BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes June 1, 2015
Hall Memorial School Gymnasium 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, residents and the news media. First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance. She then stated that this is a highly unusual attendance for a regular meeting. She then stated that present to speak for anyone speaking about the Proposed State Police Firearms Training Facility, would be moved under item 8B (Old Business).
Copies of the agenda were passed out to residents.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to approve the minutes of May 18, 2015 with the following edit;
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
This item was moved to Old Business. No one else was present to speak for other issues.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos noted that the items on the status report would be covered on at the Town Meeting.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following;
- Street sweeping (the sweeper broke down last week, but is expected to be back up and running later this week).
Dig out drainage ditches
- Vehicle/ equipment maintenance
- Replace missing street signs
- Roadside mowing
- Burn brush pile at Transfer Station
- Clean off catch basins check condition of basins
- Replace broken wooden guide post in various locations
Derek noted that this year’s catch basin cleaning began last week and is expected to take a month or so weather permitting.
New Business
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Sheila Courchesne as a member at large to the Youth Service Advisory Board effective June 1, 2015; expiring May 31, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Peter Tanaka as a member representing a Police Department to the Youth Service Advisory Board, effective June 1, 2015, expiring May 31, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Daniel Pierce as a non-voting member under the age of 21 to the Youth Service Advisory Board, effective June 1, 2015, expiring May 31, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint David Harding as a member representing the Willington School system to the Youth Service Advisory Board, effective June 1, 2015, expiring May 31, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Brittany Jensen as a member representing the private youth service agency (library) to the Youth Service Advisory Board, effective June 1, 2015, expiring May 31, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Ginger Halle as a service consumer representative to the Youth Service Advisory Board, effective June 1, 2015, expiring May 31, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Kate Standish as a member at large to the Youth Service Advisory Board, effective June 1, 2015, expiring May 31, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington stated that this is a new board and he is hopeful that it will be a good thing for the Town. He added that he was hopeful that the Board could meet the new members of the Board. Peter Tanaka, David Harding and Kate Standish were not in attendance, however the others were. Daniel Pierce, Sheila Courchesne, Brittany Jensen and Ginger Halle were present and stood. All three Selectmen thanked them for volunteering their time to serve on this board. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she is excited for them to get started.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $168.61 to Vault Trust; Louisville, KY for a sold vehicle.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
We received two bids:
High Grade Gas Service :
.9984 per gallon; Labor rate: $90/per hour; Labor after hours/holidays: $180 per hour; Trip charge: $50 on service only
Superior Energy:
.939 per gallon; Labor rate: $89 per hour; Labor after hours/holidays: $139 per hour; Trip charge $0
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to award the propane bid for the fiscal year 2015-2016 to Superior Energy, LLC as per their bid.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to call the town meeting:
TOWN OF WILLINGTON
NOTICE AND WARNING
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
The electors of the Town of Willington and all persons who are entitled to vote in Town Meeting on the matters mentioned in the following warning are hereby warned and notified to meet in Town Meeting at the Willington Old Town Hall; 11 Common Road, Willington, at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 for the following purpose:
ITEM I
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $10,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of replacing two sections of the HMS library roof.
ITEM II
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $30,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of replacing the roof on the newer section of the Town Office Building and replacing the gutter system on the entire back of the building.
ITEM III
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $15,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of engineering work on Village Hill for drainage from north of Pinecrest Road to the Bridge.
ITEM IV
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $20,000 from the Capital Projects Fund – LoCIP-PW Garage Improvements for the purpose of window and door replacement to be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program.
ITEM V
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $42,500 from the Capital Projects Fund – LoCIP – Old Town Hall Painting and Repairs for the purpose of exterior painting and exterior repairs to the Old Town Hall to be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program.
ITEM VI
To see if the townspeople will adopt an Ordinance to exempt tax for personal property leased to the Town of Willington.
Dated at Willington,
This 1st day of June, 2015
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Old Business
- Recording Secretary Discussion
This item will be tabled until the next meeting.
- Proposed State Police Firearms Training Facility Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos asked residents to sign up to speak and they would be called in the order. She then stated that speakers would be given a 3 minute limit to allow time for everyone to speak as well as the Selectmen to conduct business. She added that Senator Guglielmo was also in-route and would be speaking to the residents about the situation upon his arrival.
Present to speak:
Phil Monty spoke in favor of the project. It will bring business to our town and add to the community. A well designed facility that is properly landscaped would cut down on the noise. It would also add extra police protection to us.
Jean Porier stated he lives at “ground zero” (Ruby Road) and is opposed. He has spoken with the Assistant Manager at the Truck Stop and there is concern about the tractor trailers that carry fuel (liquid hydrogen/ fuel oil and/or gasoline); it only takes one stray bullet (which can travel up to 2 miles). This not only puts the patrons of the truck stop (and restaurant) at risk, but those traveling on the highway. The State needs to find a better place to go and suggested state owned land (16,000 acres) in Preston.
Nate Stebbins stated he grew up in Willington and just moved back last week. He is a police officer in a different municipality and also a firearms trainer. He is opposed and stated that the state is not telling us that we are going to hear it every day and all hours of night. If he wanted to hear gunfire he would have moved to Hartford.
Wayne Knight stated that he has had issues getting access to his land and has had no help from the Town and he wonders if his right of way access (that goes directly through one of the proposed parcels) will be affected.
Senator Guglielmo arrived at 6:50 P.M. He was able to break out of legislative session for a few minutes to speak to the people. Rep. Belsito was unable to attend as he was in the middle of debate, but asked Sen. Guglielmo to express his support of opposition. He added that he, Rep. Belsito and Frist Selectman Mailhos have been in contact several times a day over this past weekend to discuss the situation. Senator Guglielmo added that he is the ranking member of the public safety committee; and has had discussions with the commissioner. He was told that they will not go where they are not wanted, but cannot promise that will be the case, as there are other members who will be the deciding factor.
Senator Guglielmo then urged everyone to send their opinions to Mr. Bolton of the State of Connecticut by the deadline (which is June 4th – Thursday) and he is compiling all of the information on the proposal and all comments might make an impact. He then stated that he suggested a facility named “Stones Ranch” in Niantic which is about 2,000 acres that the state already owns; it would save money on the purchase of the land as well as the environmental impact; which has already been done on that site.
The floor was opened to questions. Someone asked if it would bring in jobs? Sen. Guglielmo stated not necessarily – the State will give the contract to the lowest bidder. Another resident asked why the State is not giving us any details to protect the property values of the surrounding residents and what will they do? Senator Guglielmo responded, nothing.
Another resident asked Senator Guglielmo other than sending an email to the State, what else can we do to prevent this from happening? Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she has a list of elected officials and state employees with decision-making authority that the residents can email or contact. The list of contacts has been placed on the Town’s website.
Senator Guglielmo added that he plans to discuss this with Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman as well. He added that he has suggested two amendments to the floor (public safety); one was to open the facility to the public when it is open; and the other was to evaluate any state owned property before they relocate.
Someone stated that there seems to be no transparency about the design of the building. Senator Guglielmo stated that he is trying to find the information on the proposed facility – there should have been a detailed written plan when the request came into the bond commission a few years ago. Another resident stated that it should not be built in a residential area.
Senator Guglielmo was called back into session and left the meeting.
Cari Donaldson spoke next. She just moved to Willington from Simsbury (where the existing firearms training facility is); she stated that she wants everyone to stay connected during the State’s decision making process. She spoke of a facebook page that was created to keep everyone in communication. There were also flyers handed out to the residents with the information. Selectman Blessington asked Ms. Donaldson if she lived near the current range. Ms. Donaldson stated that they lived 6-7 miles away, but closer to the range you could hear it everywhere; it was very loud. They said it would be a Monday through Friday operation, and an occasional Saturday; but looking back, it was every Saturday that the weather was nice.
Phyllis Benton stated that she worked at the Simsbury facility for two years. The parking lot was about a mile away from the shooting range, but it was so loud it seemed as if it were right on top of you (when they are shooting). She could also hear the shooting on Avon Ridge (which is 3 miles away). Lastly, she added that it had gotten noisier after 9/11.
Heather Alexson gave comments to the Board – she was proud of last week’s turnout. In her statement, which is in opposition of the project; she stated she is concerned because the ideal location would be isolated and have limited access, however the proposed sites both sit on property along one of the most heavily traveled roads in town; the road that is the only access to our Town Library, bus company and Transfer Station as well as an apartment complex that houses several families.
Donald Parizek is a lifelong resident. He is very much opposed and feels it will change our town in a negative way. Not only will it bring property values down, there will not be a quiet place in the vicinity; having shooting of automatic weapons all day and night. The potential of lead contamination as well as the secrecy from the state is not good.
Mitzi Horowicz stated that she has seen several postings in favor of the facility, and those who are in favor tend to be conservatives, which she finds interesting. She then added that the State insists that they are replacing the existing facility because of flooding issues, however they are looking at a project that is five times the site of the existing facility; and that is not being fiscally conservative.
Rosa Chinchilla stated that the proposed site on Eldredge Mills Road is exactly .5 miles from the Historic District as well as the Nursery Co-Op. She urged everyone to write to the congressman, senator and Mr. Bolton to oppose the project. She then suggested organizing a rally in Hartford at the capitol to let our leaders know what is going on. She urged the Selectmen to hire lawyers to do something to help stop this. She then suggested that these properties might have endangered species living on them.
Michael Brown states that his family’s land abuts one of the proposed sites. They have a pond and have hosted several family functions and events; such as Little League Boy Scout and gatherings and church picnics. When asked if the police could guarantee that there would be no stray bullets, they could not answer. It would be a small chance but would be a shame if a Boy Scout got hit by a stray bullet.
Andrew Matthews is in opposition of the facility. He and his wife chose to live in Willington because it is quiet. Having a firearms facility nearby would ruin the quality of life for our residents. The state police need the proper facility to train, but he believes the state should spend less and try to repair the current facility, or perhaps find a more centralized location for the new facility.
Richard Mueller said he heard the property owner was clear cutting the trees, and it is possible they were removing the trees so the endangered species would no longer be there when the environmental survey is done. He then added one of the criteria is to place the facility in a minimal populated area however he believes the state has no idea the number of houses and families that live in the proximity of the location.
Joerg Graf asked the Selectmen how they plan to improve the communication with the residents, what are the plans to support the residents who are against this, and what is the next meeting to discuss this further?
Carolyn Saros missed the presentation at last week’s public hearing, but had a chance to review the PowerPoint and after watching it, she wonders if flooding is the only issue with the current facility, why wouldn't they do something to mitigate the flooding?
Diana Shain stated that we cannot let this happen to our town and pristine woods. We need to keep up on this there are many people who still don’t even know about this; the information needs to be spread. There is no guarantee that they are going to support our business, if they plan on having their own kitchen on site.
Todd Bissonet urged everyone to sign the petitions that are being circulated; adding that numbers matter. he feels the State is trying to blind side Willington. He added that several questions were asked last Thursday, and we got zero answers. He stated the range will to be open 7 days per week from 8:00 AM until dusk; sometimes later. The noise ratings on a 9MM are 110 decibels; can you imagine several of them firing off at the same time?
Bob Shabot is a member of the Willington Conservation Commission. He stated that the Conservation Commission has been asking the Board of Finance for money for open space for the past six or seveen years. The request is approximately $100,000 each year but they haven't gotten any money thus far. In a case like this, they would have been able to purchase one of these parcels so they wouldn't have been made available. he encouraged the residents to come to a board of finance meeting at budget season (in January/February) to support the conservation Commission.
Linda Miner stated that she found out that Charter Communications has a government channel 191 that has government access for the town of Willington that perhaps we can use. she then added that if they end up blasting, several wells in town will have issues. She then suggested that the EPA be contacted if the property owners are cutting down several trees.
Jeffrey Ecker stated they dropped this in our laps. Out of the 169 towns, 2 of the 3 sites are within a mile of each other in Willington and he wants to know why. He has submitted an FOI request of the selection process of the site. He added we were lied to by the State Reps and police. He does not like the fact that he was lied to.
Melissa Bray is concerned that Center Elementary School is so close to the site. She is worried about the negative impact and psychological wellbeing on the school children who are hearing gunfire on a regular basis.
Ralph Tulis stated that all of the information has been available to the residents for quite some time. It has been on the Town's website for weeks. He urged everyone to sign up for the towns emails. He does not like the way this is being presented to us, and he doesn't like that we aren’t getting answers; they can’t tell us how many lanes they will have, yet they can tell us how wide it is. He added, once they own it, what will stop them from expansion? Also, there is no benefit to us hosting it.
First Selectman Mailhos then opened the floor for the Selectmen discussion. She explained why this hasn't been brought up until now. She said that she was hopeful that they would get answers to several questions that were brought up at the Public Hearing. However, after the public hearing, she was left with even more questions.
She then clarified that she is not authorized to speak or write a letter on behalf of the town or spend any town funds without discussion and getting the other Selectmen's consent first. Unfortunately, steps need to be taken before that can happen.
She added that we received some information before the meeting began; that the owner of the Eldredge Mills Road site has withdrawn his offer to the State.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to have the Town of Willington Board of Selectmen oppose the relocation of the proposed Connecticut State Police Firearms Training Facility to the proposed "Ruby Site”.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Discussion was held. It was decided even though the Eldredge Mills Site has been taken off the table, it should still be listed as it is part of the scoping notice.
Selectman Kowalyshyn amended her motion and moved to have the Town of Willington Board of Selectmen oppose the relocation of the proposed Connecticut State Police Firearms Training Facility to either of the proposed Willington properties (“Ruby Site” and “Eldredge Site”).
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington stated that Ralph Tulis is right. He urged the residents to sign up for the public notices and agendas on the Town's website: www.Willingtonct.org. We normally do not send out letters, the website is the next best thing to get town notices.
The Selectmen will send a letter to the state in opposition of the gun range. Selectman Blessington added that at this point, there is not much more the Selectmen can do. If it continues, we might seek legal action later on. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that she has sought legal action on how to proceed from this point. The letter will be specific to these properties and state that the Town opposes the facility and she will also add in the valid points that were made tonight at this meeting and at the prior public hearing meeting.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to have the Willington Board of Selectmen authorize the First Selectman to exercise any and all of the Board’s decision-making authority, and authorize the First Selectman to take any and all actions as appropriate on the Board’s behalf, concerning opposition of the proposed Connecticut State Police Firearms Training Facility Relocation project in Willington.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos thanked Melissa McKinnon and the Willington Day Committee for doing an awesome job this year on the Willington Day event. we had a great attendance this year.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the annual Memorial Day parade was a success again this year. She thanked the VFW and Robin Campbell for organizing it.
A resident asked how much would it cost to send a mailing out to every household in town? First Selectman Mailhos stated that we have looked into that before; it could cost approximately $4,000 each occurrence (depending on the weight and type of mail) a post card might be a bit cheaper.
A resident stated that we still have one problem site in town we need to be able to reach out globally to the residents. Selectman Blessington clarified that we cannot use town funds to take sides on political issues.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we won't hear anything until October or November, and we would most likely advertise more heavily if we get more information from the state. She then clarified that the two ultimate decision makers on this for the state are Benjamin Barnes at the Office of Policy and Management; and the Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Dora Schriro. That is where we need to focus our efforts right now. She reminded everyone of the June 4th deadline.
Rosa Chincilla asked about hiring educational psychologists and biologists to preform work. Selectman Blessington stated that you are asking us to hire these people and he assumes they would give an un-biased opinion; but we have to go about it professionally as per our town Ordinance.
The residents offered to go about this on a volunteer basis; however we are dealing with private property.
Residents were concerned that we cannot wait until October to do some of these assessments; we have plenty of people who would be willing to do their own environmental testing. Selectman Kowalyshyn warned that we are dealing with private property, and cannot trespass on the property. First Selectman Mailhos added that she does not want to give the impression that she will be sitting around until October; she is going to start working on this tomorrow morning. She has already begun the drafting of the letters, hoping the Selectmen would vote as they just did. The residents asked if they could send letters to the property owner (who is still offering the land). Selectman Blessington stated it is easy enough to find out the land owner's name, but cautioned that this could be considered as "bullying". It is not only illegal, it will not be tolerated.
The opposition letter from the Selectmen will also be posted on-line once it is sent out to the state officials. The Willington website was again discussed. Residents were urged to go to www.Willingtonct.org to get the notices.
Erika Wiecenski stated that we all need to keep our communication going with each other. She added that we should not be relying on the three Selectmen to set up a rally in Hartford. We should not depend on them to do everything. We as individuals should be doing these things and acting on our own as individuals. We are putting a lot on them that is out of their control.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 PM
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Note from the Recording Secretary:
The minutes reflect partial statements made from the residents at the meeting. I understand that I did not put everything that was said by each individual at the meeting; however, I tried to capture a variety of statements mentioned by each person. If anyone feels I misrepresented them; please contact the Selectmen’s office or come to the next Selectmen’s meeting scheduled for Monday, June 15th.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Recording Clerk
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