BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes August 17, 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 minutes of August 3, 2015 as written.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to approve the minutes of August 4, 2015 as written.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Gloria Coles, who purchased land in April of 2015 stated that she has been having a hard time with the Land Use office. She added that she is not looking for approval tonight, but wanted to bring this to the Selectmen’s attention. Ms. Coles stated that she has been warned by many people not to purchase land in Willington, as the permitting process can be held up for months; and has experienced just that. She added that some have told her to just do the work without getting the permits.
She has received contradicting information from the Land Use office, as she is looking to mow the property, but was told that she has to file permits, costing $160.00. She believes it is unreasonable, what the office is asking her to go through just to mow the property, and put a driveway in. Ms. Coles added that she lives in Stafford, and has never had to deal with these types of permits before. The State has told her that they have no problems with putting a driveway in, but she has been directed to apply through IWWC; who did not meet last month. Lastly, Ms. Coles added that she has had trouble finding a contractor that wants to put the driveway in, because it is so difficult to work in this town. The Selectmen asked if she has actually submitted a plan yet and she said no. They suggested that she attend the next Planning & Zoning meeting as they have no jurisdiction over this.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectmen’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos went over the report:
*Senior Housing Phase III – Senior Cottages – the Housing Authority has requested funding through the Bond Commission. While the funding was approved, the H.A. found a discrepancy in the amount on the agreement; which has to be fixed on the State’s end. They are waiting for the new agreement to be signed, before they can proceed.
* Tree Removal on Michalec Road – has been done. Project can be removed from the list.
*Public Works’ Garage Improvements – The contractor has been given approval to begin the project.
*Turnpike Road; Phase 3 / 4- Repaving is scheduled for early September. The date could change depending on weather. The road is expected to be milled week of September 8th and paved the week after. We have received approval from SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office); but are still waiting for fisheries approval; which has been sent to the ACOE (Army Corps of Engineers).
*Old Town Hall Painting – The contractor has replaced some of the wooden siding the entire building has been painted. The front of the building is left and they expect to have the entire project completed within 2 weeks.
*TOB Roof & Gutters – The contract was awarded. Roofing will begin September 7th.
*Repairs to TOB from flooding – waiting to hear back from insurance company.
*Lease New Backhoe – the backhoe should be delivered in 40-60 days.
*Lease New Holder Mower – we have found a used piece of equipment. The BOS will award at this meeting. The apparatus will be delivered within 30 days.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following:
• Repair broken drain line on Lohse Road
• Dig out storm drain outfalls
• Roadside mowing
• Replace damaged or missing roadside signs
• Sweep shimming route
• Cut up trees that had fallen during rain storm on 8/11
• Paving Marsh Road and started Daleville School Road
New Business
- Discussion – Town Facilities – including School and Town Office Building
Superintendent David Harding was present. He stated that he has been asked by the BOE to come before the Selectmen (and the Board of Finance at their next meeting) to see if there would be interest in forming a committee to study consolidating the schools. While many options have been discussed, the most visible options are bringing Center School students to Hall School, or to close the two schools and build a new one. Superintendent Harding added that the problem with HMS is that it is going on 100 years old, and would need to be retrofit for the younger students, as well as ADA compliance – that could end up costing more money than building a new school. In the meantime, the Vibrant Communities Initiative Committee has been meeting, and the study for South Willington is
forthcoming. Discussions were held about Hall School and if it were vacated, the Hall Foundation would be interested in taking it back and selling it to a commercial venture; which in turn would generate tax revenue. The Building Inspector has also met with the group and stated that they shouldn’t look at one building in isolation; it would be more like shifting the municipal buildings around. If Center School became vacant, the Town Office Building staff might move there. Superintendent Harding clarified that this is all in the preliminary stages, and see if there is interest to move forward.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that this has been talked about for years; it is not a thought that came up overnight. Superintendent Harding added that he could not support having kindergarten and first graders move to HMS – the school is not designed for those ages. Superintendent Harding reiterated that he just wanted to open the discussions.
Selectman Blessington stated that there is not a big market out there for old school buildings. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that now is the perfect time to start the discussions about this as UCONN is actively looking for places to expand student housing as well as facilities. Peter Latincsics stated he is pleased that the Superintendent is bringing this to the Selectmen’s attention. He added that he urges them to put a task force together to evaluate the buildings. He then asked if it would be possible to consolidate the schools while they were building a new school? Superintendent Harding stated that the enrollment projections say in about five years, we might be able to, but clarified that it would cost money as for example, the restrooms would need to be retrofit, as well as
other areas; would it be worth it? How much money do you want to spend? He added, logistically, there are issues with all of the buildings, and it makes sense to link them together to form a study that helps us utilize them in the smartest way.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she can speak for the Town Office Building – it is not laid out properly, some departments do not have enough space, and there are structural issues. Although it is ADA compliant, it is not set up for easy access to departments or for the public to move through the building. We make the best of what we have but it is not ideal and is getting to the point of being unmanageable to deal with maintenance costs.
Superintendent Harding stated the State offers a 58% reimbursement; and the bond could be paid for with the savings from a new building; staff cuts, and tax revenue from HMS, if it were to be resold. He will be attending the next Board of Finance meeting, to see if they will be interested to begin discussions.
- Award Lease for M&B MSV Tractor/ Mower
At the last BOS Meeting, the Selectmen made a lease for the backhoe. A few days later, our Public Works Director had found a mower, and the Business Manager was able to incorporate the mower into the same lease as the backhoe, which would save us money. Donna has suggested that Selectmen rescind the previous motion and award the entire package. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the money has been approved at CIP. The exact amount of the backhoe lease is $124,875.14 and the exact amount of the mower lease is 75,000.
The total lease is $199,875.14.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to rescind the motion awarding $125,000 for the backhoe and make a new motion to cover both the backhoe and the mower.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the 7 year lease in the amount of $199,875.14 to Signature Public Funding Corp for a rate of 2.65%; $124,875.14 for the 2015 John Deere 410L Backhoe loader and $75,000 for the M&B Mower with brush cutting head.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Resolution - Lease for Backhoe/Loader and Roadside Mowing Tractor
First Selectman Mailhos moved to adopt the following resolution:
FORM OF RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON, CT, AUTHORIZING THE INCURRING OF LEASE OBLIGATIONS IN ANY AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $200,000.00 TO BE EVIDENCED BY THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A MASTER EQUIPMENT LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND AN EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION, PURCHASE, FINANCING, AND LEASING OF CERTAIN EQUIPMENT FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; AND AUTHORIZING THE TAKING OF ALL OTHER ACTIONS NECESSARY TO THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS RESOLUTION.
WHEREAS, the Town of Willington, CT (the “Lessee”), a body politic and corporate duly organized and existing as a political subdivision of the State of Connecticut, is authorized by the laws of the State of Connecticut to purchase, acquire, and lease personal property for the benefit of the Lessee and those it provides services to and to enter into contracts with respect thereto;
WHEREAS, the Lessee desires to purchase, acquire and lease certain equipment constituting personal property necessary for the Lessee to perform essential governmental functions; including without limitation various public works equipment such as a M&B Mower and 2015 John Deere 410L Backhoe and all other equipment Lessee or its Designated Officers may deem necessary and/or desirable (the “Equipment”) in an amount not more than $200,000.00, and the Lessee hereby finds and determines that the realistic estimated useful life of the Equipment is at least Seven (7) years.
WHEREAS, in order to acquire such Equipment, the Lessee proposes to enter into a Master Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 2015 (together with the Equipment Schedule dated as of August 20, 2015 and all related exhibits, schedules, and certificates attached thereto, the “Lease Agreement”) with Signature Public Funding Corp. (the “Lessor”) (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”), the forms of which have been presented to the Governing Body of the Lessee at this meeting;
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the Lessee deems it for the benefit of the Lessee and for the efficient and effective administration thereof to enter into the Transaction Documents for the purchase, acquisition, and leasing of the Equipment to be therein described on the terms and conditions therein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED by the Governing Body of the Town of Willington, CT as follows:
Section 1. Approval of Documents. The Governing Body of the Lessee hereby approves the form, terms and provisions of the Transaction Documents in substantially the forms presented to this meeting and authorizes and directs Christina B. Mailhos, the First Selectman, and Donna Latincsics, the Business Manager, of the Town of Willington, CT, and such other persons as he/she/they may delegate (the “Designated Officers”), and each of them individually, for and in the name of and on behalf of the Lessee, to execute, attested, seal, and deliver the Transaction Documents, and any related Certificate, Exhibits, or other documents attached thereto substantially in such forms as presented herewith, together with such changes, modification, negotiations, insertions, revisions, corrections, or amendments as shall be approved
by the officer executing them. The execution of the foregoing by a Designated Officer shall constitute conclusive evidence of such officer’s and the Governing Body’s approval of any such changes, insertions, revisions, corrections, negotiations, or amendments to the respective forms of agreements presented to this meeting.
Section 2. Other Actions Authorized. The officers and employees of the Lessee shall take all action necessary or reasonably required by the parties to the Transaction Documents to carry out, give effect to, and consummate the transactions contemplated thereby (including the execution and delivery of Certificates of Acceptance and Disbursement/Payment Requests, Notice and Acknowledgements of Assignments, and any tax certificate and agreement, each with respect to and as contemplated in the Agreement and/or Escrow Agreement) and to take all action necessary in conformity therewith, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of any closing and other documents required to be delivered in connection with the Transaction Documents. The Designated Officers and
all other officers and employees of the Lessee are hereby directed and authorized to take and shall take all action necessary or reasonably required in order to select, purchase, and take delivery of the Equipment. All actions heretofore taken by officers, employees, and agents of the Lessee that are in conformity with the purposes and intent of this resolution are hereby approved, confirmed, and ratified.
Section 3. No General Liability. Nothing contained in this Resolution, the Transaction Documents, nor any other instrument shall be construed with respect to the Lessee as incurring a pecuniary liability or charge upon the general credit of the Lessee or against its taxing power, nor shall the breach of any agreement contained in this Resolution, the Transaction Documents, or any other instrument or document executed in connection therewith impose any pecuniary liability upon the Lessee or any charge upon its general credit or against its taxing power, as provided therein.
Section 4. Appointment of Authorized Lessee Representatives. The Designated Officers are each hereby designated to act as authorized representatives of the Lessee for purposes of the Transaction Documents until such time as the Governing Body of the Lessee shall designate any other or different authorized representative for purposes of the Transaction Documents.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Resolution shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalidity or unenforceability of such section, paragraph, clause, or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Resolution.
Section 6. Repealer. All bylaws, orders, and resolutions or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith, are hereby repealed to the extent only of such inconsistency. This repealer shall not be construed as reviving any bylaw, order, resolution, or ordinance or part thereof.
Section 7. Qualified Tax Exempt Obligations. The Lessee, and its Governing Body, designate its obligations under the Lease Agreements as “qualified tax exempt obligations” as defined in and for the purposes of Section 265(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Section 8. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its approval and adoption.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Michele Manas as the recording secretary for Planning & Zoning and Inland Wetlands, effective August 17, 2015, expiring June 30, 2016.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos sent letters to the Board Chairmen and has received correspondence from all of them; however the BOF has not yet met to formally recommend one of their members.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Ed Taiman as a member representing the Board of Assessment Appeals to the State Police Training Facility Steering Committee; effective August 17, 2015; expiring once the Committee has completed the charge of its course.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Carol Jordan as a member representing the Conservation Commission to the State Police Training Facility Steering Committee; effective August 17, 2015; expiring once the Committee has completed the charge of its course.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint George Marco as a member representing the Planning & Zoning Commission to the State Police Training Facility Steering Committee; effective August 17, 2015; expiring once the Committee has completed the charge of its course.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint David Lytwyn as a member representing the Unwillington, Inc. Group to the State Police Training Facility Steering Committee; effective August 17, 2015; expiring once the Committee has completed the charge of its course
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Board of Finance has unofficially recommended Geoff Prusak to sit on the Steering Committee, and will discuss at their next meeting. The meetings will be set up shortly. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that it also depends on the results of tomorrow’s referendum. Peter Latinscics asked what the charge is for the Steering committee. First Selectman Mailhos said the committee will meet and advise the Selectmen on how to proceed in regards to the proposed range. If the referendum passes, they would advise the Selectmen on how to appropriate the funds (after consulting with legal counsel; who will give options on how best to proceed). She added this is to add oversight and extra input before decisions are made.
Old Business
- Proposed State Police Firearms Training Facility Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the referendum for an appropriation of $100,000 tomorrow. Selectman Blessington stated the last we heard, the funding for the facility was not on the Bond Commission Agenda. He reiterated that there is no rush to go out and spend the $100,000 right away.
First Selectman Mailhos has been contacted by Nancy Wyman, who wants to meet with her. Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if anyone has heard about the town of Ashford being involved in this? First Selectman Mailhos said that the Ashford Selectmen had discussed at a meeting, and she believes they may have taken an official opposition.
Selectman Blessington said that he wishes there was as much enthusiasm with other town politics such as this. Peter Latincsics agreed with Selectman Blessington; and asked if the blue and white “vote Tuesday” signs are the town’s; and if they could be used again? Registrar of Voters, Christine Psathas stated that they are Town property, and they do use them, however, they have lost a few over the years.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she wanted to set the record straight about a recent article in the Journal Inquirer. The article stated that the Town of Willington has agreed to join forces (or partner) with the Town of East Windsor; and that is an overstatement. First Selectman Mailhos has spoken with East Windor’s First Selectman and suggested to have both State Senators (who serve on the Public Safety Committee together); work together. Senator Guglielmo, (who is our State Senator) has been very vocal on his opposition of the range moving to Willington and he has provided many alternate ideas; he is also the Ranking Member of the Public Safety Committee. East Windsor’s Senator Tim Larson is the Chairman of the Public Safety Committee.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a letter from the Secretary of State, informing us that it will now become a requirement for all Registrars of Voters to become certified; at expense of the Town. Registrars will have to be certified within 2 years. Every new Registrar will be required to be certified and the cost could be up to $3,000 to ensure they are trained properly. Selectman Blessington stated that this is another unfunded mandate.
First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone to vote at Referendum tomorrow.
First Selectman Mailhos told the other Selectmen that she would like to ask the Board of Finance for a $2,500 transfer for fill in help in the Town Clerk’s office as the Town Clerk has been out for the past 7 weeks. The Assistant Town Clerk has been holding down the fort alone; and in the past month that office has been very busy with the petition, and processing absentee ballots. First Selectman Mailhos suggested having someone come in for 10 hours per week might help cover the office during this busy time. It is unclear when the Town Clerk will be back.
Selectman Blessington moved to go into Executive Session regarding a personnel matter at 7:34 P.M.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote; 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to come out of Executive Session at 8:07 P.M.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote; 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100
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