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BOARD OF SELECTMEN 1-5-06
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                                                                                                           JAN. 5, 2006
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, members of both Fire Departments, residents and reporter from the Chronicle.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 12/19/05 WITH THE FOLLOWING CORRECTION:  PHILIP MOLLISON DID NOT RESIGN FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION HIS TERM ENDED ON 12/31/05 AND HE DECLINED RE-APPOINTMENT FOR ANOTHER 5 YEAR TERM.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON& LEWIS)    0  NO

PRESENT TO SPEAK
Chief Dave Woodworth, Willington Fire Dept. #1 commented that things are unchanged since the last time we talked.  Both departments drill once a month together and respond to calls together, both departments work well together.  Mike Makuch, Willington Hill Fire Dept. agreed.  Mike Makuch commented that the Willington Hill Fire Dept. is working on recruitment and retention and would appreciate any suggestions the Board might have.  Selectman Lewis suggested putting something on the Willington site.  This will be done.  Chief Woodworth commented that Stewart Cobb is our grant writer and has gotten a grant for 27 sets of new gear, helmets, gloves, boots etc.  Stewart constantly searches for grants.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Donna Latincsics, our Business Manager, met with FEMA.  They are sending a representative next week and Lynn will meet with that person.  Stewart has the information from both fire departments for FEMA.  Mike Makuch commented that they have had some success with grants; they are concentrating on training but no big things going on now.  They are doing the annual Federal DOT inspection on the equipment.  Selectman Patton asked Willington Hill Fire Dept. if they care who plows the dry hydrants?  They do not care and do not mind if Willington Fire Dept. #1 plows their dry hydrants.  Willington Fire Dept.#1 will take care of that.  Selectman Patton asked how are the duty crews coming?  Chief Woodworth commented that they are going to try not having the duty crews and everyone responding to a call.  They will try it for a month; it will be everyone’s responsibility to respond.  They can always go back to the duty crews.  Selectman Patton asked if the Hill is signed up for the duty crews?  Mike Makuch commented we do respond.  Tom Snyder commented that we have a couple of people interested.  
Selectman Patton asked how many ambulance calls were missed this year?  Chief Woodworth commented not many and mutual aid responds.  Selectman Patton asked how is the daytime response for the Hill?  Tom Snyder commented not bad, we are doing well.  Mike Makuch commented that the past 18 months have been better.  Selectman Patton asked how is the dual response going?  Tom Snyder commented that the program is working
REGULAR MEETING                                           -2-                                                                JAN. 5, 2006

great our guys are receptive.  It is doing well and helps with the manpower.  Selectman Patton asked about the ladder truck.  Chief Woodworth commented that the City of Hartford had a 1981 75’ aerial with a bucket for sale for $10,000.  We had money from donations; the Board of Directors thought it was a good opportunity.  When we took possession we had it inspected and they found $15,000 in repairs, most minor.  The largest cost was $7,500 to fix the gear box in the bucket.  With the grants Stuart obtained we found money without coming back to the Town.  Selectman Patton asked how many people are needed to work it?  Dave commented 3 or 4, we have members asking to be trained on it.  It was refurbished in 1997 and with our repairs it could go another 10 years.  Mike Makuch commented that it has great appeal for recruitment.  First Selectman Eldredge asked now that you have seen everything are you satisfied with the purchase.  Chief Woodworth replied yes I am.  

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

PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn Nicholls commented that she is formally asking Willington Fire Dept. #1 to plow Willington Hill Fire Department’s dry hydrants.  Chief Woodworth commented yes they would.  Lynn commented that she has no problem plowing the parking lot just no time for the hydrants.  Public Works is trying to recoup since Jan. 31st.  They have one truck down and it will not be ready for a couple of more days.  Lynn commented that between trees, wires and trucks down it is hard.  Lynn commented that she keeps getting in trouble for taking someone from the Transfer Station on Wednesdays.  I sent Jeff Hansen, who is a good mechanic, down to the shop.  First Selectman Eldredge commented the reason we have 2 employees there is for safety sake.  Lynn asked what is the difference between other Public Works employees working alone and them?  Selectman Lewis asked shouldn’t Public Works be able to utilize their people where they need them?  Shouldn’t it be her discretion?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that in an extreme emergency but there should be 2 people there at other times.  Selectman Lewis commented that we hired a Supervisor of Public Works and that person should be able to use their personnel where and when they need them.  They should be able to re-distribute the personnel and it should be at their discretion.  Selectman Patton commented that there are times when equipment needs to be fixed.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that you had 3 people to repair today, if it is not busy at one time it can turn busy.  Lynn commented that yesterday one employee had to leave at noon that left 2 people.  Further discussion followed.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that Lynn should coordinate the issues with me.  Selectman Lewis commented we hired a good person to supervisor get out of the way and let her supervisor.  If you are not happy with the status then bring charges; you have a person out there who knows what should be done, let her do it.  The Town hired a supervisor, let her supervise.  First Selectman Eldredge commented there is no reason she can’t let me know.  Tyler Millix asked is it a state requirement to have 2 people at the Transfer Station?  Selectman Patton commented no.  First Selectman Eldredge commented the Operation Management Plan shows 2 people.  Lynn commented that the State says you must have one certified person.  First Selectman Eldredge commented if you have one person running the equipment there is another person for the public.  Selectman Patton commented I understand that it is good to have 2 people but sometimes it can’t be.
Bob Jellen commented that with regard to the Public Works Supervisor and the First Selectman the Board procedure generally is that the department head meet with the Board or the First Selectman and not at a Board meeting.  This is a policy issue.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that some of these items should be discussed between myself and the Public Works Supervisor.  Mike Makuch asked how many years has there been this number of employees at Public Works?  When told 3 years Mike commented that maybe there is a larger issue that the Board needs to look at, maybe there is not enough staff.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we increased the contractors.    


REGULAR MEETING                                           -3-                                                                JAN. 5, 2006


SENIOR HOUSING DRAINAGE – S.T.E.A.P.
Selectman Patton commented that we were supposed to have a meeting the first week in January to discuss this, we agreed on this.  Discussion followed again on applying for the S.T.E.A.P. grant.  First Selectman Eldredge wants to apply for the grant, Selectmen Patton & Lewis would like more figures and information on the whole project before agreeing to apply for the grant.  The grant deadline is Jan. 13th.  The meeting to discuss everything is now set for Jan. 11th.  Much discussion, similar to the last meeting, followed.  
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT WE APPLY FOR A $200,000 S.T.E.A.P. GRANT WHICH WE NEED TO GET IN BY JANUARY 13, 2006 TO SUPPORT DOING THE DRAINAGE FOR SENIOR HOUSING.
There was no second, motion fails.
More discussion followed.  Selectman Patton commented that he probably will second the motion on Jan. 11, 2006.  

APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT GREG SUCHY TO THE RECREATION COMMISSION, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND TO EXPIRE 12/15/08.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

SET DATE FOR TOWN MEETING
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMEND ENDORSEMENT BY THE TOWN MEETING OF THE PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND THAT THE FOLLOWING CALL BE APPROVED:

    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 January 11, 2006 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 endorse the Plan of Conservation and Development approved and adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission on December 19, 2005 to be effective February 7, 2006.

ITEM II
To see if the townspeople on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen will approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION

Whereas, the Town of Willington Planning and Zoning Commission has approved and adopted the Plan of Conservation and Development on December 19, 2005 to be effective February 7, 2006 and
                
Whereas, the Town of Willington held a Town Meeting in which a motion to endorse the Plan of Conservation and Development was approved;


REGULAR MEETING                                           -4-                                                                JAN. 5, 2006

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that in accordance with the State of Connecticut Public Act 05-205 the Town of Willington hereby endorses the Plan of Conservation and Development approved and adopted by the Willington Planning and Zoning Commission.

Dated at Willington   
this 5th. day of January 2006

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

PROCLAMATION – WINTER WONDERLAND WALK FOR THE CURE

Winter Wonderland Walk Proclamation
Whereas, breast cancer is the one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, and more than 211,240 new cases of breast cancer in women and in some men will be diagnosed in the United States in 2005; and

Whereas, more then 2,600 Connecticut women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 530 are expected to die from the disease in 2005: and

Whereas, thanks to early detection, the five year survival rate for Connecticut women, estimated to be 97 percent, is one of the highest in the country; and

Whereas, the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age and early detection is its best defense. The American Cancer Society has set forth guidelines, considered by many in the medical community to be the standard of care, that women aged 40 and older have an annual mammogram; and

Whereas, women who are uninsured or underinsured can have access to breast cancer screening and treatment through the national Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; and

Whereas, the State of Connecticut is dedicated to promoting better health for all women through increased community education and community awareness of the breast cancer health crisis in our state; and

Whereas, celebrating a decade of success, the Breast Cancer Alliance continues it’s mission of seeking to fund innovative breast cancer research and promote breast health through education and outreach, and improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients; and

REGULAR MEETING                                           -5-                                                                JAN. 5, 2006

Whereas, on January 21, 2006, the Eastern Mountain Sports Connecticut stores will sponsor a fundraising and awareness event, the Winter Wonderland walk For the Cure To Benefit Breast Cancer Research and the Susan G. Komen Foundation Connecticut Affiliate Breast Cancer Alliance; now

Therefore, I, Michael L. Eldredge, First Selectman, of the Town of Willington, of the State Of Connecticut, in recognition of the need to increase awareness about breast cancer, do hereby officially join our Governor, M. Jodi Rell, of the State of Connecticut, in proclaiming January 21, 2006 as Winter Wonderland Walk For The Cure Day in the Town of Willington.
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED THAT WE ADOPT THE WINTER WONDERLAND WALK PROCLAMATION.
First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

TOWN ATTORNEY
Selectman Patton commented that he would like to talk about interviewing for a Town Attorney and getting prices. PZC is happy with Attorney Branse.  The Board could interview our present attorney, Seigel & O’Connor and Shipman & Goodwin, perhaps we could save some money.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that he is happy with our present attorney, you might want to talk to the staff about it.  The actually charges were $188.42/hour, if PZC used them also the rate would be $175.00/hour.  Talk to the staff to get their feelings.  Selectman Lewis commented that they are excellent but there are other firms also, what would be the problem with pricing?  Lets talk to others, I am not trying to take anything away from Mike Zizka and his crew, they are great, so is the Board of Education’s attorney and other firms; just looking for pricing.  First Selectman Eldredge commented my concern would be to have the availability of different attorneys.  How do you want to do this?  Selectman Patton commented we could invite them to a meeting and talk to them.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we will call these 3 firms.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that our present firm bills by the month but every so often they take something off the bill.  Peter Latincsics asked if the Board would share any information they get with PZC?  Selectman Lewis commented that you could be there.    

GOOD & WELFARE
Terry Gareau asked have you heard from other boards regarding the communication commission?  First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have not heard from the Board of Finance or PZC.  Selectman Patton commented that the BOE wants to rotate 4 people, he will contact them regarding this.  We will add the Fire Departments.  Selectman Lewis reported that Diane Willis, a Postal worker, found a gentleman laying outside his home on a nasty day, she covered him with her coat and called 911, she possibly saved his life.  A letter of commendation will be sent to her.  Selectman Patton asked about the ad for the grant administrator.  First Selectman Eldredge commented that it should go out next week.  Selectman Lewis commented that he would like the Board to recommend to PZC that Norm Gray be appointed to a regular position from his alternate position.  A letter will be sent.  Peter Latincsics commented on behalf of PZC thank you for acting on the Plan of Conservation and Development.  At the last meeting I was pleased to see the recommendation to get plaques for Al & Gay St. Louis.  However I think you should recognize the service of Ralph Tulis to PZC, could you extend the process to include Ralph Tulis?  Mr. Latincsics was told that PZC usually gets their own plaques.  Selectman Lewis commented that Ralph did a great job chairing the Plan of Conservation and Development also.  Selectman Lewis commented that he thinks a thank you letter should be sent to the West family for their
REGULAR MEETING                                           -6-                                                                JAN. 5, 2006

many years of taking care of the Christmas tree on the Town Green.  Selectman Patton asked can we talk about the 2 Commission on Human Rights And Opportunities complaints at a meeting, we need updates.  This will be done in executive session.       

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:45 P.M.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary


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Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100

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