BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCT. 18, 2004
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING 6:30 P.M.
First Selectman Michael Eldredge called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen John Blessington, Selectman John Patton, Lynn Nicholls, Kathy and Chris Demers, Shirley and Jack Lewis, and Suzanne Chapman.
First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Selectman Patton motioned to approve the minutes of the 10/4/04 regular meeting.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
Present to Speak- No one.
Correspondence
There is a report of correspondence available at this meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
Public Works
Lynn Nicholls reported that the Senior Center drainage is complete per Karl Acimovic’s specs. If it rains this week Public Works will be sweeping up the chip seal. All drainage pipes are in and complete and Karl has approved—all are working.
First Selectman Eldredge reported that the Town Hall roof job started today.
Selectman Patton noted that at a past SWAC meeting it was discussed that the paper and cardboard containers at the Transfer Station would be moved down by the glass and tin. Lynn reported that she had not seen anything in writing but she agrees that this would work. There would be an overflow dumpster by the tire bin. Lynn and Selectman Patton agreed that the flow of traffic would be better because now there is a backup if taxpayers park at the newspaper and cardboard bins. Lynn stated that there would be a backup on site as they have now. First Selectman Eldredge wants Lynn to think this move over. Lynn also noted that the compactor has problems—the guide line-up rails need repair—they should have been fixed before we inherited it.
Selectman Patton wants to at least try moving the newspaper and cardboard containers to the bottle area. If it doesn’t work we can change it back but it is worth a try to create a better flow of traffic. The two containers aren’t in great shape and are in need of some repair. Lynn will try the new setup.
North Property
First Selectman Eldredge reported that he received a proposal from the CT Forest and Park Association on October 13, 2004 and he did not like the purchase agreement. The date was extended another 15 days from the original 11/1/04 date. He wants a firm date and an easement. He had spoken to Adam Moore from CFPA—he is working up a purchase agreement or Memo of Understanding. Dwight Johnson from Murtha Cullina is working on this—he wants a firm date to close along with a deed with the conservation restriction on it. The CFPA agreement just mentions the Nipmuck Trail. Selectman Blessington is also upset with the proposal date of 11/15/04 extending the original date by 15 days. He is concerned that they only want to protect the access to the Nipmuck Trail when the other
conservation information was in our memorandum. This would push the grant to after April 30, 2005. The criteria were set and they are challenging this criteria—he is nervous about the permanent conservation easement. We didn’t set a purchase date at a Board of Selectman’s meeting.
First Selectman Eldredge noted that items 2, 3, and 6 of the agreement says we are signing away our right to find another buyer while they keep us locked in. He says they have the money available.
Selectman Patton suggested that Adam Moore and First Selectman Eldredge draft up a Memo of Understanding or a purchase agreement; he suggested inviting your lawyers if you want but take control and work on the same objectives and state what you want to happen. This meeting would create a sense of urgency. He suggested possibly asking Dan Donahue to attend as a mediator as he has the best interest of everyone on this project and he is certainly fair and knowledgeable about all aspects. When this is accomplished then come to the board for approval. Selectman Patton explained that it is difficult to get financing for land that is already protected. No one can take title to property with an Open Space application pending. They will want to keep the easement off as long as possible.
First Selectman Eldredge will call Adam Moore and arrange a meeting.
Kathy Demers asked the board what the latest date to be considered for the Library land closing—First Selectman Eldredge stated that the date would be 4/30/05. He is disappointed that we gave the criteria a month ago and they waited a month to reply and then came back with changes.
Tax Refunds
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to refund $46.07 to Michelle O’Connor on the 2003 Grand List, the reason being that she moved out of state.
Selectman Patton seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to refund $260.58 to Nissan Infinity on the 2003 Grand List, the reason being they sold the vehicle 1/03.
Selectman Patton seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to refund Nissan Infinity $222.91 on the 2002 Grand List, the reason being that they sold the vehicle 1/03.
Selectman Blessington seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
Resignation
First Selectman Eldredge moved to accept the resignation of Gay St. Louis, Revenue Collector for the Town of Willington, effective 10/2/04.
Selectman Patton seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
Good and Welfare
Nothing to report
First Selectman Eldredge moved to go into executive session to discuss personnel issues at 7:10 p.m.
Selectman Blessington seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
Selectman Blessington moved to adjourn from executive session at 7:55 p.m.
Selectman Patton seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
Selectman Patton moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Selectman Blessington seconded.
VOTE: 3 YES (Eldredge, Blessington, Patton) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Noyes
Acting Secretary
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