MINUTES - SPECIAL MEETING - NEWFANE SELECTBOARD
MAY 8th, 2008
NEWFANE TOWN OFFICE

PRESENT:
Selectboard: Gary Katz, Chair, Joseph Mandell, Peter Rysz, and Guy Wachtel. Jeff Gouger (absent)
Also Present: Judy Egan, Edward Druke, David Parker and Doris Knechtel

1. CALL TO ORDER
The Special Meeting was called to order by Chairman Gary Katz at 6:30 p.m.

2. EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE HIRING OF AN ATTORNEY FOR ONGOING DISCUSSIONS WITH THOMAS FRENCH, ATTORNEY FOR PETER RYSZ
The Town has received a letter from Thomas French, attorney for Peter Rysz, in response to
a recent letter sent from the Selectboard. Chairman Katz asked for a motion to enter into Executive Session, as recommended by VLCT- PACIF (Town’s Insurance carrier). J. Mandell raised the question about the specific reason. Chairman Katz read a potential list of considerations for entering into Executive Session: contract, labor relations agreements with employees, arbitration, mediation, grievances, civil actions or prosecutions by state, where premature public knowledge would clearly place the state, municipality, other public body, or person involved at a substantial disadvantage.

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell to enter into Executive Session at 6:34 p.m. to discuss the letter received from Attorney Thomas French which has potential legal ramifications for the town of Newfane and as recommended by VLCT-Pacif. Three in favor. Motion passes. P. Rysz recused himself from the vote and from the Executive Session at this time. The Selectboard had received word from J. Gouger, prior to the meeting, that he agreed with the VLCT recommendations and he agreed to recuse himself from this issue.
Chairman G. Katz suggested that D. Knechtel be invited to take notes for the Selectboard during the Executive Session for an accurate record of the discussion. The minutes would not be made public. J. Mandell objected. Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by G. Katz to have D. Knechtel present to take notes during the Executive Session. Two in favor, one opposed. Motion fails.

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell to come out of Executive Session at 8:36 p.m. Three in favor. Motion passes. (P. Rysz recused from the vote).

Motion was made by G. Wachtel and seconded by J. Mandell that the Board take the advise of VLCT-PACIF, their contract attorney, and the VLCT staff attorney, that we hire an attorney to conduct all further communications on this issue for the Town with Peter Rysz’s Attorney Thomas French; and that G. Wachtel contact the firm recommended by VLCT to hire such attorney for the town. Discussion: Question was raised by P. Rysz about who that attorney might be. The Board will not disclose that information at this time in the event that the firm chosen does not accept. Vote on the motion: Three in favor. Motion passes. (P. Rysz recused from the vote)

3. TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY LEGALLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING - No other business came before the meeting.

4. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by J. Mandell and seconded by G. Wachtel to adjourn the special meeting at
8:40 p.m. All in favor. Motion passes.

Respectfully Submitted,
Doris A. Knechtel, Clerk Pro Tem

Posted: Town Clerk's Office, Newfane Store, W.W. Building Supply,
S. Newfane/Williamsville Post Office and the South Newfane General Store & Deli. www.newfanevt.com
(after approval)