BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting December 1, 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 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen Kowalyshyn & Blessington and residents. First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to approve the minutes of November 17, 2014 with the following edit:
Page 3 – Tax refunds should read Wadee M. Amin (not Admin).
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Ed Taiman and Mike Pinatti of the Willington Recreation Commission were present. Mr. Taiman stated that they would like to request the Board of Selectmen to call a Town Meeting to appropriate the funds for an irrigation system and snack shed for the River Road Athletic Complex. He noted that this item was approved in last year’s CIP and they are ready to move forward and would be happy to answer any questions the Selectmen have.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item F on the agenda under new business; titled “Parks & Recreation Commission request for Town Meeting Appropriation.”
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to add item G to the agenda under new business titled “Employee of the Season Program.”
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:
* Senior Housing Phase III – Senior Housing Cottages – The Housing Authority is close to finishing the infrastructure stage of this project. The contractors are working on drainage for the site. When the infrastructure is done, the Housing Authority is hopeful to get the foundations poured in the spring.
*Polster Bridge – The welding of the bridge is almost done and the entire project is near completion. It should be paved on Friday or next Monday and should be open sometime next week.
*Turnpike Road; Phase 3 – The Town Engineer is slated to present the plans to the IWWC next Monday, December 8th. In the meantime, we have applied for another round of STEAP funding.
*Land purchase on Hancock Road – The closing should be held soon.
*MS4 Permit changes – The Public Hearing will be held December 17th. First Selectman Mailhos continues to prepare testimony for the hearing. Selectman Blessington stated that he heard DEEP has made changes to the proposal, but are not disclosing them until after the hearing. He asked if once they publicize the changes, will that need another petition for another public hearing? He added that the rough estimates show it will cost us approximately $1.3 million the first year (which would cover purchasing various equipment) and then an additional $280,000 each year, the following years. This would require us to sweep our roads twice per year, catch basins would be cleaned twice and leaves would also be picked up along the roads as well. (to name a few). Selectman Blessington added he
feels the leaf collection (for example) is not necessary (especially in areas where woods line the roads. He suggested getting the word out to the residents to inform them that this might increase our taxes. First Selectman Mailhos added that the DEEP has also not given us any reasons why we need to do this, as we have not polluted any water.
*Economic Development Commission Study – The EDC has prepared an RFP and will be presented to the BOS for consideration for the next regular meeting.
*Possible new Ordinance – Forestry- First Selectman Mailhos needs to continue to talk with the Land Use Department to get background information on this. Selectman Blessington stated that he has given this some thought and is not in favor of this.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following:
- Grading of gravel roads
- Winter sand deliveries to seniors
- Vehicle & Equipment maintenance
- Emergency tree removal on Marsh Road
Sign installation
Clean garage, install shelving to organize the shop
The first snow of the season fell on Wednesday into early Thursday morning. The storm was a mixed bag of rain, sleet and snow and continued to change back and forth until around 10:00 pm. The snow that accumulated was a heavy wet snow, some mailboxes didn't make it through the storm and reminded residents to make sure mailboxes are secure and that the Public Works Department will only replace mailboxes that are actually hit by the plow and not snow load. Derek would like to give a big thank you to the crew that worked into the morning hours of Thanksgiving. He added “keep up the GREAT JOB!”
New Business
- Create a panel for the Vibrant Communities Initiative Grant
First Selectman Mailhos stated that a panel should be created to work with the grant we are expected to receive. The grant will cover the expense to perform a study for a Historic District in South Willington. Dick Symonds, who is part of the Friends of the Millworks group, was present. Mr. Symonds prepared the grant application and is most familiar with the project. He stated that the purpose of the grant is to study the South Willington area to look at the historic resources as well as the economic and cultural resources. The committee will review the process/ interview the consultants and give feedback to the Town. He added that the panel should be made up of stake holders -business owners and residents in the area as well as those involved in the Historic District, Conservation Commission
and perhaps someone on the Planning & Zoning Commission as well as an elected official (such as a Selectman). He also suggested that he would be happy to sit on the panel as well, but is not a resident. The reason for the study is designed to look at the opportunities to enhance and preserve South Willington.
Robert Shabot stated that the Plan of Conservation and Development had mentioned zoning the South Willington area as historic several years ago. The idea was to see what opportunities were for the area. In properly zoning that area, would give the town a comprehensive list of historical buildings and give the residents an opportunity to list their houses on the National and State Register of Historic Places. In having the house registered, might give the property owner access to grant money to help preserve their homes. Even if nothing comes on the historic end of it, the Town will end up with a list of what is possible in that area. Selectman Blessington asked if the grant money is available for the houses along the Historic District on Route 74 and if anyone has ever applied? Mr. Shabot
stated that the houses in that district are listed on both the National and State Register and are eligible. The problem is that the grant process is either a matching grant or a 50%, of which the homeowner must come up with the money first and then apply for reimbursement. The other issue is that Historic District has not been active to inform the residents of what is available. The residents are not familiar with the process, so they do not pursue it.
The deliverable would offer several action items that the Town would be able to pick and choose from.
First Selectman Mailhos suggested that the panel should have seven seats, based on Mr. Symonds suggestion of having some of the stake holders (either business owners or residents in that area), the Historian, and someone from the Conservation Commission as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission on the panel as well. Robin Campbell has reached out via email to the Historian, Conservation Commission & P&Z Chairmen but has not heard back from them yet.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to create a Vibrant Communities Initiative Panel with seven members. The charge of the committee would review the applications, participate in the public review process of the consultant and work between the consultant and the town. The term of the appointment will remain in effect until the Grant has been exhausted, unless the individual has resigned before such time.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Tom Kelly as a regular member of the Solid Waste Advisory Commission; effective December 1, 2014; expiring December 1, 2016.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Mr. Kelly attended the last SWAC meeting and seemed like he will be a good fit on that Commission.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Mark Makuch as a regular member of the Capital Improvement Program Committee; effective December 1, 2014; expiring December 1, 2016 (filling a two year vacancy Bulick)
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that the CIP Committee is now full and thanked Mr. Makuch for coming forward to serve on this board.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Robert Shabot as a member of the Vibrant Communities Initiative panel; effective December 1, 2014, expiring once the VCI Grant has been exhausted.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Discussion was held on whether or not Mr. Symonds could be appointed on the VCI panel, as he is not a resident. Selectman Blessington stated that he does not know why we can’t appoint him. Is this panel is part of a State Statute? Mr. Symonds replied that it is part of a trust grant and the panel represents the Town process which will make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to appoint Dick Symonds as a member of the Vibrant Communities Initiative panel; effective December 1, 2014, expiring once the VCI Grant has been exhausted.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Approve Town of Willington 2015 Holiday Schedule
First Selectman Mailhos presented the 2015 holidays. She added that Selectmen’s day will also need to be added to the list. The Town employees voted on which day they would like to have as that holiday and the date to receive the most votes was July 2, 2015. *The holiday list is attached to the minutes.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the 2015 Holiday Schedule as submitted with the addition of Selectmen’s day being July 2, 2015.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Approve BOS 2015 meeting calendar
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to approve the 2015 meeting calendar as presented.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
*The meeting schedule is attached to the minutes.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $48.77 to DL Peterson Trust, Sparks, MD for an excess payment.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Parks & Recreation request of Town Meeting appropriation
Mr. Taiman asked the Board if they had any questions regarding the request. First Selectman Mailhos asked the Commission members if they have a map of where the snack shed would be located at the athletic complex and noted it would be helpful at the Town Meeting. Mr. Taiman stated that they do not have a map, but rather a brochure of the sheds that they are looking at. He added by having the shed, the little league would be able to generate revenue, which he feels is extremely important. Generating income would be able to go back into the program.
The shed they are looking at would have a large concession window and would house a pump. Mr. Taiman added that the place they would be getting the shed from would come at a large discount (in trade for some legal work that Mr. Taiman has done for the company). It is pre-made and will come from Pennsylvania – under $5,000. Mr. Pinatti clarified that they did check with a few other places and the costs were still more than where they would like to get it from. The additional funding would cover the cost to install a line from the well and a water pump (to bring water to the building).
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Recreation Commission has had this project in the long term plan for years and believes this is one of the last items to be done down there. Mr. Taiman corrected her and stated they would like to keep going with whatever the Town has a need for. The original plan called for bathrooms, but that is a much larger expense at a much later time.
Selectman Blessington cautioned that the Selectmen usually warn a call of a town meeting on an agenda. First Selectman Mailhos agreed and added that we would need to have the date of the Town Meeting set. She then added that as of right now, we do not have anything else that warrants a Town Meeting, and perhaps we could hold off until February or so. Mr. Taiman stated that the Parks & Recreation Commission was thinking of moving forward in the spring, so a February Town Meeting would be fine with them. Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested the Parks & Recreation Commission hold a presentation at that meeting.
- Employee of the Season Program
Selectman Kowalyshyn presented a plaque that will be put on the wall somewhere in the Town Office Building. Town Employees and elected officials (with the exception of the Selectmen) will be eligible to participate in the program.
Employees will nominate fellow employees to be the “Employee of the Season.” The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding full-time and part-time paid staff.
Staff members who demonstrate the following would be eligible for nominations:
- positive attitudes towards work responsibilities, co-workers and residents and serve as role models;
- commitment to quality in carrying out job responsibilities and is an asset to the Town;
- a willingness to exercise servant-leadership, take initiative, and accept and carry out additional responsibilities beyond regular job assignments for the good of the Town.
An email would be sent out the second week of the month of each season (December, March, June & September of the prior season) asking each paid staff member to nominate one fellow employee who they believe meets the criteria.
The employee that receives the most nominations will be picked as the “Employee of the Season” and would have their picture taken and receive a parking spot of their choice for that season.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated she feels it is a good morale booster for the employees. Selectman Blessington agreed and said it works in other places.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos thanked Selectman Kowalyshyn for putting the Employee of the Season program together.
Selectman Blessington noted that the Board of Finance minutes were not posted until 10 days after the meeting. He reminded everyone that the BOS had discussed this issue with the BOF before and thought we agreed that the issue was going to be resolved. He cautioned that they must comply with FOI laws. The Selectmen asked Mr. Patton (who was in attendance) to relay a message to the BOF at their next meeting.
Selectman Kowalyshyn reminded everyone of the tree lighting event on the Town Green on Friday, December 5th beginning at 7 PM. The Hall School Select Chorus will lead in some carol singing and the tree will be lit. Everyone is then invited to the Daniel Glazier Tavern for light refreshments.
First Selectman Mailhos noted the Federated Church and Nursery Co-Op will hold their annual Christmas Bazaars (along Route 74) on Saturday beginning at 9AM. The Library will also have a craft fair.
The Willington Public Library will hold their annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 13th.
Robin Campbell thanked the HMS Student Council for holding the “Cause for the Paws” event on November 22nd at the Old Town Hall. Paul Nash took pictures of pets (some with owners) and also held a raffle. The Student Council was able to raise over $350 which will be donated to Keyway’s Cause.
The annual holiday open house for Board Members and Town employees will be held on December 10th at the Hilltop Restaurant and Bar from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Attachments (on file w/Town Clerk): Town of Willington 2015 Holiday Schedule
Board of Selectmen 2015 Meeting Calendar
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