MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 

 Thursday  -  March 18, 2004  -  9:00 a.m. - Town Hall

 

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

 

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Selectman Baird made the motion and Selectman Keskinen seconded to approve the minutes of March 1, 2004 as presented. Passed unanimously.

 

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None

 

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway informed the Board of a schedule of upcoming meetings, March 18 BOF, March 23 high school budget, March 24 Attorney Blumenthal.

 

Fred Thaler spoke to the Board on behalf of the Town Hall players. They discussed the recent performance, long term goals and the needs of the stage. Mr. Thaler thanked the Board for their help. The Board and Mr. Thaler discussed the costs in supplying these needs and the proceeds from the performance and future performance proceeds. First Selectman Ridgway asked Mr. Thaler to put in writing the requests he had presented for consideration.

 

PATRIOT ACT PETITION: The Board and those present reviewed the letter from Town Attorney Mr. Grimes which expressed his opinion on the recently received petition to call a town meeting to declare the town a Civil Liberties Safe Zone and to adopt a resolution pertaining to the violations and restrictions brought about by the USA Patriot Act, the Homeland Security Act, and also by Executive Orders that violate and restrict our civil liberties. The Board discussed the letter amongst themselves and what authority town meeting has and what authority the Board has in regards to calling a town meeting. The Board then discussed the letter and Mr. GrimesÕ opinion with those present. First Selectman Ridgway reiterated Mr. GrimesÕ opinion that Town Meeting as a legislative body only has local jurisdiction specifically to Cornwall and cannot decide for state and federal issues. Town Meeting does not have the authority to establish state or federal policy. The request of the petition is not under CornwallÕs jurisdiction regardless of its merits. The Board and those present discussed who this petition should go to, such as federal representatives and senators whose jurisdiction encompasses this issue.

 

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion that the Board not call a Town Meeting on the basis of the opinion of the Town Counsel. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Passed unanimously.

 

The Board and those present then discussed calling a Special Board of Selectmen meeting. The Board declined on the grounds this is a federal issue.

 

The Board and those present discussed the option of the petitioners meeting on their own and having a community meeting not under Board of Selectmen authority. Any results of this meeting would be an action of the citizens who attend and not an action of the town government. The Board and those present discussed the Patriot Act and the action taken for the last petition concerning Iraq and the differences between the two.

 

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board information he had received from Principal Dr. Fitzgibbon concerning a grant that could be used to start up an after school program. The Board discussed this. There was a consensus that the PTA conduct a survey of need. First Selectman Ridgway passed on that Dr. Fitzgibbons has said she is willing to help guide the process.

 

RED CROSS: The Board discussed the Red Cross. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to declare March Red Cross month in the town of Cornwall and to fly the Red Cross flag during the month of March. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

 

PROBATE COURT LEGISLATION: The Board discussed a bill in the legislature to consolidate probate courts. Last year the Board voted to consolidate with Sharon, Salisbury, North Canaan, and Falls Village. This was to prevent being swallowed into a larger district such as Waterbury. This would create a Northwest Corner Probate court with a centralized office and satellite offices in each town.

 

BUGET TRANSFER: The Board discussed the need for a budget transfer. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to transfer $19,400 from contingency to increase 01-425-620-50 snow removal by $12,000; 01-426-630-16 vehicle maintenance by $3,000; 01-417-542-03 land use administration by $3,000; 01-417-542-04 land use clerk by $1,000; 01-417-543-10 mileage by $400 for the demands of winter on highway and for more time being spent on an increasing workload in the land use department. Selectman Baird seconded. Passed unanimously.

 

ASSESSORÕS LETTER OF RESIGNATION: The Board reviewed a letter of resignation from assessor Barbara Johnson. Her last day will be June 30.

 

HAMMOND BEACH: WEED RAKING: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board of being informed by a lake side owner that he is hiring a dredger to do some work on his property would the town like to hire the dredger also? A large portion of the cost is the bringing in of the equipment. The Board discussed this.

 

CCS GENERATOR: First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board on the progress of the generator at the grade school, the costs, and that a proposal will soon be coming.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session at 10:10 a.m. to discuss personnel, Shaghticoke BIA and to conduct Beach Director interviews.

 

The Board came out of executive session at 11:15 am. No action was taken.

 

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen