Skip Navigation
This table is used for column layout.
 
Board of Selectmen Minutes 07/18/2016
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes                                                                         July 18, 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 June 27, 2016 with edits suggested by Selectman Blessington:
Page 7; item C (Mansfield Willington Cooperative Agreement), second paragraph last sentence: “Selectman Blessington added that they keep saying it will only be a year of the tuitioning and then they  might find they need to build a new school – what he meant to say was: they (Mansfield) were advertising that we would drop out at any time after one year but then slid under the door if they build a new school, it would be 20 years – that was the point he was trying to get across.  
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Selectman Blessington asked to table the approval of the joint meeting of the BOS, BOF, IWWC & PZC of June 16, 2016 until he has had a chance to run them by Chairman Marco.

Present to Speak:

Resident Ralph Tulis told the Selectmen that the CT State Police, Troop C is close to presenting a warrant in conjunction of the arson that took place on June 27th.  He asked the Selectmen to pressure the police to keep moving along on the case.    Mr. Tulis’ cabin on Lohse Road was torched and was deemed a complete loss.   The neighborhood is on alert and is looking for justice.   First Selectman Mailhos stated that she would call Troop C to keep the investigation moving along and to inform them that the neighbors are nervous.

Correspondence:

A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.  

First Selectman Status Report

*Senior Housing – Last week, the Housing Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony.  The ceremony was successful.  Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, and the Public Housing Commissioner were in attendance.   The structures are beginning to be framed and the fourth foundation is to be poured soon.       

*Old Town Hall Electrical and Restoration –the walk thru was held last week, and as a result an addendum was issued.  The bids are due back by July 28th.

*Turnpike Road –bids were received on July 11th.  The Selectmen will send a letter to the State to get approvals to award the project.   

*Repairs to Daleville School Bridge – We are still looking for approvals from DEEP prior to preparing the bid documents.

*Village Hill Road Drainage Engineering –the Town Engineer is still working on the design, which will help with CIP planning in the fall.

*River Road Athletic Fitness Station – the Recreation Commission is looking at options for the complex. Activity should start in the late summer or early fall.

*Senior Center Septic Re-Permitting – Derek is compiling a list of engineering companies that can do the work.  

*MS4 Consulting/Compliance- First Selectman Mailhos has been working with CRCOG members who will go out to bid as a region to find a contractor to help with the process.

*Public Works Environmental Configuration Engineering – (new salt shed & moving the fuel island) Karl has begun the design.  The goal is to have it completed and bid out by fall so we have good numbers for the start of budget planning in November

*ACO truck – The public hearing was held a few weeks ago to discuss the truck.  The Business Manager will be going out to bid on the lease.  In the meantime, a purchase order has been drafted and the truck will be ordered shortly (it takes 6 weeks to come in).

*POCD – The RFP has been advertised in the paper and are due back on July 29th.

*Crumbling Foundations – A meeting will be held with CT Assessors on August 9th to discuss how to handle re-assessments amongst all the towns.  

*Nutmeg Network – we are waiting to get one more bid back to switch the internet connection over.  In the meantime, the pole connection is moving forward.

Public Works:

Derek Reported the crew has been busy with the following:

  • Removal of deer hit by motorist
  • Brush removal around dry hydrants (list provided by Willington Hill Fire Dept)
  • Mowing of detention ponds
  • Roadside mowing
  • Prep for paving at Transfer Station
  • Mowing of Old Landfill
  • Vehicle equipment repair
  • Removal of roadside obstructions on Daleville area plow route ( rocks & stumps)
  • Weed whack around O.T.H
  • Repair Gates at Senior Center dumpster enclosure
  • Repair head wall on Daleville Rd ( forest section)
  • Demo playground equipment at Hall School
  • Sign repair
  • Sweep Fisher Hill due to washout from heavy rainfall
  • Fill Town owned generators with fuel
  • Catch basin top replacements & basin repair on Moose Meadow
  • Mowing of Halls Pond/D.P.W./Transfer Station/Dog Pound
  • Removal of brush in sight lines
Derek reminded everyone that July and August are vacation months.  Public Works has a maximum of three employees at best through this time period.  When an issue arises we will do our best to address things that may come forth in a timely manner along with the projects that are currently ongoing.  Thank you.

First Selectman Mailhos added that we usually get phone calls from residents about site lines needing to be cleared (as the grass is overgrown in those areas).  If residents notice any of the areas that are overgrown, please send us an email or call and we will have Public Works take care of it.  They usually get to it in a day or two.

New Business

  • Department Update – Assessor
Jody Heon, Assessor of the Town of Willington was present.  She stated that the new DMV conversion has created quite a stir for most of the towns; including Willington, but it is nothing we cannot handle. She is going with a systematic approach and with policies in place and we should be fine.  She gave an example of some things that have come in – we have had people come in who are missing bills; some are receiving bills for old vehicles that haven’t been registered in several years and even some are receiving bills from other towns.  

The Assessor’s Department is preparing for the busy season for personal property declarations; which are due back in October.  Ms. Heon noted that we are currently having an issue with our mass appraisal software of real estate.  There is no easy way to fix it other than switching it out with another version, or changing it completely.  She is trying to wait it out until the next reval year, which is coming up in a few years.  At that time the software packages are offered at a reduced rate.

Ms. Heon stated that the concrete issue is new for Assessors and in addition, it is time to re-vamp the policies and procedures in the department.    She stated that she has an open door policy.  Residents are welcome to call or email.   It never hurts to ask questions no matter how small.

The Selectmen thanked Ms. Heon for coming to the meeting.

  • Award Turnpike Road Construction Contract
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the bid opening was held on July 11th.  We received 4 bids:
Genovesi Construction, LLC:             $493,200
True Blue Environmental Services:       $438,496
Sadow Excavation Inc:                   $376,000
Milton C. Beebe & Sons Inc.             $331,318

The bid from Genovesi Construction was disqualified, because the submittal was incomplete (missing paperwork).   Our Town Engineer sent a letter of recommendation to award the contract to Milton C. Beebe & Sons, Inc.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to recommend awarding the contract to Milton C. Beebe & Sons, Inc. for the Turnpike Road Phase III Drainage Project as per their bid of $331,318, pending the approval of such by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
A letter will be sent to the State Department of DOT tomorrow to move the award along.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that the drainage project will hopefully be done by the fall so we can move along with the paving project (to use the next round of STEAP funding of $500,000) once the drainage is done.   
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

  • Tax Refund
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $322.91 to Nissan Infinity for a sold vehicle credit.
Selectman   Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)    0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $104.06 to Enterprise FM Trust; St. Louis MO for a sold vehicle credit.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)     0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $74.92 to Rachel Jones; Little Rock, AR for a certificate of correction credit.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)     0 No.

  • Award GFOA Award to Finance Department
The award presentation will be tabled until the next meeting.

  • CT Counsel of Small Towns (COST)  membership discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received our annual invitation to join COST.  She noted that Willington used to be a member of COST, but we decided it was more beneficial to go with CCM; as we could not afford to pay dues for both.   First Selectman Mailhos noted that COST has helped us out over the years (particularly with the MS4 permitting).  Selectman Kowalyshyn asked what the difference is between COST and CCM?  First Selectman Mailhos stated that CCM is bigger, has more employees and lobbyists at the State Capitol covering different issues.  They have a lot of knowledge of what is going on throughout the state and pretty much every town is a member of it.  COST has a smaller staff, but focuses more on the small towns and advocates on behalf of all of us.  We have different issues than the big cities.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we don’t have it in our budget at this time, but would like to have the Selectmen think about COST Membership during the next budget discussions.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she understands, however she finds it hard to pay another vendor (which is a lot of money) for the same service we are already getting.  First Selectman Mailhos said she was thinking of sending COST a nice letter.

  • Micro-grid for Transfer Station /Public Works complex
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Derek submitted some paperwork to the Selectmen for their consideration from UCONN Power and Energy Labs;  who work in conjunction with DEEP in placing micro-grids around municipalities.  Derek asked UCONN to look at the old landfill behind the transfer station, which was found to have potential and could possibly power the Transfer Station, Public Works and Animal Control.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that this is just a preliminary stage, but they are looking for us to sign a letter of interest, which would allow us to apply for a grant to the DEEP to install the micro-grid.   She stated that this could be a great opportunity for us, and added if we decided not to pursue, we would not be obligated.  The cost of the installation would be $2milliion, all of which would be covered by the grant.  First Selectman Mailhos added that we would find out more about it after we apply and it is worth looking into.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to authorize First Selectman Mailhos to start the RFP process and apply for the grant.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)  0 No.

  • Appointments:
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Wilbur Gangaway as a regular member of the Willington Housing Authority; effective August 1, 2016, expiring August 1, 2021.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos said that she is not sure how long Mr. Gangaway has been on the Housing Authority, but it was mentioned at last week’s ground breaking ceremony that he was one of the orginators who requested the implementation of the senior center and housing to the Board of Selectmen back  in the 1970’s.  She added that Mr. Gangaway has been involved towards that goal ever since and has done a great job.

Last week’s Chronicle and Journal Inquirer both had nice articles about the ground breaking ceremony last week.

The Selectmen thanked Mr. Gangaway for all of his hard work over the years.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item H under new business:  Solarize, CT.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)  0 No.

  •  Solarize, CT
A member of our Energy Advisory Committee has introduced us to Solarize, CT (powered by CT Green Bank) which is a local non-profit group that has been helping a lot of neighboring towns get solar in their communities.  
Solarize CT helps the town go through an RFP process to find an installer who will help residents get solar installed on their properties at competitive prices.  Willington is moving with Eastford to begin the process.    To get started, First Selectman Mailhos said she will need to be authorized to sign a MOU.

First Selectman Mailhos read the MOU:


Solarize Connecticut Memorandum of Understanding

This Memorandum of Understanding is made between the Town of Willington and Solarize Connecticut, a program managed by SmartPower, Inc. (“SmartPower”), sparked by the Connecticut Green Bank.

WHEREAS Willington has been a leader in sustainability efforts in Connecticut including: the creation of an Energy Advisory Committee, participation in multiple green energy initiatives, including the Energize Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program, C-Pace and multiple energy saving improvements to Town owned facilities.

WHEREAS solar energy is good for the environment and contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;

WHEREAS generating electricity from solar energy can save town homeowners money on their utility bills and can help residents of the Town of Willington control future energy costs thereby saving taxpayer money;

WHEREAS solar energy creates opportunities for economic development and job creation while promoting energy independence;

WHEREAS SmartPower, a not-for-profit entity, is launching Solarize Connecticut to encourage more residential solar electric installations to reduce energy use, improve the environment, and create jobs by increasing the use of solar technologies;

WHEREAS Willington has endorsed the goals of Solarize Connecticut;

WHEREAS SmartPower will promote Willington for its participation in Solarize Connecticut in media stories, on its website, through social marketing and at presentations;

WHEREAS Willington will promote Solarize Connecticut, including participating in joint outreach opportunities; and will designate a person to coordinate communications activities with SmartPower;

WHEREAS Willington will assist SmartPower in selecting a solar installer to provide residents with quotes for reduced pricing for solar through the Solarize Willington campaign;

NOW THEREFORE THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

  • Willington commits to promote and participate in the Solarize Connecticut effort known locally as Solarize Willington with the goal of becoming a leader in residential solar electric installations in the State of Connecticut.
  • As is the case with all Solarize projects, Willington makes no financial or contractual commitment for the Solarize Project. The Town’s support for the project is through in-kind support such as Willington staff or elected officials working with SmartPower and town volunteers to support the project through a variety of outreach methods.
  • Willington will identify up to three residents and/or staff that can be part of the solar installer competitive selection process. After SmartPower has reviewed the proposals from solar installers, the Willington team will in turn review these proposals and participate in a proposal review session, and have an opportunity to meet with installers. Willington will make a recommendation listing 3-4 installers it would like to work with for the project and work with SmartPower to select the final solar installer for Willington.
  • SmartPower will support Willington volunteers for outreach including a town page on www.solarizect.com. SmartPower will hold initial organizing meetings and provide the Town with a Solarize Willington banner and help draft press releases, newsletter articles, and letters to the editor as well as other promotional items. SmartPower will also hold bi-weekly conference calls for volunteers, Town staff/officials and the selected solar installer to coordinate activities, brainstorm outreach opportunities and share information about the progress of the Solarize project. However, while SmartPower will support Solarize Connecticut, it will be the responsibility of the Town and Willington volunteers to spearhead outreach activities.
In agreement with the above, the parties hereby have affixed their signatures.

First Selectman Mailhos stated by signing the MOU will begin the process to find a qualified installer at a good price.  She added that she thinks it is a good idea because Tolland, Ashford have had great success recently with this program.
Selectman Blessington said it sounds like a company who presumably get aid even if they aren’t making a profit; and now they are asking Willington to promote their product.  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that the profits will not go to CT Green Bank, but rather the company (that we go out to bid for) that installs the solar.  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that they do all of the legwork on behalf of the residents.  

Selectman Blessington said it is probably not a bad thing, but will defer to the other Selectmen.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to give authority to the First Selectman to sign the MOU
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.  

Old Business

  • Crumbling Foundation Update
First Selectman Mailhos said that a group of Assessors will be holding a meeting to come up with a uniform process on how to assess properties that have been affected by the crumbling foundations. ~So far, the  towns have handled it differently. ~ The new law will take effect on October 1st. ~

First Selectman Mailhos has personally tried to engage with elected officials(State Representatives and Senators) at the State level out of the 18 towns that are affected; about 20 of the~officials~are affiliated~with~those towns. ~She would like to discuss what they are willing to support at the legislation level. That may be a large campaign issue~with~all of them. ~ In the meantime, she said she is waiting to hear back from the State. ~

Resident Bob Wiecenski asked how long the fixed assessment is good for. ~First Selectman Mailhos replied 5 years, and can be re-applied until the problem is fixed. ~Mr. Wiecenski then compared the problem to needing a new roof or a new septic –it shouldn’t be the town’s responsibility to pay for it. ~Selectman Kowalyshyn said that insurance usually covers those things if they fail.   Ralph Tulis said that septic systems could be another issue - we haven't heard about any yet, but because they are out of sight, no one would know if there is a problem.~

Selectman Blessington added that he is very concerned that FEMA isn't all over this. ~Selectman Kowalyshyn warned that it’s because not everyone is coming forward about it. Resident Randy Belair asked if we have heard of any commercial buildings or~condominiums/apartment complexes that have had the problem. ~First Selectman Mailhos said that there have been a few cases. ~Selectman Blessington then wondered about municipal and retail buildings - we haven't heard of any of those having issues. ~Ralph Tulis stated that commercial foundations for properties are handled very differently. The material is tested and they are not allowed to water down the product at all, where as in a residential home, sometimes they add additional water to be able to flow the material to a far end of a corner so they don't have to move the truck.~

Selectman Kowalyshyn said for the record, she doesn’t think the taxpayers should have their houses re-assessed because it’s not fair to put the burden on the other taxpayers.  The other residents shouldn't have to pay extra for those who have the problem.  Selectman Blessington said that he thinks the Federal Government should step in to help out.

Randy Belair said ~even if a resident has a percentage knocked off of their assessment, it may only be a couple of thousands of dollars - that won't even help pay the legal fees towards the $200,000 to fix the ~foundations. It may be better off to walk away.  Selectman Kowalyshyn warned that we should wait to see what the State does – most of the houses aren't falling apart or falling down.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that the next time a STEAP grant becomes available; she is going to look into something to help with the foundation issue such as going with other towns to do an economic impact study. If the state is not going to do a study like we have been asking them to do, maybe we need to do it ourselves. ~

First Selectman Mailhos added that other towns are beginning to send letters similar to the joint letter sent by Willington with the Towns of Coventry, Mansfield and Tolland.  A meeting will be heldwith~all town leaders in a few weeks.

  • ATV/Dirtbike Ordinance Update
First Selectman Mailhos said that she received a copy of the Ordinance adopted in Mansfield and she also has a copy of the Ordinance from Tolland.   Mansfield has a nuisance ordinance as well as a noise ordinance.  Resident Todd Bissionette was present.  He stated the Mansfield model ordinance would allow Willington to keep the fees associated with the infractions.  First Selectman Mailhos said she isn't sure we would be able to collect the money associated with the fees, because we do not have a line item in our budget (which would most likely be associated with a resident state trooper - which we do not have), so she doesn't think it is possible, but will check with the Town Attorney.   She then asked how they would get the form - would each trooper have to carry them?   Ralph Tulis said that the Troopers do have files in their cars, so it is possible that they have several forms - for different ordinances and towns.

First Selectman Mailhos said she will send the information over to the Attorney and will talk to the State Trroper who is accustomed to enforcement  and get some further information.  It will then be sent to Town Meeting soon.

  • Mansfield-Willington Cooperative Agreement Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that there was talk of having another meeting back in June, but it won't happen until September and the date has not been announced yet.

Selectman Blessington said he hasn't talked to one person who thinks it would be a good idea.

First Selectman Mailhos said that we don't have any details on how this would work or even the numbers.  There are so many facets involved that would have to be ironed out.  She said even if it were to save our town a lot of money, it doesn't seem as though the residents would be in favor.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said that we still need to look at all of our options regardless of whether it is a bad idea or not.

Good & Welfare

We received a resignation letter from our Town Historian, Joe Froehlich, who will be retiring on August 1st. Although he will be missed, First Selectman Mailhos wished him well. ~He has been our Historian for 4 years and did a wonderful job. ~ We now need to seek a new Historian.  (Anyone who is interested should call the Selectmen’s Office).

First Selectman Mailhos congratulated our Town Clerk, Donna Hardie, who received the funding for the document preservation grant in the amount of $4,000.

We received our monthly letter from the CT State Police; 6 accidents, 19 criminal investigations; 1 burglary 597 no -reportable matters and 2 larcenies.    In addition, they reported 2 DUI’s, 257 traffic citations and 39 written warnings.

Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that while vacationing in Jamestown, RI, she saw that the town had solar-powered radar speed-signs attached to their speed limit signs. She researched and found that the Jamestown received a grant for the signs. ~The cost of the signs range from $2,500 to $6,000 and said she would like to look into getting a grant to help purchase some in the future for Willington.  First Selectman Mailhos said she thinks that is a great idea.  Selectman Kowalyshyn said it is a maintenance-free thing that will make people aware of their speed.  She will research a little more to see if there are grants available.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn at 8:17P.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

You have received this e-mail because you have subscribed to the Town of Willington’s E-mail bulletin feature. If you wish to remove your name from this list please visit www.willingtonct.org/subscriber.html to unsubscribe.