Town of Willington
BOARD OF SELECTMEN ° 40 OLD FARMS ROAD ° WILLINGTON, CONNECTICUT 06279 ° (860) 487-3100 ° FAX (860) 487-3103
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING NOV. 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: Selectman Knight, D. Becker, M. Bilodeau, J. Bolsteridge, K. & T. Demers, L. Hisey, R. Hisey, J. & S. Lewis, J. Semmelrock, R. & D. Tulis. Selectman Ennis arrived at 6:44 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 11/5/01.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Mr. & Mrs. Demers, of Mirtl Road, were present to discuss the need for a bus turn a round on Mirtl Road. The previous turn a round has been discontinued at the property owner’s request. Mr. & Mrs. Demers allow a mini bus to use their driveway to turnaround in. That does not help their high school age son who has a disability and must walk 7/10s of a mile to Rt. 320 and cross 320 at first light, in order to get the school bus. Right now he is the only high school child on that road, but others are coming up, including a child with a disability. The Superintendent told Mr. Demers that this was temporary and that the Town was looking into another turn a round at the end of the road. There is now a fence at the end of the road. First Selectman Patton commented that we
would not put a turn a round in; the contractor makes up the routes and goes to the Superintendent for approval. We only get involved to help out once a turn a round gets identified, to move rocks, etc. Mr. Demers commented that this was an existing turn a round for 17 years. This started in August, it is getting close to winter and we have no bus turn a round for the high school, the Superintendent told him it is up to the Town. Mr. Bilodeau asked the First Selectman if this was in his hands now? First Selectman Patton commented that we only help, he will ask the Supervisor of Public Works and Laidlaw to look at it. If the Board of Education needs our help we will give it and do what we can. Mr. Demers commented that he was told 3 times to call the First Selectman. D. Tulis commented that she is on the Board of Education and commented that this is the first she has heard about this. If you are not getting any resolution to your
problem, come to the Board of Education.
First Selectman Patton commented that he will look into what can be done.
Mark Bilodeau, of Mirtl Road, gave a copy of Chapter 98, Municipal Powers, Sec. 7-148 (E) Nuisance to First Selectman Patton. He feels that insurance agents have harassed a few people with disabilities. He is speaking about harassment that goes on for years and is disruptive to these people and their families. They do have the right to investigate but not to carry it on for years. He objects to the tactics they use. He would like the Town to look into adopting an ordinance for this. First Selectman Patton commented that he would send it off to the Town Attorney.
REGULAR MEETING -2- NOV. 19, 2001
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Diane Becker, of the Transportation Committee, commented that the Committee recommended not buying a van at this time; the existing volunteer drivers program could benefit from assistance from the Town in terms of covering the drivers insurance and establishing a training program, and some type of listing to let the Town know when rides are being given. There is the need for publicity and a brochure that should go town wide and be updated every couple of years. When senior housing has been occupied for 6 months this should be revisited.
SIDEWALK COMMITTEE
Selectman Ennis commented that the informational meeting was attended by people from the area of the sidewalks and they all had varying opinions and wishes. They felt the need to think it over, talk to their neighbors and meet again. The committee would then make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. First Selectman Patton asked if Selectman Ennis had a list of people who attended and was told no, only a list of those called about the meeting. They are expecting to have another meeting.
SAFETY COMMITTEE
Selectman Knight commented that CCM says that what we have is not proper. The Board of Education is dragging. Debbie Tulis commented that Earl Bancroft has recommended that the Board of Education participate in the Safety Committee. They did not act on it but will when the new Board is seated. First Selectman Patton commented that he will send a letter to the Superintendent saying we are going ahead with or without the Board of Education. Selectman Knight commented that the committee must be made up of an equal number of employees and management, we do have some of the things in place. The return to work policy needs to be modified a bit.
APPOINTMENTS
SELECTMAN KNIGHT MOVED TO APPOINT JANICE BOLSTERIDGE TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO FILL A VACANCY, TERM EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 20, 2001 UNTIL THE NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO APPOINT ROBERT E. SHABBOT AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, TO FILL A VACANCY, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE JANUARY 1, 2003.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPOINT ANN CILFONE AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATE AND TO EXPIRE NOVEMBER 7, 2003.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING -3- NOV. 19, 2001
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPOINT THOMAS SMITH AS THE REPRESENTATIVE TO MIDNEROC AND KEVIN WELCH AS THE ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
CCM/PERODEAU V. HARTFORD
First Selectman Patton read the 2 issues regarding this. The purpose of the letter from CCM is to determine the Town’s interest in supporting CCM’s participation as amicus curiae in this case. This was tabled.
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $34.65 TO CHRISTINA M. TAYLOR.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $15.90 TO HELEN WILDE.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
PUBLIC WORKS
First Selectman Patton commented that they have finished Fifth Foot Road and Village Hill and Schofield Roads. They are grading the gravel roads and getting the trucks ready for snow. Selectman Ennis asked about the oil and water separator and was told it is in. First Selectman Patton commented that Wes is working on a schedule for Mason Road and preparing for winter.
TOWN MEETING DATE
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO HOLD AT TOWN MEETING ON NOVEMBER 28, 2001 AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE TOWN HALL.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD ATTORNEY LETTER TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton commented that this letter is from Shipman & Goodwin, the Town labor attorney and read the first paragraph: “You have asked for our advice regarding the ability of an employee of the Town of Willington (the “Town”) to serve on the Town’s Board of Selectmen (the “Board”). Based on our analysis as described below, we conclude that the employee in question is prohibited by the Connecticut General Statutes from serving on the Board of Selectmen.” Selectman Ennis commented that he disagrees, the attorney talked a lot and invoked public mechanism on which he bases his opinion. Selectman Knight commented that he thinks they did not have all the information. The question was raised as to why the attorney was consulted. First
Selectman Patton commented that the Town Clerk called the Secretary of State and was told to call the attorney for an opinion, this is the opinion.
REGULAR MEETING -4- NOV. 19, 2001
GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Ennis commented that he urges the Board to take a hard look at what Mr. Bilodeau brought in, this needs to be addressed. First Selectman Patton commented that it has been an interesting two years.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:50 P.M.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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