Board of Selectmen
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 9, 2007

Present: Scott Adamsons, John Anderson, Susan Bransfield, Mark Finkelstein,
Brian Flood, Sharon Gibala and Kathleen Richards

1. FIRST SELECTWOMAN CALL MEETING TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m. by First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by Sharon Gibala and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2007 financial meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Sharon Gibala to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2007 budget workshop. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the minutes of the April 25, 2007 regular meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

4. ACCEPT AGENDA

Mrs. Bransfield proposed adding "Grounds Department" to item A) under Old Business.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by John Anderson to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously.

5. COMMUNICATIONS / CORRESPONDENCE

- Mrs. Bransfield distributed information to the Board of Selectmen regarding the MDC surcharge. She has been working with Senator Eileen Dailey on this issue. A letter has been received from the MDC attorney stating that Portland would not be liable for the surcharge. This information has been shared with Town Attorney Jean D'Aquila who felt that additional language should be added to the bill stating that towns with municipal contracts should be exempt from the surcharge

- There will be an open house for some local artists on May 22nd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The pictures are on display at the Town Hall.

6. PUBLIC COMMENT

Roy Guild asked about the MDC bill. Mrs. Bransfield provided him with information.

7. OLD BUSINESS

A) Open Positions: 2 Library Assistant I (part-time); Assessor (part-time); Grounds Department

There was no discussion of the Library Assistant I positions. Mrs. Bransfield stated that the Assistant Assessor will be retiring on October 1 and this position will be discussed after the budget has passed. In the Grounds Department, one employee has requested a six-month leave of absence beginning on June 1st. The position will be held for 6 months. Mrs. Bransfield stated that this position will need to be filled temporarily and she will be meeting with the Director of Finance to determine the amount of money that is available for funding the replacement. Mr. Finkelstein commented that if a temporary employee is hired, the same benefit structure would not be the same as for a full-time employee and there should be a cost savings.

Motion was made by Scott Adamsons and seconded by Mark Finkelstein to authorize the First Selectwoman to search and fill the position on a temporary basis and that the compensation package is equal to or less than that of the present employee. Motion passed unanimously.

B) Abandoned and Inoperable Motor Vehicle Ordinance

Mrs. Bransfield stated that she did not have a revised draft. She stated that she received a call from a resident suggesting that abandoned vehicles should not be visible from the street and screened from neighbors.

Mr. Adamsons commented on areas in the ordinance that he felt should be changed:
- farm equipment should not be included
- acceptable parking areas should be defined
- should have two ordinances-one dealing with unregistered and inoperable motor vehicles and one dealing with light blight
- property owners should be allowed to have one disabled vehicle on their property in an acceptable area

Roy Guild commented on the parking of vehicles in the front yard and suggested that the number of vehicles be allowed according to the size of the lot. Mrs. Bransfield stated that residents have commented on the visibility of the vehicles and that property values are being diminished.

Mrs. Bransfield stated that discussion of this issue will be included on the next meeting agenda.

C) Appointments to Boards & Commissions

Mrs. Bransfield stated that there is one resignation from the Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park Advisory Committee and recommended that
Susan Fiedler be appointed to this committee.

Motion was made by John Anderson and seconded by Kathleen Richards to appoint Susan Fiedler to the Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park Advisory Committee. Motion passed unanimously.

Mrs. Bransfield stated that there is an opening on the Housing Authority and she has received three inquiries. She hopes to fill this position with someone from Chatham Court at the next meeting. There is another opening on the Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park Advisory Committee and EDC has asked to have Michael Elliott, a member of EDC, to be appointed.

Motion was made by Kathleen Richards and seconded by Kathleen Richards to appoint Michael Elliott to the Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park Advisory Committee. Motion passed unanimously.

8. NEW BUSINESS

A) Connecticut Visiting Nurses Association (CVNA) Agreement

Mrs. Bransfield commented that Portland's Visiting Nurses Assoc. is no longer a separate entity; it is part of the Connecticut VNA. The agreement for fees for services would be through the end of August and the rates are similar to the prior contract. The cost for next year's agreement will be less. She anticipates a cost of $50,000 for next year.

Mr. Adamsons stated that he would like to receive information on services rendered 45 days prior to the renewal.

Mr. Finkelstein commented that this contract came in after the budget and he would like to know that the town will be able to stay within the budget that has been proposed. Mr. Buden will do an analysis and information will be shared at the financial meeting in June.

B) Professional Services Proposal (for Small Cities) - L. Wagner & Associates, Inc.

Mrs. Bransfield stated that a request for proposal for professional services to assist the town for grant writing and assistance for small cities. She stated that the town has used the services of L. Wagner & Associates in the past and the firm has been paid through the successful award of the grants.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the Professional Services Proposal for Small Cities - L. Wagner & Associates, Inc. Motion passed unanimously.

Mrs. Bransfield reminded the Board of Selectmen that there is an open house at the Senior Center on Friday, May 11th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to show off the new building.

C) Proclamation: Middlesex Community College Month

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Kathleen Richards to approve the proclamation "Middlesex Community College Month - May, 2007". (Att. A) Motion passed unanimously.

D) Refunds

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded Brian Flood to approve the refund of property taxes to First American Real Estate Tax Service for $215.17. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Sharon Gibala to approve the refund of property taxes to Guy F. Pestritto for $15.25. Motion passed unanimously.

9. STATUS & COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Senior Citizens Tax Force will meet on June 6, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

The Veterans Affairs Committee and the American Legion have planned the dedication of the Veterans Memorial to be held on Monday, May 28, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. in the rear of the Town Hall. There will be a military flyover.

The Memorial Day parade will be held on Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.

The fireworks will be held on June 30, 2007.

10. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

11. BOARD OF SELECTMEN GENERAL INFORMAL DISCUSSION

Mrs. Bransfield stated that she has not as yet received the required financial reports for the parking at the quarry. Tremendous progress has been made at the quarry. Infrastructure improvements are ongoing, the water and sewer connections are done, and an area is being cleared by the Brownstone Quorum which will have a nice view of the river from the trails.

Mrs. Bransfield stated that she met with DEP and they have found another location for the boat launch which is on town property.

Motion was made by Mark Finkelstein and seconded by Sharon Gibala to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia Darna
Recording Clerk