B O A R D  O F  S E L E C T M E N  M E E T I N G

MINUTES

AUGUST 2, 2010 – 7:30 P.M.

BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

 

CALL TO ORDER: First Selectman William R. Davidson called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m., and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

 

PRESENT: William R. Davidson, First Selectman; Howard Lasser, Selectman; Steve O’Reilly, Selectman; Jay Wahlberg, Controller; members of the press & public; Virginia Giovanniello, Recording Secretary.

M O N T H L Y   A G E N D A   I T E M S

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: The following residents addressed the Selectmen:

Matthew Joseph Grimes, 6 Horse Hill Road

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Davidson announced the following:

  • Mr. Davidson presented a Certificate of Recognition to resident Peter Brady “All-Star Among Us” winner representing the New York Yankees.
  • “Talk to Bill is on Tuesday, August 3rd at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 209 at the Brookfield Town Hall.  Mr. Davidson noted that “Talk to Bill” is on a very informal basis. He will not have “Talk to Bill” at the Library on the Saturday following the BOS Meeting during the summer.
  • Mr. Davidson reported on the completion of the rebuilding and preservation of the following roads: High Meadow Road, Johns Road, Long Meadow Hill Road, Merwin Brook, Old Turnpike Road & Secor Road.
  • Mr. Davidson stated that Lakeside Buffer Guideline is produced by the Candlewood Lake Authority and promotes landscaping for the improvement of water quality in our lakes, ponds, streams and other waterways. Either call or e-mail the Land Use office at Landuse@brookfield.org to request a copy.
  • Mr. Davidson acknowledged the businesses that donated services or merchandise to the Top Dog Contest: Marta’s Vineyard, Brookfield Animal Hospital, Four Paws Grooming, Waggin’ Train grooming, Pet Supplies “Plus”, Magic Touch, Doggie Styles, Squibnocket Animal Center & Valley Veterinary Hospital.
  • Mr. Davidson noted there was some level of concern regarding the safety of the herbicides used at Happy Landings to control weeds by some of the neighbors nearby. No postings were necessary as it is not harmful to people, birds or animals. They will now be placing Lime on the fields, and a police car will be posted in the parking lot and signs placed in the two entrance ways. While the Lime is being applied, they will request that no one enter Happy Landings until the process is finished, and that should take about an hour.
  • Mr. Davidson stated that there was a joint meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commissions last week to work on Brookfield’s Plan of Development. It noted that this was a “brainstorming” session with many ideas being considered. The newspaper’s article on the Post Office moving to the Four Corners is not something that the town is planning, it was an idea discussed to draw people to the area in the future. The Town is in the early stages of developing the ten year plan.
  • Mr. Davidson reported that he attended the DPUC Hearing on July 29th concerning the potable water situation in the Greenridge community has been continued to August 10th, and will be held in New Britain at DPUC Headquarters. If the Town receives additional information, we will post on the Home page of the town’s website.
  • Mr. Davidson stated he was pleased to announce that the red brick chimney, formerly located on the west side of Federal Road north of Four Corners, has been removed by the owner. There are still other structures that need to be removed. The First Selectman’s office is working with owners to accomplish this.

 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES: Howard Lasser made motion to approve the following Board of Selectmen Meeting minutes, seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

  • July 12, 2010 Board of Selectmen Meeting
  • July 21, 2010 Special Board of Selectmen Meeting
  • July 22, 2010 Special Board of Selectmen Meeting

 

CORRESPONDENCE: Mr. Davidson noted correspondence from the Planning Commission that the Selectmen’s 8-24 Referral for The Still River Greenway Multi-Use Trail is being withheld by the Planning Commission until they have a site walk.

 

PARKING APPEALS: Steve O’Reilly made motion to deny the parking appeal request for Chris Baylis, seconded by Howard Lasser. Motion carried unanimously.

 

The Selectmen took no action on two parking appeal requests for Jolene Kronen and Lisa Reiss, as they were invalid due to a review by the Police Department.

 

U P D A T E S

 

YEAR END TRANSFER: Controller Jay Wahlberg reviewed the final year end budget transfer. At conclusion of discussion, Howard Lasser made motion to approve the final year end budget transfer, seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

 

SENIOR CENTER PROJECT: Mr. Davidson gave an update on the status of the construction. Completion is estimated for the end of September.

 

HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT: Mr. Davidson noted that the entire south parking lot at the high school was being repaired due to a fire pump leak. Most of the work will be done shortly and, hopefully, the in depth review of financial and legal aspects of closing the high school project will be finalized in the near future.

 

SILVERMINE WATER LINE PROJECT: Mr. Davidson noted that the Silvermine Water Line Ceremony was held last week as the water main will open within the next two weeks after some additional precautionary approvals by the State. Rural Water Company will be in contact with the Condominiums and homeowners for the switchover.

 

Howard Lasser made motion to move to Item 4c on the agenda, seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

 

REVISIONS TO WATER ORDINANCE: Mr. Davidson noted that a Public Hearing on the revisions to the Water Ordinance for the benefit assessments was held on July 21st and tabled due to a resident’s request to delay approval in order to further review the formula. Mr. Davidson stated though this is not a public hearing, he would address questions from the audience. There was a lengthy discussion with resident Matthew J. Grimes, 6 Horsehill Road, regarding the Dean Road water line and resident Pat Blanchfield, 18 White Pine Drive, regarding the assessment formula. Davidson noted that it was not imperative that a vote be taken tonight to approve the Ordinance. He stated he is meeting with Attorney Peters on Thursday, and he will discuss the concerns expressed tonight. Mr. Lasser also had concerns regarding prepayments of the loan. At conclusion of discussion, Howard Lasser made motion to table this item, seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

 

TOWN WIDE FACILITIES COMMITTEE: Mr. Davidson discussed the need to integrate a capital plan with the Board of Education’s five year capital plan. The Selectmen discussed what they envisioned for the make up of such a committee. At conclusion of discussion, the Selectmen suggested that the First Selectman send a note to the Board of Education and Board of Finance to ask them suggestions for participation and what interest they have in participating with the hope of a solution.

 

ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCES AD-HOC COMMITTEE: Mr. Davidson stated that the mission of the committee would be to identify potential sources of revenue for the Town. The committee is expected to spread a wide net by contacting all municipalities in CT. Additional contact points are the Connecticut Council of Municipalities (CCM) and Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST). The Selectmen agreed that the composition of the committee could be seven members. At conclusion of discussion, Howard Lasser made motion to adopt an Alternate Revenue Sources Ad-Hoc Committee, seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

 

NUSCO AGREEMENT: Howard Lasser made motion to approve the First Selectman’s signature on the NUSCO Agreement, seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

 

EARNBENEFITS NETWORK AGREEMENT: Howard Lasser made motion to approve the First Selectman’s signature on the EarnBenefits Network Agreement, seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

 

M O N T H L Y   A G E N D A   I T E M S continued

 

EMPLOYEE CHANGES: Mr. Davidson reported the following staff changes for the month of July 2010:

New Hires:        Deborah Truchsess – Records Clerk, effective 7/21/10

                        Emily Cole – Part-Time Land Use Secretary, effective 7/26/10

                        James Mooney – Communications Operator, effective 7/28/10

Departing Staff:  Deborah Truchsess – Human Resources Director, effective 7/20/10

                        Sheree Tucker – Records Clerk, effective 7/30/10

Announced Positions:   Zoning Enforcement Officer – Full Time, Non-Union, closed 7/21/10

                                    Human Resources Manager – Full Time, Non-Union, until filled

 

APPOINTMENTS: There were no appointments this month.

 

BOND RELEASES: Steve O’Reilly made motion to approve the following Bond Releases as listed on the agenda, seconded by Howard Lasser. Motion carried unanimously.

·         15 Lillinonah Dirve, #1743 Driveway Bond, Release $750.

·         19 Hanover Ridge Road, #1744, Release $750

·         58 Vale Road, #200800033, Complete Bond Release $25,000.

·         58 Vale Road, #200800032, Bond Reduction $140,930.

·         24 Logging Trail Lane, #200500684, Cutting Limit $12,500.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.

 

ADJOURN: Howard Lasser made motion to adjourn at 9:09 p.m., seconded by Steve O’Reilly. Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________    _____________________________    ______________________

William R. Davidson

Howard Lasser

Steve O’Reilly

First Selectman

Selectman

Selectman