BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting May 6, 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: Selectman Littell, Lynn Nicholls and residents. Selectman Blessington was absent.
First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Littell moved to approve the minutes of April 15, 2013 as written.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 (Mailhos & Littell) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
None.
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 will meet on Wednesday to discuss the next steps to take to get the additional funding for the proposed cottages.
*TOB Roof – The roof project has been completed. The project came in at a total of $58,928, with an additional $850 of contingency. Selectman Littell noted that we did exactly what we intended to do. First Selectman Mailhos concurred and stated that we were looking for ways to not have to spend extra money, adding that the contractor went above and beyond with the repairs and construction. The roof looks great. Lynn added that they also added a pitch on each of the flat surfaces to avoid pooling water.
*Old Town Hall Renovations – we have received verbal approval from the State to use the Program Income money to add to the renovations, bringing the amount up to $160,000 to use on the much needed repairs to the building. The written confirmation will be received shortly and then we will need to start the appropriation process.
*Senior Van – WRTD will be retiring two vans and has agreed to sell one to our Senior Center for $1. Members from the Senior Center and Public Works will be going out with First Selectman Mailhos in a few weeks to look at it. The Seniors have also raised funds for a new van, and might use some of that money for ongoing maintenance or repairs on the van.
*Turnpike Road – Phase I - Asphalting and curbing will be done on Wednesday.
*Recording Secretary Job Description / Pay Rate – First Selectman Mailhos has received feedback from most boards with the exception of Planning and Zoning and the Inland Wetlands Commission.
Public Works:
Lynn reported that the crews are continuing to sweep the roads, stating that as of end of day tomorrow, everything north of Route 74 will be done (about half the Town). Turnpike Road construction has resumed and will begin asphalting this week. Lynn noted that one of the road closure barriers has been stolen from Turnpike Road. She has requested for anyone who knows where the barrier is to please let her know.
Old Business
- Fire Department Consolidation
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has attended meetings at both Willington Fire Department #1 as well as Willington Hill Fire Department with Selectman Blessington a few weeks ago. She stated that the members of both departments were open and sharing of their opinions. She thanked them all for meeting with her and for being honest. She would like to wait until Selectman Blessington returns to discuss what he felt about the meeting at WHFD. She added that her overall opinion from the WHFD meeting was that is seems as if the members of that department is not interested in change – they would like to see things remain the same and they do not feel there is a lack of efficiency. She said that WFD#1 however was more open. She clarified that having one department might not be
the answer, but it would be beneficial to the Town to have a united front from the fire service. First Selectman Mailhos added that it will be discussed at the next meeting when Selectman Blessington is available to discuss.
Lastly, First Selectman Mailhos clarified that we rely on and value the volunteerism. She was warned that if there was only one department, it would kill off the volunteerism and we don’t want that to happen. She would just like to see everyone work together.
New Business
- Direct Energy Buying Group Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that this was discussed a few months ago. Several of our neighboring towns have signed on to the Direct Energy program and their residents are happy with the program. Selectman Littell asked if there is a deadline. He added that it is the responsibility of each resident to make the call and manage their own account, but they would get a preferred rate. First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a contract to view but wanted to get a consensus from the Board and if there was consensus, she would send it to the Town Attorney to review. Selectman Littell said it is a great option for our residents and recommends that First Selectman Mailhos forward the information to the Town Attorney to review. There are also incentives, for example, if the town signs on Direct
Energy will make a donation to our food bank.
- Discussion – Assistant Transfer Station Operator Position
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we have a vacancy at the Transfer Station. The vacancy has been posted internally (as per the Union Contract) and we have not had any interested parties come forward. Before the position is posted to the general public, First Selectman Mailhos wanted to consider that we have an opportunity to make some changes in the staffing levels with both Public Works as well as the Transfer Station. The Union has (in the past) requested to fill the vacant laborer position on numerous occasions, but it was never filled. She has asked our Business Manager to work up the numbers to see how much of a difference financially it would be to fill two positions – one full time and one part time.
Currently, the job is three days per week at the Transfer Station as “Assistant Transfer Station Operator” and two days at Public Works as a “Laborer”. Both positions are at different rates of pay and it also includes benefits (as it is a total of 40 hours per week). First Selectman Mailhos would like to propose a change and break apart the two positions, however she thinks it might not be possible without re-opening the contract. She added the Union might be willing to talk about it as long as we are not eliminating any of the positions. Selectman Littell offered that a Memorandum of Understanding could be agreed upon and it might alleviate reopening the contract – especially if it is favorable for the Union as well as Management.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she will investigate the numbers, stating that it would only be adding the extra 16 hours (for Saturday and Sunday at the Transfer Station) as there would be no benefits for that particular position (the Assistant Transfer Station Operator). The Laborer position would be a 5 day per week position working solely at Public Works. Selectman Littell added that he would not be in support of filling the laborer position unless they have a CDL. That way the person would be available to fill in if we need them to.
First Selectman Mailhos will look into the options and speak with the Union to see if it is worth looking into. A possible special meeting will be held to discuss the position and make a decision on hot to proceed.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Senior Center held an open house this past Saturday. There was also a Town Wide Tag Sale as well as Little League opening day – all were well attended.
First Selectman Mailhos attended the Planning and Zoning site walk at the proposed truck stop on Polster Road Saturday morning with many other residents.
Last Monday, former Selectmen, Millix, Smith, Avery and Knight voted on the submissions for the “What Willington Means To Me” writing contest: Congratulations to the winners: Shelby Glenn, Andrew Park, Caylie Arnold, Mary Wiecenski and Carol Pramberger. They will be invited to the next Selectmen’s meeting where they will be presented with their winning T-shirts. Their Entries will also be published in the Willington Day brochure. Also, Willington Day is fast approaching – May 25, 2013.
The CCM Prescription Drug Cards were mailed out last week, by now every household should have received one. For those who have not, they can obtain one by contacting the Selectmen’s Office or Youth, Family & Social Services.
A special election will be held on June 11th for the State Representative seat (to fill Bryan Hurlburt’s vacancy). The nominees are Democrat Tony Horn from Ashford and Republican Sam Belsito from Tolland.
First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone of the Annual Budget Referendum tomorrow.
Selectman Littell stated that Public Works did a nice job cleaning the landscaping at the library. Lynn said it did not cost anything but time and agreed that it looks a lot nicer.
Kelly Trueb stated that Kyle Leech has been working at Willington Hill Fire Department cleaning up the overgrown shrubs and replacing them with slower growing smaller shrubs as part of his Eagle Scout Project.
Lynn noted that Center School looks great. Principal Phil Stevens has done a great job on the grounds.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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