Appointments to Boards and Commissions, Thanks for a Job Well Done, and Mending Fences

A short synopsis of what happened at last night's board of selectmen's meeting for those who want to know what's going on, but can't attend the meetings.

• The Board of Selectmen made appointments to various boards and commissions. Reappointed as Tree Warden was Ray Pantalone, Jr. Also, Mario Panagrosso as reappointed as Assessor, and Tom Hunt and Lester Warner as Fire Police. Sharon Huxley and Chip Spear were added to the Long Term Financial Planning Committee.
• First Selectman Derrylyn Gorski reminded residents now that President Obama has declared New Haven County a disaster area, residents can apply for disaster assistance to clean up after Tropical Storm Irene. There are several websites that can assist, including www.ct.gov/demhs. Also, Gorski reminded people who called 211 that it was not an actual registration for assistance and they must register by Nov. 3.
• Gorski said she wanted to offer her sincere thanks to the team of workers from Bethany who rallied during and after the storm. She had high praise for the fire department and CERT team, and for those who put in extremely long days manning the firehouse and emergency shelter, including Clark Hurlbert, Fire Marshal Rod White, Public Works Director and Fire Chief Al Green, Human Services Director Jeanne DelVecchio and Fire Fighter Mike Katzmark.
• The board discussed correspondence regarding the fencing at the Bethany Dog Park on Pole Hill Road and said they would look into repairing some of the fencing, which has some splits in the rails.
• The board approved a fee waiver for the Veterans Memorial Lodge for Eileen Porter who is holding a yoga fundraiser for the non-profit organization Love 146.
• Sealed bids for some drainage work were opened and discussed, and will be given to Public Works Director Al Green for consideration.