BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting February 4, 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 welcomed special guests, Somers Resident Trooper Sergeant Jose Claudio; Stafford Resident Trooper Sergeant Thomas Duncan and Commanding Officer of Troop C; Lieutenant Labbe. She then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the minutes of special meeting held on January 22, 2013 with the following amendment: page 2: under Parks & Recreation; second sentence should read: Teri Gareau provided the budget detail but warned that it was a draft as the Recreation Commission hasn’t voted yet.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Littell moved to approve the minutes of regular meeting on January 22, 2013 with the following amendment: last page; second sentence should read: He added it is important to hear from the entire membership. Also the last sentence should read: The plan needs to be on paper and be used as a guideline so the town can plan effectively five years out.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
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:
*Senior Housing Phase III – Senior Housing Cottages – The Housing Authority has decided to look into using their funds to do some preliminary structural work (an access road) to the proposed cottages. They will be using the remaining funds in the EDI grant, which is slated to expire in 2015. In the meantime, they will need to finalize the lease and tax agreements. First Selectman Mailhos stated she will plan to attend a future Housing Authority meeting.
*TOB Roof RFP – the roof has actively been leaking the RFP is ready to go out this week.
*Performance Contracting – the Public Hearing held last week went well. The BOS will appoint a small working group to make recommendations on the scope of the project.
*Old Town Hall Renovations – The bid documents are being prepared. Once they come in the BOS will assess them. The OTH is still closed for the winter.
*Senior Van – we are waiting to see if a grant will become available. In the meantime the Seniors are looking at other options and will continue to do so until the funding has been obtained to purchase a new van.
*Turnpike Road Phase I – Phase I has been completed; Phase IA is about 90% complete. The contractor will come back to grade over the culvert and asphalt the road and curbing in the spring.
*Transfer Station – The SWAC continues to meet and discuss the Ordinances. The next meeting will be February 13th. Once they have made changes to the Ordinances, the BOS will call a Town Meeting to change them.
*Recording Secretary Job Description / Pay Rate – a draft has been developed. First Selectman Mailhos will attend the various board meetings to see what boards are in favor of adopting.
*Fire Department Consolidation Consideration – The BOS are looking into various options and will talk with the members of both departments.
First Selectman Mailhos added that the BOS will be presenting their budget to the Board of Finance on February 21st.
Public Works:
Lynn reported that the crews have been working on storm detail and filling pot holes around town.
New Business
- Connwood Foresters presentation –
Peter Andersen, Chairman of the Willington Conservation Commission presented the recently developed management plan for the Royal Knowlton Preserve and Talmadge Conservation Tract designed by Connwood Foresters. Chairman Andersen introduced Peter Lesmerises of Connwood Foresters who prepared the plan. Mr. Lemerises stated he is a licensed forester in the State of Connecticut as well as Massachusetts as well as a Technical Service provider for NRC.
Mr. Lemerises explained the importance of a Management Plan on this type of property. He stated the plan lists out the available resources that are on the property, such as the amount of timber, regeneration, evidence of wildlife and endangered species. The plan also gives recommendations of what can and cannot be done on the property, such as timbering when the trees are still too small, projects that could be done on the property, etc. Mr. Lesmerises stated the plan also gives recommendations for making improvements to the property.
Mr. Lesmerises stated he collected data based on information given to him from the Conservation Commission such as concerns and objectives for the property. He then went to survey the property and performed measurements on trees, ran soil samples and researched for wildlife evidence. Core samplings of trees gave evidence of how old the trees on the property are and how fast they are growing, which will detect which trees can stay on the property and which ones should be cut in the future. He was able to see damage from insects, invasive species; even damage from people and erosion of the trails.
Property maps were drawn, giving the diameters of the trees as well as a stalking report; which illustrates if there are too many trees for the space that we have. Mr. Lesmerises stated he submitted a report to the DEEP to get a list of endangered species that may have been on the property. Property maps, which are included in the plan describe the timber stands, trails, stone walls and wetland soils as well as a soils map.
The reports in the plan will give a starting point looking at the property, and decide what is best for it in the future.
Conservation Commission Chairman Peter Andersen stated that we have a similar management plan for the Fenton Ruby Park and Connwood prepared that for us as well. First Selectman Mailhos stated it is great plan, and it is easy to read and follow along
Kathy Demers, Vice Chairman of the Willington Conservation Commission stated that a copy of the plan is available at Willington Public Library for any resident who wants to view it. She added that many of the suggestions that are made in the plan are usually done by the Conservation Commission; however they welcome any volunteers that are interested in helping out as well.
- Connecticut State Police presentation –
First Selectman Mailhos introduced Sergeant Claudio, who is a Resident State Trooper in the Town of Somers and Sergeant Duncan who is a Resident State Trooper in the town of Stafford. Also in attendance was Troop Commander, Lieutenant Cliff Labbe. First Selectman Mailhos opened the floor and stated that many people have asked why we in Willington do not have an assigned Trooper. She stated that many people are surprised to hear that we rely solely on coverage from Troop C. She added that the reality is that the coverage is with one Trooper that spans from Willington, Ashford and Union.
Sergeant Claudio said he has been the Resident Trooper in Somers for 12 years and offered general information on the program.
Troop Commander Lieutenant Labbe referenced the Town of Chaplin, which is a small town similar to Willington. Chaplin recently reinstated a Resident Trooper. They went away from it for a few years, but brought it back; and it has worked well. Lieutenant Labbe encouraged everyone to contact the First Selectman in Chaplin to get feedback on the reinstatement. He then added that if Willington were to sign a contract, Troop C would make sure that we would get a program modeled to what we need. Lastly, he added that Willington currently does have coverage from the one Trooper per shift out of Troop C, who travels between Willington, Ashford and Union; which can limit response time.
Sergeant Claudio stated that the program has been around since 1947 and back then the Troopers actually worked out of their homes and the community came to their house. Today, the Trooper does not necessarily live in that Town – they report there every day to work. The Connecticut State Police has jurisdiction in 81 out of the 169 Towns and 57 Towns have the Resident State Trooper program. The remaining 88 Towns have their own local Police Departments. The Resident Trooper program does not replace the patrols; but it augments it. Sergeant Claudio added that the greatest benefit to the program is that you get personal service, keeping the continuity in communication.
Other benefits to the program are Public Relations, manpower and supervision – they would tailor the program to fit our Town and can change to fit our needs if they arise. Having a Trooper extends the availability to obtain grants – such as but not limited to DUI or speed enforcement and equipment Grants.
The estimated salary of the Trooper program runs from $53,135 for the lower end, middle is at $64,835 and high tier is at $82,856. It is based on a 40 hour work week and is for a two year contract. Sargeant Claudio explained the selection process; the position is advertised through the Police Department and is selected based on an interview process by the State Police. Once that person is selected, the salary would be determined for the Town. In addition to the salary, there are additional fees that are tied into the program such as (but not limited to) depreciation and usage of the vehicle, gas, supplies, telephone, etc. The Town pays a percentage of these costs.
Resident Carl Pearson asked if the Town recoups any money from speeding tickets. Sergeant Claudio stated that the Town gets $10 per ticket issued; even without the program in effect. This also includes tickets issued on I84.
Having a Resident Trooper brings more services from the State Police to the Town on a pro-active basis. He gave an example of a pro-active drug bust at a local high school where the CT State Police Crime Unit was brought in. Sergeant Claudio added that Willington receives services now from the Crime Unit – but it is only when a major crime happens, such as a homicide, major collision or recently a bullet found on the bus.
Discussion was held on the schedule and vacation time for the Trooper. Sergeant Duncan clarified that the trooper would only be replaced after a 5 day period if he/ she is sick or injured. Vacation would not apply to having someone fill in for him/her. Sergeant Duncan added that overtime should also be added when planning the budget giving an example of traffic control for parades, or an example of a bank robbery; you wouldn’t want to have the trooper leave in the middle of the investigation if it is at the end of the shift.
Kelly Trueb asked who pays for the Trooper during our Memorial Day Parade? Sergeant Duncan stated that is classified as an “auxiliary”, someone who does not charge the Town (perhaps an off-duty Officer or even a retired officer) or a Patrol Officer assigned from Troop C. He warned that the auxiliary program is starting to phase out and if an emergency happens, the patrol officer could end up getting pulled from the parade and go to where the emergency is instead.
Discussion went back to overtime and grants. Sergeant Duncan stated grants help offset costs of certain situations. He gave an example of the recent snow storm a few years ago, where four telephone poles were broken along Route 190 in Stafford. Troopers were on staff for 42 hours of overtime. They ended up charging the overtime to CL&P to fight the bill but he added that public safety should not be jeopardized over money. Lieutenant Labbe gave an example of ramping up police coverage and ordered everyone on 12 hour shifts the entire time. They were then able to recoup 75% of the overtime money by applying for a FEMA grant and the towns involved had 24 hour coverage.
Selectman Blessington asked if the First Selectman can make requests for public safety. Sergeant Claudio said yes, noting that the patrol officer at troop C does not always have the time to sit and monitor speeding, but the Resident Trooper can, especially if it is going to better the quality of life for the residents. Sergeant Duncan added that there are many ways to go about the situation where they might give a warning the first time, and then issue the ticket. They don’t always want to be the bad guy.
Sergeant Claudio stated that one of the biggest benefits of the program that you will get someone who cares about the town of Willington; someone who will take ownership. While Troop C will have coverage on patrol, that guy might be on patrol today, but might be somewhere else tomorrow and you are not getting the same quality of service as you would with a Resident Trooper. He suggested calling the First Selectman in any of the Towns who have the program to take their word for it. He said he believes the things those towns are happiest about is the personal service to residents – the competence professionalism and flexibility. In addition, they also have a very high solve rate. He added this is something Willington does not have right now.
Sergeant Duncan gave many examples of his resident town, Stafford. Stafford has the highest solve rate in the entire State of Connecticut. He stated that they engage the kids to keep them out of trouble and from hanging out in the wrong areas around town.
First Selectman Mailhos said one of our biggest problems is the apartment buildings that house the college students. They end up throwing parties and some cases they end up in neighboring back yards. She added that in the past she has engaged the property owners to get involved and be proactive and they have hired security guards, but that is not enough. Sargeant Duncan said that is a good case. They usually do not like to deal with us. Once you start giving out tickets and arresting people, you would see a big difference. Sergeant Claudio added this is a good example of where an underage drinking grant would come in and could offset the costs of the trooper presence. Sergeant Duncan said Stafford received a $30,000 underage drinking grant. All they do is have one guy drive around town Thursday, Friday and
Saturday nights, looking for kids who are out drinking.
Sergeant Duncan gave examples of the many ways the program receives funding from the local businesses, like a new computer and new equipment. He added that he has a good rapport with the residents (students and parents) as well as the Superintendent of their schools.
Discussion was held on pistol permits. Sergeant Duncan explained the current process. The applilcant fills out the form, pays the money and submits fingerprints; which go out for a background check. Once the background check is processed, the applicant is issued a temporary state permit. Sergeant Duncan asked how many are rejected in a month’s time. Sergeant Claudio stated that he has 6 files on his desk that are pending rejection from January. He added the troopers take extra steps when processing these kinds of permits. The applicant may not have an arrest record, but has a record of police visits where they were intoxicated on multiple occasions, which would cause the Trooper to reject the permit and the First Selectman does not have access to this information currently. He added that they
deny many more than you might think.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that a question arose about the State Troopers enforcing ordinances. Sergeant Duncan stated the Troopers do enforce ordinances in the Towns they report to.
Selectman Littell asked both Sergeants Claudio and Duncan what they would say to the residents who feel we don’t need a Trooper, and that we do not have a large enough crime rate. Sergeant Claudio stated that there are always problems and it is a quality of life issue. We may not have the same problems as Bridgeport, but there are problems. He also asked what is protecting our Town right now? Sergeant Duncan said his office has received national awards, and has the highest crime rate, but there are some people that are still not satisfied with the program.
Resident Joe Froehlich said he looks at is as an insurance policy. You hope the day never comes that you have to cash in on it. We need to consider the size of the town it might behoove us to be ahead of the curve. He referenced the shooting on Route 32 in September of 1998. Thankfully we had three troopers nearby that responded; next time we might not be so lucky. First Selectman Mailhos stated some people think there is zero crime in our town and because crime is not publicized in the paper, the residents don’t think they exist. A slide was presented with the number of investigations in Willington in 2012. Examples of some cases and the totals are as follows (but is not limited to): Burglaries: 7; Disturbances – 59; DWI – 38 Narcotics – 28.
Sergeants Duncan and Claudio stated that they are available to answer any questions, and can be reached by telephone.
*If anyone is interested in contacting Sergeant Claudio or Sergeant Duncan, please contact the Selectmen’s Office.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $785.08 to Crown Atlantic Co. LLC PMD 353; McMurray, PA for an abatement of taxes to corporations.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $294.76 to Crown Atlantic Co. LLC PMD 353; McMurray, PA for abatement of taxes to corporations.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to reappoint Josh Walsh and Alan Ference as regular members of the Willington Parks & Recreation commission effective retro-active December 15, 2012 – expiring December 15, 2015.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Performance Contracting Review Committee:
First Selectman Mailhos stated we received a few recommendations so far. Chief Millix has come forward to represent the Willington Fire Department #1, and Jim Bulick has put his name forward for CIP. She would like to wait until the Board of Education and Library hold their meetings to send in their recommendations. They will be appointed at another meeting.
Old Business
- Increase of boarding charges for dog pound fees
First Selectman Mailhos introduced our Animal Control Officer Binheimer to the residents. ACO Binehimer stated that the Willington Town Ordinance for dog pound fees mirrors the State Ordinance with the exception of boarding fees. The redemption fee is a State Ordinance and is set at $15.00. She clarified that she would like to raise the boarding fee, which is currently set at $5.00 per day. She stated that neighboring Towns charge anywhere between $10 and some up to $20 per night. She is looking to raise the Willington fee from $5.00 to $10.00. She stated she hasn’t had that many dogs that stay overnight right now. First Selectman Mailhos asked if we should raise it to $15.00. ACO Binheimer clarified that the $15.00 redemption fee is a state statute and cannot be
changed; she is just looking at the boarding fee. Selectman Blessington stated that this Ordinance was adopted in 1987. He thinks the ordinance would have to be amended and said he wonders if there is something that can be tied to a rise in the cost of living.
Selectman Littell stated it is a good idea to review all of the Ordinances on a regular basis adding that he feels that we do not review them enough and some may be obsolete.
Christine Psathas asked if we even need an Ordinance if the State already has one in place. ACO Binheimer responded that the State Ordinance reads that the municipality may set the fee for any impounded dog, cat or any other animal. She added that she contacted the area towns to see what their fees are.
First Selectman Mailhos said we are behind the times and she advocates going to $15.00. Selectman Blessington agreed. First Selectman Mailhos explained that the Ordinance will be revised based on the motion made by the BOS. The Town Clerk would revise it and it will go to Town Meeting. She said we can add it to the next upcoming Town Meeting in April. First Selectman Mailhos said that the Tax Collector still wants to change the ordinance on the outstanding taxes and building permits. As discussed at one of the meetings, she said she has the documentation to support the questions that were asked and will present to the BOS at a future meeting.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to revise the Redemption Fees for Impounded Dogs Ordinance Vol. 6 page 283 which was last adopted February 3, 1987 with an increase in the cost of impounded dogs at $15.00 per day.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos amended the motion to include dogs, cats or other animals.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington)
- Fire Department Consolidation
First Selectman Mailhos presented a spreadsheet that she created which is based on the ideas that were discussed at the last meeting. It lists the different ways and meanings of the word consolidation as well as the alternatives. There are 8 different ways that we have come up with. She put the different options at the top with a list of questions down the side and the steps it would take to make it all happen.
First Selectman Mailhos referenced the different options. The alternatives are also listed; continue with WHFD and WFD#1 as separate entities; Town creating a Fire Commission or the Town takes on all administrative duties of the Fire Departments. She stated that each of these ideas have their own pro’s and cons and should be discussed further. She asked for any other ideas or if anyone had any objections to the suggestions.
Chief Millix stated that it is an interesting document. For the sake of sensibility without doing harm to the community, he respectfully asked to remove the option that states “WFD#1 provides ambulance service only and WHFD provides fire service only.” The current environment would have no other outcome other than negative. He referenced the unintended consequences, stating slow response to fires (paid staff would not be responding with fire apparatus) – He clarified that it would mean “no” response to fires at all in some instances. He added that a lot of calls go unanswered by WHFD and WFD#1 volunteers; that only paid staff go (which is two people) and that is not unusual especially during the daytime.
He made the Board aware of the Term and Termination clause referenced in the Fire Services Agreement. He read the clause:
“The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect for five (5) years (the “Initial Term”), unless earlier terminated as provided for in this Agreement. The Agreement will automatically renew for an additional five (5) year term (a “Renewal Term”) at the end of the Initial Term and at the end of any Renewal Term unless either party provides written notice to the other party not less than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the end of such Initial or Renewal Term of its election not to renew this Agreement.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party giving the other party not less that one hundred eighty (180) calendar days prior written notice, or by giving written notice at such other time as the parties may mutually agree. “
Chief Millix clarified that the Town can sever the contractual agreement with the Fire Departments. He would like to see that added into the spreadsheet that the Town exercise their right to sever the agreement. First Selectman Mailhos stated it should go under one of the questions on the side – what are the steps should the Town choose to force it to happen? She said she can add to the options everywhere it says the Town would need to stop funding both WHFD and WFD#1 ; she said she could add the words ‘ sever the agreement’. Chief Millix then said only Christina Mailhos and Ken Schoppman have the authority on the contract to discontinue service at any time with a 180 day notice. Also the Fire Department can exercise their right as well. He wanted to make sure the public knows there is an agreement and the
Fire Departments are acting as a vendor; the relationship can be severed, hopefully not maliciously o a vindictive manner. There are actual instances in a neighboring Town that this has happened.
First Selectman Mailhos said that she doesn’t think severing the agreement in and of itself is an option. It is a means to an end, all the options on the top of the list is what would have to happen. The contract would have to be changed depending on what new department or arrangement came about.
Chief Millix reiterated that the idea referenced earlier could be detrimental to public safety.
Selectman Blessington summarized Chief Millix’s position and said there are eight possibilities listed here and one of the possibilities is a bad idea and shouldn’t be considered. He clarified if it really is such a bad idea then it probably wouldn’t pass. But to throw it out and not be considered at all makes it appear to be vindictive. Chief Millix stated the idea was put there in bad faith and it is ridiculous. Selectman Blessington stated he doesn’t believe it was put there in bad faith even if you think it is a bad idea.
Chief Millix said it is a proven detriment to public safety and what we have here today. Selectman Blessington said he agrees that it has drawbacks but stated that all of the ideas should be listened to and it should remain on the list. We can’t take it off the list because it is a bad idea. First Selectman Mailhos agreed that it is not an idea that makes sense, but also agrees with Selectman Blessington that it needs to remain on the list.
Robert Shabot referenced the Fire Commission Referendum 10 years ago. It was an acidic thing to see and he found it appalling to hear some of the things that were said. It was going to be mandated to the Fire Departments what was going to happen. He said neither of them (both Fire Departments) like to be told what is going to happen. He suggested they should decide amongst themselves how the money is going to be dispersed referencing BOF Chairman Schoppmann’s comment at the last BOS meeting that the money is becoming limited. He added it seems to him that if they want to play with their toys; let them decide how they want to play with their limited toys. If they want to be acidic; let them be acidic amongst themselves. Mr. Shabot added that the equipment is becoming more expensive and the Town
cannot continue to cover the equipment that we do now. We have a limited pool that only goes so far. Let the firemen determine what they need to protect the town. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that they need one person to come forward to request it. For that to happen, they have to work together.
Kelly Trueb suggested coming up with a cumulative budget and have the departments work out how to make it happen. Selectman Littell said the unfortunate problem with that is there are a lot of faults out there such as a lack of communication. The money is limited and this town does not have a strategic plan for equipment that is needed to protect the town. The two entities say individually what they need to protect the town but they do not communicate those needs with each other. There are individuals and professionals that live in this town who have knowledge that could tell us what this town needs for protection, but the two entities would raise red flags. He also reminded everyone that he has no ties to either of the departments.
Selectman Littell added that First Selectman Mailhos’ intent was to open the lines of communication. Mr. Shabot said he would like to see his tax money to be used for our protection and both groups do not seem to like to be dictated to.
Fran Raiola said his concern is that we are talking about two entities that have proven that they cannot get along. He added that it appears that both departments represent themselves as “I” and we need to find a way to empower them to represent us and them as “we” or as “one.” The concept of putting the resources in one basket is productive if we have the professionals in the two departments in an organized and responsible fashion. He added he agrees with Selectman Blessington that we should never say no to an idea but we also need to look at how we evaluate. He added that we aren’t different than any other town; we have good fire departments and good people in those departments. We just need to find some leadership.
Christine Psathas said we paid professionals to do the assessment on the Old Town Hall; there are people out there to contact. Selectman Littell clarified that he would like to see both departments do it together - on their own. He only referenced that there are people out there who are educated and have the background to back it up. If the departments don’t come to the table he would lean towards using the outside resources. He reiterated that his first preference is to have the departments work together for the good of the Town. Ms. Psathas asked if there is going to be a time limit. Selectman Littell said this is still new, and it is going to be a long process and you don’t want to scare anyone away. He added that we are doing it for the right reasons and everyone will gain
positive service.
Christine Psathas said as a resident, she would like to know that we have a strategic plan. Selectman Littell stated that the CIP plan has been used in place of the strategic plan and he reiterated that they are two different things – we have never had a strategic plan.
Mr. Raiola said it is important to have a buy in before you talk about who gets what; you have to get the organizations to have the best interest of the Town and public safety and then talk about who gets what. First Selectman Mailhos said she would like to take this spreadsheet to both departments and talk to the members and have them think about the options and think about how things could be.
Chief Millix asked what about if we still have the opinion that things are fine as they are. Selectman Littell stated that is when the town would have to look at the facts. He recalled a recent chimney fire in town where no volunteers responded to the call. The two paid personnel were the only ones that responded. If you FOI the information from the dispatch center, the facts will show that things could be better.
Selectman Littell said as discussed at the last meeting we asked both departments to go back to their memberships and come back with their overall feeling as opposed to just a few individuals. He said we want to know the department’s feelings. WFD#1 meets tomorrow night. Kelly Trueb said WHFD will not meet until the end of the month.
First Selectman Mailhos encourages everyone to look over the list and she said she wants to be thorough and wants to be sure we consider everything. She added she plans to attend the Fire Department meetings.
Kelly Trueb said it is apparent that there is a whole lot of history – she thinks that the two departments don’t feel that they have the buy in from the town government, let alone buy in themselves.
Good & Welfare
Selectman Littell asked for feedback from the CT State Police presentation for the Resident Trooper program. Mr. Pearson asked if the student who brought the bullet on the bus been publicly identified. He also asked if the parents are going to be billed for the money it cost for the disruption and havoc. He stated it should be a sign to the other parents who need to get things under control.
Christine Psathas stated that the types of community functions that the troopers do could address something like that. She said it would be nice to have somebody there – especially hearing about the pistol permit process. It concerns her that we cannot rely on the state to be able to do more extensive checks.
Fran Raiola stated having a Resident Trooper would be extremely valuable and public safety has to be up near the top. Listening to how they can give us personal service was a benefit, but he is in support of a Resident Trooper.
Mr. Pearson asked if anyone noticed the response time listed for a home invasion, was 22 minutes; that is a long time. There was another reference to a burglary which had a 37 minute average response time. He added you wonder why people are getting pistol permits.
Selectman Littell referenced the one thing that stood out to him is there are many people in town that can take care of themselves but we have an obligation to take care of those who cannot. There are a lot of children, elderly and handicapped residents out there.
Robert Shabot said although they don’t take care of the loose ends every day, it would get on their agenda and these things need to be addressed. There are a lot of things they could do for our town.
First Selectman Mailhos stated the drug epidemic is growing and she said they can help us address it.
Selectman Blessington said we are trying to keep taxes down and he stated having a Resident Trooper would be a wonderful thing to have but realistically it would run $150,000 each year. He asked to think about where you would cut $150,000 from other places in this town to pay for it. If you can come up with something like that then he may agree with it. Chief Millix stated that there are some residents who might be willing to pay more taxes to have it.
Mr. Froehlich said you cannot put a value on the network you are going to get with having a Resident Trooper.
First Selectman Mailhos thanked Tia Klaus for her strength and courage in the face of the tragic death of her son, Brandon. A benefit dinner was held by her friends; $7,000 was raised which has now put a new energy into our youth and family services drug counsel.
First Selectman Mailhos also attended the Christoper Cox Vasington benefit at Willington Pizza earlier in the evening. They are raising money for the same cause. They are also planning to create a scholarship in his name.
She added many thanks to the people who came out to support these families and for the generous donations to the new Substance Abuse Program.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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