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 JUNE 3, 2002
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 Eldredge & Lewis, W. Beebe, C. Demers, W. Goodale, N. Gray, T. Hoffman, R. Lamont, C. Psathas,
G. St. Louis and J. Semmelrock. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 5/6/02.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
William Goodale, an alternate on the Planning & Zoning Commission, was present to discuss the vacancy on that commission. A letter was sent from the chairman of PZC recommending that he be appointed to the vacancy. He understands that the seat was held by a member of A Sentinel Party and has been told that when a vacancy occurs the Party is notified and asked for a recommendation. The V.P. of A Sentinel Party came to the commission meeting with a person that many of the Party members did not even know. Mr. Goodale commented that he has served as an alternate for many years and feels that he should be appointed to fill the vacancy. This item is on the agenda and will be addressed later.
Chris Demers, Roselyn Lamont and Christine Psathas were present as part of a communication group that grew out of the Study Circles. They are looking into ways to improve communications between the Town and residents and vice versa. Christine Psathas commented that they have brain stormed a couple of ideas, newsletter, community calendar, website, etc. Some things could be cost a lot, questions came up about who would take charge and do the writing and editing. They handed out a printed sample of what they might want to go out. They are willing to take charge for a 3-month trial and see where we go from there. Roselyn Lamont commented that the Reminder charges $350 to run this sheet but you collect a lot of information in one spot. First Selectman Patton commented that they will
run something free, in column form, but it is all over and you must look for it. Chris Demers asked if this form was okay and was told yes. Chris commented that they would like to see some hits on the website. Selectman Lewis commented that we have 5 notice boxes plus here, we could put that in the boxes. Some of the businesses are willing to post non-political information. Chris commented that they surveyed people with regard to reading the notice boxes and at stores and the majority do not read what is there. The Reminder is good. Selectman Lewis commented that you would have to put it in 2 different Reminders for both sides of the Town, would they charge 2 times? Roselyn will look into this. Selectman Lewis commented that we need to get information out, only 304 people voted at the budget referendum, many people said they did not know about it.
REGULAR MEETING -2- JUNE 3, 2002
Gay St. Louis commented that she could put a small insert in with the tax bills. Discussion followed on doing a newsletter by mail to all residents; it would be around .11cents ea. There is the problem of who will be in charge of getting the newsletter together. First Selectman Patton commented that we could run this a couple of times in the Reminder; we do need to track how it is received. We could put that it is a trial run, if you like it please let us know. We will give it a try. The Board agreed.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
VILLAGE HILL ROAD BRIDGE
First Selectman Patton commented that this is the 3rd week now, there have been a couple of catches, and they are a little messy but decent people. They will put in their first requisition for payment soon. We are on schedule, they are pouring the footings this week and the State is doing tests. We are moving along; they know what they are doing. Our engineer is there all day.
SENIOR CENTER UPDATE
First Selectman Patton commented that we received 8 proposals, interviewed 4 architect firms and selected Lazarus & Sargent for the Senior Center. They have a lot of experience with senior centers. The $500,000 Small Cities grant has been approved and we should receive it within 45 days, and $500,000 from OPM (STEAP) for a total of $1million for the center and the infrastructure around it. He received a verbal on it. We have to set up a bank account to accept the money. The Housing Authority is meeting with developers to see where they go from here. We will have to force them along, when we design the center we have to design the housing to know what we are doing and where things go, we need an entire set of comprehensive plans. First Selectman Patton commented that he
thinks they are looking at 4-unit cottages rather than 2-story buildings. We will need outlines and approximate sizes. We might get more money from another grant. Selectman Lewis asked if these grants would do the septic also? First Selectman Patton commented that the $1 million will do the center, utilities and road; the septic will require more funds.
PERSONNEL POLICY
Discussion followed on appendix A, the benefit policy for exempt employees. First Selectman Patton commented that he would agree to an insurance waver of $800. As of July 1, 2002 the Town would pay 93% of the dental and health insurance for employees working 35 hours per week or more. For employees working less than 35 hours, but more than 20 hours, the Town would pay 70%. Selectman Eldredge commented that the Board of Education gets a waiver between $1,200 and $3,300. In the past we have hired experienced employees with more vacation time then we offer. The suggestion is to 0-5 yrs. of service: determined at time of hire depending on experience (normally 2 weeks, not to exceed 3 weeks per year). 5-10 yrs. of service: 1 additional week. 10+yrs. of service:
1 day a year until maximum of 4 weeks. Selectman Eldredge commented that this does not take anything away from current employees. First Selectman Patton said no. Regarding sick/ personal days, First Selectman Patton commented that he had put 12 days, even though the union gets 15 days because the union is hourly and can take hours off for sick days, salaried employees are not charged by the hour and are able to take part of a day. They would be able to accrue 120 sick days, we may be able to have a payout of 25% of accrued sick days on retirement. There could also be an emergency sick day bank, 6 days for each year from date of hire, but this could only be used after all accrued sick days are used and there would be no pay out on these days. This would apply only after 5 years of service. Employees are eligible to participate in the Town’s Simple IRA plan. Regarding weekly hours, each employee and the Board should agree
upon a core set of weekly hours from which leave and insurance benefits will be derived. The hours will be based on the current salary and may be changed with the approval of the Board and approved by the Board of Finance.
REGULAR MEETING -3- JUNE 3, 2002
Employees will receive longevity payments of $425 for 7-15 yrs. of seniority or $625 for more than 15 years. Elected employees: the Town Clerk will discuss her hours with the Board and be eligible for benefits in the same proportion as other salaried employees. Selectman Eldredge commented that he has a problem with the insurance waiver being larger than the union waiver. He also thinks the policy should not have anything that says in accordance with the union contract, people think they have to refer to the union contract. Selectman Lewis commented that this policy refers to all employees not just exempt employees. First Selectman Patton commented that he has no problem taking it out. Selectman Eldredge asked if the First Selectman was going to redo the policy and give it to them?
First Selectman Patton commented that he will meet with the Board of Finance members first. Selectman Lewis asked that the section regarding discrimination about criminal records and physical condition be checked with the attorney and also there could be something about under extenuating circumstances of extended sick time, there could be a payback, on a special bases. The revised Personnel Policy will be on the next agenda.
CHIP SEALING CONTRACT
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO AWARD THE CHIP SEALING CONTRACT FOR 2002
TO GORMAN BROTHERS, INC. FOR $1.09 PER GAL. AS PER THEIR BID.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
AWARD COLD MIX CONTRACT
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO AWARD THE COLD MIX CONTRACT FOR 2002 TO GORMAN BROTHERS, INC. FOR $18.00 PER TON AS PER THEIR BID.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
AWARD SNOW PLOWING CONTRACT
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO AWARD A SNOW PLOWING CONTRACT FOR 2002-2005 TO HIPSKY CONSTRUCTION AND SADOW EXCAVATION, FOR $70.00 PER HOUR FOR 2 TRUCKS AS PER THEIR BIDS.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
APPOINTMENTS
First Selectman Patton commented that we have a letter from the PZC recommending William Goodale to fill a vacancy and we have a letter from A Sentinel Party recommending Norman Gray to fill the vacancy. An elected Sentinel Party member held the seat before. First Selectman Patton explained to Mr. Goodale
that it has been the policy of all Boards to ask the party that held the elected seat for a recommendation for a vacancy and to try to fill the vacancy with their recommendation. Selectman Lewis commented that he didn’t think Mr. Goodale could run for an elected seat due to working full time for the Postal Service. Mr. Goodale commented that he believes that law has changed. Selectman Lewis commented that you do a good job but the courtesy of allowing a party to recommend and fill the vacancy has always been done in the past. First Selectman Patton commented that he thinks Mr. Goodale does a good job and he hopes Mr. Goodale understands about keeping the seat with the party. Selectman Eldredge also commented that he believes Mr. Goodale is doing a good job.
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT WILLIAM GOODALE AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF BOB BEGANSKY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PZC CHAIRMAN
REGULAR MEETING -4- JUNE 3, 2002
AL ST. LOUIS AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE AT THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN 11/03.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 1 YES (ELDREDGE) 2 NO (PATTON & LEWIS) – MOTION FAILS
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPOINT NORMAN GRAY AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF BOB BEGANSKY, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE AT THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN 11/03.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & LEWIS) 1 ABSTAIN (ELDREDGE)
PUBLIC WORKS
Wes Beebe commented that they finished sweeping and mowing; they will start cold-mix next Monday. First Selectman Patton commented that Karl Acimovic is working on Mirtl Road, Hockla Farms Rd, Y Rd. & Fisher Hill Rd. First Selectman Patton commented that he got a call from DOT, district 1. They will help us out on Hancock Rd. & Rte. 320 with paving; he told them we would like trucks and flaggers. He received the draft of the contract from ATT for the cell tower at the Transfer Station and has sent it to the Town Attorney. First Selectman Patton commented that we need to think about building a storage area, something with 10,000 sq. ft.
The school always needs storage and recreation does.
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $100.17TO DOUGLAS CONNOR.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $99.19 TO KENDALL W. HUPPER.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $184.44 TO FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $182.59 TO HEIDI ZELONKA.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PROCLAMATION
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, JOHN PATTON, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON DO HEREBY PROCLAIM JUNE, 2002, AS:
REGULAR MEETING -5- JUNE 3, 2002
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AWARENESS MONTH
IN THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON AND URGE ALL RESIDENTS TO JOIN WITH ME, DURING THE PERIOD, IN AN ATTEMPT TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE NEED FOR EDUCATION, TREATMENT, RESEARCH, AND ULTIMATELY AN END TO THIS AS YET INCURABLE DISEASE. I ALSO URGE ALL CITIZENS TO JOIN ME IN CONGRATULATING THE MYASTHENIA GRAVIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, INC. ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I HEREUNTO SET MY HAND AND CAUSE THE SEAL OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON TO BE AFFIXED THIS 3RD. DAY OF JUNE IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, TOW THOUSAND TWO.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Eldredge asked when the fuel monitor would be installed? First Selectman Patton told him in July. Laidlaw contracted with the installer for $15,000. Selectman Lewis commented that he went to the bio-terrorism conference. They talked about regionalization and health districts but did not specify anything. We got the Governor’s handbook. First Selectman Patton commented that Hall School graduation is June 13th. Selectman Lewis reminded everyone that the VFW dinner is June 14th.
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40 P.M.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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