MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Monday, January 3, 2004

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Ken Keskinen, one reporter bus driver

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Keskinen made the motion to approve the minutes of December 23, 2004 as presented. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Probate Court system and proposed changes and CCS bus area.

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway communicated to the Board the receipt of an eight by eight foot screen for the Town Hall from the Cornwall Association. A thank you letter will be sent.

First Selectman Ridgway communicated to the Board his thoughts on speaking with the school concerning the kids doing a school fund drive for relief for the tsunami victims.

APPOINTMENTS: The Board discussed remaining appointments to be made.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to reappoint Chris Hopkins for a three year term on the Cornwall Grange Trust Advisory Committee. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Passed unanimously.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Scott Cady for a three year term on the Sydney Kaye Fund Advisory Committee. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

CORNWALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL PROJECT: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board on progress of the CCS project. He is working with the region one business manager and town deputy treasurer. He has asked the business manager Sam Herrick to look at and scrutinize bills as the project gets closed out.

The Board discussed the CCS bus drop off area. Selectman Baird brought to discussion the possibility of closing Cream Hill Road during bus drop off and pick up times. The Board reviewed a map of the bus area off Cream Hill Road and the parking lot. The Board discussed safety issues with the traffic congestion, the parent drop off area, parking spots in the parking lot, closing Cream Hill Road during the morning drop off and afternoon pick up times, and the option of making the road a one way road during the bus times. Input was given by a bus driver who was present. First Selectman Ridgway will meet with Principal Dr. Fitz during bus times to review the situation.

BUDGET SCHEDULING: The Board discussed possible times to schedule budget meetings with the highway foreman and transfer station personnel and other meetings that will be needed.

CCS AFSCME UNION CONTRACT REPORT: First Selectman Ridgway reported on the AFSCME Union Contract and the Board discussed some issues concerning increased insurance premiums. The Board discussed rising costs and what other towns are doing and the present situation of the towns of region one negotiating contracts separately.

PROBATE COURT: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the proposal from the Probate Administration to consolidate probate courts into groups based on 50,000 population. Presently region one is trying to consolidate into its own group but it will not meet any 50,000 population requirements. The Board discussed what is being done to sort this out and the additional towns of North Canaan and Falls Village where Cornwall Probate Judge Cooley is now working.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to adjourn, Selectman Baird seconded, passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen