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BOARD OF SELECTMEN 12-3-07
Town of Willington
BOARD OF SELECTMEN • 40 OLD FARMS ROAD • WILLINGTON, CONNECTICUT 06279 • (860) 487-3100 • FAX (860) 487-3103



BOARD OF SELECTMEN



REGULAR MEETING                                                                                                           DEC. 3, 2007
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING                                                                                                  6:30 P. M.

First Selectman Eldredge called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance:  Selectmen Palmer & Charette, L. Nicholls, and residents.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.  First Selectman Eldredge welcomed the new members of the Board.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN PALMER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 11/19/07.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO

SELECTMAN CHARETTE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 11/28/07.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO

PRESENT TO SPEAK
R. Tulis commented an 8-24 review was not done on Kucko Road.  First Selectman Eldredge commented we were told it was not necessary but we will be at the PZC meeting tomorrow night.

P. Andersen and K. Demers, from the Conservation Commission, were present to discuss the Knowlton parcel on Mason Rd.  The Commission needs money for 2 appraisals on the property; the appraisals are needed to negotiate a price with the owner and also for the DEP grant.  Kathy showed a map with the property involved as well as surrounding property; the general area is high priority and the Conservation Commission feels this 130-acre parcel is important to preserve.  Further discussion on this followed.  The owner has a July 06 appraisal for the parcel for $615,000.  Other sources of funding may help with small amounts of money.  Norcross has a loan program for municipalities up to $250,000 interest free for one year.  The major source of money would be a DEP grant.  The Conservation Commission will have to go to the Board of Finance for the appraisal money.  Public Hearings will be held to keep residents informed regarding this property and the purchase.  Pete Andersen wished the Board well.

John Blessington read a memo regarding the last motion of Selectmen Patton & Lewis to have the law firm of Halloran & Sage check over the bills from the law firm of Murtha Cullina regarding defending the Town Clerk in the lawsuit.  Mr. Blessington feels Halloran & Sage ran up a bill before deciding it would not defend the Town Clerk after another attorney said it was a conflict of interest.  Mr. Blessington urged the new Board to have Murtha Cullina check over the bills from Halloran & Sage.  First Selectman Eldredge commented I intend to honor the wish of the previous Board and forward the Murtha Cullina bills to Halloran & Sage.  I talked to
REGULAR MEETING                                            -2-                                                               DEC. 3, 2007

Attorney Forsyth of Halloran & Sage who assured me there would be nothing out of place in Murtha Cullina’s bills.  I do not want to spend Town money to have one law firm check another firm’s bills.  Selectmen Palmer & Charette agreed.  P. Latincsics congratulated the new board and asked for an update on the lawsuit.  First Selectman Eldredge commented it is finished.  J. Lewis asked if the website could be updated.  This is in progress.  C. Psathas congratulated the Board and commented she hopes this Board will communicate openly and honestly and improve communications.  The website is the best form of communications we have and it needs to be updated; a lot of information is old and many commissions do not post their minutes.  The new Boards & Commissions need to be updated.  

S. Cobb, Fire Dept. #1, reported that Homeland Security will give $2,500 to purchase a computer and Internet service for the Emergency Operation Center.  The Internet service would be for 2 years and then the Town would have to pay for the next 2 years.  Stuart gave the Board an agreement that must be signed as the first part.  The second part is a budget for 08 and we must provide in kind services.  The Town could get $2,000/3,000 back.  DEMS is pushing hard for this.  Discussion on this followed.  

John Patton commented in reply to John Blessington’s memo, the attorney, Attorney Taimen, who said it was a conflict of interest, sent a letter of apology and withdrawing his comments.     

CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.

PUBLIC WORKS
First Selectman Eldredge commented Public Works did an excellent job; our roads were in excellent shape.  Lynn commented she brought the crew in early Sat. to prepare the roads; we used a lot of material.  We are working on grading roads, roadside mowing and brush cutting when we can.  Discussion followed on GASB.  The compactor should be ready within a week or two.  Lynn commented she bought 2 locks for the Transfer Station and they both disappeared; we are trying to keep the gates closed. Discussion followed on people taking salt from Public Works.  Salt is not available for the public only sand is.  Lynn will have sand available at the Transfer Station and people can fill a bucket; she will also put sand outside the Public Works gate for the public to fill a bucket when the gate is locked.  Selectman Charette asked about the $7,000 bill to repair the holder.  Lynn commented it needed major repairs.  Selectman Charette asked is there a daily checklist for equipment?  Lynn commented yes one for before using and after use and for cleaning.  First Selectman Eldredge asked are we current on all CDL drivers?  Lynn replied yes.

RESOLUTION – WINCOG REGIONAL GIS PROPOSAL
First Selectman Eldredge commented there is funding from the State to help Towns develop tax maps for the region, after one year the Town has the option.  There is also one for Economic Development.
SELECTMAN PALMER MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BE MOVED TO TOWN MEETING.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO
RESOLUTION
WINCOG Regional GIS Proposal
WHEREAS, Public Act No. 07-239 provides for a regional council of governments to make a proposal for services which will provide participating municipalities with increased purchasing power and cost savings potential; and

REGULAR MEETING                                            -3-                                                               DEC. 3, 2007

WHEREAS, the Town of Willington wishes to participate in, and take advantage of, a Regional GIS Proposal in conjunction with WINCOG through the Regional Performance Incentive Program as described in Public Act No. 07-239 as such will serve the best interests of the Town of Willington.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Willington Town Meeting, as the legislative body of said Town, hereby endorses the WINCOG Regional GIS Proposal through the Regional Performance Incentive Program as described in the attached proposal and further authorizes the First Selectman to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the Town’s participation in said Program.

John Patton asked how will this interface with our GIS maps?  First Selectman Eldredge commented we will continue to use ours, we can get help doing maps and you can get maps from any community.  Discussion on this followed.

SELECTMAN PALMER MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BE MOVED TO TOWN MEETING.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO
RESOLUTION
WINCOG Regional Economic Development Proposal
WHEREAS, Public Act No. 07-239 provides for a regional council of governments to make a proposal for services which will provide participating municipalities with increased purchasing power and cost savings potential; and

        WHEREAS, the Town of Willington wishes to participate in, and take advantage of, a Regional Economic Development Proposal in conjunction with WINCOG through the Regional Performance Incentive Program as described in Public Act No. 07-239 as such will serve the best interests of the Town of Willington.

        NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Willington Town Meeting, as the legislative body of said Town, hereby endorses the WINCOG Regional Economic Development Proposal through the Regional Performance Incentive Program as described in the attached proposal and further authorizes the First Selectman to execute any and all documents necessary to effectuate the Town’s participation in said Program.

SET DATE FOR TOWN MEETING
SELECTMAN CHARETTE MOVED THAT A TOWN MEETING BE HELD ON DEC. 11, 2007 AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE TOWN HALL.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE

The electors of the Town of Willington and all persons who are entitled to vote in Town Meeting on the matters mentioned in the following warning are hereby warned and notified to meet in Town Meeting at the TOWN HALL at 11 COMMON ROAD in Willington on December 11, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. for the following purposes:

ITEM I

REGULAR MEETING                                            -4-                                                               DEC. 3, 2007


To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, will support a resolution to endorse the Regional Performance Incentive Program Proposal for a Regional GIS System coordinated through WINCOG.

ITEM II
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, will support a resolution to endorse the Regional Performance Incentive Proposal for Regional Economic Development Staff Services coordinated through WINCOG.

ITEM III
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the appropriation of $24,000 from the hook up fee to complete the construction of the Senior Housing Water System Project.  

ITEM IV
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the appropriation of $24,000 from the hook up fee to spend on the business type activities of the Utility Fund.

APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVE TO REAPPOINT JOSEPH COLANGELO AND MICHAEL PINATTI TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION, TERMS FROM 12/15/07 TO 12/15/10.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO

SELECTMAN PALMER MOVED TO REAPPOINT BRIAN SEMPREBON TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, TERM 12/31/07 TO 12/31/12.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO

BOARD OF SELECTMEN 2008 MEETING SCHEDULE
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 2008 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING SCHEDULE.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING SCHEDULE - 2008
1ST & 3RD MONDAY (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS)  6:30 P.M.
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
                                                                  
JAN. 07, 2008                                                       JULY  07, 2008                                                           
JAN. 22, 2008 (TUES.)                                           JULY 21, 2008                                                                                 
FEB. 04, 2008                                                           AUG. 04, 2008
FEB. 19, 2008 (TUES.)                                           AUG. 18, 2008
MAR. 03, 2008                                                   SEPT. 02, 2008 (TUES.)
MAR. 17, 2008                                                   SEPT. 15, 2008
APR. 07, 2008                                                               OCT. 06, 2008  

REGULAR MEETING                                            -5-                                                               DEC. 3, 2007

APR. 21, 2008                                                   OCT. 20, 2008
MAY  05, 2008                                                           NOV. 03, 2008
MAY  19, 2008                                                   NOV. 17, 2008
JUNE 02, 2008                                                   DEC. 01, 2008
JUNE 16, 2008                                                   DEC. 15, 2008
                                                          JAN.  5, 2009

2008 HOLIDAYS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 2008 HOLIDAYS
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO

THE TOWN OFFICE BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2008

HOLIDAY                                                         DAY CLOSED
NEW YEAR’S DAY                                                  JANUARY 1, 2008
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY                             JANUARY 21, 2008
PRESIDENTS’ DAY                                                 FEBRUARY 18, 2008
GOOD FRIDAY                                                                             MARCH 21, 2008
MEMORIAL DAY                                                                            MAY 26, 2008
INDEPENDENCE DAY                                                                        JULY 4, 2008
LABOR DAY                                                       SEPTEMBER 1, 2008       
COLUMBUS DAY                                                                            OCTOBER 13, 2008
VETERAN’S DAY                                                                            NOVEMBER 11, 2008
THANKSGIVING DAY                                                                NOVEMBER 27, 2008
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING                                                          NOVEMBER 28, 2008
CHRISTMAS DAY                                                                   DECEMBER 25, 2008

GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Eldredge commented our normal hours on Mondays are 12:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.  For Monday, Dec. 31st. 2007, New Year’s Eve, we would like to change the hours for that day only to 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
The Board agreed.  

EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL ISSUES – Not Held.

First Selectman Eldredge commented he would like a policy change.  The previous Board had the Public Works supervisor report to the Board.  This has not worked out, I would suggest that we make a motion that the Public Works Department and Public Works Supervisor be under the direct supervision of the First Selectman.  Discussion on this followed, which is the same as all other departments.
SELECTMAN PALMER MOVED THAT ALL DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORT TO THE FIRST SELECTMAN, AS IN PAST PRACTICE, FOR DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS AND TAKE DIRECTION FROM THE FIRST SELECTMAN.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.


REGULAR MEETING                                            -6-                                                               DEC. 3, 2007


Selectman Charette asked what was the reason for the change?  First Selectman Eldredge commented we were having problems and we wanted to try it for a few months.  It did not solve the problems.  Selectman Charette asked what do you think we can do different to change it?  First Selectman Eldredge commented I  would like to start with the policy change and hope that’s all it will take.  Selectman Charette asked are we following the chain of command?  First Selectman Eldredge commented the chain of command can be followed; it is just that the supervisor would report to the First Selectman not the Board.   Selectman Palmer commented it is just going back to the way it was.  Selectman Charette commented I hope we don’t take some steps backwards.  Discussion followed on the chain of command.  Selectman Charette commented the chain of command is a key point and we must be diligent about that.  Selectman Palmer commented this is to have it as in past practice; the idea is to move forward.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE)    0  NO

S. Cobb commented the Willington Hill Fire Dept. got a FEMA grant for $118,750 to replace a truck and Willington Fire Dept. #1 got a joint regional grant with the Town of Union to purchase UHF radios.

SELECTMAN PALMER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:48 P.M.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary


Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100

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