The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on Monday, November 19, 2007 in the meeting room at the C. H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT. First Selectman Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT: First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal, Selectman Joseph Bojnowski, Selectman William Brimmer
ALSO PRESENT: Finance Director Ben Spragg, Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, Fairfield Hills Authority members Robert Geckle, Amy Dent and Moira Rodgers, five members of public, one member of press
VOTER COMMENTS: None
COMMUNICATIONS: None
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Selectman Bojnowski, the minutes of the 11/5/07 meeting were unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS
Maintenance Bond Release, Bobat Lane, “Wildcat Hills” Subdivision
Selectman Bojnowski moved release the maintenance bond for Bobcat Lane, “Wildcat Hills” Subdivision in the amount of $13,700.00. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Driveway Bond Releases/Extensions
Selectman Bojnowski moved to release five driveway bonds and approve one six-month extension as outlined on the attached. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
At this time, Town Engineer Ron Bolmer left the meeting. First Selectman Rosenthal thanked Mr. Bolmer for his ten years of service with the current Board of Selectmen.
Tax Refunds
Selectman Brimmer moved September 2007 Tax Refunds No. 7 in the amount of $6,927.54. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Eichlers Cove Marina Fees
Selectman Bojnoski moved to approve fees for Eichler’s Boat Marina, as recommended by the Parks & Recreation Commission. (attached to original minutes).
Appointments/Reappointments
First Selectman Rosenthal advised that (D) John Torok was re-elected to the Board of Finance but has submitted his resignation as he has taken a job with the Winchester School System and the commute, as well as many required night meetings make it too difficult to continue on the Board of Finance.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to appoint (D) Martin J. Gersten, 90 Birch Hill Road as a member of the Board of Finance for a term to expire on 12/01/09. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to appoint David Unschuld, 37 Cottonwood Trail, Sandy Hook as a member of the Ad Hoc Energy Task Force. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Brimmer moved six reappointments as outlined on attachment. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Brimmer moved to appoint (D) Monte Frank, Mountain Manor Road as a member of the Economic Development Commission for a term to expire on 01/06/09. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Before the meeting was recessed to wait for the public hearing to begin, Ms. Barbara O’Connor, Little Brook Lane took the opportunity to state that over the years, she has been coming to Board of Selectmen meetings regularly. She thanked the three current members of the Board of Selectmen for doing a fine job for the town and hopes the new board can “fill their shoes”.
The meeting recessed at 6:50 p.m. and reconvened at 7:40 p.m.
Lease for Newtown Hall
Selectman Bojnowski moved to authorize the Town Attorney to complete the subject lease for Newtown Hall according to the terms presented in the Letter of Intent with any recommendations to clarify the tenant issues and to authorize the First Selectman to sign the lease. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Robert Geckle thanked the Board of Selectmen members for their support to the FHA.
Executive Session
Selectman Bojnowski moved to enter executive session to discuss legal issues, land purchases and employee matters and to invite the Finance Director and the clerk to attend. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Meeting entered executive session at 7:45 p.m. and returned to open session at 8:00 p.m.
Selectman Bojnowski moved a mandatory referral to the Planning & Zoning Commission of the purchase of two properties as discussed in executive session and to recommend to the Legislative Council for purchase. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Bojnowski moved that the Board of Selectmen, in their capacity as Trustees of the Pension Plan, offer an early retirement program to all non-union employees who have attained 26 years of credit service under the Town Pension Plan. This program would offer these employees the balance of service required (30 years) if they decide to retire on or before December 31, 2007, which may reduce payroll costs to the Town. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Selectman Bojnowski moved to grant a severance package consisting of three months health insurance coverage to Jan Andras, Mary Kelley and Carole Ross should they choose to leave employment with the town due to the change in administration. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Jan Andras, Clerk
Attachment: Driveway Bond Releases and Extensions
Eichlers Cove Fees
Driveway Bond Releases and Extensions
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