Bethany Selectmen Approve Grant Writer Position As Land Purchase Discussions Are Postponed

BETHANY, CT — The Bethany Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a job description for a contracted grant writer and coordinator position Wednesday, Oct. 21, while postponing a planned discussion with the Board of Finance about a possible land purchase.

First Selectwoman Carol Goldberg told the board that recent changes in negotiations involving the potential land acquisition had made further discussions premature. The Board of Finance consequently canceled its special meeting.

The selectmen voted 3-0 to amend their agenda, removing items related to the land purchase discussion and adding consideration of the grant writer position.

Grant Writer Position Approved

Goldberg said the grant writer and coordinator position was included in the town's approved budget for the current fiscal year.

The contracted position would pay $55 per hour for approximately 10 hours per week through the remainder of the fiscal year.

Goldberg reviewed the proposed job description and said discussions with human resources through Asure had led to the determination that an independent contractor would be the most appropriate arrangement.

The position had already been advertised online, attracting significant interest from applicants across the country, Goldberg said.

However, town officials hoped to hire someone with relevant experience who was familiar with Bethany and Connecticut.

The board discussed the proposed hourly compensation, which Goldberg said was based on information from other municipalities. Members agreed the rate should help attract an experienced candidate.

Selectwoman Rushlow moved to approve the job description, with Selectman Salvatore Amadeo seconding the motion.

The measure passed unanimously, with Goldberg, Rushlow and Amadeo voting in favor.

The vote approved the job description, not the hiring of a specific candidate.

Land Purchase Discussion Delayed

The meeting had originally been intended to include a joint discussion with the Board of Finance about a possible land purchase in Bethany.

Goldberg said changes in negotiations had made the discussion premature, prompting the Board of Finance to cancel its special meeting.

At Goldberg's request, Rushlow moved to amend the selectmen's agenda by removing items 2 through 6 and adding consideration of the grant writer position.

Amadeo seconded the motion, which passed 3-0.

Tax Refunds And Cemetery Deed Approved

In other business, the selectmen unanimously approved tax refunds.

The board also voted 3-0 to approve a cemetery deed for Barbara McClure, covering Grave No. 6 in Lot 63 of Section C.

The motion authorized Goldberg to sign the deed and have it recorded in the town's land records.

The selectmen also unanimously approved the minutes of their Oct. 7 regular meeting.

Meeting Adjourned After 10 Minutes

All three board members attended the meeting, which Goldberg called to order at 6:30 p.m.

No members of the public offered comments, and no additional business was brought before the board.

Amadeo moved to adjourn at 6:40 p.m., with Rushlow seconding. The motion passed unanimously.

The account is based on the draft minutes of the Oct. 21 Bethany Board of Selectmen meeting, prepared by Deyonelle Patterson, assistant to the first selectman.