Approved by the BOS 09/03/08
The meeting was called to order at 6:12 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anthony J. DaRos; Second Selectman Francis W. Walsh and Third Selectman John Opie. Also attending were Vision Committee members: Doug Marsh, Karyl Lee Hall, Dick Sullivan, Frank Carrano, Terry Elton, Ray Figlewski and Victor Cassella; Dottie Maynard, RTM member; Wayne Cooke; Ed Struzinsky; Marilyn Kennedy; Kenneth Graham; Alex Klutch; Jay Patel; Jeff Clark; Ray Orsini, Dan Cosgrove, Jr., Moshe Gai; Louis Demato; and Diane Stricker, Reporter, Branford Review.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to approve the minutes of August 6, 2008. Seconded by Selectman Walsh. Vote unanimous.
Selectman Walsh introduced Dick Sullivan, Chairman of the Vision Committee and requested that the committee provide the Board with an update on its progress and activities.
Dick Sullivan introduced the members of the committee. He stated that the Vision committee is comprised of members from various boards and commissions and was organized to supplement the work of the Plan of Conservation and Development. He stated that the committee was formed in 2006 and has received input from the public at various public meetings that was held. They have focused on such things as the exits along I95, traffic, boards and commissions, and the need to establish a strategic review committee. Mr. Sullivan read “A Strategic Plan for Branford’s Future”. All Board of Selectmen members thanked the committee for all of their hard work and dedication.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the following resolution:
Resolved, that Anthony J. DaRos, First Selectman, be, and hereby authorized to sign the agreement entitled: “Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Branford for Repair and Construction of Shore Drive Sidewalks” and a certification indicating the board adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under the Connecticut General Statues.
Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
First Selectman DaRos read the following proclamation:
FAMILY DAY
SEPTEMBER 28, 2008
WHEREAS, FAMILIES ARE THE BASIC BUILDING BLOCKS OF SOCIETY; AND,
WHEREAS, FAMILIES NEED AND DESERVE RECOGNITION, ENCOURGEMENT AND SUPPORT FOR ALL THE DAILY MIRACLES THAT THEY PERFORM; AND,
WHEREAS, IT IS THROUGH FAMILY LIFE THAT OUR MOST CHERISHED VALUES AND TRADITIONS ARE PASSED FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT; AND,
WHEREAS, THE BRANFORD COUNSELING CENTER, BRANFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT, BRANFORD RECREATION DEPARTMENT, FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER, SCHOOL-AGED CHILD CARE, BRANFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT AND YOUTH OUTREACH WORKER HAVE PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILY DAY ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008; AND,
WHEREAS, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A DAY FOR FAMILIES TO CELEBRATE TOGETHER BY SHARING TIME, ENERGY, LOVE AND COMPANIONSHIP; AND,
WHEREAS, IT WILL BE A DAY OF FUN-FILLED ACTIVITED FOR FAMILIES; AND,
NOW, THEREFORE, IN RECOGNITION OF THE ABOVE ORGANIZATIONS’ EFFORTS TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF BRANFORD, WE, THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF BRANFORD, DO HEREBY OFFICIALLY DESIGNATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 AS FAMILY DAY IN BRANFORD.
Seconded by Selectman Walsh. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to approve a memorandum of agreement between the Town of Branford and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program and Police Department Partnerships and authorize Police Chief John DeCarlo to execute all necessary documents. Seconded by Selectman Walsh. Vote unanimous.
Appointments:
Assistant Municipal Animal Control Officer – Laura Burban term to expire July 2009. Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the appointment upon the approval of the Police Chief. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
The video tape was changed at 6:57 p.m.
Correspondence:
First Selectman DaRos read a letter from Planning and Zoning Chairman Ellsworth McGuigan concerning the submission of the 2008 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) to the Board of Selectmen for review. First Selectman DaRos stated that the Board of Selectmen will hold a public Meeting.
First Selectman DaRos read a letter from Wayne Cooke dated August 16, 2008 concerning the 2008 POCD. First Selectman DaRos offered the floor to Wayne Cooke requested that he express his concerns in 10 minutes. Mr. Cooke requested 15-20 minutes. Requested granted.
Moshe Gai addressed Mr. Cooke. An exchange took place between Mr. Cooke and Moshe Gai concerning the unsolicited materials that were mailed by Mr. Cooke.
Mr. Cooke stated he feels that there wasn’t enough public input at the Planning and Zoning meetings. He’s concerned with the northern end of town remaining as a light industrial area. Many industries are going through transition. He put up several displays of written materials labeled: Industrial Land Analysis, How losing Industry Hurts Branford, excepts from the 1st draft of the POCD, 2nd draft of the POCD, 3rd draft of the POCD, 2025 level of Congestion map, 2006 Level of Congestion map, Target Industry Concerns and Problems and recommendations.
First Selectman DaRos stated that we will look at all of this and encourages those concerned to write their own letters to the Board. In addition, he stated that the Board will hold a meeting and devote time to this. Mr. DaRos stated several corrections to the listing of properties that Mr. Cooke displayed that stated the properties were vacant. Alex Klutch addressed the Board and asked several questions concerns included taxes. Louis DeMato addressed the Board he stated that Branford is under retailed. A spirited debate took place between Mr. Cooke and First Selectman DaRos.
Mr. Cooke had the floor for 35 minutes. First Selectman DaRos stated that a public meeting will be scheduled to hear any concerns or questions from residents.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to enter into executive session at 7:51 p.m. to discuss a pending tax appeal. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Return to regular meeting at 8:01 p.m. For the record no votes were taken while in executive session. Present in executive session were: First Selectman Anthony J. DaRos; Second Selectman Francis W. Walsh and Third Selectman John Opie.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the recommendation to settle the Roche v. Town of Branford – 125 Sunset Beach Road. Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Walsh. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trista Milici, Clerk
| 
