BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting July 1, 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:
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the minutes of June 17, 2013.
Robin Campbell asked to add under good & welfare, to add the Board wishes Claudia D’Agata well on her retirement.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No. 1 Abstain (Littell)
Selectman Littell moved to approve the minutes of June 24, 2013.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
No one
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:
*Performance Contracting – A final public hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 10th at 6pm at the library to discuss the proposed plan based on the meetings that were held with Siemens and the working group. The BOS will then decide whether or not to move forward with the project.
*Old Town Hall Renovations – still in the review process. We are still awaiting the authorization letter from the State regarding the EDI funding. We have been told it is because the State is in a reorganization process. Our consultant, Larry Wagner has offered to contact the State to expedite. We will not be able to use the funds until we get the letter. In the meantime, First Selectman Mailhos stated that we might as well begin the renovations with the STEAP funds to get the project moving.
*Fire Department Consolidation Consideration – A meeting will be held next Tuesday, July 9th at 6PM.
*Personnel Policy Review – First Selectman Mailhos continues to make edits to the policy.
* Solid Waste Advisory Commission – The Transfer Station Ordinance will be reviewed at the next BOS meeting. Once revisions have been made, it could be ready to bring to Town Meeting.
Public Works:
Lynn reported that the crews are working on grading as well as storm detail and drainage. Lynn added that the waterways are OK around town and stated that we are lucky that we did not get hit with the weather that Windsor got today.
New Business
A. 100th Birthday Proclamation – Esther Phelps
First Selectman Mailhos read and moved to adopt the following proclamation:
100th Anniversary of the Birth of Esther Mae Hansen Phelps
WHEREAS, Esther Mae Hansen Phelps was born on July 6, 1913 and has been a life-long resident of Willington and will celebrate her 100th birthday this year; and
WHEREAS, Esther Phelps attended Willington Schools and graduated from Hall Memorial School to become a teacher in the Towns of Sharon, Mansfield and Vernon as well as the one room original Center School in Willington; and
WHEREAS, Esther Phelps married her loving husband, Floyd on February 18, 1939 and they were blessed with three children, five grandchildren and nine great-grand children; and
WHEREAS, Esther Phelps and her husband, Floyd owned Willington’s popular “Phelps Market” for decades; and
WHEREAS, Esther Phelps served as Librarian for 10 years and Library Director for 12 years at the Hall Memorial School Library; and
WHEREAS, Esther Phelps has devoted her time taking care of her children and exemplified a love for her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Esther Phelps is joined by friends and family today to celebrate this exciting milestone in her life. She is commended for her dedication to the Willington Community; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Willington Board of Selectmen and residents in the Town of Willington proclaim July 6, 2013 to be Esther Phelps Day.
FURTHERMORE, I do hereby encourage all fellow residents, family and friends to pay tribute to Esther Phelps on her 100th birthday and wish her health and happiness in all her days to come.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the Town of Willington this 1st Day of July, 2013.
Selectmen Littell & Blessington seconded the motion
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
*Note: A special reception for Esther Phelps was held prior to the Board Meeting.
B. Appointment
First Selectman Mailhos stated we have received a letter of recommendation from the Conservation Commission to appoint Kathleen Pacholski to the Commission. Ms. Pacholski was in attendance and stated that she has an environmentalist background, a degree in economics as well as a minor in history. She worked for the State of CT Department of Environmental Protection for three years and now works in enforcement at the Department of Public Health. She spoke of how she loves everything to do with the environment. First Selectman Mailhos stated that it sounds she has a great background and will be a great fit for that Commission and thanked her for her willingness to serve on the Commission.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Kathleen Pacholski to the Conservation Commission, effective immediately; filling a vacancy; expiring December 1, 2016.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
C. Discussion – CT State Veterans Memorial
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we have received correspondence from the State. They are building a memorial which will be located in Minuteman Park in Hartford. They are looking for individuals and Municipalities to purchase engraved granite pavers to honor those who have served. The cost for a paver is $150 and First Selectman Mailhos stated she thought it would be a good idea for the Town to purchase one, but wanted to get permission from the Selectmen first. The walkway of pavers will run from the Legislative Office Building to the center of the memorial plaza. Selectman Littell stated it is a small token to honor our Veterans.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to purchase a paver for the Connecticut State Veterans memorial and authorize Selectman Blessington to determine the wording for the paver.
Selectman Littell seconded the motion
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
D. Discussion regarding “Zombie Run” application withdrawal
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we were all set to hold a public hearing for the application last Thursday, but a few hours before that, the event planners called the Land Use Department to withdraw their application. She clarified that we will never know how it would have worked out, because they did not go through with the public hearing; adding she does not believe it is fair to blame Town Officials (or the Board) that they backed out.
She clarified that a letter was sent to Project Sole and it had had thoughtful questions (rather than a “list of demands” as it was referred to in the press release) that were going to be brought up at the public hearing. She added we did due diligence as we are charged to do. We wanted to be sure the planners had a head’s up so the items could be addressed on or before the public hearing. The items/questions on the letter were in reference to safety of our residents, adding that it is the duty of the Selectmen to make sure if the race would be held, that it was done safely and with little disruption to the residents nearby as well as the Town in general. Lastly, she clarified that our Town resources are already limited; noting that we have a small public works crew, volunteer firefighters and EMT’s and we don’t even have a police officer.
Bob Wiecenski asked if all of the races in town will be banished now? First Selectman Mailhos clarified that it wasn’t the race that was a problem, it was the application for a special exception for a mass gathering which would have involved shutting part of Village Hill Road down for over 12 hours. Parking the involved cars in a field on Schofield Road (up to 3,000 cars) with a shuttle bus was also part of the plan. She added that it did not appear that event planners had a security plan in place and they already had close to 5,000 people registered and said they would go up to 7,500. As far as she knew, CT State police had not been notified. First Selectman Mailhos noted that it also did not appear that the event holders took nearby roads (Kucko, Lohse, Spak and Cemetery) into
consideration; as they most likely would have been affected during the event as well. During a recent meeting, Town officials had to think through the entire situation and had lots of concerns. She clarified to Mr. Wiecenski’s question that the race on the property wasn’t the issue; it was the amount of people in one area as well as the parking. She gave an example of the PTA 5K, which usually involves a little over one hundred people, adding that the PTA seeks permission and help from the CT State Police and works with the Fire Departments months prior to the event.
Selectman Blessington stated that Willington does hold large events; for example the Flea Market that is held every September is planned out six or eight months in advance. He added that this is the second year in a row that the same business has come up at the very last minute to get the thing to go through and he is not impressed by that. If he (the business owner) really wants to do these things, maybe the town should work with him and start setting up for any function he would like to run and plan in advance so it doesn’t look like he is trying to bulldoze the town into doing it. If it turns out it cannot be done at all, then we will know. Lastly, Selectman Blessington stated that he felt the Zombie race would have been a hoot and he thought that the Land Use Department would be willing to work with him. First Selectman Mailhos concurred that it would have been fun. She also clarified that the property owner did come in for a meeting sometime in the winter to begin the
preparations of the event. The meeting was held with the Zoning Agent, Building Inspector (because many of the obstacles needed to be constructed) Fire Marshall, Fire Chief and Sanatarian. The meeting went well, and the property owner was given information that he needed for his application but then he waited until the last minute to apply and most of the things that were discussed were not addressed in the application.
Old Business
A. Jared Sparks Radio Tower Site
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a letter from the tower property abutters. The letter states that they would grant permission to the Town to use their driveway to access the tower. The letter also warns that they strongly recommend that a structural analysis be done prior to the Town taking it over. They also warn it gets struck by lightning often and as far as they know, it is not in great condition. Selectman Littell reiterated that he is not in favor of taking over the tower. (He noted that he was not at the last meeting when it was discussed and voted on). He also referred to the email sent by WFD#1 Chief Millix a few weeks ago which states that Central Dispatch had looked into taking the tower over, but recommended that it might need to have some serious undertaking if radios were
going to be installed. Selectman Littell added this is not something to be entered into lightly and if we (the town) are not going to have a structural analysis done we should not take responsibility for it. Selectman Littell also noted that permission has already been granted for both departments to use the cell tower that is going up on Route 74. He then added that once again the two departments did not communicate on this. Selectman Littell said it sounds risky, even though it could be a free thing. He then suggested that First Selectman Mailhos contact the insurance company to see if it is easy enough to put on the Town’s liability insurance. He also added this should be brought up when meeting with the two Fire Chiefs on July 9th. Bob Shabot suggested contacting AT&T to see when the construction and funding is set for the proposed tower on Route 74, that way you would be able to put
the Jared Sparks tower into perspective as to whether or not it should be pursued.
B. Early Retirement Plan discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she and our Business Manager have been working to figure out a way to offer a voluntary retirement incentive to employees that would be mutually cost effective because of recent changes to the union contract. The bottom line is that it could end up costing us more, especially if new employees take family insurance plans; and that it is too much of a gamble that we cannot afford to take; especially with the insurance liability. She added that we could not come up with that attractive of an offer. She added that it was discussed at the last Board of Finance meeting where they warned if we are not able to show for sure that we can save money in the long run, then it is not a gamble worth taking. She added it was a good exercise to go through. Selectman Blessington stated that it
was worth looking into.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone of the public hearing next Wednesday, July 10th at the library where the Performance Contracting ideas will be presented. First Selectman Mailhos stated that the BOS will need to decide to move forward or not after the presentation.
First Selectman Mailhos thanked everyone who was involved in the Local Emergency Operations Plan. We have received a letter that the Town of Willington has been found satisfactory and in compliance with State Statute.
Selectman Littell stated that the Common Historic District signs look good along Route 74.
Bob Wiecenski stated that the Public Works crews did a nice job cleaning up trees along Adamec Road after the horrible storm that came through last week. He added that he just got his phone turned back on today.
Robin Campbell reminded everyone that the Town Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the upcoming Independence Day and Selectmen’s Day holidays.
First Selectman Mailhos wished everyone a happy, healthy and safe Fourth of July.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to go into Executive Session – for a Personnel Matter (Grievance)
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Littell & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to invite Lynn Nicholls, Maureen Gantick & Jeff Hansen into Executive Session.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Selectman Littell moved to come out of executive session at 8:26 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Vote:
Selectman Littell moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Vote:
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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