Cooke Farm Tax Status Unchanged; BOS Move Open Space and Road Improvement Projects Forward

At last night's special meeting, the status of resident Wayne Cooke's property issue remains unchanged. This news comes several hours after Cooke that he will take his musical protest trailer out of service during the political season. Cooke stated he does not want his message against Town Hall to reflect his political affiliation.

In other property issues, Beacon Hill Estates open space was favored by the board. Later, First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos also authorized to act on behalf of the Town for bridge and pavement agreements.

At the conclusion of Wednesday’s special meeting, DaRos announced upcoming distribution of emergency information pending the arrival of this Sunday.

• Litigation will continue between the town and Wayne Cooke regarding , as consideration of the disagreement between the two parties – whether or not property owned by Cooke should be classified, and thus taxed, as farmland – resulted in no change or concession.

• The board put its stamp of approval on inclusion of a 2-acre open space parcel as part of the 10-lot Beacon Hill Estates subdivision, located at 83 Rose Hill Road. The parcel will both provide passive recreation and serve as a buffer zone.

• On recommendation of the Solid Waste Management Commission, the endorsed awarding a contract to recycle scrap metal to Alderman-Dow of New Haven. The commission’s recommendation is the result of a bidding process that began in the spring.

• DaRos was given authorization to act on behalf of Branford to sign an agreement between the town and the state pertaining to contract plans, specifications and estimates for the School Ground Road bridge replacement over Branford River.  The project will federal funds from the Highway Bridge Program, with a 20 percent local match – $440,000 – from Branford.

• DaRos also was granted authority to sign, on behalf of the town, an agreement between Branford and the state for work on Cedar Street, Pine Orchard Road and Thimble Island Road. The agreement is for inspection and maintenance of pavement improvements and is supported by federal funding from the Surface Transportation Program.

• Another authorization was approved for DaRos, this one to allow the first selectman to sign contracts with the Department of Environmental Protection on behalf of the town regarding its pump-out boat. The action will make it possible for Branford to receive partial reimbursement for operational costs associated with services the boat provides, receiving waste materials from water vessels and disposing of those materials in the sanitary sewer system.

• In closing remarks, DaRos noted that the town’s emergency management will be sending out small pamphlets highlighting safety measures during urgent situations. State officials have urged cities and towns to be especially vigilant in light of the and for the upcoming weekend. You can also sign-up for the Police Department's emergency notification system.