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. 19, 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, J. & S. Lewis, J. Philippi, G. Prusak and T. Smith. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 4/5/04 & 4/12/04.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Joe Philippi was present to ask the Board to purchase a new flag for the Town Green. The Board agreed. Joe commented that the flags and the yellow ribbons that are still up are a welcome to returning military going by and he commends the Town for doing that.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
SENIOR CENTER
First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have a revised schedule for the work on the Senior Center. They shut down for 6 weeks over the winter. They were supposed to reach substantial completion by April 24th and final on May 24th on the original schedule; now substantial completion is by mid June and hopefully we won’t go past June for completion of the punch list. They have done the footings and they are doing the cast wall so they are on schedule by the new schedule. Selectman Patton asked who is doing the material testing? First Selectman Eldredge commented that he had the name of the company upstairs but everything is being tested. Selectman Patton commented that it looks like the rough electric will be done in June, when will they do the final? First
Selectman Eldredge commented that it will be done by the substantial completion. Selectman Patton asked if we have any ideas or plans on what we will do with the existing senior center? First Selectman Eldredge commented that he has not discussed it yet but he was thinking of using it for voting and Town Meetings and asked Selectman Patton for his thoughts. Selectman Patton commented that he thought moving all the offices that deal with the public upstairs and downstairs could be open for voting or Town Meetings. Everything for the public would be upstairs along with the records. People now come from the Town Clerk’s office downstairs to the Land Use office and back up to the Assessor’s office. Community Council and Finance could stay where they are. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we could certainly give that some thought along with other ideas. Selectman Patton commented that it could be a conference room at the
least.
REGULAR MEETING -2- APR. 19, 2004
Selectman Blessington commented that we have an agreement about using the Town Hall or it reverts back to the original owner. He likes the idea of a conference room but Selectman Patton brings up some good points. Selectman Patton commented that we need to give it some thought; we will have to put money in there.
PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that she liked the idea of everything upstairs, we could have a planning table. The past 2 weeks they have been trying to save the Town from floating away from water. She talked to Karl Acimovic regarding the new senior center. Lynn also took Karl around to some other problem spots. Lynn asked if the Federated Church could be asked not to park on the Town Green until the green dries out. This will be done.
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
First Selectman Eldredge commented that April is Fair Housing month. W have been advised that as recipients of current or potential applicant for Small Cities funding we should re-adopt the Fair Housing Resolution, the Fair Housing Policy Statement and the Title VI Equal Opportunity Statement.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO RE-ADOPT THE FOLLOWING:
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
Whereas, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing
Opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and
Whereas, State and Federal Fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless
of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age,
mental or physical disability, lawful source of income, sexual orientation,
familial status, be given equal access to rental and homeownership
opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing
location; and
Whereas, The Town of Willington is committed to upholding these laws, and
Realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative State-
ment publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing
Opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
That the Town of Willington hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to
Ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase and obtain
Financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory
basis: and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the First Selectman of
the Town of Willington or his designated representative is responsible for
responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an
illegal discriminator housing practices in the Town of Willington.
Michael L. Eldredge, First Selectman
April 19, 2004
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING -3- APR. 19, 2004
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO RE-ADOPT THE FOLLOWING:
FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT
It is both the policy and strong commitment of the Town of Willington to promote Fair Housing opportunities in all its programs and housing development activities and to take affirmative action through education and implementation to ensure equal housing opportunities for all persons and families.
The Town of Willington will take affirmative action to ensure that all tenants, applicants, and residents are treated fairly without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, learning disability, mental or physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, age individuals with children, or lawful source of income.
The Town of Willington will continue to make a good faith effort to comply with all Federal and State laws and policies which speak to fair housing practices.
It is the policy of the Town of Willington that all Housing related personnel be trained and educated in the principles of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity so that Equal Housing Opportunity may be available to all qualified applicants.
This Fair Housing Policy Statement reaffirms our personal commitment to the principles of fair housing and equal opportunity housing practices.
The Fair Housing Officer, Youth, Family & Social Services Director, or their designated representative is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of the Fair Housing Regulations/Plan and the enforcement of this policy. The Fair Housing Officer may be reached at 860-487-3118.
Complaint(s) pertaining to discrimination in any program funded by this Town of Willington may be filed with the Fair Housing officer. The Town’s Grievance Procedure will be utilized in this case(s).
Complaints also may be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Michael L. Eldredge, First Selectman
April 19, 2004
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO RE-ADOPT THE FOLLOWING:
COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
The Town of Willington does not discriminate in the provision of services, the administration of its programs, or contractual agreements. The Town of Willington seeks to fully carry out its responsibilities under the Title VI Regulations.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Title VI provides that
REGULAR MEETING -4- APR. 19, 2004
“No person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program” covered by the Regulations.
This policy is effectuated through the methods of administration outlined in the Town’s Fair Housing Plan and is fully implemented to ensure compliance by the Town, as the recipient, and by sub recipients. The cooperation of all Town personnel is required.
Michael L. Eldredge, First Selectman
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
The Board wishes Shannon Bourbeau best wishes and good luck on her promotion at Access. First Selectman Eldredge commented that Shannon is very skilled and very qualified. Selectman Patton commented that Shannon will be heading up Community Services for 27 towns, including Willington. Melissa Lohse is taking Shannon’s place here.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO RECESS THE MEETING AT 7:10 P.M.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE CALLED THE MEETING BACK TO ORDER AT 7:31 P.M.
ZBA PRESENTATION AWARDS
First Selectman Eldredge read a letter from R.E. Maloney, Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the presentation of two plaques of achievement to Richard Claus and Carlton Csiki. Mr. Maloney stated that Mr. Claus and Mr. Csiki represent volunteerism and dedicated excellence. He would like the gratitude of the Town’s people expressed to them for their many years of service to the Town and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
First Selectman Eldredge read the plaque for Carlton Csiki from the Willington Zoning Board of Appeals,
1986 – 2004. In recognition of outstanding dedicated service to the Zoning Board of Appeals and The Town of Willington. First Selectman Eldredge then read the plaque for Richard Claus, Sr., from the Willington Zoning Board of Appeals, 1983 – 2003. In recognition of outstanding dedicated service to the Zoning Board of appeals and The Town of Willington. First Selectman Eldredge congratulated Carlton and Dick, thanked them and commented that he has never heard anything but praise for either one of these gentlemen. Both Carlton and Dick thanked the Board. Tom Smith, a member of the ZBA, commented that he has personally known Dick a long time and his support and encouragement is second to none. Carlton has been his mentor and special friend and he is glad to be here.
Carlton commented that Dick was always the compass of reason.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:34 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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