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 OCT. 6, 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, C. & A. Forst, W. Knight, P. Latincsics, T. Millix and T. Snyder. First Selectman Patton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 9/15/03.
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.
OLD BUSINESS - None
FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Tyler Millix, Chief of Willington Fire Dept. #1 and Tom Snyder, Deputy Chief of Willington Hill Fire Dept. were present to up date the Board on the departments. First Selectman Patton commented that he had copies of correspondence between the departments regarding setting up a meeting and wanted to know if the meeting date was set yet. Tom Snyder commented that they thought about meeting every third or fourth Wed. but we have not talked to Willington Fire Dept. #1 about it yet. Selectman Eldredge asked if they did a joint training? Tyler Millix commented that we brought our rescue truck up to the pit and burned things; the new truck is very busy.
Tyler reported that the building doors will be taken down on Wed. or Thurs. and then the front of the building will be done and the doors put back when it is finished. Tyler commented that their fire dept. is averaging about 3 new members a month. They need to outfit them and may have to go back to the Board of Finance for that as well as more pagers. The south station roof is getting fixed because of a leak, the roof is 15 years old but the insurance will cover it. Tom Snyder gave a letter to First Selectman Patton from Chief D’Agata requesting that the Town plow and sand their driveway and parking lot. Tom commented that all is quiet except for the great turnout for their barbeque, it was a sell out. They got a 50/50 grant for equipment. Tyler commented that they need the road by the firehouse
done. Lynn Nicholls commented that Lou would be doing that in the next couple of days. Lynn commented that she thought that the Hill Fire Dept. had the pick up truck to do the plowing and sanding. First Selectman Patton commented that we have been doing it; Willington #1 does their own. Tyler commented that they would help Public Works if necessary. Selectman Eldredge asked Tom if Willington Hill
REGULAR MEETING -2- OCT. 6, 2003
was picking up any new members? Tom commented not yet but we are going to do a bulk mailing about that. Selectman Lewis commented that he is still getting comments about the drill that was done at his house. A Stafford EMT told him that she was impressed with the Willington ambulance and their help. First Selectman Patton asked if the 2 departments had any idea when they would meet? Tyler commented that when we meet we will have to identify priorities, sit down and hammer it out. Tom commented that we would like to see it done as soon as possible. First Selectman Patton asked about meeting on a Tues. drill night, possibly Oct. 21, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. at the Willington Hill Fire Dept. Both Tom and Tyler agreed on that night and it was decided that the 2 chiefs and 1 other person from each dept. would be at
the meeting. Selectman Lewis commented that an elderly person asked him about where he could get help hooking up his generator. It was agreed that the best thing to do is call an electrician since all generators are different.
BINDING ARBITRATION
First Selectman Patton commented that this was received from The Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations with an attached resolution. They asked if Willington would consider joining other towns in proposing a resolution on binding arbitration to their legislative leaders at the State capital. Selectman Lewis commented that for the sake of the Town and taxpayers he thinks binding arbitration is a bad thing. If we can do something to offset having outsiders telling us what to do I think it is something we should side with. They have a section about the schools; it should also be passed on to the Board of Education. First Selectman Patton commented that we passed one before; this one is asking us to have the State representatives reopen the debate on binding arbitration. Some of this does not affect
us; we do not have an Anthem stock distribution. Selectman Eldredge commented that is in the resolution. Selectman Lewis commented that the rest of it does pertain to us as far as binding arbitration. He is concerned about this because of what happen years ago when the Town turned down an agreement, it went to binding arbitration and they got more than what the Town voted against. The townspeople should have a right to have representatives be in the discussion and not have outsiders say tough, this is the way it is going to be. Selectman Lewis commented that he does not believe that is right; he is for any resolution that goes against binding arbitration and gets them back to the table rather that putting it to the town saying this is the way it is. Selectman Eldredge commented that he does not support resolutions that end binding arbitration because that is the cornerstone of any union contract and support of organized labor. You have to have some way of settling the disputes at a
final resolution, so I have always supported binding arbitration. Selectman Lewis commented that you need to decide if you are management or labor, the Board of Selectmen is really the CEO of the Town. Selectman Eldredge commented that we are talking about supporting a resolution. Selectman Lewis commented that what you need to do in your position is look at what is best for the Town, not best for the union. Selectman Eldredge commented that 90% of the people who work for the Town of Willington are under organized labor contracts and all have the binding arbitration clause and he thinks that is good for the Town.
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
WHEREAS, Connecticut Taxpayers currently pay the highest taxes in the Nation and are burdened with the highest bonded debt, and
WHEREAS, The State of Connecticut has been plagued with annual budget deficits, which in turn impact local budgets, and
WHEREAS, State lawmakers continue to reduce state aid to municipalities, and
WHEREAS, the majority of the 169 towns and cities throughout the State of Connecticut rely upon State aid to balance their local budgets, and
WHEREAS, a reduction in State municipal aid by the State legislature has a deleterious affect upon local property taxpayers, and
WHEREAS, on average, seventy (70%) percent to ninety (90%) percent of municipal budgets are dedicated to personnel related expenses, and
REGULAR MEETING -3- OCT. 6, 2003
WHEREAS, independent arbitrators, with no direct relationship to municipalities, are now the ultimate decision makers on union contracts subject to arbitration, and
WHEREAS, municipal union contracts are disproportionate to the private sector in wages, health and pension benefits, and
WHEREAS, as an example, the majority of healthcare costs for union members are born by municipal taxpayers, many of whom cannot afford healthcare or prescription drugs for themselves or their families, and
WHEREAS, several towns and cities are under the threat of litigation by the unions to take control of the proceeds from Anthem stock distribution, and
WHEREAS, the proceeds of the stock distribution should be utilized to offset the cost of taxpayer financed healthcare, and
WHEREAS, the democratic process is weakened by the present binding arbitration system which deprives taxpayers and local elected officials of the necessary authority to manage their municipal budgets and personnel costs,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON URGES OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES TO OPEN THE DEBATE ON BINDING ARBITRATION, WHICH WILL IN TURN SERVE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE EFFECTS OF BINDING ARBITRATION, AND PROVIDE A FORUM WHEREIN A SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION CAN BE REACHED TO ALLOW MUNICIPAL LEADERS AND TAXPAYERS THE ABILITY TO MANAGE THEIR OWN BUDGETS.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & LEWIS) 1 NO (ELDREDGE)
PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls, Supervisor of Public Works, reported that they will start the line painting at Center School tomorrow and SNET will be there also. Lynn asked if the asphalt from the front island should be removed? First Selectman Patton commented that it is not a high priority now there are other projects. Lynn asked if they should fill in with something else? First Selectman Patton commented that maybe they could curb some of it. Lynn commented that during her inspections of new driveways throughout Town she noticed that many old dirt driveway aprons are not taken care of and they wash out. What can we do about that? First Selectman Patton asked how much of an issue is it? Lynn commented that there are quite a few. First Selectman Patton commented that he does not know if we have any mechanism to do
anything. Selectman Eldredge commented that the state has the same problem. Lynn commented that we have to go back to the same driveways all the time and they run into the catch basins and they get full. First Selectman Patton commented that we need to work with the homeowners to divert the water so it doesn’t bring everything down to the road, we would have to go case by case. Selectman Eldredge agreed it makes sense to work with the homeowners. First Selectman Patton commented that we did have some bad storms. Lynn commented that sweeping should be totally finished tomorrow, Lou will be working on other things on the list, salt is ordered and should be in this week. Lynn commented that she has to talk to some people about the availability and cost of sand. First Selectman Patton asked about inspecting the contractors’ equipment. Lynn commented that she has talked to them.
WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY
First Selectman Patton commented that the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut has asked that we issue a proclamation that October 15, 2003 is White Cane Safety Day and read the following proclamation:
REGULAR MEETING -4- OCT. 6, 2003
WHEREAS, the white cane and the dog guide have come to symbolize every blind person’s right to pursue and achieve a full and independent life, and the use of the white cane or the dog guide allows blind persons to travel safely and effectively and undertake gainful employment and otherwise fully participate in society; and
WHEREAS, Connecticut State law secures the right of blind persons to carry and use a white cane or be accompanied by a dog guide, whether on the streets and highways, traveling on public transportation, utilizing public accommodations, locating housing or working on the job, and Connecticut law also requires motorists to exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind person using a white cane or dog guide; and,
WHEREAS, Connecticut law further encourages employers, both in private and public sectors, to explore and utilize the skills and potentials for productivity of the blind citizens of Connecticut, to recognize their capabilities and respect their worth as individuals; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, with the assistance and cooperation of the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut, can look forward to an ever-increasing awareness of the abilities of blind people and to a greater acceptance of blind persons in the competitive labor market;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN PATTON, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM OCTOBER 15, 2003 AS WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY FOR THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON AND CALL UPON OUR SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS AND BUSINESS LEADERS TO TAKE THE LEAD IN ENSURING FULL ACCEPTANCE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND OF CONNECTICUT, AND I ALSO URGE ALL CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE AND RESPECT THE WHITE CANE AND THE DOG GUIDE AS REPRESENTING SAFETY, DIGNITY AND SELF-HELP FOR THE BLIND OF CONNECTICUT.
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE ABOVE PROCLAMATION BE ADOPTED.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF 55.01 TO AMANDA COMEAU.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $48.96 TO GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $63.65 TO A.E. KORCHMAROS, JR. OR J.D. KORCHMAROS.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $56.16 TO WILLIAM OR PATRICIA MC EACHERN.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING -5- OCT. 6, 2003
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $85.82 TO MARC SILVA.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $66.53 TO FRANCIS SMITH.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
USE OF TOWN HALL
First Selectman Patton commented that our insurance company suggested that we use a different agreement for use of the Town Hall. They suggest having different requirements for organizations and residents. Organizations would be required to have Commercial General Liability Insurance and residents would be required to use their homeowners insurance. First Selectman Patton commented that this is to protect the Town. Selectman Lewis commented that we need to protect the Town but he does not want to make it unavailable to townspeople, their taxes pay for the Town Hall. The Board will look this over and discuss it at the next meeting.
GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Lewis commented that Ray Barton and Henry Borovica are in the hospital. The Parkers, Paradys, Fletchers and Marcos all have family serving overseas. Selectman Lewis would like to keep the flags on the green and do upkeep; he feels that we should do that for the people over there now. First Selectman Patton commented that we have to have a special Board meeting on Oct. 20, 2003 at 2:00 P.M. to open the Senior Center bids. Selectman Eldredge asked if there was a pre bid meeting and was told yes. First Selectman Patton commented that due to the grant the legal notice had to go in certain papers. Lynn asked about the River Road Recreation bids and was told that the Town Engineer Karl Acimovic had to redesign some of it. Selectman Lewis commented that a lot of people are waiting for the walking track
there.
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:19 P.M.
Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ELDREDGE & LEWIS) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
| 
