1971/03/22MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
March 22, 1971
7
The regular portion of the meeting was opened by First Selectman
Arthur B. Powers at 7:30 p.m. All Selectmen were present.
Also present were: Donald Ward, representing the Board of Finance~
Robert Peters, Chairman of the Police Commission; Lt. Robert Skinner,
Acting Chief of the Berlin Police Department; John Pepe and William
Voorhees of the Mattabassett Rifle and Pistol Club; and Mrs. Blanche
Mahan of the press.
Mr. ~ohansen asked if Mr. Powers had checked into the situation with
Dainty Rubbish. Mr. Powers said their contract calls for a starting
time of 5:00 a.m. Mr. Powers said he had cautioned Mr. Atwood about
not starting too early in the morning and also asked that the men be
as quiet as possible.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Johansen, the minutes of
the meeting of 15 March 1971 were approved. MOTION CARRIED.
At this point, Mr. Peters addressed the Selectmen saying that he and
Lt. Skinner and the two members representing the Mattabassett Rifle
and Pistol Club had come before the Board in the hopes of formulating
plans to begin construction of a pistol range. The Mattabassett Gun
Club will construct the range at not cost to the town with the stip-
ulation that they will be allowed to use the facilities indefinitely.
Their present membership is 22 and maximum membership is 35. Mr.
Voorhees presented copies of the Club's rules and regulations which
he said conform to the standards of the State Police, Blue Trails,
The National Rifle Association, etc. Mr. Powers said the Selectmen
are primarily interested in the public safety and said it was important
that the range itself conform to State Police Standards. Mr. Powers
said that the idea of a pistol range is acceptable to the Board. A
lengthy discussion followed with regard to hours, lighting facilities,
in the event that there was shooting after dark, possible matches with
other groups and the fact that Berlin Police should have first priority
over use of the range. Mr. Johansen asked about shooting on Sunday and
at this point the Club assured the Selectmen that if this was a condition
set forth in the agreement, they would honor it. Mr. Powers said the
Club's rules and regulations would be discussed at the next Selectmen's
meeting to see whether anything in them would be detrimental to public
safety.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Johansen, it was voted to allow
the Mattabassett Rifle and Pistol Club to use the range under controlled
conditions as approved by the Board of Selectmen and with the stipulation
that the Berlin Police Department have priority in the use .of the range.
MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Voorhees said his club wanted a statement in writing from the Board
stating they would have use of the range indefinitely.
Selectmen's Meeting
22 March 1971
-page two-
Mr. Powers said there was a vacancy on the Park and Recreation Commission
due to the fact that Mr. Bentley had not been reappointed. Mr. Powers
said the Democratic Town Committee had endorsed George Lubin. Mr. Jo-
hansen presented the name of Bert Robinson, who is also a Democrat. Mr.
Powers said he had discussed the matter with Mr. Robinson. Mr. Johansen
said he would still like to present his name in nomination. There was
a roll call vote as follows:
George Lubin:
Mr. Powers and Mr. Lanzoni voting yes
Bert Robinson:
Mr. Johansen voting yes.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Powers, Mr. George Lubin of
Garden Drive was appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission for a
three year term to expire 12/31/73. Mr. Johansen opposed. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Johansen, it was voted to appoint
Steven Serkey of East Berlin, as endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee,
to a five year term on the Industrial Development Commission. Term to ex-
pire on 12/31/75. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Ward asked whether members of the Park and Recreation Commission are
entitled to play golf, free of charge, at Timberlin. Mr. Powers said as
far as he knew there were not, and in his opinion, should not be allowed
to play free. Mr. Powers then called to verify this matter and reported
back that Dr. Kiniry said no members of the Commission could play free
golf.
Mr. Powers read a letter from George Skene, Jr. of the Four Fire De-
partments requesting a key to the high test gas pump at the Town Garage.
Mr, Powers said he had discussed the matter with Mr. Haber and the Fire
Marshalls. After discussion the Selectmen agreed that it was not a good
idea to give out keys.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Johansen, it was voted to
continue the present policy of not giving out keys to the gas pump at
the Town Garage. MOTION CARRIED.
Regarding the matter of the roller for the Highway Department, Mr. Johansen
said he had been advised that a 3-5 ton roller should be sufficient for
shoulder and patch work. Mr. Ward agreed on this point.
On motion by Mr. Lanzoni, seconded by Mr. Johansen, the Selectmen voted
to purchase the used roller, which we have been renting, from Crest
Tractor, as recommended by Morgan Seelye. MOTION CARRIED.
At this point the Selectmen adjourned the regular meeting in order to
hold a special meeting W~h ~te}~members of the Youth Council. Mr. Powers
suggested the meeting be held in Executive Session. Mr. Johansen said
he did not think it was necessary to call an Executive Session Meeting.
Selectmen' s Meeting
3/22/71
-page three-
Immediately after their regular business meeting, the Board of Selectmen
met with the following members of the Youth Council: Father Lord, Mr.
Valentine, Mrs. Klotz, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Keller, Mr. Frost.
Also present were Mr. Donald Ward of the Board of Finance, Mr. Covini
and Mrs. Mahan, both of the press, and Mrs. Arnold Frost and Mrs.
Arthur B. Powers, observers.
Mr. Powers said the purpose of this meeting was to discuss some of the
recent problems and also to discuss the present programs and plans for
future programs.
Mr. Powers said that the Youth Council had also requested a meeting with
the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Powers told how the idea of a Youth Council began back in 1965. At
that time, the Selectmen formed the Youth Council, a Selectmen's Com-
mittee, separate from the Park and Recreation Commission, advisory in
nature, providing special programs for youth and coordinating with other
groups in Town. Mr. Powers said at times there have been rather weak
committees and on some occasions there have been strong committees.
However, he pointed out, the Youth Council is not as autonomous as the
Park and Recreation Committee, i.e., they are not functioning under an
Ordinance. Any major policies set up, other than normal activities, or
any major problems must be brought to the Selectmen. Mr. Powers commended
the Council on the McGee Drop-In Center.
Father Lord said he felt things were going well and more activities are
being planned such as posting of jobs and counciling.
A question was asked about the fire regulations and how many people were
allowed in the building (Selden School) and Mr. Powers said he would con-
tact Mr. Haber, Fire Marshall for full information.
The discussion then turned'to the recent incident at Selden School where
a band member was arrested in the parking lot for possession of marijuana.
Some of the youngsters took up a collection to bail out the band member
and he then returned to the Selden School and continued playing in the band
until the dance was over.
Mr. Powers said he felt that allowing the band member to return and con-
tinue was in bad taste. We should never condone the use of marijuana
which is an illegal drug. Mr. Powers said it would have been better to
close the dance if necessary.
Mr. Powers was then questioned about having observed a girl who was sus-
pected of being under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Frost asked Mr. Powers
if he would close down a whole dance simply because of one or two young-
sters under the influence of alQohol. Mr. Powers said no. Mr. Frost said
the usual procedure is to contact the parents and have them pick up their
child. Father Lord said this is the same practice he uses at the St. Paul's
dances. Mr. Powers said there is a difference between one or two youngsters
under the influence of alcohol and a paid band member being arrested for
possession of an illegal drug.
Selectmen's Meeting
3/22/71
-page four-
Mr. Powers said he talked several times to the girl in question as did
Mrs. Powers and Mrs. Keller and he did not believe her to be drunk.
Father Lord asked Mr. Powers what he would do if the girl had been drinking.
Mr. Powers said he wo~ld have gotten her out of there right away but he
did check on her and was completely satisfied. She had nothing on her
breath.
Discussion returned to the band member. Mr. Powers asked was there a
collection taken to bail him out and Father Lord and Arnold Frost said
they did not know for sure.
Mr. Johansen asked why he was allowed to return to Selden. It was learned
that the Band Leader was told of the incident and he said he would try to
continue playing without him. Father Lord said the result was very bad
sounding music. Mr. Johansen said there is a bad enough drug problem in
this Town and here we condone it. Where do we draw the line?
There was considerable discussion about another incident. Mr. Frost
said there had been a fight over a girl (he did not know the exact date)
and he closed down the dance at about 9:30 or 10:00. Mr. Frgst said he
was dragged down to Police Headquarters and harassed. Mr. Valentine
said he was asked to come to the station in the hopes that he might be
of some help, that no one was harassing him. Mr. Frost said a girl
claimed she had been raped in a car. Several people began talking at
once and it was difficult to keep order. Mr. Powers asked for order
so that things could be talked over in the hopes of resolving these
problems.
Mr. Frost began saying something about political harassment. Mr. Johansen
asked him what he meant. Mr. F~st said I call it harassment when a
school official going to a cocktail lounge ..... is getting paid off ....
the problem exists in his own home.- ..... Mr. Johansen interrupted asking
what he meant and to repeat it ...... Mr. Frost said that's right in his
own home. Mr. FrOst then started to say something about there once being
a leader in Western Europe who was also a housepainter .... At this point
Mr. Powers again called for order and asked everyone to try and control
their emotions and not make any rash statements.
Father Lord said the Council had spent much time on this and the problems
that have arisen because of this incident. He said let's get it out on
the table. If you (meaning the Selectmen) are dissatisfied with our
Council or Arnold just say so openly.
The discussion returned to the incident on 12/18/71. Father Lord said
it's Earl's word against Arnold and the policeman. Mr. Johansen said
it is Arnold who is spreading all this about him and he pointed to an
article in the Berlin High School newspaper. The events of that evening
were recounted. Mr. Frost said Mr. Johansen was upset over his daughter
and Mr. Johansen said he was upset over Arnold Frost. Mr. Powers asked
that everyone put aside personal feelings and think of the young people
and what can be done for them in terms of the future. Mr. Powers said
we should establish some guidelines.
Selectmen's Meeting
3/22/71
-page five-
Mrs. Klotz asked why Mr. Johansen called a member of the Board instead
of calling Father Lord. Mr. Johansen said he did call Father Lord. Mrs.
Klotz thought Mr. Johansen had called a member of the Board of Education..
Mr, Powers said he wished he had been called.
Mrs. Klotz said the drinking problem is all over. She said there are
rules regarding no drinking at Selden, Father Lord and Mr. Frost went
over the rules and regulations which are printed on the backs of the
identification cards.
Mr. Johansen complained about the youngsters going in and out of the
Center carrying half-filled soda bottles. Mr. Powers said this is a
very bad practice. Father Lord said Mr. Johansen may have a legitimate
gripe in this area. Mr. Frost said this problem will be eliminated
since it has been decided to use paper cups.
Mr. Powers asked what is done when there is a problem. Mr. Anderson
said we call the parents. Mr. Valentine asked who called the parents
and Mr. Anderson said the Supervisor,
Mr. Valentine was questioned about why incidents were not reported back
to the police. Mr. Valentine said there are no standing orders to do so.
There was a lengthy discussion on where young people acquire the alcohol.
Mr. Valentine said: 1) if it is found in a motor vehicle, a written
notice is given and a youth can lose his license; 2) the problem is vast
and the police force is undermanned. Most of the offenses occur in the
outskirts yet there must be enough men to patrol the center of town as
well as concentrating on the outskirts; 3) by law an officer does not
have the right to search an individual as he enters the Center; 4) the
young people have a good underground and they never reveal their source;
5) some package stores do sell to minors but it is a long process to
cat=h them in the act and it takes manpower; 6) the kids get the alcohol
out of town or in many cases right from their own homes.
Mr, Ward said he had learned a great deal about the needs of the Police
Department tonight and wished the rest of the Board of Finance could
have heard Mr. Valentine's comments.
Mrs. Klotz said the young people decided on the rules themselves also
that they needed a Director and a police officer. She felt the Council
should talk to the youngsters themselves.
Mr. Powers asked when the young people would be meeting next. Father
Lord said that Mr. Frost met with the young people. Mr. Powers said
he thought it best if the whole Council met with the young people.
Mr. Johansen said he didn't feel Mr. Frost was fit to meet with the
young people. Mr. Powers said these should be a joint meeting to dis-
cuss the problems which were brought up tonight.
Selectmen; s Meeting
3/22/71
-page six-
It was decided that the Commission would meet first with the officers
and then have them bring back a report to their Committee.
Mr. Powers said he was going on vacation until the 13th of April and
so a meeting would be held again before the end of April. This will
give the Board time to go over what was brought out tonight.
Mr. Johansen said he would ask Mr. Frost to retract the things he
said about him tonight but he did't think he was man enough to. He
continued by saying that he felt that Mr. Frost should be removed as
Director, the way he talked here tonight he is not fit to be Director
and he is not fit to teach the children of this Town.
Before adjournment, Mr. Johansen once again urged the Board of Selectmen
to remove Arnold Frost as Director of the Youth Council. The man, he
said, has a terrible mouth and should be removed before something more
serious happens.
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
Patricia A. Casella
Secretary