MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

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

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Baird corrected the minutes of August 20, 2007. There was no reporter present that evening. Selectman Baird made the motion to accept the minutes with the correction. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: none

COMMUNICATIONS: Citizens present had questions and concerns regarding the traffic through Cornwall Bridge and possible DOT solutions. The Board reviewed with the citizens the street lights in the village and the request to DOT to take over the cost of their illumination. There was discussion of the fast traffic through the village and the economic and safety issues. There was opposition voiced to any DOT solutions of reconfiguring the green or additional paving. Selectman Baird noted that the pedestrian zone has been successful in slowing traffic and increasing the safety of pedestrians. First Selectman Ridgway assured there will be public hearings for further discussion before any changes are made.

Citizen Ms. Wojtusiak brought to the Board concerns regarding congregant housing planned for the Merz property in Cornwall Bridge. The Board discussed the concerns and the historical change of families with children living beyond the villages.

Selectman Baird communicated a concern from some members of the VFW regarding the flag on the Town Green. They are requesting a larger size flag be flown and the Connecticut flag be replaced by a POW/MIA flag. They would also like a paved walkway area in front of the monument for the placement of wreaths. The Board discussed this. When the flag pole pulley is repaired the size of flag will be increased. First Selectman Ridgway reported he had been approached by other vets when the POW/MIA flag flew over the green requesting it be replaced by the Connecticut flag as a more appropriate flag. There is no consensus among local vets. The Board discussed this and flag etiquette. As there is a POW/MIA flag currently flying over town property at the highway garage, the consensus of the Board is to make no changes to the town green flag pole at this time, but will consider possible changes in the future.

HIGHWAY PROJECTS: The Board discussed the repaving and resurfacing schedule in town. Paving is completed. Resurfacing has been postponed to September 10, 11, and 12.

ENERGY TASK FORCE: First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board a Memo of Understanding received between Connecticut Innovations, Inc. as administrator of The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Town of Cornwall. Kate Freygang will be listed as the local Energy Task Force leader. Grant money received will be in a separate account for use by the Task Force to promote Green Energy.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to sign the MOU. Selectman Baird seconded. There was further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

STEAP GRANTS: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the progress of the two STEAP grants, one for the Hughes Memorial Library in West Cornwall and the other for the Cornwall Historical Society.

First Selectman Ridgway informed the Board of another round of STEAP grants which may be applied for in the fall. The Board discussed application to fund upgrading approaches into Cornwall Bridge and West Cornwall and to upgrade facades of businesses in the two villages. The Board will discuss this with businesses in the areas.

ANNUAL REPORT: The Board reviewed a draft of a Board of Selectmen report for the Town Annual Report. The Board reviewed highlights of the year discussing what was included in the report and what was not. Changes were made. A redraft will be printed for review and signatures.

UPDATES: none

The Board answered questions from the press.

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 and invited Mr. Walt Malone to join them. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

The Board went into executive session at 8:35 p.m.

The Board came out of executive session at 9:00 p.m. No action was taken.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen