Woodbridge Board of Selectmen, April 13

A brief summary of what was discussed at last night's meeting for those who want to know what's happening in town, but can't make it to the meetings.

• The Regional Water Authority seeks approval to construct a bulk fill station for commercial vehicles at the end of Lunar Drive. It will be used by trucks that now load up to fill swimming pools from a fire hydrant on Route 69. The turnaround at the end of the cul de sac would need to be enlarged. RWA's next step is to notify property owners on Lunar Drive and submit an application with Planning & Zoning.
• Building Official Terry Gilbertson presented a final report from students of the Yale School of Forestry who studied stormwater ponds in Woodbridge. The study showed that one pond is particularly effective at removing nitrogen, a byproduct of septic and lawn fertilizers, from the water. The students were granted permission to continue with their study.
•  An environmental study done at the Country Club of Woodbridge turned up some soil contamination that will have to be remediated. In the area of the maintenance garage and where the old country club burned down, there were elevated levels of contaminants such as those that come from herbicides. HRP Associates, the firm that conducted the study, notified the state DEP and is awaiting instruction for the next course of action. For now, the contaminated areas are cordoned off, though there is no immediate danger to people. Estimates for the necessary work should be available in mid-June.
• The town approved spending $8,500 to update its web site. Many added capabilities are expected. The project has been planned for some time, but Finance Director Anthony Genovese postponed the update to be sure there was enough in the contingency budget. The board also approved a request for $2,708 from the probate district for a new phone system.
• During the public comment session resident Cathy Wick challenged Town Attorney Gerald Weiner on his opinion and translation of the town charter section on town meetings. In March, Wick appealed to the board of selectmen to offer the choice of a ballfield on what's known as the Alegi Property on Pease Rd. to the residents of town, but she was denied. At last night's meeting, Weiner said his opinion was based on thorough research and he was standing by his decision that a town meeting would not be appropriate for a ballfield vote. Selectman Laura Ferrante Fernandes thanked Wick for her hard work and said, "We are a town that's passionate about two things. We need to do a better job communicating when there is a controversial issue like this."
• Bob Hill spoke on behalf of the Bethwood Baseball League, reminding the public that opening day is April 30. He expects 350 families, a school band, Garden Club and the Boy Scouts to take part in the celebration. The Bethwood Field of Dreams Fund will also have a table set up with representatives accepting donations for construction of a new field. Hill also told the board that because of the attention the baseball league has received, a new team for 16-18 year olds was formed.
• The board of selectmen unanimously approved First Selectman Edward Sheehy's request to apply for the maximum amount offered in a Small Cities Community Development Grant. If the town receives the $750,000, work will be done on the old firehouse and Center Building.
• Selectmen also unanimously approved a Comprehensive DUI Enforcement Program Grant. The town will be responsible for 25 percent of the $9,900 grant that is part of a statewide initiative that supports drunk driving checks.
• A new senior center kitchen supervisor and a new transfer station employee were hired to fill vacant positions.
• The board of selectmen unanimously approved the lease renewal for the Woodbridge Child Care Center, calling it a 'wonderful tenant.'