MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Office of the First Selectman at 7:30 pm on August 22, 2006. Present were First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, and Selectmen Richard Bramley and K.C. Baird.
Approval of Minutes. Upon a motion by Bramley, seconded by Baird, the Minutes of the meetings of August 7 and August 15 were unanimously approved as circulated.
Additions to Agenda. Upon a motion by Ridgway, seconded by Bramley, it was unanimously voted to add a personnel matter to the Executive Session agenda.
Communications. Ridgway reviewed a letter from the Red Cross dated August 21, requesting volunteers to work in support of shelters in the Gulf region, apparently in preparation for the current hurricane season. There is a training session this coming Saturday, and the message will be relayed through various channels.
New Voting Machine Technology. A letter from the Secretary of the State revealed two new processes: an optical scan machine for the general population, to be in place by the 2007 elections; and -- to satisfy accessibility requirements -- some kind of union between a phone, fax and voting machine to be in place by the 2006 election. This latter
will require a separate dedicated phone line.
Town Hall Generator. It was proposed to use some of the Homeland Security allotment to install a generator for the Town Hall, assuming that this building would be the logical administrative center during any emergency, as it was following the tornado. It would also provide backup shelter should either of the Firehouses be compromised. A 12,000 watt, propane-powered model is proposed, with a 100 gal. outside tank stored north of the stage. There was discussion concerning whether and how to plan for tying in the Town Office building. On a motion by Baird, seconded by Bramley, it was unanimously voted to approve the purchase and installation of this generator by Brad Hedden, with the understanding that the options discussed will be explored.
Cornwall Bridge Firehouse Furnace. Gary Heaney solicited three bids to install an identical furnace: Scasco -- $5980, Perotti -- $4853, Lindell Fuels -- $4837. As there was no difference except cost separating the bids, on a motion by Bramley, seconded by Baird, it was unanimously voted to accept the bid from Lindell Fuels.
DOT Engineering. There have been continuing complaints about the traffic in West Cornwall. Following discussion, it was decided to investigate whether the state would provide the kind of electronic sign that tells drivers how fast they are going. If it is as moveable as it appears, it could perhaps be used at different trouble areas.
Before adjourning to Executive Session, Ridgway said that Jack Preston had been invited to attend the portion concerning the job of Road Foreman. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Board went into executive session at 7:55 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 10:05 p.m.
Selectman Baird made the motion to hire Rick Stone as highway foreman at a salary of $52,000 annually for the job as described in the job requirement documents. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go back into executive session to discuss personnel and real estate. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Board went into executive session at 10:10 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 11:15 p.m.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to consult an attorney concerning AFSCME letter dated August 21, 2006. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mag Cooley and First Selectman Ridgway
Clerks pro tem