BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting April 20, 2009
Town Office Building – Lower Conference Room 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, and residents. L. Nichols – Absent. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Charette motioned to approve the minutes of 4/6/09.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Selectman Charette motioned to approve the minutes of 4/8/09.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Helen Sahi presented a thank you letter to the Board of Selectmen from the Connecticut Target Archers Association. The letter thanked the Town of Willington for the past support of Target Archery. The Town has hosted the nutmeg State Games, the Connecticut Senior Games and the CTAA State Outdoor Tournament, as well as many other seminars for the past five years. The letter also states that these Tournaments have had participation from all over New England and beyond. A world record was set by Butch Johnson and a national record was set in 2007 by Jim Lamoin, both records were set here in Willington. The Rec. Department no longer wants to hold Archery in town. The CTAA has not been granted permission to hold the event this year, which was slated for June 13 and June 14. First Selectman Eldredge
said he will address this with the Recreation Department to see why this cannot be held. He will be in touch with the CTAA with his findings. The consensus of opinion of the Board of Selectmen is that holding the Tournaments in Willington are positive events that should take place.
Robert Campbell of the Housing Authority presented the Board of Selectmen with a letter requesting a written acknowledgement regarding the Resolution (for the Housing Authority) that was passed at the April 6th Board meeting is only relevant to the specific funding sources mentioned on the Resolution. First Selectman Eldredge stated that he thought it was specific in the Resolution, but would double check and submit a letter to the Housing Authority regarding the matter.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
Public Works:
Lynn Nichols was absent. First Selectman Eldredge spoke on her behalf and stated that Public Works is still sweeping. They have completed all roads North of I-84, and are working their way down. Sweeping is going well. First Selectman Eldredge also stated that he believes it is time to go out for oil and chipping bids. Selectman Palmer asked for a copy of the chip seal route.
Selectman Charette asked how the Kechkes Road Bridge project is coming along. First Selectman Eldredge said Karl Acimovic should be prepared to go out to bid after the next Bridge meeting. First Selectman Eldredge then asked John Patton if he would be able to set up a meeting to walk his property with Karl Acimovic, the Fire Departments, and Public Works to see what can be done for a right of way on their property. John Patton said that he was waiting for correspondence from the Town. He asked for a proposal in writing of specifics of what the Town would like to do. First Selectman Eldredge stated that the original plan was to walk the property, decide what needed to be done and what the owner’s requested, then put it in a formal agreement that the Town counsel can present to the owner’s Attorney.
This would save time and money with Attorney’s fees. The Town is looking at a period of about two month’s time to use the Becker property during construction. John Patton reiterated that he wants the proposal from the Town first and does not agree to the sight walk. First Selectman Eldredge said he will have Karl Acimovic draft a submittal in writing and he will present to the Attorneys. First Selectman Eldredge stated that he has requested the bridge be 14’ wide in lieu of 16’. The bridge will be steel in lieu of concrete. Next Bridge meeting is slated to be on May 5th .
Selectman Charette said that Karl Acimovic mentioned that he is in charge of the well monitoring for the water testing in the septic at the Senior Center. Do we have to pump the tank? First Selectman Eldredge said that the tank is on ASHoW’s side and they are responsible for monitoring/pumping. Selectman Palmer asked if we have gotten a narrative from ASHoW? First Selectman said not yet.
New Business:
*Re-Approve Selectman’s Budget:
First Selectman Eldredge read the changes of the Selectmen’s Budget based on a change that came from the public hearing on April 7th. It was due to an insurance reduction of $15,000 and an addition of $1,000 for auditor.
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to approve the 2009-2010 Selectman’s budget for $2,737,737.00 or 8.5% less than 2008-2009.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
*Homeland Security Grant:
First Selectman Eldredge stated that after reviewing the minutes from February 17, 2009 there was a motion to enter into the grant and another motion based on cost which was not to exceed $25,818 and provide no other costs to the Town. However, whatever the cost of the project is; the Town still has to contribute 25% of the total cost. The Selectmen will need to rescind the original motion that there will be no cost to the Town, and go to the Board of Finance to get authorization to spend the grant at $25,818 and then will ask the Board of Finance to do a fund transfer fromCapital Projects for the Town’s estimated contribution of $8,275.. Hopefully it will come in less than that, and we will be able to use in-kind services to pay.
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to enter into the grant agreement as previously agreed during the February 17th, 2009 Board of Selectmen’s meeting; however it is understood that there will be a cost to the Town of 25% of whatever the project cost; whether it be monitory contribution or in-kind services.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
*Tax Refunds:
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to refund $500.00 to Home Loan Services; P.O. Box 961220, Ft. Worth, TX. Reason for refund – excess payment.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
Vote: Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Good & Welfare:
First Selectman Eldredge briefly went over the OSHA report for the Town Office Building, Public Works and the Transfer Station. The report was received on Friday. We have posted everything that needed to be posted in the affected areas. The good news is that no asbestos was detected, but there are missing floor tiles in the Kitchen in the Common Room at the Town Office Building that will need to be replaced. OSHA also found traces of lead in the attic. Mildew was found in the attic, closet and the downstairs ladies bathroom. First Selectman Eldredge has been in contact with Eastern Highlands Health District, and has given them a copy of the report. John Patton suggested to contact the Access Agency for help for the lead abatement. Helen Sahi suggested encapsulating the walls. Robin Campbell has also
contacted some certified contractors to look at the affected areas.
Public Works had a noise level issue where workers are exposed to 85 decibels for an 8 hour period. We will request a health official from OSHA to monitor for us. Another issue was that some MSDS Sheets were not complete.
Lastly, the Transfer station violation was the open gates during operation. OSHA stated that the gates need to be secured at all times. First Selectman Eldredge has requested a conference with OSHA regarding the design of the dumpster drop in area, as it is difficult to lift heavy bulky waste into the dumpsters with the gates secured. He is waiting for a reply from OSHA to see if the Transfer Station can have the gates open at specific times (for heavy bulky waste drops) and container packing.
Selectman Charette asked if the transfer station employees will have training to use the fire extinguishers. The decision was to not have training, and to have them call 911 for any sign of a fire. Brush burning is different and considered a “controlled burn” because the Fire Department is on site during the burning.
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 P.M.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin H. Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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