MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

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

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

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.

MINUTES: Selectman Bramley made the motion to approve the minutes of February 22 and February 24, 2011. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Storm Report. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board a communication from the Town Clerk concerning a wage freeze for town office employees which the Board reviewed and discussed.

First Selectman Ridgway communicated to the Board on his work with Transfer Station Operator Steve O’Neil on job descriptions for the operator and attendant and the recycling of electronic waste. First Selectman Ridgway signed the agreement with WeRecycle! for the recycling of electronic waste.

STORM REPORT: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the condition of the town after the recent 4” rain storm and the work of the highway crew and fire department. The Board reviewed and discussed road washouts, closures, flooded areas, over flowing brooks and cellar pump outs.

SWEEPER AGREEMENT: The Board reviewed an agreement for the lease of a sweeper to clean town roads. The Board discussed the two week lease and the condition and use of the town’s sweeper. First Selectman Ridgway signed the agreement.

SOLAR TOWN OFFICE: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on a Council of Government meeting where discussion ensued on an offer from DCS Energy to install solar panels at no charge on municipal buildings. The company would make their money on the sale of renewable energy credits. The Board discussed this and which buildings might be possible sites. There will be an information meeting scheduled later in Cornwall.

DOG WARDEN APPOINTMENT: The Board discussed the position of Dog Warden, possible candidates for the position and what the job entails. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Brad Hedden as Animal Control Officer and to appoint Cindy Shook as Assistant Animal Control Officer. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

STEEL SHED AT HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the condition of the steel shed at the highway department. The Board discussed the situation of the steel shed damaged by the winter’s snow load, estimates for repair and what the insurance company might pay towards repair.

BUDGET: The Board discussed the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year budget. The Board discussed employee wages and wage freeze versus raise.

Selectman Bramley made the motion to adjust the salaries presented in the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year budget from 2% to 1% increase. Selectman Baird seconded. There was further discussion. Motion passed: Selectman Bramley aye, Selectman Baird aye, First Selectman Ridgway abstained.

MISCELLANEOUS GRANTS: First Selectman Ridgway reviewed with the Board a grant the town has applied for from the State of Connecticut for reimbursement towards funds spent on the Municipal Plan of Conservation and Development. A resolution is need as part of the grant process.

Selectman Bramley made the motion to adopt the resolution to authorize the application for the Municipal Plan of Conservation and Development Grant referenced in Section 13(a)(1) and Section 32(a)(1) of Public Act 07-7 (An Act Authorizing and Adjusting Bonds of the State for Capital Improvements and for Transportation Infrastructure Improvements and Concerning the Connecticut State University Infrastructure Act) and to identify First Selectman Gordon M. Ridgway as an individual authorized to sign the Notice of Grant Award and administer the grant. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to adjourn; it was seconded by Selectman Baird and passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart
Administrative Assistant