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 JUNE 7, 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, C. & E. D’Agata, W. Gangaway, L. & R. Hisey, P. Latincsics, S. & J. Lewis, J. Ouellet, R. Pelletier, D. Ridzon, E. Robertson, B. Smith, R. Tulis, L. Wenthworth and C. Wilson. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Selectman Blessington commented that on pg. 3, line 18 it should read certain political slant not hint and same page, it should read have a board chairman build his own, not fill his own.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 5/17/04 AS CORRECTED AND AMENDED.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Wilbur Gangaway was present to discuss the intersection of Luchon and Navratil Roads. People do not stop at the stop signs, his dog was almost hit and there are skid marks for many feet where another vehicle couldn’t stop. Friday and Saturday nights are very bad. He is asking the Board to make the intersection smaller, it is very wide. He feels that since the Town put the stop signs up the Town should enforce this. Mr. Gangaway commented that you could cut each corner and make it a T. Selectman Patton commented that it is on the Town Engineer’s list to do. Lynn Nicholls commented that this is happening all over Town, we could ask Troop C for help. First Selectman Eldredge commented that maybe we could bolt down speed bumps. Selectman Blessington commented
that Lynn has a point, if you put it at that stop sign you need to do it all over. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we will ask Karl Acimovic to look at it. J. Ouellet commented that Friday and Saturday nights are the worst, he has caught them doing donuts twice and is afraid to let his 4 year old daughter play on the lawn. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we will talk to Karl Acimovic and Troop C to see if they can spend some time there, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Selectman Patton commented that it might best to narrow the road. Selectman Blessington commented that we might do a rotary. Mr. Gangaway commented that some of the problem is that the road got wider with tarring, the hours between 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM Friday and Saturday are very bad.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
REGULAR MEETING -2- JUNE 7, 2004
OLD BUSINESS
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO ADD CORRECTION OF EXPIRATION DATE FOR MATT DINALLO TO THE AGENDA.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVE TO CORRECT THE EXPIRATION DATE ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MATT DINALLO. HIS APPOINTMENT WILL EXPIRE AT THE NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTION, 11/05.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
Selectman Patton commented that he wanted to reiterate his previous issue with the appointment; that PZC was not asked for a recommendation.
BIDS – TOWN HALL ROOF REPLACEMENT
No bids were received. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we would go back out to bid.
APPOINTMENTS
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPOINT DAVID RIDZON AS AN ALTERNATE ON THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE 12/18/04
First Selectman Eldredge explained that Mr. Ridzon was not a registered voter at the time of the last appointment; the Town Attorney told us to rescind the appointment until he was a registered voter. Mr. Ridzon is now registered to vote. Selectman Patton asked who recommended Mr. Ridzon? Selectman Blessington commented that the Republican Town Com. did. Selectman Patton asked if the Republican Town Com. will pay the Town Attorney? Selectman Blessington commented that he didn’t think so. R. Tulis requested that a copy of the ordinance be given to alternates, it is very important that they attend all meetings. Selectman Patton commented that he still has issues on how we appoint people to PZC, it is the only commission treated differently.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 NO (PATTON)
PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that they are sweeping, mowing and grading the dirt roads. They will line paint Pinney Hill, Schofield and Jared Sparks Roads. She is trying to get quotes for catch basin cleaning. They are still working on GASB, averaging 1-2 roads a week with the northern quarter just about finished.
TOWN MEETING – TOWN HALL – OPTION AGREEMENT
Selectman Patton recused himself on all votes to do with the option agreement due to the fact that he is Chairman of Access and left the meeting at 6:52 P.M.
First Selectman Eldredge read the option agreement; he explained that the difference in this option agreement is that the lease price is reduced from $200,000 to $1.00 per year. That $200,000 will be available to do work on the project. First Selectman Eldredge explained that the option only occurs if we get the funds to continue. 202 guarantees that it can’t be changed. The new agency will be who the Town signs the agreement with at the closing. R. Tulis asked if it is low-income housing or senior housing? First Selectman Eldredge commented
REGULAR MEETING -3- JUNE 7, 2004
that HUD 202 is low-income; this will be low income for seniors. Mr. Tulis asked if we would be forced to allow handicap that are not seniors? C. D’Agata, a member of the Housing Authority, responded no.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN ACCEPT THE OPTION AGREEMENT.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO HOLD A TOWN MEETING ON JUNE 15, 2004 AT 7:00 PM AT THE TOWN HALL FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
ITEM I
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the expenditure of $18,000 from Capital Projects - LOCIP – Town Hall to be reimbursed by LOCIP for roof replacement at the Town Hall.
ITEM II
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen will approve a lease option between the Town and The Access Agency, Inc. for the property known as 60 Old Farms Road, Phase 2, and upon exercise of the option by The Access Agency, Inc., authorize the Town to enter into a lease with a new corporation set up by The Access Agency for the same property for the purpose of construction, development and management of a multi-unit senior housing project pursuant to the HUD 202 program and to authorize the First Selectman to sign any and all documents related to carrying out these transactions.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 0 NO
Selectman Patton returned to the meeting at 7:07 PM
HOMELAND SECURITY RESOLUTION
First Selectman Eldredge commented that the Town of Willington will be funded $41,095, we were asked to sign option #1 that the State will administer the money. The money can be used for training. S. Cobb, our Homeland Security Director and T. Millix, Willington Fired Dept. #1 Chief, are involved in this. We need to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the state and need a resolution for this. We won’t be able to buy equipment with this money. Selectman Patton asked if the State was keeping a cut for administration and was told no. Selectman Patton commented that you need more training than equipment; you need to train for something that is more likely to happen. E. D’Agata commented that we are getting money from FEMA and some of that will aid in training. Training will be the precursor for grants. The Feds gave money for equipment.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN AUTHORIZE THE FIRST SELECTMAN TO SIGN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, AND THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADD TAX REFUNDS AND S.T.E.A.P. FUNDING TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
REGULAR MEETING -4- JUNE 7, 2004
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $257.76 TO CHEVY CHASE BANK.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
S.T.E.A.P. FUNDING
First Selectman Eldredge commented that during the last Board meeting we voted to appropriate $200,000 of the $500,000 for the recreation fields. He had a meeting with Larry Wagner, Program Consultant and monitor of the CDBG funding, George Gager from Birmingham Water and David Berto who is doing the HUD 202 application. We talked about what we can or can not do with the Small Cities Block Grant and one of the things we can’t do is build a public water supply system. We discussed the STEAP money that is available. It will cost between $350,000 and $400,000 for the water system. Lisa DuBois, from STEAP, told us we must write a letter to Marc Ryan at OPM and explain what projects we want STEAP funding for. It will be all political. In July applications will go to those who get
allocation letters. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would like to do $100,000 for the recreation fields and $400,000 for the water system if we get the HUD 202 and we need the sewage system. He also applied for a FY 05 grant through Simmons office to match a program for the septic system. It is my understanding that we are looking at $500,000 plus for the septic system. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would like to revise the motion, go after the $500,000 from STEAP, $400,000 for the water system for the Senior Housing and $100,000 for recreation. If we get an allocation from STEAP and we do not get HUD funding we can reallocate to the other project, you would not lose the allocation. Selectman Patton asked if 4 wells to supply 32 units would cost $400,000? First Selectman Eldredge commented that with the whole in ground water system they are saying $350,000 to $400,000. If you can’t put it under the
32 unit building, and I’m not sure you can or can’t right now, you would have a separate low grade building, the water storage tanks, the pressurization tanks; that’s what they are giving us for an estimated price. It would go out to bid and might come in under that. We have been working with Birmingham on other projects so we got a pricing from them. What price did you get? Selectman Patton replied $100,000, he has a tough time believing it is $400,000 for 4 wells. First Selectman Eldredge commented that there is $900,000 for testing. Selectman Patton commented that 32 units would be about $15,000 per unit to install the water system. First Selectman Eldredge commented that’s what they tell me; it includes the pressurization tanks, the storage tanks and housing for them. Selectman Patton asked what the Town Engineer says about this? First Selectman Eldredge commented that he has not gotten involved
in this. E. D’Agata asked if you do not spend $400,000 can you give it to recreation. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he believes you can but he doesn’t absolutely know. He was told that if you go for the $500,000 for 2 programs and you don’t get the HUD funding you could switch the allocation to the other program. If you got the $400,000 and it came in at $250,000 for the water system could you reallocate to the other program? I can’t tell you, I don’t absolutely know. I would have to ask Larry Wagner. Selectman Patton asked what is Larry Wagner’s cut? First Selectman Eldredge reported 10%. Selectman Patton commented that CDBG is a lot more complicated. First Selectman Eldredge commented that the water would go under DEP and recreation under OPM. DEP has the same restrictions as Small Cities so it would be about %10. Selectman Patton asked how much is Birmingham
Utilities going to put up for this? They will be making a profit off of this from running it but not putting up any money? First Selectman Eldredge that’s right. Selectman Blessington commented that when dealing with grants it is better to have an overage rather than a shortage. If they are saying $400,000, and none of us have any idea what it is going to cost, he would rather go with what they say and use $100,000 for the recreation fields which he thinks was the original amount that they thought was needed to complete the fields. He would rather make sure we cover the Senior Housing; we have other fields but no Senior Housing. First Selectman Eldredge commented that if we get HUD 202 we need money for the water system. Selectman Patton
REGULAR MEETING -5- JUNE 7, 2004
commented and the septic. First Selectman Eldredge said yes. Selectman Patton asked if you could do the septic under CDBG? First Selectman Eldredge replied that he does not know yet, John Fauxbel says no and Larry Wagner says yes. They will both be here on the 15th for an audit. L. Wagner was inclined to go with STEAP for the water system. Selectman Patton asked what else is this water system going to supply? First Selectman Eldredge commented that hopefully, eventually it will supply the cottages when they are done. Selectman Patton said “and”. First Selectman commented that right now it is just designed for those 2 applications, that’s what we talked about. Selectman Patton commented that he would like to see some numbers; he has a
tough time believing that 32 units are going to cost $15,000 each for just the water. First Selectman Eldredge commented that’s broken down by units, he is saying that the overall scope of the project, the separate building, the wells, the testing, I don’t know what size storage tank, 10,000 or 15,000, that would be the atmospheric tank, the pressurization tanks and your pumping system. I am sure the figure is high. Someone asked the total numbers between phase 1 & 2. It will be 36 units. First Selectman Eldredge commented that they system would be designed to include phase 3, a total of 56 units. Selectman Patton commented that you are still not piping to those units, that would be an additional cost. First Selectman Eldredge commented yes but basically you have the facilities and the storage for those units. Selectman Patton commented that you have 4 wells, a tank and a pumping system servicing 32 units. E. D’Agata commented that the pumps and the tanks have to be sized
appropriately to handle the units. Selectman Patton commented that he realizes that but how big of a pump do you really need to handle that size construction? First Selectman Eldredge commented that they certainly size it for the eventuality of everything, that’s what we tell them to do. How hard of a number this is, I don’t know, I doubt if it is a real hard number. When we go out to bid between 3 water companies, to design it and install it, you will come in lower than that. We need the availability of funding this year to support the 202 application; I think that’s important. W. Gangaway commented that after the length of time that seniors have waited for Senior Housing I would lean towards the higher number for the Senior Housing and the lower number for the recreation.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT WE APPLY FOR THE S.T.E.A.P. GRANTS FOR $100,000 FOR THE RECREATION FIELDS AND $400,000 FOR THE WATER SYSTEM FOR SENIOR HOUSING.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Selectman Patton asked First Selectman Eldredge if he had these numbers or was this something that they told you at the meeting? First Selectman Eldredge commented that this was told at the meeting, he said he could deliver the numbers. I can get numbers from him to support that if you feel better about that, I can call him tomorrow. Selectman Patton commented that it is a little too late if we are voting on it tonight. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we are just voting on tonight what we are going to go after for funding. Right now we are getting a letter in for application, when we go for allocation it will be a whole different story, you have to have a design system and everything to back it up. E. D’Agata commented that you may not get what you put in for. First
Selectman Eldredge commented that is correct STEAP has always been $500,000 for individual communities but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what everyone will get. Selectman Patton commented that it is not a Federal program it is probably one of the nicer State programs that are out there.
C. D’Agata asked Selectman Patton if he had figures from last year? Selectman Patton commented that the number they were always working with was less than $100,000 to do the 4 wells and he thinks that was from the engineer. It has been a while but $400,000 never came into the equalization, it was running somewhere around $1/2 million and change for the water and septic system, now we are talking about $1 million for that. C. D’Agata commented that if we apply for it and it can be reallocated than if we don’t need the $400,000 than we could put it over to the recreation fields. First Selectman Eldredge commented that that is his understanding, if we did not get the HUD 202 this year then we don’t need a water system and rather than lose the allocation to the Town, according
to Wagner you can reallocate, that’s why we want to go with 2 programs. C. D’Agata asked if it comes in lower than possibly could more go to the recreation fields? First Selectman Eldredge
REGULAR MEETING -6- JUNE 7, 2004
commented that he did not ask that question specifically so I can’t say positive to you that that’s true. Selectman Patton commented that other towns have done that. E. D’Agata asked if this also includes water treatment? If that happens the $100,000 goes flying out the window because the water treatment on that many units will cost you. First Selectman Eldredge commented that the deciding factor will be determined next week, when they drill the well, the depth, the gallons per minute and the quality. Birmingham is probably quoting high because of that. When we go to bid it could be different. Selectman Patton commented that he didn’t know if you can go out to bid due to the way the Public Water System legislation is, he doesn’t think you can have
competing water company systems, they control everything within a mile. The Town of Ashford went through something like this. First Selectman Eldredge commented that to build the system we would have to go to bid, especially on grant money, once you have a design what will you charge to build the water system with the same storage tank and everything like that.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE - None
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:35 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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