BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting March 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 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of January 31, 2013 as submitted.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Littell moved to approve the minutes February 4, 2013 as submitted.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the minutes of February 14, 2013 as submitted.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No. 1 Abstain (Littell)
Present to Speak:
No one spoke.
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 – the Housing Authority still continues to seek funding. They are considering doing the preliminary infrastructure using the funds that are available. The next step is to finalize the lease and tax agreements. First Selectman Mailhos plans to attend the next meeting.
*TOB Roof RFP – the bids were received today, however the lowest bid came in at $58,000 which is still over the amount that was approved at CIP last year. Selectman Blessington stated it might be a good idea to give the BOF a head’s up that the project is going to cost over $40,000. First Selectman Mailhos agreed and said we will need to decide what we want to do once we get the Town Engineer’s recommendation.
*Performance Contracting – the members will be appointed to the working group who will then make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen. The first meeting will be scheduled soon.
*Old Town Hall Renovations – the bid documents are being prepared and we will assess them once they come in. The Old Town Hall is still closed for the winter.
*Turnpike Road Phase II – The Town Engineer is preparing the design work. The plans will be presented to Wetlands by the end of this month.
*Transfer Station – the SWAC is still reviewing the Ordinances. The Board of Selectmen will call a Town Meeting to change the Ordinances once they are ready.
*Recording Secretary Job Description / Pay Rate – a draft has been developed and the Board of Selectmen will consider further at a future meeting. First Selectman Mailhos will attend various board meetings to see what they are in favor of.
*Fire Department Consolidation Consideration – we still continue to look into various options and the BOS will talk with the Fire Department members. First Selectman Mailhos stated that we have already received a letter from WFD#1. She stated that she did not want to put Kelly Trueb on the spot but since she was the only WHFD member present, asked if we should expect a letter of invitation to the WHFD meeting or a letter stating the department’s position on consolidation. Kelly Trueb stated that Chief Snyder has composed a questionnaire that went to each of the members of the Department, and he plans to forward all of the responses to First Selectman Mailhos rather than a letter. Chief Millix asked First Selectman Mailhos if she is going to their meeting which is tomorrow night at 7PM. First
Selectman Mailhos said she did not have it on her calendar, but will let him know tomorrow morning if she can attend. She will also plan to attend WHFD’s meeting, which is an open meeting that the end of the month.
Public Works:
Lynn reported that the crews have been tending to storm detail as well as many sanding events over the past few weeks. They are working on pot holes and water run off detail. They plan to begin brush cutting tomorrow along one of the chip seal routes.
New Business
- Registrar of Voters – Emergency Management Plan for Election; Primary or Referendum
Christine Psathas, Democratic Registrar of Voters stated that she had sent a memo a few weeks ago. The Secretary of State has deemed it mandatory for every district to have a plan in place in the event of an emergency, such as ballot shortages, if there are not enough poll workers, etc. She and Gail Kapinos (Republican Registrar) are working on the plan and will present it to the BOS at the next meeting, as the deadline for the plan to pass is March 29th.
- Resolution – Emergency Management Performance Grant Application
First Selectman Mailhos read the Resolution with a motion to adopt:
RESOLVED, that the Town of Willington may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division 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 he/she deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessinigton stated that the Resolution is vague. He asked what this resolution is for. Stuart Cobb, Willington Emergency Management Director stated that this grant offsets 50% of his stipend as Emergency Management Director adding that this is the same Resolution that is adopted every year. It is a requirement from the State that it be adopted each year.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
- CCM Discount Prescription Drug Program
First Selectman Mailhos stated as a member of CCM, we are entitled to join this program. She learned of the program at a recent WINCOG meeting, adding that many surrounding member Towns are participating in the program. It is a free discount prescription program that any resident can use but those who are not eligible for discounts will find it valuable. The plan also includes pet prescriptions. Packets would be sent to each household with a pamphlet and a card. The representative from the program offered to come in to present the program at a future meeting. Selectman Blessington asked to set up a presentation for a future meeting. First Selectman Mailhos will contact them and set something up.
- Appointments - Performance Contracting Review Committee
First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone of the public hearing that was held on January 30th where it was recommended to form a small group (committee) to look at the things that will need to be considered from the audit.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint the following as regular members of the Performance Contracting Review Committee, effective immediately; expiring once the charge of the committee has successfully been completed:
Chief Tyler Millix representing Willington Fire Department #1
Ron Strong and Mark Jones representing Board of Education (Hall Memorial and Center School)
Jim Bulick representing the CIP Committee
First Selectman Mailhos representing the Town Office Building
Lynn Nicholls, representing the Public Works Garage
Wilbur Gangaway representing the Willington Senior Center
Nancy Bailey to represent the Library
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos stated the committee will get together at a future public meeting to meet with the Siemens Company to work out a plan which will be brought to the Board of Selectmen as a recommendation.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $1,941.12 to Thomas J. Murphy; Willington CT for excess payment.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $55.58 to Lydia Bray; Willington, CT for a credit of a destroyed vehicle.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos asked the various groups who were involved in the storm response to answer a few questions regarding what they did before during and after the storm to see what was done and she will keep it in her emergency binder for future reference.
She added that there is not much to say except everyone did a great job. She thanked Public Works, WFD #1 and WHFD as well as the CERT Team (who was not activated, but were ready and on stand by); no power was lost. We were lucky that it happened on a Friday, which gave us the weekend to clean up. Most people stayed off the roads and by Saturday evening all roads in town were passable for emergency vehicles and the Transfer Station was open for Sunday morning.
First Selectman Mailhos said we had a few issues with equipment; flat tires, and damage to a few trucks, but said otherwise we were fortunate. She again thanked everyone for their hard work, adding she believes that residents might not realize that the Town only owns three plow trucks and we contract out two. The massive amount of snow that they had to clear was remarkable considering we only have 5 big plow trucks to clear 70 miles of road.
Lynn clarified that the drivers routes are not just one way; they must go back the other way as well, making the route twice as long. She also thanked the residents for turning their outside lights that night, it helped the drivers navigate as there was no visibility at times. She also thanked the residents for heeding the warnings and staying off the roads for the crews to clear them.
First Selectman Mailhos read and moved to adopt the following Proclamation:
WHEREAS, March 12, 2013, marks the 101st anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, which began in 1912 when Savannah, GA native Juliette Gordon Low gathered 18 girls to provide them the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually;
WHEREAS, 1912 was also the year in which Girl Scouting started in the state of Connecticut;
WHEREAS, for over 100 years, Girl Scouting has helped build millions of girls and women of courage, confidence, and character who act to make the world a better place; and,
WHEREAS, the Girl Scout Leadership Program helps girls discover themselves and their values, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place; and,
WHEREAS, through the dedication, time, and talent of volunteers of different backgrounds, abilities, and areas of expertise, Girl Scouts of Connecticut offers the Girl Scout Program to over 47,300 girls in grades K-12 across the state of Connecticut; and,
WHEREAS, the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, requires girls to make a measurable and sustainable difference in their community, assess a need and design a solution, find the resources and support to make it happen, and complete the project;
WHEREAS, core programs around Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), environmental stewardship, and healthy living, help girls develop a solid foundation in leadership; and,
WHEREAS, today, more than 59 million American women are Girl Scout alumnae and 3.2 million girls and adult volunteers are active members;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christina B. Mailhos, by virtue of the authority vested in me as First Selectman of The Town of Willington do hereby applaud the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for over 100 years of leadership and expertise as the voice for and of girls, proudly proclaim March 12, 2013, as Girl Scout Day.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos added Willington has a very strong scouting program in town for both girls and boys.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Old Business
- Fire Department Consolidation
First Selectman Mailhos asked the other Selectmen if they had anything to say about this. Selectman Littell stated we are still waiting to hear from each of the Departments. First Selectman Mailhos said she will try to make it to the WFD # meeting tomorrow night. She asked Kelly Trueb if we can expect to receive the surveys back in time before the end of the month (in a few weeks). Kelly Trueb said yes, they should be in by then, adding that the survey is seven pages, because it is based on the complex chart that has been presented, therefore it is not a quick thing to fill out. First Selectman Mailhos then asked if there is going to be a unified stance from the leadership. Kelly said it seems as if there are many opinions, based on the last meeting of WHFD..
Selectman Littell asked Chief Millix if the letter he sent was on behalf of WFD#1? Chief Millix stated it was drafted by himself and President Ron Gantick. The letter states that WFD#1 has documented that they are in favor of providing the most cost efficient service to the Town and has stated that for the last 15 years. They are open to all ideas to improve the service. He added that WFD#1 discussed the topic at one of their monthly meetings and the statement reflects the entire Department’s opinion. President Gantick added that the core group, who are active in the day to day operations in the department were at that meeting.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos stated April 20th has been declared Town Wide Clean Up Day. People can contact the Selectmen’s office or the Parks and Recreation Department to choose a road to adopt for clean up of trash. Someone will be at the Transfer Station on that day to weigh the trash that is brought in from along the roads. A prize will be given to the person who brings in the most trash. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the roads do not need to be cleaned up on that particular day, however it would need to be weighed then. Those who participate will also receive a ticket for free ice cream at Willington Day.
First Selectman Mailhos stated today was a big day at the Capital where discussion was held on the car tax issue. Many First Selectmen and Mayors from across the state were in attendance in opposition. She added that WINCOG has sent a letter as a group (which Willington is a part of) to oppose it as well. She stated if we were to lose the car tax revenue (as proposed by Governor Malloy to balance the budget), we would lose $950,000 in revenue (equivalent to a three mil decrease) and we have no other way of making it up other than raising property tax.
Selectman Blessington motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
| 
