BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting February 16, 2010
Town Office Building – Common Room 6:45 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen Millix & Blessington, Lynn Nicholls and residents. First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the special minutes of February 1, 2010 as written.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to approve the regular minutes of February 1, 2010 with the following changes:
Item B; on page 3 “Loves travel Stop is 75% probable……” (as opposed to 95% as was written);
Page 4 – Note should be changed to: “The EDC presentation presented by Mr. Poole can be found on the Town website-under boards and commissions/Economic Development Commission.”
Selectman Millix seconded the motion with corrections.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the special minutes of February 8, 2010 as submitted.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
No one.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office. Selectman Millix has requested a copy of the correspondence from the CT Citing Council, as the Fire Departments are interested in towers when they first go up. The Departments ask to reserve the top layer for emergency communications.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos went over the items with updates:
*EECBG Grant (window replacement for Town Office Building) – The Town has officially been awarded the grant of $42.776. The Board of Selectmen will need to request to appropriate the funds prior to going out to bid. Also, First Selectman Mailhos will ask the Energy Advisory Committee to make recommendations on how to use the grant money most efficiently.
*Senior Housing Phase III – The Housing Authority is continues to look for grant money. The Housing Authority had submitted a grant request and has asked First Selectman Mailhos to follow up on this for them.
*Water System Treatment - The plumbing has been completed. The next step is to have the control company come in to program the system the week of February 22. They will then need to contact the Health Department for approval to run. CT Water Company will be in contact with us the first week in March regarding status.
*Turnpike Road Extension – Lynn has sent a formal request for an extension, and it has been verbally approved. We plan on working on this project in the fall.
*Budget Planning - The Board of Selectmen will be presenting the budget to the Board of Finance on Thursday.
*PZC Notice of Violation (newly added) – Options for proceeding will be discussed at a future meeting.
*Work Zone Safety Intrusion Alarms (newly added) – Lynn has applied for a grant to receive a safety cone with an audible alarm. We will be receiving one shortly.
*Energy Audit on TOB (newly added) – The Energy Advisory Committee performed a 3 hour audit at the Town Office Building on Saturday, February 13th. They should be getting back to us with a detailed report shortly.
*Probate Court Planning – There will be a meeting to decide the location which will either be in Tolland or Mansfield..
*Appointments for Boards and Commissions – First Selectman Mailhos sent out a public notice earlier today to get the word out about vacancies.
*Pump Station Damage – CL&P has notified us that they have denied our claim for damages done to the electrical equipment at the pump station. First Selectman Mailhos will craft a letter of appeal. She has also notified Mike Eldredge of this, who has offered to help with the appeal process.
Public Works:
Lynn said they are focusing on the snow. Public Works will be putting a 1991 GMC pick up truck with a plow up for bid.
Old business
A. Discussion of Board of Selectmen Goals –possible revision
First Selectman Mailhos stated at the last Board meeting, Mr. Poole, on behalf of the Economic Development Commission has requested that the Board revise one of their goals. “Tackle the perception that Willington is unfriendly to business”. She has suggested revising the statement to: “Increase public awareness that Willington supports business development and growth by working together with PZC, EDC, residents and businesses”. She has asked Selectman Millix and Selectman Blessington if they agreed with the statement. Selectman Blessington said that it is well written, but the wording suggests that there is no problem. We do have a problem and need to work on it. The EDC is doing a great job, but we have a problem with infrastructure. We can either ignore it or try to figure out how to
deal with it. Planning and Zoning is either too enthusiastic in enforcement or the regulations need to be looked at. Mr. Arnini (of Hidden Dragon Karate) has taken down his sign, and has stored it so the top of the sign can be seen through the upstairs window, which is now in compliance with Planning and Zoning. It looks horrible and if he did that on purpose, he should be commended. The perception still exists, and changing the wording does not change the fact.
Selectman Millix said that it is a nice statement; well written, but there is enough on the record from the Board of Selectmen’s minutes up until now to know that there are problems. Whether it is perception or attitudes; it is something that we need to deal with. The Board of Selectmen should be in charge of mediating any issues that arise. Mr. Poole said that the Board of Selectmen cannot make jurisdiction in Zoning rules or the Zoning office. Mr. Palmer said it is an awkward situation, as the Zoning agent is in a dual capacity, as a Town employee, and a Zoning agent for Planning and Zoning. Selectman Millix asked what the procedure would be if a resident has a concern or a complaint with zoning. Mr. Poole said that the complaint would need to come before the P&Z Commission at a
meeting. Selectman Millix said that people should have an outlet; they should be informed on where to go and who to see when they have a problem. Mr. Poole said that Hidden Dragon’s jurisdictional issue is with Phelps Plaza, not the Town. He said if we leave the statement as it was will hurt the Town, rather than help it. Mr. Patton suggested combining the statements. Selectman Blessington said we could go with what First Selectman Mailhos has written, but he would like to see some progress. Mr. Poole said if the Board does not change the wording of the goal; it is putting a burden on the EDC, by leaving as is. If you “Google” unfriendly business perceptions, Willington flies to the top.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to change the wording of the Board of Selectmen’s Goal, “Increase public awareness that Willington supports business development and growth by working together with PZC, EDC, residents and businesses”
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion and will support it but would like to get a meeting set up with the parties involved.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
New Business:
A. Appointments
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to appoint Evan Brand as an Alternate Member – Conservation Commission – effective immediately – expiring February 1, 2013.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to appoint Kim Kowalyshyn as a Regular Member - Economic Development Commission – effective immediately – expiring January 1, 2012.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to re-appoint Walter Parsell as a Regular Member – Economic Development Commission – expiring January 1, 2015.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
B. Mowing bids
The Board has requested that we receive sealed bids for the mowing contract. We received two; one of them was sealed; the other was faxed.
Selectman Blessington motioned to waive the requirement of the bids come in sealed envelopes.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos read the bids: *prices are per mowing for each company
Country Landscapes & Tree, LLC Greg Peck
Hall School: $325.00 $105.00
River Road: $565.00 $180.00
Burma Park: $85.00 $55.00
Town Green: $165.00 $55.00
TOB and Fields: $285.00 $105.00
Center School: $125.00 $55.00
Village Hill Park: $85.00 $55.00
Library: $205.00 $80.00
Senior Center: $245.00 $105.00
Each sight will be mowed on an “as needed” basis per Public Works and Parks and Recreation Department.
Selectman Millix motioned to award the mowing bid to Greg Peck.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
C. Discussion of Town Counsel proposals
We have received proposals from: Murtha Cullina, Siegel, O’Connor, O’Donnnell & Beck, PC; Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC; Halloran & Sage LLP and Kahan, Kerensky & Capossela LLP.
First Selectman Mailhos would like to interview all of the firms. The Board agreed. 45 minute interviews will be scheduled.
D. Discussion of sweeper maintenance
Per the Board’s previous budget discussions, we have a firm that will maintain our sweeper; they will do all repairs, which will increase the life of the sweeper. We received a new quote, as the deadline of the previous quote has passed. The new quote offers a 1 year warranty on parts and 90 day warranty on labor. The firm will also give Public Works a class on how to maintain the sweeper. The cost of the current quote is $18,500 plus $750 to transport the sweeper. First Selectman Mailhos met with Donna to see if the Town could afford the maintenance out of this year’s operating budget. She would like to meet with Donna and Lynn one more time and would like to have approval from the Board that as long as there is money available they agree with this direction.
Selectman Millix and Selectman Blessington gave their approval.
E. Budget presentation
The Board is looking at a -.3% for the budget as it stands right now, which is a reduction of $7,309 for the 2009/2010 budget. First Selectman Mailhos asked Mr. Patton to outline the Capital Improvement Program Committee’s meeting last night. The request for the next fiscal year coming up was to lease a pick up truck, replace a dump truck and replace the backhoe. The decision was made to eliminate the backhoe, whereas the work to be done that needs a backhoe could be contracted out. The CIP has suggested that Public Works adjust their operating budget to allow for
renting of a backhoe and a contractor on an as needed basis. The increase was brought to $7309 for backhoe rental /time & material, which will bring the budget to 0% increase over 2009/2010.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to accept the budget with the addition of $7,309 to line item 440 (truck & equipment rentals) to a 0 % increase from last year’s budget.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
F. Tax refunds
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to refund $103.12 to JN Phillips Glass Co., Inc. 11 Wheeling Avenue; Woburn, MA 01801-2008. Reason: vehicle sold.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes ( Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to refund $57.70 to Emkay, Inc. Trust; 808 W. Thorndale A enue; Itasca, IL 60143. Reason: refund credit for vehicle registered in another state.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Good & Welfare:
Alex’s Lemonade Stand was set up at Hall School gymnasium this past Saturday. They raised over $1,000 for research for childhood cancer.
Mark Palmer and Bob Shabot will attend the State’s 375 Birthday celebration kick off tomorrow at the capitol.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 P.M.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin H. Campbell
Robin H. Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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