BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes October 3, 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 September 19, 2016 with edits:
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Resident Doug Roberts (also a member of the Willington Planning & Zoning Commission) was present. He complimented the tree trimming along Michalec Road, in which he had been advocating for. Mr. Roberts said that the residents along the road (some of which were not in favor of the trimming at first) all seem to be happy with the outcome. He added that he would like to commend the Public Works Director for not only paving Mihialiak Road, but for convincing Stafford to pave Old County Road. Both roads are very nice now.
Mr. Roberts then added that he attended the Crumbling Foundation meeting last Saturday in Ellington, where residents from Quebec Canada (who are also experiencing crumbling foundations) spoke. He stated that this is an atrocity; and Willington may be the epicenter of it all. Out of the 24 towns impacted, they suspect potentially 34,000 homes could be affected. First Selectman Mailhos cautioned that some could be condominium units; and it doesn’t mean that all of those units used the same contractor – or even all of the homes built in that time period used the same contractor. That number is likely overstated.
First Selectman Mailhos stated Willington has approximately 2,000 homes and 625 of them were built since 1983. She has a spreadsheet that she uses to work the formula and percentages that could impact our grand list.
Mr. Roberts spoke of a friend who is experiencing this and was quoted $10,000 for the material (concrete); but the entire project will cost $250,000. First Selectman Mailhos stated that is what we are hearing from those who are sharing their stories.
Selectman Kowalyshyn then warned that there are so few contractors out there who say they know how to fix it, but you just don’t know if they are price gouging because there is nothing to compare to. Mr. Roberts stated that the Quebec residents stated that once financial aid becomes available, they suggested that you are going to see an influx of contractors come forward, but cautioned homeowners to be weary because you don’t know their expertise.
Mr. Roberts then added that there is also a health impact connected to this – depression, loss of work, illness and even suicide.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we are pushing our Regional Council of Government (CRCOG) to get competitive pricing on all of the facets involved in the process; from testing concrete, to replacing the foundations and everything in between – hoping to bring prices down and to assist everyone. She added that she is going to a meeting on Wednesday and will learn more then.
Selectman Kowalyshyn said she would like to know if there is a way to test new concrete (before it is poured) to see if it has the pyrrhotite in it. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she believes that they can test the aggregate before it is added, however the levels of pyrrhotite varies throughout the product. It can be high in some areas and very low in others – and it can all be within the same wall.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the deadline to submit assessment reductions was last Friday. It will coincide with the procedure that the affected towns have adopted which is a tiered approach. From imminent collapse to knowing there is a problem, but no signs of evidence in the foundation. More information is forthcoming.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
*Senior Housing – construction is pretty far along and the apartments are taking shape. The target date remains for completion next spring.
*Old Town Hall Electrical and Restoration – The electrician will be on site tomorrow and should be done by mid next week. The painters will go in the week of October 17th.
*Turnpike Road Construction – the drain structures and piping have been installed and the leak-offs are almost complete. A section of road was raised about one foot. Derek is hoping to begin paving at the end of the month.
*Repairs to Daleville School Bridge – We are still seeking DEEP permits.
*Village Hill Road Drainage Engineering –the Town Engineer is still working on the design.
*RRAC Fitness Station – the exercise equipment was successfully installed last week. This item will be removed from the list.
*Senior Center Septic Re-Permitting – the RFP is currently out to bid.
*MS4 Consulting/Compliance – CRCOG continues to work on the bid to find a consultant for all towns work with . We are starting to receive phone calls from vendors who are familiar with the process. First Selectman Mailhos and Derek will be attending a seminar in a few weeks.
*Public Works Environmental Configuration Engineering (New Salt Shed) – the Town Engineer is working on the design and should present to the Selectmen in the fall.
*ACO new truck – the new truck came in last week. Tina is working on getting the lettering and lights on it in the next few weeks as well as getting a cap.
*TOB Masonry and door replacement – Derek will have a few experts come out to look at the building to see what needs to be done.
*POCD – A town meeting will be held on October 12th to approve the funding so we can move forward with hiring consultants.
*Crumbling Foundation issues – we continue to work with State officials to come up with solutions for homeowners.
Public Works:
Derek Reported the crew has been busy with the following:
- Roadside mowing
- Sign Installation
- Sweeping Mihaliak Road/trim guiderails for paving of road
- Traffic control for paving
- Vehicle/equipment repair
- Trim low hanging branches from bus driver list
- Mow Dog Pound/Public Works/Transfer Station
- Remove two dead trees on Daleville Rd
- Install pull rope in spare conduit from Public works to Dog Pound to replace broken fire alarm wires
- Burn brush pile at the Transfer Station
Winter Sand Contract
Derek would like to extend last year’s contract with the same pricing. Becker’s Construction has agreed to keep the same pricing as last year.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the winter sand for the 2016-2017 year to Becker Construction under the same terms and conditions as the 2015-2016 winter sand contract with delivery price at $12.10 per ton delivered (same as last year).
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington said that he is sure they probably have the lowest price, we ordinarily go out to bid on this every year and asked why we are doing this. First Selectman Mailhos stated that she isn’t sure, other than perhaps Derek doesn’t think he will be able to get a better price. Selectman Blessington said that he wouldn’t like to see this happen again. He will go along with it this time, but hopes he doesn’t see it happen again.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
New Business
First Selectman Mailhos stated that before they begin the appointments, she wanted to mention that the Library Board of Directors has a vacancy. If anyone is interested in filling the position, they should contact any one of the three political parties to become endorsed. First Selectman Mailhos noted that Elyse Sullivan has resigned from the board and she was a Sentinel. The Sentinels are currently looking for candidates.
Selectman Blessington said that he had intended to invite Mr. Lucia to tonight’s meeting, but hadn’t had a chance. He added that he and Mr. Lucia had discussed the position and they attended the past few Planning and Zoning meetings together.
Selectman Blessington moved to appoint Joe Lucia as a regular member of the Willington Planning and Zoning Commission (filling the vacancy of the late Phil Nevers); effective October 3, 2016; expiring November 21, 2017.
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a letter from the Planning and Zoning Commission recommending Brittany Skorupski-Williams appointment to the commission as well. Ms. Skorupski-Williams was present. The Selectmen asked her to tell them about herself.
Ms. Skorupski-Williams stated that she had worked in the Land Use Department several years ago as a community service project. She ended up in the Town Offices over the summer looking to serve the community, thinking that the PZC may be a good fit for her. Ms. Skorupski-Williams grew up in Willington, graduated from E.O. Smith in 2007 and recently moved back to Willington from Miami, where she lived for 7 years. She is continuing her education towards her real estate license. In addition, Ms. Skorupski-Williams also manages rental properties in Willington for her family. She wants to become more involved in town.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Brittany Skorupski-Williams as a regular member of the Willington Planning & Zoning Commission; effective October 3, 2016; expiring November 21, 2017
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington told Ms. Skorupski-Williams that the Planning and Zoning Commission can sometimes be a controversial board to be on and it’s usually because of him. He would like her to think there is a very thick book of regulations that she will be told that she must follow to the very letter –He often argues that we maybe can interpret them differently – and asked her to think his way from time to time.
Ms. Skorupski-Williams said that she appreciates Selectman Blessington’s non-traditional ways of approaching issues.
Selectman Kowalyshyn said sometimes that board can be unpleasant, especially if you have to tell someone “no” but it can also be rewarding as well. Ms. Skorupski-Williams said she is hopeful it will give her a better understanding for when she starts working in her field.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington stated that the PZC still has three alternate vacancies in which need to be filled.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Sheila Corchesne as a regular member of the Willington Youth Service Advisory Board (representing the member-at large position) expiring June 30, 2017
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Brittany Jensen as a regular member of the Willington Youth Service Advisory Board (representing the library) effective October 3, 2016; expiring June 30, 2017
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Ginger Halle as a regular member of the Willington Youth Service Advisory Board (representing Service Consumer Representative ) effective October 3, 2016; expiring June 30, 2017.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Kate Standish as a regular member of the Willington Youth Service Advisory Board (representing a member-at-large) effective October 3, 2016; expiring June 30, 2017.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Daniel Pierce as a regular member of the Willington Youth Service Advisory Board (representing a non-voting member under the age of 21) effective October 3, 2016; expiring June 30, 2017
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington noted the Daniel Pierce has turned 18 and will be registering to vote. Although Mr. Pierce is under 21, Selectman Blessington feels that Mr. Pierce should now be able to vote on matters discussed/voted on with this board. Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that part of the regulations required to have a non-voting member, and Mr. Pierce was voted in as that member. Selectman Blessington said he doesn’t understand why you would have a member who is not eligible to vote – it doesn’t make any sense. Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that the reason is to have a younger person’s thought process on the board to help the other members understand better – it wasn’t to keep them from voting. First Selectman Mailhos agreed stating that it is part of the grant stipulations and that stipulates the
make- up of the board.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that we are still looking to fill seats for representatives of the school system and police. First Selectman Mailhos stated she is not sure who the Board of Education will want to nominate. Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if the interim Superintendent might want to serve.
If anyone is interested, please contact the Human Services Department or the Selectmen’s Office.
Robin Campbell stated that Superior Energy has offered to keep the same rate as last year. She forgot to go out to bid this year (in April) and has notified the other vendors of this. We will seek bids again next year in March for the next fiscal year. The vendor stated that although prices have gone up slightly, they would lock us in with last year’s rate.
The rate that we are locked in for is as follows:
.939 per gallon; Labor rate: $89 per hour; Labor after hours/holidays: $139 per hour; $0 trip charge.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to award the propane contract for 2016-2017 season to Superior Energy, LLC as per their bid (from the 2015-2016 season).
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $16.11 to Thomas McCullough of Moose Meadow Road for an overpayment.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Old Business
- Crumbling Foundation Update
- Discussion of building permit fees
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we have been holding discussions regarding the permit fees over the past few weeks. She added that she heard that people are circulating a petition to call a town meeting in regards to waiving all building fees in relation to crumbling foundations.
Selectman Blessington stated that we should wait to see what comes in and would like to run it by the Town Attorney before doing anything so we do not create legal hazards.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she asked three people to serve on a task force, and only received one yes. She is not sure what to do about this now and wants to know if the Selectmen should just try to research ourselves.
Brittany Skorupski-Williams asked where to get more information regarding this. First Selectman Mailhos stated that the state’s Department of Consumer Protection site has information, and the CT Coalition against crumbling basements group, which is a non-profit, also has information on their website.
Good & Welfare
Solarize Willington/Eastford will hold a kick-off (public) meeting on Wednesday, October 5th at the Willington Public Library we are hoping for a large turnout.
The Solarize group has asked to place a banner on the Town Green, but would like to leave it up for the duration of the project – October – January 17th. Selectman Blessington said it is an advertisement; and every time someone asks to put something up, they always ask for an exception and said no. Robin Campbell suggested letting them leave the banner up for 4 weeks and then switch it out with a yard sign for 3 weeks. The Selectmen said they would like to see how the banner is going to look on the green and will think about it before making a decision.
The 14th annual car show will be this coming weekend, October 8th (rain date October 9th) on the Town Green from 10AM – 3PM.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she had a meeting with Siemens last week to go over the performance contracting. She learned that Siemens can remote into our systems at the Town Offices and the schools and show that we are indeed saving money. First Selectman Mailhos added that we have also made other improvements that Siemens cannot track and would like to set up a committee and track on our own. She added that we may no longer need to use Siemens (which we will no longer need to pay them for the guarantee of savings and will save us $4,000). She added that Siemens will want to know soon if we wish to sever the contract. It will be added to the next agenda to discuss and decide.
Today is Carol Noyes’ last day with the Town and has officially retired. An open house was held today for those wishing to pop in and say goodbye to her and we had a steady stream of people all day long. A proclamation was read in honor of her 26 years of employment and today, October 3, 2016 is proclaimed to be “Carol Noyes Day”. The Selectmen thanked Ms. Noyes for her many years of service to the Town. She will be greatly missed.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn at 7:38 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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