MINUTES OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
November 1, 2006 – approved by the BOS 11/15/06
Senior Center – 6:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. Present at the meeting were First Selectwoman Cheryl P. Morris, Second Selectman Richard Sullivan, Third Selectman John Opie. Also present was Shelley Marcus, Town Attorney.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2006 and October 18, 2006 (special meeting). Selectman Sullivan noted corrections to the minutes of October 18, 2006. Motion made by First Selectwoman Morris to approve the minutes as corrected. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Sullivan to approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS the citizens and the towns of Branford, East Haven, Guilford and Madison are working to build a 26-mile multi-use Shoreline Greenway Trail from Lighthouse Point on New Haven Harbor through the four towns to Hammonasset State Park in Madison,
WHEREAS the Trail will permit citizens to enjoy some of the most lovely shoreline areas in a safe and healthy way,
WHEREAS the Trail will permit youngsters and adults to safely ride a bike, walk, jog or run, cross-country ski or push a baby carriage through woods and meadows near salt marshes and Long Island Sound,
WHEREAS the Trail is being developed so citizens can bike, walk or jog to reach parks and village centers, so youngsters can bike safely to and from school, and adults can commute on the Trail to railroad stations and even to work,
WHEREAS the Trail will make a direct contribution to health and longevity in Connecticut, where almost 50% of the citizens do not get sufficient exercise for health, such as walking or biking 30 minutes a day, five days a week,
WHEREAS one of the best ways to encourage moderate exercise by citizens, as determined by various surveys, is to provide a safe and accessible trail,
WHEREAS the Trail will provide alternative, non-motorized transit, thereby helping to reduce traffic congestion and pollution,
WHEREAS the Trail will enhance the local economy by attracting visitors and increasing real estate values,
WHEREAS the Trail will become part of a regional and national network of trails, connecting to the East Coast Greenway (Maine to Florida) and to the Miacomet Mattabassett Trail (New Hampshire to Connecticut),
WHEREAS countless citizens have expressed support for the Trail, and more than 1,000 families and citizens have contributed, have been working, and have built the first sections of the Trail,
WHEREAS the Federal Government has provided a construction grant for the Shoreline Greenway Trail totaling $2.65 million in the last Transportation Bill (SAFETEA-LU),
AND WHEREAS the Federal grant requires matching funds totaling $662,500,
NOW THEREFORE it is resolved that the Town of Branford expresses strong support for the Shoreline Greenway Trail for the benefit of all citizens,
AND NOW THEREFORE it is resolved that the Town of Branford joins the Towns of Guilford, East Haven and Madison in respectfully requesting the Connecticut State Legislature to provide $662,500 as a matching grant to obtain the federal funds and construct the Trail for shoreline citizens and other citizens visiting from all over Connecticut.
Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by First Selectwoman Morris to approve a reaffirmation of boundary line agreement between the Town of Branford and the Branford Land Trust. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to approve a request from the United Way of Branford for use of the Town Green on December 9, 2006 to hold a food drive from 9:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Sullivan. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by First Selectwoman Morris to approve a request from Friends of the Blackstone Library for use of the Town Green on September 28 through September 30, 2007 to hold the annual book sale. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to enter executive session to discuss pending tax appeals at 6:22 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Sullivan. Vote unanimous.
Return to regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. For the record no votes were taken while in executive session. Present were First Selectwoman Cheryl P. Morris, Second Selectman Richard Sullivan, Third Selectman John Opie. Also present was Shelley Marcus, Town Attorney.
Motion made by Selectman Sullivan to approve the stipulated agreement in the Anderson v. Town of Branford, 6 Prospect Hill Road tax appeal case. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Correspondence: None
Other: Selectman Sullivan reminded everyone to vote on election day.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Sullivan. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trista Clyne, Clerk
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