Town of Willington, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes 04/04/2016

Board of Selectmen Minutes 04/04/2016

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Meeting Minutes April 4, 2016

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 March 7, 2016 with Selectman Blessington’s edits as follows: Page 4; second to last paragraph should read: Willington is the only Town that has agriculture as the only “as of right of use”

Page 10 (old Business); third paragraph second sentence should read “The town leaders are open to housing the facility”…. (Replace hosing with housing).

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Present to Speak:

Donna Hardie, Town Clerk was present. She informed the Selectmen that she is requesting her annual designation to apply for a presentation grant. The town will receive $4,000 to preserve an old book in need of restoration from 1837 as well as journals dating from 1832 – 1883.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to add item D under New Business, called Preservation Grant

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.

Selectman Blessington mentioned a memo sent from BOF Chairman Bulick to the IWWC, P&Z, ZBA and Susan Yorgensen regarding the part time position in the Land Use Department that they have been requesting to fill over the past few years and why the BOF would not approve the request. ~The BOF had suggested holding a joint meeting with the parties involved to discuss how to alter the position to enhance customer service in the Land Use Department.

Selectman Blessington feels it is a good idea and asked First Selectman Mailhos to facilitate a leadership role and schedule the meeting with those involved, including a representative from the Selectmen.

First Selectman Status Report

*Senior Housing – the Housing Authority have begun to hold pre-construction meetings. Ground breaking will be scheduled soon.

*Old Town Hall Electrical and Restoration – First Selectman Mailhos is getting estimates and will present to the BOF shortly. She will request approval from the BOS to move forward.

*Turnpike Road – our Town Engineer has been working with DEEP and ACOE to get the permits going.

*Repairs to Daleville School Bridge – we have asked the Town Engineer to begin the bid documents.

*Village Hill Road Drainage Engineering – First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Selectmen will be calling a Town Meeting for June 23 (in May) and the funding for the project will be on that agenda. Once approved, the bid documents will be prepared.

*Public Works Garage Improvements – the project was recently finished last week.

*Selectmen Wing Renovations – we are still seeking quotes from contractors.

*Willington Day 2016- the Committee has held a few meetings already and we have sent out a public notice seeking volunteers.

*Registrar length of term ordinance – this was passed at a recent Town Meeting. The Town Clerk will update the Ordinance.

*New CIP Projects - will be added to the Town meeting that will be called in May for some time in June. First Selectman Mailhos is compiling a list of the projects that will be on the agenda, and will email the departments/commissions that are responsible for them.

*Crumbling Foundation Issue – First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has added this to the list so we can stay on top of this growing issue. Twenty-one towns are affected by this. A group of towns in our area requested to host a meeting on the topic and asked that the Department of Consumer Protection be there. A coalition has also been formed by residents dealing with the issue and they continue to host meetings.

Every Town is trying to figure out what the next steps are and how they can help those affected. ~ ~ Selectman Blessington said he is hopeful that they are working on a solution to help, rather than figuring out who to blame.

A letter was drafted by state~leaders and they are asking to have the letter sent out to the public. ~First Selectman Mailhos said she would like to send hard copy letters to all homeowners of residences built during the period of 1983 - 2003; as she believes we can generate a list from our database. ~

Selectman Blessington said that he heard people are hesitant to come forward because they are afraid they might lose some advantage in the future. ~The letter does not mention that, nor does it mention a reason of advantage to come forward. ~First Selectman Mailhos agreed, and said she is not going to recommend for~people~to sign up to be on the list - She added that the state has seemed to back off of that as well, and is rather suggesting residents contact their attorneys instead. Selectman Kowalyshyn concurred, stating that after 15 months, the documentation will become public; which may affect their insurance or possibly their mortgage with their bank as well as other legal issues in the future.~

Selectman Blessington noted that Sam Belsito was pushing the issue to become federal, however to do so, you have to have a minimum number of homes to the list, and he believes that is the reason for the push of the letter to get the signatures. ~Selectman Kowalyshyn disagreed, and said that some people may think that the taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for someone else's problem. ~

In the meantime, First Selectman Mailhos heard Governor Malloy is trying to negotiate with the insurance companies regarding settlements on the issue, however several things are being discussed, but nothing has been settled yet.

Public Works:

Discussion – Transfer Station Hours of Operation

First Selectman Mailhos stated that Derek had asked to put this on the agenda for discussion. The workers are having issues at the end of the day. Residents come in right up until 4:00 which does not give the employees enough time to shut the Transfer Station down. (it would only leave them 15 minutes to close the storage containers, pack the dumpsters, dump the waste oil and finish the paperwork as well as other things) before they leave for the evening. Derek suggested by closing the transfer station 15 minutes earlier each night will help alleviate that problem. First Selectman Mailhos noted if they stay one minute over 4:15; they automatically get an extra 3 hours overtime, so sometimes they leave items undone.

The Selectmen were in agreement and said they do not have a problem with this.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to change the closing time of the Transfer Station from 4:00 to 3:45 PM on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday; effective June 1, 2016.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Polster Road – “No Tractor Trailer Truck Traffic” signage

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she mentioned this a few months ago. Derek has been working with the town of Stafford's Public Work's Director to put signs up at both ends of Polster Road; as the new bridge has incurred damage, due to tractor trailer trucks traveling over the road. ~Derek has waited for Stafford to make a decision about this, but he is going to move forward with the signs on the Willington end.~

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

Trim brush along roadside ( brush too large for roadside mowers)
Roadside mowing
Lawn repair due to plowing
Pick up broken curbing
Grading of gravel roads
Sign repair
Pothole repair
Cut up & remove trees that had fallen on fence at Hall School
Repair gates at Transfer Station
Clean up at Halls Pond
Cut trees & remove stumps behind equipment storage shed for plow storage area
Vehicle/equipment repair
Plowing and sanding
Repair Animal Control vehicle
Install dump piston on W13 dump truck
Fabricate new frame for water tank for sweeping
Preparing sweeper for upcoming sweeping season

The Public Works upgrades have been completed this past week:

The textile recycling at the Transfer Station has been a great success so far, the bins have been in place for a month, with 3,340 pounds of textiles removed to date~ also the bins are currently full from this past week.

New Business

DECD Small Cities Block Grant (For housing rehabs) discussion

First Selectman Mailhos said that we had a resident inquire about the Small Cities Block Grant program to see if we would be able to apply for funding. Willington was awarded a $350,000 grant ~a few years ago; but we ended up returning some of the funding because we could not find enough people to apply. ~This grant is federally funded, which helps low to moderate income families who need help with home improvement issues. ~The maximum one home can borrow is $30,000; but this is based on what needs to be done, how much the home is worth and equity built in the home, as well as the income limits of the homeowner. ~ ~Also, each town has a limit as to what they will receive. ~(Maximum is $400,000 - Willington would be eligible for $350,000). It is a no interest loan, payable to the town upon the future sale of the home.

Robin Campbell stated that this year's grant deadline has already passed; the deadline to submit a letter of intent was February 26th. ~The deadline for the application is April 11th, however since we did not submit the letter of intent; we are not eligible to apply.

A homeowner had asked for us to apply to help with a~crumbling~foundation issue, which is one of the items covered on the list, however for most homes, the amount to fix this surpasses the maximum of what would be loaned. In addition, there is a time limit as to when the construction (or repairs) would need to be done; as the grant has an expiration date.~

First Selectman Mailhos noted that one of our neighboring Town Managers had suggested that the DECD Small Cities funding should be funneled to the homeowners who are suffering with the crumbling foundation issues. ~Selectman Kowalyshyn warned that this is still a loan that will need to be paid back eventually. ~Selectman Blessington said that this grant isn't designed just for the foundations. ~~

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we missed the deadline for this year, but perhaps we need to look into it next year, and in the meantime, see what the other towns are doing. ~~

Robin Campbell noted that we will need to begin the process a few months ahead of time next year, because the application process entails a lot of legwork and paperwork, and we will need to be prepared.~

Discussion regarding Memorial Day and possibly setting up a parade committee

First Selectman Mailhos said that Memorial Day is coming soon. Robin Campbell is in the process of putting together the ceremony. A public notice will be sent out to seek volunteers to serve on a committee. Robin Campbell stated that we may need to seek donations again next year, but we will know better closer to the ceremony; to see what we’ve spent. We had a few generous donations last year to help out.

Appointments

First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Chuck Struzynski as a regular member of the Solid Waste Advisory Commission; (filling a vacancy) effective April 4, 2016; expiring 11/7/2017

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.~

First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Lisa Madden as the Acting Municipal Revenue Collector effective April 11, 2016; expiring April 11, 2020

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.~

~Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.~

First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Jody Heon as the Assessor for the Town of Willington; effective April 11, 2016; expiring April 11, 2018

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.~

Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.~

Preservation Grant Designee

First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Donna Hardie as the designee of the application for the preservation Grant in the Town of Willington.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.~

Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)

Old Business

Review of video taping of BOS meetings

Selectman Blessington stated that he brought the flash drive of the last meeting to the TOB for the Selectmen to view. Selectman Kowalyshyn and First Selectman Mailhos stated that they did not have a chance to view the video. Stefan Schumer suggested rather than placing the videos on a flash drive; which costs about $6.00 per unit, it may be more cost effective to download the videos on YouTube. He added that there is no cost. Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested once it is up on YouTube, we may also be able to embed it on to our website. Selectman Blessington added that the set up (camera, etc.) costs less than $300 and asked if the Selectmen would be in favor of using the YouTube technology. He then added if it is successful, we may have to think about hiring someone to video tape the meetings (in addition to the Selectmen’s meetings; P&Z; IWWC; BOF to name a few). Selectman Kowalyshyn warned that we should track the viewing to see how many people watch it before we invest in hiring someone.

Discussion regarding Senior Way (Button Hill Cottages)

Don Berg, who was present requested to have the Selectmen add this discussion on the agenda once again, as a concerned citizen. He submitted a map to the Selectmen with a sketch of the proposed drive. He asked the Selectmen if they would consider changing the name of the loop at the end of what is now called “Senior Way” to something different; thus leaving Senior Way as the drive into the complex.

First Selectman Mailhos asked why? Mr. Berg stated that several residents are unhappy with the name Senior Way. In addition, the Housing Authority may have trouble with future rentals because of the dislike of the name.

Selectman Kowalyshyn cautioned that the road coming in will still remain as Senior Way, even if the loop name would be changed. Mr. Berg said he understood. Discussion was held on the numbering of the units; how they will be accessed as one would travel down the driveway; which is a two way drive. First Selectman Mailhos cautioned that changing the name will not alleviate any confusion there may be with locating the units along the drive.

Selectman Blessington said that the suggestion of changing the actual name may have had a better chance at the last Town Meeting if an actual name was chosen. We’ve already been through this at a town meeting; and he thought they were naming the entire drive name at that meeting. The other Selectmen were in agreement. Selectman Blessington said he is not in favor of changing anything.

First Selectman Mailhos agreed, stating it would be one thing if our Emergency Management Director were here telling us that it should be changed to help the navigation around the loop, then they might discuss further, but at this point; there is no reason to change it. She then asked if the EMD suggested that a name change would offer help to the layout of the drive? Mr. Berg said no. First Selectman Mailhos added that she had sent an email to the EMD to get his opinion, but he hasn’t responded. She then clarified if we were to go about changing it; another Town Meeting will have to be held on this.

Selectman Kowalyshyn warned that we already had a town meeting on this; the Townspeople said no. How many times do we have to hold meetings to change things? Selectman Blessington agreed. He continued to say that argument has been made and settled. There is no cause of danger with the way it is and therefore is no reason to change it. First Selectman Mailhos said her only concern is that people may be confused with the way it is set up, but people will get used to it as time goes on.

Proposed State Police Firearms Training Facility Discussion

First Selectman Mailhos said that the Steering Committee is slated to meet on Wednesday, however after speaking with Attorney Hamel, it was decided that it would be better to postpone the meeting until May. ~

The State has held public hearings in Voluntown, Griswold and Canterbury over the past few weeks. ~First Selectman Mailhos stated that she heard several residents have shown up to these meetings to say they are not in favor of hosting the facility. ~Also, she heard over the weekend that two properties in Griswold have pulled out of the scoping list.~ This week they are going to meetings in Sprague and Hampton.

Selectman Kowalyshyn added that we have been hearing that the state may have to hold lay-offs, but they are still looking at this project to move forward. ~

First Selectman Mailhos said that our consultants will be going out soon to do some spring condition assessments shortly and the appraisal is going to happen as well.~

Good & Welfare

The Selectmen expressed condolences to the family of former First Selectman Mike Eldredge, who passed away last Thursday. ~Former First Selectman Eldredge’s calling hours will be on Tuesday evening from 6PM-8PM and the funeral will be held on Wednesday at Potter's Funeral Home at 11AM. ~

We received a letter from Troop C regarding services during the month of February. ~State Troopers reported 21 accidents; 16 criminal investigations 4 larcenies, 283 traffic citations, 592 non-reportable incidents, and 51 warnings (note: this includes I-84).

First Selectman Mailhos thanked Christine Psathas, who recently resigned from the Solid Waste Advisory Commission for her several years of service.~

The Willington Animal Control Officer sent us an email asking to extend a thank you to Cub Scout Pack #82 for raising $85.00 as well as dog food for the dog pound. Also, ACO Binheimer extened a huge thank you to 11 year old Grace Smith, who collected pet food and treats for the pound at her birthday party.

We received the Towns Hazard Mitigation Plan, which has been approved by FEMA. With this approval, we are now eligible to apply to the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and hOmeland Security for mitigation grants administered by FEMA. ~First Selectman Mailhos thanked our Emergency Management Director, Stuart Cobb and Dagmar Noll (formerly of WINCOG) for completing the plan. ~

First Selectman Mailhos stated that E.O. Smith is looking to hold a referendum regarding building a new school (and sell the current one to UCONN). Superintendent Silva will be hosting meetings in each of the member towns beginning in April to present the plan. First Selectman Mailhos said that she believes it should be held as a stand alone referendum, rather than incorporating it with the presidential election. This particular referendum is based on town votes; it will have to be approved by a majority vote (in this case, each town has to approve for the project to pass). ~She said she will be contacting the Region 19 Board to express her opinion that it should have it's own voting event; rather than the General Election in November.

We received an update on discount prescription drug card. ~Since the program started in Willington, residents have saved over $38,000 by using the card.~ Selectman Blessington reminded residents that the card can also be used for pets on human-based medications.

The Selectmen congratulated Carol Larson on her retirement. ~Her last day was March 31st. ~The Town employees threw a party for her. ~We wish her a happy retirement.

The Donate Life flag has been raised and will fly at the Town Office Building for the month of April. ~April is Donate Life Month. ~ ~For more information go to: www.lifechoice.opo.org.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 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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