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 OCT. 4, 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, W. Gangaway, S. & J. Lewis, and Kim Wentzel, reporter from the Chronicle. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 9/20/04.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & PATTON) 1 ABSTAIN (BLESSINGTON) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Jack Lewis asked if the First Selectman could notify the trash haulers in Town to secure their loads better. Trash
flies out of the trucks if they are not secured properly. Lynn commented that there is a white truck that is doing trash pick up also and everything gets thrown in together.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he received a letter from the Dept. of Transportation asking if the Town was interested in property on Route 32, the State’s old salt shed. He told them we would be interested if there were no environmental problems and depending on the price. Selectman Patton commented that that property has polluted 3 or 4 wells. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we will see what they come back with.
PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that we moved the seniors into the new center but there are still a couple of more things to move. She talked to Karl Acimovic regarding the drain basin. We did some storm cleaning and will start cleaning up from the chip sealing. Once we get the Senior Center done we have to get back to the roads. First Selectman Eldredge asked about the 2 aprons at the River Road Recreation Area. Lynn commented that she thought it would be better to wait until spring because of the heavy equipment going back and forth. First Selectman Eldredge commented that it could wait. Selectman Patton asked about Turnpike Road. Lynn commented that we put it in the CIP but we will have to do something soon. We are there weekly, underneath is all broken up from one end to
the other, and it is shot. Selectman Patton commented that there were problems on Village Hill because it did not seal, it was put down at the wrong time. Lynn commented that we need to check Cisar and Pinney Hill Roads also. Pinney Hill Road looks like it has speed bumps. Selectman Patton asked Lynn if she wants to reconstruct Turnpike Road? Lynn commented that we really should, we could do it
in sections. Selectman Patton commented that we should think about bonding, we won’t be able to reconstruct for a while.
REGULAR MEETING -2- OCT. 4, 2004
POLICY – FILLING OF VACANCIES
1. This policy applies to all Boards and Commissions to which the Board of Selectmen
has the responsibility to appoint to fill vacancies.
2. Anyone may nominate a candidate to fill any vacant position. However, in the case of
a position filled by election or appointment by recommendation of a political party,
preference will be given to any person endorsed by that party, providing such
endorsement shall be made within thirty days of the position becoming vacant.
3. Upon receiving a nomination, the Board of Selectmen will invite the nominee to the
next Board of Selectmen’s meeting. A copy of the letter will be sent to the Chair of
the relevant Board or Commission. The nominee may be questioned by anyone at the
Board of Selectmen’s meeting. The nominee will not be required to attend a meeting
of the Board or Commission prior to appointment. However, this is not to discourage
the nominee from attending meetings if he so wishes.
4. This policy does not apply to the Board of Finance, the Board of Education, or the
Board of Selectmen. Filling of vacancies on those boards are governed by separate
State statutes and will be handled accordingly.
Selectman Patton commented that he looked this over and he still sees no reason why people can’t meet with the boards and commissions and the boards/commissions recommend to the Board of Selectmen. First Selectman Eldredge asked what happens if we sent someone to the board and the board does not recommend that person. He is uncomfortable sending someone to a board to be questioned and if the board does not recommend we have to go against the recommendation. Selectman Patton commented that it is okay to send someone to a board as a matter of courtesy, they have not been grilled in the past, the Board of Selectmen could just as well grill them. First Selectman Eldredge commented that he does not like sending someone to a board; if they want to go on their own he would have no problem. Selectman Patton commented that he does not see how anyone wanting to be on a board would have a problem going to that board. It is a matter of courtesy. Selectman Blessington commented that he
is concerned about empire building, last year someone wanted to be on a board and was not wanted by the board and was not appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Why send someone to the board if you are not going to listen to the board’s recommendation. Selectman Patton commented that he is not going to argue it any more. Selectman Blessington commented that this policy will reverse the policy that was in effect for the last 8 years. Lynn asked about removal of people from a board/commission if they do not make a certain number of meetings. Selectman Blessington commented that you can’t remove an elected official. Selectman Patton commented that alternates could be asked to step down.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED THAT WE ADOPT THIS POLICY FOR FILLING VACANCIES ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 NO (PATTON)
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING SPACE COMMITTEE
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT THE FOLLOWING TO THE TOWN OFFICE BUILDING SPACE COMMITTEE: JOHN BLESSINGTON, JOHN PATTON, JUDY
ANDERSEN, MELISSA LOSEE, GEOFF PRUSAK, CAROL NOYES, GAY ST. LOUIS AND JOHN SAHI AND TO NAME JOHN BLESSINGTON AS TEMPORARY CHAIR.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
REGULAR MEETING -3- OCT. 4, 2004
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
STEAP GRANT
First Selectman Eldredge commented that he received a letter that Willington did not get the grant for the Senior Housing water or the grant for River Road Recreation. He talked to Senator Guglielmo and was told that no recreation grants were approved. There may be a new round of grants but it might not be until the new budget. Selectman Patton commented that he is waiting for confirmation on that, they may have only used $10million, not the $20million but he has not received confirmation yet. First Selectman Eldredge commented that the grant awards were definitely not politically motivated.
CL&P LETTERS OF AGREEMENT
First Selectman Eldredge commented that CL&P did an evaluation for light on the Garage and the Dog Pound. We can put in more efficient lights, inside and outside and get retrofits; CL&P will pay 75% and the Town pays 25% over a 2-year period.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE FIRST SELECTMAN ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH CL&P TO PROVIDE ENERGY EFFICIENT UPGRADES AT THE TOWN GARAGE AND THE TOWN DOG POUND.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
TAX REFUNDS/REBATES
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $214.56 TO CHRYSLER FINANCIAL CO.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REBATE OF $229.74 TO LAWRENCE BECKER.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Selectman Patton recused himself.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 0 NO
PROCLAMATION-BLIND MEET THE BLIND MONTH
First Selectman Eldredge read a letter from the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut. October has been designated as “Meet the Blind Month” and October 15th has been designated as White Cane Safety Day. They are asking that Willington recognize this with a proclamation.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION:
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND MEET THE BLIND MONTH
OCTOBER, 2004
WHEREAS, THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND (NFB) WAS FOUNDED IN 1940 TO END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE BLIND AND TO SECURE FIRST-CLASS CITIZENSHIP FOR ALL BLIND PERSONS; AND
REGULAR MEETING -4- OCT. 4, 2004
WHEREAS, TODAY THE FEDERATION, REPRESENTING MORE THAN FIFTH THOUSAND MEMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY CONTINUES TO WORK TO SECURE EQUAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BLIND; AND
WHEREAS, THE NFB WORKS TO CHANGE ATTITUDES ABOUT BLINDNESS BY PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT BLINDNESS TO PARENTS, TEACHERS, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, AND BUSINESS, POLITICAL, SOCIAL, AND CIVIC LEADERS; AND
WHEREAS, SINCE BLIND PEOPLE AND BLINDNESS ARE STILL FREQUENTLY MISUNDERSTOOD, THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND HAS DEVELOPED A PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, MEET THE BLIND MONTH, TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT TO LEARN FIRSTHAND THAT BLIND PEOPLE ARE BASICALLY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE; AND
WHEREAS, CONNECTICUT STATE LAW SECURES THE RIGHT OF BLIND PERSONS TO CARRY AND USE A WHITE CANE OR BE ACCOMPANIED BY A DOG GUIDE, WHETHER ON THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, TRAVELING ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, UTILIZING PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, LOCATING HOUSING OR WORKING ON THE JOB, AND CONNECTICUT LAW ALSO REQUIRE MOTORISTS TO EXERCISE APPROPRIATE CAUTION WHEN APPROACHING A BLIND PERSON USING A WHITE CANE OR DOG GUIDE; AND
WHEREAS, THE CONNECTICUT AFFILIATE OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND, NOW IN ITS 33RD YEAR, INVITES NEIGHBORS, COWORKERS AND CLASSMATES TO JOIN THEM AT VARIOUS MEET THE BLIND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF OCTOBER TO LEARN HOW BLIND PEOPLE LEAD FULL AND ACTIVE LIVES.
NOW, THEREFORE, I MICHAEL L. ELDREDGE, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 2004, AS: NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND MEET THE BLIND MONTH AND URGE ALL THE CITIZENS OF WILLINGTON AND SURROUNDING AREAS TO ACCEPT THIS INVITATION TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND, THE VOICE OF THE NATION’S BLIND.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Blessington commented on the closing of Santilli’s and the fact that we now have an opening for a grocery store. Jack Lewis asked if Economic Development is seeking someone for the place? First Selectman Eldredge commented that this just happened Sunday, he doesn’t know if Economic Development knows yet. Jack commented that until recently there was interest in that location.
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:20 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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