BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AUG. 7, 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: Selectmen Ennis & Knight, W. Beebe, R. Bittner, B. Clark, C. Csiki, M. Eldredge, C. Jordan, J. & S. Lewis, R. Peloquin, P. Pribula, D. & M. Schreiber, P. Stanish and reporter from the Chronicle.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 7/17/00.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & ENNIS), 1 ABSTENTION ( KNIGHT) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING UNDER NEW BUSINESS, TO THE AGENDA: D. TAX REFUND, E. APPOINTMENTS AND F. EXECUTIVE SESSION, TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS AND LEGAL ISSUES.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Michael Eldredge presented the Board with a petition to call a Town Meeting. The question is: Should the Board of Selectmen expend $30,000 - $40,000 from the Town of Willington Road Fund to reconstruct a portion of Route 320, a State road? The undersigned believe that all work performed on a State owned highway should be funded with State tax money, not Town tax money. First Selectman Patton commented that he would forward the petition to the Town Attorney to look over. The Board has 21 days to call the Town Meeting. Jack Lewis commented that he has thought about this and has a list of reasons for the Town to do it and a list of reasons not to do it. His reasons to spend the money are: 1) Safety of the 400/600 people who use the Transfer Station. 2) If we straighten
out Ruby Road it is safer for the residents of Willington. 3) Safety for the Road Crew especially when hauling things on the back of Town trucks. 4) We have the possibility of taking care of a problem, even on a State road, but if you weigh the cost of doing it against the taxes and rent from Laidlaw and the stone from the blasting, in two years you make back what you have spent on it. We get money back and end up with a safer road. The reasons not to spend the money are: 1) It is a State road. 2) Maybe we should think twice about using Town funds to fix a State road but it is a problem and a danger but it would be at almost no cost to the Town with the money coming back to from Laidlaw. Carlton Csiki commented that there are 2 issues, one is to correct a problem on a State road and the other is parking buses in back of the Public Works Garage. There are two separate and distinct issues but indirectly they are connected because the move to
correct the problem on 320is related to the question of is it safe to have the buses going in and out of Hancock Road on to 320. Mr. Lewis raises a good point. No one would disagree that that portion is a safety hazard.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -2- AUG. 7, 2000
The Board of Selectmen put a budget together, it goes to the Board of Finance and that goes to the townspeople, this was not presented to the townspeople and they did not approve of town funds being spent to repair a State road. Mr. Csiki commented that he does not disagree with what the First Selectman is trying to do with the road, he disagrees with the method. The entire Board, not one person, should request approval from the Board of Finance to go to Town Meeting. He personally would vote for that. There is a process to follow; the townspeople did not approve this. The second issue is the Board of Selectmen’s business. It is clear that the process to spend town money has not met the test.
CORRESPONDENCE
Report of correspondence available at meeting and in Selectmen’s office.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION COUNCIL
Selectman Ennis commented that he spoke with Chris Park and Karen Fisherkeller and we need to meet again. This will be addressed at the next Board meeting.
DROBNEY PROPERTY
First Selectman Patton commented that Millie Drobney owns 88 acres that she wants to subdivide for her relatives and give the rest to the Town. It is between Tinkerville Road and the Fenton Ruby Park and would be an addition to the Park. Her brother would like some payment. Originally we talked to her about helping with the subdivision cost. An appraisal was done and the 88 acres was appraised at $43,000. The appraiser said it is only of value to a neighbor. We have been working on this for 3 years. First Selectman Patton commented that he and Roger Peloquin, Chairman of the Conservation, recommend that we go ahead to PZC and Town Meeting to pay the $43,000.00; it benefits the Drobneys and the Fenton Ruby Park. The Conservation Commission wants the same rules and regulations
as the Fenton Ruby Park and they would put a plaque there. The Fenton Ruby Park would go from Burma Road to Tinkerville Road. First Selectman Patton commented that he talked to the chairman of the Board of Finance about this. Since the Town is not going to spend $80,000 out of last year’s budget he is looking favorably at this. Roger Peloquin commented that the Conservation Commission is extremely in favor of this and would like it as part of the Park Management Plan. When they went to the Board of Finance about their inventory project the Board of Finance was somewhat favorable to it. The Park is getting used more and more; this would open up a whole new parcel.
Selectman Ennis commented that this must be a continuing benefit to the Town and we should be able to get the money. Selectman Knight commented that he dittos the comments of Selectman Ennis and Mr. Peloquin; it is also an advantage to the Town that it is not split up. He has no objection to going forward. First Selectman Patton commented that he proposes that we go to the Board of Finance for approval and also PZC. Mr. Macher is looking for a letter saying we will take the property. Selectman Knight asked First Selectman Patton if he proposes a letter to PZC saying the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission support this. First Selectman Patton commented that we must go to PZC regarding CGS 8-24.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN SUPPORT THE PURCHASE OF THE DROBNEY PROPERTY FOR $43,000.00 AND THAT WE ASK APPROVAL FROM THE BOARD OF FINANCE AND PLANNING & ZONING FOR THIS PURPOSE.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -3- AUG. 7, 2000
SUBORDINATION
Case #2000-1 requests subordination of their rehab lien in order to make home improvements to correct unsafe conditions. First Selectman Patton commented that there is enough money there to protect the Town’s interest and it is a reasonable request. The Board agreed.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED THAT THE BOARD APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR SUBORDINATION FOR CASE #2000-1.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PUBLIC WORKS
Wes Beebe commented that they are still sweeping roads, getting ready for chip sealing; they are trimming trees and finished the overlays. There will be approximately 12 miles of chip sealing; we are back on the 5-year cycle. They have been taking down trees up at Hancock Rd. but are not finished. A utility pole there must be moved.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO CHANGE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO H. AND ADD F. BUCCINO PROPOSAL AND G. BUSES AT T.O.B. TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
TAX REFUND
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $87.15 TO MMCA.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO RE-APPOINT ROBERT CAMPBELL TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, TERM EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2000 TO AUGUST 1, 2005.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
BUCCINO PROPOSAL
Selectman Ennis reported that the sidewalk in front of Mr. Buccino’s property on River Road is crumbling. Mr. Buccino would like the Town to share the cost of repairing the sidewalk. He is willing to pay half. Selectman Ennis proposes to find out what the cost would be. First Selectman Patton recused himself from this discussion. Wes commented that the state is not responsible for sidewalks and landlords must clear the sidewalks of snow. A lot of sidewalks need to be done. Selectman Knight commented that it would be useful to get copies of Mr. Bucccino’s correspondence with the state and get the scope of the project. In concept it is a decent idea. We need to know how many feet we are talking about, is it both sides of the road and what we want to end up
with. We need to look at what we want at the end and start back from there. Selectman Ennis commented that Wes could give us a rough estimate of the cost, the cost of a slab.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -4- AUG. 7, 2000
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED THAT WES BEE PROVIDE THE BOARD WITH THE COST OF A SLAB.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
BUSES AT T.O.B.
Selectman Ennis commented that we have the space at the Town Office Building to park the school buses and we would accrue the same benefits. First Selectman Patton commented that there are a couple of issues regarding that. 1. Karl Acimovic, Town Engineer said it would be a tight squeeze for 16 buses and 16 cars. 2. The fuel tank. 3. The neighbors in close proximity. 4. The Board of Education did not like this site; kids would be around the buses. This parking lot is packed in the spring. First Selectman Patton commented that he does not think it is good idea to have 16 buses and 16 cars, as well as what we have here, there isn’t enough space. The neighbors will not like it and the Board of Education is concerned with the kids around the buses,
especially in the spring. Selectman Knight commented that it would be a small overlap. Look at it as a stopgap. Jack Lewis commented that he drove a school bus and they have to be started around 4:30 or 5:00 A.M. to get ready. When you have 16 buses idling, it gives off a lot of fumes. Pam Stanish commented that the buses should be in a non-residential area. Selectman Knight commented that he sees this as a stopgap, we are down to 3 weeks and we do not have a place to put them. First Selectman Patton commented that the Board of Education, the Superintendent and Laidlaw feel quite comfortable with the site at the Transfer Station. Laidlaw said they do not mind drivers taking the buses home temporary. Selectman Ennis asked if they could operate out of Stafford. First Selectman Patton commented that the drivers want to stay in Willington. Selectman Knight commented that it is incumbent on us to have the buses in
Willington. Using this or Public Works, and some drivers would take the buses home, there is something less than 16 buses, we could park here and it would give us time to hear from the Town Attorney. There are two issues but one did not come up without the other. First Selectman Patton commented that the hump does not matter as far as Laidlaw is concerned. The State will not do anything; they said it is our problem. Selectman Ennis commented that before he signs a check for an alternate plan he will need a letter from the Town Engineer, from the neighbors that they object and from the Board of Education that they do not want the buses at the Town Office Building. First Selectman Patton commented that Selectman Ennis should make a motion to put the buses here if he wants them here. First Selectman Patton asked Selectman Ennis if he wanted him to pole the neighbors and Selectman Ennis said yes. Selectman Ennis commented that his main
issue is traffic safety and personal safety.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS NEGOTIATIONS AND LEGAL ISSUES AT 7:41 P.M.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:15 P.M.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -5- AUG. 7, 2000
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Patton showed the Board the job description for the Municipal Revenue Collector. It was acceptable to all. First Selectman Patton commented that we have received complaints about people smoking on the front steps of the building. He suggests that smokers move down by his side door. Selectman Ennis asked if First Selectman Patton heard from First Selectman Julian. First Selectman Patton commented that he talked to First Selectman Julian and was told that they are going to form a committee; in the meantime we will charge them. Everyone knew there was a problem but no one did anything until it came to a breaking point. Selectman Knight commented that breaking up one department and integrating took their time. First Selectman Patton commented that the First
Selectman from Somers called regarding forming a joint ambulance service for Willington, Somers and Stafford Springs. Selectman Ennis commented that he would ask that we act as a board on town policy, brinkmanship position type of situations. First Selectman Patton commented yes, it was more of a First Selectman sort of thing, but I can do that.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:20 P.M.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Secretary
| 
