MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Monday, January 3, 2011 - 7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman K.C. Baird, Selectman Richard Bramley, one reporter

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

MINUTES: Selectman Baird had a correction for the December 21 minutes. Selectman Baird was not present at that meeting. Selectman Bramley made the motion to accept the minutes as corrected: “PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman Richard Bramley”. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Selectman Bramley made the motion to add to the agenda CRRA. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: There were none.

CRRA: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board he had received a letter from CRRA concerning the upcoming expiration of the contract in 2012. A signature had been requested from CRRA by January 1 but has been extended to July 1. The board discussed this, the current and past fees and the contract.

PROBATE JUDGE VAIL: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to move up in the agenda the meeting with Judge Vail as he was present and available. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

The Board met with Probate Judge Vail. Judge Vail updated the Board on the turnover of the Northwest Probate Court District to the new Litchfield Hills Probate District which is a merger of 12 towns. Newly elected Judge Blick will take office Wednesday. There will be a swearing in ceremony. The Board and the Judge discussed this changeover. Judge Vail emphasized the importance of the maintenance of the North Canaan office as a satellite court. The Board thanked Judge Vail for his four year stint as Northwest Corner Court probate judge which covered Cornwall.

RUMSEY LIEN: First Selectman Ridgway informed the Board he had received a call from Chase Home Finance Property Preservation which expressed their intention to pay the $42,000 lien against the Rumsey property by January 31. The Board discussed this and the interest incurred.

CCS BUILDING PROJECT: The First Selectman reported the town had received $31,456 as retainage from the State Facilities Unit which has accepted the bookkeeping for the CCS Building Project. This closes the gym building project.
STORM REVIEW: First Selectman Ridgway reported that the storm after Christmas Day went well. There were new plow drivers on duty. The Board discussed this and the use of sand hauled from the state garage which was purchased from the state as surplus since the state is no longer putting sand down. There was a savings of $1.50 a yard versus $18.00 a yard.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: The Board reviewed lists of volunteers for the reactivation of the Committee on the Aging and the Conservation Committee and the establishment of a business study group. The Board discussed the purposes of the committees and possible additions. The Board plans to finalize an appointment list soon.

HIGHWAY JOB DESCRIPTION: The Board re-reviewed the Highway Supervisor Job Description, editing and redrafting. The Board will hold a special meeting to finalize the draft in preparation for job interviews. The position has been sent to the newspaper.

BILLS: Bills were paid in the usual manner. The Board received balances of the Capitol Project and General Budget to date to review in preparation for budget meetings.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS were answered and discussed.

EXECTUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss Litigation, Freedom of Information Complaint. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

The Board went into executive session at 8:58 p.m.

The Board came out of executive session at 10:04 p.m.

Meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart
Administrative Assistant