**REVISION TO POSTED MINUTES - PLEASE SEE DATE CHANGE**
THANK YOU
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING APRIL 6, 2009
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 Palmer & Charette, L. Nicholls, and residents. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 3/16/09.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion. Selectman Charette Abstained.
VOTE: 2 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER) 0 NO 1 ABSTAIN (CHARETTE)
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING 3/31/09.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
PRESENT TO SPEAK
Donna Hardie, Town Clerk requested approval to progress with a Historic Documents Preservation Grant. She has requested to be the designated agent for this project. The Historic Documents Preservation Program is a State Grant of $5,000. It will cover 3 jobs: 1. Scan maps onto a CD. 2. Collate a list of maps to have 1 master list; and 3. will repair two old books in the vault, leaving one remaining to be repaired.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO APPLY FOR THE HISTORIC DOCUMENTATION PROGRAM GRANT AND TO DESIGNATE DONNA HARDIE TO BE THE AGENT FOR THE GRANT.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
Chief Tyler Millix asked of the status of the Ram Cronium Building. First Selectman Eldredge stated that he has requested that Ed Staveski go there to investigate and get in contact with the owner of the building. He has not been able to contact the owner as of yet.
John Patton asked about the Executive Session meeting on March 31st. He questioned why we had two Town Attorneys at the meeting, if we are under fiscal constraints. First Selectman Eldredge’s answer was because the case is being turned over to 1 Law Firm, and the Board wanted to bring the new attorney up to speed.
CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
PUBLIC WORKS
Lynn stated that Public works is sweeping, working on pot holes, and grading. They are also in the process of reposting guard rails that have been taken down over the winter. First Selectman Eldredge asked how sweeping is going. Lynn said it is going good so far. They stopped early today, due to the rain. They are posting the schedule on the public bulletins.
Selectman Charette commented on the incident at Transfer station – First Selectman Eldredge said he took care of it and has spoken with individuals today.
OLD BUSINESS
ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY:
Be it RESOLVED:
WHEREAS, on July 17, 1986, a Housing Authority was established for the Town of Willington to transact business and exercise powers pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 128 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, among the powers of a Housing Authority under Chapter 128 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and more specifically, under Section 8-44 thereof, is the power “to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers of the authority;” and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2006, the Town Meeting, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, authorized the appropriation of $566,500, to be reimbursed in part from EDI Grant B-06-SP-CT-0170, for the design and construction of the septic system and the design and expansion of the infrastructure for the Senior Housing apartments and cottages; and
WHEREAS, funds in the amount of $176,000 are still available for disbursement under the aforementioned appropriation; and
WHEREAS, on September 10, 2008, the Town Meeting, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, authorized the appropriation of an additional $196,000 from EDI Grant B-08-SP-CT-0408 for the design and construction of infrastructure for the Senior Housing cottages; and
WHEREAS, funds in the total amount of $196,000 are still available for disbursement pursuant to the aforementioned appropriation; and
WHEREAS, the aforesaid appropriations were made generally for the projects and were not specifically designated to be administered by the Housing Authority; and
WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Board of Selectmen, pursuant to Section 7-12 of the Connecticut General Statutes, to superintend the concerns and expenditures of the town;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Selectmen hereby delegates to the Housing Authority of the Town of Willington the right to apply such portions of the remaining total amount of $372,000 from the aforesaid appropriations as the Housing Authority may deem necessary and appropriate to enter into such contracts and agreements as the Housing Authority may, within the scope of its statutory powers, deem necessary to carry out the purposes of EDI Grants B-06-SP-CT-0170 and B-08-SP-CT-0408 for the design and construction of infrastructure for the Senior Housing cottages, provided, however, that:
1. All such contracts and agreements must comply with all Town, State and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to bidding and non-discrimination requirements; and
2. Before any such contract or agreement is executed by the Authority, it must be reviewed by the Town Attorney and by the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen shall retain the authority to disapprove, or to require modifications to, any proposed contract or agreement if said Board deems it to be in the best interests of the Town. The Board shall notify the Housing Authority of any disapproval or required modification of any proposed contract or agreement within fourteen days after such proposed contract or agreement is received in the office of the First Selectman.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO ACCEPT THE RESOLUTION
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
First Selectman Eldredge opened the floor for discussion:
Wilbur Ganguay asked how the Board would notify the Housing Authority (in Paragraph #2 of the Resolution) currently it does not state how they would be notified. First Selectman Eldredge stated that it would be best in written form, and an email would be most efficient. The approval does not have to be approved in writing; it just needs to be reviewed. If the Board does not find a problem, it will be approved immediately. Otherwise, the Board will notify the Housing Authority within 14 days of disapproval.
John Patton also suggested that the Resolution does not cover requests for proposals, which should be added in the wording. The way it is currently worded, it is for the actual contract. John Patton stated that the actual contract would most likely be written within the scope of an RFP. The terminology of the RFP states how the contract should be written. If the contract is rejected, then the RFP would have to go out again. This would give a chance to catch issues before the job goes out for bid and to avoid additional delays.
The Board concurred with the suggestion of adding the RFP to the Resolution.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO AMEND THE FIRST MOTION AND TO CHANGE THE RESOLUTION TO HAVE THE LAST 2 PARAGRAPHS READ AS FOLLOWS:
1. All such requests for proposals, contracts and agreements must comply with all Town, State and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to bidding and non-discrimination requirements; and
2. Before any such request for proposals, contracts or agreements are executed by the Authority, they must be reviewed by the Town Attorney and by the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Selectmen shall retain the authority to disapprove, or to require modifications to, any proposed contracts or request for proposals or agreements if said Board deems it to be in the best interests of the Town. The Board shall notify the Housing Authority of any disapproval or required modification of any proposed contract, agreement or request for proposal within fourteen days after such proposed contract, agreement or request for proposal is received in the office of the First Selectman. Notification to Housing Authority will be in writing from the Office of the First
Selectman.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
NEW BUSINESS
RE-ADOPT FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE READ THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
Whereas, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing
opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice; and
Whereas, State and Federal Fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless
of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age,
mental or physical disability, lawful source of income, sexual orientation,
familial status, be given equal access to rental and homeownership
opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing
location; and
Whereas, The Town of Willington is committed to upholding these laws, and
realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative State-
ment publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing
opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
That the Town of Willington hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to
ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase and obtain
financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory
basis: and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the First Selectman of the Town of Willington or
his designated representative is responsible for responding to and
assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an
illegal discriminator housing practices in the Town of Willington.
Re-Adopted by the Town of Willington on April 6, 2009
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREGED MOTIONED TO RE-ADOPT THE FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
Selectman Charette Seconded the Motion
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
RE-ADOPT FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE READ THE FOLLOWING FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT:
TOWN OF WILLINGTON FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the Town of Willington to promote Fair Housing opportunities and to encourage racial and economic integration in all its programs and housing development activities.
Programs funded and administered by the Town of Willington must comply with the provisions of Section 46a-64c of the C.G.S., and with related state and federal laws and regulations that prohibit discriminatory housing practices.
The Town of Willington or any Sub recipient of the Town will carry out an affirmative marketing program to attract prospective buyers or tenants of all majority or minority groups, without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, lawful source of income, disability, age or because the individual has children in all programs and housing development activities funded or administered by the Town of Willington.
The municipality’s First Selectman’s office is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of this policy. The First Selectman may be reached at 860-487-3100.
Complaints pertaining to discrimination in any program funded or administrated by the Town of Willington may be filed with the First Selectman’s office. The municipality’s Grievance Procedure will be utilized in these cases.
Complaints also may be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, Special Enforcement Unit, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT 06106, telephone 860-541-3403.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO RE-ADOPT THE FAIR HOUSING POLICY STATEMENT
Selectman Palmer Seconded the Motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
RE-ADOPT COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
The Town of Willington does not discriminate in the provision of services, the administration of its programs, or contractual agreements. The Town of Willington seeks to fully carry out its responsibilities under the Title VI Regulations.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Title VI provides that “No person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program” covered by the Regulations.
This policy is effectuated through the methods of administration outlined in the Town’s Fair Housing Plan and is fully implemented to ensure compliance by the Town, as the recipient, and by sub recipients. The cooperation of all Town personnel is required.
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO RE-ADOPT THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
TAX REFUNDS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $22.90 TO KATHERINE KASACEK .
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO APPROVE A TAX REFUND OF $98.94 TO DCFS Trust doing business as Mercedes-Benz Financial.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
APPOINTMENTS
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO RE-APPOINT ED STAVESKI - BUILDING OFFICIAL EFFECTIVE APRIL 14, 2009 – APRIL 14, 2013.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
FIRST SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOTIONED TO APPOINT JOSH WALSH TO A REGULAR POSITION ON THE RECREACTION COMMITTEE TO REPLACE GREG BLESSING EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELEY UNTIL DECEMBER 15, 2009.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
GOOD & WELFARE
Chief Millix said that he was called to assist with the Gas tanker roll over in Plainfield, it was a long day, and did not get home until 2 or 3 AM the next day. It was a big operation. Many Towns were on site. In a situation like this, the Town can bill for their time and fuel. He also warned to watch for “spring weekend” which is coming up in a few weeks. They have heard that they have pretty good intelligence of what is going on. They have been warned that Wednesday may be a big party day but they plan to staff accordingly. First Selectman Eldredge commented that we have been in contact with the State Police as well.
Wilbur Ganguay stated that the Senior Center has gotten the new gas stove. He has let Claudia know that the old electric stove is no longer at the Senior Center, and has asked the Board to notify her of where it goes, as it is an inventoried item.
SELECTMAN ELDREDGE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:13 P.M.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (ELDREDGE, PALMER & CHARETTE) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin H. Campbell
Secretary
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