January 21, 2009 – approved by the BOS 2/18/09
Senior Center – 6:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anthony J. DaRos; Second Selectman Francis W. Walsh and Third Selectman John Opie. Also attending were Patricia Andriole, Director, Branford Counseling Center; Janice Plaziak, Engineering; Alex Palluzzi, Director, Branford Recreation; Jerry Silbert, Executive Director, The Watershed Partnership; Chuck Sherwood, Contractor; Joyce Forte, Director, Human Resources; Chris Sullivan, RTM Member; Pam Fowler, RTM Member; Gary Zielinski; Jamie Cosgrove; Marcia Chambers and Mark Zaretsky.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the minutes of December 17, 2008. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Alex Palluzzi, Jerry Silbert and Chuck Sherwood addressed the Board to provide information concerning organic alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers for lawn care and field improvements and the Recreation Department’s efforts to improve the playing fields around the town through more organic means.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the following resolution: Resolved, that Anthony J. DaRos, First Selectman is authorized to make, execute and approve on behalf of this corporation, any and all contracts or amendments thereof with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health to provide a grant in the amount of $1,885.35 to the Town of Branford for the acquisition of Bluetooth Adapters for use by the Branford Fire Department. No one from the Fire Department was available to discuss the grant application. Selectman Walsh withdrew the motion. No action taken.
Patricia Andriole, Director, Branford Counseling Center addressed the Board to discuss the request to approve the following resolution: To authorize Anthony J. DaRos, First Selectman, to make, execute and approve a memorandum of understanding between the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and the Town of Branford to collaborate in the education of graduate Social Work Students as described in said memorandum of understanding for a three year period commencing on January 22, 2009. Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the resolution. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Janice Plaziak, Town Engineer, addressed the Board to provide information concerning the request to approve the contract with East River Energy for the purchase of heating oil.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to waive the bid and approve the contract with East River Energy for heating oil for the Town and the Board of Education buildings. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from Patricia Andriole, Director of the Branford Counseling Center for use of the Town Green on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 12:00 (noon) to 6:00 p.m. to hold the annual Family Day Celebration. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for use of the Town Green on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. for the gathering area to kick off the annual walk. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from Ed Tankus and Alex Palluzzi for use of the Town Green on Thursday, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20 and August 27, 2009 to hold jazz concerts on the Green from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a request from Bob Spang of the Tabor Blues Band for use of the Town Green on Saturday, June 6, July 4, and August 1, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve the disposal of real property located at 32 Acorn Road and refer this item to the RTM for further consideration. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Motion made by Selectman Opie to enter into executive session to discuss a pending legal matter at 6:52 p.m. First Selectman DaRos requested Joyce Forte attend the executive session. Present in executive session were First Selectman Anthony J. DaRos; Second Selectman Francis W. Walsh, Third Selectman John Opie and Joyce Forte, Human Resources Director.
Return to regular meeting at 7:03 p.m. For the record no votes were taken while in executive session.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to approve a stipulated agreement and authorize the attorney to file the necessary paperwork to settle the DeGoursey v. Albert legal matter.
First Selectman DaRos read a letter from Mr. Wayne Cooke requesting ten minutes to address the Board. Mr. Cooke addressed the Board from approximately 7:05 p.m. to 7:38 p.m.
Mr. Cooke mentioned the numerous letters that he has sent to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Cooke had several boards displayed: “Tabor Drive, the Unanswered Questions”, “Town Plan & Exit 56, the Unanswered Questions”, “Letter to the RTM Re: Tabor Inquiry”; “Tabor Drive and Exit 56, Subversion of the Process”; Letter to BOS November 2008 re: POCD and Tabor; Letter to Attorney General; Letter from Attorney General, Letter to Board of Ethics, “Why do the Selectmen Ignore the Facts?” and “Tabor Property Testimony”.
First Selectman DaRos spoke to Mr. Cooke’s “Tabor Property Testimony”. Explaining what happened while in court. That Mr. Cooke took the statements out of context.
Mr. Cooke asked the Board to recommend to the RTM for an inquiry into the Tabor Drive issue and the POCD process.
Selectman Opie stated that the Tabor Drive inquiry is not for the RTM – It would need a team of legal experts, etc. and in regard to the POCD he felt the process was fine.
Representative Fowler addressed the Board and asked if there has been any economic movement within town considering the current economic problems.
First Selectman DaRos stated that there are some new developments and expansions of existing businesses a few new businesses but there has been some downsizing too. He has asked the town departments to return 5% of their budget this year and some investments are taking hits but Branford should be okay.
Motion made by Selectman Walsh to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. Seconded by Selectman Opie. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trista Milici
Clerk
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