MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Monday, December 4, 2006

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Richard Bramley, one reporter

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Board reviewed past minutes. Selectman Bramley had a correction to the November 6, 2006 minutes. Under DEMHS Grant MOA: Selectman Baird seconded the motion to authorize First Selectman Ridgway to sign, not Selectman Bramley.

Selectman Bramley made the motion to accept the minutes of November 6 as corrected, November 20 and November 21, 2006 as presented. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: There were none.

COMMUNICATIONS: Selectman Baird asked First Selectman Ridgway about last Friday night’s storm. First Selectman Ridgway replied the firehouse was manned for two electrical calls. On the first call there was confusion concerning the correct 911 address which slowed response time. The Board discussed asking citizens to check their 911 address and make sure the number is highly visible.

Selectman Baird’s West Cornwall business is closing. The Board wishes him well as he continues in business in Cornwall Bridge.

REVALUATION: The Board discussed the revaluation and an article in the Chronicle which urges people to talk to the assessor concerning their assessment before going to the Board of Assessment Appeals.

STEAP: First Selectman Ridgway reported two meetings will take place tomorrow with state STEAP personnel for STEAP grants for the Hughes Memorial Library renovations and the Cornwall Historical Society building project. The Board discussed the projects. There will need to be a town meeting to authorize the spending of town funds which will be reimbursed by STEAP funds.

DUNN MEETING: First Selectman Ridgway reported on a meeting in Hartford mid November with the underground tank Advisory Board who advises DEP on applications concerning underground petroleum tanks. The Board discussed the meeting and the plea to expedite Ms. Dunn’s application which was successful.

ZEO VACANCY: The Board discussed the resignation of the Land Use Administrator/Zoning Enforcement Officer Karl Nilsen. Applications for the position have been received and interviews will begin. The Board reviewed the job description and discussed it and the interview process. The Board discussed the need for a good Land Use Administrator and options of combining jobs.

APPOINTMENTS: The Board discussed two vacancies, Zoning Board of Appeals and Sydney Kaye Fund Advisory Committee, which need appointments.

BUDGET TRANSFER: The Board reviewed budget transfers recently made in previous meetings.

TAX REFUNDS: The Board reviewed requests for motor vehicle tax refunds for vehicles disposed of during the tax year.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to approve the tax refunds of $108.65 to William B. Beeman, $196.93 to David Mason and $223.70 to David Mason. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

CLEAN ENERGY: The Board discussed the option of green energy availability if a certain percentage of the town people sign on. First Selectman Ridgway has spoken with the high school concerning this.

BALLYHACK: The Board reviewed a letter requesting the town to accept a half acre of land on Ballyhack Road to fulfill a subdivision requirement. The Board discussed the process, the need for town meeting to accept this, the pros and cons of acceptance. The Board will seek clarification on the requirement from Planning and Zoning Commission and forward the letter of request to the town attorney for review. First Selectman Ridgway will write a reply to the letter.

LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The Board reviewed and discussed long term disability insurance. This is part of the Region One policy.

DEMHS MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING: The Board reviewed the Memo of Understanding for 2006 grant funds from the Department of Emergency and Homeland Security.

Selectman Baird made the motion to authorize First Selectman Ridgway to sign on behalf of the Town of Cornwall a Memo of Understanding with the Department of Emergency and Homeland Security. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the equipment for the Emergency Operations Center and the Town Hall generator, items purchased under previous DEMHS grants.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Board went into executive session at 9:05 p.m.

The Board came out of executive session at 9:30 p.m. No action was taken.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart, Secretary to the Board of Selectman