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BOARD OF SELECTMEN 12-19-05
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. 19, 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, J. Blessington, R. Campbell, S. Cobb, C. D’Agata, T. Gareau, R. Hisey, P. Latincsics, S. Lewis, T. Millix, M. Palmer, R. Wiecenski, C. Wilson, C. Woodworth and the reporter from the Chronicle.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 12/5/05 WITH THE FOLLOWING CORRECTIONS:  MR. TULIS COMMENTED ABOUT THAT A SUB DIVISION IS BEING APPLIED FOR ON KUCKO ROAD.  THE PUBLIC HEARING IS JAN. 12TH.    
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON& LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 12/8/05.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

PRESENT TO SPEAK  
Laurie Semprebon, BOE, reported that she would be on the Communications Committee for the BOE.  Peter Latincsics commented that he didn’t know Al St. Louis resigned from PZC.  Terry Gareau asked how the vacancy is filled and was told the Board of Selectmen fill it.  Rob Hisey commented that this Board has a problem, I find it outstanding that 2 people take public office and then moved within a couple of weeks.  Was the public misled?  I’m not sure if they have or have not been.  It is certainly not a Board decision to do this but I would caution you to really find out what happened.  The most important thing is the voters and the credibility of our government, it is extremely important it doesn’t look right.  They are very important positions in our Town.  Neither one showed up for a meeting and managed to sell their house, it causes a credibility problem.  You should really look at that, how do the townspeople look at it?  This could turn into a problem.  We are too small of a town to play big city politics.  This board, the finance board and the zoning board should make every effort to reassure voters in Town that there were no games, no one was playing politics here, this is just what happened.  I happen to like Al & Gay it just doesn’t look right.  Selectman Patton asked why is this such a problem, why will it be a problem?  These are two people who, over twenty years volunteered their time to this Town; at a point in their life they had an opportunity to sell their house and they did.  I find it insulting for you to come here and question their motives.  These are people that have given the best years of their life to this Town, they have done nothing but positive things and you sit here and wonder what their motivations are?  Mr. Hisey commented that he is not questioning Al & Gay.  Selectman Patton asked then what’s your problem
REGULAR MEETING                                          -2-                                                                 DEC. 19, 2005

besides making a political issue out of it?  I am not going to sit here and let you badmouth Gay & Al, they have done nothing but give their all to this Town.  Mr. Hisey commented that’s correct, something came up for them and they managed to sell their house and move quickly.  They managed to sell their house and moved within a couple of weeks after an election, I am certainly not questioning Al & Gay.  Selectman Patton asked who else sold their house?  Mr. Hisey commented you are smarter than that.  

Bob Campbell and Dave Berto were present to update the Board on the Access Senior Housing of Willington.  Mr. Berto commented that they received Inland/Wetlands approval Mon. night, the next step is the application to PZC for site plan approval for the 32 units.  When PZC approves we will be able to get pricing and then go to HUD with the complete package.  The time frame is:  Architect & Engineer in Feb, pricing in Mar, HUD in Apr. and start construction in June or July; ready for occupancy in the spring or summer of 2007.  Mr. Berto commented that we need to work together to address any issues that may arise.  Selectman Patton commented that the Inland/Wetlands permit has conditions.  Mr. Berto commented that the conditions are acceptable and what we expected.  Discussion on the drainage followed.  Mr. Berto commented that we need to work out the interfacing of the Town water system for Senior Housing.  We have to make sure the design of the Town water system and Senior Housing as it relates to fire codes must be consistent.  Discussion on the storage tanks and who pays for them followed.  Mr. Campbell commented that if we are going to build the storage tanks, we need to know.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Karl Acimovic must design it for the RFQ.  Selectman Patton commented that we need a couple of more meetings beyond the Board of Selectmen’s meetings.  First Selectman Eldredge agreed.  Tyler Millix recommended that they consult with the Fire Marshal.  Mr. Berto reported that they have selected a contractor, Naek Construction, based on qualifications and HUD experience.  Selectman Lewis commented that we need to get some numbers.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Karl Acimovic will give us numbers.  We will have a meeting the first of the year.  

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

PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls, Supervisor of Public Works, commented that she would like to thank Willington Fire Dept. #1 for help during the 12/9 storm, especially Mike Kenderdine, Jerry Simmons and Mike Kneeland.  They were a big help when her truck broke down.  That Fire Dept. always works well with us, it is nice to know they are there.  There is a problem with the Hill Fire Dept. we have a contract to plow their lot but it is over this year.  They want the dry hydrants plowed; I called for a list and waited 2 weeks before they got back with it.  I would appreciate it if next year the Hill plowed their lot and did their hydrants.  Discussion on this followed.  Fire Dept. #1 does their hydrants and wouldn’t mind doing the Hill’s if the Hill wants them to do so.  Tyler Millix asked the First Selectman to send a letter to the Hill about this; he doesn’t think Chief Woodworth of F.D.#1 would mind.  Lynn gave the Board a packet with pictures.  There was a lot of spillage at the fuel pump on Sat. at 5:20 P.M.  From the pumps records she knew it came from the Hill.  She tried to talk to Chief D’Agata on this but didn’t like the response she got.  He did say he would find out about it and take care of it.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he would set up a meeting with Chief D’Agata, Lynn and himself.  Lynn commented that she would like F.D.#1 there also.  Lynn reported on the work going on where the tanks collapsed during the flood.  Public works is cutting the brush; Knights will pull out the tanks and haul stone from the library site.  Canistroni will pay Knights for the excavation, hauling stone and the tanks.
Lynn asked if we heard anything from FEMA.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he heard that the President had executed the order but we do not have any paper work on it yet.  
 

REGULAR MEETING                                          -3-                                                                 DEC. 19, 2005

SENIOR HOUSING DRAINAGE – S.T.E.A.P. FUNDING
First Selectman Eldredge commented that Karl Acimovic worked up a preliminary cost of $210,000 for the detention basin and piping down beyond the Senior Center.  It didn’t include the cost for changing the pipe to the retention pond.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he feels we should apply for a S.T.E.A.P. grant for $200,000 for this.  Selectman Patton commented that he would like to see the overall numbers first, he doesn’t mind going for the grant but we need to know the cost.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the application must be in by Jan. 13, 2006.  I see no reason not to go for it; if we get it at least we would have a good portion of it if the funding needs to be increased.  If we don’t go for it then we will have to seek other sources.  Selectman Patton commented that he wants to know what the cost is of this project.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that this is the best price for this.  Selectman Patton commented that this is one piece of the project.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that’s right, Karl worked these up so that we would have some idea tonight of what it would cost, but I do not have a hard price on it.  Selectman Lewis asked what year flooding is this?  First Selectman Eldredge commented it is to just what you saw that night, the design you say in front of you.  Selectman Patton commented that he thinks it was 50 years.  Selectman Patton commented that he wants to know how this fits into the overall scheme of things, we have this, the water system and the septic system for the cottages.  I want to see all 3 pieces of the puzzle and take a look at the revenue we have in house.  Selectman Patton commented that we should be able to do that before 1/13/06 so we would be able to do say yes or no.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the last date for submittal to Hartford is Jan. 13th. So it has to be prepared and submitted before that, why would we delay?  Why not at least go after the $200,000.  Selectman Patton commented that his seems to be the only to get answers.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that this is just one piece we are talking about tonight.  Selectman Patton commented that you also have $350,000 from Simmons office that was also to take care of drainage issues on the site.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that is for the cottages, specifically drainage for the cottages.  This is the drainage issue way before the cottages that is years out.  Selectman Patton commented that he wants to have some answers, not lets just go for a grant.  First Selectman Eldredge commented you know we have to do the drainage, why not try to get at least a good portion of the funding for it?  We are talking just this piece and this is the best pricing I can give you.  All I am saying is with these numbers we are seeing that we could use $200,000 from S.T.E.A.P. We may not get it but why not try to get it to do the drainage.  Selectman Patton commented that I would suggest that you start writing up the request for this project and when we get the numbers we will look at it.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we would not have any better numbers before the 29th.  Karl will do the grant.  I am just talking about the drainage problem.  Selectman Patton commented that he wants to make a decision based on facts.  First Selectman Eldredge asked what is wrong with going for a grant if it is available?  
This is just for the drainage.  Selectman Patton commented that it is not just drainage, it is also water system and septic.  It is all part of the project.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we only have until Jan. 13th to submit for the $200,000.  Selectman Patton commented that Karl is not here until the 29th.   He can start writing and we can meet the first week of Jan. and we will have better numbers for the water system, the drainage and the septic system.  We would know what numbers we have and what revenue we have and how much we are short.  Selectman Lewis commented that we can’t make a commitment without know what the total is.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the cottages are 3 years down the road, but at least we can get money for the drainage system for the building of the 32 units.  Lets go after it, why not write a proposal and if we don’t get it we will be funding this out of taxpayers pockets.  If we do get it we will have at least $200,000 of the money we need to do this project.  I don’t see what the problem is in going after it.  Selectman Patton commented he doesn’t see what the problem is in getting some numbers.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we are not going to have any better numbers than right now for the drainage.  This is the drainage portion, we not talking the cottages, the sewer system or the expansion of the water system.  Why not go for the grant?  Selectman Patton commented that I probably will agree with you but I want the numbers first.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he will not have any better numbers before the 29th.  Selectman Patton commented
REGULAR MEETING                                          -4-                                                                 DEC. 19, 2005

that we are having a special meeting the first week in Jan. First Selectman Eldredge commented that Jan. 13th is the drop dead date, are you telling me that the 29th when Karl comes back you say put the grant together and then at a later date we will say yea or nay?  Selectman Lewis commented that we could always have a special meeting.  Selectman Patton said put it together but I want to see the numbers before I vote on it.   This number is fine, I believe Karl will have numbers for the water system and Hank Torcellini can give us the numbers for the septic system.  First Selectman Eldredge asked what does that have to do with this, absolutely, why not just make a commitment to go for the grant?  Selectman Patton commented because I want to see all the numbers.
Selectman Lewis commented that we need to see the whole picture.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the grant is going to be for one specific project, this portion of the project.  If we don’t get the grant then the town is going to be paying for it.  There is no need for the rest of the numbers for the grant.  Selectman Lewis commented that we want the rest of the numbers.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the water system supports the 32 units, not for anything else.  Selectman Patton commented that he thought we were going to do the water system for the cottages also.  First Selectman Eldredge said not at the same time, you will not have enough money for that until that money comes in 7 or 8 months from now.  The septic system is being done by HUD 202 that is in 06-07.  Selectman Patton commented that it a planning thing.  First Selectman Eldredge commented you get the cost for the septic system and I get the cost for the drainage.  Selectman Lewis commented that may be enough.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that is right.  What we have here is one portion with an estimated number.  Selectman Lewis commented you need to plan, we have water for Hall School and water for Center School, we need to plan for the Town and get all the different numbers.  It has to be done so the Town can afford to do it.  Selectman Patton commented that he would talk to H. Torcellini and First Selectman Eldredge could talk to Karl and we can have the numbers for the first week in Jan.  Selectman Eldredge asked why not make a motion to go for the grant?  Selectmen Patton and Lewis wanted to wait until they had all the numbers.

HALL SCHOOL WATER
Selectman Lewis commented that he had questions on the Hall School water; how did the idea of water crossing the river instead of putting in a new well come about?  Did you bring in PZC or others?  Maybe piping water is the best way but maybe not.  These are things that need to be looked at before bringing in public water.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we met with the State today.  Birmingham Utilities is a water company that does a portion of Tolland, they have the condominiums by the river and because of quality and quantity they had to do something.  They are in the process of boring under the river; they made a commitment to buy water from Tolland to bring it to the condominiums.  With that in mind the State is in favor of bringing water to Hall Scholl, it eliminates the testing and treatment requirements of the tanks.  It initially started with Birmingham, the problem they had to solve on our side of the river.  Once they made the commitment to fund it up to the Rivers Edge Condominium, we talked about S.T.E.A.P. money to go from there to Hall School and also bringing fire protection with hydrants to Hall School.  Dr. Berglund & I met with the State today and they were pleased and will postpone the consent orders so we can bring the public water in.  Selectman Lewis commented that if you went with a well you could get education loans.  Have you consulted anyone about the impact to see if there will be any problems?  What type of planning is being done?  This could be a huge impact on the town.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that their submittal went to Inland/Wetlands today and we will apply to PZC; basically it has been a positive reaction from people, the village and Lyon Manner needs water.  Selectman Lewis commented that their business is selling water, we need to have our own people looking at things.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Dr. Berglund and Lenard Engineering did a complete cost study of what needed to be spent at Hall School.  It came up to $200,000 for the wells and replacement of storage tanks.  Selectman Patton asked are we building a pipe down Rt. 32 just for the school or a pipe that will service the village and Lyon Manner and eventually keep going down the road?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we are paying to Hall School.  Discussion about the piping on Rt. 32 followed.  It
REGULAR MEETING                                          -5-                                                                 DEC. 19, 2005

would be a 12” main and would do for expansion, anyone who would want to tap into it would have to pay for it and go through Birmingham Utilities.  Tyler Millix asked about the new fire hydrants.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he thinks they are planned for Rt. 32.  Selectman Lewis emphasized that we must plan properly for this; other towns did not plan and had serious problems, we don’t want that.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the main thing is that it satisfies what the Dept. of Public Utilities and Clean Water wants at the school.  There is a S.T.E.A.P. grant that we wrote for Hall School.  We applied in Oct. for this project; there is the S.T.E.A.P. grant for the Senior Housing that we applied for last year.  The impact that we know right now is only research that Birmingham Utilities did.  Selectman Patton asked if they could see the research.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t know.  Selectman Patton commented that he would like to see how they would interface with South Willington Water Supply.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he doesn’t think they intend to interface.  Selectman Lewis commented he would like to see the research; B.U. looked at what is best for their pocket.  He would like PZC to look at it before we go to far.  Selectman Patton asked First Selectman Eldredge to see if he could get the research from B.U. and how it will affect the area.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that the only research that I know they have done is what a potential customer base would be and that I can get.  Mr. Tulis asked what designs does Tolland have on the water supply?  They may be willing to share some of it but how much of it?  First Selectman Eldredge commented there is an agreement they are signing to buy water from Tolland.  Mr. Tulis asked what is the cap on the volume?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he did know the cap.  Mr. Tulis commented that we need to know that.  Is there going to be an upper limit?  That will tell you how far you can go and if you need a 12” pipe.  First Selectman Eldredge said we can ask them that.  Further discussions followed on bring water from Tolland and the impact on the Town.  Selectman Lewis commented that he is not saying we should not do it but we need to bring in others to plan.  Selectman Patton commented that is why he thought we need to have the communications committee.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we went for the grant and we have DPUC support for it.  Because we are building a water system for the Senior Housing the State moved the consent order back 3 years.  Selectman Lewis commented he is not against growth, you need it planned; you need to get people involved, I believe this new communication committee will help.  Selectman Lewis asked did you talk to the State about Ruby Road.  First Selectman Eldredge replied yes.

APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT JAMES POOLE AS A REGULAR MEMBER OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY THE RESIGNATION OF PHILIP MOLLISON, TERM EFFECTIVE 1/1/06 TO 1/1/10.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO


FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO RE-APPOINT MICHAEL HARNAD AND EDWARD TAIMAN TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION, TERMS EFFECTIVE 12/15/05 TO 12/15/08.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO RE-APPOINT CHRIS DESKUS AS AN ALTERNATE ON THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, TERM EFFECTIVE 12/31/05 TO 12/31/08;
JOHN PRUSAK AS AN ALTERNATE, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY TO 12/31/06 AND
MARK MASINDA AS A REGULAR MEMBER, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY  TO 12/31/10.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO
REGULAR MEETING                                          -6-                                                                 DEC. 19, 2005

Selectman Patton commented that Carl Panciera would like to be an alternate on PZC.  A letter will be sent to Mr. Panciera.  Selectman Lewis commented that Economic Development is short of members.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADD TAX REFUNDS TO THE AGENDA
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

TAX REFUND
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A $365.05 TAX REFUND TO VW CREDIT LEASING LTD.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

GOOD & WELFARE
Selectman Patton commented that he would like the Board to get plaques for Gay and Al St. Louis for their many, many years of service to the Town.  First Selectman Eldredge said okay, he was sad to see them go.  Selectman Lewis commented he was sorry to see them leave town.

Selectman Lewis commented that he would like to set up a staff meeting after the holidays.  It could be at 8:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.  First Selectman Eldredge replied okay, early Jan.  Selectman Lewis asked about a Grant Administrator.  First Selectman Eldredge commented we have the advertisement but are waiting for the funding.  Selectman Lewis suggested advertising now and interviewing so someone is ready to go.  Ralph Tulis commented that tonight the Plan of Conservation & Development was adopted; it is ready for the Board of Selectmen.  You need a Town Meeting for endorsement.  Selectman Patton commented then we can submit for LOCIP.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40 P.M.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary


Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100

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