MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Monday, February 19, 2008

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

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

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

MINUTES: Selectman Baird made the motion to approve the minutes of February 4 and February 13 as presented. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Green Energy. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway reported on flooding from the recent large rain fall behind CCS and leakage in the roof of the old wing. The Board discussed this and work that needs to be done to correct the situation.

CORNWALL BRIDGE LIGHTS: First Selectman Ridgway updated the press on the background of the street lights in Cornwall Bridge and the Selectmen’s request to DOT to take over the cost of illumination. DOT replied the lights were not appropriate for their needs for street illumination but would consider putting in three others. The Board reviewed and discussed a map Selectman Bramley had put together of the various lights and locations. Selectman Bramley reported merchants were aware of the situation and considering if wish to take over the cost of any lights near their establishments. First Selectman Ridgway will contact DOT to set up a meeting to discuss the lights and the Board’s recommendation of placement and to discuss the route 7 & 4 intersection configuration and speed signs.

BUDGET 2008-2009: The Board discussed and reviewed the 2008-2009 budget. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to amend the budget to increase the estimated health insurance line from 5 to 12.5%. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously. At present there will be a 2.84% increase in the budget. The Board will present the budget to the Board of Finance this Thursday night and discuss with the BOF the current snow budget. This year’s snow budget has suffered from 16 snow and 16 ice events with rising diesel fuel and sand/salt costs.

STEAP IV: The Board discussed the next STEAP grant application: funding to support local business. The Board reviewed photos of local businesses and street scapes to be submitted with the application. The Board discussed other photos to add. The application is due the end of February. The Board discussed the time line and how the grant may be administered.

ETHICS: The Board discussed the push in legislation for a Municipal Code of Ethics and the consideration of regional ethics boards rather than each town having a board. The Board discussed how this process may work regionally.

First Selectman Ridgway updated the press and the Board on a variety of ongoing subjects.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

GREEN ENERGY: The Board reviewed the agreement with Community Energy for the town’s commitment for wind generated energy. First Selectman Ridgway signed the agreement and full payment will be sent. This represents 40% of the municipal’s energy use which is one of the highest commitments in the state.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen