CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE
TOWN Of WILLINGTON
WILLINGTON, CT ~06279
Meeting Minutes
Town Office Building
January 23, 2014
Members Present: Members Absent:
Chairman Jim Bulick BOF Chairman Alan Ference
Barry Wallett (left at 7:50 P.M.)
Kelly Trueb
Vice Chairman John Patton (arrived at 7:20 P.M.)
First Selectman Mailhos
Alan Ference, Board of Finance Chairman
Peter Tanaka
Tyler Millix
Chairman Bulick called the meeting to order at 7:07 P.M.
No one was present to speak.
Peter Tanaka moved to approve the minutes of January 15, 2014.
Kelly Trueb seconded the motion.
Vote: 6 Yes (K. Trueb, P. Tanaka, J. Bulick, J. Patton, B. Wallett & C. Mailhos) 0 No.
1 Abstain: (T.Millix)
- Public Works Submissions part II
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she needs to submit a new submission that the Committee has not seen yet. The submission is for the repair of sidewalks along Route 32 in front of the Mill Works building as per the request of the property owner. The sidewalk is in need of major repair. Our Town Engineer has recently been out to assess the project, which is estimated at $ 34,000. She noted that we contacted the State about getting it fixed because it abuts a State through-way, however the State says it is not their responsibility. First Selectman Mailhos added that we have been going back and forth with the State for the past six months to find out exactly who’s responsibility it is to fix it. There is no Town record
of when the sidewalk was put in or who did it. There are options on how to go about fixing it. For example, State state law permits us to fix it and send a bill to the property owner or we can recognize that area as a “downtown” area and claim ownership, and then apply for a grant to fix it. First Selectman Mailhos noted that there is more to the sidewalk than just in front of the Mill Works; it goes along the entire length of that building and goes around to Village Street. She noted that she would like to work with the property owner, but does not want to claim ownership and she just wants the Committee to be aware of that.
Peter Tanaka warned if the Town repairs it, we will then be liable for maintenance on it from now on. He then asked if we could abandon it – perhaps dig it up and plant grass there instead.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has contacted the Town Attorney to review the situation, and would like to see if we have other options. She added that she is not sure if she agrees with the state, noting that it is between a State road and private property. Discussion was held on the traffic on the sidewalk. It seems as if the only people who use it the most are patrons of the building. First Selectman Mailhos noted that she would just like the submission to be put in as a place holder until we get further clarification and information as well as more options. (Note: The sidewalk project was submitted in the original CIP Plan with Public Works for $5,000 for engineering in FY 16/17 and $15,000 for construction in FY 17/18).
First Selectman Mailhos notified the Committee that the Selectmen had met last night and discussed options for the next round of STEAP grant applications. She noted that the State is looking to support Economic Development as well as Towns who demonstrate resiliency in the wake of natural disasters. Peter Tanaka suggested that Polster Road Bridge is the most needed thing right now, noting that it is part of an emergency evacuation route. The problem with the STEAP application is the timing (we most likely would not be awarded or get funding until the fall of 2014). First Selectman Mailhos warned that the State could also direct us to apply for funding under the bridge program (and be denied STEAP funding); which the bridge program will end up costing more than
anticipated and the Town would end up having to pay 20% of the total cost (than just paying to fix it ourselves).
Vice Chairman Patton stated that his opinion would be to continue on with Turnpike Road as it is a major throughway and it has flooded before and it is tied into vacant commercial property. He then added because the bridge is an emergency, we should use the fund balance to repair it. Discussion was held on the option that would make most sense. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she might apply for $400,000 for Turnpike Road improvements and apply for $100,000 for the Old Town Hall.
Public Works projects were then discussed. First Selectman Mailhos suggested pushing the following projects out:
Hancock Road realignment was moved to FY 16/17
Moose Meadow Road realignment was moved to FY 16/17
Battye Road Engineering ($8,000) will remain on for FY 14/15, but construction ($30,000) was moved to FY 16/17
Kollar/Sharps Mill Intersection – Engineering was moved to FY 16/17 Construction moved to FY 18/19
Village Hill Road drainage (Engineering) will remain on the list for FY 14/15.
Chief Millix asked if our Public Works Department can do any of the projected construction projects. Vice Chairman Patton stated that we would be better off hiring someone else to do it, because the crew has their own work to do.
Y Road was discussed. First Selectman Mailhos noted that Y Road is on the upcoming chip seal list, but said it does not make sense to also have it realigned in FY 16/17. She added that she does not think we can afford to realign it right now. Kelly Trueb noted that she looked at the submissions; and most of them note that they need to be done for safety issues. Kelly researched to see if there are any accidents on those roads. She noted that she does not recall any recent accidents on Y road.
Chairman Bulick recapped the status: right now we have Turnpike Road, Polster Road Bridge, Engineering on Village Hill Road and engineering on Battye Road. He questioned if the Town Engineer can do all of these projects at once. Vice Chairman Patton clarified that most of the Engineering for phase 1 has been done on Village Hill Road and Battye Road is somewhat simple of a project. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that we moved most of the engineering projects out and the upcoming projects should be enough for him to handle.
The Material swap shed at the Transfer Station was removed. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she is hopeful that an Eagle Scout will take that project on soon.
Vice Chairman Patton warned that he has not seen a submission for the POCD, which he believes should be looked into soon. First Selectman Mailhos asked the Zoning agent about it a little while ago, but will send another email to clarify. The last time the POCD was done, it was around $100,000 (the study alone was around $70,000) in 2006 – amended in 2008. It was determined the request should be submitted for FY 2016/2017 unless we get other information.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 27th at 7PM. Business Manager, Donna Latincsics will provide a projector and a laptop to hold a workshop with the submissions and look at funding sources.
WFD#1 Chief Millix noted that the loan (mortgage) for Willington F.D. #1 is down to $60,000 and asked if it would be advantageous to pay it off? Vice Chairman Patton suggested looking at the principle; we could pay it off and put it back in the capital reserve. Chairman Bulick reminded everyone that we have looked at that a year or two ago and decided it is not worth it. Vice Chairman Patton clarified that we could end up saving $2,400; it may be time to look at it. He suggested taking it out of the capital reserve and put the money we were putting on the loan back in the reserve account. It will be discussed further at the next meeting.
Peter Tanaka moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 6 Yes (K. Trueb, P. Tanaka, J. Bulick, T. Millix, J. Patton, & C. Mailhos) 0 No.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robin Campbell, Recording clerk
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