BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes October 19, 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 6:35 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 September 21, 2015 as written.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Peter Latincsics asked to speak under item 7.E under “New Business”.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
We received a letter from Region 19 School District inviting member towns to a meeting regarding negotiations for the School Administrators contracts. First Selectman Mailhos has asked our Business Manager to attend the meeting to represent Willington, which is tonight.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she was not able to work on the report today.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following:
- Back-fill behind new asphalt on Turnpike road
- Install driveway aprons on Turnpike, Common, Daleville School
- Trim brush along roadsides ( brush that is too large for roadside mower)
- Dig trench along west side of Hockla Farms Road, install rip-rap haul in quarry run gravel and grade roadway to allow for sheet-flow of rainfall. Also installed catch basin sump on inlet of storm drain pipe
- Vehicle/equipment maintenance/ Repairs
- Paint Dog Pound
- Mow detention ponds
- Patch main entrance steps at the Old Town Hall and vacuum cob webs in the basement. Also, the heat is up and running at O.T.H and a few electrical items were addressed and resolved as well in the basement.
New Business
- Resolution – EMPG Homeland Security Grant Program
First Selectman Mailhos moved to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Town of Willington may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Christina B. Mailhos, as First Selectman of The Town of Willington, is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Willington Board of Selectmen and to do and perform all acts and things which he/she deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Resolution – Adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2015
First Selectman Mailhos moved to adopt the following resolution:
Former WINCOG Region Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
May 2015
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF WILLINGTON
ADOPTING THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE, 2015:
A MULTI‐JURISDICTIONAL PLAN FOR THE FORMER
WINDHAM REGION COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (WINCOG) TOWNS OF COLUMBIA, COVENTRY, LEBANON,
MANSFIELD, WILLINGTON, AND WINDHAM
WHEREAS, the Town of Willington has historically experienced damage from natural hazards and it continues to be vulnerable to the effects of those natural hazards profiled in the plan (i.e. dam failure, drought, earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, ice jams, severe winter storms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and wildfires) resulting in loss of property and life, economic hardship, and threats to public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Willington has developed and received conditional approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its hazard mitigation plan update entitled Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2015 under the requirements of 44 CFR 201.6; and
WHEREAS, public and committee meetings were held between September 2013 and December 2013 regarding the development and review of the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Plan specifically addresses hazard mitigation strategies and Plan maintenance procedure for the Town of Willington; and
WHEREAS, the Plan recommends several hazard mitigation actions/projects that will provide mitigation for specific natural hazards that impact the Town of Willington, with the effect of protecting people and property from loss associated with those hazards; and
WHEREAS, adoption of this Plan will make the Town of Willington eligible for funding to alleviate the impacts of future hazards;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Town of Willington Board of Selectmen:
1. The Plan is hereby adopted as an official plan of the Town of Willington;
2. The respective officials identified in the mitigation strategy of the Plan are hereby directed to pursue implementation of the recommended actions assigned to them;
3. Future revisions and Plan maintenance required by 44 CFR 201.6 and FEMA are hereby adopted as part of this resolution for a period of five (5) years from the date of this resolution;
4. An annual report on the progress of the implementation elements of the Plan shall be presented to the Board of Selectmen by the Emergency Management Director.
The Town of Willington Board of Selectmen hereby adopts the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2015.
ADOPTED by the Willington Board of Selectmen this 19th Day of October, 2015.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $38.41 to Michael Lee; Peoria, AZ to refund for a vehicle registered in another state.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes, Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Rosa Chinchilla as a regular member of the Willington Historic District; effective October 19, 2015; expiring January 1, 2020
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes, Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved re-appoint William Bailey as a regular member of the Willington Historic District; effective October 19, 2015; expiring January 1, 2020
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes, Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington 0 No.
- Assistant Social Services Director Position
Jennie Arpin was present. First Selectman Mailhos stated that Ms. Arpin had gone before the Board of Finance at their meeting last week. The BOF has asked for some supporting data and has asked the Selectmen to discuss it as well. Ms. Arpin stated that a part time assistant is needed because there are several times when she is unavailable to see clients or answer the phone because she is either off-site or meeting with clients. Having someone cover the office a few hours per week would allow her to cover the high volume of work (which averages more in the fall). Ms. Arpin added that she has the money in her budget to cover the position because she is doing thing differently.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she once worked in Human Services and is not sure how Ms. Arpin handles the job alone right now.
Selectman Blessington stated that he has not heard that the WYFSS Department has been unable to accomplish the job. He then added that each year, we end up cutting the budgets to the bone because the economy is in the tank and it’s not getting any better; but we can establish a new position. He is not happy how this came about because it was not discussed by the Selectmen or the Board of Finance. By hiring someone for this position, it will be added in the budget going forward and it will increase taxes.
Selectman Blessington told Ms. Arpin she hasn’t been here through a winter season, and she probably doesn’t know if she can handle the workload yet. He added that sometimes there is a bit of confusion down there, if the sign on the door states that you are meeting with a client, but are not really there; people should just be able to ask the Finance office where you are. Selectman Blessington suggested that Ms. Arpin purchase a sign with a clock on it to notify people when she will be available, and it is much cheaper than hiring a receptionist and he does not think it is justified. Lastly, Selectman Blessington suggested that Ms. Arpin wait until the next budget season.
Selectman Blessington moved that the Board of Selectmen recommend to the Board of Finance not to fund the position. (the motion was not seconded.)
Ms. Arpin spoke. She stated that she is aware of the day Selectman Blessington mentioned, and she was in her office with a client. The Finance Office is not her reception area, and they do not always know where she is. Ms. Arpin stated that she understands that he would have liked her to present the position to the Selectmen, however, past practice in her department was just to hire someone; she gave examples such as the preschool teacher (at the library); April Camp counselors, have never gone before the Selectmen before; and she was also not aware that there was a differentiation as being “seasonal” employees. Lastly, Ms. Arpin stated that she discussed the matter with the Business Manager; to make sure there was funding available, if it could work, and if she could use the line item called “temporary
assistance”; and it was confirmed the funding was there.
First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the WYFSS budget is similar to the Library and the Fire Departments; the line items in their budgets are different than the ones we (the Selectmen) have control over. The Library could hire someone for 10 hours per week, and we would never know it. The only difference is that WYFSS is in this building. First Selectman Mailhos added that she does not think Ms. Arpin did anything wrong; and wanted that on the record.
Selectman Blessington then asked who decides what programs are to be run? Selectman Kowalyshyn stated Jennie does. Selectman Blessington then clarified that yoga used to be offered by the Recreation Department. Ms. Aprin clarified that the yoga instructor that she hired offers therapeutic yoga, which is beneficial for children trying to get past traumatic experiences they may have. The yoga program was suggested by a professional in the school system who thought of several children who may benefit. She modified it to family yoga so all families would be able to attend. Selectman Blessington asked if families would be able to find other yoga instructors around town. Ms. Arpin stated possibly, but she fails to see what this has to do with her hiring an assistant.
Selectman Blessington clarified that he is hearing that she needs an assistant because she is running all of these programs and no one can control it. Selectman Kowalyshyn explicated that is not what Ms. Arpin said – and did not say anything about the programs; the problem is that she cannot answer the phone and meet with clients at the same time during office hours.
Selectman Blessington warned that Government keeps growing because no one asks if there is another way we can do this. He then added that the programs shouldn’t be run by the government. He then said he is troubled that we are making money off of this. First Selectman Mailhos said we could make money, but we also can’t offer it for free; because it would be too costly. She then clarified that we have to pay the instructors that offer the service and suggested that if we were offering “free yoga”, Mr. Blessingotn would be very upset about that.
Selectman Blessington stated that he can see the assistant position expanding and before you know it, it will be up to 20 hours per week. Selectman Kowalyshyn said it is called growing – towns can grow and there is nothing wrong with that. Selectman Kowalyshyn then said it is $4,914; it is not like she is asking for $50,000. There is a lot to do in the Social Services department. Selectman Kowalyshyn then suggested that Selectman Blessington work with Ms. Arpin for a week so he can decide whether or not she needs the help. First Selectman Mailhos added that we are trying to give our residents a better service and she isn’t even asking for more money; it is within her budget.
Selectman Blessington said he does not see a need, and this is only going to raise taxes. First Selectman Mailhos said that is not true; the money is in the budget. Ms. Arpin stated that she has already prepared next year’s budget; which has the position incorporated in there and she is asking for less money than last year.
Selectman Blessington noted he made a motion a little while ago.
Motion failed.
Peter Latincsics asked why it is unreasonable to wait until next budget season and accused the Government of spending of money needlessly just because it is there. First Selectman Mailhos said we are trying to find a way to make the department function better and she is going into the busiest season of the year. She added that we are not trying to spend extra money that we found. Ms. Arpin stated that she had spoken with a member of the Board of Finance about having that position be appointed. That way, the money and hours will not be exceeded. First Selectman Mailhos agreed, but stated that no position is guaranteed; as if the budget does not support it, any hours could be cut. This is about delivering a service and doing it the best way possible.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to create a position called the Assistant Social Service position and inform the Board of Finance. (as a courtesy.)
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Mailhos & Kowalyshyn) 1 No (Blessington).
- Historic District Presentation for 3 Roads for possible scenic road designation
Rosa Chinchilla, Chairman of the Willington Historic District was present. She sent a letter to the Selectmen, on
behalf of the Historic District, who is also charged with identifying scenic roads that could be proposed to the
state. The minimum requirement is one mile.
Ms. Chinchilla stated that the Historic District would like to propose the following three roads: Moose Meadow,
Ruby and Kucko Road. The roads have valuable scenic qualities such as trees, farms and historical homes along
the road. She stated that none of the homes along Moose Meadow are on the State or National Historic
Register, although several of them are circa 1700’s and 1800’s. Ms. Chinchilla added that Moose Meadow begins
with the oldest cemetery in town.
First Selectman Mailhos asked if the Historic District is able to do so even though 2 of the roads do not
go through the district? Ms. Chinchilla stated that they can propose historic trees, scenic roads and properties. A proposal would need to be sent to the State with documentation to support the request. Applications are on the state’s website. Ms. Chinchilla stated that the Historic District is looking for support from the Selectmen to move forward.
Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if there are any benefits? Ms. Chinchilla said the benefits are great, because it tells the people driving through that it is a scenic area. She noted that the town of Pomfret boasts a large scenic area and attracts tourism. The only downfall might be added traffic along the route. She added that even though a road is designated as scenic, it does not prevent development. Also, there do not appear to be any restrictions to the landowners who live along the roads. First Selectman Mailhos asked if the town would need to get additional authorization or permitting to do improvements, if it were scenic? Ms. Chinchilla stated that she would research that.
The proposal is as follows:
Moose Meadow Road: - the entire road
Ruby Road: - from Ruby pond to the Willington Library
Kucko Road:- the entire road
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that it is a great idea, as long as it does not restrict us to improve the roads, or anything else we would need to do along the roads. Ms. Chinchilla stated that the Historic District is willing to do the work to present to the state. She added that there are so many areas along these roads that are beautiful. Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if Kucko were designated as a scenic road; would it have to stay a dirt road? Ms. Chinchilla will research to see if there are any restrictions for future improvements against the town if they were on the scenic list.
Ms. Chinchilla stated that she will send the information to the Selectmen for their next meeting.
Old Business
- Proposed State Police Firearms Training Facility Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she heard back from Jeff Bolton; from the State Department of Administrative Services, who confirmed that the EIE process still has not begun; as they are waiting for funding. The Steering Committee met 2 weeks ago and one of the things they inquired about was how much money has been spent to date. So far, we have been invoiced for $24,000; and that includes consultant and legal work. The attorneys have been working on a lot of things over the past few weeks but the bills should start slowing down.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Steering Committee had discussed an FOI appeal at their last meeting; where they made a motion to defer to the attorney’s recommendation and have the selectmen discuss; however the deadline to appeal was today. First Selectman Mailhos told the attorney to go forward, unless the Selectmen were in disagreement; then it would be pulled. The paper has been filed. The reason is because we feel several of the questions that we asked the state have not been answered
First Selectman Mailhos moved to have the Board of Selectmen ratify the First Selectmen’s decision made earlier today to file an FOI appeal to protect the Town of Willington’s rights, based on our Attorney’s recommendation.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington asked if this will come out of the $100,000 that was appropriated in August. First Selectman Mailhos responded yes, but noted that the appeal will not cost that much money; at least in early stages. She added that the “Unwillington, Inc.” group is also trying to make sense out of the paperwork that we received from our FOI request.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that there are a number of ways this could end; and discussed this at the last Steering Committee meeting as well as the last “Unwillington, Inc.” meeting and felt she should share with the Selectmen:
1) State withdraws the Willington site from consideration, because the state:
~~~~a. cannot come to agreement on price with the property owner; or
~~~~b. state determines that firing range is not consistent with local or state POCD; or
~~~~c. conclusion of EIE is that the Willington property is not suitable for a variety of
reasons; or
~~~~d. other state agencies conclude that the Willington site is not suitable;
or
~~~~e. state finds a more suitable property somewhere else; or
~~~~f. funding is not available from the Bond Commission; or
~~~~g. DESPP decides not to build a firing range at all and use an existing facility
~
OR
~
2) property owner withdraws site from consideration, because the property owner:
~~~~a. cannot come to agreement on purchase price with the state; or
~~~~b. takes it off the market for some unforeseen reason; or
~~~~c. sells the land to some other party; or
~~~~d. sells the land to the Town of Willington
First Selectman Mailhos added that as of right now, she knows that the State is unable to get the funding to support the EIE, but in the meantime, it is leaving us in limbo. She added that if and when the get the funding, it could take up to a year to get the EIE findings. First Selectman Mailhos added that we are doing a lot of things to help make some or at least one thing come to fruition.
Peter Latincsics asked where the FOI questions (that were asked to the State) and the responses received could be found? First Selectman Mailhos stated that right now, they are with the Town Attorney, who is reviewing it. The questions that we (the Town) asked the state are available in the Selectmen’s office.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Annual CCM Convention is tomorrow. Governor Malloy will be the keynote speaker. She added that ironically, an announcement was made this morning that the state has found an additional $150,000,000 deficit projection (in addition to the $109 million that was announced a few weeks ago and led to cuts in municipal aid.)
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received some information from the state regarding the crumbling concrete foundation issue. ~A public notice was sent out, and we also have flyers at the town office building for residents who are affected, or those who think they may be affected.~
Also, we received a letter from the Department of Insurance; where it states that insurance companies are not allowed to drop homeowners who are affected by a crumbling foundation. First Selectman Mailhos noted that a task force is in place to help homeowners as well. She added that we, as a town do not even know how many houses are affected by this. Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman has asked all of the towns to get a list (or a number) of how many houses in each of the towns, but First Selectman Mailhos noted that it is very difficult. The tool we are using is a list of houses that were built in town during that timeframe. Selectman Blessington suggested sending the information about the insurance coverage out as a public notice.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Willington will participate in the annual statewide emergency drill on Wednesday. ~The Willington EOC will be set up with key personnel. ~This year's drill will simulate a tornado emergency situation while school is in session.~
The 13th annual car show, held on October 10th was a success. ~Over $1,400 was raised for the Marine Corps. First Selectman Mailhos said it was a beautiful day; and over 100 cars were registered. She thanked Joe Philippi for another successful year.
The PTA will hold a trunk or treat on Wednesday, October 28th in the Center School Parking lot. The PTA is looking for volunteers and still has plenty of space for people to participate. Contact the Melissa McKinnon at mmckinnonpta@aol.com (860) 214-7875 or Carrie-Ann Kelley ckelleypta@gmail.com (860) 965-0939 for more information or to sign up.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that we are also in the planning stages for the tree lighting on the green. ~The date is slated for December 4, 2015. The Library and Historical Society would like to combine their events (one at the Tavern and ther other at the Old Town Hall) to make it easier for the residents to move between the two buildings on the same date (as opposed to being one week apart.) First Selectman Mailhos stated that she will begin the preparations with Robert Shabot. ~The event would also coincide with the Nursery Co-op’s annual Christmas Bazaar; which will be held the following day.
Robert Shabot stated that Walter West is looking for a bucket truck to help him string the lights on the tree on the green this year.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 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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