MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 

 Tuesday, February 22, 2005

 

 7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

 

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Ken Keskinen, two reporters

 

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

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Keskinen made the motion to accept the minutes of February 7 and February 14, 2005 as presented. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

 

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Legislative Items, Volunteer Fire Department Junior Program and Meeting at the Gravel Bank Bridge on Route 128. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

 

COMMUNICATIONS: None

 

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on a bill being brought to the legislature to protect ski areas from frivolous law suits. Recently trial lawyers have chipped away at the protections previously held by ski areas. This billÕs purpose is to reaffirm ski areas that protection. The Board discussed the inherent risks of winter sports and reviewed a draft of a letter to be sent to the judiciary committee in support of protection for ski areas. The Board discussed the benefits of Mohawk Ski Area to the town of Cornwall, the school program and economic impact, and benefit to the state of Connecticut with the availability of a ski area in close proximity.

 

Selectman Keskinen made the motion for the Board to sign the letter to the Judiciary Committee. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

 

First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on Senate Bill #1122 being submitted by Andrew Roraback concerning accelerated rehabilitation for certain charges of manslaughter which would be retroactive to June of 2004. The Board discussed this change and the flexibility it would give to judges in dealing with manslaughter cases. The hearing will be February 28 before the Judiciary Committee.

 

The judiciary committee will be meeting on February 28.

 

CVFD JUNIOR PROGRAM: First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board the interest in the creation of a Junior Department in the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department. It would be for boys and girls from ages 13 to 17.

 

BRIDGE MEETING: First Selectman Ridgway informed the Board of an upcoming meeting with Highway Foreman Don Reid and Engineers Roger Kane and Russ Moresi to view the bridge to the town gravel bank off route 128. A proposal to repair the bridge will be submitted at a later date.

 

IRISH MUSIC: First Selectman Ridgway informed the Board of the request for the use of the town hall for a fundraiser concert to raise money to help send the Housatonic music students to England. Concert will be March 19. The Board discussed the hall use.

 

CORNWALL YOUTH SAFETY COALITION: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on a meeting concerning underage drinking and drug use. There is a proposal before the legislature concerning underage drinking. The Board discussed the issue and the formation of a community group that a person may go to for help in wrestling with these issues. CornwallÕs Social Services Administrator is involved with this group.

 

OPEN SPACE FUND: First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board a draft from Planning and Zoning Chairman for the administration of an open space fund. Under Connecticut State Statutes and Planning and Zoning regulations subdivision are required to set aside a certain amount of open space or give to the town money in lieu of. This fund would receive that money and any donations given for open space and be available for purchasing lands deemed necessary to be kept open as open space. The Board reviewed the draft and will review at the next BOS meeting. This will come before the town for approval at the Annual Budget Meeting in May.

 

ASSOCIATED BUSINESSES OF CORNWALL:  First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on his conversations with ABC. They have monthly meetings to hear speakers on various issues. They have requested Planning and Zoning to come speak about what businesses are permitted in residential areas. There is presently an issue concerning signs in business zones before the Planning and Zoning committee and they are seeking input from local businesses.

 

BUDGET: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board that the budget was presented to the BOF last week. The Board discussed the budget and items that have increased and what items may need to increased. The budget has an 8% increase. Some of this will be offset by the rise in the Grand List. The Board will review the budget again.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss real estate. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Motion passed unanimously. After answering questions from the press the Board went into executive session at 8:10 p.m.

 

The Board came out of executive session at 8:20 p.m. No action was taken.

 

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen