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BOARD OF SELECTMEN 10-3-05

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. 3, 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, S. Amedy, J. & S. Lewis, R. Tulis, R. Wiecenski, C. Woodworth and the reporter from the Chronicle.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 9/19/05.
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.

PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that they are doing a lot of asphalt.  They will be shimming on Cosgrove and Turnpike Roads.  7 trees went down during the storm last week.  Selectman Patton asked about the grant for Ketches Road Bridge.  Lynn commented that she is going to sit down with Karl Acimovic to go over it.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Karl will put in the application.  Selectman Patton asked is the bridge stable now?  Lynn commented that Karl called the state to come look at it.  Selectman Patton asked about the backhoe going down.  Lynn commented that it went down on Sat.  We have a pump on back order from last year, but didn’t have the $4,000 in the budget for it.  The pump broke, the shaft broke and went into the radiator and fan.   We are getting it fixed but will rent one for now.

Selectman Patton commented that he thought we were going to address the WPCA under old business.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADD WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY TO THE AGENDA.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
Selectman Patton commented that 2 meetings ago we were going to ask Karl Acimovic to come to the meeting.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he will ask Karl to come to the next meeting.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we need to approve the WPCA and have to develop an ordinance and regulations.  


REGULAR MEETING                                           -2-                                                                OCT. 3, 2005

Selectman Blessington asked do we form it first and then the ordinance?  First Selectman Eldredge commented yes, the town attorney will draw up the ordinance.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ESTABLISH A WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY FOR THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON AND HAVE THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN BE THE COMMISSIONERS.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

PROCLAMATION WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION:
PROCLAMATION
WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY
OCTOBER 15, 2005

WHEREAS, the white cane and the dog guide have come to symbolize every blind person’s right to pursue and achieve a full and independent life, and the use of the white cane or the dog guide allows blind persons to travel safely and effectively and undertake gainful employment and otherwise fully participate in society; 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 requires motorists to exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind person using a white cane or dog guide; and

WHEREAS, Connecticut law further encourages employers, both in private and public sectors, to explore and utilize the skills and potentials for productivity of the blind citizens of Connecticut, to recognize their capabilities and respect their worth as individuals; and

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, with the assistance and cooperation of the National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut, can look forward to an ever-increasing awareness of the abilities of blind people and to a greater acceptance of blind persons in the competitive labor market;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael L. Eldredge, First Selectman of the Town of Willington, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2005, as WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY for the Town of Willington and call upon our schools, institutions and business leaders to take the lead in ensuring full acceptance and equal opportunities for the blind of Connecticut, and I also urge all citizens to recognize and respect the white cane and the dog guide as representing safety, dignity and self-help for the blind of Connecticut.

Dated at Willington, Connecticut, this third day of October 2005.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO


REGULAR MEETING                                           -3-                                                                OCT. 3, 2005

SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION:
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND MEET THE BLIND MONTH
OCTOBER, 2005

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

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, 2005, 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.

Dated at Willington, Connecticut this third day of October 2005.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

PROPANE BIDS
Three bids were received:
High Grade Gas Service, Inc.    $1.40 per gallon.
AmeriGas                            .25 per gallon over Selkirk NY terminal cost, current cost $1.52.           
E. Osterman Propane                  .35 per gallon over Selkirk NY terminal cost, current cost $1.65.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO AWARD THE PROPANE CONTRACT TO HIGH GRADE GAS SERVICE, INC. FOR $1.40 PER GALLON, AS PER THEIR BID.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO



REGULAR MEETING                                           -4-                                                                OCT. 3, 2005

SET DATE FOR TOWN MEETING
SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING:
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

The electors of the Town of Willington and all persons who are entitled to vote in Town Meeting on the matters mentioned in the following warning are hereby warned and notified to meet in Town Meeting at the TOWN HALL at 11 COMMON ROAD in Willington on October 12, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. for the following purposes:

ITEM I
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, will amend the portion of the “Ordinance Establishing a Street Numbering System” and change the names of Turnpike Road 1 and Turnpike Road 2 to Turnpike Road and Turnpike Road Extension.

ITEM II
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, will amend the portion of the “Ordinance Establishing a Street Numbering System” and change the names of Mihaliak Road 1 and Mihaliak Road 2 to Mihaliak Road and Mihaliak Road Extension.

ITEM III
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the expenditure of $67,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding the River Road Athletic Complex.

Dated at Willington
This 3rd. day of October 2005
                                                                                                        
JOB DESCRIPTION – BUSINESS MANAGER
Discussion on the job description for the Business Manager followed.  Some rewording was agreed upon.  The Treasurer will be asked to look over the description and give her input and it will be addressed at the next meeting.  Selectman Patton asked how are we going about hiring the Business Manager?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the closing date is Fri. Oct. 7, 2005 then we will set up interviews for the next week. The Board of Selectmen, Dr. Berglund, Chairmen of the Board of Finance and the Board of Education will take part in the interviews along with Terry Hoffman.  Selectman Patton suggested that the Treasurer also be involved in the interviews.  Selectman Blessington asked if the members of the Board of Education would also be in on the interviews?  First Selectman Eldredge commented no, only the chair.  Selectman Blessington commented that it is big, maybe only the First Selectman, the Superintendent, Chairs of the Boards of Finance and Education and Terry Hoffman might be sufficient for the interviews.  Selectman Patton commented that for this type of interview it is not uncommon to have 6 to 8 people sit in on the interviews.  We could have 8 people for the first interviews and maybe a smaller group for the 2nd interview.  Selectman Patton asked about the salary schedule?  First Selectman Eldredge commented it is what we have right now.  Selectman Patton asked if $47K-57K is appropriate for a Business Manager?  Most people think that is low for a Business Manager.  Towns our size do not have Business Managers, if we want a Business Manager we may have to move up the salary range.  Who will train?  First Selectman Eldredge commented we will see what applications we get.  Selectman Patton commented that the Terry that is leaving is not the Terry that started here, I trained her.



REGULAR MEETING                                           -5-                                                                OCT. 3, 2005

TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $7.91 TO JEFFREY M. OR AMY M. DRISCOLL.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $90.82 TO DONALD J. GLASS, JR.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $6.02 TO JOYCE HELENSKI.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $133.42 TO LARRY J. JARVIS, JR.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $29.34 TO SRIPRIYA RANGARAJAN.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $63.78 TO JAMES T. AND JENNIFER REYNOLDS.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $12.50 TO PAUL ZUCCO.         
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, BLESSINGTON & PATTON)    0  NO

GOOD & WELFARE  
Selectman Patton brought up the Stop signs for Cisar Road and asked First Selectman Eldredge if he talked to the Dept. of Transportation?  First Selectman Eldredge commented no but he thinks this is worth trying, it is not the greatest thing but the State Police support it.  We recognize it is a bad road and would like to try to do something.  Selectman Patton commented that the Town Engineer was involved before with Town roads.  This is a private drive.  I think we should re-visit speed bumps.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would like to try something to see if it will help.  Lynn commented we are getting a lot of calls on speeding.  Selectman Patton commented stop signs are not the way to go.  Selectman Blessington commented that it is not the best solution.  Selectman Patton commented that stop signs are for intersections to prevent accidents.  If you want to slow people down you can narrow the road, you could put speed bumps on it but putting a stop sign does nothing for the underlining problem, which is inconsiderate  drivers.  Putting a stop sign there is going to waste gas and inconvince the people who live there hearing the cars starting and stopping.  Lynn commented
REGULAR MEETING                                           -6-                                                                OCT. 3, 2005

that the DOT said stop signs are not to be used for speed control.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he talked to the State Police and they think it is worth a try, it is not the best solution but I want to try something.  Selectman Patton commented that he would like to see a recommendation from the Town Engineer that this is a good idea.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that I recognize what you are saying but I still would like to do something.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO PUT STOP SIGNS ON CISAR ROAD AT WOODHAVEN APARTMENTS.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
VOTE:  2 YES (ELDREDGE & BLESSINGTON)  1 NO (PATTON)

Jack Lewis asked about the flags on the Town Green, there are fewer of them and some are damaged.  Lynn commented that she will get more flags; the 275th Committee has agreed to pay for them.  Mr. Lewis commented that we have more people going to Iraqi.

SELECTMAN BLESSINGTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:29 P.M.
Selectman Patton 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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