the Town Engineer. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Road Acceptance, Somerset Drive, “Canterbury Woods Section 3” Subdivision
Selectman Brimmer moved to accept Somerset Drive, “Canterbury Woods 3” Subdivision into the Newtown Highway System and to set a maintenance bond in the amount of $13,800.00 to be held by the Town for a period of one year. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
August 2004 Tax Refund No. 1
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve August 2004 Tax Refund No. 1 in the amount of $24,073.57. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Legal Matters – none
Addendum - Capital Improvement Plan
First Selectman Rosenthal advised that since the Parks & Recreation Commission has the largest modification to the CIP, they will be invited to attend the next Selectmen’s meeting to answer questions. There was no discussion or action taken at this time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: None noted
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Jan Andras, Clerk
Attachment A: Driveway Bond Releases/Extensions
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