MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 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 Bramley made the motion to approve the minutes of November 1, 2010 as presented. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to add to the agenda Resolution for second Façade STEAP Grant, Update Judy Gates Bequest, and Village Center grant. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS: First Selectman Ridgway reported he was in receipt of a letter from Lime Rock Park requesting support in the form of a letter on their behalf to the National Park Service supporting their designation as a National Historic Landmark. The Board discussed this and the history of Lime Rock Park. The request was tabled for further consideration.
First Selectman Ridgway reported he was in receipt of a summary of the Food and Fuel Bank from the Social Services Administrator. The Board reviewed the summary.
RESOLUTION: The Board discussed a resolution needed for the Façade
II STEAP Grant.
Selectman Bramley made the motion to adopt the resolution:
WHEREAS, pursuant to C.B.S. 4-66g, the Connecticut Department of Economic
and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for
economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Cornwall
make an application to the State for $150,000 in order to undertake the Façade
Improvement Program – Phase II and to execute an Assistance Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Board of Selectmen
1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the state financial assistance imposed by C.G.S. 4-66g
2. That the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the Town of Cornwall in an amount not to exceed $150,000 is hereby approved and that Gordon M. Ridgway, First Selectman is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Cornwall.
Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed the budget for the grant and what it will include.
VILLAGE CENTER: First Selectman Ridgway informed the Board of a regional planning grant to adopt regional directional tourist signs under the auspice of the Northwest Regional Collaborative. The Board discussed this and Cornwall’s participation.
JUDY GATES BEQUEST: First Selectman Ridgway submitted to the Board a letter of explanation from town attorney Perley Grimes concerning the bequest from Judy Gates. The Board discussed this and how the bequest may be set up.
APPOINTMENTS: The Board reviewed some vacancies.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to move Emilie Pryor from alternate to full member to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to reappoint Charles Gold as representative to the Torrington Area Health District Board. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to appoint Bill Dinneen to the Cornwall Grange Trust Fund Advisory Committee. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE: The Board reviewed a schedule for meetings in 2011. First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to approve the schedule as corrected. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
NO PARKING NOTICE: The Board reviewed and signed the No Parking Notice During Snow Season from December 1, 2010 through March 30, 2011. Notice to be posted around town.
TRANSFER STATION HEATER AND PERMIT: The Board discussed the heater at the Transfer Station and reviewed two bids for a new heater. Cornwall Plumbing and Heating for $1339, Amerigas for $821.50.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to accept the bid of Amerigas for $821.50 which includes the change of tank and service lines. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed the expiration in December of the permit to operate a transfer station. First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on his communications with the Department of Environmental Protection concerning a new general permit under which to operate. First Selectman Ridgway will file a new general permit with the help of DEP.
RUMSEY BILLS: First Selectmen reported the final bills are ready to pay tonight. The building is down and the hole filled in. The Board discussed the total costs, the project and items recycled. The bills will be sent to town attorney Perley Grimes to be processed for collection from landowner.
EPA GREEN TOWN AWARD: The Board discussed the gathering the previous night where Cornwall accepted an award from the Environmental Protection Agency for their exceptional participation in purchasing green energy.
GREAT HOLLOW/GREAT HILL ROAD PROJECT: First Selectman Ridgway reviewed with the Board the Great Hollow Great Hill Road Project. First Selectman Ridgway had met with the Department of Transportation and Mr. Roger Kane on sight to discuss and review the project. Phase One will be a 2 mile stretch from Mohawk ski area to top of Great Hill; Phase Two will be the top of Great Hill to Goshen town line. The Board discussed the project, costs, time frame, and funding by STPR Federal funds and State funds rather than ARRA.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to endorse the concept of resurfacing Great Hollow/Great Hill roads under the conditions listed in the November 15, 2010 e mail of Paul Metsack of Conn. DOT. Selectman Bramley seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
PRESS: The Board answered questions from the press.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to go into executive session to discuss Town Attorney advice on employment issue. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Board went into executive session at 8:25 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 9:02 p.m.
First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to deny Mr. Rick Stone’s request for reinstatement as Cornwall Highway Foreman. Selectman Baird seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
First Selectman Ridgway will set up interview schedule for interim highway foreman and temporary snow plow drivers.
BILL PAYMENT: Bills paid in usual manner.
Meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Hart
Administrative Assistant