The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anthony J. DaRos; Second Selectman Francis W. Walsh and Third Selectman John Opie. Also attending were Kathy Reiger, Director JBML; JBML Board members, Vincent Giordano, Sandra Reiners, Susan Barnes, Eunice Lasala, Julie Francis, Maura Sullivan; Shirley Rasmussen, Town Planner; Planning and Zoning Commission members, Ellsworth McGuigan, Phil Fischer, John Lust; Glenn Chalder, Consultant, Planimetrics; Jason Vincent, Consultant, Planimetrics; Pam Fowler, RTM member; Doug
Hanlon, RTM member; Pete Davis; Wayne Cooke; Pamela Roy; Dan Cosgrove, Jr.; Jamie Cosgrove; Marilyn Kennedy; Jeff Clark; Dick Sullivan; Diane Stricker, Reporter, Branford Review, Marcia Chambers and three other residents.
Vincent Giordano, President, James Blackstone Memorial Library Board of Trustees addressed the Board to provide information concerning the operation, functions, and programs of the James Blackstone Memorial Library.
Sandra Reiners addressed the Board to explain the structure of James Blackstone Memorial Library. She stated that the library is a non profit but functions as a town department – 85 % funded by the town and 15% funded by donations, grants, etc.
Discussion took place concerning the recent renovations made and plans for additional renovations and possible expansion in the future.
Eunice Lasala addressed the Board to discuss the fundraising events for the recent landscaping project.
First Selectman DaRos thanked the Board for all of their help and dedication.
Ellsworth McGuigan addressed the Board to provide information concerning the Plan of Conservation and Development. Mr. McGuigan thanked the commission members, town staff and the consultants, Planimetrics for all of their work on the plan.
Shirley Rasmussen addressed the Board and expressed her appreciation for the hundreds of people that were involved in this process.
Jason Vincent, Consultant, Planimetrics addressed the Board and provide an overview including a power point presentation of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
First Selectman DaRos stated that the Board would hear comments limited to 3 minutes each. Mr. Cooke addressed the Board to state that what he has to say can’t be said in 3 minutes and requested additional time. First Selectman DaRos denied his request. He stated he has 3 minutes. Mr. Cooke declined.
No additional members of the public wished to speak.
Selectman Walsh stated that this plan is about the whole town not just Exit 56. In addition, he stated he supports the Plan of Conservation and Development as submitted.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the Plan of Conservation and Development as presented by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Seconded by Selectman Opie.
Selectman Opie stated that he approves of the plan and would be happy to see additional studies. Concerned with additional development other than the Cooke property – there are large tracts of land at that end of town, not just in Branford but in Guilford and North Branford, all of the traffic from this area will be directed to Exit 56. Any studies done should include full built out estimates.
First Selectman DaRos read a letter form Bill Horne in favor of the acceptance of the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Wayne Cooke stated he doesn’t think that the Board can vote on this tonight due to timelines as required by the state statute.
Glenn Chalder stated the requirement is for the Board comment within the 65 days.
Mr. Cooke stated that he challenges the vote.
First Selectman DaRos thanked everyone again for their participation.
Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Opie.
Wayne Cooke stated he wanted to be heard under citizen’s comments. Mr. Cooke addressed the Board.
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trista Milici
Clerk
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