Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
BOARD OF SELECTMEN 12-5-05
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                                                                                                           DEC. 5, 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 Patton & Lewis, L. Nicholls, D. Berto, R. Campbell, H. Emond, T. Gareau, S. Lewis, D. Nash, M. Palmer, J. Poole, C. Psathas, L. Worthington, members of the Library Building Com. and Recreation Commission and the reporter from the Chronicle.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 11/21/05.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  2 YES (ELDREDGE & PATTON)    1 ABSTAIN (LEWIS)    0  NO

PRESENT TO SPEAK
Recreation Commission members were present to bring the Board up to date on the River Road Athletic Complex on Route 32.  Bob Portello reported that the 2nd. phase is ready for seeding, and loam.  They are one year out from playing ball there; they can’t do anything more until April.  They need gravel, sand, soil mix, seed and then fencing.  First Selectman Eldredge asked are you going out for RFQ?  Mr. Portello commented that John Sahi, Director of Recreation is working with Karl Acimovic on that.  Mr. Portello commented that it is our goal to have all the proposed fields and baseball diamond done and then go back to the town to do other stuff.  Selectman Patton asked where do you think we will be when we spend the $67,000?  Mr. Portello commented we will be done with the grass and ready to go for fencing.  Mr. Poole commented that assumes the RFQ will not exceed the $67,000.  Mr. Potello commented we know there is that expense pending in this fiscal year.  Mr. Potello asked if anyone has thought about Public Works and the work this will cause?  Selectman Patton commented that we are aware of the additional work for Public Works, we need to look at it and may have to contract out.  It is important to get the RFQ done and go to bid so we are ready to go.  If there is anything we can do, let us know.  J. Poole commented that at another meeting there was talk of possible bonding for this.  Mr. Portello commented that we need to put everything on paper, here is where we are and here is where we want to go.  Selectman Patton commented that E.O. Smith and Hall School can use this for sports, sports brings people together, we may have to put lighting and seating there.  Bob Portello commented that Willington Day and fairs could be there; it is there for everyone.  Next Dec. we will know where we are and will be able to tell you the next stage after that.  Discussion on bonding and speeding up the process followed.  Selectman Patton commented that if we bonded it would cost a lot more, you can’t have good, fast and cheap; we are going for good and cheap.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we were lucky getting fill from Big Y and UCONN.  Selectman Patton commented that it would be good to come up with a schedule and budget prices for C.I.P.   Ed Taimen commented that they need some basketball hoops installed.  Lynn Nicholls commented that they would get it done.  H. Emond asked will there be any bond retiring in the next 3 years.  

REGULAR MEETING                                          -2-                                                                 DEC. 5, 2005

Selectman Patton commented yes but the plan is to have some substantial lease payments take over the bond payments.  First Selectman Eldredge asked don’t you have money coming in next year and was told yes.

Christine Psathas asked is there anything new on the HMS sidewalks?  First Selectman Eldredge commented not yet, we hope to do it in the spring.  Selectman Patton asked what happened with the indent?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the State said it stays.

Terry Gareau brought up the subject of a generator for HMS.  She believes if they purchase a large enough one it could do for a shelter and wondered if the town would help pay for it.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that they need to talk to Stuart Cobb.  Selectman Patton commented that the first step is to find out your requirements.  C. Psathas commented that the first priority is to have a generator that would provide heat so the pipes do not freeze.  Selectman Patton commented that’s simple, the next step for an emergency shelter is bigger.  He would be happy to meet with Dr. Berglund and Ron Strong to discuss it.  Mr. Poole commented that he believes we need to get the Emergency Management Plan in order before this.

Mr. Poole asked about the $219,375.00 Open Space Grant for Willington.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we received $73,125 for the Talmadge property; the rest went to CT Forest & Parks.  Mr. Poole asked if when we had the flood was the Emergency Management Plan used?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we coordinated with Stuart Cobb.  Mr. Poole asked did he follow up and file with you?  Selectman Patton commented that he doesn’t think we followed the Emergency plan.  Lynn Nicholls commented that we haven’t had a meeting in two years; the Fire Departments and Public Works work well together but we haven’t had a meeting.  Selectman Lewis commented that we need to look at appointing people to that; there are people in town that need electricity to live and breathe.  First Selectman Eldredge asked Mr. Poole if he has started updates.  Mr. Poole commented we are reviewing first; it does not appear it was tested.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that there must be a tremendous amount of updates just on the way things are today.  Selectman Patton commented that once a report is ready we should take Selectman Lewis’s advice and form a committee and do a table top.  We don’t have the resources to do a full-blown test.  First Selectman Eldredge commented to Mr. Poole why don’t you come back when you are ready and we will do that.

Bob Campbell and Dave Berto were present to discuss the Senior Housing drainage.  They need answers before the next Inlands/Wetlands meeting.  Bob commented that it has taken us 25 years to get to this point and we don’t want any more delays.  The Board of Selectman is having a special meeting on the drainage on Thurs. Dec. 8th.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Karl Acimovic, Hank Torcellini and Lynn Nicholls will be there and they are welcome to attend also.  Bob emphasized that we need to get this done

Ralph Tulis commented that a sub division is going in on Lohse Road.  PZC talked about frontage and road improvements.  He would like to see the town get involved.  Mr. Tulis also wanted to know if the right of ways could be established on Kucko Road, are they legally on record?  There is a public hearing on Jan. 12th

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

PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that she thought the Willington Hill Fire Dept. did the lights on the tree on the Town Green, Walt West and his family does this; they have been doing it for about 8 years.  Lynn would like to thank Kathy Demers of Mansfield Center for donating the buckets for sand for the seniors.  Lynn commented that she
has a list of seniors who need sand.  Lynn commented that many of the broken mailboxes are not hit by the plow but by the snow from the plow; these boxes are closer to the road than they should be.  There are more and
REGULAR MEETING                                          -3-                                                                 DEC. 5, 2005

more cars left on the roads during storms.  Lynn leaves a copy of the ordinance regarding parking on the roads during storms on the cars they come across.  They find most of the cars are on Village Street, Ridgewood Road and the St. Moritz area.  It was agreed that a letter from the First Selectman would be sent to owners of the vehicles.  Lynn commented that they are snowplowing and doing what they can around town.  First Selectman Eldredge commented it looks like you will be out again tonight; tell the guys thank you, they did an excellent job yesterday.
LIBRARY BUILDING COMMITTEE
Members of the Library Building Committee and architect Dale Cutler were present to update the Board.  Mr. Cutler commented that the fill is in on the construction; the foundation walls are water proofed and back filled.  The steel erection should start around Dec. 19th.  First Selectman Eldredge asked if bringing in back fill cost extra?  Dale said no.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Tues. he, Donna Latincsics and John Prusak will be going to the sale of the bond anticipation notes.  Selectman Lewis asked do we have anyone from town overseeing this?  Dave Gankofskie commented that he is as well as Lynn Nicholls and Carl Panciera and going to job site meetings.  Dave stops by the site every day.  Selectman Patton asked about the inspection tests and was told that IMPL and the special engineer, hired by the town, do the reviews.  The special engineer must certify at the end of the job that everything is done right in the building.  Selectman Patton asked who will handle any problems with the drawings?  Dale commented that everything is routed through his office.  Selectman Patton asked are you keeping track of the change orders and reviewing that they are putting in things you specified.  Dale replied yes.  Dave commented that we have job site meetings every 2 weeks.  Dale commented that there will come a time when we have to meet more often.  Dave commented that you are right, between the job meetings and walking in with Dale, someone could cheat you.  Dale commented that it comes out at some time during inspections.  It is the general manager’s responsibility, he must make sure everything has been done right.  We have complete confidence in W. J. Mountford Co.  Dave commented that at this point we are very happy with the contractor they are upper echelon.  Selectman Patton commented that he has heard only good about them.  Librarian Roberta Passardi introduced Tom Bugbee, a student at E.O.Smith, who is doing a senior project.  He is attending the Library Building Committee meetings, shadowing Dave Gankofskie, attending job site meetings and keeping a written and photo journal on the construction of the library.  John Blessington asked if he would donate a copy to the library?  Tom said yes.  Discussion on rock removal followed.  The cost of the rock removal is coming out of contingency.  Dale commented that once we are out of the ground we will not need a lot of contingency, only discretionary, which might be upgrades.  First Selectman Eldredge asked will we be doing excavation on the detention system.  Dale replied yes, soon.  First Selectman Eldredge commented then we will know how much rock excavation is still required.  Selectman Lewis commented knowing that Dave Gankofskie, Carl Panciera and Lynn Nicholls are checking in I feel more secure.  First Selectman Eldredge thanked the Building Com. Selectman Patton commented we appreciate you coming in.        

BOARD OF EDUCATION LETTER
The Board of Selectmen received a letter from the Board of Education about creating a town committee comprised of representatives of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance and Board of Education to help facilitate communications.  Discussion on this followed and it was agreed to set up this committee.  Selectman Patton commented that he would be happy to be on it.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT WE SEND A LETTER TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE BOARD OF FINANCE AND THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION THAT WE FORM A COMMITTEE WITH STAFF FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION, TO ADDRESS ISSUES,
TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMS AND COME UP WITH ACTION PLANS ON HOW TO ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES.

REGULAR MEETING                                          -4-                                                                 DEC. 5, 2005

Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

APPOINTMENTS
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO RE-APPOINT NORMAN GRAY TO THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AS AN ALTERNATE, TERM EFFECTIVE 12/18/05 TO 12/18/08.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT SELECTMAN LEWIS TO THE SAFETY COMMITTEE, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPOINT SELECTMAN PATTON TO THE C.I.P. COMMITTEE, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $220.40 TO GMAC.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $11.89 TO JOHN G.  MARVIN.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $17.30 TO JENNIFER S. MARVIN.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S 2006 MEETING SCHEDULE
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S 2006 MEETING SCHEDULE.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING SCHEDULE - 2006
1ST & 3RD MONDAY (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS)  6:30 P.M.
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
JAN. 03, 2006 (TUES.)                                           JULY  3, 2006                                                           
JAN. 17, 2006 (TUES.)                                           JULY 17, 2006                                                                                         

FEB. 06, 2006                                                           AUG. 07, 2006
FEB. 21, 2006 (TUES.)                                           AUG. 21, 2006
REGULAR MEETING                                          -5-                                                                 DEC. 5, 2005

MAR. 06, 2006                                                   SEPT.  5, 2006 (TUES.)
MAR. 20, 2006                                                   SEPT. 18, 2006

APR. 03, 2006                                                                           OCT. 02, 2006
APR. 17, 2006                                                           OCT. 16, 2006

MAY  01, 2006                                                           NOV. 06, 2006
MAY  15, 2006                                                   NOV. 20, 2006

JUNE 05, 2006                                                   DEC. 04, 2006
JUNE 19, 2006                                                   DEC. 18, 2006

JAN.  2, 2007

HOLIDAYS FOR 2006
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE HOLIDAYS FOR 2006.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

THE TOWN OFFICE BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2006

HOLIDAY                                                         DAY CLOSED
NEW YEAR’S DAY                                                  JANUARY 2, 2006

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY                             JANUARY 16, 2006
                                                                        
PRESIDENTS’ DAY                                          FEBRUARY 20, 2006

GOOD FRIDAY                                                                             APRIL 14, 2006

MEMORIAL DAY                                                                            MAY 29, 2006

INDEPENDENCE DAY                                                                        JULY 4, 2006

LABOR DAY                                                       SEPTEMBER 4, 2006       

COLUMBUS DAY                                                                            OCTOBER 9, 2006

VETERAN’S DAY                                                                            NOVEMBER 10, 2006

THANKSGIVING DAY                                                                NOVEMBER 23, 2006

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING                                                          NOVEMBER 24, 2006

CHRISTMAS DAY                                                                   DECEMBER 25, 2006


REGULAR MEETING                                          -6-                                                                 DEC. 5, 2005

GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Lewis congratulated the E.O.Smith team, they are our school.  Selectman Lewis asked what are we doing about a grant administrator?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we are looking into it.  Selectman Lewis commented that there is a chance we will have to get only one new voting machine, not replace all of them.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that there is money in the C.I.P. Selectman Lewis reported that on Ruby Road, near Cosgrove Road there is a sunken drain, this needs to be reported to D.O.T.  This will be done.  Selectman Lewis commented that we need to have a staff meeting, it is important, you have to have communications.  First Selectman Eldredge commented I am here every day with the staff, they can come into my office anytime but we can have a staff meeting.  Selectman Lewis asked if is possible to have the Office Manager’s phone roll over to the Tax Collector’s phone after 3 rings so it does not go to voice mail if not answered.  This will be looked into.  Christine Psathas commented that Hall Memorial School is having a concert on Dec. 15th. At 6:30 P.M. all are invited to attend.

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:30 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

You have received this e-mail because you have subscribed to the Town of Willington’s E-mail bulletin feature. If you wish to remove your name from this list please visit www.willingtonct.org/subscriber.html to unsubscribe.