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Board of Selectmen Minutes 11/16/2015
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes                                                                 November 16, 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 November 2, 2015 as written.  
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

*Senior Housing – remains the same.  The Housing Authority had a meeting today with the Department of Housing to try to resolve the issues they have been having.

*VCI Study – the Consultant presented the final document last week and the grant will be closed out shortly.

*Turnpike Road – we have received some information to help move the project along, however we are still waiting for approval from the DEEP/ACOE.

*EDC Study – Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that the consultant is almost done with the study, and will hold a presentation soon.

Public Works:

Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following:

  • Stump removal on Michalec Road
  • Clean T.O.B parking lot for Election Day
  • Mowing detention ponds
  • Vehicle/equipment maintenance/repair
  • Roadside mowing
  • Remove leaves from around O.T.H
  • Replace ceiling tiles at T.O.B
  • Street sign installation
  • Removal of trees on Fisher Hill that Eversource had cut
  • Pot hole repair on Turnpike Road from Moose Meadow to Ruby Road
New Business

  • “Unwillington, Inc.” request to place a sign on the Town Green
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the representatives from the group have asked to place their meeting sign back on the green, as mentioned at the last regular meeting.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she had suggested a compromise and let them keep the sign on the green for one week per month.   

Geoffrey Ecker, who is a member of the “Unwillington, Inc.” group, was present.  He stated that he was not there to represent the group, but rather to listen.  The sign is currently on private property, across the street from the Town Green.  

Selectman Blessington stated that the idea for the signs on the green is to advertise annual events as they come up. Once the event is over, the sign goes away until the next year.  He added that he doesn’t think we can get away with leaving the sign up with the intent of the current policy.  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that is why we should compromise, and let them have it up one week per month; the rest of the month, it will not be there.  

Robert Shabot stated that his opinion is if a sign stays in one place for too long, it goes unnoticed, people are so used to looking at it, it blends in and loses it’s purpose. He referenced the other large sign on Route 74 that has been there since April.  

Geoffrey Ecker clarified that the group hopes that they won’t need to stay around forever; they want the problem to go away as soon as possible; but added that sometimes we have to make choices which are best for the Town.  He added on another note,that some residents are having trouble with the DOT; where their signs have been taken, and when the residents go to retrieve them at the garage, the signs aren’t there.

Discussion was held on the type of sign they would use for the winter; as the sign that they currently have is quite large, and might be difficult for the group to take down on a weekly basis.  Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested using a sandwich board, which is much easier to take down and put back up.   Christine Psathas stated that she agrees with Mr. Shabot’s earlier statement, noting that the sign will go unnoticed if it keeps going up on the green. First Selectman Mailhos agreed, and stated in order for the sign to be effective, the appearance of the sign should be changed up from time to time.  She added that we have received several complaints from residents who would rather not see any more signs.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to permit the “Unwillington, Inc.” group to put a sign up on the Town Green for one week per month (it shall be the same week every month) until they no longer need to have a sign there.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Stef Summers, President of the “Unwillington, Inc.” group arrived.  She stated that sometimes the meeting times vary, and it may not be enough notice if they only have one week to advertise for the entire month.  She added that we are all working towards the same purpose, and they are asking for a special exception.  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that if people see the sign with the month’s meetings on there, they will make a note of it; especially if they know the sign is going to come down the next week.  Ms. Summers disagreed, saying the people are not going to note the dates as they are driving.  Selectman Kowalyshyn said if we make a special exception for you, then who is to say every other group in town won’t ask for one.

Selectman Blessington warned that we have a policy; and it does state that the Selectmen have jurisdiction and if we do this tonight, we can change it at any time.   He stated if the policy is abused by any political activity or if another group comes forth asking for another special provision, the sign will have to go.   He added that he hopes it doesn’t come to that.

First Selectman Mailhos agreed with Ms. Summers, noting one week may not be enough.   Selectman Blessington warned that one week is better than none.  Ms. Summers asked why it would be deemed permanent if it were up for more than three weeks?  Selectman Kowalyshyn refered to the policy, which states that the signs are not permitted longer than three weeks.  She added that she is willing to up her compromise to two weeks, because it is still under the three week limit.  She added that she knows where the group is coming from, but we also need to comply with the policy.  Robin Campbell added that the Selectmen’s office might receive complaints, if the sign is not pulled down when it should be.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to amend her motion to permit the “Unwillington, Inc.” group to put a sign up on the Town Green for two weeks per month (it shall be the same weeks every month) until they no longer need to have a sign there.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion
Selectman Blessington stated that he thought one week per month was excessive, and he is not in favor of two weeks.  
Vote:  2 Yes (Mailhos & Kowalyshyn) 1 No (Blessington)

Selectman Kowalyshyn reiterated that the sign will need to be placed on the green the same two weeks every month, so it can be tracked by the Selectmen’s office.   
Vote on the motion as amended:  2 Yes (Mailhos & Kowalyshyn) 1 No (Blessington)

  • Appointments
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Kelly Trueb as a regular member of the Willington Capital Improvement Program Committee; effective December 1, 2015; expiring December 1, 2018
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint John Patton as a regular member of the Willington Capital Improvement Program Committee; effective December 1, 2015; expiring December 1, 2018
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Steven Vera as a regular member of the Willington Capital Improvement Program Committee; effective December 1, 2015; expiring December 1, 2018
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Mark Drobney as a regular member of the Willington Conservation Commission, effective December 1, 2015, expiring December 1, 2018
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Carol Jordan as a regular member of the Willington Conservation Commission; effective December 1, 2015; expiring December 1, 2018.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Selectman Kowalyshyn  moved to re-Appoint Christina Mailhos to the Eastern Highlands Health District (Willington Representative); effective December 3, 2015; expiring December 3, 2018.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-Appoint Chelsea Bellefleur  as a regular member of the Recreation Commission; effective December 1, 2015; expiring December 1, 2018.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Selectman Kowalyshyn  moved to re-Appoint Christina Mailhos to the Capitol Region Council of Governments (Willington Board of Selectmen Representative); effective November 17, 2015; expiring November 22, 2017.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item C under Old Business called “MS4 Update”
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Old Business

  • WFD#1 Request for Public Hearing – Fire Truck Purchase
Willington Fire Department #1, Inc. Chief Alex Moore was present.  He stated that he submitted the information to the Business Manager two weeks ago.  He stated that she should be working on the leasing information and will have it ready for the Public Hearing.   The Fire Department has the specifications for the new truck and will have the information (including pictures) ready for the Hearing.  

First Selectman Mailhos moved to call the following:

TOWN OF WILLINGTON
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING


The Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in the Common Conference room at the Willington Town Office Building; 40 Old Farms Road, Willington, at 7:00 P.M.  for the following purpose:

1.  Presentation and discussion of an 8 year Lease/Purchase Agreement for new Darley 1500 GPM Vision
     CAFS Pumper/Tanker for Willington Fire Department #1.  (No vote on this item.)
Dated at Willington,
This 16th  day of November, 2015; Willington Board of Selectmen:
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

  • Proposed State Police Firearms Training Facility Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Steering Committee will meet tomorrow night and the Selectmen will also hold a special meeting in between recess of the Steering Committee.  The Town Attorneys (Hamel & Branse will also be in attendance.)

First Selectman Mailhos stated that Congressman Joe Courtney had sent a letter to the State, suggesting that they share the National Guard facility instead of building a new facility.  The letter was published in the Journal Inquirer.   First Selectman Mailhos stated that it should give the State something to think about, given the back drop of the state budget crisis, and they want to spend $15 Million to build a new facility.

Nancy Wyman had held a conference call with First Selectman Mailhos and Stef Summers last week.  Ms. Summers stated that the conversation with Lt. Governor Wyman was disappointing as she did not have a lot to say, other than apologize that the process is moving so slow.  

Ms. Summers asked the Selectmen if they are aware that the State is widening the culverts along Route 320 from the library down to the truck stop.  She suggested that they normally do that before they widen the road.   First Selectman Mailhos said she will put a call into her contact at the State DOT.  She also suggested that it could be due to the number of complaints we have received about excessive speeding of tractor trailers on that road; that we have passed on to them.  

  • MS4 Update
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she had a conference call today with the hearing officers, CCM, CEF and COST.   She recapped that they have all been meeting for the past year regarding the changes to the permitting process and trying to get us (the Town of Willington) out of it.  As a result of today’s conference call, it is apparent that we (Willington) are not able to get out of the permitting process, and that is because of the Federal Law which deems a small section of Willington as being a part of the Hartford (UCONN) urbanized area due to the 2010 census and there is no way to get around it.  During the past year, the meetings have also resulted in compromising with the way the permitting process shall be done; and all of the towns that are now involved believe that the compromises are tolerable.  She added that they pushed out the start date, from January, 2016 to July, 2017.  Also, because we are one of the new towns, there are many extensions for various compliance measures.  

First Selectman Mailhos stated that it might not be as bad as we thought.  She added that her biggest issue is that she does not believe that we (Willington) are major polluters of any major waterway.  She added that if you look at the map, it shows that the Willimantic River is impaired with bacteria; and it is polluted right where the State’s rest stops are, along I84.  (She also noted that the rest stops have been closed for several months, due to septic repairs on both sides and it is up to us to prove it to the State that  has been the issue all along.)

First Selectman Mailhos notified the Selectmen that she will be signing off on the revised permit, as recommended by the attorneys.

Good & Welfare

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received our monthly update from our liaison, Lt. Scott Smith at Troop C.  The letter states that Troopers responded to 562 calls for service during October.   There were 7 accidents, 16 criminal investigations and 1 larceny.  In addition, there were 538 non-reportable matters.   They also conducted 2 DUI’s, 203 traffic citations and 45 written warnings.     First Selectman Mailhos added that we are sending out a letter to Lt. Smith regarding speeding complaints around town.  In the last few weeks, we have received complaints from residents on Hancock Road, Latham/Burt Latham Road and Birch Meadow, to name a few.  The complaints are in regards to speeding vehicles and littering as well as the partying from UCONN students around the Latham/Burt Latham area.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has received the invoices to date for the fight against the State Police Firearms Facility.  So far we have spent $41,000 on legal and professional fees (for the EIE).  First Selectman Mailhos will bring this to the Steering Committee meeting tomorrow night.   We should not expect to spend any more money to prep for the EIE; however it is not ready, and the State tells us not to expect it for another year.

First Selectman Mailhos announced that we have a vacancy in the Recreation Department.  First Selectman Mailhos plans to attend the special Recreation Commission meeting on Thursday to see how they would like to fill the position.  

Robert Shabot announced that the Willington Historical Society and Board of Selectmen will hold the annual tree lighting on December 4th.  The  Daniel Glazier Tavern will be open and light refreshments will be served so residents can take a tour of the tavern to see the progress of the restoration so far and they will have a display of antique ornaments and Christmas cards.   

Selectman Blessington recapped the Election earlier this month.  Most of the members  have been around , but we also have some new faces as well.  He thanked the Election Officials who did a great job.   He added that the Planning & Zoning Commission still has a vacant seat in case anyone is interested in getting involved.  

Selectman Blessington asked the status of the Dunkin Donuts on Route 32/74.  Selectman Kowalyshyn said she would try to find out.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05P.M.
Selectman Kowalyshyn 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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