Town of Willington, CT - BOARD OF SELECTMEN 6-19-06

BOARD OF SELECTMEN 6-19-06

Town of Willington

BOARD OF SELECTMEN • 40 OLD FARMS ROAD • WILLINGTON, CONNECTICUT 06279 • (860) 487-3100 • FAX (860) 487-3103

www.willingtonct.org

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

REGULAR MEETING JUNE 19, 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, D. Latincsics, L. Nicholls and residents. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADD PUBLIC HEARING & TOWN MEETING TO THE AGENDA.

First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 6/5/06.

Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON& LEWIS) 0 NO

PRESENT TO SPEAK

Selectman Lewis commented that the new Senior Center has molding trim falling off and some warping. Selectman Lewis asked when will we discuss the grant for the Hall School water? First Selectman Eldredge commented we should wait to get the grant first. Selectman Patton commented we should have a building committee with someone from the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Education and others on it. We need to figure out things like where the water main will end up and we may have to get some engineering done. It is grant money and money we have set aside. Selectman Lewis commented Birmingham Utilities said they could go over if they hit ledge, we need to discuss this. Selectman Patton commented we need to figure out what we want to do and a time line, we might as well start and get the Board of Education involved. First Selectman Eldredge commented we will do this at the next meeting. Selectman Lewis commented we need to make sure we have enough money in the line item for litigation; we need to plan where the money is coming from.

CORRESPONDENCE

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

PUBLIC WORKS

Lynn commented since Donna Latincsics is here we could discuss the Lease Purchase Agreement. First Selectman Eldredge read the following memo from Donna concerning this.

As outlined in the Capital Budget for FY 06-07, WFD #1 and the Public Works Department would like to acquire new equipment with a lease purchase agreement and have submitted the following quotes. The

REGULAR MEETING -2- JUNE 19, 2006

plan is to structure the lease for a 7 year term with semi annual in-advance payments. Taking into consideration a $7,000 trade in credit on the loader, the total cost of the equipment is $420,000.

	Year	Model	Vendor	Price

1.	2007	Lifeline Highliner 191"	Eastford Fire & Rescue Sales LLC
		Type I Modular Ambulance	10 Westford Road
			PO Box 68
			Eastford, CT 06242
			Chris Bowen
			voice: (860) 974-1718
			fax: (860) 974-3564	206,000
			trade in credit for 1999 Freightliner	(40,000)
				166,000

2.	2007	cab and chassis	Nutmeg International Trucks, Inc.
		7400 SBA 4x2 (SA625)	130 Brainard Road
			Hartford, CT 06114
			Zylberman Sol
			voice: (860) 249-8635	63,340

		all season body and	WH Rose, Inc.
		snow plow model R132TE39PH	9 Route 66 East
			Columbia, CT 06237
			Daniel Marriott	49,004
				112,344

3.	2007	15,000 GVWR Truck	Interstate Ford Truck Sales, Inc.
		Ford F450 4x4	45 Brainard Road
		with dump body and plow	Hartford, CT 06114
			voice: (860) 706-0950 x1111
			fax: (860) 524-5504
			St of Ct Contract#: 05PSX0062	42,150

Year

Model

Vendor

Price


4.	2007	John Deere 444J	State of Connecticut
		Four Wheel Drive Loader	Department of Administrative
			Procurement Services
			165 Capitol Avenue 5th Floor
			PO Box 150414
			Hartford, CT 06115-0414
			Sealed bid #: 06PSX0021	107,326
			less 04-05 appropriation	(15,000)

				67,326



5.	2007	154500 Ferris	Big Boy's Toys LLC
		Zero Turn Mower	341 Orchard Hill Road
		61" deck	Pomfret Center, CT 06259
			voice: (860) 928-9778
			fax: (860) 928-0490	14,000
		Last minute bid	13,400
			Total Cost	426,820 -7,600
			New TOTAL	419,220

The following leasing companies have been invited to bid.

1.	First Capital	2.	TD Banknorth Leasing Corporation
	Equipment Leasing Corporation		Government Banking

3.	SunTrust Leasing Corporation	4.	Carlyle Financial Services, Inc.
	Public Sector Finance		(an affiliate of First Southwest Co.)

Donna commented she would like to close on the lease and pay the vendor by July 15, 2006. Discussion on the equipment and the leasing followed. There will be a Public Hearing on the lease/purchase.

Mike Makuch, Chief of Willington Hill Fire Dept. commented he needs clarification on what Public Works will provide for maintenance for the dry hydrants. We have a broken pipe on Daleville Road and weed and mud in the Dupree Pond. Lynn commented the Public Works schedule is very tight now with vacations. Selectman Patton commented there is money in the Public Works budget for them to contract out for that. Mike commented we will determine what needs to be done and report back. First Selectman Eldredge commented come back when you determine what you want, like John said, we have the money, if our people don’t have time to do it we will get a contractor to do it. Lynn commented all of the Public Works employees are NIMS certified. They are working on storm details, grading and doing GASB. She is finding a lot of safety issues while doing GASB. Selectman Patton commented the auditors said the values must be as of June 30, 2006. Discussion on GASB and as-builts followed. Selectman Lewis asked Lynn if it would help to have a Department Head meeting and explain what you need to assist with getting GASB finished? Lynn commented it would be a big help. If the Building Dept. or the Town Clerk’s Office could research some of the roads it would be very helpful.

UNDERSTANDING – TOWN & RED CROSS

Stuart Cobb gave the Board the Statement of Understanding between the Town & the Red Cross at the last meeting to go over.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN AUTHORIZE THE FIRST SELECTMAN TO SIGN THE STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON AND THE RED CROSS.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

REGULAR MEETING -4- JUNE 19, 2006

APPOINTMENTS

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPOINT JOHN RUD AS AN ALTERNATE MEMBER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS, TERM EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY TO 12/31/06.

Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

First Selectman Eldredge commented John Prusak resigned as Treasurer. The Republican Town Committee endorsed Emily Kasacek for the position. Selectman Patton commented the A Sentinel Party endorsed Annemarie Poole for the position. First Selectman Eldredge asked do you want to interview at a separate meeting? Selectman Patton asked the candidates if they had resumes with them. Ms. Poole did, Ms. Kasacek did not. Selectman Patton asked if they both had a copy of the duties and responsibilities? Ms. Poole did, Ms. Kasacek did not. It was decided to interview both candidates at this meeting.

Ms. Poole commented her last day at her current position will be Friday. She has worked 25 years in benefits administrations helping employers to administer their benefit programs, flex accounts and government filings. She has managed staff and budgets. First Selectman Eldredge asked Ms. Poole what appeals to you about this position? Ms. Poole commented she is retiring; it is not a full time position and has flexible hours. She has spent a lot of time with figures and numbers and enjoys the challenge of analyzing and figuring out project expenses for the coming year. Numbers do not intimidate her; she has taken accounting classes and is a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, which she received at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Selectman Patton commented this is an elected position; it will go to November 2007. First Selectman Eldredge asked Ms. Poole have you ever worked with a municipality? Ms. Poole replied that she worked for the State of Connecticut at UCONN doing programming and accounting, she has worked with municipalities on benefits and helping to balance retirement plans.

Ms. Kasacek commented she has worked 31 years in town government; she is retiring as the Ashford Assessor on June 30, 2006 after 23 years. She was the Willington Assessor for 8 years and owned and operated a building business in Ashford. First Selectman Eldredge asked Ms. Kasacek what appeals to you about this position? Ms. Kasacek commented it is a part time position in Willington. Selectman Lewis asked do you have any accounting or bookkeeping experience. Ms. Kasacek commented she did some accounting as an Assessor, she hand wrote the grand list of numbers in Willington. She had some experience in accounting in the building business. She has rounded experienced.

First Selectman Eldredge commented we have excellent candidates, it is a difficult decision. Selectman Patton agreed. Selectman Lewis commented without bookkeeping background the job could be intimidating.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD APPOINT EMILY KASACEK TO FILL THE POSITION OF TREASURER.

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT THE BOARD APPOINT ANNEMARIE POOLE AS TREASURER OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON EFFECTIVE 7/1/06

First Selectman Eldredge commented I feel that because of Emily’s experience in the Assessors office I think the idea of balancing books, that is very important in the Treasurer’s position, I think she would qualify very

well for that. Selectman Patton commented that one of the strengths Annemarie brings to this is her vast experience in benefits besides balancing accounts. Probably one of the most tedious and difficult parts is the

REGULAR MEETING -5- JUNE 19, 2006

benefits package. Payroll itself is not so hard; it is all the stuff beyond that is probably the most difficult. First Selectman Eldredge asked the Business Manager is that part of the Treasurer’s job or is that more yours? Donna commented that it is part of the Treasurer’s. Selectman Patton commented the Treasurer handles the flex accounts and pensions, they share a lot. The benefits can be a very difficult part to understand. Mr. Blessington

stood to speak at this point. Selectman Lewis commented that actually FOI does not allow people to speak in the mist of a motion but he is willing to waive that. Mr. Blessington commented he is disturbed, the last time the Board appointed a Treasurer was last November and I was on the Board. Mr. Prusak was appointed and I voted against him. I did not think he was qualified, he was talked up as qualified because he ran his own business but I think he was being rewarded by the Sentinels. Selectman Lewis commented this is a political speech. First Selectman Eldredge commented you waived the right, let him finish. Selectman Lewis commented not for him to give a political speech. Selectman Patton commented he was willing to listen but now he is going on politically, he is not adding to the conversation about Ms. Poole or Ms. Kasacek. I am not sure how his conversation is germane to the motion. First Selectman Eldredge commented he never stopped any one from speaking during a Board meeting.

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO CLOSE DISCUSSION AND BRING THE MOTION TO A VOTE.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & LEWIS) 1 NO (ELDREDGE)

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT THE BOARD APPOINT EMILY KASACEK TO FILL THE POSITION OF TREASURER.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 1 YES (ELDREDGE) 2 NO (PATTON & LEWIS)

Motion fails.

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT THE BOARD APPOINT ANNEMARIE POOLE AS TREASURER OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON EFFECTIVE 7/1/06

Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.

VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & LEWIS) 1 NO (ELDREDGE)

Selectman Lewis commented this has nothing to do with politics, they are both Republicans neither one of them are Sentinels. I am going by background.

PROPANE BIDS

Propane bids for the Garage, Dog Pound and the Library were sent out; 3 bids were received.

High Grade Gas Service, Inc. $1.35 gal.

Northeast Oil & Propane $ .28 gal. above daily posted price at Selkirk, NY day of delivery.

Superior Energy $ .60 gal over landed cost.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO AWARD THE PROPANE BID TO HIGH GRADE GAS SERVICE, INC. FOR $1.35 GALLON AS PER THEIR BID.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM A/V SYSTEM BID

Four bids were received for this and the Library Board recommended the bid be awarded to Rockwell Communication for $12,781.00 as per their bid.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO AWARD THE LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM A/V SYSTEM BID TO ROCKWELL COMMUNICATION FOR $12,781.00 AS PER THEIR BID.

REGULAR MEETING -6- JUNE 19, 2006

Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

TRANSFER STATION MONITORING

First Selectman Eldredge commented Fuss & O’Neil has proposed to continue monitoring the wells at the Transfer Station for $8,220.00. This is $720.00 over budget but they have done an excellent job for many years. Selectman Patton asked did we go to bid? First Selectman Eldredge commented no.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE FUSS & O’NEIL $8,220.00 PROPOSAL FOR THE 06-07 TRANSFER STATION GROUND WATER MONITORING.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

POSTAGE METER

Bids were received from CT Mailing Systems and Pitney Bowes.

Bids for one year, including meter and service: PURCHASE LEASE

CT Mailing System $4,969 $2,304

Pitney Bowes $2,556 $1,512

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT WE PURCHASE THE PITNEY BOWES POSTAGE SYSTEM.

First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

JULY 3-4 2006 CLOSING

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S JULY 3^RD. MEETING BE HELD ON JULY 5, 2006 SINCE THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON IS CLOSED ON JULY 3& 4, 2006.

First Selectman Eldredge seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

PUBLIC HEARING

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO SET 6/29/06 AT 7:00 P.M. FOR A PUBLIC HEARING AT THE TOWN HALL FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1. Presentation and discussion of a Local Disaster Emergency Ordinance.

2. Presentation and discussion of a Lease/Purchase Agreement for a 2007 Lifeline Highliner 191

Ambulance; a2007 International Cab & Chassis with all season body and snow plow; a 2007

Ford 4x4 truck with dump body and plow; a John Deere four wheel drive loader and a 61” deck Zero

Turn Mower.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

TOWN MEETING

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO SET 6/29/06 FOR A TOWN MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING AT THE TOWN HALL FOR THE FOLLOWING:

ITEM I

REGULAR MEETING -7- JUNE 19, 2006

To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the reduction of the appropriation of $340,800 from the General Reserve Fund for the design and construction of the Senior Housing Water System to $220,800 which is a reduction of $120,000.00 in the appropriation.

ITEM II

To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the appropriation of $120,000 from LOCIP for the design and construction of the Senior Housing Water System.

ITEM III

To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the appropriation of $120,000 from the General Reserve Fund for the design and construction of a new roof and bay entrances for Willington Fire Department #1 Station 213.

ITEM IV

To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen will adopt a

Local Disaster Emergency Ordinance.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

GOOD & WELFARE

Selectman Patton asked how do you want to handle the letter from the union? First Selectman Eldredge commented I called him and told him at his convenience, if he is in the area I would be glad to sit down and discuss it with him. Selectman Patton commented I think we all need to discuss the issues, I would appreciate it if you don’t do it alone, have the Board meet with him. First Selectman Eldredge said okay, when he calls me I’ll see if he can make it in the evening. Didn’t you already discuss this with him? Selectman Patton commented obviously things aren’t getting any better, so we need to talk about it some more and the Board should talk to the Public Works employees. Why don’t you set something up with Jason after that we will set something up with the Public Works crew. Selectman Lewis commented the meeting should be no earlier than 4:30/5:00 P.M. First Selectman Eldredge commented Jason hasn’t responded to me yet, when he gets back to me I set it up for 4:30/5:00 P.M., we will talk about it. Selectman Patton commented let’s handle this not talk about it. Selectman Patton commented he would like to wish Mr. Prusak well; we appreciate his service to the Town and understand his health issue and the increase in his business. Selectman Lewis commented he appreciates the amount of time John Prusak put in to the Town, he was on several boards also.

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:15 P.M.

Selectman Patton seconded the motion.

VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS) 0 NO

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Bowen

Secretary

Board of Selectmen

860-487-3100

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