BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting July 16, 2012
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, Public Works Director and residents. First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Littell motioned to approve the minutes of June 18, 2012 with the following amendment:
Page 4 under Transfer Station Daily Log Policy – first paragraph last sentence remove the word “is”
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Joe Philippi asked the status of the Charter Oak tree on the Town Green – he had asked to have an arborist look at it a few months ago. The tree needs an evaluation and the branches pruned. The tree is a descendant of the Charter Oak and was given to the Town in either 1960 or 1976 as part of the centennial celebration. Lynn stated that she has not had a chance to have our tree contractor (who is an Arborist) look at it, but it is on his list.
Also, Mr. Philippi stated that there are two utility poles at the corner of Jared Sparks and Route 74. One of the poles is cluttered with wires and he is requesting that the Selectmen contact the utility company to clean it up and switch the wires over to just one pole. Lynn said that the State owns that property (as well as the pole), however she has spoken with them about it a while ago. The plan is to switch the wires over when they convert to the new power upgrade on Route 74.
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:
*Senior Housing Phase III – Senior Housing Cottages – the resolutions will be finalized and will go to Town meeting tomorrow night.
*TOB Roof RFP – the Town Engineer has prepared draft specs and will go out for RFP in the near future.
*Performance Contracting –Siemens/CCM has been out to visit most buildings for preliminary data collection. The visits will be finished and the boiler and lighting audits will begin soon.
*Old Town Hall Renovations –The Architects have submitted a draft of the preliminary report. A meeting will be held on August 1 at 10AM to discuss the report.
*Turnpike Road – Phase I – the bids have come in, however the lowest bid was higher than we have budgeted. We are working with DPW and the Town Engineer to see if the project can be scaled down.
*Turnpike Road – Future phases –A meeting will be held with the Town Engineer to determine what the next phases would be. We will also discuss how the grant funds will fit in the scope.
*Union Contract Negotiations – meetings are ongoing.
Public Works:
Lynn reported that the crews are roadside mowing and shimming to prepare the chip seal route. Chip Sealing will begin in the next few weeks.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we will go off of the State Bid again this year. We will use the bid for 12,001 plus gallons of the CMS-2, MS-2 Emulsion. Lynn’s recommendation is The Gorman Group, who has the lowest price of $2.60 per gallon in the CMS-2 12,000+ range.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the Chip Seal contract to Gorman Group, LLC as per their bid of $2.60 per gallon of CMS-2 Emulsion (for 12,000 + gallons), .13 cents per gallon for the aggregate spreader and .12 cents per gallon for the rubber tired roller.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
- Finalize Draft Resolution – Proposed Senior Cottages (Lease and Fixed Tax Assessment Agreements)
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she had gone to the Housing Authority meeting last week to discuss and finalize the details of the resolutions. One of the items that needed clarification was the term length of the agreements. First Selectman Mailhos stated that it made the most sense to marry up the new agreement to end at the same time as the agreement for the HUD project. The Housing Authority was in agreement and both shall expire on September 29, 2081. The fixed tax assessment agreement will conclude in 2047. The last modification is to clarify the maintenance, and the wording on item 4 will be changed to reflect that it will be located within the lease line.
Discussion was held on when tax collection will begin. There are many options to pursue. Further discussion will be held at a later time.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the resolution for senior cottage lease as presented with the following amendment: item 4 shall read:
The Authority shall be responsible for all costs of maintaining, operating, and insuring the property, including but not limited to, repairing and replacing the access way thereto, parking areas, building improvements and grounds, insurance, landscaping, snow removal and utilities (including water) located within the lease line so that there shall be no costs to the Town.
Item 1 shall read:
The term shall terminate on September 29, 2081.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the Resolution for Senior Cottage Fixed Tax Assessment Agreement as presented with the following amendment:
Item 2 shall read:
The term of the Fixed Tax Assessment Agreement shall conclude with the Grand List of October 2047.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Christine Psathas to the Willington Solid Waste Advisory Committee effective immediately, expiring on November 7, 2014.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Ms. Psathas stated that she has done some research and the Ordinance states that a member of the Board of Selectmen shall serve on the Commission.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Paul Schur as the Willington Representative for Eastern Highlands Health District; effective immediately, expiring on May 31, 2015.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Discussion was held on who from the Board of Selectmen would like to serve on the S.W.A.C.
Selectman Blessington moved to appoint First Selectman Mailhos as a member of the Solid Waste Advisory Commission, effective immediately, expiring November 7, 2014.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Lynn stated that she is interested in serving on the commission as well. Selectman Blessington suggested that it might be a conflict of interest, with her being the supervisor of the Transfer Station he then stated that he might know of someone else who is interested in serving on the commission, and would like to hold off until at least the next meeting.
- Proposed three way stop at Kollar / Luchon / Sharps Mill Road
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Mark Masinda, a resident, who lives on Luchon Road, came in last week to request a three way stop at the intersection, which is in front of his house. Lynn presented a letter which was drafted by the Town Engineer, regarding the same request dated 2006. The recommendations at the time proposed speed limit signs as well as roadside clearance; it was not recommended to add stop signs. Mr. Masinda, who was present, stated that clearing the roadsides will give the drivers more confidence and promote speeding. Putting in a three way stop will make the intersection safer. He added that it would be an added benefit if it were to control the speed limit.
Lynn said she would like to review the area again with the Town Engineer and would also like to do something about the tree that is in the middle of the road. Mr. Masinda added that he is requesting for the stop sign to be installed to make the drivers respect the intersection and add safety for other people. First Selectman Mailhos added that this particular intersection is unusual and is surprised that Mr. Masinda’s house has not been hit by a vehicle yet. Mr. Masinda said the majority of the time it is people who have lost control and have gone into the pond, or have come up on his lawn but is only a matter of time. Selectman Blessington stated if we put the signs up, how many neighbors will be upset with them. First Selectman Mailhos said that some people were upset when the stop
signs were installed at the intersection of Pinney Hill and Timber; and the signs were always being vandalized, however the traffic did slow down and most people do stop. It is safer now. Selectman Littell added that he is aware of the Sharps Mill / Luchon / Kollar area. It is dangerous, and something needs to be done – the discussion should be tabled to see what options we have to fix the problem.
Selectman Blessington stated that just because Mr. Masinda wants a stop sign there, he is concerned with what other people might think. Mr. Masinda stated that he wants to have the stop sign installed for safety purposes and guesses that the people who would not want it are the ones who do not want to compromise the convenience of being able to speed down the road. Making the speeders opinion as a priority over safety does not sound right to him. Selectman Blessington added that they might be the ones running through the stop sign. Mr. Masinda stated that he is willing to have the neighbors burn out down the road, but you cannot have the negatives of an action dictate the positives of an action. He added that it would be their choice to break the law if they run a stop sign.
Selectman Blessington asked Lynn what a reasonable time would be for her to evaluate the issue and report back to the Selectmen. The discussion will be tabled until the August 20th meeting.
- Request of flags and stands for Town Offices (upper and lower level)
Tara Bergeron requested to have flags be placed in the Town Office Building. She stated that the flag in the lower level conference room is nice, however it is wedged in the railing making the display disrespectful. She added as a resident, she does not like the fact that we (the Town) do not have any formal display of flags anywhere at all in this building. Furthermore, the Old Town Hall should have a proper flag there as well. First Selectman Mailhos said we should be able to find some funds to purchase a proper flag display; 3 sets – one for the Old Town Hall, and one for each level of the Town Offices. Mr. Masinda, who is involved in Boy Scouts, said he recently purchased some flags and the sets can be expensive (around $350 each). Tara said she would look into the costs.
- Request of declaration of pledge of allegiance at Town Board and Commission meetings
Ms. Bergeron stated that there is research to support the fact that people who recite a pledge prior to their meetings tend to make decisions more seriously and votes are carefully thought out. She is asking the Board of Selectmen to request for other Boards and Commissions to take this into consideration. First Selectman Mailhos stated that former Selectman Jack Lewis had requested for the Board of Selectmen to begin their meetings with the pledge of allegiance soon after the September 11 attacks. She added that she does not believe that any other Board or Commissions say the pledge before their meetings. Selectman Blessington suggested to draft a letter to the other Boards/Commissions with the recommendation for them to consider.
- Possible electricity opt-in program
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Town of Coventry (and some other surrounding towns) have offered a special deal to their residents to get special electric rates through Direct Energy. The rate is set for a year at a much lower rate than normal. Any resident can sign up to get the better rate and as a bonus, Direct Energy will donate a percentage of money to the Town fuel bank. They are hoping to expand the program this year and offer savings to our residents. Selectman Blessington stated that he is worried for the residents; who won’t know when their contract is going to end and sometimes cancelling a contract is not an easy task.
Selectman Littell stated it seems pretty easy to switch, and it is up to the resident to sign on at their own free will; it would be the same as shopping around for insurance or cable. He added it is a nice option to offer the residents. Christine Psathas stated that she gets noticed from her current supplier of when her contract is up for renewal and the current rates. First Selectman Mailhos stated that Direct Energy will be sending her a draft contract to review prior to offering it to our residents.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Housing Authority has chosen the name for the new cottage project; Claudia D’Agata from the Housing Authority stated the new name will be Button Hill. They chose this name because of the old button factory and because the cottages will be built into the hill.
First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone of the Statewide Emergency Drill that will be held July 28 through the 31st. Willington Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Saturday and Sunday (July 28th and 29th). Her goal is to have the Town of Willington facebook page up and running to use in an emergency. She added that the Town of Willington facebook page is live and we are just working out the bugs. We will try to incorporate the facebook page into the drill. Anyone can go on facebook and “like” the page to get updates on the Town in their news-feed.
Kelly Trueb stated that there was an incident involving a dog rescue at the TA truck stop on Sunday. A transport van, coming from Georgia was carrying over 40 dogs and broke down at the truck stop. The driver posted a call for help through facebook. Up to 50 people showed up to help out. Some dogs were transported to Love Vet Center to stay overnight in the air conditioning. Others were helping out with walking the dogs and giving them water as well as crate clean up. Other rescues (who were supposed to get the dogs) ended up coming here to pick the dogs up and take them to where they were going to. Our new Animal Control Officer, Tina Binheimer took charge and did a great job. First Selectman Mailhos added that it was a great initiation for Tina and she got to meet a lot of people from
Town.
First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone of the Town Meeting tomorrow night at 7PM at Old Town Hall.
Bryan Hurlburt has contacted First Selectman Mailhos and offered help in applying for JAG grant. We may have an opportunity to get law enforcement assistance. She stated that she will be in contact with him to find out more. She added that we have had some speeding issues as well as some break-ins, but we are not usually made aware of the break-ins from Troop C.
Joe Phillippi attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Saturday evening for Andrew Brown, William Masinda and Nicholas Townsend. Andrew Brown constructed raised bed gardens for the Willington Senior Center; William Masinda installed an underground water tank and hand pump at the Willington Hill Cemetery and Nicholas Townsend installed a flag pole at the River Road Athletic Complex. First Selectman Mailhos apologized and stated that she had intended to go to the ceremony; however she was not able to make it. She added that we are very lucky to have the Eagle Scouts who take on these projects that are so meaningful to the Town. Mark Masinda stated that the projects that these young men endure are sometimes valued around $10,000 to $12,000 and get the materials donated. He added that the scouts are becoming afraid to come to
the Town to do these projects because obstacles are being put before them – it is difficult enough for an adult to go through it. He said it would be nice for the Town to offer these kids support. Some of the projects have been abandoned because they know it will be too difficult to go through the Town permit process. These kids are supposed to do all of the work with no help from their parents; and it would be nice for the Town to give support and guidance instead of obstacles to help them learn the process.
First Selectman Mailhos thanked Gail Kapinos for beautifying the front entrance a few weeks ago. She, with the help of her husband, John removed the clutter outside the front door. She also (with the help of Brenda Weber and Peggy DuPilka) spruced up the garden and planters by the lower (back) entrance.
Selectman Blessington motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Board of Selectmen
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