BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting May 2, 2011
Town Office Building- Lower Level Conference Room 6:30 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 requested to make the following change to the minutes of April 18, 2011:
Under F: Flagpole lights: last sentence: Both Selectmen Millix and Blessington agreed they would support requesting the change.
Selectman Millix requested to omit the 2nd sentence from the bottom under D: Willington Fire Dept. #1 Fire Fighter/EMT Union discussion.
Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the minutes of April 18, 2011 as amended.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the minutes of April 26, 2011 as submitted.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Kim Kowalshyn, Secretary of the Economic Development Commission thanked First Selectman Mailhos and Selectman Millix for attending their meeting on April 26. She said they had an awesome meeting. The business owners of Phelps Plaza as well as the owner were there to discuss various issues that have been ongoing in the plaza. Planning and Zoning Chairman Matt Ellis was also there to answer questions that have arose. The store owners ended up leaving happy.
Peter Latincsics thanked whoever put the vote Tuesday signs up around Town and requested to add the Fire Department Agreement on the agenda for discussion. First Selectman Mailhos said it was not, but can add it. He then asked if the budget process is on the agenda (If the Governor’s “Plan B” passes). He stated that the Board of Finance had discussed it at their last meeting, and were unsure if we would have to go to Referendum again. First Selectman Mailhos said she has had been researching it and said that she heard that we should not go to Referendum again if that were to happen.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos went over the updated report:
*Center School Water Project – The connection has been completed. We will now determine if we should go ahead with the connection to the Town Office Building as well as hooking up WHFD as there are funds available.
*River Road Athletic Complex – The walking path and basketball court has been completed, and they are now working on completing the volleyball court. We are going to possibly call a Town Meeting to appropriate additional funds for benches, signage, etc.
*Turnpike Road Extension – we have met with the residents and the bids have come in today. We will review the bids that have been received today.
*Old Town Hall Renovations – funding documents are being executed.
*Facility Feasibility Study - The consultant is moving forward, they were waiting for a survey of WHFD (which took a few months), but are now waiting for a topographical map.
Selectman Blessington asked the status of the EECBG grant. First Selectman Mailhos said it is moving forward, but are waiting to hear back from one of the vendors with a clarification. The Energy Advisory Committee will also need to make a recommendation to award.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item G to the agenda: Open Turnpike Road Extension Bids.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Public Works:
Lynn thanked Teri Gareau (and the Girl Scouts) for heading up the Town wide clean up. The roads look great. It is much appreciated. CL&P and SNET have crews working around town trimming branches on trees (around the wires). The Crews have been working on the fields and all of the ballparks are ready for opening day. They have also been working on grading Hockla Farms, Michalek, Old South Willington and Kucko Roads. The new dump truck should be delivered in the next month. The sweeping schedule will be posted on Wednesdays.
New Business:
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Robin Campbell as the Town of Willington ADA Coordinator effective immediately.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
- Ambulance payroll discussion
First Selectman Mailhos said that Willington Fire Department #1 is looking to utilize the Town Finance Department to process their payroll. This would avoid paying additional funds to an outside service. It was discussed at a Board of Finance meeting whether or not we can have the Finance Department take over the responsibility. Since the Fire Department has their own tax ID, they would need to work out some details. Selectman Millix said that he will discuss at the next Board of Director’s meeting (for the Fire Department). First Selectman Mailhos said she will table this item and will add to old business on the next agenda.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item H to the agenda named: Contract Negotiations discussion
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
- STEAP Grant – Application discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated although the Governor’s budget has not passed yet, we have received a letter with a STEAP application enclosed. The application has been revised and states that priority will be given to projects which generate economic development. She asked the other selectmen for ideas as to what to apply for. She also sent a copy of the letter to Chairman Schoppmann (Board of Finance) and Chairman Charette (of Economic Development Commission). Selectman Blessington suggested putting in for improvements to Turnpike Road again. The deadline is June 23rd. Melissa Welsh said it would be irresponsible to get in line for money. Mark Palmer said it is bonded money. Selectman Blessington said since it is bonded, and we don’t put in for it, another Town could get it
instead. Discussion was held on various ideas what we could do with the money. One of the discussions was investing in infrastructure like septic where there are issues. Selectman Blessington said that is a good idea, many businesses have walked away because of the septic issues there. He is not sure how it would work if issues are on private property. Selectman Millix said to look into expanding the infrastructure there. Lynn said Turnpike Road might be an option as there are some commercially zoned properties for sale on that road. (Near Fed Ex). First Selectman Mailhos said that she worries about the future if we cannot attract more business in town and keep the taxes low. If we can use this as a way to invest and help our future, it will be beneficial. If anyone has any ideas for us, please let us know by contacting the Selectmen’s Office at 860-487-3100.
- Proclamation – Municipal Clerk’s Week
First Selectman Mailhos moved to adopt the following proclamation:
Proclamation
Municipal Clerks Week
May 1 - May 7, 2011
WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world, and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants, and
WHEREAS, The Office of the Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels, and
WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all, and
WHEREAS, The Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community, and
WHEREAS, Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, province, county and international professional organizations, and
WHEREAS, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Municipal Clerk;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christina B. Mailhos, by virtue of the authority vested in me as First Selectman in the Town of Willington, State of Connecticut, hereby declare and proclaim the week of May 1 through May 7, 2011, as
Municipal Clerks Week
and further extend appreciation to our Town Clerk Donna J. Hardie and Assistant Town Clerk Maureen Gantick, as well as all Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
- Town Forum set for May 18th
First Selectman Mailhos said the State of the Town Meeting is coming up. The new date (that was selected in January) will be May 18th in the Community Room of the Library at 6:30 PM. We are hoping Senator Guglielmo and Representative Hurlburt will be there. We will also send out a notice to remind the Chairs of Boards and Commissions of the meeting.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to call the meeting:
TOWN OF WILLINGTON
NOTICE AND WARNING
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
The electors of the Town of Willington and all persons who are entitled to vote in Town Meeting on the matters mentioned in the following warning are hereby warned and notified to meet in Town Meeting at the TOWN HALL at 11 COMMON ROAD in Willington on May 17, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. for the following purposes:
ITEM I
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will authorize the appropriation of $12,500.00 from fund 6 Parks & Recreation Capital Fund to Fund 12 Parks & Recreation.
Dated at Willington this 2nd day of May, 2011
Selectman Millix seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington asked if this is to add benches and signs up on River Road. He said it is a beautiful facility but somehow in this time we are looking to save money, this would be considered bleeding money. He said he hoped we would be able to finish everything with the grant money. First Selectman Mailhos said we were hoping to have some left over money to purchase the benches, but ran over budget due to drainage issues. The money going to Town Meeting is in a fund which was set aside from developers in Town in 1988 for “recreation” purposes. Mark Palmer asked why they didn’t contact the Conservation Commission once they found out the money was there. He stated that there was an agreement made between the Parks and Recreation Commission and the
Conservation Commission at a Town meeting a while ago that they would contact the Conservation Commission as they use the money. First Selectman Mailhos said at the time (in 1988) the fund was created neither the Conservation Commission nor River Road Recreation Complex existed. Mr. Palmer stated that the Conservation Commission was then told that the $150,000 grant was going to take care of the entire River Road Complex, and now it is not the case. First Selectman Mailhos said we are just in phase II of a five phase plan, which was the plan all along. Selectman Blessington said it sounds like they are saying, “who –hoo! we found some money, let’s spend it”! First Selectman Mailhos said it is more like, “now we can actually get the tables that we need to put under the pavilion.” Mr. Palmer said it is not the best use of the money. Selectman Blessington stated that he will vote to hold the Town Meeting, but that
does not mean that he will vote in favor of this expenditure.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
- Open Bids – Turnpike Road Extension
First Selectman Mailhos opened the two bids that were received.
- Knight & Sons Construction: Total: $43,100.00
Item 1: $1,000 Item 2: $750.00 Item 3: $1,700.00 Item 4: $6,700.00 Item 5: $300.00
Item 6: No Bid Item 7: No Bid Item 8: $23,000 Item 9: $8,650 Item 10: $1,000.00
Total Bid: $43,100.00
- Putnam Welding & Equipment Repair
Item 1: $11,000.00 Item 2: $550.00 Item 3: $500.00 Item 4: $7,560.00 Item 5: $900.00
Item 6: $3,200.00 Item 7: $8,520.00 Item 8: $2,400.00 Item 9: $8,900.00 Item 10: $1,400.00
Total Bid: $44,930.00
First Selectman Mailhos said we will give the bids to the Town Engineer to review.
- Contract Negotiations discussion
Peter Latincsics asked if the negotiations have been scheduled and if the ground rules have been placed. First Selectman Mailhos said the meeting is set for May 16th at 2 PM and the ground rules were discussed, but not formalized. She is not sure if Chairman Schoppmann will be available to make it for 2 PM due to his work schedule. Mr. Latincsics referenced discussion made at the Board of Finance meeting regarding the composition of the negotiating team as well as who will be voting on the contract. He said the Board of Finance had spoke in great detail of the Emergency Services Agreement and felt that it would be helpful that the agreement be reviewed. He also stated that many of the BOF members were surprised to hear of the union being formed. Selectman Millix said it
was noted in the budget packet that was submitted in February. Discussion was then held on the clause and wording if there was question of ending the agreement. Selectman Millix then stated that there was never a problem before with the emergency services agreement. No questions were ever raised about paid staff until they petitioned to form a union. Now you seem to be going out of your way to question the service agreement and want to have it modified. He then asked Mr. Latincsics if there was no union, would he have an issue to modify it? Mr. Latincsics said the issue was raised at the Board of Finance meeting and he and Chairman Schoppmann shared the same reaction because the circumstances have changed and the paid staff becoming unionized seems to be a significant change. Selectman Millix said that the agreement must follow State regulations which are formed by the Department of Public Health. First Selectman Mailhos said
that the Fire Department will still need to follow the same procedure as they do every year with their budget. They will need to figure out how to expend their funds and manage their staff. It is the same as with any contractor the Town hires to perform work, we look for the lowest cost, and most qualified; we don’t care if their employees are unionized or not. Discussion was then held on arbitration. Mr. Palmer helped clarify that the negotiations between are between the Fire Department and their employees.
Resident, Melissa Welsh stated that she submitted a letter to the Board of Selectmen which she requested be read into the minutes at the last meeting. As a taxpayer, she is concerned with this change. First Selectman Mailhos stated we can add to the edits made to the approval of minutes.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add the letter from Melissa Welsh of April 7, requested to be edited and read in the minutes of April 18th as requested.
Selectman Blessington said he had a copy and would read the letter that was submitted:
Motion withdrawn.
Christina, John & Tyler:
~
I'm writing~to follow up~on a conversation I had yesterday, with First Selectman Mailhos, regarding the~upcoming unionization of~Willington Fire Department 1's Ambulance/EMS~workers.~ As of yesterday, it has not been decided~who will participate in the negotiations with Willington Fire Department 1's Ambulance/EMS~workers' union.~
~
As you know, Willington elected officials were nominated by their respective Board to be a part of~the negotiation team for~the k-8 Teacher's union contract last year.~Tax payers~had~both Board of Education officials (Mark Makuch, Leo Mercado~and Laurie Semprebon)~and a Board of Finance~official (Peter Latincsics)~representing their~interests~at these negotiations.~
~
As a tax payer, I would like to see~elected officials, nominated by their respective Board,~representing~tax payer's interests at both the upcoming ground rule discussion(s) and~contract negotiations with Willington Fire Department 1's~new union.~
~
I've read~the posted~2011 Board of Selectman and Board of Finance minutes and see no public record~noting~a change in the~staffing structure~of~Willington Fire Department 1.~Please let me know if I over looked any public discussions regarding the unionization~of Willington Fire Department 1's Ambulance/EMS~workers.
~
I ask that this~correspondence be read at the next Board of Selectman meeting and placed into the public record.~~Thank you for your time.
~
Kind Regards,
Melissa Welsh
35 Latham Rd.
Willington, CT 06279
First Selectman Mailhos told Ms. Welsh that the President of the Fire Department has asked for representation from the Board of Finance as well as the Board of Selectmen on the negotiation committee as well as the Town Attorney and Business Manager. Mr. Latincsics said that the Directors of the Fire Service will be the ones negotiating with themselves, and that is troubling to him. Selectman Millix clarified that there is a clear delineation between the management of the Fire Department and the paid staff. Discussion was then held on the negotiations.
Good & Welfare:
First Selectman Mailhos said the Town Wide Clean Up Day was a huge success. A total of 1,600 lbs was collected. Congratulations to the Cub Scouts from Den #5, who won first prize for cleaning up a total of 330 lbs from Pinney Hill Road. They will receive a $30 gift certificate to Willington Pizza. She thanked everyone who participated. The roads look great.
She also thanked Kim Kowalyshyn for coming to the meeting to discuss the EDC meeting. She attended that meeting and said it was a good forum and nice to see business owners working together and also thanked Chairman Ellis from Planning and Zoning for answering the questions the business owners had.
Reminder – tomorrow is the Annual Town Budget Referendum. Don’t forget to come out to vote. She thanked our board of Finance for working hard to keep our increases at a minimum.
On Friday, First Selectman Mailhos signed the Natchaug River Basin Conservation Compact ceremony to preserve the Natchaug River.
The Town Wide Tag Sale sponsored by the Relay for Life Circle of Friends is coming up on May 14th. The maps have been published and can be picked up at the Town Offices. We have 15 Residences listed on the map and there will be a large sale at the Town Office Building with residents who have rented spaces. Lynn will also put some maps out at the Transfer Station.
We have received a letter of resignation from Jim Poole, who has resigned from the Economic Development Commission as well as the Energy Advisory Committee. First Selectman Mailhos thanked him for his years of service to the Town in those capacities.
We have two new Eagle Scouts in Town. Matt Rains, who built the shed at the Senior Recreation area, received his on Saturday night and John Rup, who built the benches at the library, received his on Sunday afternoon. First Selectman Mailhos attended both ceremonies, which were very nice. She wishes both young gentlemen well.
Selectman Millix received a letter from Col. Dan Stebbins, Commissioner of Public Safety, who has invited him and EMT Jackson Herget to the State Police Training Academy graduation to receive a heroism award. Mr. Herget performed CPR on a victim of an automobile accident on Route 32 in August, 2010. The victim made a full recovery.
Robin Campbell thanked Joanne Capo, the owner of Curves; for bringing a car full of food (and a collection of checks) from their annual food drive. It is a huge contribution to the Food bank. She also thanked a group of card players in town who donates money to the food bank regularly.
First Selectman Mailhos motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin H. Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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