The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on Monday, October 17, 2005 at the C. H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT. First Selectman Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
PRESENT: First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal, Selectman Joseph Bojnowski, Selectman William Brimmer
ALSO PRESENT: Finance Director Ben Spragg, Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, three representatives of Westport Resources, two members of public, one member of press
VOTER PARTICIPATION: None
COMMUNICATIONS: A letter was received from Parks & Recreation Commission Chairman Larry Haskell requesting that the Board of Selectmen set the fees for Eichlers Cove Marina. This will be placed on a future agenda.
A letter was received from Ms. Sally O’Neil, Conservation Commission Chairman, regarding a proposal to split the Conservation Commission into two separate commissions – Inland-Wetlands and Conservation. The Conservation Commission will be invited to a meeting to discuss.
First Selectman Rosenthal advised that the Parent Connection is holding a forum tomorrow evening at the high school.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Selectman Brimmer, the minutes of the 10/3/05 were unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation by Westport Resources – Town Pension Plan
Mr. John Vaccaro, Mr. Rudy Polanski and Mr. Frank Sterneck were present from Westport Resources. Copies of the Investment Portfolio Report for the quarter ended 9/30/05 was distributed and discussed. Over the six years that Westport Resources has been handling the town’s investments, they have appreciated by $5,166,152, averaging 8.5% per year, compounded. During that time, the S&P has appreciated only 0.84% compounded.
Road and Drainage Work Agreement, The Old Road, Subdivision Application, Milton Adams
Mr. Adams was present along with Realtor John Klopfenstein. Mr. Adams is planning to subdivide a one acre lot off of his property on Twist Hill Lane, which will front on The Old Road. Town Engineer Bolmer is proposing that approximately 240 feet of the The Old Road be widened to 18’ and paved. In the next fiscal year budget, Overlook Drive is being proposed for paving and possibly this paving could be tied in with that project for a cost savings. After some discussion, it was decided that Mr. Bolmer will prepare an agreement outlining this arrangement which will be on a future agenda.
Maintenance Bond Release, Erin Lane, “Belle Vista” Subdivision
Selectman Brimmer moved to release the maintenance bond for Erin Lane, “Belle Vista” Subdivision in the amount of $19,700, as per recommendation of Town Engineer. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Driveway Bond Releases/Extensions
Selectman Brimmer moved to release three driveway bonds and to approve a six month extension for two driveway bonds as outlined on attachment. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Formation of Committee – Traffic Calming Devices
First Selectman Rosenthal recently met with Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, Public Works Director Fred Hurley and Police Chief Michael Kehoe to discuss the number of comments from residents on different roads about traffic problems, mainly speeding. The town of Redding recently put speed “humps” on Hopewell Road. This does slow traffic but has other problems, such as noise and difficulty with plowing. Civil Engineers see them as obstructions in the roadway which is something they try to prevent. There is also a question of liability. Town Engineer Ron Bolmer pointed out that there is nothing state or federal stating what is acceptable, just “suggested”, therefore if there were any lawsuits after an accident, we would have nothing to fall back on. It was decided to form
a committee consisting of a representative from the Police Department, Police Commission, Town Engineer, Public Works and public to discuss possibilities. First Selectman Rosenthal will set this up.
Resolution – Childrens Adventure Center
Selectman Brimmer moved the following – RESOLVED: That Herbert C. Rosenthal, First Selectman of the Town of Newtown, is empowered to enter into or amend contractual instruments in the name and on behalf of The Town of Newtown, with the Department of Social Services of the State of Connecticut for a Child Day Care program if such an agreement is offered and to have the corporate seal affixed to all documents required as a part of any offered agreement. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Appointments - None
Legal Matters
Selectman Brimmer moved to enter executive session to discuss legal matters and to invite Mr. Spragg and the clerk to attend. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Meeting entered executive session at 6:45 p.m. and returned to open session at 6:50 p.m.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to defend the Town in legal action regarding Cappoziello, 1 Underhill Road. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to authorize the initiation of enforcement action against Mr. Roy Lowe, 56 Riverside Road. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Jan Andras, Clerk
Attachment A: Driveway Bond Releases/Extension
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