MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

8:30 p.m. - Town Hall

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

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Bramley made the motion to approve the minutes of July 2, 2007. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: Selectman Bramley communicated a concern from a citizen. The signs on the corner of Pierce Lane and Poughkeepsie Road read both Poughkeepsie Road which is confusing to a driver. The Board discussed this.

Selectman Baird communicated a concern from a citizen of road side mowing and a garden area. The Board discussed this.

DE LUCA PROPERTY: First Selectman Ridgway reported on a meeting of the De Luca property with various officials. De Luca representatives have filed a letter of interest to sell with the state. The state is interested in pursuing appraisals. Some interesting features were found on the property. There are possibilities for affordable housing. Progress is being made.

FOOD BANK: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the board on a surplus in the Building Official line from the accruing of the town’s portion of building permit fees. First Selectman Ridgway reported the emergency food and fuel bank is down to $500. The Board discussed the emergency food and fuel bank and the surplus.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to put $5000 from the Building Inspector Fee Account into the Emergency Food and Fuel Bank account. Selectman Baird seconded. There was discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

TOWN HALL PLAYERS: First Selectman reported to the Board that Vice President Roberta Tyson of the Town Hall Players had come and spoken to him concerning insurance and liability coverage for the group. The Board reviewed a letter sent by Ms. Tyson. In the past the group has come under the umbrella of town coverage through the Park and Recreation program. The Board discussed this coverage and the group’s need for coverage beyond performances in the Town Hall. The Board compared the group to other organizations supported by the town.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to grant the Town Hall Players $750 to come out of the Building Inspector Fee Account. Selectman Baird seconded. There was discussion of the fund. Motion passed unanimously.

CELL TOWER: First Selectman Ridgway reported the Fire Chief had been approached by Verizon concerning the placement of a 157 foot monopine tower next to the Cornwall Bridge Firehouse. The Board reviewed a map and plan the Fire Chief had received. No action was taken.

SCASCO: The Board discussed the furnaces in town buildings and the service contracts up for renewal. The Board will investigate going with another company for servicing.

SMART POWER TASK FORCE: The Board discussed the formation of a Task Force to promote the 20% by 2010 Campaign of signing up citizens for green power. The Board discussed possible candidates who would be willing to serve.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Kate Freygang, Richard Griggs, Debbie Bennett, Nora Prentice, John and Anne Zinsser to the Smart Power Task Force. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

BUDGET TRANSFERS: There were none.

MEETING SCHEDULE: The Board discussed the changing of this evening’s meeting time due to a schedule conflict. First Selectman Ridgway proposed rescheduling the next meeting of August 6 to 8:30 p.m. to alleviate the same schedule conflict. The consensus of the Board is to meet at 8:30 p.m. for the August 6 Board of Selectman meeting.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

UPDATE: The Board answered questions from the press.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss personnel and litigation. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Board went into executive session at 9:00 p.m.

The Board came out of executive session at 9:45 p.m. No action was taken.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart