MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

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

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Bramley had a correction to the minutes of February 5. The sentence “If all the households purchase from the same company …” should be corrected to “For each household that purchases …” as it is not necessary for all to purchase from the same company. Each household purchasing from the same company as the town will enable the town to receive a rebate for each. Also the #8 should be changed to 5 possible companies as indicated on the cost estimate information sheet. Selectman Bramley made the motion to accept the minutes as amended. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Rumsey Hall and Cornwall Bridge Firehouse. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the selectmen on tomorrow’s breakfast meeting of area Selectmen with legislators at the Wandering Moose, 8:00 a.m. to discuss the governor’s budget. The Board discussed this meeting and the governor’s budget in relationship to the town’s portion and the amount of state income tax paid by town residents.

The Board discussed other topics First Selectman Ridgway may bring up at the meeting such as the assessment of antique cars.

Selectman Bramley communicated there is an upcoming public meeting sponsored by the Housatonic River Commission, March 7 at the Kent Town Hall, concerning the PBC removal actions to be taken in Connecticut.

RUMSEY HALL: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board that JP Morgan Chase Bank has foreclosed against Mr. Hingson on the Rumsey Hall property of Bolton Hill Road. First Selectman Ridgway had met with a representative from the bank. The Board discussed this and what involvement the town may have in this.

CORNWALL BRIDGE FIREHOUSE: The Board reviewed and discussed a bid for renovations to the Cornwall Bridge firehouse for $12,000. The Board discussed what needs to be done.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to accept the proposal from Ralph Dzenutis of Royal Construction for $12,000 upon review by the CVFD President and Chief with the understanding there are other items that need to be done. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

CCS BUILDING COMMITTEE: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board that the CCS Building Committee had their last meeting. The Board wishes the committee will. There is a balance in the committee’s budget of approximately $5000. The Committee recommends to the BOS and the BOF that this balance be spent on the non-usual capital projects at the school. The next step is the audit by the state. The Board discussed the balance. The consensus of the Board is for the balance to go to capital school projects after the state audit.

BUDGET ’07-’08: First Selectman Ridgway reported that he did meet with the BOF and present the draft budget. The BOE will present their draft budget next week. The Board discussed a budget addition request from Park and Recreation.

SMART POWER: The Board discussed Smart Power and the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities program. The next step will be public meetings in April to provide information on the program and the process. Two companies will come to make their pitch for Cornwall to purchase their renewable energy credits from them. The Board discussed interest received by citizens in the program.

PEDESTRIAN ZONE – WEST CORNWALL: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board his communications with the state DOT concerning a pedestrian zone in West Cornwall. A crosswalk was considered in the area of the Wish House but DOT has evaluated it and replied a crosswalk would be too close to the railroad tracks. DOT suggests the whole area of the village be considered a pedestrian zone and not just a single cross walk. DOT will increase signage in the spring.

UPDATES: Selectman Bramley reported he had been asked why the temporary stage in the town hall could not be permanent. The Board discussed this issue. The hall has a variety of uses some which may need the space taken by the stage extension, such as emergency shelter and rummage sale. The stage extension is scheduled to be dismantled after the last performance.

First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board concerning the last snow storm. The roads were handled well and calls were made to people who requested to be on the Storm list. All were well.

Selectman Bramley updated the Board that to date, 7 people had signed up for the Board of Assessment Appeal.

First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the need to advertise the Deputy Treasurer job in this fiscal year while the Treasurer is here to transition the new person.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to adjourn. It was seconded and passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen