TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 7, 2007
I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING
Mr. Filipone called the meeting to order on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall.
II. ATTENDANCE
Edward Filipone, First Selectman
Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
Mark Simmons, Selectman
Unable to Attend: Gil Hayes, Selectman (scheduled absence)
III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS
MOTION: To add the following agenda item to Board and Commission Appointments: Raymond D. Noble, Zoning Board of Appeals
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
*Mr. Crouch made a comment that added agenda items should really only be last minute emergency items that cannot wait for a future meeting.
IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting Minutes of July 3, 2007
MOTION: To accept the regular meeting minutes of July 3, 2007, as submitted.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Simmons
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC INPUT - No Discussion
WILLIAM LOOS, MELROSE ROAD
Four months ago Mr. Loos brought to the Boards attention the matter of the Ethics Code that needed to be distributed to employees to sign. In June he was told it would be done by August. He has checked with the Town Clerk and understands there are people who refuse to sign the Ethics Code. Mr. Loos stated those individuals should be removed if they refuse to sign. He stated it was passed at Town Meeting and should be enforced. It is up to the Selectmen to enforce it.
Further Mr. Loos addressed the cemeteries and flags. The flags and markers are still not back in place – those markers were paid for. The Cemetery Association gets money from the Town, it is a Town organization and the flags should be paid for through the Association. The fire department puts flags up every year – there was no reason to remove the flags, especially as the country is at war. Veterans deserve recognition for the service to the Town and the Country. It is sacrilegious to take anything off. If the Board of Selectmen is not going to do anything, it should be addressed at a Town Meeting to take money from the Cemetery Association. St. Catherine’s has a beautiful cemetery with its own Association. The Selectmen need to do their job and get his
taken care of.
Tony Dimastrantoni, 133 Bridge Street
Mr. Dimastrantoni stated Bill Loos was right. The holders were $36 a piece, $182 worth of flags was thrown away. If the Town does not do something he is going to go to the Courant. The Veterans fight for their country, a $2,000 cost incurred to cut grass, it should not be a problem even if it is $5,000 cost. The Veterans saved the country, there are 32 firefighters in Springdale. This is the first time these items have been thrown out. He also stated that it is unknown where the Veterans of World War I and World War II are.
James Barton, Sr., 158 South Water Street
Mr. Barton wanted to reiterate what has been said, the situation at the cemetery and the reaction of the Cemetery Association is unreasonable. For years and years the flags the flags are put there by the Veterans Commission on Memorial Day and all year they remain to only be replaced with new flags. Now the Cemetery Association decides to enforce regulations and throw the items in the dump, or leave it up to the contractor to dispose of the properly – this was not done. As far as regulations with the cemeteries - all cemeteries have issues and all make concessions regarding flags. Flags and potted plants on flush markers should be allowed. This year it was said that nothing could be left on the flush markers and a 50” mower was used to cut the grass, that’s the end of it. It used to be that you could plant flowers, it was a concession, and this year everything was mowed over. Some concessions have to be made by the Cemetery Association, particularly with the flags, it is
unreasonable that this is happening for the sake of mowing grass.
Edward Farrell, 2501 Meadowview Drive
Mr. Farrell wondered who the “genius to authorize this?” was and further stated he hoped it was a former employee.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS
A.25th Annual CCM convention & Exposition 2007
B.Correspondence from Grammy’s Garden Learning Center, LLC
*This item will be on the next agenda for discussion. It is suggested that this event take place at a Park and Recreation location, i.e., a park, as traditionally the Town Green is not used for such events.
C.CCM/Impact on East Windsor
D.Hartford Courant Article re: The Housing Market
E.Four Town Fair/September 15, 2007
VII. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
A.Edward Filipone, First Selectman
· The old Viking building in the Industrial Park has been rented to King Coil. They will be moved in by Christmas.
· Taco Bell will open this week.
· Ethics Code – 50% have been received back, many people are on vacation as school is out. Some have indicated they will not sign acknowledging receipt. This has been forwarded to the Ethics Commission to handle. Currently the Code does not outline what to do if someone refuses to sign.
· Mr. Filipone reviewed the memo detailing BOF budget cuts and additions.
· Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Department is pursuing a district.
· Warehouse Point Fire Department is requesting access to the Assessor computer for real estate information in response to 911 calls. This will be on a future agenda to discuss, including the Assessor’s thoughts.
· The P.O. has been issued for the Jet Vac.
· Millbrook Clean up – the design engineered for the clean up plan has been submitted. This will be wrapped up by winter and the dig can begin in spring, 2008.
· WPCA – He has been in contact with the WPCA to discuss ideas of taking the facility connection charges and channel the monies to a dedicated fund to assist in funding the sewer on Route 140. Their attorney is going to research this idea.
· Two employment applications were received to fill the Zoning Enforcement/Asst Town Planner position, but one was withdrawn due to low salary and no vehicle. The other was withdrawn as well, with no comment as to why. It is a competitive market.
B.Kenneth Crouch, Deputy First Selectman
· Veterans Commission – There was a special meeting in July and they are going forward with the pavers in the Veterans Cemetery. The project contractor is chosen and the project is underway.
· Volunteer Park – An Eagle Scout project is underway – planting flowers to attract butterflies and birds. Power will be brought in as well.
C.Thomas Sinsigallo, Selectman
· He stated he was devastated by reports of the “colors on the ground.” He is 68-years-old and he has never heard of such disrespect for the flag. Veterans’ lives are given for America and its Towns. The grave situation needs to be addressed. His son’s flag has been there for 18 years, they should continue to do what the other caretakers did.
· Police Department – they are losing an officer on August 13 – he is going to the Town of Newington. Some towns offer great incentives for officers. One officer is slated to retire in September; another officer is completing a background check to go to the Town of Manchester, and a part-time animal control officer has left. There are problems arising with construction site thefts – this is
not new and has occurred for years, big items, such as appliances are being taken.
D.Gilbert Hayes, Selectman – No report (not in attendance)
E.Mark Simmons, Selectman
· To also address the flag issue Mr. Simmons reiterated that a joint meeting of the Veterans Commission and the Cemetery Association was held – and passionate views were expressed. That meeting was short but the issue is still open and it needs to be resolved.
· Planning and Zoning Commission – The NORCAP application was turned down.
VIII. BOARD AND COMMISSION RESIGNATIONS & APPOINTMENTS
A.Resignation: none
B.Re-Appointment:
Capital Improvement Planning Committee
Edward Farrell, Gilbert Hayes, Dale Nelson, Noreen Farmer and Len Norton for a ten month term to expire 6/1/2008
MOTION: To reappoint the following individuals to the Capital Improvement Planning Committee for a ten (10) month term to expire 6/1/2008: Edward Farrell, Gilbert Hayes, Dale Nelson, Noreen Farmer, Len Norton, Ed Filipone, First Selectman, and Mary Szabo, Town Treasurer.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
C.New Appointments, Applications to be considered:
Capital Improvement Planning Committee
Gary Guiliano (R) for a 10 month term to expire 6/1/2008
MOTION: To appoint Gary Guiliano to the Capital Improvement Planning Committee for a ten (10) month term to expire 6/1/2008.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
D.Vacancies: Attachment
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MOTION: To appoint Raymond D. Noble to the Zoning Board of Appeals, as an alternate, for a term to expire 11/20/2007.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Proposed Fines Ordinance
The Town Attorney comments and suggestions will be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for final review. After that a public hearing will be scheduled for that item.
B. *Adult Day Care Transportation
C. *Melissa Green Director of Parks and Recreation/Re: ~Signage Funding
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Warren Wenz, Chairman of the Veterans Commission
*Cemetery Maintenance
Mr. Wenz of the Veterans Commission came before the Board and presented the members with a book detailing the location of all the Veterans’ graves. This book is the result of an Eagle Scout project. Mr. Wenz stated he wants Dan Burnham of the Cemetery Association to have the copy of the book, and sign for the copy to prove he has it, and then replace all the American Flags on Veterans graves that were taken down. There is no longer an excuse that the Cemetery Association does not know where the flags belong. Mr. Wenz stated it was Burnham’s responsibility to replace the flags, at the Cemetery Association’s cost. As for the markers, those are lost and cannot be replaced. Mr. Wenz went on to state that there was no need for the American Flags to have
been removed. Historically flags have remained there and suddenly, this year the flags were taken down. Mr. Wenz stated he did not know if it was a misunderstanding or if the landscapers were told to do it, but that is beside the point. It was commented that the flags were removed, but not a basketball that was on a grave. Mr. Sinsigallo stated he is 110% in favor that the veterans and firefighter flags be returned to the graves.
It was the consensus of the Board that the Cemetery Association should be present for the next meeting to discuss resolving this issue and getting the flags back on the graves.
*Police Coverage in Broad Brook
Mr. Wenz indicated that a man had been shot in Broad Brook, things like that are not supposed to happen, but it did. He states it can take 7 to 10 minutes for a cruiser to get over to Broad Brook, Melrose or Windsorville from the police station in Warehouse Point. He felt a substation in Broad Brook was necessary. It was mentioned that police cruisers are on patrol and are not necessarily on one side or the other. Mr. Filipone outlined the recent discussions of a possible substation in Broad Brook. It is an effort to show police presence and provide residents another place to go to if they need to visit the police department. There is no funding for this item in the budget. Mr. Wenz stated maybe the Veterans Committee could find money for it. Mr. Filipone indicated that the Police
Commission would have to ask for an added appropriation of $12,000 to $15,000 to do this. Mr. Filipone will go before the Police Commission and indicate that an interest in a Broad Brook substation has been expressed, but he cannot answer what the Police Commission will do with this. Mr. Wenz was advised that the Police Commission does have a public participation portion of their meeting. Mr. Sinsigallo stated that the Town currently has the biggest grand list ever, plus Reval is coming up. There is more money in the town treasury and we need to know where that money goes.
B. Ad Hoc Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Committee
Mr. Filipone outlined that previous discussions have taken place on how to recruit and retain volunteers for the Town Boards and Commissions. The Selectmen will think on this issue and the possibility of an Ad Hoc Committee, as well as its charge, and discuss it on the next agenda. No action taken.
C. Tax Refunds
MOTION: To approve the tax refunds in the amount of $2,232.13 as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. ~MOTION CARRIED
XI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. In accordance with Connecticut General Statute Section 1-200 (6) (b)
Pending Litigation
MOTION: To enter into Executive Session at 8:30, in accordance with CGS §1-200(6)(b), pending litigation, to including the Police Chief, Edward J. DeMarco, Jr.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch.
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED.
MOTION: To come out of Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.
Made by Mr. Crouch, seconded by Mr. Sinsigallo
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
XII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn at 9:16 p.m.
Made by Mr. Sinsigallo, seconded by Mr. Crouch
ALL MEMBERS IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia D. Croxford
Recording Secretary
*Starred items will not be discussed, but will remain on agenda pending receipt of additional information
| 
