BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCT. 2, 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, E. Bancroft, C. Csiki, G. Emmons,
K. Fisherkeller, J. & S. Lewis, F. Salce, J. Semmelrock, A. St. Louis, R. Tulis,
L Worthington, reporter and other public.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 9/18/00.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK - No one.
CORRESPONDENCE
Report of correspondence available at meeting and in Selectmen’s office.
BUS PARKING
Selectman Ennis asked if there were any new developments? He read the letter from the members of the Board of Education and from Laidlaw.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED THAT WE LEAVE THE BUSES WHERE THEY ARE AND NEGOTIATE A MONTH-TO-MONTH RENTAL AGREEMENT WITH LAIDLAW UNTIL WE FIND OUT HOW THE APPLICATION FOR A CHANGE IN REGULATIONS FOR THE USE OF THIS PROPERTY PANS OUT. IF IT PANS OUT THAT THE BUSES WOULD NOT BE LEGAL UNDER THE NEW DISPENSATION THEN WE MAKE OTHER PLANS.
There was no second to the motion. Motion fails.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO ESTABLISH A BUS PARKING FACILITY AT THE YOUNGERMAN PROPERTY.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
Selectman Knight commented that he did not seconded Dave’s motion because his intent for parking the buses at the Town Office Building was that it was temporary. It has been workable due to the reduction of the number of buses. Laidlaw considers the Youngerman property and Public Works equal. From the Town’s point of view, the disadvantage of the Youngerman property is that the buses must go a ¼ mile to fuel, all other issues, safety and lighting, are equal. Going with the Youngerman property gets them out of the Town Office parking lot and will make it easier to establish a facility in the future using Town property. Selectman Ennis commented that he looked at that property and the site line looked bad, taking trees down may not let you see around the corner any better than
Hancock Road with the hump.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -2- OCT. 2, 2000
It has 2 of the drawbacks of Hancock Road, the degree of isolation and the personal security along with equipment security. It is less objectionable than Hancock Road.
L. Worthington, a former driver with Laidlaw, commented that safety is a big issue; the junior high school kids could be waiting for a driver if they have had a spat. Laidlaw does not have a dispatcher there, it is safer here. Others agreed. E. Bancroft asked where the Youngerman property is and was told. He would like to see the Town develop their own facility. First Selectman Patton commented that it will need lighting, gates, etc. The original reason for having this at Public Works is that it is a Town facility and could be developed. The cost of developing either area was discussed. The buses will still have to fuel at the Public Works facility. G. Emmons commented that everything is dumped on Hancock Road but it is not the safest place. If Laidlaw is paying
$1000.00 a month we can use it to build up the Youngerman property. Behind the Fire Departments and Stock & Lock was discussed also. Selectman Knight commented that we looked around and did not find any more places than the First Selectman found, Public Works, Youngerman property, River Road Rec. area and the Town Office Building. There are 5 acres on Meadow Lane that the Town owns but that would not do. River Road Rec. area has a problem with access, water, site and would only be temporary since it is a restricted deed for recreation. A. St. Louis commented that he understands that you will have to put in a tank where you locate the buses and that would between $35,000 and $40,000. Selectman Ennis asked if that price was based on a quote and First Selectman Patton commented that it was based on his experience. K. Fisherkeller asked if you would have to put in more tanks at Public Works. First Selectman Patton commented no and he
would recommend fueling at Public Works even if the buses were at the Youngerman property. J. Lewis asked if you would be able to secure the Youngerman property for the drivers at all hours, there is no one around there, but at Public Works you have people around during the day. First Selectman Patton commented that we would put a gate there. E. Bancroft asked F. Salace, from Laidlaw, if Laidlaw would have a dispatcher there and was told the lead driver would have a cell phone. First Selectman Patton asked Selectman Knight if the Youngerman property was his preferred site and was told yes, at this time. First Selectman Patton commented that the Youngerman property is his back up site. L. Worthington commented that she was worried that there were no drivers here to comment. Discussion ended, vote on motion was held.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & KNIGHT) 1 NO (ENNIS)
First Selectman Patton commented that the next step is Planning & Zoning. A. St. Louis asked if there is money in the budget? First Selectman Patton commented it could come out of Public Works. The rent from Laidlaw will make up for it. A. St. Louis asked if this would be an on-going location. First Selectman Patton commented that he hoped so.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED THAT WE ENTER INTO A MONTH-TO-MONTH RENTAL AGREEMENT WITH LAIDLAW FOR BUS PARKING ON TOWN PROPERTY.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -3- OCT. 2, 2000
HOCKLA FARMS ROAD
First Selectman Patton commented that this issue started 4 or 6 years ago. We never officially abandoned that right of way. There are 2 lots and they need access, we are trying to make it happen, there is a path there for a driveway. If we abandoned it, it would go to the landowners on either side. First Selectman Patton brought out a map to show the area and a discussion followed on where Town maintains it. The Zoning Agent is happy with the caveats. They need to access the property from the right of way. Hopefully this will be the solution. First Selectman Patton is waiting to hear from the attorney. Selectman Knight commented that according to the PZC regulations, 2 lots can’t share a driveway. First Selectman Patton commented that it is a gray area
about abandoned roads. We would need to go to Town Meeting to official abandoned the road. There are 70 miles of Town roads, 15 or 20 miles of State roads and a question of who owns the other roads. Selectman Knight asked what happens to the area from Old Farms Road to Hockla Farms Road. First Selectman Patton replied that nothing happens, we are allowing him to put in the driveway. In the future if the Town says we want to complete the road, we can. Selectman Ennis commented that this guy would not loose his access. First Selectman Patton commented no, it allows everyone to do what they want. This is ongoing. R. Tulis commented that the right of way agreement must state everything. First Selectman Patton commented that the path is wide enough for a driveway, but not a road. The back lot will have no problem using it. R. Tulis commented that since this is a Town road, it can be revisited. First Selectman
Patton said yes, everything would be recorded on the land deeds. Selectman Ennis commented that this is for information purposes now, you are waiting to hear from the attorney.
MALACK PROPERTY
First Selectman Patton commented that this has been going on for about a year. There is 6 acres on Turnpike Rd. & I-84. When I-84 was put in, this property became landlocked; it was cut off from the north part of the property. Mr. Malack wants to give it to the Town and the Conservation Commission likes it. We did an environment study; there were some car chassis and paint cans and the ground water and soil testing in the area showed lead. We are trying to deal with DEP and DOT on this, it is in limbo. Selectman Ennis asked if it was possible to take a couple of scoops and contain them somewhere, dispose of them properly and ask for another test? First Selectman Patton commented that was sort of his idea also. The Conservation Commission wants this area.
VILLAGE HILL BRIDGE
First Selectman Patton commented that the hope is to go to bid in December. The Inland/Wetlands application was delayed over the summer to September. They had some questions on the tree canopy and the heating of the temperature of roaring Brook may be an issue. There is a concern about the bridge causing different effects on the stream. There are some valid concerns regarding the slope during construction. Since Federal money and standards are being used we needed a waiver. Inlands/Wetlands may meet on 10/23/00, there is a question on 1, 2, or 3 span bridge. We compromised with a 1 span with a deck; it allows a walkway under the bridge. We must bring in fill, reconstruct the road and do drainage. The old bridge will remain in place until the new one is finished.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -4- OCT. 2, 2000
We will have to go back to PZC for CGS 8-24. The money is available right now. First Selectman Patton commented that the hold up on Micro Science is because the appraisal was based on design residence. The bridge will take about 1 year.
C.I.C/TOWN WEBSITE
First Selectman Patton commented that Randy Perry, from Virtual Town Hall, was here today and left information for Selectman Ennis for the website. Every board and commission will have it’s own folder, 10 people will be allowed to update it, a calendar will be available from the site. First Selectman Patton commented that we spent about an hour and a half discussing issues, he asked Mr. Perry about going to Willingtonct.org and Mr. Perry will talk to NECA about this. First Selectman Patton asked Selectman Ennis if he knew if the Board of Education is doing their minutes on a processor now? Selectman Ennis will look into it. First Selectman Patton commented that we will have to cut and paste and e-mail all minutes. Everything should be up and running in a month.
BUCCINO SIDEWALKS
Selectman Ennis commented that he checked out the area and he does not know what to propose. Repairing stuff could be an approach, there is a lot of it. R. Tulis asked why should the Town pay for it? Selectman Ennis commented that it was requested that we look into it. First Selectman Patton explained that during the paving of Rt. 32, Mr. Buccino asked the State to do it and the State said to call the Town. Mr. Buiccino asked that we help him replace his walks, he would pay half and we would pay half. The area by the school also needs replacing or repairs. J. Lewis commented that the walks are on private property and the Town should not pay for it. A. St. Louis commented that it is an historic area and should be done. First Selectman Patton commented that the school
would cost about $32,000. A. St. Louis said it could be put in C.I.P. R. Tulis commented that you would not have to do the area that is fenced. Selectman Ennis commented that it is a bit complicated and he has no particular expertise in this area. A. St. Louis commented that he thinks it is a benefit to the public; it is the heaviest used area in Town for pedestrian use. Selectman Ennis commented that we need a committee to look at this.
Selectman Ennis, Wes Beebe and Gene Emmons agreed to be on the committee.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO HAVE A SIDEWALK COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF DAVE ENNIS, WES BEEBE AND GENE EMMONS.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
RIVER ROAD RECREATION COM.
Al St. Louis reported that there has been a lull over the summer; they are waiting for the engineer to make up some plans. They had the opportunity to get clean fill, 15,000 yards free. The Zoning agent okayed dumping the fill away from the inlands and wetlands. This savings amounts to between $80,000 and $100,000. We have the final design but need the whole set of plans. Mr. St. Louis commented that we advertised for ideas and got some but should we formally publicize it. First Selectman Patton replied that it would be a good idea and asked if they had heard from the Army Corp. of Engineers.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -5- OCT. 2, 2000
Mr. St. Louis commented that after the first letter, they were told they were tied up with other projects. They sent another letter to the Army Corp. of Engineers and he has not heard anything since they sent that letter.
G.I.S.
First Selectman Patton asked the Board if they had a change to see Susan Yorgensen’s maps from the Assessor’s office, they are done. Some things need to be cleared up and finalized then we will have real digital maps. The Conservation Commission is working on maps, when they are digitalized they will merge them. Susan and Glenn Smith will bring this to fruition. They are looking at software for Zoning, Building and the Assessors office. It should take 2 or 3 years and will bring people through the whole process when complete. We will have 3 D maps that show everything.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
First Selectman Patton commented that the new fire alarm system will be installed tomorrow. The old one was sending out false alarms and would be very costly to update with some of the parts completely unavailable. We went to bid on this and then the Fire Marshal met with the company and the First Selectman to go over the whole building. If we decide to go with a security system it can interface.
OPEN BIDS-TRANSFER STATION PAVEMENT SEALING
Four bid packages were sent out. Two replied.
M & M, Inc. - $7,500.00
Dalton Contracting Co. - $2,350.00 for XL1000
$3,975.00 for BCR2000
Copies of the bids will be given to K. Acimovic, W. Beebe and M. Eldredge to look over and this will be on the next agenda.
TOWN CABLE UPGRADE
First Selectman Patton commented that we are going to get cable on Hancock Road. The cable company is upgrading throughout the Town. All houses in Town will be available to be connected by mid November. They are giving a station to the Town and the schools. If we do not broadcast, there will be nothing on. The school and the Town will have a channel and Region 19 will hit all 3 towns. Selectman Ennis asked when will it be Internet access ready? First Selectman Patton said December. He will check the cost estimate of character access.
TOWN MEETING DATE – DROBNEY PROPERTY
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO HOLD A TOWN MEETING ON OCTOBER 11, 2000 AT 7:00 P.M. ON THE PURCHASE OF THE DROBNEY PROPERTY.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton commented that he will make sure we have all the restrictions for the Town Meeting.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -6- OCT. 2, 2000
TELEPHONE SYSTEM
First Selectman Patton commented that he is getting weekly pleas from the Board of Education and the Town Office staff about upgrading the telephone system. We have 3 different systems in this building. It could cost about $14,000 to do and then everyone can access each other. The schools want a new system and they have money available. We have the wiring done; we would be putting in new handsets and electronics. We can still function but it would be nice to have everyone on one system. First Selectman Patton will look into what we can do.
STAFF MEETING
A staff meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 11th at 8:30 A.M.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
A class for Sexual Harassment will be held here. When a date is set everyone will be notified. It will be a 2-hour session.
CHAIRS
First Selectman Patton commented that we have an opportunity to purchase 25 chairs from the Town of Mansfield; we are looking into the price and colors.
PUBLIC WORKS
Wes Beebe commented that they are taking down trees, clearing brush and getting the roads in shape. They are mowing also. The crew went to backhoe school. Wes applied for a $5,000.00 grant for road safety, we are eligible and it can be used for equipment.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO ADD COMPUTER UPGRADES, MID NEROC AND DROP BOX TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
COMPUTER UPGRADES
Selectman Ennis commented that he is aware of the thing that almost started with an outside agency. Are we getting the computer? First Selectman Patton commented that it is all done. Selectman Ennis commented that he heard that some of our computers are running on 16mg. We should upgrade them. First Selectman Patton commented that the recreation office needs to be upgraded. He will check into this.
MID NEROC
First Selectman Patton reported that he talked to Tim Wentzell, from MidNEROC, regarding people dropping off stuff in front of the Household Hazardous Waste Center when it is closed. He asked Mr. Wentzell to try to fix this, maybe put up some cameras and a warning. Selectman Knight commented that the next MidNEROC meeting is sometime in November and he will bring it up. First Selectman Patton commented that we could split the cost. It is more prevalent now.R. Tulis commented that we don’t want the stuff to end up on the road. S. Lewis suggested putting a notice in the Reminder/Broadcaster.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -7- OCT. 2, 2000
DROP BOX
First Selectman Patton commented that the Tax office asked that we consider installing a drop box so taxpayers coming after hours can drop off payments, like a bank drop. It does not seem like a big problem, it would go right into the office. Selectman Knight asked if it would be limited only to the tax office or could people drop off stuff for other offices? First Selectman Patton commented that you can’t stop people from dropping off stuff. Selectman Knight commented that he thinks it is a good idea. First Selectman Patton commented that if there are no objections we will pursue this. Selectman Knight commented that they would have to distribute the other mail.
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Patton commented that he received a proclamation to proclaim October 15, 2000 as White Cane Safety Day.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT OCTOBER 15, 2000 BE PROCLAIMED WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton commented that on a sad note he would like to mention the troubles of the Krivanec household on the passing of Chad and Kyle in the hospital.
The Youth, Family & Social Services is setting up a program to assist with meals, etc. First Selectman Patton commented that he appreciated everything that every one is doing for the Krivanec family. First Selectman Patton reported that the Finance department will be working on CAFR, it is a consolidated annual financial report. It is a higher degree of information then your typical audit. We are going to try to make it this year, it will be a little stretch but we will try. First Selectman Patton commented that he has been asked to bring water into the South Willington Village by the people and the Public Health official. He has a meeting with Tolland officials this week to discuss this. Selectman Knight asked what happened to the old supply? First Selectman Patton
commented that the infer-structure deteriorated, the pipes filled up. The South Willington Water Supply can’t pump, it just lets it flow. Tolland has an over abundance of pressure and water. The Public Health official said we need to do something. There is also a water problem at Hall School. After 12 years the State decided the well is to close to the oil tank. Selectman Ennis asked if there was any test regulations that would satisfy them? First Selectman Patton commented that the rule is they must be 150’ apart.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:08 P.M.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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