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Board of Selectmen Minutes 05/07/2012
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting                                                                         May 7, 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 April 2, 2012
Selectman Littell seconded the motion with the following amendments:
Page 1; under present to speak:  Community Impact Award “and thanked her for her community service” (take out ‘hr”)
Page 4: (Irrigation well bids) “Recreation stated that received”; should read “Recreation Director stated that the Recreation Commission has received”
Page 6: “Lynn mentioned that an Ashford woman was recently charged for first degree recklessness” (fix spelling of reckesness)Also last vote should read (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington.) (Remove Millix)
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.  

Selectman Littell motioned to approve the minutes of April 9, 2012as written.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.  

Selectman Littell motioned to approve the minutes of April 12, 2012 as written.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.  

Selectman Blessington motioned to approve the minutes of April 25, 2012 as written.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  2 Yes (Littell & Blessington)    0 No.   1 Abstain (Mailhos)

Present to Speak:

No one.

Correspondence:

A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.

First Selectman Mailhos noted an email from Planning and Zoning regarding a public hearing that was held and the applicant withdrew their application.  The following day, another application was submitted with a request to have the funds from the first application serve as payment for the new one.  Application fees are paid by ordinance; however the Board of Selectmen can override the Ordinance.  Selectman Blessington suggested that this be put on next meeting agenda to discuss further and perhaps the applicant might come to talk about it.

 First Selectman Status Report

First Selectman Mailhos went over the updated report:

*Senior Housing Phase III – Senior Housing Cottages – the BOS have met with the Housing Authority to negotiate taxes/Town services utility costs, etc.   A follow up meeting will be held, followed by a Town Meeting.

*Performance Contracting –The BOS/BOE have decided to call a Public Hearing before proceeding. The Public Hearing is set for May 15th.

*Old Town Hall Renovations – The Architect was hired and a kickoff meeting is scheduled for Thursday.  

*Turnpike Road – Phase I - We have received P&Z approval.  The plans are on the IWWC agenda for their meeting tonight.  Bids documents will go out soon.

*Reapportionment Committee – The members have been appointed, and they attended a meeting in April. The next date is forthcoming.

*Union Contract Negotiations – the meetings are ongoing.

*Welcome to Willington Signs – the Committee will be appointing another member.  

Public Works:

Lynn reported that the crews have completed half of the town sweeping.  CL&P has finished the first phase of tree trimming and major cuts on Tinkerville and Village Hill have begun as well as Old South Willington Road. She added that CL&P has saved the Town a lot of time and money with their cutting. She also thanked residents for not bringing brush up to the Transfer Station.  They have not been able to burn because of the weather.

  • Roadway Safety Contest Winner – Kate McAvoy
Lynn then asked Kate McAvoy, a second grader in Mrs. Stanizzi’s class at Center School to present her poster, which won first prize in the Annual State of Connecticut DOT Roadway Safety Contest.  

Miss McAvoy stated that she was invited to the State Capital where she received a citation. She also received an award at the Department of Transportation.  While at the State Capital, she and Senator Guglielmo had ice cream in the Senate Chambers.

Lynn then presented Miss McAvoy with an official Public Works crew sweatshirt, making her an honorary Public Works Crew member.  Her award winning artwork can be viewed on the DOT website and is also on display at Center School.



Old Business:

  • Town Support for Senior Housing
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has received a draft from David Berto as to what would be an agreeable taxable amount on the proposed building.  She and the Assessor have held discussions on how residents are taxed, and what the best avenue would be for the cottages.  After negotiating back and forth with Mr. Berto, it was agreed that each unit would be charged $20 per unit per month at a total of $5,700 per year. He added that this figure is double of what Tolland residents pay.   First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the agreement will ultimately be voted on at a Town Meeting.

Mr. Berto added that the taxes would be paid 100% by the tenants and the Town support will make the chances of receiving funding more favorable.  Robert Campbell, Chairman of the Willington Housing Authority added that the maintenance (mowing, plowing of snow etc.) has already been settled between Public Works and the Board of Selectmen at a prior meeting.  

Mr. Berto stated that documentation will also be needed that the Town will lease the building for $1 per year as well as the water and sewer charges which he added that he understands would also need to be voted on at a Town Meeting.

Selectman Littell stated that $20 per month sounds affordable and is hoping it is not too much.  Chairman Campbell stated the funding deadline is in September. He would like to move quickly to get to the Town Meeting.

Selectman Littell moved to empower the First Selectman to discuss with the Town Attorney and David Berto to come up with a final draft which will go to Town Meeting.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.   
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

  • Re-Apportionment Committee Update
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Committee had their first meeting.  She was not able to attend, however Christine Psathas and Selectman Blessington were there.  Christine Psathas stated that the reapportionment committee was formed because the representation on the Region 19 Board of Education Committee was inconsistent with Federal Standards. She added that the 2010 census shows that Mansfield’s population has grown substantially.   She then presented the Board with a background on how the representation on the Region 19 BOE is proportioned – each member has a weighted percentage of a vote.  She gave an example that the votes per person are based on the population of the town.   (Example of 2010 census – Ashford population is 4,317 (vote weight: 0.458); Mansfield’s population is 26,543 (vote weight 1.896) and Willington’s was 6,041.- vote weight 0.646).  Ms. Psathas gave another example, which was taken from meeting minutes from February 7, 2012 where 7 people voted yes; one voted no and two abstained.  The motion passed 6.646 (Yes) to 1.896 (no). She added that many people do not know that the votes are weighted.  Because they are inconsistent with the Federal Standards, they are trying to come up with suggestions.  Selectman Blessington said we have been given three choices of the actions we can take:   Change the weight on the individuals; change the number of representation from each town or the third option would be to lower the number of representatives on the board.  He added that he is not happy with this committee because they have been appointed theoretically to work out something fair –once it goes  to referendum and if it is approved it is good, but if they don’t it goes back to referendum a second time and if it doesn’t pass the second time, the  Secretary of State imposes on the Town; it seems to him like a  Soviet style referendum, where they will tell you how the vote is going to come out.   He is also unhappy because as of right now, any three Mansfield votes can override any other votes (because of the weighted configuration) from the committee.  He then quoted the book Animal Farm where all animals are created equal and some are more equal than others – this is the case we have here.  He said it upsets him that these numbers are based on the last census population – Ashford increased by 300 people; Willington by 100 people and Mansfield increased by 6,000 – which includes students and prisoners (who do not have shareholder stake).  

First Selectman Mailhos asked where the funding will come from to support the upcoming Referendum.  Ms. Psathas stated that they are hoping to have everything finalized to add to the November election. The next meeting is June 7th at 7:00 PM at E.O. Smith. They are hoping to meet all of the deadlines – they have 90 days to come up with the suggestions; which will go to the Commissioner who will in turn have 30 days to approve; Public meeting will be noticed and will go to Referendum.  She added that it is important that all three Towns be in agreement.  She added that the Region 19 Board works very well together and they are usually unanimous in their votes.  We must go through this process to keep representation consistent.

The meeting on June 7th is a public meeting and residents are welcome to come.

New Business:

  • Appointment
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Gianna Stebbins as a regular member of the Willington Sign Committee.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone that this committee will determine locations around Town, talk to neighboring Towns who have similar signs, consider sponsorship to cover the cost and ongoing maintenance and obtain the right of way from the State on State roads and get donations from different business and residents to sponsor signs.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)

  • Preservation Grant – Town Clerk
Town Clerk, Donna Hardie is requesting to be the designator for the grant. This year’s grant is for $4,000 and she would like to restore some old books dated 1904 to 1968 of old electors and party caucuses that are falling apart.  She is also looking to restore some old military documents that go back to the 1700’s.  

First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Donna Hardie, Town Clerk to be the designator for the preservation grant.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.  C. Street light request – Kechkes Road

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we have received a letter from the owners of Moose Meadow Camping Resort, requesting approval to install a street light at the end of the road.  She added that she has spoken with our Zoning agent about the way it works; apparently the Board of Selectmen would have to make the request directly to CL&P.  The Zoning agent also said that the Town normally does not encourage street lights and it would most likely need 8-24 approval.  Selectman Blessington stated that it would be a matter of safety, which he is in favor of and suggested to have First Selectman Mailhos contact CL&P to get more details and we will put it on a future agenda.

D. Tax Refunds

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $29.05 to Honda Lease Trust; 600 Kelly Way; Holyoke, MA  01040 for a refund credit of a sold vehicle.
Selectman Littell   seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $17.90 to Suh; Hyun 75 Hokanum Blvd; Vernon, CT  for a refund of a sold vehicle.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $76.76 to Leslie J. Danzell; 16 Stoneybrook Lane; S. Dartmouth, MA for a refund credit of a sold vehicle.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.

  • Regional involvement in the Inter-Town Capital Equipment (ICE) purchase incentive program
First Selectman Mailhos stated that several months ago, she and Lynn learned about the incentive grant to purchase public works equipment which would be pooled between surrounding towns.  If a “distressed” community is involved, the other towns get a 50% match of funding.  Windham is considered a distressed town and is part of the group.  Upon discussions at WINCOG, it was determined that a bobcat and an in-place asphalt recycler would be the best options for all communities.  The towns involved are Chaplin, Columbia, Lebanon, Mansfield, Windham and Willington.  The equipment would be housed in Coventry and each Town would have access to the equipment as needed or via schedule.  The total cost involved for Willington would be $12,480 (based on population and total miles of roads) and have a $250 fee each year to pay for maintenance on the equipment.  First Selectman Mailhos added that we would need to go to the Board of Finance and then Town Meeting to appropriate the funds.   Selectman Blessington questioned a portion of the contract (stating it remains intact for five years; automatically renewing unless all but one participant provides written notice of termination) and has asked First Selectman Mailhos to get clarification before making a final decision.  He added that it is a good idea, but the schedule should be fair to all Towns.  First Selectman Mailhos added that is why a sweeper is not one of the pieces of equipment, as it is considered seasonal, where all Towns would be using it at the same time.  

  • Retirement – Municipal Animal Control Officer
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Dick Claus, our Dog Warden has given his resignation and is retiring.  Selectman Blessington stated he has been our Warden since 1984 and has been good for many years.   We will post a job opening and in the meantime First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has the dog warden cell phone and will be in contact with the State Dog Warden if an issue arises.  She thanked Dick Claus for his many years of service to the Town.

Good & Welfare:

First Selectman Mailhos wished a happy birthday to Maybell McCormick who turns 100 Years old on May 12!

There will be a public hearing on May 15th to discuss the CCM performance contract and energy savings.

The Town Wide Clean up is this weekend – we still need people to adopt a road to clean up and bring the trash to the Transfer Station on Saturday to be weighed.  Participants will then receive tickets for free pizza at River Road Athletic Complex at 12PM.

First Selectman Mailhos also reminded everyone that the Budget Referendum is tomorrow; be sure to come and vote.

Lynn thanked Kelly Trueb for holding the CERT Training. We had 17 people who have taken the course and 16 have graduated. (one will make up the class that was missed and will graduate soon)  Kelly added that it was a nice group.  Their  first meeting will be May 16th  First Selectman Mailhos added that she, Kelly, Lynn and Stuart Cobb  attended the Statewide Emergency Management Symposium on May 2nd.  While there, she noticed that many other Towns already had CERT Teams in place, and she feels good that we have one as well.  Kelly added that the CERT Training was paid for by FEMA.  

Selectman Littell asked Lynn if she was going to change the flag on the green.  Lynn stated that she usually changes it for Memorial Day weekend.

Selectman Littell then asked if anyone had details on the upcoming Warrior Dash.  Lynn said that there will be a meeting at Wilderness Lake on May 24th.  Representatives from the Organization will be at the meeting.  Selectman Littell asked if there are any special requirements to hold it.  Lynn added that she is planning to attend the meeting because she has a concern of the number of people expected to attend and the traffic impact.  Selectman Littell asked if this is something Planning and Zoning needs to address?  First Selectman Mailhos said there is debate as to whether it is a Zoning Board of Appeals, or Planning and Zoning issue.   She added that abutting and neighborhood property owners will also be involved. Some are slated to be used for parking; others to have part of the race course on their property to assist with the actual race grounds. Selectman Littell stated he has heard that some residents will be charging people to park on their properties – and that might serve as a conflict of interest if any of those residents serve on boards in Town.   First Selectman Mailhos stated she will attend the meeting on May 24th with Lynn and a Public Hearing may be held.   From an economic development perspective, this could be a great event for Willington to host.

Selectman Littell motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)    0 No.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell