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Board of Selectmen Minutes 02/06/2012
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes


Regular Meeting                                                                         February 6, 2012
Town Office Building- Common 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 Littell & Blessington, Lynn Nicholls and residents.   First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes:

Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the minutes of January 17, 2012 budget meeting as written.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.  

Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the regular minutes of January 17, 2012 as written.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.

Selectman Littell motioned to approve the minutes of January 23, 2012 as written.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.  

Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the joint meeting minutes of December 7, 2011 with the following edits made from Selectman Littell:  page 4; 4th paragraph:  Mr. Latincsics asked what the incentive is for the BOE or the BOS to rethink what they are doing.  
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
*Note:  the Board of Education moved to accept at their 1/10/12 meeting; Board of Finance approved at their January 19th meeting.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.    

Present to Speak:

Kim Kowalyshyn of the Economic Development Commission reported that the EDC is working on a business directory.  They found a company, Atlantic Communications Group, Inc from PA, who may be willing to put the directory together.  The advertisements are expected to cover the cost of printing. The EDC will also hold a business network meeting open to all Willington businesses on April 11 at 4:30 PM in the Willington Public Library.  Speakers from Northeast Connecticut Economic Alliance and CT Works will present at the meeting.  

Ms. Kowalyshyn also reported that the EDC has drafted and approved a welcome letter that will go out to all new businesses. Lastly, they are working on a Mission Statement, which should be approved at a future meeting.

Don Berg stated there should be a better effort to display the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance.  
  
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:

*STEAP Grant – Water Connection to Town Office Building – The Engineering portion of the project is being done at Willington Hill F.D. It is likely that the Fire Department will pay for the actual work if they decide to proceed.

*Facility Feasibility Study – Assistant Chief Mike Makuch has made contact with the consultant and expressed concerns of the committee.  We now await a response from the consultant.

*Senior Housing Phase III – Senior Housing Cottages – the Board of Selectmen will meet with the Housing Authority to negotiate taxes/Town services/utility costs at this meeting.

*Performance Contracting – the consultant is compiling his findings and will present them to the Energy Advisory Committee at a future meeting.

*Senior Van – The Senior Center will be seeking a grant to fund a handicap van for the Senior Center.  First Selectman Mailhos is meeting with Wilbur Gangaway (president of the Willington Senior Center) and Tara Bergeron to discuss the van and seek grant opportunities this week.  The grant request will then be submitted if it is feasible at this time.

*Union Contract Negotiations – The Union has sent a standard “demand to negotiate” letter.  The Board of Selectmen will set up a preliminary meeting soon.

Public Works:

Lynn was not available as she was attending the CIP meeting.  First Selectman Mailhos reported that the crews have been out grading the roads this week.

Old Business:

  • Discussion of possible Ordinance regarding past due taxes
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Board of Selectmen discussed this at their last meeting, but some questions arose.  Willington Revenue Collector, Carol Larson, CCMC was present to answer questions.  She said most towns in Connecticut already have this Ordinance in place. She referred to the last meeting minutes where Selectman Blessington was concerned about needing a building permit in an emergency situation and said some Towns add language to the ordinance to address this.  Last year, she started a delinquent listing book which is outside her office.  There is an option to place the names in a local newspaper (for example, the Town of Stafford posts delinquent taxpayers in the Reminder); however Ms. Larson feels that those who have a payment plan in place should not be placed on the list, but there is no other way to leave those names off.  Ms. Larson then added that she is more concerned with holding permits for those who do not make efforts to pay their taxes, and in turn make home improvements, or additions. She said we can alter the Ordinance with stipulations if the building permit is for something that has been detrimental to the structure, (a new furnace or roof) it would be over ridden.  Selectman Blessington stated he is afraid this may be a solution in search of a problem.  He stated that he is against adding ordinances in general, unless there is a pressing need for them.  In this case, it also puts more power in the hands of our Land Use Department. Unless it is specified in the ordinance, we are going to run into problems. He asked if delinquency has become a problem. Ms. Larson said there is a contractor in Town who is always delinquent, and she believes he read the last meeting minutes and paid his taxes in fear the ordinance might go through.  Selectman Blessington said there has to be another way to get people to pay their taxes, but she does a good job and she has a good collection rate. Selectman Blessington said it is another ordinance and the potential for problems with the Land Use Department.  Given their track record, he does not feel it is wise; extending delays and he is opposed.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that  we have had a 99% collection rate which is really good.  It ends up to be about $70,000(1%) that is not collected.  She added that the balances accrue interest and at some point in time – in most cases (the property is sold, or a tax sale is held) the money with added interest comes back to the Town.

Selectman Blessington stated he is afraid this may be a solution in search of a problem.~ He stated that he is against adding ordinances in general, unless there is a pressing need for them.~~Selectman Littell said he would like to research and see documentation on what other Towns are doing.  We don’t want to make hardship for those who are in need of repairs to their homes rather than those seeking luxuries. First Selectman Mailhos added that the Board of Selectmen would need to call a Town Meeting if the Ordinance is something we want to pursue; it would then be voted on at Town Meeting.  Selectman Littell agreed with Selectman Blessington that he is not in favor or adding any ordinances, but would like to table this until they get more  information and also see what our collection rate could be if we adopted it.  Doug Roberts suggested putting the list of delinquent payers on the website rather than publishing in the paper.  Ms. Larson stated that she would have to post everyone who is delinquent, and feels those who are on a payment plan should not be publicized because they are making an effort. Because of State Statute, she would be obligated to list everyone who is delinquent.   ~

New Business:

A.Appointments

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-Appoint Kim Kowalyshyn as a regular member of the Willington Economic Development Commission effective immediately - expiring January 1, 2017.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:~ 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-Appoint Jerry Lopes~as an alternate member of the Willington Zoning Board of Appeals effective immediately – expiring December 31, 2015.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

Doug Roberts was in attendance and has expressed interest in joining the Planning and Zoning Commission.  The PZC has contacted First Selectman Mailhos and requested to appoint Mr. Roberts to the Commission.   First Selectman Mailhos asked Mr. Roberts to tell the Board why he is interested in joining the PZC.  Mr. Roberts stated that he has had contact with the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the removal of trees on Michalec Road.  He has lived in Town for 8 years.  He is a nuclear engineer.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Doug Roberts as an alternate member of the Willington Planning and Zoning Commission.  Effective immediately, expiring December 18, 2015.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No.  

First Selectman Mailhos added that she would like to reach out to both the EDC and PZC to hold another joint meeting. Robin Campbell will be contacting the boards to schedule the meeting soon.  

B. Housing Authority discussion of Town Support for Senior Cottages

Bob Campbell, Chairman of the Willington Housing Authority thanked the Board for inviting the Housing Authority to the meeting.  He then presented a copy of a letter he had sent on behalf of the H.A. to the Board of Selectmen.  The Letter requests Town support and seeks clarification for their funding sources from the BOS regarding the following:

  • Property leasing
  • Taxation on the property
  • Maintenance
  • Water system costs
Chairman Campbell stated the Housing Authority needs this information so they can put their proposal together.  He added that their hope is to outline a plan of action from the Board of Selectmen so they can move forward.  They have received Planning and Zoning approval with conditions, but they would like to move forward to pursue financing.   Chairman Campbell then introduced Dave Berto of Housing Enterprises, who is the Housing Authority’s consultant on this project.  

Mr. Berto presented drawings of the proposed cottages.  The units are larger than the current housing (Willington Woods).  There will be a total of twenty four units.  Twelve units will be on one side and the remaining twelve will be on the opposite side.  All entrances will be walk in level and will have a patio.  

Mr. Berto then recapped how the Housing Authority has come to this point.   The Housing Authority has spent a few years trying to get approval from the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. They finally received funding to proceed with architectural design to get to Planning and Zoning for approval.  They are at the stage where they will get final prices to build the cottages.  The HUD project for the existing cottages was built under 802 funding and not applicable to this current project as there are more restrictions under the 802 provisions, something the Housing Authority did not wish to be limited to.  He added that these units will be slightly larger and will be for the moderate income range and provide a wider range of housing opportunities.  The cottages will be maintained and operated by the rentals.  In order to move forward, the Housing Authority is looking to do as much as they can to reduce operating costs. That is the reason why they are at this meeting.  Even with moderate rents, there will not be a large cash flow to maintain the buildings.  They are also looking to entice the funders to give the Housing Authority the money for this project.  It is very competitive. The funders expect all parties involved to give as much as they can to be successful.  Funding is awarded on a point structure.  The more points they get, the higher on the list they will be to receive funding.  The requests outlined in the Housing Authority letter will get more points for the funding.

Mr. Berto then referenced the letter from The Housing Authority and their requests for Town support.  The first request is asking a $1 per year lease for the property.   First Selectman Mailhos stated that should not be a problem as it has been the intent from the beginning; however she is not able to do that until it is voted upon by the Legislative Body.

Mr. Berto stated the other items on the letter states that the Housing Authority would like to come to an agreement with the Town for taxation on the property.  He added that the taxes would be a direct operating expense paid for by the renters.  The cost savings that will be passed on to the Housing Authority will reflect as a positive impact on the application submittal. He then added site maintenance provided by the Town will effect the operating budget as well.  Lastly, the Housing Authority is requesting for the water supply system to be available at cost for the new housing project.

First Selectman Mailhos stated hooking up to the water system should not be a problem. We have a data source available already regarding cost and the water gets less expensive for all of the properties when more buildings get added on. She then said the two other items, which would be linked together; site maintenance and taxation are a bit more complex.  After talking it over  with our Public Works Director and if the Town crews took over the plowing, snow shoveling and mowing of the property, it would add substantial costs. It is not just a simple thing we can add on to what we already do.  Our crews are already stretched thin.   Adding new sidewalks and 24 separate entrances to shovel by hand can be very labor intensive, where we only have the one entrance to the Senior Center now.  We would have to end up hiring someone to take over the shoveling.  

Mr. Berto stated if the BOS and H.A. can reach a lower tax assessment in value would be more beneficial to show the funders something significant in contributions from the Town; rather than the site maintenance. He added that a lower assessment would be more attractive to the potential funding sources. First Selectman Mailhos introduced Mary Huda, Town Assessor.    Ms. Huda stated that the negotiation must be made by vote of the Legislative Body. Once a fixed assessment is a agreed upon with the Housing Authority and approved by the Legislative body, we can go into the budget with that number every year for a specific amount of time.  Mr. Berto stated that is good unless we have a fluctuation in our mil rate.

First Selectman Mailhos suggested holding another workshop with the Assessor to get a preliminary assessment and work on a dollar amount for taxation as well as work with the Director of Public works to figure out a cost estimate for the site maintenance piece.  

Chairman Campbell stated it has taken us three months to get to this point, and would not like to postpone this any longer as they need to move forward with the funding application.   First Selectman Mailhos stated we have a Town meeting coming up in March. When asked what he feels the tax assessment should be, Mr. Berto stated zero would be ideal.  First Selectman Mailhos stated if the Town was not obligated to do any of the mowing or plowing, zero may be a possibility, but we really need to look at the total impact to the Town.  Chairman Campbell stated the Town should see some revenue; even if it is $100 per unit.  First Selectman Mailhos agreed stating there will be an additional 24 residents using our roads, etc.  and that is why we collect taxes.  

Selectman Littell asked about the competitiveness with the loan the Housing Authority is seeking.  Also, he asked what the Housing Authority has in place if they are not awarded the funding. Chairman Campbell stated there are only a few sources available for this type of project such as DECD gap funding and CHFA federal home loans, however, they are not as competitive.  They are also looking into other lending vehicles to make it all happen.  Mr. Berto added that he is going to make sure we get the funding the first time we apply for this.  

The Board of Selectmen will attend the regularly scheduled Housing Authority meeting next Monday, February 13th at 6:00 P.M. at the Senior Center.  A workshop will be held during the meeting to work out details so the Housing Authority can move forward.  

C. Consent for the transfer of ET-249 from WHFD to WFD#1

First Selectman Mailhos moved to have The Board of Selectmen approve the transfer of fire equipment, specifically the old Engine Tanker (ET249) from the Willington Hill Fire Department and any related equipment, from the Willington Hill Fire Department to the Willington Fire Department #1.~ Willington Fire Department #1 will have full use of the truck and full responsibility for maintenance and repairs until such time that it is no longer needed by Willington Fire Department #1.~ At that time, the truck and related equipment (including the generator, one low-band ratio, one high-band ratio, one intercom system including two headsets, one electric siren and speaker and two scene lights) will go back to Willington Hill Fire Department prior to any sale, allowing the Willington Hill Fire Department the first opportunity to retain any of the related equipment on the truck.~ All future proceeds resulting from the sale of this truck and/or related equipment will be deposited into the Emergency Services Reserve Fund.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.  

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she tried to keep this as a simple concept, but we also need to have this agreement in writing.  The idea is to have the truck returned to WHFD when Willington Fire Department #1 is done with it.  WHFD will then have the option to remove the above listed equipment prior to selling the apparatus. Selectman Blessington asked if both Departments were in agreement with the motion.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that yes, she had been in contact with both Departments to clarify the process. The list of equipment specified is as follows:

  • Onan Model 7.5 commercial generator
  • Motorola low band radio
  • Motorola high band radio
  • Sigtronics ultrasound intercom system (includinig two headsets)
  • Electronic siren and speaker
  • Two scene lights
Selectman Littell asked Chief Millix why WHFD took the suction off of that truck before giving it to WFD#1. Kelly Trueb stated WHFD kept the suction for the new truck because it is the same size needed for the new truck and they did not have funds to allocate for new equipment.  Selectman Littell asked Chief Millix if WFD#1 has funds to purchase suction equipment for the truck. First Selectman Mailhos asked the cost?  Selectman Littell stated that it is expensive, and it is needed to properly run the truck.  Chief Millix clarified that it should cost approximately $3,000 to make the truck operational, and it is already at the South Station.  First Selectman Mailhos commended both Departments for working this out together to figure this out on their own.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No.

D. Approve CIP

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we do not have the final number (from the earlier workshop at 5PM).    We also did not receive the final CIP plan (which had just adjourned).  BOF Chairman Ken Schoppmann stated that CIP had just finished, but had some changes.  There is no formal document yet. He added that the changes will not affect the current operating budget.  

Chairman Schoppmann stated the Committee reviewed the Emergency Services fund. Items were then removed in an effort to keep the fund from going negative in July 2014.  The Committee also moved some things around to accommodate that, such as pushing out refurbishing the trucks a year and taking the funding from the General Reserve.  The pick up truck for WFD#1 was removed. The Ambulance purchase will remain the same.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that nothing is affected in the Selectmen’s budget.  The CIP approval has been tabled.  It will be approved at a special meeting on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 5:30 P.M. at the Willington Senior Center.

E. Approve BOS budget

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we haven’t received run number 8 of the budget, as our Business Manager was at the CIP meeting.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that the BOS can still approve the budget based on draft #7 with the changes made at the earlier meeting.  The budget reflects an increase of $119,000.  The two big factors are the outsourcing of sweeping and capitol projects.  The entire budget is up 2.29% including both education budgets.  Chairman Schoppmann stated that CIP will not be reviewed at the February 16th BOF meeting.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the budget with the changes that were motioned in the previous BOS budget workshop.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

  • Proclatation from the Town of Coventry
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a Proclataion and invitation from the Town of Coventry to participate in their 300 year anniversary parade.

First Selectman Mailhos read a portion of the attached Proclatation with definition:  Proclatation:  A very special invitation in the form of an official proclamation.   The bottom reads:  Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the Coventry 300th parade committee that Coventry’s sister Town, Willington, Connecticut is hereby invited to participate in the Coventry 300th Anniversary Parade on September 29, 2012.

The letter also states that participation is free and Coventry would like to see all neighboring Towns involved in some way.  First Selectman Mailhos asked Chief Millix or Kelly Trueb if either Fire Department has received an invitation.  Selectman Littell suggested it would be a good project for the school.  First Selectman Mailhos agreed and will pass along to Hall School and the Fire Departments.

Good & Welfare:

First Selectman Mailhos congratulated Kelly Trueb for receiving the American Red Cross Hero Award.  She stated that it is a big deal.  A television crew will be in Willington on Thursday afternoon to interview Kelly.  A Heroes Breakfast Celebration will be held on Friday, March 23, 2011 to honor Kelly.  If anyone is interested in attending, please contact Robin Campbell.  Tickets are $35.00 each.

First Selectman Mailhos also stated that Kelly and Becky Sinosky will be graduating from the Community Emergency Response Team soon. Kelly explained that she and Ms. Sinosky were trained to help the immediate community in a time of emergency.  They are deployed from Town Management in the event of an emergency and have been trained in basic search and rescue situations, opening a shelter/ management, basic and advanced first aid as well as CPR.  Once she and Ms. Sinosky have graduated, they will be offering a basic course sponsored by the American Red Cross; free for Willington Residents. In order to get the free training course, we must have a minimum of 20 – 25 people.   Kelly has also been in contact with our Emergency Management Coordinator, Stu Cobb to begin preparations.  She added that we already have five residents signed up for the training. She would also like to see at least two members from each Fire Department involved in this training.  They are working out a schedule, which will be a total of 16 hours (perhaps two Thursday nights and two Saturdays).  Graduates will receive a backpack with basic emergency survival equipment. First Selectman Mailhos offered support from the Board of Selectmen.

First Selectman Mailhos noted an article that was printed in this weeks’ Reminder stating that Willington is in need of a Historian.  She then received a phone call from a resident who is interested in the position and will be meeting with him later this week.

Lastly, First Selectman Mailhos received an email from a resident on Lohse Road who thanked the Road Crew for grading the road and stated that it looks great.  She added that the crews are not normally grading roads at this time, but we have been very lucky this winter.

Selectman Littell motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:43P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

Respectfully Submitted

Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant