BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes October 17, 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 October 3, 2016 as written.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
No one was present to speak.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
First Selectman Status Report
*Old Town Hall Electrical and Restoration – the electrical restoration work has been completed and awaits final inspection. The painters are currently working on the stage as well as the vestibule. Restoration should be completed by the end of the month.
*Turnpike Road Phase III – we were waiting for the catch basin structures last week; they have since been delivered. Construction will resume this week. We are hoping to be able to pave by November; otherwise we will do that in the spring.
*Repairs to Daleville School Bridge – We are seeking permitting from DEEP. There is a 65 day waiting period for the permitting process.
*Village Hill Road Drainage Engineering –the Town Engineer is still working on the design.
*Senior Center Septic Re-Permitting – the RFP is out. Documents are due back by October 25th
*MS4 Consulting/Compliance – CRCOG continues to work on the bid to find a consultant for all towns work with. First Selectman Mailhos and Derek will attend an all-day seminar on Wednesday to learn about the process.
*Public Works Environmental Configuration Engineering (New Salt Shed) – the Town Engineer has completed the first phase of the design and will present to the Selectmen in the next few weeks.
*ACO new truck – the truck is in and has been lettered. The Animal Control Officer will be bringing the truck to get a new cap and lights shortly.
*PZC-POCD – the funding was approved at the last Town Meeting (October 12th) . The contract was awarded and the first public meeting is scheduled for November 1st at the library.
*Crumbling Foundations – we will continue to work with State officials to be a partner in finding a solution to help homeowners with crumbling foundations. A discussion will be held in regards to holding a town meeting pertaining to building fees associated with replacing foundations. We will call a town meeting tonight to discuss permit fees.
*VCI (Vibrant Community Initiative) - the State Preservation Office has received the nomination for the village area. A meeting will be held next week so committee members can discuss the edits suggested by SHPO; prior to being adopted at the next state meeting.
Public Works:
Derek Reported the crew has been busy with the following:
- Weed-whack guide rails
- Trim roadside brush too large for roadside mowers
- Vehicle/equipment maintenance/ repair
- Sign replacement
- Pothole repair
- Dig out area at River Road Park for swing set installation
- Paint Lines~at Transfer Station for parking area
- Trim trees and weed flower beds at T.O.B.
- Weed-whack inside gates at well house
- Replace catch basin top/repair catch basin on Moose Meadow
- Trim Library sight line
New Business
- Call Town Meeting (Petition received regarding building fee waivers for crumbling basement replacements)
First Selectman Mailhos stated that a petition was circulated and received by the Town Clerk last week. The petition was certified by the Clerk of having 23 names of those being qualified to vote at town meeting. They are either registered voters or are on the last completed grand list as owners of property assessed at $1,000 or more in the town of Willington. The original petition read as follows: “Should the Town of Willington waive any and all permit fees needed to replace a crumbling basement foundation?” The petition was then forwarded to the Town Attorney who then suggested having the wording changed. First Selectman Mailhos added that she was in favor of the changes, having spoken with other towns; and Stafford for example is looking into a rebate program. This would not only ensure
the funds would go back to the resident, but also would help us keep track of it.
The Town Attorney’s edits read as follows: “Should the Town of Willington direct the Board of Selectmen to investigate options to eliminate the cost of all building permit fees for any foundation repairs tied to substandard concrete in Willington based on confirmation by the Building Official?” YES/NO First Selectman Mailhos said if it were voted in the affirmative, the Selectmen would be able to get direction from the Town Attorney to work out the details of running a rebate program, if it is legally possible or settling on a waiver program.
Resident, Tim Heim (circulator of the petition) was present. He stated that he recently attended a meeting in Stafford; who is also working on a similar program; and they are trying to figure a cut off year; (for the rebate) and as of now, they want to go to the year of the first recorded incident; which is 2010. Mr. Heim added
that he is in favor of the rebate and offered to circulate a new petition, if needed. Otherwise he said he is agreeable with changing the wording of the town meeting item. He added that he would like to see the people who have had to have the work done get their money back, noting that the building permit fees for that stuff has already been paid for once already when it was a new construction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn asked how the resident would go about getting the money back and how can we tell if insurance money paid for replacing it? She added there may be no way to tell that.
Mr. Heim stated that the new wording of the call may be a little vague. First Selectman Mailhos clarified this is the best way to move forward, in case the rebate option is not a possibility for some legal reason; this will give us a little more time to investigate the best process/practice but give some direction in the meantime.
First Selectman Mailhos then 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 Town Office Building; 40 Old Farms Road, Willington, at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, November 3, 2016 for the following purpose:
ITEM I
Should the Town of Willington direct the Board of Selectmen to investigate options to eliminate the cost of all building permit fees for any foundation repairs tied to substandard concrete in Willington based on confirmation by the Building Official? YES / NO
Dated at Willington,
This 17th day of October, 2016
Willington Board of Selectmen
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington said he is in favor of doing this but cautioned that he is hoping we are not rushing into this.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a resignation from Elyse Sullivan on the Library board at the last meeting. Heather Alexson has been endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee for the position. In addition, we have received two supporting letters; one from Jennifer Thorpe-Pallo as well as DTC Chairman Robert Jellen. First Selectman Mailhos added that she has heard nothing but good things about Ms. Alexson and feels she will do great.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Heather Alexson as a regular member of the Willington Library Board of Directors (filling a vacancy) effective October 17, 2016; expiring November 21, 2017
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Heather Alexson was present. She stated that she was disappointed last fall when she ran for the position but did not win. She is very active in the library and feels it is an important part of our community as a resource, meeting place and public education outreach. Ms. Alexson added that our library is doing a great job keeping up with technology and modern resources. She said that she will do her best serving on the board.
DTC Chairman Robert Jellen read the email that he sent to the Selectmen:
TO: Board of Selectmen, Willington, CT
FROM: Robert Jellen, Willington Democratic Town Committee
RE: Vacancy on the Willington Library Board of Directors
Ladies and Gentleman:
At the last monthly meeting of the Willington Democratic Town Committee, our group wholeheartedly endorsed Heather Alexson to fill the vacancy on the Willington Library Board of Directors. As you may recall, Heather ran for the library board in the last municipal elections in 2015 and did not win.
Heather is well-known in the Willington community, participates in many civic activities, and has been a member of the WDTC for three years. She is deeply involved in home-schooling daughter and therefore uses the resources of the public library extensively in this effort. In getting to know Heather, I have ascertained a true and dedicated intention on her part to help her community in this most worthwhile endeavour. In discussing these factors with her I have learned that she as a young girl worked as a page in her hometown library and in her professional career as an archaeologist served as a community outreach representative to the library community as a whole. She is also a lifelong Bibliophile and can often be seen with her daughter at the Willington Public Library. Added to these factors is that she
is very organized, has outstanding connections with state commissions, and is a very personable young lady.
With these references in consideration, We respectfully request that Heather Alexson be named to fill the vacancy on the Willington Library Board.
For the entire Willington Democratic Town Committee, I am
Sincerely Yours,
Robert E. Jelllen, Chair
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)
First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Tom Kelly as a regular member of the Willington Solid Waste Advisory Commission effective November 7, 2016, expiring November 6, 2018
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)
First Selectman Mailhos noted that we have a few spots on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. They meet a few times per year and discuss procedures at the Transfer Station.
Selectman Blessington added that we still have 3 vacant alternate spots on the Planning and Zoning Commission as well.
If anyone is interested in filling the vacancies, please contact the Selectmen’s Office.
- Senior Center Flagpole ceremony/dedication discussion
Edward D’Agata, President of the Willington Seniors Association was present. He stated that the Seniors would like to erect a 35 foot flagpole to honor Senior Citizen Veterans who live in Willington. This would be different than the wall of honor at the Old Town Hall, where those members who were indicted in service while living in Willington. He noted that we have a lot of veterans that live in Willington (or that consider Willington their home) and there is no recognition for them.
Mr. D’Agata stated that the flagpole will be put up in the new complex and dedicate it to the veterans. In addition, they will have a program where family members will be able to purchase pavers with the veteran’s name, date of service, branch of service and rank; the pavers will be placed around the flagpole to make a patio setting.
In addition, participants in the ceremony will include US Senator Blumenthal; Congressman Courtney; State Senator Guglielmo; State Representative Belsito; Lt. Governor Wyman and possibly Governor Malloy. The Housing Authority may be on board to turn the ceremony into an open house for the newly constructed cottages and Senior Center as well. Mr. D’Agata added that he would like as much community participation as possible, noting that he would love for the HMS band to participate as well as the scouts and VFW.
Discussion was held on the flagpole. A US flag and State flag that have flown over the State Capital have been earmarked to fly on the pole and remain there 24/7. The pole will have a “downward” solar light and will have an “internal halyard” so there are no ropes hanging down the pole.
Mr. D’Agata added that the funding for the flagpole will be taken from the Senior Center Memorial Fund to purchase and erect the flagpole.
Selectman Blessington asked if all of the permits have been pulled through the Land Use Department and if the permits will be processed in time? Mr. D’Agata said that all of the applications have been submitted. They are hoping for the dedication to happen around Memorial Day weekend next year and will work out the details around Memorial Day and Willington Day. First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Willington Day Committee should be meeting sometime in the winter season to begin planning. Mr. D’Agata was thinking the ceremony could be on Sunday , instead of Saturday. Selectman Blessington said Sunday may not be good; you may lose interest because you are asking people to do something on each of the days of a long weekend. Selectman Blessington then noted that it may work out better on
Memorial Day. They will discuss further to work out the details on the best date.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she would like to look into the downward lighting for all of the municipal flagpoles. Selectman Blessington noted that it won’t do much good if we have a few cloudy days. Mr. D’Agata stated that the new solar powered apparatus will still get sunlight, even on a cloudy day.
First Selectman Mailhos wished Mr. D’Agata and the Seniors luck on their project and to let the Selectmen know if they need any help.
- Historical Society Property Opportunity Discussion
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she was talking with Robert Shabot (President of the Willington Historical Society) a few weeks ago and he told her that the Society is getting ready to sell a piece of property that is connected to the Tavern on the Town Green. The parcel has frontage on Ruby Road across from the library. First Selectman Mailhos then said that she got a brainstorm that the town may want to consider purchasing the property and make a parking lot that could be used for over-flow when the library has a large gathering or when we have an event at the Old Town hall, or even during the flea market, noting that there are always parking issues for all of these locations. In addition to making the parking lot, we could add a walking trail from the parking lot to the Tavern, leading to the Town
green in a much safer way than we currently have.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she does not know much about the parcel yet, but wanted to check with the other Selectmen to see if they think we should look into it. Mr. Shabot, who was present, noted that the entire parcel is 4.6 acres and the Historical Society is only interested in selling 1.8 of the acres; which is an approved building lot that has frontage on Ruby Road. The Historical Society pays $1,200 per year in taxes on the parcel in order to maintain the parcel in its size. If they split it and sell off the building lot, the remaining 3 acres would be attached to the lot that the Tavern sits on and would eliminate them from paying taxes. Mr. Shabot then added that the funds made off of the sale would go into the Tavern’s maintenance fund, noting that it costs about $6,000 per year to
maintain. He then noted that there is some ledge along the property but the ledge doesn’t come to the surface until the center of the property and the rest is mostly gravel. In addition, the old Norwich to Brimfield turnpike (4-5’ trail) is also visible and the Society would be willing to open up the historic stone wall that runs across the turnpike, which would open up a nice trail.
Selectman Blessington asked how much the approved building lot would go for. Mr. Shabot stated they are looking between $70,000 - $80,000, but they are willing to have discussions with the Town to negotiate. First Selectman Mailhos then asked the Selectmen if she should send the Town Engineer to look at it. Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she would like to take a field trip to walk the site before we make a decision. She then asked who would insure the path? First Selectman Mailhos stated that we would have an easement that would be covered by the town.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she will set up a meeting/field trip and we will warn it as a Special Meeting in the near future that the public is also invited to attend.
- 2006 POCD Action Item Review – Selectmen
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the big kick-off meeting for the POCD will be on Tuesday, November 1st at 7pm in the library. She recently sent an email to all of the board chairmen and those who have an item referenced in the plan asking them to review the existing plan and see what has been done, or if some things need to be changed or even updated for the new plan.
The Selectmen reviewed the list of items pertaining to them, as well as items they are considered supporters of.
Some of the items on the plan are considered as “ongoing” that the Selectmen already do or have done:
- Identify safety hazards and high accident areas to prioritize and schedule needed upgrades and improvements.
- Work with the State Department of Transportation to improve intersections of state and local roads
- Maintain current and future facilities by utilizing equipment and staff of the Public Works Department.
- Determine the cost sand best methods for maintain existing town and school facilities for maximum utilization.
- Continue to maintain public roads on a 5-year maintenance schedule
Some items that may no longer apply:
- When replacing existing bridges or constructing new bridges in scenic areas, consider wooden structures.
- Complete development of River Road Recreation Facility and look for other recreational uses for the site.
Some items the Selectmen are looking into at present:
- Future street lights to be energy efficient designed to reduce “light pollution”.
- Consider establishing a scenic road ordinance according to State Statute Sec. 7-149a (Historic District is currently working on)
*Note: not all of the items on the list were discussed. To read the plan in it’s entirety, please go to:
First Selectman Mailhos stated that there are a lot of items on this list and asked the Selectmen to review before the November 1st meeting.
Randy Belair asked the Selectmen to consider incorporating goals pertaining to the crumbling foundations in the plan as well. First Selectman Mailhos stated that the consultant is indeed looking into a way to integrate that issue into the plan. She stated if the plan were to have come due last year, it may not have made it into the plan. Mr. Belair then stated that he did not hear any type of blight issues mentioned. First Selectman Mailhos clarified that it is mentioned in the plan; but it is not part of the Selectmen’s charge. She then clarified that these items are not ordained, but rather suggestions to the Boards to work on.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she is hopeful that each of the Town’s boards will have someone to represent them to talk about what they have done; what they plan to do and what they may want to change in the plan. She then encouraged all Board Chairs and members as well as the public to mark their calendar for the meeting which will be at the Willington Public Library from 7-9PM
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $75.84 to Chelsie Raiola; Lowell, MA as a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund 41.91 to Flora Poltilla; Hancock, NH for an overpayment.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $135.44 to Nissan Infiniti, LT as a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)
First Selectman Mailhos moved to add item G under new business: “Town Clerk Position”
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that our Town Clerk is thinking about retiring and there is confusion if the position will continue to have benefits once it is filled by a new person. There is no clarity from when the study was done, and it is listed in the personnel policy that the Town Clerk position is unique as that position is eligible for health benefits in the same proportion as other non-elected salaried employees. In addition, First Selectman Mailhos stated that she is also not sure who would make the final decision as to whether or not the position receives benefits – is it the Selectmen or the Board of Finance or perhaps Town Meeting? She then clarified if it were changed into an appointed position, it would be clear (instead of elected).
Selectman Blessington warned that once a person becomes appointed, it becomes harder to get rid of them if they are not doing their job. Selectman Kowalyshyn disagreed; if someone is not doing their job, they would be treated as an employee. The Town Clerk’s job is specific and is also mandated by the State.
Selectman Blessington clarified that an election would be the way to decide if the person is doing a good job because if they were, they would get the votes. We have had town clerks who do their job and we haven’t had the problem. If the problem turns up then you deal with it – like other towns have. Mark Palmer clarified that the Board of Selectmen has the authority to remove the Town Clerk for just cause. He added in terms of the study, the compensation varies all over the place – it just depends on the town and there is no guidance listed anywhere what the compensation or benefits should be.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she thinks the average resident who comes into the Town Offices is not going to know whether or not the Town Clerk is doing his/her job; when it comes time to vote, they aren’t going to know any different, where if they were appointed, management would have a better handle on it. First Selectman Mailhos agreed, stating that she doesn’t necessarily know what the Tax Collector, Assessor, or Town Clerk do on a day to day basis, but is made aware if there are issues; clarifying that we do not usually get complaints about the Town Clerk’s office; and she is happy about that and wants to keep it that way. Selectman Kowalyshyn added that people seem to be more accountable if they are an employee. Selectman Blessington then added if the person is appointed, they
can come from anywhere, but if elected, they would have to be a resident, and he likes the thought of having a hometown person in the office.
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that turning the position into an appointment would be the better way to go in her opinion. First Selectman Mailhos added if the position were appointed, then that person would become an employee – they would not have to worry about running in the election every four years, and they would have job security. Tim Heim then asked how long has the current Town Clerk been here? Robert Jellen stated a long time – and most Clerks do stay on for a long time. He then clarified that the Town Clerk position is one of the most important positions in the town. Mark Palmer added that once a Clerk becomes established, no one messes with the position and there is no competition at the elections – it hasn’t happened in 20 years; its not going to happen.
First Selectman Mailhos then stated that she doesn’t want to assume we are going to have a problem and we haven’t had any in the past. She brought this up only to see how to move forward and if the position will continue to have benefits. Some people have come forward to express interest, however they also stated that they are not interested in it if there are no benefits, so we need to figure out if we can change it from elected to an appointment and lastly who is the ultimate decision maker of this.
Mark Palmer stated that the Compensation Elected Officials Salary Study Committee felt that they should left most of the positions untouched, and the Clerk’s position was the only one that stood out, but nothing was broken and there was no need to change anything. He then added if the Selectmen want to change the structure of the Town Clerk, it’s your decision.
Mr. Jellen added even if you had to pay for benefits, it would be advisable for any town to provide benefits for a Town Clerk just for the nature of the job as it is so involved. First Selectman Mailhos said going forward they just want to clarify whether the position includes benefits for anyone interested in the position; and the other benefits that go along with being an employee, they would get sick, vacation and personal time.
Selectman Blessington said if it ain’t broken why do we want to fix it? He then asked if we could table this until the next meeting. First Selectman Mailhos reiterated that she just wants clarification in how the personnel policy is worded – does the word “legacy” mean the current person, or the position itself. Selectman Blessington then suggested running this by the Town Attorney and tabling this until the next meeting until we get a clear opinion.
Old Business
- Crumbling Foundation Update
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that the Town of Tolland just posted some information on their website about the AD-Hoc working committee through CRCOG. Randy Belair asked when we should expect to learn the details of the Assessments? First Selectman Mailhos stated that our Assessor has the information; and people have until October 31st to get the information in for the next Grand List. She clarified that the Engineer’s report had to be in by October 1st. First Selectman Mailhos stated that we will work on a page focusing directly on the foundations.
Randy Belair said the concern is to get the information out to the residents so they can have their issuses addressed. Selectman Kowalyshyn added that the information has been out there – it’s on television and in newspapers. Robin Campbell clarified that even if someone misses a deadline, they still can apply for a re-assessment – it will be pro-rated for the next year.
Randy Belair noted that the first year or two the re-assessments will most likely not affect the Town, but then after about five years, it may have grown and will affect the mil-rate. Mark Palmer suggested that the fund balance may have to offset the lost revenue to weather the storm. Selectman Kowalyshyn said it could go on for many years and the fund may not last that long.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that she has been thinking of this and plans to bring it up at the next Board of Finance meeting that we might want to create a special fund just for this reason (to backfill budget shortfalls). She doesn’t want furutre projected decreases in revenue to be used as rationale for cutting programs and services
to decrease spending. She added that we need to do something to attract people to move here, and cutting our services is not the way to do that.
Randy Belair suggested giving the residents an incentive to come forward, by perhaps partnering with one of the engineers who performs the basement testing at a discounted rate. First Selectman Mailhos stated that there is no way to keep that confidential. He then clarified that the main idea is to try to come up with an incentive to have people come forward so we know exactly how many people have this issue. Currently, there are only 330 people state wide who have filed with the state and we could have that many people in this town alone; not to mention the additions, garages and patios that have been done as well. He added it would be nice to be the one town to get something going and the more people that come forward will hopefully bring federal attention to this.
First Selectman Mailhos warned that she believes that most of the people know they have the problem, they are choosing not to say anything; there is no reason for them to test anything at this point because unfortunately, there is no money and they don’t wnt to put themselves at risk.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that the re-val will be done in two years. She thinks three years from now we may be faced with a large tax increase – and it is going to be drastic. She added she thinks we should run the budget a little different this year, than what we usually do. We should have some minor tax increases now and in the meantime, create a special fund to back fill the offset each year to build on. She added this all depends on how many properties are re-assessed.
Selectman Blessington asked to continue this at the next meeting.
Good & Welfare
Our Tax Collector has issued an updated list of delinquent taxpayers. The 2013 Grand List is cleared and there are only 7 names on the 2014 GL; 6 of which are on a payment plan; (the 7th is HUD and they are not eligible). The Selectmen said she is doing a great job.
The Solarize campaign started earlier this month, so far there have been 46 initial interested parties; 27 visits have been scheduled and 19 home visits. Three contracts are in process and one of them has been signed to date. Earthlight is offering a special discount to the first 5 homeowners who sign on with the program. Its not too late to sign up.
We received our monthly letter from Troop C. The letter states they investigated the following over the month of September:
9 accidents; 16 criminal investigations; 1 burglary; 588 Non-reportable matters; 1 DUI; 234 Traffic violations and 52 written warnings
Another successful car show was held again this year. It was the 14th annual, held on October 8th. They had great weather (it did not start to rain until the end of the show). Over $1,400 was raised and donated to the Marine Corps, as always. The Selectmen thanked Joe Phillipi for once again putting on another great show.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that Superintendent Harding’s last day was Friday, October 7th. Our interim Superintendent, Dr. Jacqueline Jacoby has settled in downstairs and is off to a great start and we welcome her to Willington.
Selectman Blessington stated that the Old Town Hall is looking very nice these days with all of the renovations.
Selectman Blessington noted that there is a garage at the intersection of Route 74 and 44; and someone has done a great job trying to market it with paintings. He said it makes the whole intersection look good. He would love to see something like that done by Phelps Plaza.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn at 8:45 P.M.
First Selectman Mailhos 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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