BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting July 7, 2014
Lower Level Conference Room 6:30 P.M.
*Minutes are not official until approved at the next regular meeting
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 6:34 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen Kowalyshyn & Blessington and residents. First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of June 16, 2014 with the following edits:
Good & Welfare: last paragraph should read: Robert Shabot announced that the Historical Society will be painting the Daniel Glazier Tavern soon.
The last sentence under Old Town Hall Update in the June 16, 2014 meeting minutes reads, “Selectman Blessington suggested that we should question why we always have to take the most expensive way out each time.”
It should be changed to read: It arose out of discussion of why the Architect and the Town Engineer, who were both paid well to presumably know the codes, missed noting that the emergency lighting was not up to code and had to be corrected by the Building Inspector. Of course, this correction cost a considerable amount of money.
The First Selectman pointed out that codes are subject to interpretation. Selectman Blessington declined to argue that he has always been informed that codes are very specific by Building Officials, Architects and Engineers. However, if interpretation is allowed, he wondered why the Building Official always required the customer pay for the most expensive option.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote 3 Yes (Mailhos Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Gisela Broderick, President of the Friends of the Millworks group stated that they are a non-profit 1C3 group under the Windham Arts Commission, which was formed in September of 2013. The Friends group is made up of six members and their mission is to support the efforts of the Millworks and to provide community outreach. They have been successful so far by holding open house events, such as the “First Sundays” events, which bring people from all over to Willington. Ms. Broderick added that they have recently been approached by Hall Memorial School to collaborate with curriculum development. Within the building there is museum dedicated to Gardiner Hall Jr. Ms. Broderick stated that they recently publicized a request for artifacts to display in the museum and they were pleased with the
donations they have received. They will pursue grants to be able to continue the open house sessions at the mill in the future.
Dick Symonds, member of the Board of Directors - Friends of the Millworks was also present. He stated that once the group was formed, they were successful at putting the mill on the National Register of Historic Places. As a result, they have been informed that they are prime candidates for a $50,000 grant to do a study for historical cultural resources of the mill area. Unfortunately, the due date for the submittal is next Tuesday, July 15th and the application must be submitted by the Town, but the Friends are willing to do the leg work to get the grant submitted. He then asked if the Town would support the application.
Selectman Blessington stated that $50,000 is a lot of consulting.
Willington Historian, Joe Froehlich stated that he looked at the grant and his only concern would be that the grant should be more inclusive to the entire Hall Complex in the South Willington area instead of focusing solely on the Millworks building.
Robert Shabot, President of the Willington Historical Society suggested not limiting the photos to just the Millworks properties; and more photos should be added to show the streets, housing in the area, the former dairy barn (which now houses businesses) and the Hall mansion as well as the 2 story barn across the street. When presenting the application, they should show more of the resources in the Town, especially since the Town will be signing off on this.
Mr. Symonds agreed and stated that they can be broader in the scope in the application.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to add the Grant Application for Vibrant Communities Initiatives under new business.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
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:
- Old Town Hall Renovations – The Board of Finance has approved the funding for the change order and the project continues to move along. The ramp will be built soon as well as the basement floor, which will be this week.
- Polster Road Bridge – The Town Engineer presented the plans to Planning & Zoning for 8-24 review. The plans will go to IWWC on Monday, July 14th and then to Board of Finance on July 17th and finally to a Town Meeting, which is slated for August 5th.
- Sidewalk – Route 32 – The Sidewalk Committee held it’s first meeting last week. The Committee will send out a letter seeking support from Senator Guglielmo and Representative Belsito. Next meeting will be held on August 11th.
- Personnel Policy – The new policy was presented at a staff meeting last week. There are a few minor issues that need to be worked out with the union.
Public Works:
Public Works’ Director Derek Dimmock was present. He stated that the crews have been performing the following tasks:
They finished the drainage area with pavement at Public Works and have been shimming roads in preparations for chip sealing. This year the crews are shimming the roads themselves rather than contracting it out and it is saving the Town money. Chip sealing will begin on August 11th.
- Award Winter Road Sand contract
We received three bids:
DeSiato Sand & Gravel Corp: $16.50 per ton delivered
Becker Construction: $12.50 per ton delivered
Herb Holden Trucking, Inc: $12.15 per ton delivered
The award of the contract will be tabled until the next meeting.
- Award Truck Rental for Chip Sealing
We received five bids:
Company |
Total number of trucks |
Hourly Rate |
Knight & Sons Construction Inc. |
Up to 6 |
$85.00 per hour |
Sadow Excavation Inc.
|
2 |
$90.00 per hour |
Allyndale Corp.
|
3 |
$82.50 per hour |
B.Allyn Trucking
|
2 |
$82.50 per hour |
New England Asphalt / Empire Paving |
2 |
$82.50 per hour |
Discussion was held. Three companies came in at the same price. Derek stated that he will need three trucks for the project.
Selectman Blessington moved to award the Truck Rental for Chip Sealing contract to Allyndale Corp. as per their bid of $82.50 per hour for a total of three trucks. First Selectman Mailhos noted that there is a note attached that states B.Allyn Trucking works in conjunction with Allyndale Corp’s trucks on chip sealing jobs.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Transfer Station fee increase for items proposal
Mr. Dimmock stated that the prices at the Transfer Station have been in place since 1998. He added that our vendor has increased their prices; therefore, we will need to offset the costs.
He is proposing the following charge increases:
Item |
Current fee |
2014 vendor increased price |
2014 proposed fee |
Passenger tires |
$1.00 each |
$1.00 |
$2.00 |
Truck tires |
$3.00 each |
$8.00 |
$10.00 |
Backhoe tires |
$35.00 |
$30.00 |
$35.00 |
Loader tires bias ply |
$35.00 |
$75.00 |
$80.00 |
Loader tires radial |
$35.00 |
$150.00 |
$160.00 |
Mattresses |
Free |
Included in bulky fee |
$10.00 |
Couches and/or recliners |
Free |
Included in bulky fee |
$10.00 |
Business permits |
$120.00 |
N/A |
$200.00 |
He is also suggesting adding a fee for Mattresses, couches and recliner chairs at $10 each. He explained that these items take up a lot of room in the dumpsters, but they do not weigh that much – we still have to pay to haul it out.
Business permits were also discussed, and Mr. Dimmock is proposing raising the fee from $120 to $300 per vehicle.
Selectman Blessington stated that he is not keen on charging residents who throw out mattresses each time they purchase a new one. Mr. Dimmock clarified that most companies will offer free mattress removal.
Selectman Blessington said he is not in favor of making our residents pay extra when tossing out mattresses, but could go along with this. He then added since we have to go to Town Meeting, perhaps we should go higher on the tire price (to $5.00) so we do not have to do this again next year.
Selectman Blessington suggested having Mr. Dimmock draft the increases for the next meeting, and will add them to the call of the Town Meeting.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that the business fee might be too much, and suggested bringing it down to $220. Mr. Dimmock clarified that it is an operational expense, and is considered as a write-off. He added that businesses add to the majority of the bulky waste. He added that the tonnage of bulky waste goes up every year; noting that we have almost doubled our bulky waste from last year. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that she just saw these numbers this morning and they are going to research it to see why the numbers are so different as we have had staff changes at Public Works and in Accounting.
D. Discussion – Public Works’ truck
First Selectman Mailhos stated that CIP has approved a new truck that is in the rotation of being replaced. It was included in CIP as a lease payment of $20,000 per year for 7 years.
Mr. Dimmock stated he is proposing a Freightliner 114SD with a gross vehicle weight rating of 46,000 lbs at a cost of $161,000 which is slightly more expensive per month than the 37,000 lb. International brand that we currently use and was earmarked for replacement at at cost of $153,000. He clarified that we have had to replace the leaf springs in the International 6 times since 2006. Going with a heavier truck should avoid having to spend money on maintenance or repairs over a 7 year span. He added that the truck is fully equipped with a Henke model 11EXP4056 heavy duty high discharge
power angle plow, full season body and a pre-wet system. He feels that the useful life of the new truck will be 20+ years.
First Selectman Mailhos added that the Town of Ashford recently just purchased the same type of truck. She will have Donna prepare the bid for the leasing options. Donna is basing the lease off of a 7 year term at 2.75%. The lease payments will be $25,000, which is more than budgeted, however Derek will hold off on a new backhoe to offset the difference in cost. Lastly, she stated that this will be discussed as a public hearing item at the Town Meeting on August 5th.
New Business
- Create a Committee: “Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee”
First Selectman Mailhos moved to create a Committee called the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee. The Committee will have five members to review the stipends and benefits for all elected positions and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen and ultimately Town Meeting.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Appointments - Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Annmarie Poole, former Treasurer of the Town of Willington; to the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee; effective July 7, 2014, and will expire once the Committee has made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
AnnMarie Poole was present. She stated she received an email asking if she would be interested in serving on the committee. She added that she served as Treasurer for 2 ½ years and feels that she could offer valuable input to this Committee. She also stated that she is aware of the other elected positions in Town and she currently serves as an alternate on the Board of Finance. The Selectmen agreed that she would be valuable on this Committee.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Mark Palmer, former Selectman of the Town of Willington to the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee; effective July 7, 2014, and will expire once the Committee has made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Mark Palmer was present. He too, received the email asking if he would be interested in serving. He has done some research on the issue. He added this is an area he has been interested in.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Fist Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Sarah Smith, retired teacher, and resident.(member at large) to the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee, effective July 7, 2014, and will expire once the Committee has made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Ms. Smith was not present, however Mr. Palmer stated he has spoken with her and she is interested in becoming more involved in Town issues.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Donna Latincsics, Business Manager to the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee, effective July 7, 2014, and will expire once the Committee has made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that it will be good to have Donna on this Committee as she is aware of how the system works with elected officials as well as employees. She also is a former Treasurer.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington stated that he tried to contact three former Registrar of Voters, but they had declined. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she received a note that Joe Voboril had stopped in the office today to inquire about the Committee and stated he would be interested in serving as well. She noted that he is a former Selectman.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Joe Voboril to the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee, effective July 7, 2014, and will expire once the Committee has made a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she will have Donna contact everyone to get the first meeting started.
- Grant Application for Vibrant Communities Initiatives
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to authorize the First Selectman to sign off on the grant application.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that this is just for the first step to sign off on the application. Selectman Blessington suggested that they should add the entire village to the scope.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she received a press release from Willington Hill Fire Department, who recently held a Recognition Award ceremony. Richard Claus Jr was presented with a legislative citation and recognition award by Senator Tony Guglielmo and State Representative Sam Belsito for 45 years of service.
Life-saving awards went to Harold “Mike” Oehler in recognition of his efforts in aiding a cardiac arrest patient in Eastford on January 1, 2014 and to Becky Sinoski & Kelly Trueb in recognition of their efforts in aiding an auto accident patient in Hebron on March 14, 2014.
5-Year awards went to Richard Peterson, Erik Peterson, Austin Kozicki & Jacob Knight. Mike Burns received a 15- year award.
The top three responders were 1) Scott Trueb, 2) Gerry Chartier and 3) Austin Kozicki.
Also recognized were Kailey Wilson and Nick Taylor graduates from E.O. Smith High School.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she received an email prior to the meeting from WHFD Chief Snyder inquiring the status of the tax abatement request. First Selectman Mailhos responded to the email that she thought the Fire Department was supposed to go to the Board of Finance to seek support. Selectman Blessington clarified that there should have been no misunderstanding – they were told to go to the BOF and did not – the ball was back in their court.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the August 5th Town Meeting is shaping up. Items for discussion will be: Polster Road Bridge, fees for the Transfer Station, STEAP appropriation for Turnpike Road and the Assessor is going to try to update our Veteran’s Exemption Ordinance, which is outdated. Also for discussion will be a public hearing for the PW truck. Lastly, if the Firefighters go to Board of Finance, that will be added to the agenda as well.
Kelly Trueb announced that the CERT Team has 2 new graduates: Haydee Wojtina and Mary Kozicki – Congratulations!
Executive Session – Possible Land Acquision
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to go into Executive Session for a possible land acquisition at 8:02 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to invite Derek Dimmock into Executive Session to discuss a possible land acquisition.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to come out of Executive Session at 8:15 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to authorize the First Selectman to accept the offer (or negotiate a lesser price) concerning the proposed purchase of the real property that was the subject of the property, subject to the authorization of appropriations for the purchase of such property.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
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