The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on December 6, 2004 at the C. H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT. First Selectman Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 7:40 pm.
PRESENT: First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal, Selectman Joseph Bojnowski, Selectman William Brimmer
ALSO PRESENT: Finance Director Ben Spragg, Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, six members of public
VOTER PARTICIPATION: Ms. Barbara O’Connor, Little Brook Lane, asked about a recent newspaper article stating that the Charter may have cost the town $750,000. First Selectman Rosenthal explained that a provision in the Charter may have been the reason that the town did not receive a bond rating upgrade which could have resulted in lower interest rates, but he does not know how the reporter arrived at that figure.
COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Rosenthal received a letter from Harrall-Michalowski Associates regarding an RFP by CL&P for projects that need additional study to determine their feasibility. Mr. Harrall feels this could be a possibility for Fairfield Hills.
First Selectman Rosenthal received a letter from Marnicki Associates regarding the engineering assessment of the floor at Bridgeport Hall. There is some concern about storing anything in the building. The Friends of the Library will be moving the books being stored to another building.
ADD TO AGENDA: Selectman Brimmer moved to add Tercentennial Committee questions to the agenda. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Selectman Bojnowski, the minutes of the November 15, 2004 meeting were unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Road Work Agreement, Bryan Lane, R&G Riverview
Mr. Bryan Robik and Attorney Bill Petroccio were present. In order to develop two lots on Bryan Lane, the Town is requiring improvements to the road. They do not agree with having the Town hold a 20% maintenance bond since they are supplying drainage but the road is being left as gravel. Town Engineer Ron Bolmer explained that is standard language in an agreement. After some discussion, it was decided that the developer will widen the road to 22’ and install a drainage system (materials and installation). The road will be left gravel in anticipation of the water line being extended to Middle Gate School.
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve a Road & Drainage Work Agreement for Bryan Lane, R&G Riverview in the amount of $54,000, providing for road widening and drainage, with the requirement of a 10% maintenance bond to cover proper installation of the drainage system. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Maintenance Bond Release, Cornfield Ridge Subdivision, Pumpkin Lane and Cornfield Ridge Road
Selectman Brimmer moved to remove the motion from the table - to release the maintenance bond in the amount of $19,500 for Cornfield Ridge Subdivision, Pumpkin Lane and Cornfield Ridge Road. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Town Engineer Bolmer reported that the issue has been resolved and the homeowner is removing the fence that is on town property.
MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.
Road Work Agreement, Castle Meadow Road, Newman Subdivision
Alan Shepard, PE, was present on behalf of the property owner. Town Engineer Ron Bolmer advised that this is a three lot subdivision and presented three different scenarios for road work to be completed.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve a Road & Drainage Work Agreement for Castle Meadow Road, Newman Subdivision, in the amount of $65,000 to include 700’ of road widening, paving and overlay. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Supression Tank Bond Release, Old Green Road, “Old Green” Subdivision, Danziger Homes, Inc.
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve release of the Fire Suppression Tank Bond, Old Green Road, “Old Green” Subdivision, Danziger Homes, Inc. in the amount of $30,000.00. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Driveway Bond Releases/Extensions
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve the release of 10 driveway bonds as outlined on Attachment A. Motion seconded and unanimously carried
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve the release of one subdivision (common driveway) bond in the amount of $12,000 as outlined on Attachment A. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Tercentennial Committee Questions
Selectman Brimmer is a member of the steering committee for the Tercentennial. The question has come up as to whether the volunteers during the fireworks display are covered under the Town insurance policy. Finance Director Ben Spragg advised that volunteers for the Town are covered but that the professionals setting off the fireworks should have their own insurance and should name the town as an additional insured on their policy.
Mr. Brimmer also advised that the proposal to bring the original deed for the town back to Newtown is no longer a part of the Tercentennial Committee’s plans. Town Clerk Cindy Curtis, State Representative Julia Wasserman and Ms. Mae Schmidle are working on this and will be reporting to the First Selectman about possible costs.
Conservation/Trail Easement
First Selectman Rosenthal advised that this Board will be taking action on each individual easement as they are acquired. The other Selectmen did not have any suggestions for revisions to the proposed easement form.
Open Space
Ad Hoc Open Space Task Force Chairman Martha Wright was present, along with Task Force member Joseph Hovious. Ms. Wright advised that the task force has been looking for and assessing properties in town for possible purchase. She distributed a copy of the criteria they use to assess. First Selectman Rosenthal advised that there are 2-3 properties that are being looked at right now and he would be willing to share that information in executive session. The current budget contains debt service for $2 million to purchase open space. This will be on a future agenda for action to initiate.
Appointments/Reappointments
Selectman Brimmer moved to recommend two appointments to the Library Board of Trustees as outlined on Attachment B. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Brimmer moved to recommend one appointment to the Economic Development Commission as outlined on Attachment B. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Brimmer moved to recommend one appointment to the Ad Hoc Open Space Task Force as outlined on Attachment B. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
November Tax Refunds
Selectman Brimmer moved to approve December 2004 No. 6 Tax Refunds in the amount of $28,005.74. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Legal Matters
Selectman Brimmer moved to enter executive session to discuss possible land acquisition and other legal matters and to invite Finance Director Ben Spragg, Martha Wright, Joseph Hovious and clerk to attend. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Meeting entered executive session at 9:15 p.m. Ms. Wright and Mr. Hovious left the meeting at 9:45 after discussion of land purchase. Meeting then returned to open session at 9:50 p.m.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to approve funding for Dana Nusso vs. the Conservation Commission of the Town of Newtown. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: First Selectman Rosenthal gave the other Selectmen copies of the DRAFT lease for space in the Kendro Building.
Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Jan Andras, Clerk
Attachment A: Driveway Bond Releases/Extensions
Attachment B: Appointments
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