BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JULY 17, 2000
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING 6:30 P.M.
First Selectman Patton called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectman Ennis, C. Csiki, W. Gangaway and R. Lisiewski and reporter from the Chronicle. Selectman Knight was absent. M. Eldredge joined the meeting later.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 6/19/00.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & ENNIS) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Wilbur Gangaway asked the status of the Fire Departments merger. First Selectman Patton commented that as far as he knows it is a dead issue. He met with Bob Lisiewski,
the chiefs and the presidents of both departments to discuss a couple of items. Bob came up with a list of changes to the budgets; we took the debt payment and other capital items out of the operating budget. We also asked them to create a statement of work for each department. We put the money for dry hydrants and fuel into the Public Works budget. Mr. Gangaway commented that we are still paying for their services, years ago the volunteer Fire Departments had fundraisers, now they ask the Town for money. First Selectman Patton commented that the question is what happens when the volunteers go and there is no more fund raising. Mr. Gangaway asked if the Fire Departments do not want to merge and save the Town money, is the Board looking at a Fire Commission. First Selectman Patton
commented that the CIP would act as a quasi Fire Commission for big purchases. Mr. Gangaway commented that there has been a power struggle going on for years, he would like to see it go to a Fire Commission. Mr. Gangaway also asked about a ditch on Pinney Hill Road past Sam Wheeler’s. That will be looked into. Mr. Gangaway wanted to know if a safety study was done on where to place guardrails, there are some on Luchon Road where it seems unnecessary and none on parts of Pinney Hill Road where it seems necessary. First Selectman Patton commented that a study was not done but the Public Works Supervisor looks over different spots and we put so many in each year. Mr. Gangaway also commented about the stop signs on Luchon & Navratil Roads, if they do not take them down, the intersection should be made smaller.
CORRESPONDENCE
Report of correspondence available at meeting and in Selectmen’s office.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -2- JULY 17, 2000
COMMUNITY INFORMATION COUNCIL
Selectman Ennis commented that he spoke to the Virtual Town Hall people regarding a website. It would cost $150.00 for the first year and would include 10 accounts and 4 folders. We could put notices, agenda, minutes and a calendar on it. They are looking into a new deal, which would offer townspeople e-mail with willingtonct.org for $50.00 a year and give the town 20%. Bob Lisiewski asked if anything goes wrong, would the Selectmen be the local contact and was told yes. Selectman Ennis commented that he still needs to talk to more people regarding this. Since the domain is owned by the Board of Education it must be cleared with them. First Selectman Patton commented that it was bought through the Financial Consolidation Committee. Bob Lisiewski commented that the B.O.E. got
some reimbursement grant for it. Selectman Ennis commented that he thinks it is worth the money. First Selectman Patton commented that he thinks it is worthwhile. Selectman Ennis needs to talk to the Community Information Council before anything more is done on this.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROPERTY TAX
First Selectman Patton commented that this is for the Clark Ruby property. They thought it was sold last year but that fell through. Some problems with D.E.P. are holding up the entire estate.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT PURSUANT TO C.G.S. §12-8 1b, THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2 RUBY ROAD AND ACQUIRED BY THE WILLINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY ON APRIL 16, 1999, SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM TAXES OF THE 99-2230 LIST PROVIDED THAT THE WILLINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY SHALL MEET THE OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION IN C.G.S. §12-8 1(7) THROUGH (16).
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & ENNIS) 0 NO
APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO RE-APPOINT NICOLE LINTEREUR AS ASSESSOR FOR THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON, TERM EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2000 TO JUNE 30, 2002.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & ENNIS) 0 NO
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
First Selectman Patton commented that he received a letter from the Department of Correction stating that they are looking to municipalities to develop prisons in their towns. Incentives would include payment in lieu of taxes and employment opportunities. The letter was distributed to the Board.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -3- JULY 17, 2000
PUBLIC WORKS
First Selectman Patton reported that they have been concentrating on getting ready for chip sealing. They changed the sign locations on Village Street. The speed bumps may be here this week and will hopefully manage this problem. Mr. Gangaway asked about the Town’s liability if someone wrecks the undercarriage of their vehicle. First Selectman Patton commented that we will have signs regarding the speed bumps and it is a 15 mile an hour zone. They need to go slow. The speed bumps are plastic, with pins, and are temporary so they can be removed for plowing. Public Works is getting the roads in shape for chip sealing which will probably take place the 2nd week in August. They are also working on the water system at the school. We need to put in a dry well.
The vendor is putting the water system in next week. Selectman Ennis asked if this was independent of the water test. First Selectman Patton commented that it will take the acid away from the pipes and it will solve the problem, it should be fine in a couple of weeks. First Selectman Patton commented that we are working on the corner of Hancock Road and Rt. 320. We will make the hump level. Selectman Ennis asked if it is all Town money. First Selectman Patton commented that yes most of it is, it will cost $20,000 but the state will do some trucking. The State says that the problem is a sight line on a Town road so they do not have to do anything. Mr. Gangaway asked if the school buses are going to park there? First Selectman Patton commented that the Board of Education is meeting with someone on Rt. 32. We are still going forward with this. We have loggers going to Hancock Rd. We can always use it; we can store
pipes, etc. there. Selectman Ennis asked how will money be approved for expenditure? First Selectman Patton commented that money is coming out of Public Works and then we will get money back from rent. Selectman Ennis asked if we are not doing the parking lot should we proceed with this project? First Selectman Patton commented that he thinks it is a good thing to happen either way. Selectman Ennis commented that he thinks we need to get a consensus on that, should we spend $20,000 on what is actually a State road. First Selectman Patton commented that it is a Town problem. Selectman Ennis commented that to spend the money we should have a Town Meeting to agree to fix that problem if it is not motivated by putting buses there. When would the project start? First Selectman Patton commented that it should start the end of July; it is something that we have wanted to do for very long. Mr. Gangaway commented that it is
certainly a safety issue. First Selectman Patton commented that from the State’s point of view there is not a lot of accidents there, they take care of the areas where there is a lot of accidents first. Selectman Ennis commented that if buses aren’t going there and there is $20,000 to be spent he does not think we should automatically do it. First Selectman Patton commented that his feeling is that after all is said and done, that’s where the buses will go. The parking lot they are looking at will not fit 16 buses and 16 cars. We have many accidents in that area. Laidlaw will look at it also. We can’t wait until September. Mr. Csiki asked how is that our problem? First Selectman Patton commented that the contract says the Smith parking lot and that we must fuel buses. We can’t honor that contract now. The question is do we provide a parking facility for these buses and fuel them.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -4- JULY 17, 2000
We could walk away, but if we could make it work, then let’s do it. Mr. Csiki asked if the Superintendent has discussed this with the B.O.E. and was told that yes the B.O.E. has had meetings about it. Mr. Csiki asked First Selectman Patton if he really thinks parking at the Transfer Station is a good one and First Selectman Patton replied that he does and Laidlaw thinks it is a good site also. First Selectman Patton commented that if we get that area done for parking, it is something that never has to be built into the bus contract again. The bus company rents the facilities now. Mr. Lisiewski asked how would you provide fuel if the parking lot was on Rt. 32. Mike Eldredge commented that installing a tank would be an agreement between the owner of the lot and Laidlaw, we would
just supply the fuel for the tank. There was some discussion on the zoning of the lot on Rt. 32. Mr. Gangaway asked about how much rent Laidlaw would pay the Town. First Selectman Patton commented he was told $1,000 per month and they will provide a fuel monitor system for each vehicle; buses, Town, and Fire Departments. Mr. Eldredge asked what is the estimated cost to do the road and put in the parking lot? First Selectman Patton commented that it was about $35,000 for both. Mr. Eldredge commented that you will get a $12,000 return per year for the 2 year contract with Laidlaw. First Selectman Patton commented that the big plus is that rent will not have to be factored into the contract again. Selectman Ennis asked how will it work with Laidlaw, will they have someone there early in the morning and late in the evening and have lights there? First Selectman Patton commented that we can do lights. Mr. Eldredge commented that the B.O.E.
is concerned about safety. Selectman Ennis commented that he can see the sense and the desirability of the scheme but after, and while, we get the get the benefits of that scheme, then the people who have to do it every day, if there are undesirable consequences, they are the ones who have to suffer. I think we need to consider that. There will be times that it is cold and dark, times when buses are late, will the guy from Laidlaw still be there, is there potential for vandalism, potential, however small, for someone being in a bad place at a bad time. Mr. Eldredge commented that one of the issues is the buses coming out of Hancock Road on to Rt. 320. First Selectman Patton commented that Rt. 32 traffic is worse. Mr. Eldredge asked if First Selectman Patton plans to go ahead and fix the road regardless of where the buses are parked. First Selectman Patton replied yes and Mr. Eldredge commented that he thinks that is beneficial for the 400
or 500 people that come in and out of there every week. Mr. Csiki commented that he doesn’t think anyone disagrees about the work needing to be done on Rt. 320 but instead of taking it out of the Public Works budget why not just go to the Board of Finance and get a $20,000 Capital Reserve allocation and go to Town Meeting. It is a separate issue from the parking lot and it should be done. Don’t short yourself on the budget. Mr. Csiki asked about the appointment of the Assessor, what are the terms of her contract, what is her salary, will it stay the same for 2 years. First Selectman Patton commented that there is no contract, she is an at will employee and her salary goes up every year. Mr. Lisiewski commented that it follows the union contract. Mr. Csiki asked if the Board of Finance comes up with a percent and everybody gets the same percent. First Selectman Patton commented that they do vary. Mr. Csiki asked if
there was a contract with the Tax Collector?
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -5- JULY 17, 2000
First Selectman Patton commented that there was, State Statue says we must have a contract if we appoint the Tax Collector but he doesn’t think the contract specifies a salary. Mr. Eldredge asked if funds in Public Works are for Town roads and you change that money to work on a State road shouldn’t there be approval. First Selectman Patton commented that the money is appropriated for Public Works, it is a Town problem, a line of sight problem, it is a State road but it needs to get done and we are going to have to do it, so let’s do it. There is no law prohibiting it. Most of the money is coming from the State anyway, maybe we can take it out of town aid roads, which comes right from the State.
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Patton commented that there have been a number of home burglaries in Town in the last couple of weeks. Things seem to have subsided. Mr. Csiki commented about all the people that have been running the stop signs at Moose Meadow Road. Many got caught last week. Between 6:30 A.M. and 7:00 A.M. the speeding on Turnpike Road is extremely bad. Selectman Ennis commented that he thought there would be a voucher sheet with the checks. First Selectman Patton commented that he thought so also and will look into it.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:47 P.M.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & ENNIS) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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