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BOARD OF SELECTMEN 12-1-03
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                                                                                                           DEC. 1, 2003
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING                                                                                                  6:30 P. M.

First Selectman Eldredge called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance:  Selectmen Blessington & Patton, R. Hisey, R. Maloney, L. Nicholls, R. Portello, J. Sahi, A. St. Louis, J. Semmelrock and
A. White.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
First Selectman Eldredge commented that Selectman Lewis seconded the last motion of the 11/17/03 minutes.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 11/17/03 AS CORRECTED.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  2 YES (ELDREDGE &  PATTON)    1 ABSTAIN (BLESSINGTON)

Selectman Patton commented that he was unable to attend the Board meeting of 11/20/03 but wanted to listen to the tape.  There was no tape of the meeting and wanted to know why.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that it was an oversight and would not happen again.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 11/20/03.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON)    1 ABSTAIN (PATTON)

PRESENT TO SPEAK  - No one.

CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.

HOCKLA FARMS ROAD
First Selectman Eldredge commented that the Town Attorney went over the agreement between the Town and Holms, Inc. we are waiting for the mylar and the legal description.  A Town Meeting will be set for 12/17/03.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO HOLD A TOWN MEETING ON 12/17/03 FOR HOCKLA FARMS ROAD.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Selectman Patton asked about a Town Meeting for Region 19 Board of Education.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that it would be held on 12/11/03.  Selectman Patton asked why we are not having one Town Meeting with the 2 items.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he felt the 2 different topics should be separate.  Selectman Patton commented that Region 19 could be item two and they could be the same night.
The Board agreed.

REGULAR MEETING                                       -2-                                                                    DEC. 1, 2003


SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO AMEND THE TOWN MEETING DATE TO 12/11/03 AND TO COMBINE HOCKLA FARMS AND REGION 19 BOARD OF EDUCATION ON THE SAME TOWN MEETING
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

ITEM I
Shall the Town, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, approve the acquisition of certain property located on Hockla Farms Road for the purpose of constructing certain road improvements and a turnaround and further subject to the terms and conditions of a certain proposed Agreement by and between the Town of Willington and R. Holmes, Inc., a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk of Willington.
    
ITEM 11
Willington electors to nominate and vote for Willington electors to fill a vacancy on the Regional 19 Board of Education.  Registered voters attending shall cast a certified paper ballot on the nominated names.

Selectman Patton commented that he thought the property on Village Hill & Lucerne Roads would be discussed at this meeting.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he asked the Town Attorney to confirm that we own the property.  Selectman Patton asked, assuming we own it, no body else pays taxes on it, shouldn’t we as a Board or the First Selectman figure out what we want to do with it before going to the Town Attorney?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t want to do anything until the attorney confirms ownership.    Selectman Blessington commented that we need to wait to hear from the attorney before deciding.  Selectman Patton commented that his question is why are we having the attorney look into it when it was looked into by the Town Engineer and why have the attorney look into it if we don’t want to do anything with it?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we probably want to do something with it. Selectman Patton commented that we should decide what we want to do before going to the Town Attorney. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he wants the attorney to tell us that we do own the property.  Selectman Blessington commented that if we add this to the agenda he would table it.  Selectman Patton asked why would we spend money on the Town Attorney if we do not know what we are going to do with it? Selectman Blessington commented that he would rather wait to decide if we want to auction it or sell it.  Selectman Patton commented that we as a Board need to decide what we want to do and then ask the attorney can we do this?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the attorney feels we need a title search.  Selectman Patton commented that Karl Acimovic, Town Engineer, is a land surveyor also and this is what you need.  A title search will not do enough you need the survey.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have to decide conclusively who owns it.  
Selectman Patton asked did we decide that if it is ours we want to get rid of it?  First Selectman Eldredge replied I think that’s what we are saying.        

APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT ROBERT PORTELLO TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE 12/15/03 TO 12/15/06 AND TO REAPPOINT GREGORY BLESSING TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE 12/15/03 TO 12/15, 2006.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO
REGULAR MEETING                                       -3-                                                                    DEC. 1, 2003

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT MARK DROBNEY FROM ALTERNATE MEMBER TO A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE 12/01/03 TO 12/01/06 AND TO REAPPOINT CAROL JORDAN AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE 12/1/03 TO 12/01/06 AND TO APPOINT ANDREW WHITE AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE 12/01/03 TO 12/01/06.
 
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT JOHN SAHI AS REGULAR MEMBER OF THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION, TO FILL VACANCY, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE 11/7/06 AND TO RE-APPOINT THOMAS SMITH AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE 11/7/06 AND TO RE-APPOINT ANN CILFONE AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE 11/7/06.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

NORTHEAST UTILITIES LAND
Northeast Utilities has a list of lands that are potential future candidates for municipal open space acquisition.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that a copy of this was sent to the Conservation Com. and the Plan of Conservation and Development.  He doesn’t see much there.

TOWN MEETING – This was handled under Hockla Farms Road.

PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls, Supervisor of Public Works, commented that they are working on catch basins and taking down trees.  Action Services is going to give a quote on the installation of the burner.  Lynn commented that they are making flyers for different mailboxes that hang over the curves; some mailboxes are expensive, some are very old and falling apart and they are in the way of the plows.  This is true of basketball hoops also.  Lynn is also talking to some homeowners regarding placement of snow.  First Selectman Eldredge asked Lynn if she would talk to Karl Acimovic regarding the GASB report?  Lynn replied yes.  Selectman Patton asked about the striping and was told that they are watching the temperature; maybe it could be done next week.  Selectman Patton asked what about Center School?  Lynn commented that they have not answered yet; we might have to go through their insurance.

2004 BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETINGS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING 2004 BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETINGS SCHEDULE.    
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO




REGULAR MEETING                                       -4-                                                                    DEC. 1, 2003


BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING SCHEDULE - 2004
1ST & 3RD MONDAY (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS)  6:30 P.M.
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
                                         
JAN. 05, 2004                                                   JULY  6, 2004 (TUES.)                                                          
JAN. 20, 2004 (TUES.)                                           JULY 19, 2004                                                                                         
FEB.  02, 2004                                                  AUG. 02, 2004
FEB. 17, 2004 (TUES.)                                           AUG. 16, 2004

MAR. 01, 2004                                                   SEPT.  7, 2004 (TUES.)
MAR. 15, 2004                                                   SEPT. 20, 2004

APR. 05, 2004                                                                           OCT. 04, 2004
APR. 19, 2004                                                           OCT. 18, 2004

MAY  03, 2004                                                           NOV. 01, 2004
MAY  17, 2004                                                   NOV. 15, 2004

JUNE 07, 2004                                                   DEC. 06, 2004
JUNE 21, 2004                                                   DEC. 20, 2004
JAN.  3, 2005
2004 HOLIDAYS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAY LIST FOR 2004.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO
THE TOWN OFFICE BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2004.

HOLIDAY                                                         DAY CLOSED
NEW YEAR’S DAY                                                  JANUARY 1, 2004
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY                             JANUARY 19, 2004
PRESIDENTS’ DAY                                                 FEBRUARY 16, 2004
GOOD FRIDAY                                                                             APRIL 9, 2004
MEMORIAL DAY                                                                            MAY 31, 2004
INDEPENDENCE DAY                                                                        JULY 5, 2004
LABOR DAY                                                       SEPTEMBER 6, 2004       
COLUMBUS DAY                                                                            OCTOBER 11, 2004
VETERAN’S DAY                                                                          NOVEMBER 11, 2004
THANKSGIVING DAY                                                                NOVEMBER 25, 2004
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING                                                          NOVEMBER 26, 2004
CHRISTMAS DAY                                                                   DECEMBER 24, 2004
NEW YEAR’S DAY 05                                               DECEMBER 31, 2004

REGULAR MEETING                                       -5-                                                                    DEC. 1, 2003

TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $67.68 TO GILBERT OR MARGARET CLARK.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $14.69 TO PETER SLEIGHT.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

LETTER REGARDING TRIBAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have a letter requesting that we add Willington to the list of towns that are dissatisfied with the way the BIA handles the tribal acknowledgement process in Connecticut.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t mind what we do on this.  Selectman Patton commented that if a tribe came here it would affect us all if they wanted to start a casino.  First Selectman Eldredge asked the Board if they want to get involved in this?  Selectman Patton commented that he thinks we should.  Selectman Blessington agreed it is a growing problem.  
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT THE FIRST SELECTMAN SIGN UP AND ADD THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON TO THE LIST.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO
GOOD & WELFARE
First Selectman Eldredge commented that he needs a member of the Board to be on the Safety Committee.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT SELECTMAN JOHN BLESSINGTON TO THE SAFETY COMMITTEE.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

Selectman Patton requested clarification on the Christmas party, are we paying employees to go?  First Selectman Eldredge replied yes.  Selectman Patton asked if they do not go do they get paid?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he assumes that if they decide not to go they will be here but they could take the day off.  Selectman Patton asked are we closing the office at noon.  First Selectman Eldredge replied yes, he was hoping it would encourage people to go.  Selectman Patton asked what time we would close Christmas Eve?
First Selectman Eldredge responded that we would close the normal time.

Selectman Patton commented that in going through the bills he noticed that the Town was still paying for First Selectman Eldredge’s health and dental bills, is there a reason for that?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would have to ask Accounting.  Selectman Patton commented that right now we are paying for December, is that policy now?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he didn’t know how to answer that.  Selectman Patton commented that the policy set up many years ago was that the First Selectman could buy health insurance.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he will have to buy it, as far as he knows, he is not positive when that happens.  Selectman Patton asked if First Selectman Eldredge could find out about that because right now the check was cut.  First Selectman Eldredge asked if that was for December?  Selectman Patton commented that it was a $1,300.00 bill.

REGULAR MEETING                                       -6-                                                                    DEC. 1, 2003


Selectman Patton asked First Selectman Eldredge if he withdrew the PZC application for a regulation change?  First Selectman Eldredge replied yes, he didn’t feel it was Town business.  We were not putting up gazebos anywhere or deciding on colors for fences.  Selectman Patton commented that if people come to the First Selectman for help isn’t that Town business?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that if they come to me I will bring it to the Board and if we decide that it is an issue we should take up as Town business then it would go forward.  Rob Hisey commented that regarding the withdrawal of the application, it was for section 703-03 and there is no such section, how can you ask for a change?  Selectman Patton commented that it was to amend the regulations.

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:28 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO


Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary