BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 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, Jeff Semmelrock, Jack Lewis, Debbie and Ralph Tulis, Rob Miller of Eastern Highlands Health District, Terry Hoffman, Judy Andersen and Nancy Vogel (Registrars of Voters), and Chris Krupa of The Chronicle.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 3/07/01.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK – Registrars of Voters
Judy Andersen and Nancy Vogel presented a survey to the board from the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities to rate our polling place to see if it is handicap accessible. The survey was done October 3, 2000 by Heather Harrison—there was no time for a written report before the November election, so verbally the Registrars were notified that another handicapped space was needed before the Presidential election. Wes took care of that situation by installing a handicapped sign next to the one other handicapped space. The Secretary of State is working with OPA—the report notes that the situations stated pertain to State/National elections only and no penalties are in place at this time.
First Selectman Patton noted that some of the modifications could be incorporated into the planned repairs that are scheduled for the Town Hall in the summer. Judy and Nancy did state that the steps at the front of the building are hard for the visually impaired also, and the entrance is difficult because there is not a walkway.
CORRESPONDENCE
A report of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectmen’s office.
OLD BUSINESS -nothing
NEW BUSINESS
A. Budget—First Selectman Patton reviewed with the board portions of the budget for which the Selectmen are responsible. There have been decreases in state revenues and we have a 6-7% tax increase. The budgets of the Assessor, Tax Collector, Town Clerk were discussed—the Town Office Operations budget is down 5%. Janitorial and postage are our two biggest amounts. The line item for Consulting Engineer is up $5000 due to the Land Use Department and Inland Wetlands requiring more of his services. Eastern Highlands Health District was discussed (see D). Public Works has a 3.8% increase due to the line-items for
tree removal, sand and salt increasing. The Transfer Station has a 2% increase (before salaries) primarily due to the increase in the amount of trash and the increase in trash removal.
The Board of Finance transferred money in for the Fire Departments. Capital
Projects and Reserve will be discussed under CIP. Recreation and Youth, Family and Social Services have large increases partly due to an increase in staff. Unemployment Compensation is a guess. Employee insurance has a 40% increase due to going to a 13½% premium increase and increased usage.
Selectman Ennis requested that a special meeting be set up for Monday, March 26, 2001 so that more time can be devoted to studying the budget, etc.
B. CIP Plan—First Selectman Patton noted that the CIP plan is a draft—there could be minor changes. The goal of the CIP is to maintain a steady level of net capital expenditures from the general budget around $545,000. The largest part of the capital expenditures budget is repayment of long-term debt. Bond payments for Moose Meadow Road Bridge continue until fiscal year 2006. Payments for Fenton-Ruby Park, landfill capping and ADA renovations continue until fiscal year 2010. Projects impacting the General Fund for the fiscal year 2002 include school maintenance—updating the kitchen at Center School, playground
fencing at Center School, and digitizing the land use documents. Projects outside the General Fund include a cemetery driveway, Fenton-Ruby Wildlife Inventory, River Road Recreation Ball Fields, Hall Memorial School’s water system and painting the Town Hall.
The largest fiscal impact planned for the future will be the building of a community library. If the Town approves the building of the library, bond payments are projected to begin in fiscal year 2007 and continue for twenty years. The CIP committee has agreed that, after the long-term study of the two Willington Fire Departments, their first priority was replacement of some existing vehicles. A new “emergency equipment fund” was established for future purchases and renovations of fire equipment.
Selectman Ennis noted that Hall School sidewalks should be added to the plan. First Selectman Patton will add that item.
C. Safety Committee—First Selectman Patton wants to re-establish the Safety Committee to watch over work practices. The committee should consist of a member of the Board of Selectman, a Public Works employee and a Town of Willington employee. Selectman Ennis would like this item put on the agenda for the next regular meeting.
D. Eastern Highlands Health District—Rob Miller, Director of Eastern Highlands Health District, gave a detailed presentation to the board on the history and qualifications of the Health District. Since May of 2000 we have contracted their services and now we must join the district or go out on our own. We have to call a public hearing on this. Rob stated that the district now consists of Coventry, Bolton, Mansfield and Tolland. They provide good services at a reasonable price and are a user-friendly organization. They would cover communicable disease control, public health, environmental health issues and food protection.
In addition, they would work with Planning and Zoning, or any other committee or group with public health concerns.
Rob also explained the structure of the organization. They have a Board of Directors—Tolland has two representatives, and each of the other towns has one. These representatives set the policy; their population determines the number of representatives for each town. By-laws are in place and no decisions are made without representation for each town. The advantage to joining would be that we would have a consistent amount of coverage and there would not be any disruption of services.
To join, we would have to hold a public hearing, take a vote, and appoint our representative. The transition would be seamless. The cost for contracted services for fiscal year 2001 was $20,509; the cost for full membership for fiscal year 2002 would be $21, 243.
Rob answered questions from the meeting participants. First Selectman Patton noted that the year we have been with EHHD has been very positive. Ron Poulin, an area builder, spoke in favor of EHHD also.
First Selectman Patton motioned that pursuant to 19a-241, Formation of a District Department, to call a public hearing followed by a town meeting concerning joining the Eastern Highlands Health District.
Selectman Ennis seconded.
The public hearing was set for March 28, 2001 at 7:00 p.m.
E. Public Works--First Selectman Patton spoke for Public Works. This is a quiet time—hopefully winter storms are over. They have been working on truck maintenance, the town pit and getting ready for spring clean-up.
F. Village Hill Bridge State Project Agreement—First Selectman Patton has been notified by the State that if the designs and approvals are completed by May 1, 2001, the money will be available for the Village Hill Bridge State Project and we can go out to bid.
He has a resolution to sign the construction agreement. It reads:
Resolved, that John Patton, First Selectman of the Town of Willington is authorized to sign the “Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Willington” for the construction, inspection and maintenance required in conjunction with the replacement of the Village Hill bridge (Bridge No. 04810) over Roaring Brook utilizing Federal funds and a project grant under the state’s local bridge program, State Project No. 160-129, Federal Project No. BRZ-6160(6).
He noted that the total cost of the bridge is $1.3 million dollars with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds. This would be subject to a federal single audit due to the amount of money spent.
Selectman Ennis requested that this be tabled until next week’s special meeting.
It was agreed to table the item.
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman John Patton updated the board of the condition of Dave Potz.
Dave is recovering from a stroke and is facing a long recovery period. With the approval of the board, John would like the town to donate to the David Potz Benefit Fund.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:31 P.M.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Noyes
Acting Secretary
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