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 16, 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, H. Becker, S. Cobb, J. Franco, R. Lisiewski, T. Millix and L. Nicholls. First Selectman Patton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 6/2/03.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
John Franco was present to discuss the removal of the some of the boulders on Mirtl Road. The distance was 12”- 18” and now it is 3’ between boulders and dirt bikes are a problem there. Selectman Eldredge commented that the openings were filled with trees also. First Selectman Patton commented that it was supposed to be such that pedestrians and horses could get through, we are still trying to figure out the best avenue to go. If it is open to pedestrian traffic we need to open it a certain amount, he was thinking of something like a turnstile type of setting. We must face the issue of handicap access. First Selectman Patton commented that the road is closed to vehicles and dirt bikes should not be there but they go all over. Mr. Franco commented that not many
handicapped people are going to go through there. First Selectman Patton commented that we must abide by that; 18" will not work. Selectman Lewis commented that it is a public way and must be accessible for wheelchairs. First Selectman Patton commented that it will not be a perfect solution but we will try to do something. Mr. Franco asked when can we expect to see something? First Selectman Patton asked to be given to the end of the month; we will also get more signs there. Selectman Lewis commented that he doesn’t know what else we can do.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
FIRE COMMISSION STUDY COMMITTEE
First Selectman Patton commented that the Fire Commission Study Committee came up with a recommendation. Selectman Lewis commented that we voted unanimously to send the draft ordinance to the Board of Selectmen to review with the Board of Finance, Town Council, hold a joint meeting with the fire departments, have a public hearing and then go to town meeting. Everyone on the committee has a copy of the draft ordinance and was invited to this meeting. First Selectman Patton asked those of the committee present (Lewis, Becker, Cobb, Lisiewski and Millix) if they were comfortable with what is here and was told yes.
REGULAR MEETING -2- JUNE 16, 2003
Bob Lisiewski commented that we wrote it and put it to a vote and it was unanimous. First Selectman Patton commented that you did a nice job. Discussion on the different parts of the ordinance followed. A question was raised about the section that says members may not be active members of either fire department for at least 2 years. The Town Attorney will be asked about this. The First Marshal and the 2 Fire Chiefs will be ex-officio members of the Commission, as well as the First Selectman. The committee thought of putting in that if a member misses 6 or more meetings he would be replaced but decided that it should not be in the ordinance and that the Town might need to have a policy like that for all commissions/committees. Selectman Eldredge asked if there would be one budget? First Selectman Patton commented that the Fire Commission would consolidate all the budgets (Fire Marshal, both Fire Departments and ambulance) and go to the Board of Finance. Tyler Millix
commented that the Fire Commission would go to the Board of Finance with all the budgets and say this is the amount we need for emergency services, if the Board of Finance cuts then the Fire Commission would go back and cut from everyone after discussion with the chiefs. Selectman Eldredge asked about the fire dept. agreements. First Selectman Patton commented that the Town has contracts with a both fire departments for emergency services. Henry Becker commented that it is important that the insurance money from the ambulance go into the ambulance fund. Bob Lisiewski commented that the intent was that this pertains to Town money for the fire departments, not the fire department’s special funds, only appropriations by the Town. Tyler asked how do we correct any mistakes in the last meeting minutes since we will not be meeting again? First Selectman Patton replied that they could put the corrections in a letter and that would get attached to
the minutes in the Town Clerk’s office. The question was asked how a member would be re-appointed? It would be the same as any other committee/commission. Bob Lisiewski commented that the Fire Commission should be appointed before the budget cycle so they have time to learn the budget process. Some items will be re-worded before going to the Board of Finance. The Board agreed they would try to have everything done and the ordinance effective August 15, 2003. Selectman Lewis commented that we are also asking for the Board to disband the Committee. Selectman Eldredge commented that you did an excellent job and you are to be commended. I certainly wish there were members of the other Fire Dept. here tonight; I am very disappointed in that, this is such an important document. Selectman Lewis commented that it was really a good group to work with. Selectman Lewis invited the Fire Commission Study Committee to attend the Board
of Finance meeting on Thurs. June 19th.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT THE FIRE COMMISSION STUDY COMMITTEE BE DISBAND WITH MUCH THANKS FOR THEIR TIME AND EFFORT IN PUTTING THE DRAFT DOCUMENT TOGETHER.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD REMINDER ADS TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton commented that we could continue with the Reminder for $236/month for 6 months or $207 for 8 months. Selectman Lewis commented that he talked to Linda Yau, they are looking for someone to sell advertising. Selectman Eldredge commented that we shouldn’t drop the Reminder until something else is in place.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT WE CONTINUE WITH THE REMINDER FOR 6 MONTHS AT $236 PER MONTH.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING -3- JUNE 16, 2003
RESOLUTION WORKFORCE ONE
First Selectman Patton commented that Workforce One now includes everything east of the river. They do job training, help people when there are plant closings, help with temporary assistance, etc. They need a resolution from the Town.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
RESOLVED: THAT THE FIRST SELECTMAN AND ANY AND ALL SUCCESSORS THERETO ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER THE AGREEMENT AMONG CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THE EASTERN CONNECTICUT WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AREA AND ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS THERETO, AND SUBSTITUTIONS THEREFORE, AS WELL AS FURTHER AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO WORKFORCE INVESTMENT, JOB TRAINING AND ANY AND ALL SIMILAR PROGRAMS, AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS THERETO, ARE HEREINAFTER SEVERALLY AND COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS THE “CEO AGREEMENTS.”
FURTHER RESOLVED: THAT THE FIRST SELECTMAN AND ANY AND ALL SUCCESSORS THERETO MAY EXERCISE ALL RIGHTS AND POWERS UNDER THE CEO AGREEMENTS WITHOUT FURTHER AUTHORIZATION.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
PUBLIC WORKS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT WE APPOINT LYNN NICHOLLS AS THE PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2003.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 N0
First Selectman Patton commented that Lynn has accepted. Selectman Lewis commented that it was a tough decision; out of 18 applicants there were 10 very good ones. First Selectman Patton commented that the road crew is picking up sand, cutting brush, fixing potholes and mowing.
CONNECTICUT VETERANS DAY
First Selectman Patton commented that the Town received an invitation to the Connecticut Veterans Day parade in Hartford on November 8, 2003. This will be sent to the VFW and the Board of Education.
RESOLUTION – BINDING ARBITRATION
First Selectman Patton commented that we received a letter from Watertown, CT looking for support of a resolution regarding binding arbitration. They sent a sample resolution and hope Willington will adopt a similar one. Selectman Eldredge asked that the Board wait until the next meeting to consider this.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD COST (COUNCIL OF SMALL TOWNS) TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
First Selectman Patton commented that it is $825 to belong to COST, which is controlled by small towns with a population of up to 25,000, vs. $3,400 to belong to CCM. Selectman Lewis asked if we would get the same information? First Selectman Patton said no. Selectman Eldredge commented that he finds CCM good.
REGULAR MEETING -4- JUNE 16, 2003
Does COST focus on issues that are appropriate for small towns and have workshops? First Selectman Patton said yes. First Selectman Patton commented that they have some workshops and presentations and we can go to CCM workshops but pay as a non-member. First Selectman Patton commented that he is of a mixed mind. CCM is a data collection service and collects from different towns, they certainly have services COST does not, we may want to belong to both. The Board will hold off on a decision until the next meeting.
GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Lewis commented that we may have another member for the Economic Development Commission and commented that he thinks it is terrific that we have a Supervisor of Public Works. Lynn Nicholls commented that we could ask if there is a liaison for COST and CCM.
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:45 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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