MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Monday, January 5, 2004

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

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

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Keskinen made the motion to accept the minutes of December 18, 2003. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Update on the Stage, CL & P Surplus Acreage. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway reported on a communication from Council of Small Towns on legislative matters. There will be a meeting on Thursday, January 29 in Rocky Hill. There will be another legislative meeting with Litchfield County first selectmen concerning state aid and state mandates on January 22 in Torrington. First Selectman Ridgway will attend and extended the invitation to the other Selectmen.

APPOINTMENTS: First Selectman Ridgway reported that two people volunteered to fill the vacancies for alternates on the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board discussed this. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Nancy Calhoun and Priscilla Miller as alternates to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Passed unanimously.

BUILDING OFFICIAL CONTRACT: The Board discussed the contract with the building official, how the system works and recent changes, what the contract covers. Selectman Keskinen made the motion to authorize First Selectman Ridgway to sign the four year extension of contract with Paul Prindle, Building Official. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

BUDGET SCHEDULE: First Selectman Ridgway presented the budget schedule from the Board of Finance. The Board discussed the schedule, meetings needed, possible dates. There will be a Special Board of Selectmen Meeting on Monday, January 12 at 10 a.m. in the Town Hall.

BATTERTON LAND SALE: The Board discussed the sale of town land on the corner of route 7 and Whitcomb Hill Road to Mr. Batterton. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to sign the Quick Claim Deed to Mr. Batterton. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

The discussion of the site line on this parcel of property brought to mind to Selectman Baird of a concern of another site line on Dark Entry road onto route 7 which the Board discussed.

CL & P SURPLUS ACREAGE: The Board reviewed a map of acreage owned by CL & P in the area. There is a possibility acreage could be sold in the future. Towns have been asked to review the acreage and indicate to CL&P any interest. The Board discussed which parcels may be of interest and to whom. The Board has already written a letter of interest on a parcel in West Cornwall village.

STAGE: The Board reviewed a letter and drawing from Fred Thaler concerning stage use and lighting. The Board discussed the issues of color of stage wall and lighting. First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on a previous meeting with Mr. Thaler and Ms. Hanna concerning the stage.

The Board answered questions from those present.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss Legal Advice. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Passed unanimously. The Board went into Executive Session at 8:43.

The Board came out of executive session at 9:05. No action was taken.

The Board discussed upcoming budget with personnel meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen