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. 5, 2004
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, L. Nicholls, D. Hardie, J. Lewis, G. Prusak, A. St. Louis and R. Tulis. S. Yorgensen came for a few minutes. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 3/15/04 & 3/23/04.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Donna Hardie, Town Clerk, was present to discuss the grant application, FY 2005, for Historic Documents Preservation. It is for $7,000.00 and will be used for conversion of Historical Index Data and a new cabinet to house Mylar maps and strips. In order to apply for this, a resolution by the Board of Selectmen is necessary appointing Donna as designee.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR A $7,000 HISTORIC DOCUMENTS PRESERVATION GRANT FOR FY 2005 AND TO DESIGNATE DONNA HARDIE AS THE APPLICANT.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
BUDGET
First Selectman Eldredge reported on the cuts that the Board of Finance made to the Board of Selectmen’s budget. The Board of Selectmen approved a budget with a 2.13% increase. The Board of Finance reduced specific line items and reduced the total budget to $2,415,835 an increase of .94% instead of 2.13%. Selectman Patton commented that they do not have the authority to go to that sort of level, they can go to departments, not line items. It is up to the Board of Selectmen to determine where the cuts should be; it is a procedural issue. Selectman Patton also commented on the reduction of the accrued sick days by $9,500 and leaving only $2,000. That is a liability that grows, by not funding it you are putting it off into the future, it grew over the years and you now
have a $9,000 unfunded liability and then you will have to put in $20,000/$22,000 next year; we will end up with problems. That is bad budgeting, we shouldn’t do that, it is as much of a cost as a salary is. You are not funding a liability and that is wrong. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he talked to Terry Hoffman about that; she agrees it is a large cut but they don’t think anyone is leaving soon. Selectman Patton commented that you are not funding it and it is a liability and when someone retires the money will not be there. First Selectman Eldredge asked can’t you make a calculation, like she did, of what we would need in that fund
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right now to pay out our obligations at this time? Selectman Patton commented yes we do that every year and we are over funded by about $2,000. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he got the inclination that there was more of a funding than $2,000. She indicated to me that it was fine to cover ourselves for a couple of years. Selectman Patton commented absolutely not, it is a liability that accrues. As far as the Dog Fund goes, he has a van that needs to be replaced and that money usually comes out of the Dog Fund. We go to the State for a used vehicle and it will cost about $5,000. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he was led to believe that there is much more money there than necessary for a used vehicle. Selectman Patton commented that you know how I feel about
reducing asphalt and chip seal. Selectman Blessington commented that Selectman Patton has some pretty good points but you have to cut some place. Selectman Patton commented that I would rather cut from operation expenses where you don’t accrue a liability. First Selectman Eldredge asked Selectman Patton if he felt that the study that was done about what expenses could possibly be and that we are covered; and that one-year not covering the complete $11,500 was complete? Selectman Patton commented that the audit at the end of last year showed that we have about a $70,000 liability and about a $72,000 balance. We have always funded that at $11,000/11,500, we always stayed even the entire time, now we are going to put in $2,000. If everyone takes their sick days we will be fine, we wouldn’t accrue a liability. Next year you will have to put in $20,000 and that will not happen. Take it out of somewhere we will not be accruing a
liability, this is just wrong. First Selectman Eldredge asked if we need a motion to accept the reduced budget. Selectman Patton commented no, it is not up to us. You could come up with recommendation to say I think this is where we should take those cuts from, instead of where they took them. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we did recommend some of them. Selectman Patton asked who is we? First Selectman Eldredge commented that he recommended some and Terry recommended some we could reduce. Selectman Patton commented that he thinks that Terry recommended $2,000 be cut from accrued sick time and the Board of Finance cut $9,500.00. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he marked his recommendations down on the budget and gave it to Terry.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE REDUCED BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S BUDGET APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF FINANCE AT $2,415,835 FOR AN INCREASE OF .94% IN LIEU OF THE 2.13% WE ORIGINALLY SUBMITTED.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 NO (PATTON
PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls requested some clarification on her budget and why the accrued sick days for Public Works are not included in that. Selectman Patton commented that when the system was set up the benefits were small compared to the salaries. We were going to do that but it did not work very well. Now the benefits equal about 50% of payroll. Lynn reported that they are working on the sweeper, the GASB and brush cutting. They are also cleaning out catch basins, staying on top of water problems. First Selectman Eldredge asked if they started on Hockla Farms Road? Lynn replied that they are starting. Lynn commented that SNET and CL&P have the prints for the Ketches Bridge.
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $30.24 TO KERI NAYLOR.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
AQUIFER ORDINANCE
First Selectman Eldredge commented that the State mandated that we establish an Aquifer Protection Ordinance and sent a sample ordinance. The Inland/Wetlands Commission has accepted responsibility as the Town’s agency. Our Town Attorney has gone over the ordinance and it is ready to go to Public Hearing and Town Meeting. First Selectman Eldredge read the proposed Ordinance and commented that we must do this since we
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have aquifers to protect. Ralph Tulis asked it the ordinance mentions training. Selectman Patton commented that it mentions it in section 2. Mr. Tulis commented that there could be financial pitfalls to the Town. Selectman Patton commented that we should write to Sen. Guglielmo and Rep. Cardin to see what the cost to the Town would be. Selectman Blessington commented that he understands that we do not have a choice. Susan Yorgensen commented that it is an un-funded mandate and must be passed by May 2nd. Mr. Tulis commented that the Town must do the land use inventory and we must adopt Municipal land use regulations. Susan Yorgensen commented that they must be clear; Inland/Wetlands would have to adopt regulations separate from PZC. Selectman Patton asked if
we would need 2 separate aquifer regulations? Susan replied yes. Susan commented that the State is beginning the inventory and will turn it over to us and we will have to finalize. It may amount to registering a business. First Selectman Eldredge asked if businesses would be grandfathered? Susan commented that certain things will not fall under grandfather but if they are not registered they will not be grandfathered. Selectman Patton commented that he is not comfortable with this, we need more answers, what will the impact be? what training is required?, what businesses will be impacted? Selectman Blessington asked Selectman Patton if he was suggesting that we not pass this ordinance? Selectman Patton commented that he wanted to make an informed decision. First Selectman Eldredge commented that whatever the impact is we are still mandated to adopt it. We don’t have the option to say no.
Selectman Patton commented that he is not saying we should say no; just wait 2 weeks to get answers. Selectman Blessington asked what is the difference if we wait 2 weeks? Selectman Patton commented that we could be more informed about the impact. Ralph Tulis commented that it might make sense to wait to get stuff from DEP specific to the Town of Willington. It is going to cost the Town some money and we need to plan for it. First Selectman Eldredge asked if he wanted a presentation from someone at DEP? Selectman Patton commented that the Office of Legislative Research probably has information that we could get, we must do this but we should go in with our eyes open. Ralph commented that his concern is if we have to pay for training, mapping, etc. we need to know that. First Selectman Eldredge asked wouldn’t Inland/Wetlands work with DEP on this? They will have to attend classes. Al St. Louis commented that the
CT Bar Association has a one-day course on new legislation; Inland/Wetlands follows DEP and State regulations. Selectman Blessington commented that he didn’t think waiting 2 weeks will do anything, getting DEP here may help, yes there is a lot of things to be done, yes it will cost money but we still have to do it. I think we should go ahead with what we have, I don’t see anything wrong with what we have. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he agrees we won’t be any further ahead in 2 weeks. We can bring someone to the Public Hearing; he sees no harm in establishing an agency by an ordinance to start this process. Selectman Patton commented that we are recommending adoption of an ordinance we do not understand. Selectman Blessington commented that in general we understand it, we do not understand it in detail. First Selectman Eldredge commented that the ordinance names the agency to handle this and the agency will learn. Selectman Patton commented that he thinks we have
at least have a duty to understand what the requirements, obligations and limitations are, along with the powers and duties. Right now we don’t understand this. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he will try to get more information and have it available before the Public Hearing and will invite someone from DEP or the Town Attorney to the meeting.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMEND THE ADOPTION OF A TOWN ORDINANCE THAT WOULD PROVIDE AN AQUIFER PROTECTION AGENCY WITH THE INLAND/WETLANDS WATERCOURSE COMMISSION DESIGNATED AS THE AQUIFER PROTECTION AGENCY AND THAT A PUBLIC HEARING AND
TOWN MEETING BE SET FOR APRIL 13, 2004 FOR THE TOWNSPEOPLE TO ACT ON THIS RECOMMENDATION.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 NO (PATTON)
PURCHASE AND SALES ORDINANCE
There is no need to do this, the Town Attorney has looked it over and it is fine the way it is.
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SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING & TOWN MEETING – Handled under the Aquifer Ordinance section.
CONSORTIUM PURCHASING OF ELECTRICITY
First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have an opportunity to get a quote on a better price for electricity by joining a consortium, Strategic Energy Limited. We have released our records; they will look at our cost for the last year and will come back with a strike price and buy in bulk. They shop for the best price and we must sign up within 48 hours. In order to be considered for this they want a resolution that the First Selectman is authorized to enter into a contractual agreement with them. The Board of Education has given the Superintendent authorization.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION REGARDING CONSORTIUM PURCHASING OF ELECTRICITY:
RESOLVED THAT THE WILLINGTON FIRST SELECTMAN IS AUTHORIZED TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT WITH STRATEGIC ENERGY LIMITED FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONSORTIUM PURCHASING OF ELECTRICITY. THIS SERVES TO AUTHORIZE THE FIRST SELECTMAN TO ENTER INTO THIS CONSORTIUM AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON IF THE COST OF ELECTRICITY IN THE CONTRACT PRODUCES A SAVINGS FOR THE TOWN.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Patton asked for clarification about the ZBA minutes where it said the chair, Rick Maloney, had a discussion with First Selectman Eldredge & Selectman Blessington regarding the Zoning Agents obligation to enforce the zoning regulations. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he had no idea what that meant, he has not talked to Rick. Selectman Blessington commented that Rick called him about other things and asked how come the Zoning Official was told not to enforce the regulations? He told Rick that didn’t sound right. Selectman Blessington talked to T. Radell, chair of PZC and Tony said that didn’t sound right and Tony talked to Rick. This is where that came from, there was no meeting, we talked on the phone. Selectman Patton commented that it seemed strange
that he talked to you two about the Zoning Enforcement Official. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would talk to Rick about it.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:21 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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