Town of Willington
BOARD OF SELECTMEN • 40 OLD FARMS ROAD • WILLINGTON, CONNECTICUT 06279 • (860) 487-3100 • FAX (860) 487-3103
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Special Meeting Minutes
Town Office Building May 24, 2010
Selectmen’s Conference Room 5:15 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 5:19 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectman Blessington with Lynn Nicholls, Donna Latincsics and residents. Selectman Millix was absent.
A Resolution to join Economic Development District
First Selectman Mailhos stated that WINCOG has developed an Economic Development District, as part of the WINCOG region. They are trying to get the Economic Development Commissions from other towns to sign on. Our EDC voted unanimously at their meeting on May 18th to join the District. Selectman Blessington asked if there would be an associated cost to this. First Selectman Mailhos said that there are no costs involved, and it may open opportunities and grant options in the future. First Selectman Mailhos motioned to adopt the following resolution:
Resolution of the Town of Willington
Regarding a
Regional Economic Partnership
WHEREAS, The Town of Willington would like to join the Northeastern Connecticut Economic Partnership,
WHEREAS, this partnership will be applying for Federal Designation through the Economic Development Administration to be a Regional Economic Development District representing the 21 Towns of the Northeast Connecticut Council of Governments and the Windham Region Council of Governments, and one additional community from the Southeast Council of Governments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of Willington hereby agrees to become a member of the Northeast Connecticut Economic Partnership.
I hereby certify the preceding is a true vote of the Willington Economic Development Committee, at their meeting held on May 18, 2010, a quorum being present.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No.
B. Personnel Policy Review
Susan Yorgensen and the Town Attorney joined the meeting at 5:23 P.M. First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Attorney was present to hear concerns and would not be offering advice in this forum. Multiple variations of the Personnel Policy were presented by those present and some were not dated. First Selectman Mailhos said that at the last meeting we were going to update Appendix A, but several questions were raised about the proposed changes.AT a minimum, the only thing that needs to be updated is the dates with the insurance. When it was discussed at the last Board of Selectmen meeting, the Selectmen looked at the entire personnel policy and questioned if we should separate the elected, appointed, full time and part time position policies and benefits. Sue Yorgensen said that in 2002 there were conflicts
where elected officials switched to appointed and there were arguments of who was getting what. The question was asked if Elected Officials are considered true employees.
Selectman Blessington asked what governs elected officials salary level and benefits. Is it only the budget that sets it? There is nothing written anywhere. It is stated the Town Clerk is the only elected official that gets benefits. Selectman Blessington than asked if the Town would suffer if we don’t change Appendix A at this time. Donna Latincsics said that the 10% co pays have not changed. First Selectman Mailhos said that it is out of date, and it would just reflect old dates. Selectman Blessington said that if we change it, we should change the whole thing at once.
Discussion was then held on longevity payments, which has been added to Appendix A, with definitions. Even though it appears there was no authorization to pay longevity payments to the treasurer, it has been paid in the past. It was not given to any other elected official from 2002 on. First Selectman Mailhos said this is a good example of some of the inconsistencies and it should state in writing who can get longevity and benefits and who should not. Selectman Blessington said it has to be written it down so we know who gets it. We probably have been paying it illegally for years. He asked the Town Attorney if there was a way we could cover this for past payments, however First Selectman Mailhos reminded him that the Town Attorney could not answer questions in this context.
A suggestion was made that a committee be formed to review the Personnel Policy.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to create a sub-committee to make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen about possible revisions to the Personnel Policy.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Discussion was held on possible members of the committee.
Motion tabled until next Regular Board of Selectmen Meeting.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:11 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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