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 MAR. 3, 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, J. Blessington, S. Cobb, Mr. & Mrs. Franco, T. Millix, J. Semmelrock, T. Snyder and
R. Tulis.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 2/18/03.
Selectman Eldredge 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.
AMICUS CURIAE – NAUGATUCK
First Selectman Patton commented that CCM notified us that our share of the CCM amicus curiae intervention to the State Supreme Court in Board of Education of Naugatuck v. Town and Borough of Naugatuck would be $350.
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE SPENDING THE $350 TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AMICUS CURIAE CCM-NAUGATUCK CASE.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD FIRE COMMISSION STUDY COMMITTEE TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRE COMMISSION STUDY COMMITTEE
First Selectman Patton asked Tyler Millix and Tom Snyder who would be on the Study Committee for both Fire Departments? Tyler Millix will be on the committee for Willington Fire Dept. #1 and Tom Snyder will be on the committee for Willington Hill Fire Dept. First Selectman Patton asked the Board of Selectmen who would like to be on the committee for the Board? Selectman Lewis will be on the committee for the Board. First Selectman Patton commented that Bob Lisiewski would be the civilian on the committee.
REGULAR MEETING -2- MAR. 3, 2003
No one has been named from the Board of Finance yet and First Selectman Patton commented that he would wait for the Board of Finance member before appointing the committee and giving the charge. Tyler asked about the charge. First Selectman Patton commented that the committee would investigate the formation of a Fire Commission, how to set it up, what the roles, responsibilities and duties will be or report back that a Fire Commission is not a good idea. Selectman Eldredge asked if the committee would develop an ordinance? First Selectman Patton said yes. Tyler asked who would be the deciding authority on if we have this commission. First Selectman Patton commented that is why we are having the committee. First Selectman Patton will draft the charge.
DRAINAGE-MIRTL RD.
Mr. & Mrs. Franco were here to discuss their property on Mirtl Rd. and the drainage problem. Mr. Franco commented that he does not believe it is incumbent upon him to assume responsibility for the drainage from Mirtl Road on to his property. The new culvert seemed to be working 100% but last Sunday the property flooded again. Mr. Franco believes it could be fixed by one of the following: reposition the culvert so the piping goes down the road into the small stream; or remove the culvert entirely and re-grade the road, 4” or 5” off it, cant it to the other side of our property and put in an open trench lined with stone, put in a 6” or 8” pipe which would drain water from the upper road down to the lower part; or remove the culvert, re-grade the road into the turn-a-round
area, top that with 18” stone, put a drywell in and it can accommodate the drainage. We focus on that one spot of the road, the drainage coming down from the unimproved section into the culvert, with no consideration given from the culvert on down to the low spot that also washes out. Mr. Franco commented that there are numerous possibilities without using his property as a draining area. Selectman Eldredge asked if that drain is flowing on to your property around back of your garage? Mr. Franco commented that so much water comes out of the culvert, it is flooding my lawn, garden, driveway and walkway and yesterday it was creeping into the garage. This has decreased the value of my property. Mr. Franco handed the Board a copy of State Statue regarding street drainage and commented that he thinks he has sufficient grounds to have the culvert removed or at least re-piped. Mr. Franco commented that he did not expect a decision tonight,
but shortly. Selectman Eldredge asked if all this water comes out of the culvert on to your property? Mr. Franco responded yes. Selectman Eldredge asked if it had increased since the bus turn-a-round was put in. Mr. Franco responded definitely. Selectman Eldredge commented that he thought it was designed so that would not happen. First Selectman Patton commented that we did not change the drainage area. Mr. Franco commented that with re-grading, the new turn-a-round and the new culvert I am getting all the water. The old culvert was so badly deteriorated that everything went into the ground. First Selectman Patton commented that if there is a tremendous about of velocity coming down there, a broken bottom is not going to change the amount of water going through the catch basin. There is a point where it is going to become saturated and it is not going to accept any more water and it is going to go through the pipe.
With that much water going through there he thinks that some water is coming down the side of the road, which is over topping the driveway and coming down. Mr. Franco commented that has only occurred recently because of the buildup of snow and ice. It seems to him that the plowers are afraid to dig down when they come to the crest of the hill. First Selectman Patton commented that you try not to dig down on a dirt road. Mr. Franco commented that the bulk of the water is out of the culvert. First Selectman Patton commented that when he was there he saw the ponding area near the sidewalk; he saw the results of it but not where it was coming from. Selectman Lewis commented that when he was there it was coming from the sidewalk. Mr. Franco commented that they never had problems before this new culvert. Selectman Lewis commented that the change in the drainage around your garage that you did is about 4 years old. It looked like
it was not draining around in back and flowing the way it should. Mr. Franco commented that you must make a distinction between your water and my water. My water creeps out of the hill and gets picked up by the pipeline, drains off to the back and a little flows throughout most of the year. Your water overpowers my pipe, sits there and when it has no place to go rises up through the soil.
REGULAR MEETING -3- MAR. 3, 2003
Selectman Lewis commented that we can have the town engineer take a look at it. First Selectman Patton commented that he has been out there. Selectman Lewis commented that it looked like it was not flowing. Mr. Franco asked why he has to assume responsibility for your water? First Selectman Patton commented that unfortunately water is everyone’s responsibility. Mr. Franco commented that this is easy to fix. First Selectman Patton commented that they hit ledge at 28” and we can’t put pipe at 28”, near the crest of the hill. Mr. Franco asked if you could drill or blast it. First Selectman Patton commented that the question was can we go further, how much would we have to blast, how much would we have to trench. We will look at it again to see if
there is a simple fix. The drainage has been there for 30 years, and now it is more than it was. I’m not quiet sure why it is, maybe there was nothing coming in there before or the pipe was blocked. Mrs. Franco commented that when the culvert was first put in, without our consent, it was diverted into our wooded area. Four years ago we build the garage and we had to have the pipe a certain way and it was at our own expense to dig the trench; after the Town put in that culvert 30 years ago. I don’t know why we had to do that but we did, we do not want to incur additional expense. First Selectman Patton commented that he appreciates what Mrs. Franco is saying. Selectman Eldredge asked if we could have the town engineer look at it? First Selectman Patton commented that we could complete the pipe, where the culvert pipe ends and the new pipe begins. Mr. Franco did not think that was such a good idea. Mr. Franco commented
that he does not want to assume this responsibility for doing what you should do, you are not considering the fact of my water, your water, there has to be a remedy to continue that pipe and get it down into the low section behind my property. That’s an expense that he does not want. Selectman Lewis commented that an easement would probably take care of that. Mr. Franco commented that he does not want an easement, when he sells he does not want any easements on the property. Selectman Lewis commented that if it were him he would rather not have blasting in front of his house. The Board agreed that the town engineer would look at this again.
APPOINTMENTS
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT DAVID THARP AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, TERM TO EXPIRE ON JANUARY 1, 2004 AND TO APPOINT DAVID CHARETTE AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, TERM TO EXPIRE ON JANUARY 1, 2008.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PUBLIC WORKS
First Selectman Patton commented that they are doing snow and ice removal and fixing equipment. At the intersection of Village Hill & Schofield Roads there is a large ice flow, people need to slow down. There are many others in Town also. Selectman Eldredge commented that John Lynch sent a complimentary letter to Public Works. Stuart Cobb, Willington Fire Dept. #1, commented that they would like to request a few things from Public Works. They would like to borrow the gas meter, they would calibrate it and put it on their truck and take over the maintenance. It would be available to Public Works. Many of their members have had training in this, it is the same meter that Willington Hill Fire Dept. has and they will all be trained on the same type of equipment. Stuart
commented that they developed a training area on Trask Road; there is some erosion there and they would like Public Works to put millings there. At the south station they need an area near the back door paved. It has sunk due to plowing and paving it would give them more parking spaces. The gate at Hall’s Pond has sunk down and they need it reset a little higher and some small trees trimmed. Stuart mentioned that the Board would be getting a bill for 5 dry hydrants they put in but it will only be ¼ of what it would be due to the state grant. The bill will be around $1,500. Stuart commented that he understands there may be a water line on Depot Road; the fire dept. would like to request that if they were going to lay mains,
REGULAR MEETING -4- MAR. 3, 2003
it would be better to put larger pipes in for fire protection. Tyler commented that we could confer with them on what we would like to see there. First Selectman Patton commented that that is down the road, it is really premature, the water company is just looking at it but we will keep you in mind. First Selectman Patton commented that he received a report from the State on the Kechkes Road Bridge, it is getting a lot worse. We need to do something. Karl Acimovic is looking at the conspan, prefab, like the bridge on Clint Eldredge Road.
First Selectman Patton commented that money is an issue; he recommends that money from drainage on Village Hill Road, from Pinecrest, could be used and do the drainage another time. We need to move the money around since it is critical. We need to have the Public Works guys do as much as they can on the bridge; they are capable. We can also get a sub-contractor. Selectman Eldredge asked what about traffic? First Selectman Patton commented that we could bring traffic up on Liska Road; we can do some improvements to that. Selectman Lewis asked how long would it take? First Selectman Patton commented that he did not know yet, if we divert traffic we can do both sides and do it fast. We have $70,000 for drainage and $35,000 for the bridge that we did not need to spend and if we
do some of the work ourselves we can bring down the cost. Selectman Lewis commented that we might need to get the idea across to Mr. Franco about the drainage. First Selectman Patton commented that he would talk to Karl Acimovic about it. The house is in a low spot, he understands where Mr. Franco is coming from but water must drain. Selectman Eldredge commented that it goes down the hill. Selectman Lewis commented that the snow on both sides is creating a problem.
BUDGET
First Selectman Patton commented that the overall increase in the Selectmen’s portion of the General Government budget is $37,679.00 over this year’s budget or 1.54%. The largest increase is due to increases in employee benefits, workmen’s compensation, liability, automotive and property insurances. The next largest increase is wages, which is contractually obligated at 3%. The Board reviewed each section and will hold a special meeting on March 10th at 6:30 p.m. to go over the budget again. First Selectman Patton commented that he found this budget one of the most difficult to put together. The financial climate does not lend itself to new initiatives and we have never “taken advantage” of the good times as can be attested by our small increases over the last
eight years. We have also had tremendous price pressures in the form of wage increases and insurance costs. First Selectman Patton asked the Board to suggest any changes before the budget is submitted to the Board of Finance. Selectman Eldredge commented that looking at wage increases, we could ask for volunteer deferment, you would get it in 04-05. Selectman Lewis commented that the union said no. Selectman Eldredge commented that it would be individual volunteer deferment, defer for 03-04, you would get it all in 04-05, you would not get 3% this year but 6% next year; increases would be deferred. Selectman Eldredge commented that he would like to see the town counsel line item reduced on the land use attorney and they can use the regular town attorney. First Selectman Patton commented that we should try to get as close to 0 % as we can. Selectman Eldredge told First Selectman Patton that he did a real good job on the budged.
First Selectman Patton commented that we need to feel comfortable with the numbers. First Selectman Patton commented that the auditors said you couldn’t have a snow budget reserve fund. First Selectman Patton commented that the volunteer deferment should be everyone or no one. Selectman Eldredge commented that if we do something maybe the Board of Education would, if the administrators on our side do that, the administrators on their side should do it.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD TAX REFUND TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING -5- MAR. 3, 2003
TAX REFUND
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $399.93 TO WASHINGTON MUTUAL.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
LITIGATION
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS LITIGATION AT 8:11 P.M.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:41 P.M.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH
HASAPES AND REFUND TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,868.45.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Patton gave copies of the Annual Report to the Board and asked them to look it over. He also reported that a cycling team from UCONN wanted permission to use Town Roads. The Board agreed. Selectman Lewis commented that he spoke to the new manager of the Mobile station about the bulletin board there and the manager said it was okay to leave it there. Val Pelletier, chair of the Economic Development Commission, is doing a flyer for business about starting up in Town. First Selectman Patton gave the Board copies of the CIP to look over; it will be discussed at the special meeting. Selectman Lewis asked Selectman Eldredge about the volunteer deferment. Selectman Eldredge commented that you give everyone the figure with and without the raise. Selectman Eldredge
asked if it were possible to weigh the haulers trucks that do only dumpsters, weigh them full and empty? This will be looked into.
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:00 P.M.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
| 
