MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CORNWALL BOARD OF SELECTMEN

 

 Tuesday - September 7, 2004 -  7:30 p.m. - Town Hall

 

PRESENT: First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Selectman Baird, Selectman Ken Keskinen

 

First Selectman Ridgway called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to accept the minutes of August 19 as presented. Selectman Keskinen seconded. Passed unanimously.

 

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:  None

 

COMMUNICATIONS: Selectman Keskinen had a communication to the Board regarding his speaking at an upcoming meeting of newcomers. He is to give an overview of what a Selectman is and does. The Board discussed what this overview might contain.

 

First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board a letter from citizen Asher Pavel concerning the conflict of the date of the September 16 Town Meeting with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashannah and a request the meeting be rescheduled so as not to occur on any of the three Jewish high holy days or Sabbath. The Board discussed the letter and request and the legal noticing of the meeting and state holidays the town is legally bound to observe by the state. The Board decided as the meeting had already been legally posted and was in the Chronicle not to move the meeting date . Selectman Keskinen suggested absentee ballots for those not attending a town meeting for religious reasons but absentee ballots are not permitted for town meetings because motions noticed for the meeting may be amended before a final vote.

 

First Selectman Ridgway has received support from Senator Andrew Roraback for the second round of STEAP grants. The Board discussed the first round of STEAP grants and the second round which has had a bigger response making for more competition for the money. Awards will be made the end of September. If Cornwall is not awarded the grant the Board discussed making the CCS ball field a part of the Five Year Plan.

 

Selectman Baird had a verbal communication from a citizen concerning the intersection of Cream Hill Road and Rattlesnake Road. The citizen requests a white line be marked in the center of Cream Hill Road to keep traffic on their appropriate sides. The Board discussed this possibility and when and how it might be done.

 

HOUSATONIC RIVER TRAIL REPORT: First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board a letter from Rick Lynn who has been  researching a Greenway trailway from West Cornwall to Cornwall Bridge. The biggest obstacle appears to be the crossing of the railroad tracks. The Board discussed the trail and railroad crossings and the property owners at each end of the trail.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE: First Selectman Ridgway presented a report from the North Western Connecticut / Litchfield Hills Public Safety Task Force which the Board reviewed concerning  the proposed FY 2004 spending plan of Homeland Security Funding. Northwest Connecticut Council of Governments and the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials established the task force to address local and regional issues related to domestic preparedness and the best use of the funds allocated to the regional area.

 

CRRA SETTLEMENT: CRRA will recover $111 million of the loss incurred in their dealing with ENRON. The Board discussed the impact of this on the town.

 

CORNWALL BRIDGE CROSSWALK: First Selectman Ridgway presented to the Board a reply received from CT DOT concerning the request for crosswalks at Foote Fields and in Cornwall Bridge. There is not enough pedestrian traffic crossing from Pierce Lane to Foote Fields to warrant a crosswalk. There is enough pedestrian traffic crossing from NW Lumber to BairdŐs Store to warrant a crosswalk. DOT requested the Town put the request in writing. First Selectman Ridgway has sent a written request asking for a simple plan with no ramp for a crosswalk in Cornwall Bridge between NW Lumber and BairdŐs Store.

 

The Board discussed a West Cornwall crosswalk.

 

DIBBLE HILL DRAINAGE: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on a drainage situation on Dibble Hill Road. An engineer had been hired to review the situation. First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the engineerŐs findings. A report will be written up by the engineer recommending what action to take. First Selectman Ridgway recommended Board members take a look at the site during the upcoming rain storm.

 

ALBERT BROTHERS & METAL: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the metal situation at the transfer station. The Town had not been paid by the hauler, Paines, for metal recycled. The recycling coordinator looked into metal prices and options of another hauler such as Albert Brothers. While looking for other options Paines has paid for past hauls. The Town will remain with Paines for the present.

 

GUARD RAILS: The Board discussed the money in the budget for guard rails, when and where rails may be put up. Currently the highway crew is working on sweeping.

 

ROUTE 4 PARKING LOT/BALL FIELD: First Selectman Ridgway updated the Board on the progress of the parking lot and ball field. The ground has been stripped to sub base and work is about to begin on shaping the sub surface. First Selectman Ridgway has requested permission from DOT to move the entrance for a better site line. First Selectman Ridgway will check to see if the parking lot can be operational for the soccer season.

 

TOWN REPORT: First Selectman Ridgway will have a SelectmanŐs report for review by the Board at the next meeting. He asked for any suggestions to include. This report will be included in the next town report.

 

BILL PAYMENT: Bills were paid in the usual manner.

 

First Selectman Ridgway made the motion to adjourn, it was seconded. Passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Joyce Hart

Secretary to the Board of Selectmen