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 APR. 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, N. Bailey, K. Boyle, S. Calvert, J. Cortese, L. Jordan, D. Kuchinsky, J. & P. Phillips,
J. Philippi, L. & S. Wing and J. Lamb, reporter from the Chronicle.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 4/7, 4/14 & 4/17/03.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
On Sat. 3 Akita dogs, from Spak Road killed a goat, that weighed over 100 pounds, belonging to Lisa Jordan and Keith Boyle. They were not at home at the time but a couple driving down the road stopped at the home of Nancy Bailey to report this, Nancy called the State Police and the Dog Warden. Joe Cortese, Diane Kuchinsky, Red and Patty Phillips and Lori and Scott Wing all live in the surrounding area of Lohse and Spak Roads. Apparently Akitas from Lohse and Spak Roads have been causing problems for a while but not everyone knew of the problems. The neighbors in that area feel the Dog Warden is not taking this very serious or does not understand his duties. They believe there are between 5 and 8 Akitas in the area but there are little or no points filed against the owners for roaming or
nuisance dogs and there have been a number of incidents involving the dogs and no calls documented. Mr. Wing commented that he believes the situation is dangerous; they have the right to pass on a public way. Nancy Bailey reported that the dogs killed her guinea hens. At one time they believe the dogs were harbored in Stafford Springs. Selectman Eldredge asked if the Dog Warden talked to the owners. Mr. Phillips commented that we asked him to go over there on Sun. but we do not know if he went. He does not give out sheets on any incidents. First Selectman Patton commented that the Spak Road Akitas were given 3 tickets for roaming, not nuisance. Usually 1 ticket is sufficient for the owner to keep the dog locked in the house; most people cooperate. First Selectman Patton commented that he is concerned with moving them to Stafford Springs. Scott Wing commented that we are looking to the leader of the Town to solve this.
It is time for the First Selectman, the State Dog Warden, the Town Dog Warden and the trooper who responded to the call to sit down, go over notes, and do something. First Selectman Patton commented that he has a call in to Denise Alex, the State Dog Warden; he will meet with her and Dick Claus. The vast majority of owners are responsible; in this case they are not. Lisa Janton commented that she made 2 complaints that resulted in 2 roaming tickets, not nuisance tickets. If a nuisance ticket was issued instead of roaming it would now be a misdemeanor. Mrs. Phillips commented that we do not want to wait for one more incident. Lisa Janton commented that she had to move the rest of her animals. Lisa commented that if we don’t do everything we can and something happened to a child we would feel awful. Scott Wing asked if we had leash laws?
REGULAR MEETING -2- APR. 21, 2003
First Selectman Patton commented yes, you must have control of your animals. Keith Boyle commented that when a dog does something like that the dog gets put down or they will do it again. These dogs are a pack; the Dog Warden said they are running for deer. First Selectman Patton commented that he would talk to Denise Alex and figure where we go from here; he is trying to get answers. Keith Boyle commented that we need to know that everyone is on the same team. First Selectman Patton commented that he wants to make sure everything is done right. First Selectman Patton asked how all the people wanted to be kept informed. It was decided that he would call Patty Phillips and send a letter to Lisa Jordan. Everyone was concerned about the dogs being around in the morning.
Selectman Lewis commented that he would check on the dogs tomorrow. Selectman Eldredge commented that these people should not have to live in fear. Lisa Jordan asked is it possible to have them declared vicious dogs if they are not taken away? Vicious dogs must be muzzled if they are outside the home. First Selectman Patton commented that he would find out. First Selectman Patton commented that he would get back to them.
First Selectman Patton commented that he has been asked if we are going to light the flags on Rt. 74. He asked Joe Philippi to check into this. Joe will.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office. Donna Hardie, Town Clerk, has sent correspondence about applying for a Historic Document Preservation Grant for $7,000. The large red binders will be microfilmed and recreated in smaller binders. She will also get map strips.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A $7,000 HISTORIC DOCUMENTS PRESERVATION GRANT FOR FY 2003-04 AND TO DESIGNATE DONNA HARDIE AS THE APPLICANT.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton brought up the correspondence from J. LeBlond for damage to her car caused by driving on the dirt portion of Daleville Road. Selectman Lewis commented that if you are going slow enough you will not damage your vehicle. Selectman Eldredge commented that the road has been pitiful but when frost comes what can you do with it? You can’t grade the mud. First Selectman Patton commented that you can only do so much with a dirt road during the winter. Selectman Eldredge commented that we did everything possible to keep the road going, we were not negligent. Selectman Lewis commented that you must go slowly. First Selectman Patton commented that there is a problem with precedent. Selectman Lewis commented that maybe we should put travel at your own risk
signs on roads. First Selectman Patton commented that this was the worst winter on roads, especially dirt roads. The frost was deep and when it melted it was mud. Selectman Eldredge commented that we were not negligent, if you set a precedent it would be bad, it is something that is not within our control. First Selectman Patton agreed that we do not want to set a precedent. The Board’s consensus was not to pay the bill.
A letter was received from the Library Board; they want to place the question of a new library on the November ballot. First Selectman Patton commented that he would like to see a realistic time line going back from when the question must be ready for the ballot. The preliminary engineering and cost of site work, architect selection and when they would have the design, etc. This will be looked into.
REGULAR MEETING -3- APR. 21, 2003
APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPOINT SARA CALVERT AS AN ALTERNATE ON THE INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSE COMMISSION, TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF TERESA GUTOWSKI, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE MAY 16, 2004.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 N0
PUBLIC WORKS
First Selectman Patton reported that the road crew is trying to sweep. Karl Acimovic sent a memo regarding Mirtl Road, a copy will be sent to Mr. & Mrs. Franco. First Selectman Patton commented that he went over the budget with Lucien Bessette. Bids went out for chip seal. Instead of cold mix they will use hot asphalt. A job for 500 tons can be put down in place at $32/ton. We can buy it at $26/ton off the state bid. First Selectman Patton commented that he will meet with Lucien and Karl Acimovic to look at the roads. First Selectman Patton commented that after talking to Lucien, he thinks it is time to look for a supervisor. He will start the process of looking, by the time we get someone in there it will be the middle of June. Lucien is trying to do
everything, it would be nice if he wanted the job but he does not. Selectman Eldredge asked what if we took over the administrative part? First Selectman Patton commented that it is a matter of getting things done in time and doing it right, there are many things including OSHA. It takes someone to oversee the operation, deal with Inland/Wetlands, driveway permits, etc. Selectman Lewis commented that it is not like it was 30 years ago, there is a lot more. Selectman Eldredge commented so you support eliminating a position. Selectman Lewis replied yes, for now; it has not been filled for years. First Selectman Patton commented that he will start the process, it needs to get done.
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Patton commented that MIRMA is having a regional training session at the Willington Hill Fire Dept. on April 24th from 8:30 to noon. First Selectman Patton commented that we need to evaluate the Revenue Collector, he will give the Board forms, her appointment is up May 1st. Selectman Lewis commented that the flags look good. People in Town are very happy with them and it makes them feel good that the Town supports our troops. The Federated Church is help families and the scouts want to help. Willington is stepping up to the plate.
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:50 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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