August 15, 2007 – approved by the BOS 09/05/07
Seated: First Selectwoman Cheryl Morris, Second Selectman Richard Sullivan, Third Selectman John Opie.
The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m.
To approve the minutes of July 18, 2007.
Sullivan moved to approve. Opie seconded the motion. Carried unanimously.
Reappointments:
Municipal Animal Control Officer
Wendy Joyce term to expire July 2008
Morris moved to extend for at least one year. Opie seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Assistant Municipal Animal Control Officer
Pamela Medlyn and Andrea Barlow term to expire July 2008.
Ms. Barnes questioned why a third ACO appointment was needed when some surrounding towns had only one or two? Opie believed that it was better to have three in order that they may fill in when necessary and that the pay had not increased. Morris questioned Joyce on the subject, who stated that they are open seven days a week and that they now had more officers available for emergencies. She also noted that with North Branford now on board, having more officers is necessary. Further discussion ensued on the ordinances, state statutes and methods for fines and licensing programs. Morris suggested that notice be published regarding the licensing. Barnes stated that she would like to see licensing notices go out with the tax bills. Opie suggested that the Commission meet with the
Town Attorney and discuss methods for fining in the ordinances to explore their options.
Opie moved to extend the terms of the Animal control Officers. Sullivan seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Appointments:
Green Committee
Martha Bradshaw to fill a vacancy left by Dr. Nicholas Nickou term to expire May 31, 2008.
Morris moved to appoint Martha Bradshaw to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Nickou. Opie seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Executive Session – To discuss pending litigation – Bartley v. Town of Branford.
Sullivan moved to authorize Attorney Pomerantz to resolve the Bartley case as discussed. Opie seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Correspondence-none
Other
Anthony DaRos read from and spoke on the recent decision from Judge Simmons. In the decision, the court found no credible evidence on contamination. Expert testimony was not disclosed in the judgement. DaRos stated that Attorney Doyle failed to disclose the witnesses at the right time. He questioned whether it was negligence or a strategic decision? Morris stated that she did not want to get into the details of the case with litigation ongoing. She asked that DaRos speak to Attorneys Monz or Doyle.
DaRos stated that the decision was made and a price was set. Documents were not filed on time. Morris stated that the case can be appealed.
Opie stated that it was valid to question-why was an expert witness not brought in.
Other
Mrs. Barnes read a statement to Opie regarding her non-appointment to the Animal Shelter and inconsistencies regarding his stance on the formation on the Commission, as well as his opposition to her appointment to replace Ed Zack. Opie rebutted by saying that he never supported the forming the Commission and felt that they should instead follow the model of the Willoughby Wallace Library, which is not an official commission and does a “wonderful” job. He admitted that he did not think it was appropriate to appoint someone to the Commission with open hostility to an employee. He stated that he has recommended appointments no matter what the party; he is pleased that she (Barnes) and Joyce have come to an agreement.
Adjournment (added to the agenda)
Opie moved to add adjournment to the agenda. Sullivan seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Opie moved to adjourn at 7:15. Sullivan seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Magaraci
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