BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FEB. 12, 2001
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 and members of the public.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 1/16/01.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Wilbur Gangaway, Claudia D’Agata and Barbara Smith, members of the Board of Outreach of the Federated Church, presented the Board with a letter regarding the grant application to the Dept. of Transportation for a vehicle. First Selectman Patton read the letter which ask that the Board reconsider their decision to implement a program that would be an expense to the taxpayers, would be available for only 5 hours, 5 days a week and would duplicate a program that is already in place, 24 hours, 7 days and free to the residents. First Selectman Patton referred to his memo to the Board recommending that they withdraw the application for the grant. First Selectman Patton commented that it was never his intention to slight anyone, he thought of this as supplemental. This will be brought up at the next
Board meeting.
Mark Biledeau spoke regarding the petition to have the Board of Selectmen rescind their decision to park school buses at the Youngerman property and proceed with design work that would satisfy zoning requirements for a special permit for parking school buses at the T.O.B. Mr. Biledeau commented that he couldn’t believe that the attorney recommends denying the petition to call a town meeting. He asked if the T.O.B. has been surveyed and why we are concentrating on Rt. 320 and why we can’t change the zoning regulations. First Selectman Patton commented that it must be for primary use or accessory use, buses are not accessory to the T.O.B., they are accessory to the school. Discussion followed on the traffic on Rt. 320 and Old Farms Road, the number of other properties looked at and the
cost of preparing either property. Discussion also followed on the letters from Attorney Branse and Attorney Briggs, many people believe both attorneys opinions are wrong. Karen Fisherkeller commented that she feels the Board does not want to hear from the people. We want a hearing. Selectman Ennis commented that it has not been refused yet. Carlton Csiki commented that he is not a proponent of the petition or the question; he is here as a proponent and supporter of our statutory right to have our concerns addressed.
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Mr. Csiki went on to read a chronological list of PZC meetings, letters and applications regarding the school buses. Mr. Csiki commented that in his opinion the petition is valid. It is the Board’s duty to call a meeting if proper, the petition meets the criteria. First Selectman Patton commented that we received the petition from the Town Clerk on Jan. 18, 2001; we will assume the fact that it has been received here tonight. A question about the cost to put the buses at the Youngerman property or anywhere else was asked. First Selectman Patton commented that he is working up prices. If we do not do anything it would be a net loss. Laidlaw has agreed to pay $1,000 a month rent; we would use that to build a facility. The question was asked if there is a guarantee that
any company will park there. First Selectman Patton said that was up to the Board of Education, they do not have to go there, it could happen. Most companies would use it. Part of the work will be done by Public Works, Laidlaw is donating a trailer, and we need to put in a well and electricity. For almost 2 years we will get $22,000 in rent, the trailer and upgrades to the tanks; it will take 1 year’s rent to do it. Mr. Emmons wanted to know what will happen to the Town roads while Public Works is working on the parking lot. He is for the Town Meeting. First Selectman Patton commented that they will get done.
CORRESPONDENCE
Report of correspondence available at the meeting and in the Selectmen’s office. First Selectman Patton commented that there is a letter from the Willington Hill Fire Dept. for the C.I.P. committee requesting re-siding of their building. First Selectman Patton will bring this to the Board of Finance meeting. There is also a letter from J. Peters, chairman of the membership services committee stating that at this time the committee does not feel they can recommend pursuing the tax abatement/stipend program due to several unresolved issues. Selectman Knight asked if he is speaking for both departments? First Selectman Patton commented that they were the only department that a committee.
SUBORDINATION REQUEST
Case #01-2 is requesting the Town to subordinate a rehab lien in order to obtain a home equity loan; there is no mortgage on the home. The rehab lien is under $3,500 and the Town is protected by the value of the house.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO APPROVE THE SUBORDINATION REQUEST OF CASE #01-2 TO TOLLAND BANK.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPOINT ALTERNATE ROSA HELENA CHINCHILLA AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, TO TAKE MARY ELLEN DAVIS’ PLACE, TERM TO BE EFFECTIVE 1/18/01 TO 1/1/05.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES -3- FEB. 12, 2001
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPOINT REGULAR MARY ELLEN DAVIS AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, TO TAKE ROSA HELENA CHINCHILLA’S PLACE, TERM TO BE EFFECTIVE 1/18/01 TO 1/1/04.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PUBLIC WORKS
Wes Beebe commented that they have been plowing, sanding, pushing back and repairing. It was one of the biggest storms in 4 years. Everyone did an excellent job, there were only a couple of breakdowns and they were fixed within hours. The budget is doing well. Wes and First Selectman Patton looked at the intersection of Navratil & Luchon Roads, it is very wide. First Selectman Patton commented that they are thinking of putting a small rotary there and taking out the stop signs. K. Acimovic will look at it. Mr. Gangaway asked if there were bigger stop signs and was told yes. First Selectman Patton commented that we were planning to replace the GMC chassis in the 78 Mac in 2 years; Wes found a new GMC cab & chassis at a good price. Wes commented that it is listed
at $61,000 and we could probably get it for $39,000 if we move fast. We keep the body and repaint it and set it on the new chassis and save $20,000. First Selectman Patton commented that he would go to the Board of Finance for this.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO PRESENT THIS REQUEST TO THE BOARD OF FINANCE FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton commented that regarding the Village Hill Road Bridge, it is rumored that the right of way is almost done; the closing could be any moment. Two parcels are to be taken; it is one of the final pieces of the puzzle. We can go to bid in March, they have money now. We are hoping this spring or fall we can start. It will take one year to build and the present bridge will remain while the new one is built.
SET DATE FOR TOWN MEETING
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO SET 2/22/01 AT 7:00 P.M. FOR A TOWN MEETING TO SEE IF THE TOWNSPEOPLE, ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF FINANCE, WILL AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,000 TO PREPARE A PLAN OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT AS REQUESTED BY THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AND TO APPROVE $40,000 FROM CAPITAL PROJECTS – LOCIP – CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT TO BE REIMBURSED BY LOCIP TO PRODUCE THE PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PORTION OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
First Selectman Patton explained that every 10 years we must do this; it has been 21 years since we did it. PZC went to bid and decided on CHA out of Rocky Hill.
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They will have public meetings and they offer a more comprehensive plan. The Board of Finance recommends this.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO HAVE A TOWN MEETING ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2001 AT 7:00 P.M. FOR THE PETITION SUBMITTED ON JANUARY 18, 2001 TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE WHETHER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN SHALL RESCIND THEIR DECISION TO PARK SCHOOL BUSES IN THE TOWN GRAVEL PIT AND INSTEAD PROCEED WITH THE DESIGN WORK THAT WOULD SATISFY THE ZONING REQUIREMENTS TO SECURE A SPECIAL ZONING PERMIT WHICH WOULD ALLOW SCHOOL BUS PARKING AT THE TOWN OFFICE COMPLEX.
Selectman Ennis commented that he doesn’t see how the proposed site will be possible either; he does not understand what the principle use of it will be. First Selectman Patton said a municipal parking lot; there is no primary use for that property now. Selectman Knight commented that you could split that up, school bus parking would take up 3 acres. First Selectman Patton commented that that didn’t seem to be an issue with the Zoning Enforcement Officer. First Selectman Patton commented that we need to go for a special permit. Selectman Knight commented that the object is to show that the zoning regulations can be lived with. It is not a good idea for government to say that we can just ignore the regulations. Selectman Ennis commented that if the town’s desire
to keep the buses here can’t be satisfied because you can have only one principle use for an R80 parcel than that has to apply to the other also. First Selectman Patton commented that it would be a municipal parking lot. Even if you could put them here you could never meet the special permit requirements. It is frivolous for the fact that it does not meet the requirements. Mr. Emmons commented that the people should be able to change the regulations. Peter Latincsics commented that he thinks the First Selectman’s opposition to this site is unfeasible because it is based on letters from 2 attorneys. Mr. Latincsics sees multi uses here now, the senior center, the school offices and the recreation fields.
Discussion followed on the date of the Town Meeting. It was decided to have the meeting on 1/26/01.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO WARN A TOWN MEETING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2001 AT 7:00 P.M. PURSUANT TO THE PETITION RECEIVED BY THE TOWN CLERK JANUARY 18, 2001 AND RECEIVED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ON FEBRUARY 12, 2001 FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
ITEM I
TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE WHETHER THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN SHALL RESCIND THEIR DECISION TO PARK SCHOOL BUSES IN THE TOWN GRAVEL PIT AND INSTEAD PROCEED WITH THE DESIGN WORK THAT WOULD SATISFY THE ZONING REQUIREMENTS TO SECURE A SPECIAL ZONING PERMIT WHICH WOULD ALLOW SCHOOL BUS PARKING AT THE TOWN OFFICE COMPLEX.
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES -5- FEB. 12, 2001
ITEM II
TO SEE IF THE TOWNSPEOPLE, ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF FINANCE, WILL AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,000 TO PREPARE A PLAN OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT AS REQUESTED BY THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AND TO APPROVE $40,000 FROM CAPITAL PROJECTS – LOCIP – CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT TO BE REIMBURSED BY LOCIP TO PRODUCE THE PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PORTION OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO SET FEBRUARY 16, 2001 AT 7:30 A.M. FOR A SPECIAL BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
TAX REFUND
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $179.90 TO VILLAGE HILL DIST. LLC.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Knight commented that the Town does not plow Williams Road, off Navratil Road. Houses have been there 20 years. Can we get a petition to accept it as a Town road? Mr. Gangaway commented that years ago they did not want it plowed. First Selectman Patton commented that it is a private road. First Selectman Patton commented that the closing on the Drobney property will be this week.
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:00 P.M.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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