The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on Monday, October 6, 2008 in the meeting room oat the C.H. Booth Library, Main Street, Newtown, CT. First Selectman Borst called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: First Selectman Joseph Borst, Selectman Paul Mangiafico, Selectman Herbert Rosenthal
ALSO PRESENT: Finance Director Robert Tait, Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, Public Works Director Fred Hurley, Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold, one member of the public and one member of the press.
VOTER COMMENTS: none.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Fairfield Hills Update:
Fred Hurley reported RW Bartley, TRC and Standard Demolition are in the process of getting clearance from the State regarding the tunnels. They are on schedule to get the gas line done in a timely fashion. A meeting with Charter determined fiber will go in the trunk line off of Mile Hill South. November 1, 2008 is still the opening date of the Newtown Youth Academy.
Grant Update:
First Selectman Borst reported that Chet Hopper of the Economic Development Commission has requested another month to complete a report. Selectman Rosenthal voiced confusion with the mothballing. He stated the Town never qualified for an Urban grant, which are for bigger cities. STEAP grants are for small towns. Selectman Borst will check with Elizabeth Stocker, Director of Community Development. Selectman Mangiafico questioned how a loan (under Batchelder) of $45,000 escalated to over $84,000. Selectman Rosenthal was under the impression the loan of $45,000 would be forgiven if the Town redevelops, and the interest would still need to be paid back. Selectman Rosenthal also agreed that the interest on $45,000 could not be correct. First Selectman Borst will look into this
also. The Batchelder property was discussed. Jim Maloney is acting as an agent for the Town.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Upon motion by Selectman Rosenthal, the minutes of 09/15/08, 09/18/08 and 09/24/08 were unanimously accepted as presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. Appointments/Reappointments:
Selectman Rosenthal moved to approve the appointment made by Selectman Borst to appoint Robert Mitchell to the Public Building & Site Commission. Seconded by Selectman Mangiafico. All in favor. (attachment A)
2. VRAD boxes: Town Engineer Ron Bolmer reported that by ADA requirements a box cannot protrude over four inches over the sidewalk. Selectman Mangiafico does not want any intrusion on the sidewalk. Fred Hurley asked for guidelines from the Board of Selectmen. He will speak with the Town Attorney and come back to the next meeting with something in writing. Selectman Mangiafico motioned to object to the location of the VRAD box on Queen Street stating it must be relocated. Seconded by Selectman Rosenthal. All in favor. Ron Bolmer will write the letter for Selectman Borst to sign on behalf of the Board. Mr. Bolmer also noted there is a sightline problem with the box on Sugar Lane.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Driveway bond releases:
Selectman Rosenthal moved to release four driveway bonds and approve one six month extension as in attachment B. Motion seconded and unanimously carried.
One driveway bond for Janice & Derek Bateson was tabled until Ron Bolmer further investigates the request for an extension.
2. Maintenance Bond Release, Road & Drainage Work Agreement,
Beaver Dam Road, “Miller Ridge” Subdivision. Selectman Rosenthal moved to approve the Maintenance bond release in the amount of $15,200 for Beaver Dam Road, “Miller Ridge” Subdivision. Selectman Mangiafico seconded. All in favor.
3. Special Appropriation Parks & Recreation, $100,000 from Fund 45, Parks &
Recreation Capitol & Non Recurring Expenditures: Parks & Recreation asked for
an appropriation to fix the Treadwell Pool filter. Selectman Borst moved to authorize the appropriation. Seconded by Selectman Rosenthal. Selectman Mangiafico seconded for discussion. Amy Mangold explained that the job was not put out to bid, the figure she gave the Board was an estimated bid from Brock, the company that came out to look at the pool and advise. Selectman Rosenthal suggested that Parks & Recreation get bids first and then come to the Board for the appropriation. Selectman Mangiafico agreed.
4. Special Appropriation Parks & Recreation, $30,000 from Fund 68, Eichlers Cove Marina: It was agreed that Amy Mangold would get bids for this project also and then come back to the Board. The appropriation would have to be approved by the Board of Selectman, the Board of Finance and the Legislative Council.
5. Capitol Improvement Plan 2009-2010 to 2013-2014:
Selectman Rosenthal moved to approve the Capitol Improvement Plan 2009/2010 – 2013/2014 as amended this evening (attachment C). Seconded by First Selectman Borst. All were in favor.
6. Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security FY 2009, Emergency Management Performance Grant program: Selectman Rosenthal moved to authorize the First Selectman to act on behalf of the Town of Newtown in executing a Memorandum of Understand with the State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, for participation in the FY 2009 Emergency Management Performance Grant program. All in favor.
7. October 2008 Tax Refunds No. 6
Selectman Rosenthal moved to accept the Tax Refunds in the amount of $30,921.15.
Seconded by Selectman Mangiafico. All in favor.
8. Policy regarding employees deployed for military service: First Selectman Borst stated there are employees that are active reservists. Selectman Rosenthal questioned whether or not the Police Union ever requested this in negotiations. Selectman Mangiafico asked if this request should’ve come from the Police Commission; stated he would like to hear from the Police Commission.
The meeting entered Executive Session at 10:27 p.m. and returned to regular session at 10:39 p.m. Selectman Rosenthal moved to authorize the First Selectman to defend the Town of Newtown in the lawsuit brought by Maria Horvath, 220 South Main Street. Seconded by First Selectman Borst. All in favor
ANNOUNCEMENTS: none
ADJOURNMENT:
Having no further business, the Board of Selectman adjourned their regular meeting at 10:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Marcinek, Clerk
___________________________
Joseph E. Borst, First Selectman
Attachment A: Appointments
Attachment B: Driveway bond release/extension
Attachment C: Capitol Improvement Plan
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