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Board of Selectmen Minutes 03/19/2012
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes

Regular Meeting                                                                         March 19, 2012
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 Littell & Blessington, Lynn Nicholls and residents.   First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes:

Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the budget workshop meeting minutes of March 5, 2012 at 6:00 PM as written.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.  

Selectman Littell motioned to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 5, 2012  as written.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.  

Present to Speak:

No one was present to speak.

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- The Engineering work has been completed.  It looks like the remaining work will exceed the remainder of the funding. The plans will be in place until Willington Hill F.D. decides if they will be willing to pay for the hook up.

*Facility Feasibility Study – we are in contact with the consultant and are expecting new plans.

*Old Town Hall Renovations – will be reviewed later in the meeting.

* Senior Van – A deadline was missed with the application.  There should be another application process offered next year, and we will apply.  We will also have a request put on the CIP plan for FY13-14 as well.   
*Turnpike Road – Phase I – The plans have been submitted to P&Z for 8-24 review and IWWC approval.  The plans are on future P&Z and IWWC agendas.

*Reapportionment Committee – the members have been appointed and we are now waiting for details on a meeting date for the Committee.  

*Senior Housing Phase III – First Selectman Mailhos has been researching to see how other Towns structure their agreements with the Senior Housing and Housing Authorities.  She wants to make sure the Town is doing the right thing.

Public Works:

Lynn reported that Country Landscape is still cleaning up hanging branches around Town, but are almost done.  She stated if any residents still have hanging branches on wires on town property (along their properties) to please notify her.  She also stated that they are down to the last few roads.  

The last roads to be cleaned from Alfred are Lohse ,  Polster; Eldredge Mills and Mihaliak Extension from Storm Alfred.  

The crews are prepping the sweeper.  Lynn had a few guys clean up the Town Office Building as well as fertilizing the fields.  River Road Athletic Complex has also been prepped for spring.

Lastly, Lynn stated that she has sent the damaged sign on the Town Green to Signs of All Kinds for repair.  

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she met with CL&P last week.  They have two tree trimming programs going around Town.  There are certain areas around Town that will have enhanced trimming (or cutting) of trees and other sections of Town will have routine maintenance.  Residents who will be affected will be notified by a letter to inform them that trees will be either cut or trimmed.  

CL&P has also notified First Selectman Mailhos that they will be performing a major upgrade along Route 74.  Major distribution lines will be added along Route 74 and everyone in the area will benefit from the upgrade.

Lynn added that sweeping will begin in the next two weeks; however she needs to finish documentation from storm Alfred as she is under FEMA deadlines.  A public notice will go out on which roads will be swept to notify residents along those roads.  

Christine Psathas asked Lynn if she is aware of what is happening along Routes 74 and 320.    They have been striping the roads and prepping catch basins.   First Selectman Mailhos stated that the State is also preparing an enhanced mapping service involving aerial topographical services for GIS mapping.  
*Lynn was notified on Tuesday that the State will be milling those roads in a few weeks.

8.  New Business

  • Re-adopt Fair Housing Resolution
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-adopt the following Resolution:

Town of Willington  Fair Housing Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Town of Willington to promote fair housing opportunities and to encourage racial and economic integration in all its programs and housing development activities.
Programs funded and administered by the Town of Willington must comply with the provisions of Section 46a-64c of the C.G.S., and with related state and federal laws and regulations that prohibit discriminatory housing practices.
The Town of Willington or any of sub-recipient of the Town of Willington will carry out an affirmative marketing program to attract prospective buyers or tenants of all majority or minority groups, without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, lawful source of income, disability, age or because the individual has children in all programs and housing development activities funded or administered by the Town of Willington.
The municipality’s First Selectmen’s Office is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of this policy.  The First Selectman may be reached at 860-487-3100 or RCampbell@willingtonct.org.
Complaints pertaining to discrimination in any program funded or administered by this Town of Willington , may be filed with the First Selectman.  The municipality’s Grievance Procedure will be utilized in these cases.
Complaints also may be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, Special Enforcement Unit, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT  06106, Telephone (860) 541-3403.
A copy of this policy statement will be given annually to all Town of Willington employees and they are expected to fully comply with it.  In addition, a copy will be posted throughout the Town of Willington.
Revised March 19, 2012 at the Board of Selectmen Meeting  
THIS STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT OR ON AUDIO TAPE by contacting Robin Campbell in the Selectmen’s Office:  860-487-3100
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)   0 No.

        B.  Re-adopt Fair Housing Policy Statement

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-adopt the Town of Willington Fair Housing Policy Statement as presented.                                                                                                                                             
It is the policy of the Town of Willington to promote fair housing opportunities and to encourage racial and economic integration in all its programs and housing development activities.
Programs funded and administered by the Town of Willington must comply with the provisions of Section 46a-64c of the C.G.S., and with related state and federal laws and regulations that prohibit discriminatory housing practices.
The Town of Willington or any of sub-recipient of the Town of Willington will carry out an affirmative marketing program to attract prospective buyers or tenants of all majority or minority groups, without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, lawful source of income, disability, age or because the individual has children in all programs and housing development activities funded or administered by the Town of Willington.
The municipality’s First Selectmen’s Office is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of this policy.  The First Selectman may be reached at 860-487-3100 or RCampbell@willingtonct.org.
Complaints pertaining to discrimination in any program funded or administered by this Town of Willington, may be filed with the First Selectman.  The municipality’s Grievance Procedure will be utilized in these cases.
Complaints also may be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunity, Special Enforcement Unit, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT  06106, Telephone (860) 541-3403.
A copy of this policy statement will be given annually to all Town of Willington employees and they are expected to fully comply with it.  In addition, a copy will be posted throughout the Town of Willington.
Revised March 19, 2012 at the Board of Selectmen Meeting  
THIS STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT OR ON AUDIO TAPE by contacting Robin Campbell in the Selectmen’s Office:  860-487-3100
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)   0 No.

        C.  Re-adopt Compliance with Title VI Equal Opportunity Statement

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-adopt Title IV Equal Opportunity Statement as presented.
Town of Willington Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Town of Willington does not discriminate in the provision of services, the administration of its programs, or contractual agreements.  The Town of Willington seeks to fully carry out its responsibilities under the Title VI Regulations.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.  Title VI provides that No person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any programs covered by the Regulations.
This policy is effectuated through the methods of administration outlined in the Town of Willington’s Fair Housing Plan and is fully implemented to ensure compliance by the Town of Willington, as the recipient, and by sub- recipients.  The cooperation of all personnel is required.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)   0 No.

  • Re-adopt the Town of Willington Affirmative Action Policy Statement
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-adopt the Affirmative Action Policy Statement as presented.

As First Selectman of the Town of Willington, I recognize the need for Affirmative Action and I pledge my commitment to undertake positive actions to overcome the present effects of past practices or barriers to equal employment opportunity and to achieve the full and fair participation of minorities, women, people with disabilities, older persons, and all other protected groups found to be underutilized in the Town of Willington's work force or affected by policies having an adverse impact.  In the spirit of Executive Order 11, signed by Governor Ella Grasso November 21, 1975, and Executive Order 9, signed by Governor William A. O’Neill on January 3, 1984, I further state that this Town of Willington will comply with the anti-discrimination provisions of the state and federal laws and regulations listed at the end of this section.

I recognize the hiring difficulties experienced by minorities, people with disabilities and by many older persons and, where appropriate, I have set goals to overcome the present effects of past discrimination, if any, to achieve the full and fair utilization of such persons in the work force.  I further pledge that the Town of Willington will affirmatively provide services and programs in a fair and impartial manner.
        
Where adverse impact is identified, the Town of Willington will: (1) review its personnel policies and procedures to ensure that barriers, which unnecessarily exclude protected classes and practices, which have an illegal discriminatory impact, are identified and eliminated; (2) explore alternative approaches to employ minorities and members of protected classes; (3) administer all terms, conditions, privileges and benefits of the employment process in an equitable manner; and (4) establish procedures for the extra effort that may be necessary to ensure that the recruitment and hiring of protected group members reflect their availability in the job market.

It is the policy of the Town of Willington to provide equal employment opportunities without consideration of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, genetic information, past/present history of mental disability, ancestry, mental retardation, learning or physical disabilities including but, not limited to blindness, sexual orientation, political belief or criminal record, unless the provisions of Section 46a-60(b), 46a-80(b) and 46a-81(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes are controlling or there is a bonafide occupational qualification excluding persons in one of the above protected groups.  This policy applies to all aspects of the employer/employee relationship including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, referrals, classifying, advertising, training, upgrading, promotion, benefits, compensation, discipline, layoff and terminations.

The Town of Willington will implement, monitor and enforce this Affirmative Action Policy Statement in conjunction with the applicable federal and state laws, regulations and executive orders listed below: 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments of the United States Constitution, Civil Rights Act of 1866, 1870, 1871, Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VI and VII of the 1964 United States Civil Rights Act, presidential Executive Orders 11246, amended by 11375, (Nondiscrimination under federal contracts), Act 1 Section 1 and 20 of the Connecticut Constitution, Governor Grasso’s Executive Order Number 11, Governor O’Neill Executive Order Number 9, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Law (46a-63-64). Discrimination against Criminal Offenders (46a-80). Connecticut General Statutes, Connecticut Code of Fair Accommodations Law (46-63-64), definition of Blind (46a-51 (1), definition of Physically Disabled (46a-51 (15), definition of Mentally Retarded (46a-51 (13), cooperation with the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities (46a-77), Sexual Harassment (46-60-(a) Connecticut Credit Discrimination Law (360436 through 439), Title I of the State and the Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992.

This policy statement will be given annually to all Town of Willington employees and will also be posted throughout the Town of Willington.  I also expect each supplier, union, consultant and other entity (s) with which we do business to comply with all applicable State and Federal Equal Opportunity laws and regulations.  The Town of Willington will not knowingly do business with any entity debarred from participation in any federal or state program or found to be in violation of any state or federal anti-discrimination law.

I have assigned the responsibility to achieve the successful implementation of our goals and objectives to Robin Campbell, Administrative Assistant, 860-487-3100, RCampbell@Willingtonct.org.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)   0 No.

  • CL&P update
Was discussed under Public Works

        F. Tax refunds

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $207.58 to Gelco Corporation; Eden Prarie, MN for a sold vehicle.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $219.28 to Gelco Corporation, Billings, MT for a sold vehicle
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $55.60 to Mark S. Salisbury; Willington, CT  for a credit for vehicle registered in another state.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No

First Selectman Mailhos moved to Refund $18.79 to Carol Springer; Los Angeles, CA for a vehicle registered in another state.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $24.36 to Alfonso Ventoso; Fulton, MD for a vehicle registered in another state.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $36.31 to Robert S. or Thomasine Impelluso; Homosassa, FL   for a vehicle registered in another state.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $139.75 to Toyota Motor Credit Corp; Atlanta, GA for a refund credit for a sold vehicle.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $57.89 to Toyota Motor Credit Corp; Atlanta, GA for a refund credit for a sold vehicle.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $64.28 to Motorlease Corporation; Farmington, CT for a refund credit for sold vehicle.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No

        F.  Appointments

  • Economic Development Commission
  • Jackie Silverstein – regular member
First Selectman Mailhos moved to Appoint Jackie Silverstein as a regular member of the Willington Economic Development Commission; effective immediately, expiring January 1, 2016.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No

  • Budget discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the following cuts were made at last week’s Board of Finance meeting:  
$3,000 from the Selectmen’s budget (stipends)
$6,500 from Town Counsel line item (shared with Planning & Zoning)
$50,000 from Public Works (sweeping)
$10,000 from Transfer Station (trash removal)

First Selectman Mailhos stated the BOF was specific in their reasoning for the cuts. She added that she feels the BOS should change the budget to match what the BOF has voted on and approved, but we do not have to adhere to their recommendations.  Selectman Littell stated that we have until April 10th to decide.  He then suggested having the board review and address the 4 categories that were cut and vote prior to the 10th.  First Selectman Mailhos agreed and stated that it can be discussed and voted upon at the next regular BOS meeting.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has a concern about the cut in the sweeping line item.  The reason the $50,000 increase was added is because a request for a new sweeper was put on the CIP, but was rejected.  Our current sweeper is old, and we are not sure if it is going to get through another season, let alone being able to find parts to fix it.  We do not have a back up plan.  We might be able to look into renting a piece of equipment, however it will be costly.  

Lynn asked residents to not sweep debris into the road from their lawns.  It ends up clogging the catch basins and causes flooding.   The Town has an ordinance against doing that.  

First Selectman Mailhos also asked Lynn to look at the correct proportion of asphalt (for shimming) compared to stone for the chip sealing route.  Lynn said she will need to review the route but it is hard to predict as of now, because she cannot even get a quote for the material yet.

  • Old Town Hall Discussion
Discussion was held on the RFP’s that were received.

Bob Shabot, President of the Willington Historical Society stated that the board should try to get as much feedback and multiple sets of preliminary drawings (for example of the handicapped bathrooms) as possible when in discussion in the interview process. He added that in most instances, travel can become an issue, when factoring in mileage as add-ons.  Karl Acimovic, Town Engineer stated that almost all of the submittals included mileage and extra expenses beyond the scope of work.  President Shabot also stated that these firms will bid at a lower cost on a conditions assessment, because it is a good step to get their foot in the door.   Most all of them have two or three 18th century buildings as references – we should be able to get a sense of feedback from the firms interactions. We also need to make sure that the group we choose is going to give us some options for handicapped bathrooms and handicapped accessibility and for reuse. In most cases they will give some preliminary sketches, but we should get a few options.

Discussion was held on the firms chosen by each member. Selectman Blessington stated that he is certain that all of the companies are capable of doing the job, but we are limited to spending $15,000 on this phase and would like to stay on the low end of the range.  Karl Acimovic stated that the Old Town Hall renovation project was discussed years ago and it was estimated to cost around $400,000 to complete.  

The top firms with multiple picks were: Crosskey Architects, The Architects, Silver, Petrucelli Associates and GDA Architects, LLC.  President Shabot stated that we should get some feedback on the firms that have worked on similar structures.  

Selectman Littell moved to invite the following four firms for interviews for the Old Town Hall Renovation project Crosskey Architects, The Architects, Silver, Petrucelli Associates and GDA Architects, LLC for the Old Town Hall Project.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

The Board will meet on Monday, March 26th at 6:00 PM to come up with a list of questions to be asked during the interviews.  

Good & Welfare:

Selectman Littell stated that he received a phone call from a resident complaining about the lack of enforcement of dogs at the River Road athletic field.  It appears that people are not cleaning up after their dogs.   It is also apparent that a local business that takes care of dogs uses the field regularly and lets the dogs roam free on the premises and does not clean up after them.  He has been in contact with the Town Clerk who stated that Connecticut has a leash law.  She will contact the Dog Warden as well.  Lynn stated that this happens in all parks including Burma Park.  There are postings to inform residents that they must clean up after their dogs.  Selectman Littell asked if we could post a public notice to inform residents that they must be responsible and pick up after their dogs.

First Selectman Mailhos referenced an article from the Chronicle in which Dan Danahue was referenced.  The article states that many of the power outages in the State were caused from trees on private land. In addition to the trees that are owned by the Town there were also a lot of trees that weren’t.  This should serve as a message to homeowners to check out their trees.

First Selectman Mailhos reported that the State is doing a mock hurricane drill July 28th through the 31st.  Each Town is required to activate their EOC and communicate with the State during this time.  The State will also be sending out specifications on what to expect.  It will be good practice for the town to think and work through situations during the event.  We will try to participate as much as we can and the different parties (both Fire Departments, Public Works, Schools, CERT Team, etc.) have been notified that their participation is expected.

Kelly Trueb will be holding CERT training on the following dates:  Wednesday, April 11, Saturday, April 14, Wednesday, April 18th, Saturday April 21 and Wednesday April 25th.    Letters will go out to the 48 people who volunteered at the shelter in October and a public notice has also gone out as well.  Flyers will go out through the school system soon.  She has received 10 responses so far.  Kelly encourages at least two representatives from each Fire Department to attend the training. The CERT team will be activated for the mock training in July.

First Selectman Mailhos is excited about the drill so we can work out the bugs and be better prepared in the event of a real emergency.  Christine Psathas asked if the Town can provide a list of what to do and perhaps hold a workshop for homeowners for emergency situations and a follow up to be sure everyone is prepared. Kelly Trueb added that once the CERT Team has been trained, they might be able to arrange the workshops.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Relay for life team will hold the annual chili cook-off this Saturday, March 24th from 4PM – 8PM.  She urges Residents to come in and judge the chili.  

The American Red Cross Hero breakfast will be held in Mystic this Friday, March 23rd to honor Kelly Trueb for her heroic efforts during the aftermath from Storm Alfred.

  • Executive Session
Selectman Blessington moved to go into executive session at 8:10 PM
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)  0 No.

Executive session was adjourned at 8:24PM

Selectman Blessington motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:24PM Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Millix & Blessington)    0 No.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant