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 Edward Masotta, Public Works Director; Pamela Fowler, RTM member; Frank Twohill, RTM member; Richard Sullivan; Gale Plancon and Marcia Chambers.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the minutes of March 19, 2008. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from Edward Masotta to waive the bid for emergency repair work to the seawall located at Parker Memorial Park. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to approve the appointment of James Finch as the Municipal liaison to handle all neighborhood assistance matters. Seconded by Selectman Walsh. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from Branford High School Peace Jam for use of the Town Green on Sunday, May 4, 2008 from 12:00 (noon) to 4:00 p.m. to hold a picnic and live music. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from the Branford Counseling Center for use of the Town Green on Sunday, September 28, 2008 from 12:00 (noon) to 5:00 p.m. to hold the 10th Annual Family Day events. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from the Compassion Club for use of the Town Green on October 5, 2008 from noon to 5:00 p.m. to hold a Blessing of the Animals ceremony, Tag Sale and Craft Fair. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from Christian Lawrence for use of the Town Green on August 30, 2008 to hold “Branstock 2008” from 12:00 (noon) to 10:00 p.m. contingent upon approval by the First Selectman of the selected charity. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
First Selectman DaRos read a letter from Robert Denhardt, Treasurer, Daniel Cosgrove Animal Shelter concerning funding for the proposed expansion of the Daniel Cosgrove Animal Shelter. Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the request from Robert Denhardt for the following transfers as outlined in his letter: Transfer $27,568 from Fund 505 to Expansion Reserve account and transfer $30,000 from Fund 201 to the Expansion Reserve account. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
First Selectman DaRos read the following resolution:
TOWN OF BRANFORD
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
Whereas, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and
Whereas, State and Federal Fair Housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age mental or physical disability, lawful source of income, sexual orientation, familiar status, be given equal access to rental and homeownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and
Whereas, The Town of Branford is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Branford hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase and obtain financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the First Selectman, of the Town of Branford or his designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the Town of Branford.
Selectman Opie read the following policy:
TOWN OF BRANFORD
FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT
It is both the policy and strong commitment of the Town of Branford to promote Fair Housing opportunities in all its programs and housing development activities and to take affirmative action through education and implementation to ensure equal housing opportunities for all persons and families.
The Town of Branford will take affirmative action to ensure that all tenants, applicants and residents are treated fairly without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, learning disability, mental or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, age, individuals with children, or lawful source of income.
The Town of Branford will continue to make a good faith effort to comply with all Federal and State laws and policies which speak to fair housing practices.
It is the policy of the Town of Branford that all Housing related personnel be trained and educated in the principles of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity so that Equal Housing Opportunity may be available to all qualified applicants.
This Fair Housing Policy Statement reaffirms our personal commitment to the principles of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity housing practices.
The Fair Housing Officer, Shirley Rasmussen, or her designated representative is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of the Fair Housing Regulations/Plan and the enforcement of this policy. The Fair Housing Officer of the Town of Branford may be reached at 203-315-0676.
Complaint(s) pertaining to discrimination in any program funded by this Town of Branford may be filed with the Fair Housing Officer. The Town’s Grievance Procedure will be utilized in this case(s).
Complaints also may be filed will the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT 06106.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the policy statement. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Selectman Walsh read the following policy:
COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
The Town of Branford does not discriminate in the provision of services, the administration of its programs, or the contractual agreements with subrecipients. The Town of Branford seeks to fully carry out its responsibilities under the Title VI Regulations.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Title VI provides that “No person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program” covered by the Regulations.
This policy is effectuated through the methods of administration outlined in the Town’s document entitled “Fair Housing Plan” are fully implemented to ensure compliance by the Town, as the recipient, and by the grantees, as subrecipients. The cooperation of the Town and grantee personnel is required.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the policy. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Academy on the Green – 5 years
Leonard Bucher to fill a vacancy left by David Driessens term to expire January 30, 2009. Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the appointment. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Inland Wetlands Commission –
Frederick Ross to fill a vacancy left by Carol Lemmon term to expire May 31, 2010. (Rick is currently an alternate on the commission). Motion made by Selectman Opie. Seconded by Selectman Walsh. Vote unanimous.
Stephen Gangi as an alternate to fill a vacancy left by Frederick Ross term to expire May 31, 2010. Motion made by Selectman Walsh. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from the Tax Collector to abate the taxes on property located at 525 East Main Street, #31 in the amount of $321.56. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Correspondence – None
Executive Session: Pending Tax Appeals – None
Other – Richard Sullivan addressed the Board to talk about the Shoreline Greenway trails. Mr. Sullivan read information printed from the Shoreline Greenway Trails website. He talked about work currently being done near Birch Road and Totoket Road and his concerns for the proper construction maintenance and future needs of the trails. He also stated that boulders or bollards are needed at the end of the trail at Birch Road and a guardrail at Pine Orchard Road.
First Selectman DaRos mentioned that if residents notice streetlights out that they should report the pole number to the Engineering Office or the Selectman’s Office and we would be in a request to have it fixed.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Walsh. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trista Milici
Clerk
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