TOWN OF GOSHEN
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES – Regular Meeting
Town Hall Conference Room
February 19, 2008
PRESENT: Robert P. Valentine, H. John Krukar, Ronald F. Nodine
OTHERS: Allan Walker
Bob Valentine called the meeting to order at 4:11 p.m.
IN A MOTION made by H. John Krukar, seconded by Ronald F. Nodine it was VOTED to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2008 Regular Meeting. Vote unanimous.
MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES: Bob Valentine noted after reviewing the invoice from the Torrington Probate Court, he found the charges to be appropriate and instructed the Fiscal Office to send the payment.
Bob Valentine noted he has received and reviewed all but one of the budgets that are scheduled to go before the Board of Finance on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 for acceptance. Bob Valentine noted the Town Clerk has submitted preliminary numbers at this time and is conducting more research on a land record system. The hope is to have solid numbers before the next Board of Finance meeting.
Bob Valentine noted the Resident Trooper town forum on Monday, February 18, 2008, was well attended. The Board of Selectmen agreed the presentation given by Lieutenant Scott Anderson, Sergeant Greg Kenney and Salisbury Resident Trooper Mark Laurentano was very informative. In addition, the residents had an opportunity to ask questions and/or voice their concerns.
IN A MOTION made by Robert P. Valentine, seconded by H. John Krukar it was VOTED to approve the warrant including payroll of February 21, 2008 in the amount of $32,064.85. Vote unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
FIRST SELECTMEN'S REPORT:
Bob Valentine met with members of the Fire Company, Peter Grusauskas (previous Fire Chief), Barry Hall (Fire Chief) and Mark Fraher (Deputy Fire Chief) to discuss the CONN OSHA issue. CONN OSHA believes the Goshen Volunteer Fire Company (GVFC) is part of Town Government and therefore, falls under CONN OSHA’s jurisdiction. In fact, the GVFC is an incorporated, non stock, non-profit organization and a separate entity, not run by the Town.
Bob Valentine and Howard Joray (Public Works Supervisor) inspected the cab and chassis of the new truck for the Public Works Department on February 14, 2008.
Bob Valentine noted everything looks to be in order, and we should expect delivery in 4-6 weeks.
Bob Valentine updated the other members of the Board as to the additional cost currently incurred for winter snow removal. The cost of materials is over budget by approximately $70,000. Bob noted some options the Board of Selectmen can consider to help offset the overage. These include the use of Town Aide Road funds and/or contingency funds, as well as looking for savings within the current Public Works budget.
Bob met with Jack Travers (First Selectman, Warren) and Karen Paradis (First Selectman, Morris) to discuss the Region School District No. 6 proposed budget.
Bob noted the union contract has been signed by all parties and officially received with the Town Clerk’s office.
John Krukar noted the Recycling and Trash Committee (RAT) met on February 13, 2008. The RAT committee will meet again on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.
Bob shared with the other members of the Board some information he read from a local newspaper article. Governor Jodi Rell announced the appropriation of funds for the Regional Planning Collaborative ($125,000) as well as the Litchfield Hills Public Works Equipment Cooperative grant program ($700,000).
CORRESPONDENCE: Bob Valentine received written notice from Torrington Area Health District stating Thomas Breakell’s term on the Board of Health expired on January 6, 2008.
IN A MOTION made by Robert P. Valentine, seconded by Ronald F. Nodine, it was VOTED to add to the agenda under New Business #9 (c), Appointment – Regional Health Member. Vote unanimous.
IN A MOTION made by Robert P. Valentine, seconded by H. John Krukar it was VOTED to add to the agenda under New Business #9 (d) – Connect–CTY presentation by Steve Lineham. Vote unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS:
Resident Trooper
The Board of Selectmen agreed to have the vote for the Resident Trooper Program be conducted by referendum in conjunction with the Regional School District No. 6 budget.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion – Recycling- Tabled for a later date
Lawn Mowing Bids – Recommendation Letter
Bob Valentine read the letter he received from Howard Joray (Public Works Supervisor) with regards to his recommendation for Lawn Mowing. The Board of Selectmen requested the letter be revised to reflect that one of the two bidding companies has not been in business for at least three years. Bob briefly explained that the Town of Goshen requires businesses to be in operation for a minimum of three years in order to bid on projects.
IN A MOTION made by H. John Krukar, seconded by Ronald F. Nodine, it was VOTED to accept the recommendation of Howard Joray, Public Works Supervisor, and award the Lawn Mowing Bid to Hunter’s Lawn Service. Vote unanimous.
Appointment – Regional Health Officer
IN A MOTION made by Robert P. Valentine, seconded by H. John Krukar it was VOTED to re-appoint Thomas Breakell as Regional Health Officer for a three year term beginning February 19, 2008 through January 6, 2011. Vote unanimous.
Steve Lineham – NIT Group arrived at 5:27 p.m.
Steve Lineham – Connect-CTY Presentation
Steve Lineham thanked the Board members for the invitation to the Selectmen’s meeting.
Bob Valentine proceeded with introductions and then handed the floor over to Steve.
Steve introduced Connect-CTY as being a powerful communication tool to keep residents abreast of happenings within the Town whether it’s via home phone, work phone, cell phone, text messaging, e-mail, voice mail or pagers.
Steve went into a brief powerpoint presentation showing the various ways the system can be utilized.
Bob Valentine noted the 2006 Homeland Security Grant money has a deadline to expend the funds by March 8, 2008. Bob believes this program would be a good use for such grant money.
Steve again thanked the Board of Selectmen for the opportunity to introduce Connect-CTY.
The Board of Selectmen again thanked Steve for the presentation
ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None
IN A MOTION made by Ron Nodine, seconded by John Krukar, it was VOTED to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Gelormino
Selectman’s Admin. Asst.
| 
