Bethany Selectmen Approve Solar Program Agreement, Economic Development Appointment

BETHANY, CT — The Bethany Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Oct. 7 to authorize First Selectwoman Carol Goldberg to enter into an agreement for a voluntary residential solar energy program, pending review by the town attorney.

The board also appointed Dennis Croteau as an alternate member of the Economic Development Commission and authorized a search for bond counsel, with all three selectmen supporting both measures.

Solar Program Agreement Approved

Eric Frieden, co-chair of the Sustainable Bethany Committee, briefed the board on Switch Together, a group-purchasing program offered through Solar United Neighbors in collaboration with the Connecticut Green Bank.

The program allows residents to explore solar installations and receive assistance through the purchasing process.

Frieden reported that no Bethany residents had enrolled as of the meeting, although several other Connecticut towns were considering participation.

Selectmen discussed the importance of making clear that the program is voluntary and is not sponsored by the town. They supported distributing information through a mailer and the Bethany Bulletin while encouraging residents to obtain additional quotes and conduct their own research.

Selectwoman Rushlow moved to authorize Goldberg to enter into an agreement with Solar United Neighbors and/or the Connecticut Green Bank concerning Switch Together. Selectman Salvatore Amadeo seconded the motion.

The board approved the authorization 3-0, contingent upon the town attorney's review of the memorandum of understanding.

Economic Development Commission Appointment Approved

The board voted 3-0 to appoint Dennis Croteau as an alternate member of the Economic Development Commission.

The appointment had been tabled at a previous meeting.

Selectmen discussed follow-up communications between Croteau and Steve Winter concerning the appointment before taking action.

Rushlow made the motion, which Amadeo seconded. Goldberg, Rushlow and Amadeo voted in favor.

Town To Research Bond Counsel

The board also voted unanimously to authorize Goldberg to research potential bond counsel firms and present recommendations to the selectmen.

Amadeo raised the issue, citing the specialized nature of municipal bond legal services.

The board noted that Bethany does not currently anticipate needing bond counsel but could benefit from having a firm available if the need arises.

Amadeo moved to waive the bidding requirement for bond counsel and authorize the search. Rushlow seconded the motion, which passed 3-0.

The vote did not award a contract to any firm.

Board Enters Executive Session

Selectmen also considered an executive session concerning an agreement between Bethany and Woodbridge involving a bridge or culvert, the building clerk position and the Parks and Recreation basketball coordinator.

September Meeting Minutes, Tax Refunds Approved

The board unanimously approved its Sept. 16 meeting minutes with three corrections proposed by Rushlow.

One correction identified Frieden as co-chair of the Sustainable Bethany Committee. Two others clarified that motions discussed in Section 8 of the earlier minutes had not received votes, including one that had only been seconded and another that had neither a vote nor a second.

Amadeo seconded Rushlow's motion to approve the corrected minutes, which passed 3-0.

The board also unanimously approved tax refunds. The minutes did not specify the total amount.

No residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.

The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. and adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Goldberg, Rushlow and Amadeo were present.