Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, December 16, 2019
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectwoman; Michael Thompson, Selectman.
Absent: Peg O’Donnell, Selectwoman
Also present: members of the public; videographer.
1. Call to Order
Julia Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes of November 18, 2019
On the motion of Michael Thompson and the second of Julia Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 11/18/19 Minutes.
3. Milone & MacBroom report on POCD survey results
Mike Zuba and Elizabeth Esposito were present from Milone & MacBroom. They presented the survey results accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation. The survey and workshops re: Plan of Conservation & Development were reviewed in detail. Positive results were noted in the overall quality of life including the sense of community, town services and rural life. Georgetown business growth was listed as a high priority with other issues noted as senior housing, open space and streetscapes/beautification. The results also indicated an interest in swimming/skating areas.
Nancy Pelz-Paget questioned if people know about Topstone. First Selectwoman Pemberton responded that some people don’t like pond swimming. Mr. Lang stated that the survey results provide good ideas, but his concern is that nothing will be done with the data. Mr. Tse stated that the 2018 Town Plan of Conservation & Development is more focused on business development. J. Pemberton stated that the plan is almost verbatim of items in the previous plan.
Mr. Kasden questioned the status of Georgetown development. First Selectwoman Pemberton stated that taxation and foreclosure case re: Georgetown Land Development Corporation would be before the Connecticut Supreme Court on 12/17/19. Nancy Pelz-Paget spoke to a different structure of retail use in Georgetown that utilizes a hybrid model. J. Pemberton described the new SoNo Collection Mall that incorporates work and meeting space among traditional retail space. Dennis Pelz-Paget suggested the use of a marketing consultant. J. Pemberton responded that there is nothing to market at this time.
Mr. Tse suggested the use of volunteers to brainstorm about opportunities.
A history of Georgetown clean-up efforts was reviewed by J. Pemberton.
4. Public safety communications project update
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to table discussion until the next meeting.
J. Pemberton confirmed that a purchase order has been issued for funding. Finalizing a lease agreement will be followed by work on the infrastructure.
5. Public Comment
Allen Kasden spoke to building higher density housing but in private hands and stated that there are opportunities in the existing commercial residential zone.
6. Adjournment
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of J. Pemberton, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly