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Board of Selectmen Minutes 06/06/2016
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes                                                                         June 6 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 6:32 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 May 16, 2016 as written
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote:  2 Yes (Mailhos, & Kowalyshyn)  1 Abstain (Blessington) 0 No.

Present to Speak:

Gloria Coles was present.  She is a Stafford resident, who purchased 47 acres of land on Boston Turnpike last year to farm on.  She is having trouble with her neighbors who she alleges are encroaching on her property.  After she purchased the land, she said she made it clear that the verbal agreement they had with the previous owner had been voided.  

Shortly after Ms Coles purchased the property, she found two of the neighbors buildings were on her property in the designated wetlands.   After researching, she found that they had never applied for building permits, and one of the buildings has electricity.   She noted that the buildings have since been moved, but only to the edge of their property, which is still in wetlands and also in  violation of our regulations  (as it has to be 25 feet from the border).  Ms. Coles added that the neighbors also planted apple trees, erected a deer stand and a fire-pit with chairs set up around it years ago and asked them to kindly remove the pit and stand as she would not permit hunting or motorized vehicles on her property.   Ms. Coles stated that the neighbors have threatened to take her to court for adverse possession.

Ms. Coles has paid several thousands of dollars to have an A2 Survey done, which is filed with the land records.  She has called the police several times to enforce trespassing, , however, hey will not help her.  She added that she has done everything right, she follows the law, yet the neighbors continue to violate the law and take advantage.  

Ms. Coles asked the Selectmen for help to resolve the issue without having to go to court.  She added that the fire pit continues to be filled with furniture and junk as well as the “no trespassing” signs that she had purchased and she no longer wants them on her property.  

First Selectman Mailhos stated that they should have applied for the proper permits if they erected buildings.  Selectman Blessington stated that this is beyond the Selectmen’s authority, and suggested that Ms. Cowles hire a lawyer and file a complaint with the Land Use Department.  If they haven’t  pulled the proper permits, then the Building Official might tell them they have to tear the buildings down.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said that she is sorry Ms. Cowles is having a hard time and if she is right about the property line, they shouldn’t be on her property.  


Todd Bissionette, resident of Cosgrove Road was present.  He said he moved to Willington from East Hartford 11 years ago because it is in the quiet corner.  Mr. Bissionette said he has been having issues with his neighbors who ride dirt bikes and quads with loud mufflers (or missing mufflers)  on their property. He added that he has called the State Police in regards to the issue several times, but because Willington does not have an ordinance against noise, they cannot enforce the issue.

Mr. Bissionette then presented a sample ordinance for Regulating Dirt Bikes on Private Property and asked the Selectmen to consider adopting it. Mr. Bissioneette added that he will also appeal to Planning and Zoning as well.  He then clarified that the neighbors, who ride their dirtbikes with no mufflers, is an annoyance and is disturbing his livelihood.  He added that they also burn-out up and down the road; sometimes at 2 in the morning. He would like to have something in place to put an end to it.

Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if we adopted the ordinance, who would enforce it?   She clarified that the Town of Tolland has a noise ordinance with an enforcement agent,  but it is almost impossible to enforce because the offense usually happens when the office is closed.   She then added that we would need to confirm that the State Police would be able to enforce it.   

First Selectman Mailhos said that the first step would be to talk to the Town Attorney to help draft an Ordinance, but would need authorization to do so. Once the Ordinance is drafted, it would need to be voted on at a Town Meeting.  She then suggested having the item added to the agenda so they can officially talk about it under new business.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to add item F under new business called:  Noise Ordinance
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 – Construction is moving along.   The foundations were poured in one section and the road has been cut in.   

*Old Town Hall Electrical and Restoration –We are still working on getting estimates for this project.

*Turnpike Road –the project was going to be advertised today, but the Town Engineer had a question on the wage rates and is waiting to hear back from the State before we go out to bid.

*Repairs to Daleville School Bridge – The Town Engineer is looking for approval from DEEP.

*Village Hill Road Drainage Engineering –the Town Engineer is still working on the documents.

*RRAC Fitness Stations – The Recreation Commission is moving along with the project.

*Senior Center Septic Re-Permitting – Derek and the Town Engineer have been talking to different Engineers on how to proceed.  We will need to go out to bid soon.  

*MS4 Consulting/Compliance – CRCOG is setting up a meeting next week for the affected towns who are now involved in the permitting process on a document that will help them go out to bid.

*Planning & Zoning POCD – The PZC Chairman attended the last Board of Finance meeting to seek guidance on the bidding process as we will need to hire a consultant to update the POCD.

*Nutmeg Network – the project is moving along slowly.  We have finally received the executed agreement from Frontier Communications.  

* K-8 Schools future – This joint  meeting of Willington & Mansfield Officials will take place on June 23, 2016 at 7:30 in the Mansfield Council Chambers in the Audrey Beck Municipal Building.   The public is encouraged to attend.

*Selectmen Wing Renovations – we are still working out the details of the renovations.  The design may be revised.

Public Works:

Derek Reported the crew has been busy with the following:

  • Roadside mowing
  • Pot hole patching
  • Grade gravel roads
  • Equipment repairs
  • Prep and install curbing damaged during winter season
  • Weed-whack OTH/ Boy Scout Hall
  • Mow DPW, Dog Pound, Transfer Station
  • Install curbing shelf and 600ft of curbing on Lohse Rd
  • Pick up recycling cans and drop off trash cans at Center School & OTH for Willington Day
  • Install & remove~ flags on Town Green
  • Remove & install storage cabinet in Finance Department
  • Install new signs at Transfer Station
  • Catch basin Top replacement & catch basin repair
  • Mow detention ponds
Derek would like to remind the residents that this year’s bulky permit will be sent with their tax bills, so please remember to remove bulky permit and begin using the new permit on June 26th.  Week number one runs from June 26th to July 2nd

New Busines

  • Department Update – Animal Control
        
Tina Binheimer, Willington’s Municipal Animal Control Officer was present.    She said the pound currently has 4 dogs and a litter of kittens, which the kittens have all been adopted, and will be able to leave once they are old enough.  

Ms. Binheimer explained that she is responsible for picking up roaming and abandoned dogs.  Dogs are advertised in the Chronicle to try to find their owner.  If after 7 days, no one has claimed, a dog will be put up for adoption.

She also deals with routine complaints such as nuisance barking, damage to real property, hoarding situations and re-homing animals from dangerous situations.

Ms. Binheimer clarified that she does not pick up roaming cats, unless it is a kitten, although she gets a lot of calls.

In addition, she investigates complaints regarding vicious or aggressive animals that have bitten people.  She writes up reports and statements for potential civil lawsuits against victims.  She assists the Fire Department with animals involved with house fires and more commonly, she assists the State Police with highway and other arrests (when animals are involved).   Ms. Binheimer also investigates neglect and animal cruelty cases.  She handles wildlife nuisance cases and she handles sick and injured if they are a public saftety hazard.  She clarified that the only wildlife she does not handle are bears and mountain lions as well as dead deer; but she will handle deceased domesticated animals.

The ACO facebook page is always updated with educational information for residents as well as food recalls, missing pets, or those who need to be adopted.  On any given day, Ms. Binheimer picks up roaming livestock as well. She holds fund raisers and also accepts donations to the pound.  She added that she has been successful in receiving pet food, and Dave’s Pet City in Stafford Springs has been a large donator; noting that she hasn’t purchased food in the four years she has been appointed as ACO.  She works with the department of Health on rabies, Dept of Agriculture to track any animal that comes into the town’s possession.  The Department of Ag also investigates livestock cruelty cases, in which Ms. Binheimer assists them for any case in Willington.  

In closing, Ms. Binheimer said the only need for the pound at the moment is a new truck and may need a transfer request in the future for training and certification updates.  She noted in the past, she has been able to attend free trainings or have been able to combine trainings which have not cost the town anything in the past.

The Selectmen thanked Ms. Binheimer and told her she is doing a great job.

  • Discussion – Animal Control Truck
First Selectman Mailhos said we have been talking about a new truck for a few years. ~$28,000 was approved to be leased  in the coming year's budget and because of that, a town meeting is not necessary, however the Selectmen will add a public hearing item to the upcoming Town Meeting. ~Donna will go out to bid to get the best leasing options and rates.

ACO Binheimer has been looking with Derek for a vehicle off the state bid and found a Chevy Colorado. ~In addition to the purchase of the truck, she will need to purchase a cap and lights and have the vehicle lettered which will bring the total cost to $30,977~for everything. ~ Discussion was held on how to pay for the extras, as $28,000 had only been approved. ~The original idea would be to sell the existing vehicle and use the proceeds from the sale to offset the costs. ~

Donna (our Business Manager) had stated that the Dog Fund is showing a favorable balance in two line items (dog pound building repairs  ($1,000) and  propane ($1,987.94). Donna suggested using the left over fund balance to offset the costs. ~ ACO Binheimer was in agreement. ~First Selectman Mailhos clarified if we were to use the sale money from the existing truck, it may take several months to get the money transferred back into her fund balance and the easiest  and cleanest way to do it is to use the fund balance this year.

First Selectman Mailhos said that she is glad that we are at this point.Selectman Kowalyshyn asked ACO Binheimer if she knows what color the new truck will be. ~ACO Binheimer replied that she is not sure, but hopes it is not yellow.

  • Call Town Meeting / Public Hearing
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 Willington Old Town Hall; 11 Common Road, Willington, at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 28, 2016 for the following purpose:

ITEM I
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $15,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of replacing the playscape at Hall Memorial School.    

ITEM II
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $11, 259 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of replacing the library exit doors,the basement exit doors and the garage doors at Center School.   

ITEM III (Public Hearing)
Presentation and discussion of a 7 year Lease / Purchase Agreement for a 2016 Fleet/Non-Retail Chevrolet Colorado 4WD Crew Cab 128.3” WT truck for Animal Control.~ (No vote on this item.)

Dated at Willington, This 6th  day of June, 2016
Willington Board of Selectmen
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the items to be discussed/voted on at Town meeting can be appropriated but the funds cannot be spent until after July 1, 2016.~
Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.~

  • State of Connecticut OCME Changes – Removal of Decedents
Selectman Blessington said that the Chief Medical Examiner of the State notified us that the CMO's office will no longer be able to remove unclaimed deceased bodies, leaving the towns responsible to care for them effective July 1, 2016. ~ ~

First Selectman Mailhos clarified that it is only for “unclaimed” bodies and there are only about 100 cases in the entire state per year (noting that most are in the cities).
~
First Selectman Mailhos added that the OCME suggested for all municipalities to establish a relationship with a local funeral home to take care of arrangements. ~She added that a mass email was sent to all of the municipalities informing us of this and there have been several discussions about it since then.~ It is highly controversial and not welcome news by any municipality.  

Selectman Blessington suggested having First Selectman Mailhos call two funeral homes to get some quotes. ~First Selectman Mailhos said she will get quotes for transport and disposal, noting that she has no idea how much it would cost,  or how many to expect.~  Selectman Blessington added this  is just another unfunded mandate that we haven’t planned for – you might have one or two – maybe none.  He is sure other (unfunded mandates) will be coming down the line as the state budget gets worse.  

ACO Binheimer added that the DPH notified her that they are changing the rabies protocol testing on animals. If an animal is bitten by a wild animal, it will need to be tested (which is no longer free) and quarantined.  This mostly will pertain to animals who are not vaccinated and the testing will go through UCONN at a cost of $65.  ACO’s across the state are pushing the cost of testing on to the owners.

  • Tax Refunds
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $232.93 to Toyota Lease Trust, Atlanta, GA for a sold vehicle.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:~ 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)~0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $2,851.43 to Nationstar Mortgage, LLC; Fort Worth, TX for an excess payment.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:~ 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)~0 No.

  •  Noise Ordinance
First Selectman Mailhos moved to have the Board of Selectmen empower the First Selectman to contact the Town Attorney about drafting a Noise Ordinance.~
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested to double check with the Attorney to make sure the ordinance would be able to be enforced by the State Police and it will not fall on any of our staff and jeopardize the town in any way. ~First Selectman Mailhos agreed and said she is going to look into an Ordinance similar to what Tolland has and see if it works with our structure. ~She added that Mr. Bissionette is not the only resident to complain of this issue as several others have complained to her about this.~
Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) ~0 No.



First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item G under New Business, called, "Disband State Police Firearms Training Facility Steering Committee.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion
Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
G. ~Disband State Police Firearms Training Facility Steering Committee
~
~First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Steering Committee held their final meeting on May 26, 2016 and a motion was made to recommend they disband, however no one on the commission had voted on it. ~we are still waiting for one final report, which is forthcoming and the Selectmen can receive it.

The Steering Committee members recommended to turn the reports over to the IWWC and PZC when we get them. ~They also suggested sending copies of the reports to the property owner as well, as he was nice enough to let us on the property. ~

First Selectman Mailhos added that the Steering Committee does not want to meet any longer.~

First Selectman Mailhos moved to disband the State Police Firearms Training Facility Steering Committee
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: ~3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)  0 No.

Old Business

  • Video Taping of Meetings – recap
Selectman Blessington stated that Stefan Schumer was here for a few months videotaping our meetings.  The videos have been uploaded to YouTube. ~Selectman Blessington stated he is very pleased with the way the meeting videos came out and believes it can be very effective.   ~The audio tapes are helpful and the minutes should be the official record of the meeting, however he likes the video taping because you can actually see who is talking. ~ He then added the entire package, including a camera, tri-pod, batteries and a 64 gig memory card cost  $293 – pretty affordable.

He then suggested that he would like to see the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Finance and the Board of Education to video tape their meetings as well, adding it is worth the money.  Selectman Kowalyshyn asked who would video tape the meetings?  Selectman Blessington said we would have to find someone.   Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that the Town of Tolland has a videographer, who is paid $50 per meeting, however they just videotape it, they are not responsible for the downloading or anything else.    She added that some of those boards meet more than once per month, and that could be quite costly.  ~

Selectman Kowalyshyn then  asked how many people watched the videos? ~Selectman Blessington said one of the meetings had~9 views. ~Selectman Kowalyshyn said she isn’t sure it would be worth spending money to video tape if only 9 people watched it.  She added she would rather see spending money elsewhere, such as upgrading the Town's website instead. ~

First Selectman Mailhos ~said that ~the Selectmen meetings do not really have that big of a following, unless something big is being discussed, like last year when the gun range was being discussed - that would have been a great meeting to video-tape. ~She added that it isn't just the money, but adding more trouble to our administrative workload. ~She then added that she doesn't think the Board of Finance will support a $50 stipend for it. Selectman Blessington then suggested paying $25 instead to make it more affordable.~

Selectman Blessington moved to make a stipend of $25 for video taping meetings.
There was no second to the motion

Selectman Kowalyshyn asked who is going to field the help wanted responses. ~She then added that we will need to find someone to download it, and store the tapes and she noted that the Selectmen can meet 4 to 5 times per month during budget season. ~

First Selectman Mailhos then suggested started with video-taping a Town Meeting (such as the one coming up at the end of June) and see if Selectman Blessington can find a volunteer to video tape it. ~

  • Region 19 New School Building Update
First Selectman Mailhos stated she found out that the meeting that was supposed to happen on June 9th has been canceled.  The Superintendent’s Office sent a notice that the Board will be sending a cancelation announcement tomorrow night.  

On the district’s Building Committee’s Agenda, a motion is listed to postpone the project and the referendum.  First selectman Mailhos said she is thankful to hear they have decided to move the referendum away from the November Election.  She added that we will have to watch this carefully, because it is turning into a controversial topic.

  • Crumbling Foundation Update
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she was hoping to get a letter to forward to the Selectmen by tonight’s meeting but it needs to wait until the next meeting.  Governor Malloy signed the Concrete Bill.


Good & Welfare

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a letter from Gloria Parsons, who is the late Leo Levesque's sister. ~The letter states the farm has recently sold to two gentlemen from Coventry, and the land will remain a farm in accordance with the family's wishes. ~The letter then gave a history of the family, and the farm. ~At the end of the letter, Ms. Parsons wrote "A few months before Leo passed, he told me he was able to purchase a newer truck but I never knew the circumstances that allowed him to do so. ~I subesequently found out that many of of his friends and neighbors were so concerned that the old truck he was driving was making him sick that funds were raised to help him purchase a better vehicle. ~This generosity and kindness from many touched me deeply. Subsequently, the truck was sold for $1,000.00. ~in Leo's memory, from all of his caring neighbors and friends, I have now made a donation of $1,000.00 to the Willington Fire Department #1. "
First Selectman Mailhos expressed that we are all happy to see it continue on as a farm.~She will send a thank you note to the family.

First Selectman Mailhos said we received an email from WHFD Member, Michael Makuch, who stated that our two Fire Departments have been working and training together over the past year. ~ The two departments had 21 Tuesday night training sessions and the average number of attendees each night were 20 members. ~A total of 1010 man hours of training was delivered on those Tuesday nights, and a total of 2146 man hours of training was delivered to Willington Hill Volunteers. Also, Mr. Makuch stated that since the change of Chief at Willington #1, they are joining the WHFD training sessions and he is in regular communication with their training officer on plans for future training. ~
First Selectman Mailhos said that is great news.~

ACO Binehimer sent in a thank you to Jason Albano for collecting lots of dog and cat treats, bedding and other items which were donated to Willington Animal Control from Mr. Albano's 9th birthday. ~She thanked him for being another one of our young animal angels in Willington!

First Selectman Mailhos noted that there was an article in the Chronicle about the Holiday Tree Committee. ~Selectman Blessington stated that the Committee is working on a meeting date.~

The Tax Office is preparing the tax bills. ~In addition, the Fire Fighter Abatements have also been printed. ~The bill shows the abatement amount and the total amount owed. ~ The total we are looking at for the abatements is: $9,898.73.

We received a statement from Ed Taiman, who is the Chairman of the State Police Firearms Training facility Steering Committee: ~Chairman Taiman wrote:~

Hi Christina. In my absence at the meeting this Thursday evening, can you please convey the following comments on the record as I have an unavoidable commitment this evening:

When news of the proposed gun range first broke, it was clear that we, as a town, had quite the task ahead of us. There were times when I had my doubts, but I never doubted the resolve of our little town. In the end we prevailed, but it was never easy. I would like to personally thank each member of the Steering Committee for their attendance at the meetings, their thoughtful input, hard work and dedication. A word of thanks goes to the members of Unwillington.com, especially Stephanie Summers, as well as the Board of Selectmen who helped rally everyone towards a common cause. The town was fortunate enough to be represented by Attorney Caleb Hammel who should be very proud of his efforts as he helped save our town. We also need to recognize the dedication of State Sen. Tony Guglielmo who worked so hard on our behalf, as well as Congressman Joe Courtney. Each of them worked behind the scene to help us achieve our goal. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is the dedication of every citizen of this town who attended the rallies and hearings at the state capital, who supported the financial outlay of the town to retain Attorney Caleb and his law firm to help us fight the gun range, and every homeowner who put a sign on their~ front lawn.~ It was a collaborative effort on everyone's part and I thank each and every one of you for all of your help.

Robin Campbell noted Willington Day was successful, despite the heat that day.  The Board thanked Melissa McKinnon for chairing another successful year. ~

Sadly, the annual Memorial Day Parade was canceled due to inclement weather. ~Selectman Kowalyshyn asked why we couldn't have postponed it? ~Robin Campbell clarified that our keynote speaker, Congressman Courtney would have had a conflict if we had rescheduled later that day and there are a lot of details that would have needed to be planned for in advance. ~The VFW Commander had decided that holding it in the old Town Hall would have been too uncomfortable with the humidity. ~

Robin Campbell is preparing the agenda for the upcoming Joint meeting between the Board of Selectmen, Finance; Planning & Zoning and IWWC for Monday, June 13th at 6:30 PM in the library’s community room.~

The Selectmen discussed the next few months of meetings and their summer schedules. ~First Selectman Mailhos stated that she will not be able to attend the next regular meeting on June 20th.  The  meeting will be rescheduled to June 27th at 5 P.M. ~ ~The August meetings may need to be shuffled due to vacation schedules. ~The Selectmen will discuss closer to that time.~If something comes up sooner, they can schecule a special meeting.


Selectman Blessington moved to adjourn at 8:45 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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