MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - 7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Richard Bramley, three citizens, two members of the press

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

MINUTES: Selectman Bramley made the motion to approve the minutes of May 13, 2010 as presented. First Selectman Ridgway seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to table the approval of the minutes of August 2, 2010 until the arrival of Selectman Baird. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Highway Projects. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: None

HIGHWAY PROJECTS: First Selectman Ridgway presented the layout of the highway work to be done. First Selectman Ridgway reported he has worked with Highway Foreman Rick Stone on the budget for summer road work. The Board discussed the budget and the costs of the highway projects. Selectman Baird arrived at 7:39 and joined in on the discussion. Patching will begin next week. The Board discussed the bid change from MC3000 to a liquid resurfacing alternative and the cost savings.

RUMSEY HALL: First Selectman Ridgway reported Rumsey Hall has been posted. He reported he will be meeting with the building official and owner of building to discuss fencing and building’s future. First Selectman Ridgway reported the highway foreman has checked the building for entry points. The Board discussed with citizens present the time table for any actions, the building’s future, timetable, expense of the fencing, the deterioration of the building, the need for a Town Meeting to approve funds for demolition, demolition process and recouping costs. The Board answered questions from the citizens.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion the Board of Selectmen supports the Building Official’s efforts to secure and obtain demolition of the Rumsey Hall building as soon as possible. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

SOLAR SYSTEM BID: The Board reviewed a draft of a proposal for bid for the photovoltaic system for the town offices. The Board discussed this and the CCS photovoltaic project. The Board discussed the grant process and how to avoid the situation experienced with the Great Hollow/Great Hill Roads ARRA project of having to go to bid again.

Selectman Baird made the motion to go out to bid as amended on the draft proposal for solar photovoltaic system for the Town Offices. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

RADAR SPEED SIGNS IN WEST CORNWALL: The Board reviewed a check list from Connecticut Department of Transportation for speed signs on state roads. The Board reviewed and discussed the locations, the signs with solar mounts, the costs, and the time period of the STEAP grant for the signs. The time period of two months for DOT review is problematic with the expiration date of the STEAP grant. The Board discussed alternative funds and grant opportunities.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to send an application for solar speed signs for West Cornwall to Connecticut Department of Transportation. Selectman Baird seconded. There was further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

VISIT CORNWALL: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the progress of the Visit Cornwall grant project. Marc Simont has done a drawing for the kiosks which is being reproduced. Lazlo Gyorsak has urethaned the kiosks. A map of the local businesses is being put together as a brochure. The walking tour maps should be completed by next week. The Board discussed this and business in town. Selectman Baird gave a report on tourism in terms of his business.

POPPLE SWAMP CELL TOWER: First Selectman Ridgway reported Town Attorney Perley Grimes is working on a post hearing brief to the Connecticut Siting Council which is due on the 20th of August. The Board discussed the possible content of the brief and concerns of unanswered questions. The board discussed with the press present the process of the hearing and unanswered questions. The Board will review the brief when ready.

TAX REFUND: The Board reviewed and discussed requests for tax refunds.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to grant the tax refund request of $204.72 to DCFS Trust for overpayment of tax and to table action on the remaining two tax requests. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

MINUTES: Selectman Baird made the motion to approve the minutes of August 2, 2010 as presented. First Selectman Ridgway seconded. Motion passed Baird and Ridgway aye, Selectman Bramley abstained.

APPOINTMENT: The Board discussed the appointment of an alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion, upon the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Commission, to appoint Patrick Folds as alternate to the Park and Recreation Commission. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner with discussion.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart
Administrative Assistant