BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes December 21, 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 December 7, 2015 with the following edits:
Under Present to speak: second paragraph; second line should read: “as it is her opinion”…(replace “the” with “her”) and last paragraph; third line; remove the word “to”.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
WFD#1 Member Tyler Millix stated that the rescue truck has recently had its yearly DOT inspection, and failed due to corrosion and holes in the frame. It has been deemed unsafe for emergency use and is out of service until it can be fixed. He explained that he had just sent an email to First Selectman Mailhos and BOF Chairman Bulick with the details of what needs to be done. The Fire Department is in the process of getting three quotes to have the work done, but it is estimated to cost around $30,000 to $40,000 to fix. The Department is hopeful that there is enough in Fund 17 to cover the cost of the repairs. They will forward the final numbers to everyone once they get all of the quotes in. Mr. Millix added that this truck is used the most out of all of them; as it responds to
every call. Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that’s the price we pay for snow free roads.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item E under new business called “Tax Refund”
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
*Senior Housing – The Housing Authority is still waiting to get the funding squared away. Selectman Blessington asked at what point do we need to step in. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she thought it would have been settled by now. Part of the problem is that the Housing Authority has found that they need more money than originally asked for; because the award had taken so long from the State. Don Berg, a member of the Housing Authority, was in attendance. He stated that the Housing Authority was expecting to close by December 31st, adding that the Department of Housing is working with them, and in the meantime, the Engineers have submitted the plans to the Building Inspector, who is reviewing them. Everything seems to be moving along.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following:
- Installing Mason Road parking area
- Edge Mason Road and remove old stumps and grade road
- Burn brush pile at Transfer Station
- Equipment repair
- Roadside mowing
Sign Installation/ replacements
Brush cutting along roadside (Brush too large for roadside mowers)
The windows on the~West side of the Public Works Building were completed on Friday. The contractor has started with the South side this morning, the remainder of the windows on the South and East side should be completed within the next couple weeks. The windows are a great addition to the facility, the windows will give natural lighting, solar heating also the old plastic sheeting that these windows are replacing were a major contributor to the heat loss of the building.
New Business
- Authorization to sign Purchasing Agreement for Paramedic Services WFD#1, Inc.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she sent the agreement to the Town Attorney, who has reviewed, and recommends that the BOS authorize her to sign it. Tyler Millix explained that the Agreement has been in place for several years, and Windham Hospital provides paramedic services to half of the Town. The original agreement (dating back to the 1990’s) was re-negotiated among Willington and surrounding towns (as opposed to each town having their own separate contract). By regionalizing, the costs have been reduced. Mr. Millix added that right now, Fund 17 pays out approximately $26,000 - $30,000 per year in paramedic services. With the new contract, the costs will be reduced. As part of the new agreement, a “shared sacrifice” clause has been added, where it protects the
ambulance from having to pay for paramedic services if the patient does not have insurance. He added that all of the towns have these agreements in place. The dispatcher will determine if a paramedic will need to be sent to the scene by asking a series of questions. Mr. Millix stated that there are a large number of calls that do require a paramedic on scene.
First Selectman Mailhos added that the negotiations have been ongoing for over a year and thanked Mr. Millix.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Purchasing Agreement between Willington Fire Department No. 1, Inc.; the Town of Willington and Windham Community Memorial Hospital, Inc. for Paramedic Services.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Set budget meeting schedule
First Selectman Mailhos stated that budget season is approaching. The Selectmen will on Mondays at 5PM during January and the first 2 Mondays in February. First Selectman Mailhos stated that if the Selectmen feel they need additional dates, they could meet on a Friday as well.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to schedule the budget meetings for the following dates:
January 4, 2016; January 11, 2016; January 25, 2016; February 1, 2016 and February 8, 2016; all at 5PM; noting that if the budget has been completed and adopted for submission to the BOF, the last meeting(s) will be canceled.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the Selectmen will review the 15-16 fiscal year budget and discuss upcoming goals for the next fiscal year at the first meeting on January 4th. They will also review the letter that the BOF will be sending in regards to the upcoming budget.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos added that the CIP Committee will have their first meeting on December 30th at 6:30 PM. The Committee will elect officers, and set their meeting schedule.
First Selectman Mailhos read the call of the 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 Town Office Building; 40 Old Farms Road, Willington, at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 13, 2016 for the following purpose:
ITEM I
Should the Board of Selectmen void their approval of the name, building-numbering and lettering of “Senior Way” (a driveway located on Old Farms Road) and appoint a diverse committee to review and provide the Board of Selectmen with a new name or names and new building-numbering and lettering?
ITEM II
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $79,000 from the Non-lapsing Education Fund for the purpose of covering unanticipated additional outside student placements.
Dated at Willington, This 21st day of December, 2015 -Willington Board of Selectmen
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Discussion was held. Selectman Kowalyshyn said that these small town meetings seem to take up a lot of time and money. She said she understands that we have to have them, but hardly anyone ever shows up. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that in the past, we have tried to lump several things into one meeting, to save on publication costs, and also to help move the projects that need to get done along. Selectman Kowalyshyn added that she understands that we need to call this meeting because of Item I (as it was petitioned); but wishes more people would show up.
Selectman Blessington added that he is not pleased with Item I. He would be more open to it if it proposed another name for the driveway but will reluctantly vote yes to call the meeting, but only because it is based on the Attorneys legal recommendation.
Discussion was held on Item I; and what will happen to the name of the driveway, if the item passes at Town Meeting. The Senior Way name has been officially voted on and will take effect on January 1, 2016. Christine Psathas; Democratic Registrar of Voters added that the Registrars have already begun to receive change of addresses with the new name and heard that the post office has been delivering mail with the new name already. Don Berg suggested keeping the name as Senior Way until the new name takes effect; even if Item I passes. Selectman Blessington clarified that the Town Meeting is the ultimate vote of the legislative body; and the way the question is worded, the name will be voided (as it states) and the driveway will go back to “60A Old Farms Road” until a committee is
formed and comes up with a new name.
In the meantime, the residents will have to change their address back; then change it a third time to the newly selected name. In addition, we are not sure what the post office is going to do; as they are already using the name Senior Way. First Selectman Mailhos cautioned that we were told that the Post Office needs at least three months’ notice for the name change – that is what we submitted to them over the summer. Don Berg suggested having the Selectmen vote to keep it as Senior Way until the new name is chosen at a future meeting. Robin Campbell warned that the Selectmen will not meet until that following week, leaving them with no name at all for that time frame. Selectman Kowalyshyn said she doesn’t know if they will be able to use an interim name because the call
of the item says to void it out. First Selectman Mailhos said she would have to check with the Town Attorney to see what the name will be in the interim; if it ends up passing. Selectman Kowalyshyn said she is in agreement with Selectman Blessington, adding that she feels badly for the seniors who are living there; who will have to go through three name changes – it doesn’t seem fair.
Selectman Blessington then asked what the issue was with the numbering of the buildings. Mr. Berg stated that he did not like the way the numbers were chosen; part of the objection was that the units were numbered even and odd numbers; but they are on the same side of the road. First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Selectmen had nothing to do with the numbering. It was determined by our Emergency Management Director and there is a reasoning behind it; having to do with how they find people in an emergency.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
The meeting will be held at the Town Office Building in the Common Room (upper level) on January 13th.
First Selectman Mailhos said that she had discussed this with the Board of Finance last week, and asked what they thought we should ask for this year. She clarified that we can’t keep asking for money to repair Turnpike Road. The last few times we requested money we were denied. She noted that the project that makes the most sense (and is one of the most expensive) is a new salt shed; (as part of a “Public Works’ Reconfiguration Project” that has been on the CIP Plan for years) which have seem to be approved for other towns in years’ past. She added that we need to submit the application by January 15th. As part of the application, we are going to request for funds to cover a development plan in addition to the entire project. Selectman Kowalyshyn
added that it is a good idea – as it is something we need. First Selectman Mailhos added that we should be able to get support letters from the Conservation & Wetlands Commission as well as the DOT and DEEP.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $185.53 to Mercedes-Benz Financial Services; Fort Worth, TX for a sold vehicle.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Old Business
- Proposed State Police Firearms Training Facility Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Steering Committee hasn’t met since the last BOS meeting. They will meet in early January. In the meantime, Congressman Courtney has been working on getting the State Police to move to the National Guard Facility. Also, First Selectman Mailhos said that she has also contacted the new Selectman in East Windsor, urging him to contact his State Senator and Congressman, to work with Congressman Courtney and Senator Guglielmo to help influence the State.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos attended the annual District Budget Sharing Information Meeting at E.O. Smith last week. Our State Representative, Sam Belsito was in attendance as well as Mansfield’s Representative Greg Haddad. The discussion was in regards to legislative issues and municipal constraints. E.O. Smith representatives state that they are looking at a flat budget this year. Mansfield representatives were saying that they are looking at somewhat of a windfall this year (with PILOT money). There was mention of potential renovations in the auditorium, arts wing and animal section. Preliminary budgets are coming in around $30 million. They would like the referendum vote to be added to the Presidential Election in 2016, however they do not think they will be ready before
then. Hopefully it will be its own Referendum. Willington’s share could be $6 million to $7million, but these are very preliminary rough estimates.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the rest areas along Interstate 84 have been re-opened.
First Selectman Mailhos is working on an estimate for the Old Town Hall, as requested by the Board of Finance. We have about $58,500 remaining from the exterior painting budget, and she would like to use the remainder for electrical repairs and window restoration; which were part of the Architects’ recommendations for restoration of the building. She will go back to the Board of Finance with an estimate.
We received a nice letter from the Conservation Commission thanking Derek Dimmock and the Public Works’ Department for the great job they did constructing the parking lot for hiking trail access on Mason Road. They also thanked the Selectmen and other boards for facilitating the project. The letter goes on to say that the lot will allow safe parking for access to the Talmadge Spur Trail and the Knowlton Spur Trail and the Conservation Commission is hoping will encourage more people to use the trails on these two great town properties. Both trails connect to the Nipmuck Trail, which is part of the Connecticut Blue Trail System. They will also add some signage along the trails.
First Selectman Mailhos said there seems to be a resurgence of dirt-bikes and ATV’s in Town. We have received several complaints from all around town. One complaint was that these off-road vehicles are tearing up the Uconn Forest. Another complaint is that they are driving without mufflers around town. First Selectman Mailhos urges anyone who sees a dirt bike or an ATV driving on a Town or State Road; to call the police. They are not allowed on the public roadways. A public notice will also be sent out to notify residents.
First Selectman Mailhos said that she recently met with Lt. Scott Smith, from Connecticut State Police, Troop C; who is our Liaison with the Troop. At the meeting, they had discussed the various issues of speeding around town, and the partying from Uconn students around the Latham/Burt Latham Road area. Lt. Smith said that they would work with our officials and the property owners to try to stop it. Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if we could fine the land owners. First Selectman Mailhos said it could be an option in the future, but would depend on how the Ordinances are written. (for example, certain landlords have it written in the leases that they are only allowed 2 visitors at a time). Another issue is the speeding traffic that the Troopers said they would try to help enforce.
Selectman Blessington said that the new Dunkin Donuts is very nice, and quite large. It is nice to have a new business in Town. There are no plans for the parcel across the street yet. The new property owner cleared it to show it’s potential for a prospective business.
Executive Session
First Selectman Mailhos moved to go into Executive Session at 7:38 P.M. and invited Carol Larson.
Robin Campbell explained that Ms. Larson had gone home for the evening.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to come out of executive session at 8:25 P.M.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 P.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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