North Branford Town Council July 10 Meeting in a Minute

In addition to the WPCA and North Branford Town Council meeting on July 10, there was also a public hearing regarding the amended draft report of the n. The amended draft report (available on the town website and in the ) was accepted after the public hearing (full story to come).

Here’s the quick breakdown from last night’s meeting.

WPCA

Town Engineer Kurt Weiss discussed a letter from a resident on Gail Drive, where , noting financial hardships. He noted that the decision for any deferrals can be voted on at a later date.

Approval of Interim Town Manager’s Contract

The Town Council unanimously approved the contract for Bonnie L. Therrien, who was named interim town manager after former Town Manager and the town made an "." She started on July 8.

“I look forward to working with everyone,” said Therrien. “It’s been a good two days.”

In the Town Manager’s report, Therrien reported that the motor vehicle warrants have been printed to deal with the that dates back over the past 15 years. The sheriff will pick up and serve the warrants.

She also thanked Weiss for “pinch-hitting for a couple of weeks,” who, in turn, thanked “the entire staff because it certainly was a team effort.”

Deputy Mayor Al Rose also extended his gratitude to Weiss, as well as the other town administrators during the public comments.

Committee Reports

Joanne Wentworth said the Economic Development Commission met on July 9 with Therrien offering “some great ideas” for helping local businesses.

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The Permanent Project Building Committee (PPBC) also met on July 9. Rose Angeloni said the meeting focused on bids for the with bids opening on Aug. 17. She said the aim is to have the four-month project underway by September.

The minor design changes were approved and incorporated into the architects’ plans, as was an additional handicapped bathroom, which will be located in one of the portable classrooms to be more accessible to the seniors.

The PPBC also voted moving ahead with fixing the door closures on the main entrances at . The PPBC will order the parts to complete the work over the summer. They are also getting an estimate to fix the interior doors.

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Dennis Pannone, director of the , updated the Town Council on the progress, noting that the committee is “on par” with last year as far as vendors, sponsorships and facilities. He voiced a concern over parking as the property is under construction to , but Weiss said the contractor is aiming to have the parking available for the festival.

Pannone also said there are currently . He has been in contact with the at North Branford High School, who is coordinating volunteers among T-Birds’ teams.

“We’re not worried,” said Pannone. “Every year everyone signs up at the end of July.”

Under new business, the Town Council unanimously voted to allow the fireworks display with Therrien noting, “This is an easy one–we just have to pray for good weather.”

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STW Conversion STEAP Grant

The Council approved an application for a STEAP Grant to be submitted on Aug. 1. The proposed STEAP application includes $500,000 toward the upgrades to Stanley T. Williams as it is converted to the Parks and Recreation office, the Senior Center and Social Services office.

Solid Waste Management

After another lengthy discussion regarding the with , the contract decision was again tabled so the Town Council could be sure of the “crossing of the t’s and dotting of the i’s,” according to Therrien.

Dog Park Update

North Branford Unleashed! presented its plan to bring its to fruition. The Town Council unanimously voted to allow the organization to begin fundraising for the park, which was answered by a round of applause (story to follow).

Tax Collection Concerns

After at previous meetings, including a Councilman Vin Caprio proposed a motion for Town Attorney John Gesmonde to hire a tax collection forensic firm at a cost of no more than $5,000.

“The cost is small compared to the amount on the suspense list so it’s worth finding out what’s going on,” said Caprio. “They’ll examine our system and make recommendations so we know where we stand.”

The motion was unanimously approved.