Town Office Building August 29, 2016
Lower Level Conference Room 6:30 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM with Selectmen Kowalyshyn & Blessington, Town Clerk Donna Hardie and several residents.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we found out some information this afternoon that may change the reason for several of the residents being in attendance. She opened the floor to Town Clerk Donna Hardie. Ms. Hardie stated that it was found per state Statute that the vacancy for the Region 19 BOE must be filled by a vote by the “legislative body” (which is actually at a Town Meeting). She clarified at the Town Meeting the nominations will then be voted upon by paper ballot.
First Selectman Mailhos asked residents to sign in if they wished to speak.
Robert Jellen stated that he is shaken by this news. He always thought the appointment of the Regional BOE would be appointed by the Selectmen. He also stated that he is concerned because E.O. Smith is facing pressure and the longer we delay the decision does not help the situation. He urged the Selectmen to set the date and hold the meeting ASAP.
Laurie Semprebon asked for clarification – Is it only the Regional BOE that must be held by town meeting vote? Ms. Hardie confirmed it is true. Any other board would have had an appointment by the Selectmen, or in the K-8 BOE, it would be the BOE itself.
Kate Standish stated that she decided not to speak.
Elena Testa stated that she was all set and no longer wished to speak.
Herbert Arico stated that he served on the Region 19 BOE with Mr. Jellen for several years and agreed that we need to have the vacancy filled as soon as possible. The Region 19 Board is unique however Mansfield has the majority as well as the Democrats, however, once on the board, the decisions are made for the children.
He then asked if they would be able to speak at the Town Meeting? First Selectman Mailhos stated yes, all nominees will have a chance to speak as well as anyone who wishes to speak on behalf of them.
First Selectman Mailhos added that all four seats of the Mansfield board are Democrats, all 4 of Ashford’s seats are also Democrat and 2 of Willington’s seats are Democrat.
Robert Jellen stated that there is really no partisanship on Region 19 BOE; they all vote from the heart for the betterment of the kids. Mr. Arico stated that he agrees with Mr. Jellen to a point, however not in regards to the partisanship – it is a 12 seat board, 10 are Democrats, 1 is a Sentinel and the other is a Republican.
First Selectman Mailhos thanked both Mr. Arico and Jellen for their service and their willingness to serve on the board. Selectman Blessington thanked all of the residents for coming out to participate and their support.
- Award Timber Harvest Contract for Fenton Ruby Park
Kathy Demers, Co-Chairman of the Willington Conservation Commission was present. She stated that the Conservation Commission manages the Fenton Ruby Park and wildlife preserve. One of their goals is to improve forest health as well as wildlife habitat.
They have been working with a natural resource consultant who found that an area in the South Eastern portion of the park (near the Ashford border) would benefit from a forest thinning.
The Conservation Commission began working with a new forester, Eric Hansen this past April and has been preparing the timber thinning of 18 acres and has marked the timber; 53,000 board feet and 91- cord fire-wood will come from the harvest. They have received IWWC approval in May. The Conservation Commission is hopeful to begin the harvesting in late September.
Three bids were received:
Perma Treat Corporation: $4,500
Hull Forest Products: $5,200
Brad Cordtsen: $6,667
The Conservation Commission recommends an award to Brad Cordtsen, who was the highest bidder at $6,667. Ms. Demers clarified that the Mr. Cordtsen will pay the Town for the timber harvested, rather than us paying him. Ms. Demers then presented a copy of the map of the planned timber –harvest. It is at the farthest end of Burma Road. There are no trails in that area at this time.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the timber thinning at Fenton Ruby Park to Brad Cordtsen of Ellington, CT as per his offer of $6,667payable to the Town of Willington.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos thanked the Conservation Commission for their work on this. Ms. Demers added that the Commission will hold a public education walk at the site on September 24th. The Abutters will be notified and residents are welcome to meet the forester and ask questions regarding the timber harvest. This will also give them an opportunity to see what things are going to look like after the harvest.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Municipal Historian - Mark Palmer
Selectman Blessington stated when we talk about all of the differences of political parties, he feels he has to make an exception – he has known Mark Palmer for a long time and even though he is a Democrat, he is a good man – and a good friend of his. He said he would be honored to appoint Mr. Palmer to this position as he is smart has a great mind for history and the town needs him.
Selectman Blessington moved to appoint Mark Palmer as the Town of Willington Municipal Historian effective immediately with no expiration date.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Mr. Palmer was present. He stated that it is something he has been working with for the last 7 or 8 years – after thinking about it – he has already been doing this – he finds an interest in it and is going to be doing it whether he is the Municipal Historian or not.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she does not believe there is any type of job description involved with the Historian –assuming it involves some genealogy. She asked Mr. Palmer his thoughts. Mr. Palmer agreed, stating he researched the position; it is more to be a liaison with whoever needs assistance with town history record-keeping and making history more accessible.
Donna Hardie stated that the Town Clerk’s Office gets several phone calls per week looking for geneaology and they always refer them to the Historian.
Mr. Palmer added that his primary interest is Colonial history, noting that he had been asked to research a land-locked piece of property on Moose-Meadow Road – his research found that the the access road to the property ended up being a road that was discontinued by the town, but turned into a bridle-path; in which the property owner has legal access to – crossed property on land that the state was looking to put a gun range on, and could not deny access to the owner. He stated things like that he finds interesting.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she has heard only good things about Mr. Palmer and thinks he will be a wonderful addition.
Robert Shabot, President of the Willington Historical Society stated that the Society enjoyed working with the previous Historian and they are looking forward to working with Mr. Palmer and are familiar with his work. The Society will enjoy working with Mr. Palmer as well.
Heather Alexson, who is a professional Historian agreed. She has worked with Mr. Palmer and stated that he is going to be a great point person. He will help people connect the dots and make history relevant to today. She added if Mr. Palmer doesn’t know something, he knows who to contact to find out. She added that he is a fantastic fit for the positon.
Robert Jellen stated that he has been associated with Mr. Palmer for several years, being on the Democratic Town Committee; he knows how meticulous Mr. Palmer is with his work. Mr. Jellen added that not only are we gaining a Historian, we will gain the information graphically and he is a wonderful photographer as well.
First Selectman Mailhos thanked Mr. Palmer for his willingness to serve as Historian.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
- Region 19 Board of Education - Discussions with Robert Jellen & Herbert Arico
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we were thinking about sending out a public notice to inform the residents of our findings regarding holding a town meeting, however we did not find out until a few hours prior to the start of this meeting. She apologized to the residents who came out tonight directly for this topic. She added that they will have a chance to speak on behalf and vote for the nominees at the Town Meeting. Letters can be read at the meeting for those who cannot make it, but wish to make a statement as well. (letters must be sent to the Town Clerk prior to the meeting).
First Selectman Mailhos read the call of the Town 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, September 13, 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 Projects Fund - LoCIP 02-2016 OTH Electrical for the purpose of electrical and restoration work at the Old Town Hall to be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program. ~
ITEM II
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will authorize the appropriation of $13,500 from the Capital Projects Funds; LOCIP – 02-2017 Public Works Garage Improvements for the purpose of lighting, AC/heating upgrades and garage door resealing to be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program.
ITEM III
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will authorize the appropriation of $500,000 from the Capital Projects Fund 03-3057 to continue construction of the Drainage Improvements and Resurfacing of Phase IV of the Reconstruction of Turnpike Road between Ruby Road and Moose Meadow Road; to be reimbursed by Small Town Economic Assistance Program 160-149.
ITEM IV
Willington electors to nominate and vote for Willington electors to fill a vacancy on the Regional 19 Board of Education. Registered voters attending shall cast a certified paper ballot on the nominated names.
Dated this 29th day of August, 2016, Willington Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos asked if the items should be switched around and move item IV to be first. Selectman Blessington stated that we should leave them as is – the first three items are not controversial, we should just get them out of the way as item IV may take a while to get through. Selectman Kowalyshyn agreed.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that item IV is worded the same way as it was back in 2003 when we had the same situation. She asked the Selectmen if they were amenable to keeping it as is. They were.
Laurie Semprebon asked how the certified ballot will be in place if you don’t know whose name will be on there. Donna Hardie, Town Clerk clarified that official ballots will be made up and residents will be able to hand write their votes on it. She added that only those who are nominated at the meeting will be eligible to be voted upon.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 P.M.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100
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