BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting May 20, 2013
Lower Level Conference Room 6:30 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectman Blessington, Lynn Nicholls and residents. Selectman Littell was absent.
First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of May 6, 2013 will be tabled until the next meeting.
Present to Speak:
Steve Park stated he would like it noted that the flag in the multi-purpose room at Center School is improperly displayed. Mr. Park clarified that the canton must always be on the left whenever it is on display. Robin Campbell will notify school officials to inform them. (*Robin Campbell spoke with Center School Principal, Phil Stevens on Tuesday and Principal Stevens confirmed that the flag is, indeed displayed properly, with the canton on the left)
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos went over the updated report:
*Senior Housing Phase III –Lease and tax agreements have been reviewed and both Attorneys are in agreement. The documents will be discussed later at the meeting.
*Old Town Hall Renovations – Bid documents are being prepared. We continue to wait for the letter of approval from the State regarding the PI funds. Once the letter is received, it will be discussed with Board of Finance.
*Senior Van – Members from the Senior Center will go with First Selectman Mailhos and Lynn to do a test drive on Tuesday morning. If the used van is found acceptable, he Town will pay one dollar, take ownership and the request will be taken off of the CIP Plan.
*Turnpike Road Phase I & 1A – Lynn said the guardrails will be put up tomorrow and the project will then be completed. She added that we are under budget.
*Recording Secretary Job Description / Pay Rate – The draft has been developed; the BOS will consider further at a future meeting. First Selectman Mailhos still has not had a chance to meet with the Planning & Zoning board but plans to discuss, once they are done with the public hearings.
Public Works:
Lynn reported that the crews are sweeping and grading, adding that entire town sweeping should be completed in the next two weeks.
First Selectman Mailhos asked if curbs are getting fixed. Lynn said she is preparing the documentation for FEMA to possibly get reimbursements for them.
New Business
- Willington Day Writing Contest Winners
Andrew Park and Mary Wiecenski were in attendance and each read their entries aloud. They were presented with a certificate and an official Willington T-shirt. Andrew Park, who won in the 11-14 year age category, presented his poem first.
Mary Wiecenski then read her entry. Ms. Wiecenski was a winner in the 65 & older category.
The other winners, Shelby Glenn (10 and under), Caylei Arnold (21-64) and Carol Pramberger (65 & older) were not able to attend, however their T-shirts and certificates will be mailed to them. The winning submissions are featured in this year’s Willington Day Brochure. First Selectman Mailhos congratulated the winners.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $199.71 to BMW Financial Group for a credit of a sold vehicle.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No.
Old Business
- Fire Department Consolidation
First Selectman Mailhos recapped the last meeting that she and Selectman Blessington attended at Willington Hill Fire Department. Selectman Blessington said his perception was that WHFD is a tight knit organization; the members are loyal and work together. It is a win-win situation; the Town gets special fire protection and the Fire Departments get back from the Town.
He added that in theory, consolidation might be the best thing we can do but in reality it is not happening anytime soon. The reason is because each department spends most time bad-mouthing the other department. He clarified that the actual thing that is pushing the consolidation is the spending and Board of Finance Chairman Ken Schoppman had a good idea: perhaps we should look at consolidating the equipment rather than the departments. First Selectman Mailhos stated that is nearly impossible because doing that means that at some level the operating of the equipment, both departments would have to be trained how to use it and they would have to work together in the maintenance. It all boils down to the fact that they would have to work together.
Selectman Blessington said he is not quite sure where else we can go. Kelly Trueb asked the Board of Selectmen why they have not referred to the studies that have been done in the past, adding that one of the studies has not even been completed yet. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that two of the three studies suggest that we should have consolidation. She also clarified that the latest (third) study (that is not completed) only suggests expansion in each of the departments, stemming from each of the department’s wish lists, not what is needed from a Town perspective.
First Selectman Mailhos suggested holding a special meeting between the Board of Selectmen and the two Chiefs. First Selectman Mailhos added that in November there will be three vacant seats on the Board of Finance; (out of a board of six), they will soon have three new people on that board. She added that every two years members of the various boards change (for example, Selectmen, Finance, CIP) and the people who are expected to make decisions are not always educated on the situations. Lastly, she added it would be helpful to have a united front from both departments – especially during budget season.
A special BOS meeting will be set up with the two Chiefs. Selectman Blessington clarified in a meeting such as this, we are not required to have input from an audience – having one representative on each side will be enough. A meeting is forthcoming.
- Approval of Lease for Senior Cottages
First Selectman Mailhos realized that the fixed tax assessment was not on the original agenda. The reason was because we hadn’t received it from the Attorney with the lease agreement.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to amend item B to read: Approval of Lease and Fixed Tax Agreement for Senior Cottages.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos recapped the resolution that was approved last year at Town Meeting. The proposed land lease is slated to expire on the same date (2081) as the current HUD lease that is in effect at a cost of one dollar per year. She clarified that it will be easier for future town management to have both agreements be on the same time table at that time.
The proposed cottages fixed tax assessment states that each of the units (total of 24) would be assessed at $10,000 each. The Housing Authority will be responsible to pay the amount –(whatever it may be, based on the mil rate). First Selectman Mailhos stated that both attorneys have worked on the documents, and have made changes and are now all in agreement. She added that the resolution that was adopted last year authorizes the First Selectman to work with the attorneys and execute the documents. She added that she wanted to run it by the Board of Selectmen anyhow. She also stated that some of the exhibits need to be finalized and added to correspond with the documents.
Robert Campbell, Chairman of the Willington Housing Authority stated that the Housing Authority attorney has given him the OK to sign the documents on behalf of the Housing Authority. He added that he was fearful that that Town attorney would drop the ball again when reviewing the exhibits. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the Town attorney won’t be needed to review the exhibits. Mr. Campbell stated that their concern is to move it forward it quickly as the deadline is days away.
First Selectman Mailhos stated she will look for the electronic documents as well as the remaining missing exhibits tomorrow. Once everything is finalized, she will set up a meeting with Chairman Campbell for the document signing.
First Selectman Mailhos asked what the chances are of getting this funding? Chairman Campbell said it will be more probable if the documents include support and commitment from the Town. First Selectman Mailhos will contact Mr. Campbell to come and sign the documents in the next few days.
- Review of Ordinance for Past Due Taxes
First Selectman Mailhos stated that our Revenue Collector has revised the proposed ordinance to add the request of Selectmen Littell and Blessington. The addition includes item (b) which reads: “The building or planning & Zoning official certifies in writing that the construction, repair or improvement described in such permit will address a health or safety emergency affecting the occupants of the building that is the subject of the permit.”
First Selectman Mailhos said that there are many ordinances that are in need of updating, and she would like to hold one Town Meeting to address all of the ordinances at once. Selectman Blessington said he was OK with this revised proposed ordinance.
- Assistant Transfer Station Operator
First Selectman Mailhos brought Selectman Blessington up to date on the vacancy. The position is currently a 40 hour work week union position consisting of 24 hours (three days) at the Transfer Station and 16 hours (2 days) at Public Works.
First Selectman Mailhos stated she would like input regarding changing up the position, such as splitting it into two positions. The suggestion would be to cut back the Assistant Transfer Station Operator position to part time; 16 hours per week on the weekends only; with no benefits.
Another position would be filled a full time laborer; 40 hours – only working at Public Works. The full time benefits would apply. First Selectman Mailhos added that the additional part time position could end up costing us an additional $13,000 per year, depending on the steps and benefits. . She has asked the Business Manager and Public Works Director to research to find if we can swing it within our current budget.
Selectman Blessington said we have been short handed for years and this might be the best deal we are going to get. He questioned how it would work if the Transfer Station Operator is on vacation. Lynn clarified that once the ATSO is certified, there would be an upgrade for that day. The Public Works and union employees have first choice if they would like to fill in that day as the assistant.
First Selectman Mailhos added that Selectman Littell suggested adding the requirement of the laborer having a CDL at the last meeting. Selectman Blessington stated he was in agreement with that. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has checked with the union and they are not opposed to the idea. The positions will be drafted and posted, once the union and Management are in agreement.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos thanked everyone who came out to vote on May 7th. She also thanked the Board of Finance for all of their work putting the budget together.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that we have received feedback from a few residents on the low voter turn out this year; they complained that there was no notice of the referendum. She checked with the Town Clerk, and it turned out this year was higher than last year. First Selectman Mailhos referenced a publication/ mailing sent out by the town of Mansfield to all of their residents. The publication was a four page booklet informing the residents of what the numbers represent, as well as the budget process and they (Mansfield) had a very low turn out as well. Selectman Blessington clarified that in general, if the people are happy, you will most likely have a low turn out. If you have a high turn out, you know you have problems.
The Board of Finance has set the mil rate to 24.38 mils; a .42 mil increase at their last meeting. Also at that meeting, BOF Chairman Ken Schoppmann submitted his resignation. First Selectman Mailhos said she is really going to miss him; he was a great leader for that board and he was one of the people who truly understood the budget. He served for 8 years. Selectman Blessington seconded her sentiments. With Mr. Schoppmann’s resignation, that leaves a vacancy that must be filled. Discussion was held on filling the vacant position.
Willington Day is this coming Saturday, May 25th from 11AM until 3PM. The races will kick off the day at 9AM.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she is keeping close tabs on what is happening with the proposed State budget and will keep the Board informed as it progresses.
The annual Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday, May 27th at 8:30 AM beginning on the Town Green.
Bob Wiecenski asked if some signs could be put up along Adamec Road to deter tractor trailer trucks from driving up and down the road. The trailers keep running over the stone wall and one has run over the stop sign on the corner. Lynn stated that she needs to get approval from the State.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
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