April 23, 2009

Special Town Meeting

The Special Town Meeting was called to order by First Selectman John Hodge at 7:45 p.m.  After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the call of the meeting was read by Selectman Ron Oliveri.  Jean Moore made a motion to accept the call as read, seconded by Cheryl Reedy, passed by voice vote.

First Selectman John Hodge called for nominations for moderator.  Paul Bruno made a motion to nominate Cheryl Reedy; Bud Korol seconded the nomination for Cheryl Reedy.  Jody Gemmell made a motion to nominate Tom Corbett. Holly Murtha seconded the nomination for Tom Corbett.  Jean Moore made a motion to close nominations, seconded by Don Blackwell, motion to close nominations approved by voice vote.  Cheryl Reedy was approved as moderator by voice vote.

Moderator Reedy read Resolution #1:

Resolution #1:  Be it Resolved that the First Selectman is authorized to execute a lease between the Town of New Fairfield and Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HART) for twelve (12) parking spaces for commuter service to the railroad station in New York State be approved.

Kim Hanson made a motion to move Resolution #1 to the floor, seconded by Jim Gardiner, approved by voice vote.  Moderator Reedy opened Resolution #1 for discussion.  After discussion; Resolution #1 was called by Kim Hanson, seconded by Sue Monshaw.  Motion to call the resolution was approved by voice vote.  Resolution #1 was approved by voice vote with a show of hands of four opposing votes, one abstention and the rest in favor.

Moderator Reedy read Resolution #2:

Resolution #2:  Be it Resolved that the First Selectman is authorized to execute a lease between the Town of New Fairfield as owner and Preserve New Fairfield, Inc. as tenant for the Parsonage and Hubbell House known as the Historical District as described as follows: All those certain structures known as the Parsonage and Hubbell Houses, situated in the Town of New Fairfield, County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, as shown on a certain map entitled “Property Survey prepared for the Town of New Fairfield, 33 Route 37, Town of New Fairfield, Fairfield County, CT dated January 27, 2006 1”=40’, Area 267,025 square feet, 6.130 acres”, conforming “Class A2” by Paul A. Hiro, P.C. which map is recorded in the Town of New Fairfield Land Records, on the 12th day of April, 2006 as map #3375.  Together with the right of ingress and egress to such structures be approved

Mike Gill made a motion to move Resolution #2 to the floor, seconded by Jim Ogden, approved by voice vote.  Moderator Reedy opened Resolution #2 for discussion.  After discussion; Resolution #2 was called by Kim Hanson, seconded by Faline Fox.  Motion to call the resolution was approved by voice vote with a show of hands of 15 opposing votes and one abstention.  Resolution #2 was approved by a show of hands with 27 opposing votes, eight abstentions and the rest in favor.

Moderator Reedy read Resolution #3:

Resolution #3:    Be it Resolved that the Town of New Fairfield agree to set aside approximately one (1) acre of land at the Community Park for the purpose of creating a Dog Park which will be operated by the Dog Park Fund and the Parks & Recreation Commission.  Thereafter, construction of the park by the Dog Park Fund is at its’ sole expense.  Annual operating expenses will be paid by the Dog Park Fund.  If the Dog Park Fund is no longer able to financially support the Dog Park, the Parks and Recreation Commission will guarantee payment of such annual operating expenses, unless and until such time as it votes to dismantle the Dog Park.  Such dismantling shall be at the Parks and Recreation Commission’s sole expense. The set aside of land is approved.

Joe Garufi made a motion to move Resolution #3 to the floor, seconded by Tom Corbett, approved by voice vote.  Moderator Reedy opened Resolution #3 for discussion.  After discussion; Resolution #3 was called by Roger Flocke, seconded by Averell Manes.  Motion to call the resolution was approved by voice vote with a show of hands of one opposing vote and four abstentions.  Resolution #3 was approved by a voice vote with a show of hands with eight opposing votes and five abstentions. 

Moderator Reedy read Resolution #4:

Resolution #4:  Be it resolved that the Town of New Fairfield consider the appropriation of $15,000 for a milfoil weevil project to control Eurasian water milfoil within the borders of the Town and the expenditures be approved.

Pete Viola made a motion to move Resolution #4 to the floor, seconded by Jean Moore, approved by voice vote.  Moderator Reedy opened Resolution #4 for discussion.  First Selectman Hodge noted that since this is a supplemental appropriation the Board of Finance would have to approve the appropriation before it is binding.  After discussion; Resolution #4 was called by Holly Murtha, seconded by Jeff Beers.  Motion to call the resolution was approved by voice vote with a show of hands with one opposing vote and no abstentions.  Resolution #4 was approved by voice vote with a show of hands with five opposing votes and one abstention.

Don Blackwell made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joel Bouchard, approved by voice vote.  Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

191 registered voters, 4 property owners and 17 visitors in attendance

Voice Votes (with Hands) – Taped

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzanne Kloos

BOS Recording Secretary