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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
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                                                                                                           MAR. 7, 2005
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. & P. Andersen, K. & C. Demers, R. Hisey, D. Kelly, P. Latincsics, S. &  J. Lewis, P. Pribula, J. Semmelrock, C. Stolle, R. Tulis and a reporter from the Chronicle.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 2/22/05.   
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 ABSTAIN (PATTON)    0  NO

SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 2/28/05.   
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON) 1 ABSTAIN (PATTON)    0  NO

PRESENT TO SPEAK
Jack Lewis commented that he thought the First Selectman should pass the congratulations for the Library grant on to the people who got it and worked on it, Roby Passardi, Kathy Lisiewski, Sue Gifford and others.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO CHANGE THE ORDER OF THE ITEMS UNDER NEW BUSINESS AS FOLLOWS:
A. POLLING PLACE FOR BUDGET REFERENDUM, B. PURCHASE OF OPEN SPACE LAND, C. SUBORDINATION REQUEST, D. FIRST SELECTMAN’S INTERPERTATION OF UNION CONTRACT, E. TOWN DEVELOPED WATER SYSTEM, F. TAX REFUNDS, G. BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING POLICY.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.

PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that they are brush cutting and snowplowing.  Selectman Patton asked what is going on with the repairs for the Kechkes Road Bridge?  Lynn commented that she has a meeting with Karl Acimovic tomorrow, the temporary fix went out long ago and we are just waiting for better weather.



REGULAR MEETING                                           -2-                                                                MAR. 7, 2005

POLLING PLACE FOR BUDGET REFERENDUM
Judy Andersen, Registrar of Voters, was here to discuss the polling place for the budget referendum.  The Town Meeting decides where this voting will take place but it must be at a place that is handicap accessible and she wanted to put something in the April WAM Horizons regarding where voting will.  The Town Meeting is not until late April and that will be too late for the Horizons.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he wants to talk to the Board about sending a flyer to all residents reminding them to vote.  Judy thought that was good and it could mention the polling place.  Judy mentioned that the phone situation was not good at the last election, it was complicated but it is required to have a phone at the polling place.  Selectman Blessington commented that he does not see any reason to move to the Town Hall and commented that something could go in Horizons stating that we believe the voting will most likely be at the Town Office Building. The consensus of the Board is that we have the voting at the Town Office Building.  Judy commented that we should plan for that set up.  

PURCHASE OF OPEN SPACE LAND
Selectman Patton commented that he asked to have this put on the agenda, he has been working with Dan Donahue and Kathy Demers, we have an opportunity to negotiate for valuable open space that abuts the North property and the UCONN property.  Kathy Demers explained that the owner is willing to sell 30 acres at a conservation price.  The Conservation Commission is in favor of this purchase and would like the support of the Board of Selectmen.  DEP has a grant they can apply for and they would have to have a purchase and sales agreement in hand.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that it is good to go for the grant and he would recommend the attorney we used for the North property.  Selectman Patton commented that we need to have an appraisal done and there is money that the Town would have to put forth.  Kathy Demers commented that the grant could be between 40 & 65% of the price.  Selectman Patton commented that there would be a sufficient Town contribution.  Selectman Blessington asked what the Town percentage be?  Selectman Patton commented that the appraisal could be a couple of thousand and we would need a survey that could be between $10,000 and $15,000, it could run $85,000; because it is going into conservation you could get a free cut. Kathy Demers commented that there is the potential for timber, which is okay with the grant if it is in the deed.  Selectman Patton commented that we must realize up front that it is a commitment, it is a good thing to do but we need to do more homework.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would like to start the process and at the next meeting get a report.  He can get our attorney and we can meet, he feels the Board supports this.  Kathy commented that this property is important, we would like to start building on what we have.  First Selectman Eldredge said let me know when you want the meeting.  R. Hisey asked what is the connection between the North property and this and do we own the North property   Kathy commented that they abut, the North property has been sold but CT Forrest & Parks Association is getting a grant to help with the purchase.  P. Latincsics commented that he has a question about the grant, if we did not get the grant would the Town have to come up with all the money?  Selectman Patton commented that you would have to have it in the agreement about the grant, If we did not get the grant than the Town would have to decide if we want to go for it.  M. Schreiber asked how much is in the open space fund?  Selectman Patton said approximately $19,000.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that some of that money might be used for the upfront money.  

SUBORDINATION REQUEST
Case # 2005-1 is requesting subordination in order to lower their interest rate and finalize home repairs.  There is concern because they do not meet all the criteria set up for subordination.  The value in the house is well above the criteria.  The Board will revisit the policy.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO TABLE THIS REQUEST AND THE BOARD WILL ACT ON CHANGING THE POLICY AT THE NEXT MEETING.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO
REGULAR MEETING                                           -3-                                                                MAR. 7, 2005

FIRST SELECTMAN’S INTERPERTATION OF UNION CONTRACT
Selectman Patton commented that he was hoping First Selectman Eldredge could explain the definition of worked performed in the memo you wrote, my definition is the same as the State’s.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that work performed can include chargeable time due to an employee.  In a 40 hour week if you are sick, have a vacation or personal day on Monday, that is legitimate for 8 hours, you work Tues. Wed. Thurs. & Fri.  and you are called out Fri. night and have overtime, you would be paid over time.  Selectman Patton commented that overtime is over 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that you settled this a few years ago with your memo.  We have brought in guys on sick, vacation or personal days and they work overtime.  I would never allow it to be any other way, if you have legitimate time coming over that 40 hours and a man needs to take a day off, I conclude that is part of his work performed.  Selectman Patton commented that it is clear language that work performed is being there, working.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that is not his interpretation.  Selectman Patton commented that the union contract says if you work over 8 hours or 40 hours a week, if you get called in you get time and ½. & on Sat. if you work Sun. you get double time.  You are changing the union contract.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that if a man is on vacation or sick, in that 40 hours it is included in chargeable time.  Selectman Patton asked is that work performed?  First Selectman Eldredge commented it is chargeable time and that is what I conclude as work performed.  Work performed is that he has any combination of chargeable time.  If you are sick on Thurs. and we call you in to overtime and we do not pay you overtime; that would be totally unfair.   Selectman Patton commented that you have to pay him overtime when you call him in.  If you want to change it so that if you work outside of your regular scheduled hours you pay them time and ½, change the contract to say that.  Selectman Patton commented that there is another issue, your family member is benefiting from the change.  First Selectman Eldredge commented don’t even go there.  Selectman Patton commented that it is an issue.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that it is not an issue because when I made the judgment what work performed was it never entered the equation who it affected; it affects all employees.  Selectman Patton commented that maybe you should have said it is affecting my family I should bow out of that decision.  First Selectman Eldredge commented no, I don’t think so.  It is perfectly within my rights to make that decision and I am standing by it.    
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT THE MEMO GET RESCINDED.
There was no second, MOTION FAILS.
Selectman Patton asked Selectman Blessington if he agreed with the memo.  Selectman Blessington commented that the question is if you are out on Monday and Friday there is a storm and you get called in do you get overtime?  Selectman Patton commented that the contract calls for anything over 8 hours a day of work performed would be time and ½, if you take a vacation on Monday and came in on Friday and worked you would get time and ½ for your extra hours.  Lynn Nicholls asked if someone takes a vacation day can I call him in?  First Selectman Eldredge asked if he is sick 8 hours and we call him in, does he get paid?  Selectman Patton commented that if he is sick on that day he gets paid time and ½ for being called in for 3.5 hours.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that you are saying if he is out sick on Friday and we call him in Friday night and he works 6 hours, does he get time and ½?  Selectman Patton commented that he gets it for 3.5 hours.  First
Selectman Eldredge asked does he get it for the 6 hours worked?  Selectman Patton said no.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t agree.  Selectman Patton commented then change the contract.  R. Hisey commented that you are playing around the edges; your labor law contract says it counts.  Peter Latincsics suggested that the First Selectman contact the Town attorney for his opinion.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would take it under consideration.  Selectman Patton commented that we are in negotiations now and I need to know if we are changing the contract.  Selectman Blessington commented that he thinks getting in touch with the attorney is an excellent idea.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT WE GET AN OPINION FROM THE TOWN LABOR ATTORNEY.
REGULAR MEETING                                           -4-                                                                MAR. 7, 2005

There was no second, MOTION FAILS.
Selectman Patton asked what is the answer?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the memo stays.  Selectman Blessington commented that he thinks it is a good idea to contact the attorney.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that if you would like me to do it I will.  Selectman Blessington commented that he would like that.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would.    

TOWN DEVELOPED WATER SYSTEM
Selectman Patton commented that he thinks we should have a committee and he would like to be on the committee.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he has been working with Dave Berto, the project manager for the Senior Housing; you are welcome to come to the meetings.  Karl Acimovic is developing the bid package for the RFP for the wells.  Karl will also develop the RFP for the water company, we will bring a water company on board and they will run the water system once it is designed and built.  That is the advice of Dave Berto.  Selectman Patton asked shouldn’t we have a building committee.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t think we need one right now, we are still in the developing stages, he would rather the Board of Selectmen be the committee.  Selectman Patton commented that’s probably when the public would like to be involved.  Selectman Patton commented that we should add Karl Acimovic and Lynn Nicholls to the committee and have the meetings posted and minutes.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he has a meeting next week; you are welcome to be there.  We need a water company that will contribute money.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT WE HAVE A COMMITTEE THAT INCLUDES THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, KARL ACIMOVIC AND LYNN NICHOLLS.
There was no second, MOTION FAILS.
Selectman Patton commented that this way it is an open meeting; we post agendas and have minutes.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he does not want a committee; we will invite the Board of Selectmen and the Public Works Supervisor.  Selectman Blessington asked are you inviting the Board of Selectmen and was told yes.  Selectman Blessington said we could post it as a Board of Selectmen’s meeting.  Selectman Patton asked what is the big deal?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he wants to keep it just the Board, Dave Berto, Karl Acimovic and Lynn Nicholls.  Ralph Tulis commented that he would like to sit in and see what you are up to.  Peter Latincsics commented that his impression was that this was not opposed at Town Meeting.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the Town Meeting was for the LOCIP funding.  Selectman Patton asked if we are going to have a committee?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he does not think we need one.  Selectman Patton commented that when you are doing the RFPs and coming up with decisions is the time when you do have the public involved.  People in the surrounding areas, there is the question of designing for future capacity, the Town Office Building and the Fire Dept. He believes people would be very interested in it and what the ramifications are.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that right now it is for the 32 units and the cottages.  We don’t have money to design for the cottages but it will be designed for expansion.  Selectman Blessington asked First Selectman Eldredge are you talking about a water company like in the city.  First Selectman Eldredge replied yes and asked how many people would you want besides those mentioned?  Selectman Patton commented that if you want to do a small committee, as long as the meetings are scheduled,
posted and there are minutes and people have the opportunity to go there and ask questions.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that some of the meetings, like with the water companies, will have to be done during the daytime.  Selectman Patton asked if they wouldn’t come out at night?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that they usually schedule the meetings during the day.  Selectman Patton commented that I am sure we will try to schedule the meetings so they are convenient for everybody; I understand that sometimes you can’t do that.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we are waiting for approval from LOCIP, and then Karl will have the well RFPs developed for bid.  That is initially what we have to do to be able to consider the design for the water system.  If you want to appoint a committee we will have it on the next agenda.
   
REGULAR MEETING                                           -5-                                                                MAR. 7, 2005

TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $39.38 TO TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)

BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING POLICY
Selectman Patton commented that he hopes to have a policy of scheduled meetings during the evenings unless there is some sort of dire emergency.  Schedule a day meeting as a last resort.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that basically that is what we do; we had the budget meeting at 5:30 P.M.  The particular meeting for CIP was scheduled for a regular meeting, you asked us to wait on the C.I.P. because you were not going to be there.  Selectman Patton commented that he did not have the report.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that you had the same as we did.   The only thing you did not have was the cover pages, nothing on the CIP spending plan had changed.  Selectman Patton commented that there were actually some things that were changed and he considers the verbiage as part of the report, which is also important.  In that verbiage there is reasons for making decisions.  I actually consider the report to be the report, not a draft copy of a spread sheet and I did not get that until 2 days after the meeting I am not sure how I could discuss it, even if I got it that day it would be difficult to discuss without reading it, I actually read the stuff and think about it.  First Selectman Eldredge commented I know you do, you only do that to criticize.  Selectman Patton commented that in the military they call that a target rich environment. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we normally schedule meetings; if we need an emergency one I will do everything possible to schedule meetings in the evenings.  Selectman Patton said I would appreciate that and I understand that sometimes it can’t be done.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that particular night when you wanted a 5:30 P.M. meeting I had an appointment and couldn’t be here at 5:30 P.M. Selectman Patton commented that it is not only for me but also for the public who like to attend the meetings and can’t take time off from work.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he has no problem with that.  

First Selectman Eldredge asked if we got through them all?  Selectman Patton said it wasn’t that painful was it?  First Selectman Eldredge said of course it was.  He thinks that next year he will schedule the Selectmen’s meetings around the UCONN basketball games.  Selectman Patton commented that would be a good idea.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he really screwed up this year, we will get that schedule.  Selectman Blessington commented that you should have called Gino.  Selectman Patton commented that he asked a lot of people, should he hang around with you two guys or go to the women’s basketball game for Senior Night?  Everybody said I made the right choice.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t think you even considered hanging around with us.  

GOOD & WELFARE -  None

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:45 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary


Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100

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