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BOARD OF SELECTMEN 5-7-07
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                                                                                                           MAY 7, 2007
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, and residents.  First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 4/16/07.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 4/19/07.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 4/23/07.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON& LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 4/26/07.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 4/30/07.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

PRESENT TO SPEAK
Dave Charette, of the Economic Development Commission, was present to discuss the Route 74 Bridge.  Dave commented he attended the meeting regarding the bridge.  J. Poole, of EDC, spoke there of the concerns the commission had and everyone reiterated the economic and safety concerns.  Dave commented maybe we should have someone look at this from our point of view.  The concern is that we do not have anyone looking at it from our side.  First Selectman Eldredge commented Selectman Patton & I met with officials from DOT and proposed a different bridge.  Selectman Patton commented they said a lot of that would not be part of the bridge program.  Discussion on this followed.  First Selectman Eldredge commented our initial letters mentioned our economic concerns and we asked them to look at all the options, including doing just the deck and the structural  

REGULAR MEETING                                          -2-                                                                 MAY 7, 2007

members which they indicated were not deficient, just needed painting.   Selectman Patton commented Dave’s point is to have someone looking at it from our prospective, they are going to do a bridge that falls within their
guidelines and that is cost effective for them.  Unless we give them some sort of alternative, a professional alternative, we can talk all day long, they will not pay attention.  Selectman Lewis commented how about a professional bridge engineer that is not tied in with the State, I am worried about the businesses, we need to support them and make sure we are not led down a path they want to lead us down; I like the idea of a professional engineer.  Discussion on a professional bridge engineer followed.  Dave Charette commented we need someone to work for our side; their consulting engineer is being paid to work for them.  Dave Charette comment I have another concern as far as EDC, we are concerned not just about the businesses that are there but also the businesses that we are trying to attract, that are looking to come into Willington.  Selectman Patton commented it would be worth it to hire a bridge engineer, it will not be cheap.  First Selectman Eldredge asked do we want a bridge engineer?  Selectman Patton commented yes, someone who can go toe to toe with DOT.  First Selectman Eldredge commented they must make up their mind what they are doing.  Discussion followed about painting of the bridge.  L. Semprebon commented I know the State was listening; we have to be real clear what we want an engineer to do.  Selectman Patton commented you need someone of their caliber to go to the table.  There is a difference between designing a bridge and evaluating alternatives.  Mark Palmer commented they are designing to Federal standards.  Selectman Patton commented we could offer a viable solution; say you will not be able to use Federal money because it will not meet their criteria.  From an economic impact this will keep it safe for another 70 years, you may want to buy the house in case of floods.  Sometimes you have to look at it and say does it make more sense to take away the problem house rather than create a monstrosity, which is the economic impact on the Town that would be felt for years.  Discussion on this followed.  Selectman Patton commented it will take us to say you want to replace the bridge but do not use Federal money.  They will not do that unless forced and we need a professional that gives viable alternatives, a workable option that will handle the next 70 years.  Dave Charette commented the Village Hill Bridge was done without impacting the residents, it was kept open.  We have to look out for ourselves.  First Selectman Eldredge commented we could put out a RFP for alternates.  Ralph Tulis commented they are pitching one proposal now and will probable pitch it to Tolland also; they have an exact amount of money from the Feds.  First Selectman Eldredge asked do you want to put something out there?  Selectman Patton commented if we put enough pressure on them not to close the bridge they will do nothing until it becomes a safety issue.  Discussion on why the DOT cannot keep one lane open followed.  L. Semprebon commented she would like to thank the Hall School Water Committee and Mark Palmer for the work done on the bids and hopes it moves along.  First Selectman Eldredge asked Selectman Patton do you want to draft up something?  

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

PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn commented they are sweeping and mowing.  Lynn commented she wants to thank the people who are cleaning up the streets.  First Selectman Eldredge asked where are you with GASB?  Lynn commented all roads are written but there is more to walk.  First Selectman Eldredge asked for a list soon.  Village Hill Bridge vortex will be cleaned out soon.  Discussion followed about the sump on Schofield Road, this will be looked into.  Selectman Patton asked what did we decide to do with the chemical shed?  First Selectman Eldredge commented DeVivo is sending us brochures.  Selectman Patton asked should we put the whole thing together so we know what we are going to do?  First Selectman Eldredge asked Selectman Patton to get prices.  First Selectman Eldredge asked Lynn to look at a problem on Ridgewood Road with Karl Acimovic.  Lynn commented we have a bunch of them to look at; they are popping up all over Town.  It is on the list to look at with Karl.  Selectman Patton asked what are we doing with the waste oil?  Lynn commented the waste oil at
REGULAR MEETING                                          -3-                                                                 MAY 7, 2007

Public Works is full, 356 gallons went out.  Selectman Patton commented we need to get more tanks.  Selectman Patton asked will you have the guys do the checklist for the trucks?  Lynn replied yes, she is getting
the forms.  First Selectman Eldredge asked what is the form?  Lynn replied it is a checklist that you do before getting in the truck.  Lynn reported it could be $1,000 for the brakes for the trailer, they will let her know she is also checking on the weight limits.  Selectman Patton asked do you want me, Dave Charette and EDC to put together something for the Route 74 Bridge?  First Selectman Eldredge said yes.  

ROUTE 74 BRIDGE – Discussed under present to speak.

RESOLUTION FOR A HISTORIC DOCUMENTS PRESERVATION GRANT
Donna Hardie, Town Clerk, needs a resolution to apply for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant.
SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
RESOLVED, THAT MICHAEL ELDREDGE, FIRST SELECTMAN IS EMPOWERED TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER IN THE NAME AND ON BEHALF OF THIS MUNICIPALITY A CONTRACT WITH THE CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY FOR A HISTORIC DOCUMENTS PRESERVATION GRANT.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

AWARD ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR A WATER SUPPLY MAIN TO HALL SCHOOL
Mark Palmer commented the Hall School Water Committee looked at the proposals for the water supply main and interviewed the companies.  The committee recommends awarding the contract to Lenard Engineering.
Discussion on this followed.  
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED THAT WE TAKE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE AND AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR A WATER SUPPLY MAIN TO HALL SCHOOL TO LENARD ENGINEERING, INC. FOR $61,800 AS PER THEIR PROPOSAL.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion with the amendment THAT THE COMMITTEE REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WHEN THE TEST BORINGS ARE DONE SO WE HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF THE COST.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $37.37 TO CHASE MANHATTAN AUTO FINANCE CORP.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

GOOD & WELFARE  
Selectman Patton commented we were copied on an e-mail from Stuart Cobb regarding the generator bid, it is good for 30 days, what are they doing?  First Selectman Eldredge commented Karl Acimovic is getting the location of the generator ready and they wanted the option of adding an additional storage tank.  Selectman Patton commented the 30 days are over, are they going to re-bid it?  First Selectman Eldredge commented it will be up to them or they may ask if they can hold the price longer.  There is nothing new on this now.  Selectman Lewis thanked Karen Neborski for helping with traffic on Sunday when a truck broke down on Ruby Road.  

EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL ISSUES
REGULAR MEETING                                          -4-                                                                 MAY 7, 2007

FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL ISSUES AT 7:35 P.M. AND TO INVITE W. FRENCH & G. JONES.
Selectman Lewis seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN LEWIS MOVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:50 P.M.
Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE:  3 YES (ELDREDGE, PATTON & LEWIS)    0  NO

SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:55 P.M.
Selectman Lewis 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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