Middlefield Board of Selectmen s1

Middlefield Board of Selectmen

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Call to Order

Ed Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Present is Ed Bailey, Jon Brayshaw and Taryn Ruffino.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda

A motion was made by Ed Bailey to approve the agenda with the following amendments:

◦ Item 7 – New Business:

-Resolution approving the State of Connecticut Homeland Security Grant Omnibus Memorandum of Understanding.

-Replacement of Bridge at Route 147 over Lyman Meadow Brook.

-STEAP Grant Application

◦ Item 9 – Change to Tax Refunds

◦ Item 10 – Change to First Selectman Report

◦ Item 11- Adjourn

This motion was seconded by Taryn Ruffino and approved by all voting members.

4. Approval of Minutes of the January 19, 2016 Meeting

A motion was made by Jon Brayshaw to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2016 Board of Selectmen Meeting. This motion was seconded by Taryn Ruffino and approved by all voting members.

5. Public Comment – No Comment

6. Old Business

ñ Job Descriptions and Salary Study – Update

Ed Bailey explained that the job descriptions are being distributed to the employees and the salary study is currently in the process of completion.

ñ Cell Tower – Update

Ed Bailey stated that the Town is in possession of an agreement with the consultant and it has been signed.

ñ Sesquicentennial – Update

Taryn Ruffino explained that despite the snow, the Winter Festival on January 23rd was a success and the Ball, which took place on January 30th, was another success with an overall attendance of 125 people. The next event will be a fundraiser, held at the K Club Hall on March 5th at 2 p.m. The event will be a Paint Party called Martinis at Sunset. The event will be $30.00 per person. A “Bingo Afternoon” event will take place on April 3rd at the K Club. This event will be hosted by the K Club and the Middlefield Lions. “A Period Dinner” will be held on April 30th at the Lyman House. Details on the event are in process.

ñ Rainbow Springs Water System – Update

Ed Bailey explained that a meeting took place approximately two weeks ago with the customers of the Rainbow Springs Water System. Present at the meeting was Ed Bailey, the Town Council, Town Engineer Brian Curtis, Town Attorney Bruno Morasutti, and Town Sanitarian Lee Vito. All the customers agreed that they would prefer to install their own wells. Mr. Bailey explained that there is a joint hearing in Hartford on March 11th with the Public Utility Regulatory Authorities and the Department of Public Health regarding the disposition of the Rainbow Springs Water System. Mr. Bailey asked the 8 property owners to attend the meeting to let their wishes be known to the State of Connecticut. Mr. Bailey hopes for the best possible outcome for the residents.

ñ Old Indian Trail Water System – Update

Ed Bailey explained that work is progressing on the Old Indian Trail Water System and he received and email today with electrical plans.

New Business

ñ Resolution approving the State of Connecticut Homeland Security Grant Omnibus Memorandum of Understanding -

Ed Bailey read the Resolution into the record as attached.

A motion was made by Ed Bailey to approve the Resolution concerning the State of Connecticut Homeland Security Grant Omnibus Memorandum of Agreement. This motion was seconded by Taryn Ruffino and approved by all voting members.

ñ Replacement of Bridge at Route 147 over Lyman Meadow Brook -

Ed Bailey explained there will be a pre-construction meeting on March 1st in Rocky Hill.

ñ STEAP Grant Application -

Ed Bailey explained that the Town received notification from the State of Connecticut that they are entertaining applications for the STEAP Grant. The Town is calling this project the Lake Beseck Sediment Reductions and Safety Improvements. Mr. Bailey explained there is a culvert under Lake Shore Drive that is in poor condition. The STEAP Grant proposes to replace the culvert and to widen and straighten the road at that location, the installation of a particle separator (Model 9000 Vortech Unit), the culvert outlet will be stabilized and improved, and all the piping will be replaced. The culvert on Mattabeseck will also be improved. Mr. Bailey explained if the Town is awarded the grant this fiscal year, they would be ready for construction around May or June of 2017.

Appointments -

Ed Bailey announced that Lars Selberg has resigned from the ZBA and thanked him for his service. Jon Brayshaw suggested that the Board of Selectmen recognize Lars Selberg in a “thank you” letter. Ed Bailey stated that he will prepare something for the next meeting.

A motion was made by Ed Bailey to approve the following appointments:

ñ Tree Warden – John Wyskiel – 1/1/2016 – 12/31/2017

ñ Zoning Board of Appeals – Resignation Lars Selberg – Term 5/1/2012 to 4/30/2017

ñ Zoning Board of Appeals – Elevate Alternate Michael Janis to complete term of vacant regular position – 5/1/2012 to 4/30/2017

ñ Zoning Board of Appeals – Peter Neidhardt – Fill vacant alternate term 5/1/2012 to 4/30/2017

This motion was seconded by Taryn Ruffino and approved by all voting members.

9. Tax Refunds -

A motion was made by Jon Brayshaw to approve the Tax Refunds as read into the record and attached. This motion was seconded by Taryn Ruffino and approved by all voting members.

10. First Selectman's Report -

Ed Bailey stated that a “No Thru Truck” sign has been installed on Peter's Lane.

Mr. Bailey explained that he has been involved in discussion regarding the Old North Burial Ground and is interested in creating a committee. There are tree issues on the property that need to be taken care of.

Mr. Bailey stated that he is attending a meeting with Regional School District 13 and Laura Francis regarding the school and has been attending meetings regarding Korn School as well.

Mr. Bailey explained that the budget is shaping up and will be handed in by March 1st. The Board of Finance is pushing for a zero increase. Jon Brayshaw suggested offering a Resolution from the Board of Selectmen to help encourage the decision of a zero increase. Ed Bailey explained that the Town is very frugal and there are not many areas they can cut from the budget but they will do what they can to prevent increases.

Jon Brayshaw stated that after 26 years the interior of the Town Hall is being updated with new carpet and paint.

11. Adjournment -

A motion was made by Jon Brayshaw to adjourn at 8:02 p.m. This motion was seconded by Taryn Ruffino and approved by all voting members.

Board of Selectmen, February 16, 2016 Prepared by Leanne M. Henry