MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Monday - December 6, 2004 - 7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Ken Keskinen, five citizens

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Keskinen made the motion to approve the minutes of November 18 as presented. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Planning and Zoning communication on fee in lieu of open space and Executive Session: Legal Opinion on Contract. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway presented a communication concerning legislative issues and an upcoming breakfast meeting in Torrington at the UCONN branch with state legislators on December 17. The Board reviewed the communication and discussed attending.

First Selectman Ridgway presented a communication of the Annual meeting of the Council of Small Towns of January 19, 2005. The Board reviewed the communication and discussed attending.

First Selectman Ridgway presented a communication from the Secretary of State, Susan Byciewez informing the Board on the updated technology of voting machines and the state’s intention of purchasing computer voting machines for the next 2005 elections. The Board discussed the communication.

TOWN MEETING PETITION: First Selectman Ridgway read to the Board a petition received. “Acting under the provisions of Section 7-9 of the Connecticut General Statutes, we the undersigned petition the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Cornwall to call a town meeting to consider and act upon the following resolution: Be it resolved that: The Town of Cornwall consider funding the continuance of all 14 street lights in the Village of Cornwall upon the dissolution of the Cornwall Lighting District as of January 1, 2005.”

First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board and those present that the town attorney had reviewed the petition and concluded it is not in order for calling a town meeting as it is vague and not proper to call a Town Meeting just for discussion. The Board discussed with those present other options for discussing the subject of the petition. Cost and location of street lights in the Cornwall Village were discussed and which lights may be important to continue with. Presently the lights are scheduled to go out January 1, 2005. The consensus of the Board with those present is to call a public meeting rather than a town meeting to discuss the lights in Cornwall Village. There was discussion of who may adopt which lights to continue their illumination. The consensus of the Board and those present is that certain lights illuminating public areas should remain on. There was discussion of the defunct West Cornwall Lighting District and the present Merchant’s Association Lighting District of Cornwall Bridge. The consensus of the Board and those present is to keep six lights on in public areas in Cornwall Village, have a public meeting to discuss the street lights and allow the remaining to go off January 1 and see which of those that go off citizens may wish to have go back on.

APPOINTMENTS: The Board reviewed and discussed vacancies on town Boards and recommended candidates.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Lynn Scoville and Wendy Kennedy to the Agricultural Advisory Commission. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to move Heidi Kearns from Alternate to full member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to fulfill the vacancy left by the resignation of Chris Hopkins, term to be up for election in November 2005. Motion contingent upon Ms. Kearn’s acceptance of appointment. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

The Board discussed the need for two alternates to the planning and Zoning Commission and possible candidates.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Emilie Pryor as alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Earl Brecher as representative to the Northwest Regional Mental Health Board for a one year term. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

The Board will continue to consider other vacancies.

SENIOR INITIATIVE: First Selectman Ridgway reported that he and Selectman Keskinen had met with the Social Services Administrator to discuss senior needs in the community and to review the 1998 senior survey. They plan to insert a senior survey in the February issue of the Cornwall Chronicle. The Board discussed present activities for seniors and possible future activities.

UNDERAGE DRINKING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION GROUP: The Board discussed the issue of underage drinking and substance abuse in the town of Cornwall. The Board discussed possible programs and parent forums for discussing and dealing with this issue. The Board discussed possible activities to engage kids as an alternate to drinking and substance abuse. The Board concluded there is no one solution.

CORNWALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: The Board discussed the upcoming Open House for the gym and renovation school project scheduled for December 19, 1:30 p.m.

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

SKATING RINK: Selectman Baird brought to the Board the possibility of resurrecting the skating rink behind the West Cornwall firehouse. The Board discussed this. The Board concluded this would not be happening this season.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss a legal opinion on a contract. The Board went into executive session at 8:50 p.m.

The Board came out of executive session at 8:55 p.m.

The Board reviewed and discussed a communication from Herkimer concerning endangered species sighted in the area of Cook Road in Cornwall Bridge.

Selectman Baird made the motion to adjourn. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen