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 MAY 17, 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, P. Andersen, K. Demers, L. & R. Hisey, M. Jeffreys, P. Latincsics, S. & J. Lewis, D. Ridzon, G. Prusak, R. Tulis and L. Worthington. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 5/4/04.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK – No One.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
NORTH PROPERTY
First Selectman Eldredge commented that Selectman Patton mentioned, and I agree, dividing the property into 4 parcels with the restriction of one home on each parcel. That would respect Mr. North’s wishes also. Selectman Blessington commented that he went to the Library Board meeting and Dan Donahue was there. He told Dan that we would like to move forward and he wants Norcross to know this. Selectman Patton commented that he met with Dan to discuss the property. We came up with 3 alternatives: To keep as open space; Dan will get groups together to discuss buying the property. Develop 4 minimum building lots and keep the rest as Town property. Part of that would be to do an inventory of the forest and look at long term trends for timber, do a 25 year cost analysis and
what the property would be in 25 years and what the cost of engineering and subdividing would be and what the cash flow and interest on the money would be. You can certainly get more money for a 20-acre parcel than for a 2-acre parcel. Also the cost of residential property and taxes received. Dan is checking the cost of timber and logging. There are a number of issues to look into before we decide. Selectman Patton commented that we could make a decision in the next 3 months. First Selectman Eldredge agreed we could wait 3 months. Selectman Patton commented that to keep it as a natural conservatory Joshua’s Trust, the Blue Trail, CT Parks & Forestry or the neighbors might be interested. We need to see what the potential is for 4 minimum lots; we need to analyze the cash flow vs. services; long-term timber, 4 large lots, engineering and sub dividing. Lets look at reasonable alternatives, the impact on the Town and
complying with Mr. North’s wishes. Selectman Patton commented that he talked to a real estate agent and to the Assessor regarding taxes; he is keeping an open mind. R. Tulis asked regarding the cash flow did you consider the taxes
REGULAR MEETING -2- MAY 17, 2004
from 4 houses vs. schools, etc.? Selectman Patton responded yes, residential services vs. taxes. This property was given to the Town for the benefit of the Library. First Selectman Eldredge asked if there is a time frame? Selectman Patton commented that he would update them at the June meeting. Selectman Patton commented that he received e-mail from people wanting to help out. Selectman Blessington commented that Dan Donahue had some idea about income from logging; did he have any other ideas? Selectman Patton commented that we are looking at that also. First Selectman Eldredge asked if Norcross received anything from UCONN yet and Selectman Patton replied that they had nothing official. K. Demers commented that she would like to add support and she thinks it is great
that Selectman Patton is doing this. She feels the property is valuable to the Town in many ways. Looking at it through the Conservation Commission, there are a lot of possibilities. P. Andersen commented that the Conservation Com. does not have an official position but it is open space in Town and 80% of people say they like open space, we should do everything possible to keep it open space. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have been trying to do that. Norcross wants an easement on both the UCONN property and the North property, UCONN will accept a permanent easement on the North property but wants a 40-50 year easement on the UCONN property. We need to move forward. P. Andersen commented that you need to give it enough time. First Selectman Eldredge commented that they will not vote, we will wait for the Library Board.
APPOINTMENTS
First Selectman Eldredge recused himself from the EHHD appointment.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPOINT LOUISE ELDREDGE AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS HEALTH DISTRICT, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY TO 12/3/04.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT MARC JEFFREYS AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY TO 1/1/07.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT CINDY WILSON AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Selectman Patton commented that his concern is with having 2 Town employees on the Housing Authority. 40% of the Housing Authority is now made up of Town employees. You want some distance between the Town and the Housing Authority. Having 2 out of 5 members as Town employees makes him a little uncomfortable. Linda Worthington has attended Housing Authority meetings, works with the elderly and is interested and here. First Selectman Eldredge commented that it wouldn’t be fair to say one Town employee can serve and another can’t. First Selectman Eldredge told Ms. Worthington that anything in the future she would be more than welcome.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 ABSTAIN (PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT MATTHEW DINALLO, TO FILL A VACANCY, AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY TO 11/20/07.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
REGULAR MEETING -3- MAY 17, 2004
Selectman Patton asked if we received a recommendation from PZC? R. Tulis commented that PZC made a recommendation that Norm Gray be appointed. Selectman Blessington commented that he understands that Norm Gray has been on PZC longer than Matt Dinallo but Norm was a regular and lost the election and was appointed as an alternate after the election. Last year the election showed how PZC was perceived in this town and the Sentinel members of the board were defeated and the people were asking for a new direction for PZC. Appointing Mr. Gray would be in effect nullifying the election. Mr. Tulis commented that you have a pure greenhorn here. Mr. Gray has attended seminars and has better experience to do the job and he wants to go on record on that. Mr. Tulis is disturbed that the Board
did not get a recommendation from PZC. Selectman Patton commented that was his opinion, he didn’t care who they recommended; his question was did we get a recommendation like we normally do? He thought we discussed this before and that we would try to get their endorsement or at least a recommendation before we made a decision. Selectman Blessington commented that he doesn’t remember that, he remembers discussing it, he doesn’t remember that we came to that conclusion.
We are trying to do something that we used to do and that is to ask for recommendations from the party when there was a vacancy, it used to be the way it was done, we are trying to get back to that. R. Tulis commented that sometimes you didn’t get a response. Selectman Blessington commented that if you don’t you must deal with it but in this case we did. I know we sent in recommendations from time to time and the Board shot them down because “the best person” had to go in on the job. The best person always seems to be one who had a certain political hint and there’s always your disagreement. R. Tulis commented that this is no different. Selectman Blessington commented that he has ultimate faith in Mr. Dinallo; you have ultimate faith in Mr. Gray. Mr.
Tulis commented that he is not saying he does not have faith in Matt, he just thinks that Norm is a better choice. Selectman Patton commented that if we are supposed to validate the last election, shouldn’t we at least get something from the Democrats? Selectman Blessington commented that he doesn’t think that any Democrats split the ticket on PZC. Mr. Tulis asked Selectman Blessington if he had an appointee to fill the alternate position also. Selectman Blessington replied yes. Selectman Patton asked are we going to get a recommendation from PZC or are we going to vote tonight? First Selectman Eldredge commented that he has confidence in Matt Dinallo; he thinks he can do the job and he will learn quickly. P. Latincsics commented that he would like to point out that attendance is a problem and we need alternates as well, both Matt and Norman come regularly and maintain a competent level on what is happening on the board, which
ever way you go we would benefit from both individuals. Selectman Patton commented that he wants to understand the process, are we going to get recommendations from boards and commissions or are we not? Selectman Blessington commented that we have recommendations tonight from the Housing Authority and the Historic District Com. we did not have people to fill these positions, the board recommended someone and we talked to them. Selectman Blessington commented that the Board of Finance appoints its own replacements. Other replacements are appointed by the Board of Selectmen, it has to do with the separation of powers rather than have a board chairman fill his own little empire by only appointing those people he wants, you would have a board completely taken over by a chairman with no check on it. He thinks this is a check. Selectman Patton commented that he is again asking if we are having a procedure where we ask the commissions for their
recommendations or are we not doing that or is it just when we feel like it? First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t think we decided we would do that every time, he thought we agreed to notify the chairman if a recommendation came, like this one from the Republican Town Committee, but not necessarily that we were going to go to the board chairman and go by that recommendation. Selectman Patton commented that he didn’t say you have to go by the recommendation, but there are times you have to look at the recommendation; it is a recommendation it is not an absolute; you can accept the recommendation or not. Give them the courtesy of asking their opinion on who they recommend; there will be times when you say no, I don’t think that’s the right person, for whatever reason. It is just a matter of courtesy to ask the boards who they recommend. First Selectman Eldredge responded or at least notify them who we are
recommending.
REGULAR MEETING -4- MAY 17, 2004
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 NO (PATTON)
Selectman Patton commented that he wanted it in the record that his opposition to this appointment is the procedure to appoint this person; that Planning & Zoning was not asked for a recommendation.
PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that she had a request from the foreman regarding holding off on his vacation until after August. First Selectman Eldredge commented that you and I will discuss this. Lynn commented that he puts 110% into his job. Lynn commented that we are spending a lot of time with Karl Acimovic doing GASB. On Thursday, Lou fell into a sinkhole on Lohse Road, it has a temporary patch but we need to take care of it. Blair Road has 2 catch basins collapsed. A contractor with large equipment should do the swale we talked about and it could be done in 1 or 2 days, we have money in the budget. We can’t do it with a backhoe, it could take 4 or 5 days; and let the crew do the streets. First Selectman Eldredge commented that the swale for the Senior Center is not a
big job. Lynn commented that if we put pipe in it will not wash out all the time. First Selectman Eldredge commented that this is only a temporary fix until the final work is done on the next phase. Lynn commented that if we cut the swale, we will just keep feeding it and having to dig it out. If we put a pipe in from the manhole to the top of the hill and swale the rest it won’t wash out all the time. First Selectman Eldredge commented that you must remember this is a temporary fix; I would have to think about that. Lynn commented that she couldn’t see doing some of these things when it is cheaper to get someone to come in and do it when we have problems around Town with catch basins and water run offs and things we would be paying attention to. First Selectman Eldredge asked how are we doing on Hackle Farms? Lynn commented that she got bids in for the removal of the trees; they run from $8,500 to $30,000.
Lynn asked if we could go to the Board of Finance to ask for the FEMA money back. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he is going to the Board of Finance for some of that. Some of these questions we need to discuss first. Your budget was really hit with the sidewalk and the parking lot. Selectman Patton commented that you have money left over. Lynn commented that the school parking lot came out of asphalt money, we did not do any asphalt, and we had a lot of vehicle expenses this winter. We need to put some money back into the roads. Lynn commented that they are sweeping; she took 4 loads of trash from the roads to the Transfer Station, there were some names in there and letters will be sent to those people. All sweepings are going to the park. They are replacing signs and mowing. Selectman Patton asked Lynn if she was involved in the water situation for Hall School? Lynn replied no.
Selectman Patton commented that the State Dept. of Public Health and Birmingham Utilities are involved and it might be a good idea to have a Town employee involved. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he met with George Gager and they are supposed to submit a price. Selectman Patton commented that we need some Town input in there, either First Selectman Eldredge or Lynn should be involved and a Board of Finance member since we are talking about a lot of money. Also from a cooperation point of view between the school and the Town. This is critical. First Selectman Eldredge agreed and commented that it is one of the main things that is going to be addressed this year. R. Tulis commented that you could go under the river without disturbing anything. Selectman Patton commented that we need to look at the best way to go, drill another well or move the oil tank. It could be cheaper to move the oil tank 10’. P.
Latincsics commented that at a CIP meeting the question was asked about the original water supply to the school from Village Springs. First Selectman Eldredge commented that it is not allowed by law. Selectman Patton commented that they run from South Willington now. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he agrees we should have some input on this. Selectman Patton asked about the question of running water from the new Senior Center? First Selectman Eldredge commented that we talked about running to Center School. Another thought is the Senior Center, the Town Office Building, the Fire Dept. and Center School. There is no problem with the water quality at Hall School. Selectman Patton commented that it would still be cheaper to move the oil tank 10’. To run from the end of Depot Road to Hall School would be at least $100,000. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we will keep abreast of it. Selectman Patton
commented that someone from the Town should be involved, the
REGULAR MEETING -5- MAY 17, 2004
Board of Education is educators, and our focus is on infrastructure. Lynn commented that she talked to Karl Acimovic about Ketches Bridge; she would like to get it done. CL&P is moving the poles at no cost, the telephone pole should not be a problem but she will have them look at it.
AWARD HAYING CONTRACT FOR FENTON-RUBY PARK
First Selectman Eldredge commented that we received 2 bids for the haying. William Mihaliak, Sr. for $50.00 and Keith MacDonald for $11.00
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO AWARD THE HAYING CONTRACT FOR FENTON-RUBY PARK FOR 2004 TO WILLIAM MIHALIAK FOR $50.00 AS PER HIS BID.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS PROCLAMATION
First Selectman Eldredge read a letter from the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation asking the Town to join with the Governor in issuing a proclamation stating that June is Myasthenia Gravis Awareness month.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADOPT THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
Proclamation
Town of Willington
WHEREAS, Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune, neuromuscular disease, causing weakness of the voluntary muscles; and
WHEREAS, MG may affect any voluntary muscle, but most commonly affects those that control eye movements, eyelids, chewing, swallowing, coughing and facial expression. Muscles that control breathing and movements of the arms and legs may also be affected; and
WHEREAS, because of its rarity (approximately 70,000 people are living with MG in the US today), many Americans are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. MG can be controlled through modern medical intervention, but can prove fatal if left untreated; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize the many physicians who, in their total dedication and untiring effort to treat this disease and search for answers, have never lost sight of their primary goal conquest.
WHEREAS, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. (MGFA) is a not-for-profit organization founded 52 years ago in 1952; and
WHEREAS, the MGFA has grown to a network of 34 chapters throughout the country, including the CT “Nutmeg” State Chapter chartered in 1973, whose mission is to facilitate the timely diagnosis and optimal care of individuals affected by myasthenia gravis and to improve their lives through programs of patient services, public information, medical research, professional education, advocacy and patient care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Michael L. Eldredge, First Selectman of the Town of Willington, CT do hereby proclaim June, 2004, as MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AWARENESS MONTH in The Town of Willington and urge all residents to join with me, during the period, in an attempt to focus
REGULAR MEETING -6- MAY 17, 2004
attention on the need for education, treatment, research, and ultimately an end to this as yet incurable disease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the Town of Willington, to be affixed this 17th day of the month of May, 2004.
TRANSFER STATION GROUNDWATER MONITORING
First Selectman Eldredge reported that Fuss & O’Neill, the company that does the monitoring, has agreed to extend their contract with last year’s price of $6,900.00
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO EXTEND THE TRANSFER STATION GROUNDWATER MONITORING CONTRACT FOR 2004-2005 FOR THE PRICE OF $6,900 AS PER THEIR PROPOSAL.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $220.90 TO AUTOMOTIVE RENTALS, INC.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $65.80 TO TRANSAMERICA REAL ESTATE SERVICES.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPLY FOR THE S.T.E.A.P. GRANT FOR $200,000 FOR THE CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION OF THE RECREATION FIELDS ON RIVER ROAD.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 1 ABSTAIN (ELDREDGE) 0 NO
First Selectman Eldredge commented that he wants to apply for funding for Senior Housing for the water system for $300,000 and some for the Recreation fields. Selectman Patton asked if he was applying for the Community Block Grant? First Selectman Eldredge replied yes. Selectman Patton commented that you can apply there for the water system. Selectman Patton commented that CDBG is more limited than S.T.E.A.P., you could do water with CDBG but not recreation fields. First Selectman Eldredge commented that John Fauxbel, Department of Economic & Community Development, told him you could not do the water system for the housing with CDBG funds but Larry Wagner, the grant administrator told him he had a letter stating that you could. First Selectman Eldredge asked if we could wait until
the next meeting to make sure he can do the water system under the CDBG and without going to S.T.E.A.P. we can discuss it at the next meeting. Selectman Patton commented that he wants to get some money for the library since construction costs are going up. They are looking at going propane heating; putting the cheapest in is not always the best way to go. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he agreed oil heat is the best way to go. We get discounts for large amounts of oil but not propane. Selectman Patton commented that it is a simpler design for propane but the operation costs are more than heating oil. Selectman Blessington commented that he suggests that we agree on the recreation fields and at the next meeting we can discuss the water and the library. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he wants to make sure he can use CDBG for the water system. Selectman Patton commented
REGULAR MEETING -7- MAY 17, 2004
that he suggests that you make sure you get it as a whole system. First Selectman Eldredge agreed and asked Selectman Patton if he ever got a rough estimate on the sewage along. Selectman Patton commented that the estimate for both was about a ½ million. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he heard from $150,000 to $200,000 for water. I want to find out if that is for the 2 tanks and 4 wells and $9,000 well testing. You have to go with the sewage system too, one doesn’t work without the other.
Selectman Patton asked regarding the CHRO dismissal and 15-day appeal, did C. Briggs work on it? First Selectman Eldredge replied yes. Selectman Patton asked about the other CHRO case, it is pending.
Selectman Patton asked where are we on the union grievance, at one point we were going to mediation instead of arbitration. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have heard nothing so far. Selectman Blessington asked if we should be discussing this at an open meeting. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we are not discussing the grievance, just where we are with it.
Selectman Patton asked where are we on the Village Hill Bridge and PJF? First Selectman Eldredge replied that we are waiting for a response from PJF. Selectman Patton commented that looking at the $18,000 for LOCIP, will that be enough? Selectman Eldredge replied yes we went over the figures. Selectman Patton commented that he is worried about Ketches Bridge and the steel prices going up. We should get a letter from the Town Attorney regarding prevailing wages and the difference between renovation and new construction. He suggests that Karl Acimovic figure out what the estimate would be with prevailing wages, we might need more money.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:04 P.M.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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