MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Monday, May 2, 2011 - 7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

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

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

MINUTES: Selectman Bramley made the motion to accept the minutes of April 19, 2011 as presented. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Executive Session: F.O.I. complaint. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway communicated to the Board he has been discussing with Senator Andrew Roraback and Congresswoman Roberta Willis the issue of the outdoor wood furnace on Jewell Street. They are working on finding a resolution to everyone’s mutual satisfaction.

First Selectman Ridgway answered questions from the press.

First Selectman Ridgway reported on progress for the installation of a solar panel system on municipal buildings from DCSenergy. First Selectman Ridgway reported on the interest in town among the non-profit organizations for doing similar systems as part of the program.

SUMMER PROJECTS SCHEDULE: The Board reviewed and discussed upcoming summer projects: replacement of the steel shed at the highway garage, May 20 town meeting items, the second façade STEAP grant, the gravel bank bridge going out to bid, perk test of the West Cornwall Library project. The Board discussed last summer’s paving and resurfacing program and how well the product did/did not hold up, what other towns have done for resurfacing and what area of town is on this summer’s schedule.

The Board discussed with Mr. Kane the Great Hollow/Great Hill project. The state is recommending a change in the scope of the project which Mr. Kane updated the Board on and was discussed. Costs were discussed which will change with the scope, what reimbursements will be expected. First Selectman Ridgway and Mr. Kane will research further on estimated costs needed for the Town Meeting call.

TOWN MEETING CALL: The Board reviewed and discussed the items to be brought to town meeting. The Board discussed the funds of the Gates Bequest and how it may be set up for use. The Board reviewed the amount of the appropriation from the Municipal Reserve for the Great Hill Road project.

ANIMAL CONTROL: First Selectman Ridgway reported he is working with the state to reorganize the Animal Control Office and to come into compliance on the paperwork and voucher program. First Selectman Ridgway reported on working with the Little Guild of St. Francis on past animal issues with the town. The Board discussed the need for a town animal holding area and how this may be rectified.

MARIE BAUM SCHOLARSHIP: The Board reviewed three applications for the Marie Baum Scholarship. First Selectman Ridgway informed the press the scholarship is one set up in the memory of a past Cornwall Consolidated School music teacher for a high school graduate who attended CCS and is interested in music. The Board cast secret ballots for their choice. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion, upon the polling evidence, to grant the Marie Baum Scholarship to Meghan Brown and to send letters of thanks to the other two for applying. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

BUDGET: The Board discussed the 2011-2012 budget. First Selectman Ridgway reported to the Board on the April 29 budget hearing. Topic discussed was the 0 – 2% town office personnel salary increases. The Board discussed this. The Board will revisit this topic at a meeting next week.

HOUSATONIC VALLY ASSOCIATION AT HOUSATONIC MEADOWS MAY 8:
First Selectman Ridgway reported HVA will be hosting a Cornwall river day picnic at Housatonic Meadows State Park next Sunday, May 8 to celebrate the river and to welcome the Source to Sound canoers who will be passing by Cornwall that day. The selectmen are invited to come.

REGIONAL STEAP GRANT: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on his work with the Northwest Regional Planning Collaborative on a STEAP grant for signage in the region. The Board discussed the grant, the signs, and the reimbursement by the grant to the towns.

APPOINTMENT CONSERVATION COMMISSION: The Board discussed the vacancy on the Conservation Commission. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Jeff Lynch to the Cornwall Conservation Commission. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: F.O.I. COMPLAINT: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss the Freedom of Information complaint. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

The Board went into executive session at 8:55 p.m.
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The Board came out of executive session at 9:05 p.m. No action was taken.

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner with discussion.

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to adjourn; it was seconded by Selectman Baird. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Hart
Administrative Assistant