BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015
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 regular meeting minutes of February 18, 2015 with the following edit: page 4 (good & welfare – tree warden discussion) 4th sentence should read: First Selectman Mailhos clarified we should have one in town.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
No one was present to speak.
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:
*Turnpike Road – Phase 3 / 4 – The plans are on the IWWC agenda for their next meeting, which is slated for March 9th.
*Needs Assessment at TOB – the Engineer has sent us the structural report for the meeting areas in the building. The Selectmen will discuss once they have had time to review.
*MS-4 Permit Changes – First Selectman Mailhos continues to meet with the various departments on a bi-weekly basis. They will discuss the changes that are being presented as well as the obstacles the smaller towns face. Selectman Blessington stated that we should be able to appeal for re-designation. He would like to have the Attorney look into options.
*Economic Development Study – The EDC will meet tomorrow night to choose a vendor. They will then present their recommendation to the Selectmen at the next regular meeting.
*Fire Fighter Tax abatement – First Selectman Mailhos stated that we still need clarification regarding the qualifications about responding to calls. She added that the members from Willington Fire Department #1 have chosen not to participate in the abatement. Selectman Blessington stated that the Ordinance passed through town meeting, and is now considered a law, he is not sure it is possible they can choose not to participate. He added that it is too bad that they voted for it to have it pass.
*Tree Removal on Michalec Road – The trees will be ready to cut down as soon as the snow melts.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following tasks:
- Plow and sand roads
- Vehicle, equipment repair
- Move snow in Municipal lots
- Widen roads with holder/snow-blower
- Sight line snow removal
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the crews have also been chipping away at widening the roads on an almost daily basis with the loader, backhoe and holder/snow-blower. She added that it has snowed almost every weekend; and the snow budget is being watched closely and she updates the BOF on a bi-weekly basis.
New Business
First Selectman Mailhos read the following Proclamation:
Girl Scout Day Proclamation
A Proclamation Celebrating 103 years of Girl Scouting
WHEREAS, March 12, 2015, marks the 103rd 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 more than 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 Experience 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 Leadership Experience to more than 38,000 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 environmental stewardship, anti-bullying techniques, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), 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 2.8 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 more than 100 years of leadership and expertise as the voice for and of girls, proudly proclaim March 12, 2015, as Girl Scout Day.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that we have approximately 80 Girl Scouts in Town and they are very active. She added that Willington also has several Boy Scouts as well. The Scouts are looking for community service project ideas to help out around Town. First Selectman Mailhos suggested having a forum in the near future for all of the organizations who need help or have ideas that would make improvements around town so those people can meet the scouts and their leaders. She noted in addition to the scouts, who are looking for silver/bronze awards, or an Eagle court of honor, there are also several E.O. Smith seniors who are looking to do community service for their senior project.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee report/presentation
Members from the Compensated Elected Officials Salary Study Committee were present. Donna Latincsics presented the final report to the Selectmen, as submitted by the Committee. In addition to the report, a separate appendix was issued which is support to page 10 in the document (Town of Willington employee cost worksheet).
Mark Palmer stated that the Committee compiled data and looked at other towns compensation comparable to Willington on a number of criteria, such as population, area, miles and tax list. They found that we are pretty average, noting that the First Selectman in other towns are also comparable. AnnMarie Poole added that this Committee began meeting at the end of August and compiled the data until the end of January. She added during that time, the Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Voboril passed away unexpectedly, but the Committee decided to keep him on as Chairman. Ms. Poole noted that the Committee was done with the conclusions before he had passed away and felt he should be included.
Sarah Smith stated that they felt the charge was to review the stipends and the benefits provided to specific compensated elected officials.
The report reflects data for the following: Board of Selectmen; Town Clerk, Treasurer, Registrar of Voters and the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Selectman Kowalyshyn asked the Committee members if they checked the comparison within the town? For example, the First Selectman’s salary is less than the Town Clerks. Mr. Palmer clarified for many years the First Selectman’s position has always been thought of as a part time position, and at the current salary, is pretty good for part time. He then added that the Selectmen didn’t take pay increases for 7 years, and that also affects the current salary. He then stated that the Board can decide to increase the salary if they so choose. AnnMarie Poole added that the Committee did not feel it was in their realm to decide what the salary should be. She added that they also looked at the flexibility of the positions, noting that the Town Clerk is required to have certifications and report to
the Secretary of State and those requirements do not exist for the other elected officials. Because there are no job descriptions for these positions, it was difficult to compile the information, and relay it into the report.
Mr. Palmer stated that without a Town Clerk, you don’t have a town; noting that the Town Clerk’s position is fairly important; it is not one you want to go after. Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that the First Selectman is also important.
AnnMarie Poole added that benefits were not discussed, and this is based on the Employee personnel policy, which offers benefits to elected officials, but they would have to pay 100% of the cost (except the Town Clerk, who does receive benefits). She added that they were not able to obtain any benefit information from other towns.
Discussion was held on hiring a Town Manager, and if it would be feasible to hire one. Selectman Blessington warned we might have to go to a Town Charter if we did that.
Selectman Blessington noted on the salaries page, the Selectmen and the Registrars salaries are listed as the totals; where they should be split in half between the two. The Board of Assessment Appeals should be split in three. He then added that the current secretary of State is suggesting a single appointed Registrar in each town. Mr. Palmer clarified that the Registrars’ duties are defined, and could be done by one person. Selectman Blessington disagreed, and stated that it could turn into a mess if that happens, adding that we have always have the best Registrars in this town. We have never had any question of partisanship, which you see often in the bigger cities.
The Selectmen thanked the Committee for the report. Sarah Smith stated that Mr. Voboril was a pleasure to work with on this Committee. The Committee thanked Donna Latincsics for putting the report together. AnnMarie Poole stated that this Committee recommends that the Board of Finance set up a sub committee to review compensation prior to the beginning of the next term for each elected official. She added that will give the Board of Finance a place to start looking at the data.
Mr. Palmer added it ends up what the current Board of Selectmen feel should be done and use the Board of Finance to work out how it is going to happen. If you are looking at a drastic change in the salary, it should probably go before Town Meeting.
Selectman Blessington asked to have this item added to the next agenda under Old Business, once they have a chance to read it.
The Selectman thanked the Committee for their work on the report.
- Permanent building Committee Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that this came up at one of the recent CIP meetings. Stuart Cobb mentioned that one of his family members was involved in a Permanent Building Committee in another town. The purpose is that it’s a standard committee that meets to review any building plans that come up. This would alleviate having to form different sub-committees and would most likely they would meet infrequently. For example, at the CIP meetings, the members are there to figure out how to fund the projects; not to evaluate whether it should be done or not. First Selectman Mailhos noted that she received an email from Ralph Tulis, who would be interested to serve on the committee. Selectman Blessington stated that we could also have contractors on the committee but warned that he is worried it could
end up being an interest group with an interest of pushing several new buildings. First Selectman Mailhos gave an example of the salt shed or the Daleville School Bridge that are in the CIP (out years) plan, this particular Committee would oversee those type of projects from beginning to end. Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that we may benefit if we talk to Ralph and ask Stuart to discuss further.
Selectman Kowalyshyn asked about the sidewalk project, as it appears in the plan. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that engineering is slated in next years plan to assess the area. The following years have money earmarked for replacement/ repairs, however the funding source is unknown (which could possibly come from grant money). The other question was regarding the Old Town Hall; which is earmarked for $100,000. Kelly Trueb, Chairman of the CIP Committee was present. She stated the funding is to cover exterior painting/repairs and whatever funding left over would cover the costs for the needed interior projects.
Ms. Trueb added that the highlight of the out-years is to bond larger projects (and bundle them together) so we can afford them. First Selectman Mailhos added that this is a realistic plan, and the out years are not set in stone as they are tweaked every year. Ms. Trueb added that the plan is set at a 2% increase.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to accept the CIP five year plan as presented.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
The Selectmen thanked Kelly and the Committee for their work this year. Kelly stated that the Committee was a pleasure to work with. She added that the Committee decided to resume the field trips throughout town, beginning in the late spring/early summer (or at least after the snow melts).
Barry Wallett – Capital Improvement Program Committee
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Barry Wallett as a regular member of the CIP Committee; effective December 1, 2014, expiring December 1, 2017.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos congratulated Ben Hipsky, who received his Eagle Scout Award. There were many alumni present at his ceremony as well as several Eagle prospects, who will be looking to complete projects in the near future. Ben was in charge of beautifying the Moose Meadow Cemetery. As part of the project, he had to raise funds, deploy workers to help out with the project.
First Selectman Mailhos noted there was a big fire last night on Tolland Turnpike, where the Grimason family lost 2 barns in the blaze. Unfortunately, they lost some chickens, but thankfully, the cattle and sheep were not hurt. Several Towns responded to the blaze. Kelly Trueb stated that some people brought them some feed for the animals, but they are still in need of hay and more feed.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Joe Green Memorial Easter Egg hunt is coming up on April 4th. Kelly Trueb added that it is the 50 year anniversary, and family members of Joe Green are expected to be in attendance.
The Willington Day planning committee will meet on Monday, March 9th. New members are welcome and encouraged to bring ideas for the event. If anyone is interested, you can show up at the meeting, which begins at 6 PM in the Town Office Building (lower level); or call the Selectmen’s Office at 860-487-3100 for more information.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 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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