BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes January 19, 2016
Common 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 January 4, 2016
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to approve the special meeting minutes of January 4, 2016
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the special meeting minutes of January 11, 2016
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Kelly Trueb stated that she researched the 2015 CIP Meeting minutes regarding the Old Town Hall painting project because there seemed to be a disagreement about how the money was allotted for last year’s plan at the January 7, 2016 CIP meeting. The February 11, 2015 minutes state: “the approval for $100,000 will remain for exterior painting and other upgrades inside the building. ~First Selectman Mailhos can work on the interior renovations with any surplus from the exterior painting expense.” Ms. Trueb clarified that it no longer has anything to do with the CIP, but the Selectmen should now be able to move forward (once a Town Meeting is held) if they so choose. The Selectmen thanked Ms. Trueb for the clarification.
Christine Psathas stated that she would like to have the Selectmen discuss a possible ordinance change to the Registrar of Voters terms at a future BOS meeting. The proposed Ordinance would change the current ROV terms, from two years to four. Ms. Psathas stated she would like to review with the Selectmen at their February 16, 2016 meeting, which will also give the Democratic Town Committee time to meet and discuss prior.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
*Senior Housing – the documents have been signed, (as approved by the Town Attorney). The Housing Authority is optimistic that they will close soon.
*Turnpike Road – our Town Engineer has been working with DEEP and ACOE to get the permits going.
*CIP Planning – First Selectman Mailhos presented the CIP requests on January 7th. Public Works and Animal Control will present on January 20th.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following:
- Replace Moose Meadow catch basin top
- Vehicle/equipment maintenance
- Roadside mowing
- Pot hole patching
- Build shelving/ install hangers to organize weed whackers, pole saws and shovels in garage
- Move items out of common room for Town Meeting
- Plowing/ sanding of roadways
- Clean trucks
- Push up salt deliveries
- Install new faucet at T.O.B
The window installation is almost complete with the exception of one last window. Once the windows have been completed, the contractor will replace the plastic sky lighting panels on the roof with metal roofing as well as replacing the entry doors.
New Business
- Parks & Recreation Office / Personnel changes
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Recreation Commission members held interviews for the Director position and are happy to announce that they hired Maureen Parsell . Maureen has been helping out with the basketball program for the past several weeks. First Selectman Mailhos stated that Ms. Parsell will officially start as Recreation Director on January 25th.
First Selectman Mailhos said that she has been discussing the position change with the Recreation Commission, and the consensus was to have the Recreation Department move to the lower level to share space with the Youth Family & Social Services Department. That way, the two departments can collaborate and also offer coverage for each other, if one is out of the office.
Selectman Kowalyshyn and Blessington said it was a great idea. Robin Campbell has sought pricing on a pre-owned work station for that area, to set up an office for the Recreation Director. By purchasing a pre-owned piece of equipment, will keep costs down. No construction will be necessary. Signage should help let residents know where to go.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Jerry Lopes as an alternate member of the Willington Zoning Board of appeals; effective January 19, 2016 (expired on December 31, 2015); expiring December 31, 2018. (Three year term)
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re appoint John Prusak as an alternate member of the Willington Zoning Board of appeals; effective January 19, 2016 (expired on December 31, 2015); expiring December 31, 2020. (Five year term)
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 noted that the Selectmen will be going into Executive Session shortly to discuss a strategy for the upcoming public hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
Last Thursday’s “Unwillington, Inc.” meeting with Congressman Joe Courtney was a huge success. First Selectman Mailhos noted that it was standing room only at the library to hear Congressman Courtney’s idea to have the State Police share the National Guard facility in East Haven.
At Thursday’s meeting, Congressman Courtney pointed out that one of the reasons why the State Police are not favorable to sharing the National Guard Facility is because that area has a baffling system, which absorbs the noise (and the surrounding residents do not have any issues). The State Police believe that the baffling system will inhibit maneuverability, and is not realistic. Selectman Blessington cautioned that in the beginning, the state had promised to take steps to keep the noise levels down. He noted that most gun ranges have some sort of baffling system, and now they seem to be contradicting themselves.
State Senator Guglielmo and Senator Larson have forced a public hearing, which will be held on February 2, 2016 to discuss the project. Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora Schriro and Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Melody Curry will be at the public hearing to answer questions regarding the project. First Selectman Mailhos urged residents to send Senator Guglielmo any questions or thoughts that they may have to be asked at the public hearing.
The Selectmen were told that the “Unwillington, Inc.” group is looking to rent a bus to bring any residents interested in attending the public hearing on 2/2.
Good & Welfare
First Selectman Mailhos expressed an apology to the Conservation Commission, as they were left out of the last “are you willing” e-blast. The blast is sent out regularly to remind residents of vacancies on the various boards and commissions. The Conservation Commission currently has 3 alternate vacancies. Robin Campbell added that since the notice was published, the Economic Development Commission has also added an alternate vacancy; leaving them with 2 alternate positions available.
Last week’s Town Meeting, held at the TOB regarding the voidance of “Senior Way” was recapped. The majority of the townspeople at the meeting voted to keep the name as is.
First Selectman Mailhos thanked Congressman Joe Courtney once again for coming out to Willington last week for working on our behalf.
Executive Session
First Selectman Mailhos moved to go into Executive Session regarding pending claims & litigation in reference to the State Police Firing Range, inviting Geoff Prusak and Carol Jordan of the Steering Committee at 7:15 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:46 P.M.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to have the First Selectman send a letter to Senator Guglielmo along with the Town Attorney’s opinion on State-Town Cooperation to help inform questions the Senator might ask at the Public Hearing to be held on Feb. 2, 2016.~ A second letter will be sent with suggested question areas compiled from the Firearms Steering Committee members and Selectmen.”
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 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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