BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting January 7, 2013
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 December 17, 2012 with the following amendment:
First paragraph – should read: “Donna stated that she has entered a budget number for consulting engineer for 13-14 of $19,000, for the Boards’ consideration. No increase in the request over price year. It was her best estimate of amount needed to cover road and drainage issues, bridge inspections and engineering cost for TOB roof replacement.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of regular meeting on December 17, 2012 as submitted.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add an item under new business; item 7.C. – Tax Refund.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Michael Makuch, Assistant Chief at Willington Hill Fire Department stated that he had trouble emailing WHFD’s budget to the Business Manager, so he asked First Selectman Mailhos if she was able to forward it to her. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she did send it to Donna and she has incorporated the numbers in the budget.
Assistant Chief Makuch then stated that he is representing Willington Hill Fire Department and would like to clear up the concerns of residents regarding the productivity participation enthusiasm and trustworthiness of the Department. Mr. Makuch stated that the members of the department work hard and have put a lot of effort and volunteer hours in this town. He added that he feels frustrated, with the communication gap and comments that have been made at the Emergency Services Efficiency Committee as well as statements made in Selectmen’s meeting and CIP minutes. He referenced a comment made that WHFD was not participating in the meetings and the representatives sent from WHFD to meetings were not effective (because they were not the right representatives, and could not make decisions on behalf of the
department). Mr. Makuch reiterated this is his 30th year with the department, and he has over 14,000 hours dedicated to this Town; he is not passing up time with his family because this is fun, nor does he make any money from this. He stated he is here to try to resolve the problem of the conception that WHFD is not trustworthy. He added that WHFD is not as strong as they can be with the administrative role. They try to participate in as much as they can and he stated that many of the members put in many hours.
Selectman Littell agreed that there have been some communication problems and he noted a recent incident that has become personal and he asked to address that tonight. He added that he separates personal from Town business and he only looks for the good interest of the Townspeople and he has the documentation to support that. He then added that he does not tolerate rumors and personal bashing towards him and if the members of WHFD want to make this a personal war that is fine, however it is not Selectmen’s business. It is hard to clear the air when individuals are talking negative; if they stuck to the facts it would never go personal.
Selectman Littell addressed an incident regarding a Town Meeting held by the Board of Finance, where WHFD made a presentation stating they were in need of a new truck. Members stated that the truck (they wanted to replace) was unsafe –comments were also made such as “you would not put your kids in a school bus if the bus had brakes like that.” Another member said, “the truck is unsafe and we are going to kill someone with it”. Selectman Littell added shortly after the statements were made that the truck was unsafe, the tones went off, the members got in the truck and left for a call. If the truck is unsafe, why are they putting their members in jeopardy? He added, “a statement like that builds mistrust.” Since then, that truck was handed over to the other
Fire Department, has passed both DOT inspections, and they still continue to use that truck. If you are going to build trust, you need to speak the truth.
Selectman Littell then stated he has told the Fire Departments (referencing the time he served on the BOF - at the meetings) if you need something for your personnel to provide the Town of Willington residents with safety, protection of life, including your people, I will support it to the end, but if you tell me it is just because you want it, the time to spend money is not right now. He added that his decisions were made based on economic profiles given by the Board of Finance. He added that residents in Willington are below the poverty level at 13.3% and the state is 7.9%. Lastly, he said, even if he was in support of the truck, he couldn’t vote because he was an alternate member.
Selectman Littell then referenced a conversation regarding spending money on new gear. Selectman Littell suggested to Mr. Makuch that they use the remainder from a line item to replace their gear, as OSHA states that gear must be retired after 10 years of use. He then stated that Mr. Makuch replied (quoting) “we don’t follow OSHA – we looked at our gear, and decide if it is good enough to keep”. Selectman Littell stated that he does not agree with that and he believes the members should be protected. Mr. Makuch replied that “we can keep wasting money to buy new gear then.” Selectman Littell insisted that if a firefighter dies inside a building – it doesn’t matter how good the gear looks. He then stated WHFD accused him of attacking them about spending
money on physicals. Mr. Makuch stated that the department was able to reduce their budget because the numbers of people getting physicals decreased, or some others used their own insurance. Selectman Littell clarified that the next year the department did not spend any of the money on physicals. Mr. Makuch said they presented what they anticipated on spending, and sometimes the members do not always cooperate with getting the physicals on time. He assured Selectman Littell that they are doing physicals every year. Selectman Littell said not once has he had negative intentions towards WHFD, and he gets attacked by negative comments by the members. Selectman Littell brought up the new truck committee created by First Selectman Mailhos and he clarified the original charge of that committee. That charge was to see if the specification process was fair. The Chief of WHFD stated he did not want Selectman Littell to sit on that
committee because “he knew too much” but then denied that at a subsequent BOF meeting. He then added that he didn’t bash WHFD or cut down your equipment as it wasn’t the intent of the committee. Even though he had personal opinion that the wants were unreasonable and they were not justified as needs – he did not vote on it - he responded to the First Selectman that the spec process was fair and he kept his personal feelings separate. But the complaints and the bad feelings came about the truck because we wouldn’t grant more money – he reiterated that he never had a vote. Mr. Makuch stated it had to do with the comments made by Selectman Littell, who was an alternate on the BOF at the time. Selectman Littell replied “don’t you think the individuals who are voting should be informed?” Mr. Makuch replied yes.
Mr. Makuch told Selectman Littell that he wasn’t the one who brought this up. Selectman Littell replied that the topic of mistrust was brought up. The Board of Finance, CIP , myself sitting as a Selectman in the Efficiency Committee meetings, and the talk of mistrust comes up because stuff is not answered factually. If you state your needs instead of wants, and speak the truth, there would be no deception.
Selectman Blessington asked, “where we are going with this?” Mr. Makuch stated he brought this up because he wanted to resolve the problem, which seems to be a perception issue. He then went on to say that it needs to be cleared because we are digging up dirt from years ago – nobody has time to waste on this. Selectman Littell agreed and reassured Mr. Makuch that they shouldn’t be concerned because he has no say on their budget, and he has requested to go to a WHFD meeting to clear the air but has not been invited. He then stated he wants to abstain from all conversations with your budget, and he trusts that the First Selectman knows what she is doing as well as the Board of Finance. He then reiterated that there are personal feelings to resolve, but that is not for this
forum; when we talked about facts, the topic of mistrust was brought up, and he can produce all the documents from the minutes as to where it stems from. Mr. Makuch replied if there is documentation that proves that we have lied to you then that is a serious problem and it needs to be resolved. He then added if there are documents on the record that make him think the department is being “shady”, then that is a different issue, but then said that he wants to know if there is documentation that there is misuse of the Taxpayers money – it needs to be laid out on the table and cleared up.
Selectman Littell questioned an expense of over $800.00 to Bogners, questioning if it had to do with Willington Day, where the Department was selling hot dogs at the event. Kelly Trueb clarified that the expense was partial for Willington Day inventory, but was also for strip steaks for the member annual dinner, which was held the following weekend. She clarified that is a “reward” for department members who sign up for the dinner. Selectman Littell asked why there were no charges subsequently after that. Kelly Trueb answered that the treasurer could have flip flopped and taken it out of another account. Selectman Littell stated that he understood the reasoning.
John Patton stated that he has observed the two departments over the years and clarified that there are two parts of every fire department: one being the volunteers who respond to the calls and the other part is the administrative (corporate) position which is just as important. He stated that Willington Hill is bad at the administration part. They are volunteers, and they don’t feel the need to document everything, however it is very important and needs to be done. Mr. Patton added that this speaks of the need of combining of the two departments; even if they maintain separate physical equipment and facilities, we really need one administration to oversee the entire operation. It will involve a little give and take from each of the departments but it needs to be done as we are duplicating efforts. He gave an example that we are a town of 6,000 people and we have one Superintendent who oversees both schools. He then added there is a lot of paperwork, including grant
requests, OSHA requirements and interfacing with Town officials, it takes a lot of manpower to oversee.
He also asked for clarification of a rumor that one of the officers of WHFD used department funds to purchase a laptop for themselves. He would like to squash it one way or another. First Selectman Mailhos stated she would look into it. Mr. Makuch said that he has heard that rumor also, and they have spent a lot of time looking things over to make sure taxpayer money hasn’t been misused, and he is pretty sure that was the case. He also added that he would rather say WHFD struggles to do the administrative work than agree that they are horrible at it. Mr. Patton disagreed, and stated, “no you are horrible at it.” First Selectman Mailhos added that it is a lot of work for any non profit organization and agreed that we are duplicating efforts, but she is not sure that is the answer, and she
added she doesn’t know what the appetite is for consolidation. Mr. Makuch said if the Efficiency Committee gets going again, they are still willing to participate.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office. First Selectman Mailhos asked for the record to show that we received a letter from Chief Snyder of Willington Hill Fire Department dated December 28, 2012, received January 3, 2013 and a letter from Selectman Littell responding to Chief Snyder’s letter.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos went over the updated report:
*Performance Contracting – the Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, January 30th at 6:30 PM at the Willington Public Library. Details on the Energy Audit will be reviewed and discussed at the hearing. We will also invite the Board of Education, Board of Finance, Energy Advisory Commission as well as the other departments involved in the audit.
*Old Town Hall Renovations – The Town Engineer and architect are working up the specifications for the bid proposals.
*Turnpike Road Construction – Phase I – The culvert is in. Piping should be done on Wednesday. Asphalt will be done at a later date as the asphalt plants are closed for the season.
Public Works:
Lynn stated that she has been enforcing the Town Ordinance of plowing snow across the street from private driveways, reiterating that it is illegal. She handed out several infractions from the last snow fall, and would like to remind everyone that not only is it a Town Ordinance; it is a State Ordinance as well and she will be enforcing it from this point forward as it hasn’t been done that much in the past. She added that she is doing this to everyone who has done this, not singling anyone out. The reason for the Ordinance is that debris from plowing across the road can become hazardous, in the road way especially if it re-freezes. The Ordinance states that no person shall deposit any snow or ice into the travel portion of the road. First Selectman Mailhos noted that we are just trying to make everyone
aware of this because some people have been abusing it. She added that we cannot single anyone out. She added people are now aware of it.
The crews have been filling potholes and performing routine maintenance.
New Business
Selectman Blessington moved to appoint Jim Poole as a regular member of the Willington Planning and Zoning Commission; effective January 7, 2013, expiring November 19, 2013.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington stated that he has had disagreements with Mr. Poole in the past, but on the other hand he is very knowledgeable. First Selectman Mailhos stated that we as a Board have had our issues with him; that is her only hesitation. On the other hand, no one else has come forth for the position. Robin Campbell noted the expiration date reflects State Statute; Mr. Poole would need to run for the position in the upcoming election in November to remain on the board.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
- Resolution – Emergency Management Homeland Security
First Selectman Mailhos stated this is a Resolution that we adopt every year. Stuart Cobb, Emergency Management Director stated that this resolution is to authorize the First Selectman to be able to sign and vote on the Regional Grant money. First Selectman Mailhos added that we are one of 42 Towns in the Region, spanning form East Lyme to the northeastern part of the State.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the First Selectman Christina B. Mailhos of the Town of Willington may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Christina B. Mailhos, as First Selectman of the Town of Willington, is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of Willington and to do and perform all acts and things which she deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.
The undersigned further certifies that Christina B. Mailhos now holds the office of First Selectman and that she has held that office since November 17, 2009.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $87.46 to Jennifer Parent; Canterbury, CT 06331 for a vehicle registered in another state.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she and Superintendent Harding spent the day at the CT School Secruity Symposium. The Superintendent of Newtown was there and got a standing ovation which was moving, as Superintendents, First Selectmen, Mayors and Police Chiefs from almost every Town were there. They had experts from around the Country who have dealt with school shootings and gave information on how to handle emergency situations. There were many topics, including how to plan for many types of emergencies, what to expect regarding everyone’s rolesand how to proceed after an emergency situation. First Selectman Mailhos stated it was a learning experience. She added that she will be setting up meetings in the near future with Emergency and School Officials and the State Police to review our
emergency plans.
First Selectman Mailhos added that we have many budget and CIP meetings coming up. She stated that there is a lot to talk about. She encourages the public to attend.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Board of Selectmen
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