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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 JAN. 21, 2003
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, R. Hisey, P. Latincsics and J. Nafis. First Selectman Patton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 1/6/03 WITH A CHANGE UNDER PUBLIC WORKS WHERE HE IS REFERRED TO AS FIRST SELECTMAN.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Jody Nafis, of Eastern Highlands Health District, was present to discuss a Cardiovascular Health Program. EHHD represents the Towns of Willington, Bolton, Coventry, Mansfield and Tolland. They received a grant from the State Department of Health to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. This program will look at the community and see what the obstacles to good health are. Some things can’t be changed, like race, sex and heredity. Other things, like smoking, hypertension, diabetes and physical activity can be changed. They need to reach out to the 5 towns and invite them to take part in this project, in work groups. They will concentrate on eating and exercise. A meeting will be held on Feb. 13th at the Coventry Community Center, all residents are invited but
they do need to notify EHHD if they will attend, by e-mail, EHHD-CVH@mansfieldct.org or by phone, 429-3325. Ms. Nafis commented that she is looking forward to the community getting involved. The grant is a 3-year grant. Selectman Lewis asked if the seniors are involved and was told if they want. First Selectman Patton asked Ms. Nafis what she needed from the Board? Ms. Nafis commented that they would like to put up posters and give out literature. They want everyone to know about this.
Robert Hisey was present to discuss his letter of 1/12/03 to the Board. The letter addressed the Selectmen’s log of correspondence and a letter from him in the log. Mr. Hisey asked who brought the letter to the Selectmen since it was written to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Selectman Lewis commented that it is public information and since the First Selectman was mentioned so often in it, it is not unusual for this office to get it. We get minutes and correspondence from all Boards. Selectman Lewis commented to Mr. Hisey that he was taking Board time for a personal matter; this is not a Board problem. Under F.O.I. we do not have to have present to speak, but we do, for public matters not personal, you keep coming back with personal problems. Mr. Hisey asked if Selectman Lewis
was telling him that he does not have the right to address the Board? Selectman Lewis commented that you do but not on personal matters. First Selectman Patton commented that everyone knows that you have a personal vendetta against me.
REGULAR MEETING -2- JAN. 21, 2003
Mr. Hisey wanted to know who went down and asked for a copy of the first letter. First Selectman Patton commented that this correspondence involved the First Selectman in every aspect, hinting that the First Selectman may be tainting a ZBA matter. Maybe that is why it was given to this office. Selectman Lewis commented that there was nothing wrong with it coming to us. First Selectman Patton commented that when he read the first letter he requested the other material. Mr. Hisey asked who submitted it? First Selectman Patton commented that he asked the department for it.
Mr. Latincsics commented that he was present to discuss this matter, the budget and the library. Mr. Latincsics asked if all members of the Board reviewed ZBA matters? Selectman Lewis commented that he gets involved in lots of matters. Mr. Latincsics asked how the letter to ZBA got here? Mr. Latincsics was told that it was put in the Selectman’s in box and then listed in the correspondence log. Copies are given to the others if they want a copy. Mr. Latincsics commented that with the reduction in the state money to towns and our budget and Region 19’s budget and a possible 3-mil tax increase, has the Board contacted all boards to submit a 0% increase budget? First Selectman Patton commented that the Board of Finance does that. Mr. Latincsics asked what are we
doing to address this, is the Board meeting with other boards and Region 19? Selectman Lewis replied that we do not know what will happen yet. We must wait for the legislators to vote, we could end up with a big or small mid term problem. We do not know where we are. Mr. Latincsics asked if we are doing anything like a spending freeze or hiring freeze, anything to address major cuts from the state? Can we stop discretionary spending? First Selectman Patton replied that we do not have discretionary spending; he is sending a letter to the union requesting them not to reopen the contract. The Board of Education does their budget. We realize that we must deal with this. The general government budget has gone up 6% over the last several years despite increases in costs; there is not a lot of fat there. We have certain obligations, like roads and legal issues. We are acutely aware of what is going on. First Selectman
Patton commented that he has met with Region 19 and talked to the Board of Education. The Board of Education is coming in with 4.75%, which is probably one of the lowest in eastern CT. Even with everything at 0%, except Region 19, we can still have a 3-mil increase. Mr. Latincsics commented that he hopes that the Boards of Selectmen and Finance will encourage the Board of Education to revisit their labor contracts. Selectman Lewis commented that the general government and education budgets are separate. First Selectman Patton commented that we do have good working relations with the Board of Education; they dipped into their current services to come up with this. Selectman Lewis commented that he went to the Region 19 meeting, they are looking at 1 mil. First Selectman Patton commented that our student population went up and our share will go up about 10%. Mr. Latincsics commented that this might be a good opportunity to have
regionalization looked at. Selectman Lewis commented that he would like to see someone that can be vocal go to the Ashford Board of Finance and try to get them and Willington’s Board of Finance to work together, if we work together we might be able to succeed. Mr. Latincsics commented that it is a good time to revisit our membership status in that region, their costs are much higher that others. First Selectman Patton commented that they are not that far off in costs than most of eastern CT although we are in the upper range. Mr. Latincsics commented that in regard to the library he hopes that when the project begins that we do not turn it over to a law firm. Pick an architect and a general manager, not a law firm. First Selectman Patton commented that the firm consists of a lawyer, construction expert and an architect, they would oversee the project. Selectman Eldredge commented that it was a suggestion on our part to do that. First Selectman Patton commented that they
are the Town’s representatives to make sure that you are getting what you need. Mr. Hisey asked if they would represent the Town as the owner of the property? First Selectman replied yes. Mr. Latincsics asked who makes the final decision to use an owner’s representative? First Selectman Patton commented that before he would agree to support spending $3M he would want an owner’s representative there; who they select as a firm could be up to the Library Board and the Building Committee. Mr. Latincsics commented that that clarifies it. Selectman Lewis commented that they would be directed by the Library Board and the Building Committee, we do want local control.
REGULAR MEETING -3- JAN. 21, 2003
Mr. Hisey commented that he agreed, there is nothing wrong with expertise and oversight. Selectman Lewis commented that not only is there nothing wrong with it, it is a necessity. Selectman Eldredge commented that there is a time element also. Mr. Hisey commented that he hopes he is welcome to come back to speak with this Board. Selectman Lewis commented of course. F.O.I. said we do not need to have present to speak, I prefer that we have it and that it is something to do with the Board and not personal. Mr. Hisey agreed. First Selectman Patton commented that he was the one who put the post-it on the page in question. Mr. Hisey asked if he could do that to a public record? The public record is in the Land Use office, this was only a copy. Mr. Hisey
asked what happen to the post-it and was told by the secretary that she tossed it; she does not always keep post-it notes. Mr. Hisey commented that he will come back again; he has no ill will and appreciates the Board listening.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $162.98 TO FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $1,110.17 TO FRED & MICHELLE OGDEN.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PUBLIC WORKS
First Selectman Patton commented that he received a written letter of resignation from the Public Works Supervisor. Selectman Eldredge recused himself from this discussion. First Selectman Patton commented that he recommends that for now we leave the position vacant. Lou Bessette will run the day to day operations and the Town Engineer will help. First Selectman Patton commented that he will do the budget for Public Works. We can get away with this in the short term, due to the budget. It is not something we can do long term. Whether we elevate from inside or do an outside search can be decided later. We can decide about what we want to have but he likes what we have. Some towns have an engineer as the public works supervisor, what we have works well with our size
town. We do not need someone to push papers all day. The last public works supervisor jumped in and worked. Selectman Lewis agreed. We do our own mowing and sweeping; an engineer would cost a lot more. First Selectman Patton commented that it is not practical for us. Selectman Lewis commented that he would really like to see Lou Bessette in that position, down the road. First Selectman Patton commented that he agreed but also sees that someone from outside can bring stuff to us. Wes Beebe brought a lot of good things with him. Selectman Lewis commented that if we want bigger, we would need to look at an engineer. First Selectman Patton commented that Lou is doing a good job and knows the business; he needs to get more comfortable. First Selectman Patton commented that he is looking at asking the Board of Education to form a building and grounds department and let the road crew handle the roads and the Board of
Education handle buildings, grounds and parks. We need someone for lights, water, panting, etc. Selectman Lewis agreed and commented that the Town of Cheshire initiated this some years ago. First Selectman Patton commented that the Board of Education might not go along with this. Mr. Latincsics commented that he hopes you look at contracting for some of this also. First Selectman Patton commented that it is a preliminary thought, not yet studied. First Selectman Patton commented that he is going to ask the Solid Waste Advisory
REGULAR MEETING -4- JAN. 21, 2003
Commission to look at prohibiting trash haulers at the Transfer Station and having them deliver to Preston or Hartford. Selectman Eldredge asked if we would not have commercial carriers coming to the Transfer Station? First Selectman Patton replied yes, only residents would go to the Transfer Station. There is the option to use only 2 containers a week. Selectman Eldredge commented that it is a good thought. First Selectman Patton commented that there is nothing prohibiting doing this, he does not think taxpayers are saving anything now. First Selectman Patton commented that upon checking on hauler costs he found that a hauler going direct to the Transfer Station costs $30.00 more than a hauler going to Preston, it is time to look at this and do something different at the Transfer
Station. Selectman Eldredge commented that the trash cost is up. First Selectman Patton commented that we can keep the Transfer Station for residents only and the haulers can go to Preston or Hartford. There is no savings for people that have haulers; it will save the Town a lot of money per year. Selectman Eldredge commented that they are getting charged rates now for the hauler to go to Preston. First Selectman Patton commented that it makes sense to enact this; we need to change the ordinance and act quickly. Selectman Eldredge commented that it could reduce the operating cost. First Selectman Patton commented that regarding burning waste oil he has checked into vendors, one that he has had experience with is called Black Gold, it is a good burner, has a stainless steel air compressor, does a good job and needs to be cleaned once a year. First Selectman Patton commented that he needs a good firm quote from Black Gold. Another
company is out of Spokane, WA and has something similar, it costs $7,300. We would save $3,000 in propane cost, they are easy maintenance, easy cleaning and not a lot of things can go wrong. Selectman Lewis asked if we have enough waste oil to run it? First Selectman Patton said more than enough. Selectman Lewis asked if this is for the Town Garage and the Dog Pound? First Selectman Patton said no, only the garage, it is not practical for the Dog Pound. First Selectman Patton commented that the one from WA has a 5-year warrantee on the heat exchange. The oil is filtered before it is transferred to the tank; there is some risk that someone will put contaminants in there. Selectman Eldredge commented that we have never had a contaminated load but thinking about the budget, should we be spending that money now? First Selectman Patton replied yes, it will save us money in the long run; it is not going to get easier. This is an
investment in saving money and creating efficiency, there will be a 30/35% payback. Selectman Eldredge commented that we will need a storage tank and containment area. First Selectman Patton commented that we can do that next year. Selectman Lewis asked about the size of the tank and was told eventually 1,250.
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Patton commented that the snow budget is getting close. Selectman Lewis commented that one bad spot in Town is on Lohse Road.
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:05 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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