MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Thursday, December 9, 2010

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Richard Bramley, Transfer Station Operator Fred Bate III, three citizens

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. First Selectman Ridgway explained why the meeting was called, the process, the employee’s choice to have the meeting in public or executive session and the difference between the two. Mr. Bate chose to have the meeting in public.

First Selectman Ridgway presented to Mr. Bate two letters recently received concerning Mr. Bate’s manners in operating the transfer station. The Board and Mr. Bate discussed the letters. Mr. Bate gave his account of the days in question referred to in the letters and answered questions from the Board. The Board and Mr. Bate discussed past letters of complaint, previous warnings to Mr. Bate from the Board, the operation of the transfer station and what is expected from town employees for appropriate manners when dealing with the public.

Mr. Jeff Jacob spoke to the Board on behalf of Mr. Bate expressing he has experienced the upmost courtesy in dealing with Mr. Bate at the transfer station. Mr. David Beaseley also spoke to the Board on behalf of Mr. Bate expressing he has not had any problems with him at the transfer station. The Board discussed this with them.

The Board and Mr. Bate discussed his offering his apology to the citizens concerned. First Selectman Ridgway informed Mr. Bate this is his final final warning.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion for the Board to place Mr. Fred Bate III on probation until the Board has a chance to meet again on this issue early in the new year with the understanding there will be an immediate improvement on courtesy from Mr. Bate at the transfer station. Selectman Baird seconded. There was further discussion defining probation and how to measure improvement. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Bate and citizens present departed. The Board continued on its agenda. The Board decided executive session was not needed concerning attorney advice on the F.O.I. complaint. The Board discussed the November 23, 2010 F.O.I. complaint.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to authorize town attorney Perley Grimes to send the Motion to Dismiss the November 23, 2010 Freedom of Information complaint. Selectman Bramley seconded. The Board discussed the Motion to Dismiss. Motion passed unanimously.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Selectman Baird. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart
Administrative Assistant