Communications: (delayed until Selectmen Jim Brinton was in attendance.) © Letter from Bill Ahearn: ‘The Selectmen each received a letter from Bill 7 Warren Road, Washington, CT regarding the proposed AT&T cell tower at 17 Warren Road explaining that some residents of Washington Varren have formed an organization to oppose the construction of this tower. .anization is inquiring as to where the Board of Selectmen stands on construction of the tower ~ in favor or opposed. Mark Lyon explained to the other Selectmen he had attended a meeting of concerned citizens. Mr. Ahearn ‘was in attendance as well as Pat Werner, Head of Washington Montessori School, which also opposes the construction. Mark further explained that he wished to recuse himself from discussion(s) of this tower due to the fact that he is an abutting property owner of 17 Warren Road and the First Selectman. Jim Brinton and Nick Solley both stated they would like to know more about the proposed tower prior to making any statements. Historically, the Board of Selectmen has not taken a stand on such proposals for telecommunications towers on private property within the Town's boundaries. Both Selectmen also felt that any opinion they may have would be better formed following a public information meeting (that has yet to be scheduled). ‘The only information available at the present time is a technical report from AT&T. Jim and Nick will communicate with Mr. Ahearn. NEW BUSINES: Awarding of a STEAP Grant to the Town of Washington: The Town has been awarded a Small Town Economic Assistance Program grant to offset costs associated with a pedestrian footbridge that will be constructed over the Shepaug at Bee Brook/Hidden Valley. ‘The State will be constructing a new traffic bridge that originally had plans for a pedestrian bridge attached to it. Steep Rock Association trustees and others were concerned about the appearance. Inquiries were made by Mark Lyon, Steep Rock and Senator Roraback to determine i funds that would have been used to construct the proposed pedestrian bridge could be used to construct an alternate bridge — slightly upriver from the traffic bridge. In lieu of legislative work to transfer DOT funds, the State has awarded the STEAP grant. The bridge will be constructed off site — will go out to bid — must meet State standards, etc. Mark will contact Wagner & Associates who have managed similar grants, The Town will not incur any expenses. * Approval of Board of Selectmen 2011 Meeting Dates. Motion: To approve the following meeting dates for 2011: January 6, January 20, February 3, February 17, March 3, March 17, March 31, April 14, April 28, May 12, May 26, June 9, June 23, July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18, September 1, September 15, September 29, October 13, October 27, November 9 (Wednesday), November 22 (Tuesday), December 8, December 22. By Jim Brinton, seconded by Mark Lyon and unanimously approved. 12-22-10