BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting November 19, 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 and residents.
First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of special meeting held on November 5, 2012 as written.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No. 1 Abstain (Littell)
Selectman Littell moved to approve the minutes of the regular November 5, 2012 meeting with the following correction:
Page 4 – fourth paragraph second sentence, should be read: CL&P would come (remove LC&P and comie)
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Christine Psathas thanked First Selectman Mailhos, Selectman Blessington for serving on the Region 19 Reapportionment Committee and she also thanked Tim Nolan for serving as chairman on Committee. The Committee of 15 people worked well together and got the job done; the vote passed three to one in each Town.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos stated that everything on the list is currently the same as it was from the last meeting, except for the following:
*Turnpike Road Phase I – Construction is moving along and the contractor should be done with Phase I by mid December. The Town Engineer is in the beginning stages for Phase II. First Selectman Mailhos has prepared a status report to keep the BOF apprised of the work being done and she emails it to them prior to the BOF meetings.
Public Works:
Lynn reported that storm on November 7th took the crew by surprise, as the forcast called for a dusting to an inch, however we ended up with 8 ½ inches.
She added that she is in need of 5 gallon buckets this year. If anyone has some to donate, please bring to Public Works or the Transfer Station. The buckets are filled with sand and given to the elderly throughout town.
New Business
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Mark Drobney as a regular member of the Willington Conservation Commission; effective December 1, 2012, expiring December 1, 2015.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Carol Jordan as a regular member of the Willington Conservation Commission; effective December 1, 2012; expiring December 1, 2015.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Ed Taiman as an alternate member of the Willington Solid Waste Advisory Commission; effective November 19, 2012; expiring November 7, 2015.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that two spots have become available on the CIP Committee. Last year, the Board of Selectmen re-vamped the seats on that Committee to stagger the members (one year, two year and three year seats, so they would always be revolving) on the Committee. At that time, John Patton and Peter Latincsics were both re-appointed with one year terms, as they have sat on the Committee for the longest period of time.
We have received two nominations and one letter of interest. The two nominations were each from the Republican Town Committee and the Sentinel Party; Peter Latincsics and John Patton; respectively. We have also received a letter of interest from Kelly Trueb.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she feels it is good to appoint new people to this Committee and it would be helpful for someone with knowledge of the fire service to serve on the Committee. Selectman Blessington agreed, but added that Mr. Latincsics has many important things to say and does have quite the constituency in Town. He would not be in favor of not re-appointing Mr. Latincsics; one of the prominent voices on the Board. Selectman Littell added that Mr. Latincsics also has a voice and vote on the Board of Finance.
Discussion was held on the seats on the Committee. It currently has 7 regular seats currently consisting of 4 people endorsed by the Republicans, 3 endorsed by the Sentinels, along with the First Selectman and Chairman of Board of Finance; as well as the Business Manager, who does not vote. First Selectman Mailhos added that when the Committee was revamped last year, we wanted it to be more balanced and reached out to the Democratic Town Committee for endorsements; however they did not give any names again this year.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Kelly Trueb as a regular member of the Willington CIP Committee effective December 1, 2012, expiring December 1, 2015.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos stated she feels it is important to have a balance on the Committee and Kelly also represents a big constituent in town and it would be nice to have some new energy on the Committee. Selectman Blessington stated that we have two prominent members up for renewal; each of them represents a strong constituency; and he would not mind seeing Ms. Trueb and Mr. Latincsics on the board. He is going to recommend to vote no on this nomination and vote to let the other two remain on the board.
Selectman Littell agrees that it is nice to get new people on the board, and reiterated that Mr. Latincsics still has 3 ½ more years to serve on the Board of Finance and he openly voices his concerns and represents his constituents; Mr. Patton does not sit on any other boards. We would be giving equal representation by allowing Ms. Trueb to serve on this board and he will vote to support the motion. He then added that Mr. Latincsics still has his stage to stand on every Thursday during budget season.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Littell) 1 No (Blessington)
Selectman Blessington moved to appoint Peter Latincsics to the CIP Committee effective December 1, 2012, expiring December 1, 2015.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington stated Mr. Latincsics represents his constituency well and he should not be removed from this Board. He also understands Selectman Littell’s argument, but added that this is a different board.
Vote: 1 Yes (Blessington) 2 No (Mailhos & Littell)
Motion fails
Selectman Littell moved to appoint John Patton as a regular member of the CIP Committee, effective December 1, 2012; expiring December 1, 2015.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Mr. Patton has done an exemplary job serving as Chairman of this Committee because it is a complicated process every year. The only other person who understands it as well as Mr. Patton is our Business Manager, Donna Latincsics. First Selectman Mailhos added that it takes a while for the new members on the board to understand how the program works and Mr. Patton has the patience to help them understand the entire process. Selectman Blessington agreed and said that Mr. Patton is a wizard with numbers; and he knows that Mr. Patton can manipulate the spreadsheets just as well as anyone in the world, which is why he is sometimes displeased with him. Because he has made the point that he would like to see the people stay on the board as long as possible,
Selectman Blessington stated he may abstain from the vote.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Littell) 0 No. 1 Abstain (Blessington)
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item E under New Business, called Tax Refund.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
- Present GFOA award to Fiscal Office
First Selectman Mailhos presented the Governors Finance Officers Association Award to Donna Latinciscs, Town of Willington Business Manager and Tish Ignatowicz, Town Treasurer. The award reads “A certificate of achievement for excellence and financial reporting Presented to the Town of Willington, Connecticut for its comprehensive annual financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.
Business Manager, Donna Latincsics said this is the tenth year the Fiscal Office has received this award. She added that although she and Tish do most of the work to receive the award, but they get a lot of support from the ladies in the Fiscal Office as well. First Selectman Mailhos congratulated them on receiving the award.
- Discussion – Office Hours for New Year’s Eve
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Selectmen’s Day was chosen to be on Christmas Eve this year. It was chosen because Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve both fall on Monday this year. We asked the staff for suggestions; and also asked what has been done in year’s past. We received some suggestions which were: changing the hours for that day – either 9AM – 2PM, or stay open later to accommodate the public, from 10AM – 5PM. Another suggestion was to be open a regular day, from 9AM-2PM, and then stay open late another day during the week (Wednesday or Thursday), however it will not be beneficial for those wanting the tax credit, as it would need to be done on December 31st. Tish Ignatowicz stated that we do get a rush of people to pay their taxes on
that day. She added whatever we end up doing; it will need to be heavily publicized. Selectman Blessington stated that December 17th would be the last late day we have for the public to come in, which would be a long period to wait. The last option would be to stay open regular hours, and let employees use personal time if they do not wish to stay that late.
Tish Ignatowicz stated that the tax payments will need to be processed on the 31st because it is the end of the quarter, the end of the month and the end of the year all at the same time. First Selectman Mailhos stated that we have enough time to publish the changed hours for that day. We will change the office hours for that day from 10AM – 5PM and we will publish the hours in the Reminder as well as the Town website and facebook page.
- Discussion – Solid Waste Advisory Commission (SWAC) Ordinance
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the SWAC has proposed some changes made to the Ordinance. The Ordinance was adopted in 1988 and amended in 1995 and then again in 1996. The Commission has been looking at the three Ordinances, which are all outdated. The Town Clerk stated that in this case, the changes being made are typo’s, adding the spelled numbers and changing the word “Landfill” and replace with “Transfer Station”. The Selectmen will review and discuss at the next regular Board of Selectmen meeting. Christine Psathas stated that the SWAC minutes reflect the suggestions of changes as well.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $316.16 to Teri Nelson; 23 Nipmuck Road for a sold vehicle.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos thanked Sensei Dan Arnini, owner of Shaolin Kempo Karate for the POW flag in the front of the Town Office Building.
The new flags in the conference room which were donated by the Willington Seniors now have the plaques on them and look great.
Thank you to the Willington Conservation Commission, who has finished blazing the Knowlton Trail. The trail begins on Mason Road and is about 0.75 miles in length and there is an additional 0.5 mile walk back along Mason Road. They will work on updating the trail maps as well.
The Economic Development Commission now has a regular vacancy as well as two alternate positions available.
The Board of Finance will be sending out a budget letter soon. They are requesting to have the budgets submitted by January 31st. They are asking this so they can see the entire budget, rather than getting piece meal information. First Selectman Mailhos will begin preparing the budget for the next regular meeting.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she had recently met with the property manager of Willington Oaks Apartments. The Manager had come in to discuss an Ordinance that was recently adopted in Mansfield regarding issuing tickets to UCONN students partying on private properties. Because Mansfield is cracking down, the apartment complexes in Willington have become more popular for parties. She will look into it further and will discuss at a future meeting.
Kelly Trueb gave an update on Del Ekenbarger. A fundraiser was held last weekend. It was a comedy show and was sold out – over 275 people. They raised over $8,633 for the family and more money keeps coming in. He is currently at Hartford Hospital after having more procedures. It is hopeful that he will be home by Christmas.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Town is sponsoring a trip to Staten Island this coming Saturday. The bus is full. We are still accepting donations to bring down. We are asking those who are coming to bring their own tools. So far, the cost of the bus has been covered by donations by local businesses and residents. It will be a nice community event. Robin Campbell thanked First Selectman Mailhos for putting the entire thing together – in such short notice. Donations are still needed, such as bleach, contractor bags, gloves, respirator masks, goggles, crow bars, sledge hammers and gift cards, Lowes, Target, Dunkin Donuts.
Robin Campbell congratulated “Cisco the Kid”, (one of the impounded dogs, who has been there for several months) who was recently adopted. Also, a huge thank you to Tina Binheimer, our Animal Control Officer, she is doing a wonderful job and is a great addition to the Town of Willington. We still have one more long –term dog (Rocky), who is looking for a home.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Adminstrative Assistant
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