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 SEPT. 16, 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, P. Andersen, M. Brink, S. Cobb, E. D’Agata, K. Demers, D. Drobney, J. Humphrey,
L. Karpuska, T. Millix, P. Pribula and M. Schreiber. First Selectman Patton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 12/2/02 WITH THE FOLLOWING CORRECTIONS: REMOVE THE WORD REFUND FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS HEADING AND THE SENTENCE ABOUT BRUSH SHOULD READ TO CUT BRUSH.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK - No one.
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 the bridge is not going to open this year. The weather did not cooperate. The road crew graded the road; we will have to treat it as a gravel road. Selectman Eldredge asked if they could cold patch it? First Selectman Patton commented that it would cost $15,000 to do and we would have to tear it up in the spring. The membrane needs a certain temperature to be put down; there is too much frost on the ground. The north approach will have to be re-done in the spring. First Selectman Patton commented that it is not falling into place; he doesn’t want to push and have a bad job. We wanted to get it done but it is not worth taking the risk. He is sending a letter to the residents of that area regarding this. We are closing in
on it; they may have 2 months worth of work when they start up again. A-N will stay on for 6 weeks to do paper work. There is an extensive amount of paper required by the State.
APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPOINT DOROTHY DROBNEY AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE 1/1/03 TO 1/1/08.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING -2- SEPT. 16, 2002
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO RE-APPOINT ROBERT SHABBOT AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE 1/1/03 TO 1/1/08.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO RE-APPOINT RICHARD CLAUS, SR. AS THE MUNICIPAL ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER, TERM EFFECTIVE 1/1/03 TO 1/1/05.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
WILLIMANTIC RIVER GREENWAY
Kathy Demers, Peter Andersen, Paul Pribula and Marilyn Schreiber were present to discuss this. Kathy Demers commented that the Willimantic River Alliance is a non-profit organization; their goal is to increase public access to the river and protect the environment. They are planning to nominate the Willimantic corridor as a Greenway. This increases the chance for obtaining grants in the Greenway. Nine other towns have been asked to put together ideas. Willington’s ideas came from the Study Circle suggestions, to preserve open space and to look at the planned recreation area on Route 32 & Roaring Brook. We could have a trail from the recreation area to the brook. This is a vision, but we are not held to it. There is no time line or financial involvement. The
Conservation Commission has talked about protecting open space in Town. First Selectman Patton asked what the next step would be? Kathy commented that they must submit the application to the State by mid February. We need a resolution by the Board of Selectmen that says the Town is supportive of this. Selectman Eldredge asked if other towns have passed a resolution? Kathy commented that they are in the process of doing it. Kathy commented that we must have it in the Plan of Conservation and Development that we support the Greenway. First Selectman Patton asked if this was being headed up by the Conservation Commission and was told yes.
Marilyn Schreiber commented that it is not guaranteed that it will be named a Greenway. Selectman Lewis commented that the Scouts wanted to make a trail from Pinecrest to the bridge and ran into problems, do you need to contact the abutters? Kathy commented that the property they are talking about is D.E.P. property and one privately owned piece that the landowner has given an easement on. Selectman Eldredge commented that he thinks it is a good idea. Marilyn commented that the ultimate goal is to preserve the river. Kathy commented that we were looking to ask the Town’s support of the total Greenway. If it is deemed a State Greenway there are grants for construction and open space money. D.E.P. is looking to buy some CL&P property if they decide to sell. First
Selectman Patton asked when they need the resolution? Kathy commented that they need it by the end of January. The Conservation Commission will write a letter of support and she will ask the Plan of Conservation and Development to do the same. It does not change the rights of anyone. Selectman Lewis commented that the Eagle Scouts are always looking for projects.
FIRE DEPARTMENTS
First Selectman Patton commented that we asked you here to continue something that we started a couple of years ago, to discuss any problems or issues, get up to date reports and see if there is any thing we might help you with or if you have issues with us. We hope to have this quarterly. First Selectman Patton asked how are we doing with volunteers? Jim Humphrey, WFD#1, commented that we have the junior program and quiet a few juniors. Selectman Eldredge asked what is the junior program? Stuart Cobb commented that from age 14 on you can join, we follow OSHA regulations, they can be certified as MRTs at 14 and EMTs at 16. Overall our volunteer program is great, we have many in their 30s & 40s. Tyler Millix commented that they come through the membership services and word of
mouth, we are very pleased. Ed D’Agata, WHFD, commented that they just have a couple of new people, they have no one around their station during the day and are not on a main road where people can stop in. They also have the junior program.
REGULAR MEETING -3- SEPT. 16, 2002
First Selectman Patton asked if the 2 departments have done any training together? They have not. Selectman Lewis asked if both departments were trained on the new vehicle? They were. Both departments agreed they would try to do some training together. Selectman Lewis commented that communications between the departments is very important. First Selectman Patton asked when the WFD#1 pumper is due and was told March 2003. The Town of Union is interested in buying the old pumper. Tyler commented that they put together a building feasibility committee to look at our facilities and what our possibilities are. Someone from Zoning is on the committee to make sure we follow all the regulations. We need to decide about modifying the south station. Tyler commented
that the ambulance is making about 600/700 runs a year but not going to Stafford Springs so often. AMR is pulling out of the area so Union is talking to us about covering them. First Selectman Patton asked if they would involve the Town in this decision, if you are there you can’t be here. Tyler replied yes but the impact should not be huge. Jim Humphrey commented that it is also part of the mutual aid. First Selectman Patton asked if they have an active EMT and was told yes. First Selectman Patton asked Ed if WHFD had any nibbles on the tanker and was told no. Ed commented that they need to get rid of it, they are running out of space, they want to get a variance to enclose the back area to put stuff in there. Selectman Lewis commented that Tyler was just talking about the south station, what about that? Tyler commented that the county divers store their trucks there and there is a weight room. Selectman Eldredge
asked what can we do for you? Selectman Lewis commented about the State Police changing to a digital radio that others can’t pick up on. He thinks the Fire Departments need to know what is happening in Town. Tyler commented that the 2 chiefs and the First Selectman can have those radios after attending a 4-hour class. Tyler asked who the liaison with the State Police is? First Selectman Patton commented that he will give Tyler his name and phone number. Selectman Eldredge commented that both departments are doing a good job. First Selectman Patton commented that there is talk of a fire commission in town and asked both departments to think about it. Ed asked what the mission would be. First Selectman Patton commented that it would be to over see the fire services in Town and assure the cooperation of the departments in training, finances, purchases, etc. Tyler commented that they would need authority. Selectman
Eldredge commented that there would need to be an ordinance to support it and set their powers. Ed commented that he agrees with Tyler. We need people in fire services on the commission who know what we need. Stuart commented that we see the Board of Finance once a year, they only see the bottom line. We need people with knowledge of fire equipment and fire financing, it would lend credibility to our budget proposal for a commission to submit it and say this is our budget and this is how we are dividing it. Tyler commented that a commission could work. Ed asked if the Board would bring it up with the Fire Departments? First Selectman Patton replied yes, he was just bringing it up for thought now. If you know of any structure that works tell us so we can mull it over. Stuart asked about money for a new computer and was told he would have to go to the Board of Finance on that. The next meeting with the Fire Departments will
be the 1st Board meeting in February.
PUBLIC WORKS
First Selectman Patton commented that they were plowing today; they are cutting brush and working on Village Hill Road with the grader. They did the fence on Lohse Road and the fence at the River Road Recreation area. That area will be logged next week. Selectman Lewis commented that Glenn Smith reported that the gas line for the stove at the Town Hall is crimped and a grate needs to be fixed.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD MID YEAR CUTS IN STATE AID TO MUNICIPALITY TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton commented that we have the initial rescission of 5%, which is $11,355. The latest mid year cut by the Governor will be $101,000 if he does not get concessions from the unions.
REGULAR MEETING -4- SEPT. 16, 2002
Education will be decreased by 8.8%; the Pequot grant will be $65,000. Town aid roads will be cut in half, on top of what is already reduced. Manufacturing & equipment incentive is cut by 30%, and will be $23,000. Region 19 is getting hit for transportation reimbursement. The hits will be brutal. Selectman Eldredge asked if this is final? First Selectman Patton commented that the State Legislatures must approve it; there is a meeting next Wed. Taxes may go up. Year to date revenues are down, this is for this year. Next year that $300,000 totals 1 mil, Region 19 is looking at a $300,000 increase, 1 mil and Board of Education another mil. That is a 3-mil increase at least; we will have to see what happens with the Legislatures. Selectman Eldredge asked
about a letter to CL&P regarding a streetlight. First Selectman Patton commented that the state required the light coming out on to Route 44 so we must pay it.
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $25.62 TO CHASE MAN AUTO FIN CORP.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Patton reported that for fiscal year 2001 Willington was #2 in the State for tax collection rate. We had a rate of 99.5% and Farmington had 99.6%. First Selectman Patton commented that regarding the new library project, the Library Building Committee has some experience but none on the contractual end of a large building or project that size. He tried to get them to talk to construction experts to help them with the RFP for the architect and contract for the architect. The architect takes an AIA contract, that favors the architect, and says sign it. For the Senior Center we used C. Briggs so it favors the Town and beyond that, the construction document bid specks dealing with the contractor after selection. You need someone to watch over the Towns interest, they are your
advocate. Selectman Eldredge commented that they need a legal and construction expert like what we are doing with the bridge. First Selectman Patton commented yes, it is a $3M project and a 1% mistake is a lot. Selectman Lewis commented that he would like to see someone like that rather than a clerk of the works. First Selectman Patton commented that it is a good idea. Selectman Eldredge asked if this is what should be proposed for the new library project. First Selectman Patton replied yes, for the Town’s protection. Selectman Eldredge commented that he would support that. Selectman Lewis agreed, a clerk of the works is not enough on something this size. The Library Board and the Library Building Committee will be invited to the next meeting. The RFP is already out for the architect. Selectman Eldredge asked if the Board should pass a motion that this is what should be done and was told yes. Selectman
Lewis commented that once they understand it they may not object. First Selectman Patton commented that if we are doing this, we need to do it right. First Selectman Patton commented that we can invite C. Briggs to the meeting also. First Selectman Patton wished everyone a very good holiday.
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:23 P.M.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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