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Board of Selectmen Minutes 09/06/2016
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes                                                                         September 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 6:30 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 August 1, 2016 with edits made by Revenue Collector, Lisa Madden:
Page 5 - Tax Deferment Request; 2nd paragraph, 3rd sentence (remove “with the taxes being current”) sentence should read: The town will not lose any interest, for it will be paid at the time of sale or refinance.
Selectman   Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.


Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to approve the minutes of August 5, 2016 with the following edit made by Business Manager Donna Latincsics:
Middle of the page (under the list of financial companies who we sought bids from); sentence should read:  We received no response from CalFirst, Alliance Funding, Key Government and First Niagra.  Tax Exempt Leasing Corp felt a 7 year lease is too long of a term.  
Selectman   Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Selectman Kowalyshyn  moved to approve the minutes of August 29,  2016
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of the joint meeting between the PZC, IWWC, BOF & BOS on June 13, 2016 with the following edits:

Andy Marco’s edits:
First page – third paragraph; third sentence should read:  Chairman Marco added that since then, several businesses have come into town and it is a lot of work piled on to one person, noting that the new business do not stop needing Land Use services when they are built (add the word “not”).

Tess Gutowski’s edits:
1) Para 4 (starts with Chairman Marco…); the last sentence is incomplete – “P&Z” should be added.
~
2) Para 14 (starts with Vice Chairman Gutowski…); 3rd sentence now reads: She added that if someone wants to do an activity on their property, it is not up to the town to help them fill out their application.
· He would like to clarify,  “The IWWC regulations require an applicant to provide the commission with a complete application; the regulations identify what is required to be submitted as part of the application.  Detailed plans and specifications are required.  It is not the Town’s responsibility to prepare these documents for submittal to the IWWC.  As indicated in the minutes, the IWWC’s Land Use Office provides an information packet to assist homeowners in the process and our Agent makes herself available for pre-application meetings”.
The following edit was made:
§~She added that if someone wants to do an activity on their property, it is not up to the town to develop their project plans and specifications.
~
3) Para 15 (starts with Selectman Blessington…); last sentence now reads:  Vice Chairman Gutowski said people want certainty.
Ms. Gutowski clarified:  “ The IWWC strives to evaluate and decide on each application based on compliance to the IWWC regulations. The IWWC works to ensure that every applicant is treated fairly and impartially and that decisions are made that are consistent with the regulations and past practice.”
o The following edit was made:
§~ Vice Chairman Gutowski said people want to be sure that they will be treated fairly and that their application will be reviewed based on the Town’s adopted Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations.  Businesses needs to be able to operate whereby there is certainty and consistency which is based on regulation.
~
4) Para 20 (starts with Discussion was held…); 5th sentence now reads: IWWC Vice Chairman Gutowski clarified that the employees are still working, they are just not servicing the public.
Ms. Gutowski clarified: “ There was discussion during an IWWC meeting that due to the amount of work and the complexity of some of the applications (as well as other related permitting and enforcement activities), our Agent needed a concentrated block of time so that focused attention could be given to the tasks at hand.  The public may not have had immediate access to agent on Thursday, but a scheduled appointment can be made. In addition, the Land Use Office has posted these hours on the Town website, on their Office Door, at the counter, and is on voicemail.”
o She then made the following edit:
§~ IWWC Vice Chairman Gutowski clarified that the employees are still working, they are just not staffing the front counter to those walk-ins for that time period. Customers can schedule an appointment with the agent for another time period.

David Schreiber’s edits:
Paragraph 1 of Mr. Marco’s comments reads; ”new businesses stop needing Land Use services when they are built” should read “ new businesses don’t stop …” remembering that we are REGULATORY in nature, and need to enforce the provisions of the permits, and the town statutes or state regulations need to be followed. Also, business owners want to be able to communicate with the boards.
Paragraph IWWC Chair Schreiber reads; “do not have any problems…” should read “do not have many problems…”,then  “deadlines missed because of the applicant…” should read “deadlines missed because of the applicant’s need for a more thorough application”.
Paragraph  Discussion shifted reads; “Economic Development Commission …” should have the clarification that Land Use boards believe this position can’t be combined with Land Use because of possible conflicts of interest. We need 2 separate employees.

Geoff Prusak commented,  (see the following) however he did not make any edits.
The point I was trying to make, which didn't make it into the minutes was that the perception that Willington is Business unfriendly is rightly justified as any small business would have to apply through regular zoning (and pay the fee!) just so they can get automatically rejected and sent to the ZBA (another fee) so they can be granted a variance to operate their business in what is technically a residential zone; ie anything in South Willington. Yes, it is a given that they would be granted the variance in most circumstances, but it is the fees and more importantly the extra time it takes to go through this process. What is the attraction to locate in Willington vs say a Vernon or a Manchester??
Any large businesses, franchises, chains, etc have the wherewithal to go through these processes, many start ups or smaller independents usually don't. That's the unfriendly part. That was the point I was trying to make.

John Blessington’s edits:
I want to thank Robin for her comprehensive minutes and express my thanks that we have someone capable of keeping such detailed records.
        However…
        I was upset to see that any mention of the Willington Equestrian Riding Academy failed to make the minutes.  I had deliberately introduced the story into the meeting to use as an example of differing ways regulations can be used to impel or impede progress.

The following will be added to the minutes:
        “To make a long story short, Zoning was implemented in Willington in 1968.  An attorney was hired to help write the zoning regulations.  He did so largely by adapting the existing regulations of a town similar to Willington.  Through this process it became necessary for a Willington entrepreneur to possess a minimum of 25 acres should they wish to open a riding academy on their land.  Why 25 acres?  Well, why not?  It seemed like a good number.
        Within a very few years a resident did open a riding academy in town on the fifty acres they owned and all was well.
        But they shortly tired of the job and determined to sell the business.  They didn’t want to leave their home so they split everything, keeping their home on 29 acres and selling off the business on 21 acres.
        The new owners were successful, as were the subsequent buyers and those that followed.  Finally, in 1998, the current owner bought the property and enjoyed 12 years of prosperity.
        Then, disaster struck.
        A series of snowstorms followed, one after another, until snow was piled five feet deep in some places.  The weight of the snow was too much.  The roof of the indoor riding arena collapsed.
        Being a responsible businesswoman, Ruth Gilman was insured against such a happenstance.  The insurance company came out, looked over the situation, and wrote a check.  “Rebuild.  Work hard.  Live long and prosper,” they said, although perhaps not in those exact words.
        
        Now Ruth approaches the Willington Bureaucracy and explains that the business she runs, that well regarded, prosperous, environmentally friendly business that has been a hallmark of Willington for four decades, is temporarily shut down.  As soon as she can draw the proper permits and rebuild she will be operational again.
        And the full weight of the regulatory monster descended on Ruth.
        How darer she?  For 35 years out of those four decades the Academy has been operating on only 21 of the necessary 25 acres.  This was only possible because the Academy focused on the indoor arena and never used more than five acres.  That is irrelevant.  The regulation says 25 acres and you need 25 acres!
        Finally!  A chance to shut down this scofflaw!  And they say Willington is unfriendly to businesses.  Why, if she had 25 acres we would be friendly.  As a matter of fact, we had a suggestion to help her out.  All she has to do is buy four acres from the neighbor and all will be well.
        But Ms. Gilman, not understanding business as well as the Willington Bureaucracy does, fails to understand the advantages to her business of spending $100,000 to buy four acres which, if she has no use for, will at least put her in compliance.
        Now other parts of the Willington Bureaucracy get involved.  This prompts the land use department to make an attempt to help.  A proposal surfaces at Planning & Zoning to amend the regulation.  Susan Yorgensen boasts that she even paid the application fee herself.   

        Enough.  We will skip the unnecessary delays, as we will the changes in building codes that provided further months of delay.  Suffice it to say her business was shut down with no income for 14 months.  She never was able to catch up on her property taxes.  Now the property is for sale, mostly to raise enough cash to pay the back taxes.

        The point I am trying to make is that regulations can be interpreted to help or to harm.  In this case Ms. Gilman could have been helped out from the beginning and granted the proper permissions while the regulation change was pending.”
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Present to Speak:

Resident, Tim Heim, represents the Connecticut Coalition Against Crumbling Basements stated that he would like to see the Selectmen work with the Coalition to come up with a solution to help remove building fees associated with replacing faulty foundations.  Mr. Heim stated that he has been having discussions with the Mayor of South Windsor, who has suspended building permit fees associated with the foundations in their town.   The state currently collects .26% of building fees associated with any type of permit, however if there is no fee associated, then the state will not be able to collect.  He then clarified that the fees are not for new construction; it for an existing home.   He then added, as a victim, if he were to come to the building department with a permit to redo his foundation, the town should at the very least, waive that fee.

He then asked what the next step will be?  First Selectman Mailhos stated that it is on the agenda – they have been talking about it and the building fees do fall under the Selectmen; however it is not something that will be voted on tonight – as the Selectmen will need to discuss further and she added that she would like to have the Building Inspector come to a meeting to discuss further so we have all of the information before making a final decision.

Selectman Blessington asked what determines the fee?  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the fee is $10 per $1,000 of building cost.  She added in Willington, we only charge on the amount to put in the new walls, not even the cost to take out the old walls, so the fee associated is substantially lower anyhow.  She added that the reason the fees are associated with that is because the Building Inspector sometimes has to go to a jobsite more than once – sometimes up to 8 times, depending on how they go about the process and those costs go towards his salary.  

Resident Barry Wallett (member of the Board of Finance) stated that he is concerned about waiving fees because it will tax the Land Use staff, who is already working twice as hard because they are short-staffed.  It is not only going to affect the department, but the rest of the taxpayers in town.  Mr. Heim agreed, but referenced Super-Storm Sandy a few years ago, affected everyone’s insurance premiums and he said this is only the beginning.

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.  All four building structures are up. The Housing Authority is targeting Spring of 2017 for completion.

*Old Town Hall Electrical and Restoration –The appropriation will be voted on at Town Meeting on September 13th.  If the item passes, the contract will be awarded and the work can begin soon thereafter.

*Turnpike Road – The Contractor has begun moving equipment at the site and construction will be in full swing beginning this week.  The next phase of STEAP funding is on next week’s Town Meeting agenda for appropriation as well.

*Repairs to Daleville School Bridge – We will seek approvals from DEEP prior to preparing the bid documents.

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

*Holiday Party 2016 – an email was sent out to staff and some board members a few weeks ago and Don Berg has offered to take over the party planning.  He said he would like to ask the Board of Finance to help fund the party.   

*RRAC Fitness Station – the equipment is in and is slated to be installed this Thursday.

*Senior Center Septic Re-Permitting – The Town Engineer has prepared the bid documents, which are in the review process.  We will then go out to bid.

*MS4 Consulting/Compliance – COST is holding a symposium in October for all affected towns.  First Selectman Mailhos and Derek plan to attend.  In the meantime, CRCOG is working on a bid for consulting services.

*Public Works Environmental Configuration Engineering – The Town Engineer continues to work on the design.  He will hold a presentation in the late fall

*ACO Truck – we closed on the lease last week.  

*PZC POCD – Planning and Zoning members are reviewing the bids that came in.  They are working through the process of what needs to be done next.  The bids came within the range of what we originally budgeted through the CIP.

*Crumbling Foundations – The various Town’s Assessors did not come up with a final agreement at their last meeting.  A smaller task force is meeting to work out the details.  They have until October 1st to come up with a methodology and towns can agree on.
 
Public Works:

Derek Reported the crew has been busy with the following:

  • Roadside mowing
  • Add aggregate to gravel roads and grading
  • Pave around catch basin replacements
  • Pave existing road to brush pile/ parking space for swap shack
  • Traffic control for tree company raising canopy on Village Hill/ Schofield Rd
  • Replace Rotted catch basin grates on St Moritz Circle
  • Pave washouts along Fisher Hill/Spak Road
  • Install apron on Mason Rd/Daleville School Road to alleviate mason road erosion issue
  • Vehicle/equipment repairs
  • Install message board on Turnpike Rd
  • Mow Public Works/Dog Pound/Transfer Station
  • Weed flower beds at T.O.B
  • Fill new water main at Button Hill and flush water main~for bacteria sample following day
  • Cut roadside brush on Mason Rd
  • Sign repair/replacement
  • Cut existing door and install shelf for half door at the Tax Collectors Office
  • Mow~Senior Housing septic/pump house/detention basin

First Selectman Mailhos moved to add 2 items to the agenda:
Item E:  Appointment of Hearing Officer – contested towing hearing
Item F:  Superintendent’s notice of retirement
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

New Busines

  • Performance Contract Guarantee of Savings Agreement
First Selectman Mailhos stated that part of the performance contracting project  (energy saving upgrades)from a few years ago, the vendor  offered a guarantee of savings.   
As part of the guarantee of savings, the consultant comes out and evaluates the operation to make sure everything is going as they promised.  With that, it is a cost of $4,000 per year for them to come out and do the evaluation.   First Selectman Mailhos statedit is time to decide if we want to do this again this year; adding that most towns only do the guarantee of savings for a year or two to make sure the rogram is running properly.  We are tracking to save money again this year.   

Barry Wallett clarified that we are still really paying the same amount in energy costs as we did a few years ago (and aren’t seeing savings) – the savings were used to purchase new things to decrease the usage.

First Selectman Mailhos suggested that we pay for this year and then review for next year and maybe not renew again next year if we are tracking to use less energy. At the time, when we signed up, we thought it was a good investment to make.  She clarified that the first year, the consultant found some non-conformities and fixed them to keep us on the right track.  Now we know what to look for.  

Once the report comes in, we will be able to figure out that we may not need it again next year.

  • Partial Release of HUD Lien Agreement
A resident is in the process of selling a lot which was attached to a home with a HUD lien from 1986.  In 1987, the Board of Selectmen gave the property owner permission to detach 7 lots from that property and sell them, leaving the lien on the property with the house on it.   The release from 1987 was not recorded for “Lot 2”, in the land records, and they cannot close on the property without a formal release.

The property owner is requesting a partial release on the parcel so it may be sold properly.   Documentation was presented to the Selectmen regarding the lien on the property with the house, and the letter from then-First Selectman Dan Avery giving permission for the lots to be sold off.

The Selectmen reviewed the documentation and signed the partial release on Lot 2.

  • Tax Refunds
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $42.04 to Teresa & Stephen Gochros; P.O. Box 508; Willington, CT on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)  0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $55.13 to Donna Porter Willington, CT on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $22.60 to Thomas or Elizabeth Trieber, Willington, CT  on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)  0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $123.03 to CAB East, LLC, (Ford Credit) Detriot, MI on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $9.15 to Jennifer Desimone; 202 Plains Road; Tolland CT for an overpayment.  
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $198.13 to CAB East, (Ford Credit) Detroit, MI on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $151.14 to Melody Nevers, 17 Mason Road, Willington on a certificate of correction.  
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $21.63 to Allison Bailey; Enfield, CT for an overpayment.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $1,188.52 to US Bank National Association, Marshall MN on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $54.82 to Roseanne Fitzgerald on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $28.61 to Roseanne Fitzgerald on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $240.52 to Steven and Barbara King for an overpayment.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $82.11 to Con Serv, Inc. P.O. Box 539; Willington CT for an overpayment.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $30.89 to Ellen M. O’Neil; Somerville, MA on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

  • Solarize Willington
First Selectman Mailhos stated that letters are being sent out to residents from the vendor, EarthLight Technologies, LLC.  Some important dates for interested residents are:  September 15th at the Eastford Town Hall and October 5th at the Willington Public Library where Earthlight Technologies, LLC will be there to talk about the benefits about solar installation.  They will come out to residents home to do an evaluation.  For more information, visit the website: www.solarizect.com/eastford.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that the company, EarthLight is wonderful to work with.  

First Selectman Mailhos stated that several people asked if they have to use the chosen vendor, and the answer is no, they can choose any vendor they would like; but they are the ones who were chosen by the panel held by Willington and Eastford residents.  She clarified that there were approximately 12 vendors who submitted bids and were interviewed over the course of a few days.  This particular company is located in Ellington, CT and they are local.  They are a family owned business and held a successful solar campaign in Tolland as well as Coventry.   

  •  Appointment of Hearing Officer – Contested Towing
A resident is requesting a hearing to contest the towing of his vehicle from July.  It has taken us weeks to figure out how to go about holding a proper hearing.  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the vehicle was not towed on behalf of the town.  It was towed by a CT State Trooper who found the vehicle to be in violation of traffic laws.   Robin Campbell researched to see what other towns do in this case, and found that none of our neighboring towns have dealt with this in several years.

We then contacted the Town Attorney to find the procedure for the resident to have a proper hearing.  The hearing officer must be conversant in legal proceedings – and it is a court-like setting.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that she would like to appoint our Town Attorney to act as the hearing officer for this case.  

Selectman Blessington then asked who would be the one to reimburse the resident, if it were found in their favor?  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that since it was not done on behalf of the town, it would most likely be the State Police who would reimburse the resident.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said it is going to cost more than the ticket itself to have the attorney take care of it.  First Selectman Mailhos was in agreement, however she warned that we must follow state statute to give a proper hearing and the Town Attorney would be the one to follow it properly.  Selectman Kowalyshyn thinks we shouldn’t use the Town Attorney – we are going to be stuck in the middle and have to pay more than what the ticket is worth.  First Selectman Mailhos cautioned that she wouldn’t be comfortable with doing it herself.  

Selectman Blessington stated that we don’t want to get involved and thinks the Town Attorney should just handle it so it is done properly – it is just another of those unfunded mandates.   

Selectman Blessington moved to authorize the First Selectman to sign the letter to appoint the hearing officer for the contested towing incident.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 1 No Kowalyshyn

  • Superintendent’s Notice of retirement
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we haven’t received an official letter, but the Board of Education received a notice of retirement from Superintendent Harding last week.

First Selectman Mailhos added that she would like to send a letter to the Board of Education asking them to include the Board of Selectmen in their discussions about how to proceed.  This is because we have several shared services between the Town and the schools and it is important to keep that going as it has been.   It has saved the town a lot of money and is a good practice.  In addition, it creates a good working environment.   She wants everyone to understand how much we, the town, do with the Board of Ed.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn said it is sad that Superintendent Harding is leaving – he is a huge asset to this town.
Selectman Blessington said he has his differences with Mr. Harding, but he has the utmost respect for him and is sad to see him go.

First Selectman Mailhos added the Board of Ed needs to come up with a short-term plan and a long term plan.  In addition, the Board of Education meeting will conflict with next week’s Town Meeting.   Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if the BOE could push the discussion out to the end of their meeting, so we can make it after the town meeting.  First Selectman Mailhos suggested either that or perhaps asking them to hold a special meeting on a different night.

She will prepare a letter and send it off to them.

8.  Old Business

  • Crumbling Foundation Update
  • Discussion of Building Permit process
First Selectman Mailhos stated that each town is doing something differently.  Currently, the Town of Willington breaks down the costs of each task associated with the process, (charging per the cost to pour the new concrete) which is the less expensive way for permits.  She cautioned that we need to make sure that the savings would go to the homeowner, not the contractors.   For example, the contractor could come in to apply for the permit, but then inflate the cost into their quote.  She warned that there is no way to ensure that won’t happen.

Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she is in agreement; unless the insurance companies cover the cost – which they have in the past.  First Selectman Mailhos stated in a catastrophic event, insurance companies will cover the entire cost to repair or replace, but that is not happening in this case.  Selectman Blessington stated that he is still hopeful that FEMA will get involved; and if they do, they will cover the cost of the fees.  But until such a thing happens, he is not sure waiving the fees will save that much.  If you spend $200,000 to replace your foundation, you are only going to save $2,000.  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that usually the $200,000 not only covers a new foundation, but everything else (like the landscaping, decking that is attached to the house, and other things that are disturbed from the project) and the foundation cost is only a portion of that.   Selectman Blessington then stated if that’s the case, then the cost and savings would be even less (ie: 80,000 to replace a foundation would only cost $800) and it may not make that much of a difference.  

Tim Heim spoke – he said he spends a lot per month on his mortgage, homeowners insurance and taxes. If he ends up having to move out of his home while it is being fixed, that will be an added expense, and every little bit of money he can save will help; and will save everyone else in the same situation.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that not everyone has to move out of their home though. She added if the insurance company does cover the cost, then the fees should be included; noting that insurance companies have paid for replacements in the past (several years ago).

Selectman Blessington then reiterated that we still can’t guarantee that the permit fees won’t be inflated in the contractors cost.  Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested having a stipulation that the homeowner is to apply for the building permit to ensure that they don’t.   First Selectman Mailhos said she can look into that.

Selectman Kowalyshyn suggested that we really need to have the Building Inspector come in to discuss the details to make sure we are not missing anything.  First Selectman Mailhos added that we were also going to work on getting a task force in place.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she will work on that and we will talk about that at the next meeting.

Michael Tomm asked if the Town was going to apply for a block grant when they come available.  Robin Campbell stated that we will look into the next round but we are not sure when it will be available.   First Selectman Mailhos warned that we are not sure if the block grant money can be used for foundation repair; and also warned that each home is only allowed $20-$30,000; there are several facets involved with the application process.   Robin Campbell added there are additional caveats to the process; if a homeowner is given $30,000 to go towards repairs to a foundation, they would need to come up with the remaining funds quickly, because there are deadlines.  She also warned that the money from the grants (which is also income-based) ends up as a lien on the property; which must be paid when the property is sold.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has spoken with other Town leaders about trying to use the block grants and STEAP grants in a larger way to help us do an economic impact study, which the data from that would help us move forward and perhaps get help from FEMA and others.   She stated we need to invest to get the word out to then get help.  First Selectman Mailhos added that other town leaders seem to be on board with coming up with something.  Mr. Heim asked what is something?  First Selectman Mailhos added who is going to lead it? There are so many questions, and the common denominator is that we all live in Connecticut, where the government is saying “not us – we are not going to lead this”.   She stated that she is hopeful that they will give us some grant money to help out.

Robert Shabot suggested that when “Unwillington, Inc.” was formed, the town came forward and spent money towards the betterment of the town; perhaps all of the towns could unite and pool their money and attack it in a similar way.   First Selectman Mailhos agreed – stating that the affected towns were hopeful that the state was going to come forward; but now we (the affected towns) are coming to the realization that they are not going to help and we need to do it ourselves as a group; there is a lot to figure out.

Barry Wallett asked why the state isn’t liable for not notifying anyone of this, if it has been going on for years? Mr. Heim added another question would be when did the State of Connecticut allow the insurance companies to change the wording in their policies?

Mary Beth Wallett suggested getting the word out for anyone who has empty apartments or rentals that these people may need a place to stay – that is the type of town we live in.  Mr. Hiem added that is an additional worry that he (and others) face – where are we going to live while the house is being fixed.  

Discussion was held on changing zoning regulations.  One suggestion was to have the resident build a garage with a small in –law apartment attached to it for the family to live in while the main home is being fixed.  Currently, our zoning regualtions do not allow in-law apartments that are not attached to the main house.  Another option would be to allow temporary residence in an RV on parcels.

  • ATV/Dirtbike Ordinance Update
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has nothing new to report on this as of today.


  • Mansfield-Willington Cooperative Agreement Discussion
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 14th in the Mansfield Municipal Complex at 7:00 PM

  • Holiday Tree Replacement update
This topic was not discussed.

Good & Welfare

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a letter from the Board of Finance Chairman, Jim Bulick noting they will be working on the Annual Report earlier than in years past.  The reports are due to the BOF by the end of September.  The Selectmen’s report is near completion.   First Selectman Mailhos stated she thinks it is great that they are doing it earlier.

First Selectman Mailhos read an article in last month’s Chronicle regarding a robbery at the Rest Stop along I-84.  The man who pulled out a gun was apprehended and arrested.  At the time the article came out, residents were concerned because they were not aware of where this happened at the time.

We received a letter from the State informing us that our Willington Fire Department #1 received a DEEP Forestry grant in the amount of $1,997.50.  The letter explains the grant allows 50% reimbursement of the cost of their project with ta maximum grant award of $2,500.  Funds can be used for training, water handling equipment, communications, prevention projects, safety supplies, suppression gear and other related items.   

This year’s emergency planning preparedness exercise will be held Saturday, October 29th and Wednesday, November 2, 2016.  Willington will open the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) and will most likely participate in the drill on November 2nd.   During the drill, the state enacts different emergency situations, in which we must work through.  The drills help us in the event of a real emergency situation.

First Selectman Mailhos complimented the new Business Directory, which was prepared and mailed out by the Economic Development Commission.  They did a nice job on the booklet.

The Connecticut State Police sent us our monthly police report from August.  They recorded 11 accidents, 16 criminal investigations, 1 burglary, 3 larcenies and 582 non-reportable matters.  In addition there were 2 DUI’s, 247 traffic citations and 39 written warnings.  

First Selectman Mailhos congratulated Carol Noyes on her upcoming retirement.  Carol, who has worked for the Town for over 25 years, has submitted her letter of retirement.  Her last day will be Monday, October 3rd.  She will be missed.

Selectman Blessington reminded everyone of the annual Flea Market on the Town Green, it will be held on Saturday, September 10th

Selectman Blessington also reminded everyone of next week’s Town Meeting, which will be at the Old Town Hall on Tuesday, September 13th.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Willington / Mansfield cooperative agreement meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 14th    in Mansfield, and the Solarize meeting will be held on Thursday, September 15th   in Eastford.  There is a meeting almost every night in Willington next week.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn at 8:10 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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