BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting July 7, 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, Lynn Nicholls and residents. First Selectman Eldredge led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Charette motioned to approve the minutes of 6/15/09.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Selectman Palmer motioned to approve the minutes of Special meeting of 6/25/09.
Selectman Charette seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
John Patton wanted it to be noted in the minutes that the Selectmens decision to appeal the FOIA decision was a waste of Town and State assets. He was curious as to when the decision was made by the board to appeal. First Selectman Eldredge stated that it was based on the recommendation of Legal Council to appeal, but he would not discuss pending litigation in open session.
Mike Makuch gave an update of the Willington Municipal Facilities Study. The staff of Kaestle Boos has been spending a lot of time in Town, visiting the three facilities. There have been no meetings since the last one. The visits are all for info gathering at this point.
Willington Hill Fire Department has been given first rights of refusal in town on Route 320 North. They are waiting for an appraisal to see where it goes next. There is no funding yet for the property. Kaestle Boos has included this into the study as well. WHFD is pursuing a FEMA Grant which would allow them to rebuild over the existing facility, or build a new building; however the grant does not appropriate money for land. The application requires them to specify as to what they would like to pursue. If the study had been completed 6 months prior, they would have a better idea as to what decision to make. The grant application is open until the 10th or 11th of the month. They are about 60% done with the application. Mr. Makuch has asked the Board of Selectmen for support of the
pursuit of the Grant. The Board stated they are all in support of the Fire Department.
Lynn asked if there was CIP money set aside for the Fire Department to use for land. Chief Makuch said that they could not find property within the range of the existing Fire Department at the time, so the money was pulled out to use for other things.
First Selectman Eldredge stated that he would like to see the WHFD get a new building, where they are now, as the Fire House is already in the perfect spot. Chief Makuch stated that the property is not big enough to put a facility and have ample parking.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
Public Works:
Lynn said that they are finally done sweeping, however with all of the storms we have had; it looks like they never swept at all. They have also been putting the gravel roads back together.
First Selectman Eldredge asked Lynn if Public Works has swept Hall School parking lot yet? Lynn said that they were going to sweep the week prior to chip sealing the parking lot, she hasn’t gotten a firm date. They are behind from the weather.
Selectman Charette asked if there have been any issues with the heavy rain? Lynn said that dirt roads and sides of hilled areas have been washing out. The people who always have water problems have been calling in. He also asked about Fisher Hill. First Selectman Eldredge said that area should now be all set.
First Selectman Eldregde asked who mows the side line between Schofield Road and Old River Road? Lynn said the State takes care of that. First Selectman Eldredge asked Lynn to contact them to have it mowed. It is hard to see over the grass when pulling on to Route 32.
First Selectman Eldredge also asked Lynn if she has had any response from salt vendors yet? Lynn said that she has been calling, and just called Thursday. The salt vendors will not quote until the bid comes out from the State. First Selectman Eldredge would like to have that in writing. Lynn said that they will be bidding to municipalities after the State bids are open. If they get the state bid, they will not be able to fill quotas for anyone else. First Selectman Eldredge asked Lynn to see if the State will split up the districts this year? It seems like there is no choice but to go with the State bid.
New Business:
Four bids were received:
Superior Energy $0.25 over the Selkirk delivered price – today’s price: $1.39.9 per gallon
High Grade Gas Service, Inc. $1.20 per gallon
Ameri Gas $0.2203 over Selkirk terminal 4 posting.
Osterman Propane, Inc. Will sell @ cost + $0.25 over today’s price - $1.299 per gallon.
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to award the propane contract to High Grade Gas Service with the price of $1.20 per gallon.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
The Justice Assistance Grant allows the Town to get $9,100 to spend on something to do with law enforcement or security. The State recommends that the Town buys something, rather than pass the money off to the State Police. First Selectman Eldredge would like to have a security system installed in the Town Office Building. Brian Andle is looking into getting prices for one. Selectman Palmer said that if we do not use the money, it will be gone. Selectman Charette stated that we should look at the whole Town – and add the Transfer Station and Public Works. The Board has agreed to pursue the Grant and get an alarm system for the Town.
Mike Makuch asked to add a camera to the hazardous waste area. Sometimes people drop material off, and leave it outside the area if it is closed. If they could get a license plate number off of the film, they could charge the individuals who are in violation.
- Award EDI and STEAP Grant Administration
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to award L. Wagner and Associates the Contract Administration of EDI-B-08-SP-CT-0408 for Infrastructure for the Senior Housing Cottages for $12,000; and the Contract Administration of STEAP Grant DPH Log # 2009-0093 for the Water Main Extension to Center School for $10,000.
These were actual fees which were built into the contract proposals.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Good & Welfare:
Selectman Charette said that the new single stream recycling at the Transfer Station is very nice. It is easy to dump everything in one place, and not have to sort anything. The new compactors can hold a lot more.
First Selectman Eldredge motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 P.M.
Selectman Palmer seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Eldredge, Palmer & Charette) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin H. Campbell
Robin H. Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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