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Board of Selectmen Minutes 11/21/2016
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes                                                                  November 21, 2016
Town Office Building                                                             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 November 7, 2016
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

*Senior Housing – Construction continues to move along.  Ed D’Agata announced that they sold their first paver to be placed around the new flagpole.

*Turnpike Road Phase III- The drainage work has been completed and Public Works is expecting to pave sometime within this week – weather permitting.

*Repairs to Daleville School Bridge - we received a letter from DEEP with authorization to proceed with limitation of April 1 – September 30th.  The Town Engineer suggests going out to bid in the spring to ensure the work is done prior to the deadline.

*Village Hill Drainage Engineering – The Town Engineer has completed the specs.  We will go out to bid in the spring.

*Selectmen Wing Renovations – a meeting will be held to discuss the renovations and the needs of the departments involved.  We will then go out to bid once the scope of work has been revised.

*Senior Center Septic Re-Permitting – We received one bid.  The Town Engineer met with the firm.  We will now determine the pricing options depending on the design of the project.

*MS4 Consulting/Compliance – First Selectman Mailhos and Derek met with NEMO (out of UCONN).  They are going to help us figure out what we need to do and we will engage with a consulting firm shortly.

*Public Works Environmental Configuration Engineering (New Salt Shed) – the Town Engineer is working on the design and is near completion.  It will be submitted to CIP next month.

*PZC-POCD – Meetings continue to happen throughout the winter.

*Crumbling Foundations – the fee waiver has been set in place.  (more info under old business)

*VCI (Vibrant Community Initiative) - The consultant is working on edits as suggested by SHPO, and will re-submit shortly for the historic nomination.

Public Works:

Derek Reported the crew has been busy with the following:

  • Roadside mowing
  • Clean up leaves~at~ O.T.H
  • Install/remove voting signs
  • Trim Roadside brush too large for roadside mowers
  • Clean storm drain outfalls
  • Install/remove flags on Town Green
  • Sign installation/repair
  • Traffic control for milling of Turnpike Rd
  • Push up millings
  • Cut up and remove trees that had fallen on11/15 rain storm
  • Blow leaves off gravel roads
  • Service plows for winter season ( install new edges, weld cracks, replace leaking hydraulic hoses)
  • Wash vehicles and spray undercarriages with fluid film (rust preventive)
  • Pot-hole repair
  • Push up winter sand deliveries
  • Vehicle/equipment service/repair
  • Sweep Turnpike Rd for paving
First Selectman Mailhos noted that she has seen many residents blowing leaves off of their yards into the roadways, and wanted to point out that it is not permitted in town – especially now that we must comply with the MS4 permitting.


Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to add item E under new business called:  Boards and Commissions
First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

New Business

  • Department Head Update:  
Rob Miller, Director of Eastern Highlands Health District was present.  Mr. Miller stated that the Health District is engaged in program areas such as:

  • Environmental Health
  • Community Health & Wellness
  • Emergency Preparedness
Mr. Miller stated that the Health District recently participated in a field exercise drill regarding a mass vaccination /dispensing clinic (similar to when the H1N1 epidemic happened) back in April to make sure they are still prepared and know what to do in the future.  The drill was successful.

EHHD was just awarded a $100,000 grant from the American Planning Association for health initiative to work with Planning and Zoning Commissions in rural areas (such as Willington) to promote land use decisions on how land can be used to promote community health and wellness.  The zoning and land use can promote recreational activity (exercise) and healthy lifestyle.   As part of the program, an online tool kit has been created to assist towns to provide resources and information to assist with the policies.

Regarding environmental health, Mr. Miller added that EHHD is responsible for septic system permitting, soil testing, site evaluations and well permitting.  He noted that there have been several well permits pulled due to the drought conditions of late.  

Mr. Miller added that many of our local responders have been faced with the opioid epidemic.  EHHD in partnership with First Selectmen, Human Service Directors and school officials formed a workgroup (in which First Selectman Mailhos is involved) to promote awareness to fight the epidemic.  A public forum will be held on Feburary 8th at Tolland High School at 6PM.  Greg Williams will be the featured speaker.

This budget year for EHHD has been challenging. Mr. Miller noted that their budget cycle is ahead of the municipalities so they have a figure to work with during their budget seasons, although state cuts sometimes end up having an effect.   Mr. Miller then added that they are looking to keep their budget at 2.5% as in years past; but noted that it could be subject to change.  

Mr. Miller closed informing the Selectmen that the Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner has rolled out a proposal of consolidating all local Health Departments  in the State.  He added that the rough draft proposal has not been well received by CCM (CT Conference of Municipalities) , COST (Council of Small Towns) or CRCOG (Capital Region Council of Governments).   Mr. Miller stated that there is more to come on that.  He then added that he hopes the residents continue to see quality service from EHHD.

First Selectman Mailhos noted that EHHD does a great job at a great price – especially helping monitor towns with compliance with the new things that are added each year, as mandated by the State.   She added that she is not in favor of the push to consolidate the health district; as she feels we are already doing so and it is working fine.  


Emergency Management Director, Stuart Cobb was in attendance.  He stated as EMD, he is in charge of preparedness and planning of emergency situations.  He attends several meetings throughout the year and has implemented Willington’s Hazard Mitigation Plan as mandated by FEMA.    FEMA sets money aside to help prevent damages in the future as well as assisting with emergency situations.   He referenced 2005, when we had excessive rains, and the culvert on Turnpike Road Extension was damaged.  FEMA determined that the culvert was undersized and because of the Hazard Mitigation plan, the town was given funding to replace the culvert and make it larger to accommodate excessive water flow.  He then noted that the Town is still responsible to maintain the culvert using town funds.

The Town has a Local Emergency Operation Plan; as mandated by the State, in which Mr. Cobb maintains.  The current project all municipal EMDs are working on is a list of “higher hazardous dams” in town.  He noted that Willington has 3 dams that fall under that category. He has worked a plan of evacuation for each of the locations, in the event of a breach.   The three locations are at Wilderness Lake Campground, Hall’s Pond and Seckar Road.   He noted that there are several other dams in town, but they have different classifications. The dam owners are responsible for maintaining their properties and are supposed to have inspections done and copy Mr. Cobb on the report, so he can adjust his response plan appropriately.  He has only successfully received one of the three dams plans so far.  He then clarified that it is not his responsibility to follow up with the property owners; the State gets involved at that point.

Mr. Cobb is involved in several working groups that involve Homeland Security and Mutual Aid.  Willington currently houses a traffic control trailer which was part of a Regional Grant issued by DEHMS (Department of Environmental and Homeland Security); the trailer may be used by several participating towns.  He then noted the message board that is currently being used on Turnpike Road – that is housed at a neighboring town, and we are able to use that.   We have had assistance from the towns of Colchester, Killingly, Franklin and Groton in the past as part of Mutual Aid; and in the event that we in Willington are not impacted, we offer help to other towns.  

The state has made changes in the shelter plans in the past few years.  They found the better plan is to regionalize when it comes to overnight shelters.  In the event that an overnight shelter is needed, the Mansfield Community Center will be used and E.O. Smith will be used as an overage (as they have 2 gymnasiums).  Mansfield has paid personnel and can also offer security (law enforcement).  In addition, UCONN dining facility can offer food.  He clarified that HMS would still be open during the daytime for those who need a shower or charging stations for cell phones as a local option; noting that running a daytime shelter is easier for a town our size.    Mr. Cobb stated that each year, we (Willington) participate in a mock drill as administered by the Governor’s office to help prepare us in the event of an emergency.  

The Selectmen thanked Mr. Cobb for his service.


Willington Fire Department Chief Alex Moore was present.  WFD#1 has two stations.  One is located across from High Chase (at the intersection of Route 32 and Depot Road) and the other is near Interstate 84 on Route 32. The Department has 2 paid personnel (24/7/365)  for fire and ambulance and all staff is cross trained.  Chief Moore added that WFD#1 also works jointly with Willington Hill Fire Department on calls.  

Chief Moore stated that the Department responds to 700-800 calls per year (currently are at 760 calls) and sadly have seen their fair share of the opioid crisis. WFD houses one ambulance and two bigger size apparatus and are anxiously waiting for the new apparatus.  The revenue generated from the ambulance calls helps offset the cost of paid staff and apparatus purchases.   The ambulance responds to calls in Willington and the town of Union.  


Next up was Dick Palmer, Willington Fire Marshall.  Mr. Palmer stated that he has been acting Fire Marshall in Willington since 1996.  Similar to the WFD workers, his position is 24/7.  His main responsibility is to perform inspections; ensuring that life safety is not compromised as well as investigating the cause and origin of all fires.  If he has trouble or needs assistance, he calls in the State Police and Fire Investigation team.  Mr. Palmer is required to get 90 hours of training per year to maintain his certification.

Mr. Palmer stated that he enjoys his job and working with the people in town.  He began his career serving as Deputy Fire Marshall (In Mansfield) in 1979.  He added that the fire prevention codes in Connecticut are unique and several codes are used (other states just use one code) and can sometimes become challenging.  In addition a new fire prevention code has just been passed, therefore Mr. Palmer will need to implement the new books resulting in an increase to his upcoming budget.

In closing, Mr. Palmer stated that he has been lucky in his tenure as Fire Marshall and only seen one loss of life and a few arsons.  Most investigations were accidental and the rest have been routine inspections.  

The Selectmen thanked Mr. Palmer for his service.  

  • Appointments
First Selectman Mailhos moved to appoint Randy Belair as a regular member of the Capital Improvement Program Committee; effective November 21, 2016; expiring November 20, 2017. Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Mr. Belair was present.  He is a 40 year Willington Resident who worked in the healthcare field for 10 years, moving to Aetna for 20 years.  Mr. Belair  retired from Stanley Black &Decker after 10 years of service.  He has a wide financial background and is interested in contributing to the community.  He added that we all want to manage the mil rate and know that we face challenges due to the crumbling foundations.  

The Selectmen thanked Mr. Belair for willing to serve on the Committee. First Selectman Mailhos stated he will be good for the Committee as he does his homework and is reliable.  She added that the CIP Committee is a good stepping stone as it is a short time commitment over a period of time (December – February).  She added that now we will have a full board.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)  0 No.

First Selectman Mailhos moved  to appoint Adele Hall as a regular member of the Economic Development Commission; effective November 21, 2016; expiring November 20, 2021
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

Ms. Hall was not able to attend the meeting; however she sent an email stating the following:
“I'm definitely interested in joining the town of Willington's EDC. I greatly enjoyed being able to participate in the development of the Business Directory and would like to work on future projects. I feel I would bring a different viewpoint to the table seeing as I just turned 20 and I would also love to use joining this committee as a new learning experience. “
First Selectman Mailhos noted that there are still other seats open on this Commission.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)  0 No.

  • Resolution – EMPG Grant
First Selectman Mailhos noted that this is similar to the Resolution passed at the last meeting (regional funding); however this Resolution is for the FFY 2016 State Homeland Security Grant Program for Region 4.  EMD Stuart Cobb clarified that this resolution is to assist with the application of the grant that pays for ½ of the EMD stipend.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to adopt the following resolution,
AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION OF the Town of Willington    CERTIFICATION:
        RESOLVED, that the Town of Willington may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Christina B.  Mailhos, as First Selectman of the Town of Willington                                      
is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of Willington and to do and perform all acts and things which he/she deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

  •  Tax Refund
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $408.63 to Nissan Infiniti-LT; Dallas TX on a certificate of correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

  •  Boards and Commission
Selectman Kowalyshyn stated it is her understanding that each board and commission has it’s own purpose.    
Planning & Zoning makes sure our zoning regulations are being followed;
Economic Development Commission helps with economic growth in town;
Board of Selectmen oversee the town in general & make sure everything is being run smoothly;
Board of Finance makes sure finances are in order;
Board of Education oversees Education in general.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn added that she recently attended the Board of Finance meeting on November 17th   and found some members of the BOF were unprofessional and overstepped their boundaries – it was disheartening.  She stated that she knows there is really nothing the Selectmen can do about it, but wanted to speak her mind because it was very disappointing.

There was mention of the position that PZC is trying to fill even though the Boards have been discussing at jointly held meetings.  The comments made at this particular meeting were out of line.  

First Selectman Mailhos clarified that we have been discussing that particular (new) position and have had meetings with the various boards about it for a few months.   At some point we have to trust what the PZC is saying that’s what they need to do their job.  She added that the BOF also needs to trust that as well. Selectman Kowalyshyn then clarified that it was not all of the BOF members who were unprofessional, just a few.

Selectman Blessington stated that he was not at that meeting, and this is not the first time he has heard a “he-said  - she-said” type of argument.  He then suggested that the BOF should start videotaping their meetings so they can be more transparent.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that isn’t a bad idea, but each board would have to decide to do that -we cannot make them do it.  Selectman Blessington said he can’t see why they wouldn’t want their meetings to be on public camera.   Selectman Blessington stated that he will mention at the next joint meeting on December 13th.  

First Selectman Mailhos then clarified that it is appropriate for the Board of Finance members to ask questions; and figure out if we have the funding to support it, but it is not their role to figure out how to manage people.  We need to trust the PZC is going to manage it – that is why we elect them.  

Resident Randy Belair noted that he too, was in attendance at the BOF meeting on November 17th and agreed that the BOF members were not only unprofessional, but rude. He added that the PZC position didn’t seem to have enough data to back it up at the meeting, and thought that is why it was dismissed.  Selectman Kowalyshyn then clarified that the data has been discussed several times and we have talked about it in detail since June – they (BOF) had the data they needed.

Mr. Belair then noted that First Selectman Mailhos had given an in-depth presentation regarding the financial impact from the crumbling foundations and it was dismissed by the BOF.  Mr. Belair added that he knows this was not First Selectman Mailhos’ first attempt at bringing the crumbling foundations to their attention; but they didn’t even want to hear it.  He added that this is a real problem.  

Old Business

  • Performance Contracting
First Selectman Mailhos recapped the item on the performance contracting: M&V (metrics and validation) that we pay Siemens $4,000 per year to do a report with the guarantee that we are saving money. The information in the report is useful, (monitor fuel and electrical usage) but we can do it ourselves.    Siemens told us that most towns only pay for the guarantee for a few years and then they cancel.   First Selectman Mailhos then presented a baseline of our electricity usage from when we first signed on (2 years ago) to now, showing a decrease in usage.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn asked what happens if we start increasing usage?  

Selectman Blessington asked if the school has someone to monitor this.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that our Business Manager keeps the running worksheet for all of the buildings.  Selectman Blessington then asked if we have someone who will be able to tell if something goes awry in the schools?  First Selectman Mailhos stated that  we are working on a way to formally look at this.  
 
First Selectman Mailhos noted that she thinks we should no longer pay for M&V and is having the attorney review as well.  The Selectmen were in agreement as long as First Selectman Mailhos checks with the BOE and BOF as well as getting clearance from the Town Attorney.  

  • Crumbling Foundation Update
First Selectman Mailhos stated that an announcement came out on Friday that state leaders are going to allow towns to issue municipal bonds to help homeowners.   It could either be done as a grant or as a loan that may or may not need to be paid back to the Town.  

Senator Larson (who is the former Mayor of East Hartford) referenced that East Hartford routinely bonded $15million to fix their roads; it would be no different.  First Selectman Mailhos warned that Willington routinely does not bond money to fix our roads, and $15 million is our entire operating budget.  She then noted that the current numbers from the state claim that we have 30 homes affected (and she thinks there are really more than that…) it would cost $6 million that we would have to bond out of the gate.  

Randy Belair clarified that it would still be considered as a loan – and it would need to be paid back; how many homes would end up making the difference up as the loan would end up costing double of the value of the house.

First Selectman Mailhos then clarified that the Town is not a bank; and we do not have that kind of expertise, not to mention the paperwork and documentation behind the loans.  She added perhaps the state leaders should come up with a way to assist the banks to help home owners.  She added that there should be a way to help the people who really need to have the work done now.  

Selectman Blessington then asked if FEMA has decided they are not going to help.  He then asked if the legislators will help to have them revisit it.   First Selectman Mailhos stated that she believes they are still trying to talk with FEMA; however the numbers are not there to support it.  She added that the real estate market is taking a hit, but people are not seeing it until they try to sell their home or try to refinance.  She added that we are trying to spell it out for the state leaders.   

First Selectman Mailhos stated that there are a lot of things happening, but so far it is not good. Selectman Blessington said he feels crumbling foundations should be seen as a national disaster.  

  • Nuisance Ordinance
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she met with our new State Police (Troop C) liaison; Sgt. Kenneth Albert last week.  She had spoken with him about various issues that have been going on in town and the issue they talked about in-depth about the nuisance ordinance.   Sgt. Albert stated that he would talk to his peers at Troop C to find the best way to handle this.   The biggest concerns for us are how the ticketing procedure will work.  Will Willington have our own tickets, or can the Troopers just use a blanket form.  Once a ticket is issued, how do you enforce to make sure payments are made; and lastly; how do we handle appeals?   First Selectman Mailhos noted that the other towns that do have this Ordinance in place, have Resident State Troopers who handle the process; and we do not have one of those here.  She then stated that some of the Troopers in Mansfield told her that it is a useful tool to have and they have had occasions in Willington (at the apartment complexes) where they had to respond to break up UCONN partying.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that we just do not have the resources to enforce.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that it could generate revenue for us; but she does not think it would be that much.  Selectman Blessington agreed and stated that he doesn’t think it will pay for itself.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she will update the Selectmen once she has heard back from Sgt. Albert. She stated that she is thankful we have him as our new liaison.

Good & Welfare

First Selectman Mailhos thanked the Willington Poll workers, who were here all day to work the Election on November 8th.  The Election went smoothly without incident.  They then had to come back and work for a recount on November 18th for the State Representative seat (Belsito vs. Eastwood); a difference of 47 votes.

The annual tree lighting on the Town Green will be held on Friday, December 2nd at 7PM.  This year, the event will be bigger and better than in years past.  The Daniel Glazier Tavern will have a dramatic reading;   the Old Town Hall will have a concert event;  the Boy Scouts will be selling wreaths and roasting chestnuts on an open fire on the Town Green and the HMS Select Chorus will sing. First Selectman Mailhos added that Santa may also be coming as well.  Mark your calendars!

First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission continues to hold meetings to update the POCD.  Important meeting dates are as follows:  
January 3, 2017: Things Willington Should try to protect or Preserve (Conservation Strategies)
February 7, 2017: How Willington Should Guide Growth or Change (Development Strategies)
March 7, 2017: Services or Facilities that Willington Wants or Needs (Infrastructure Strategies) & how we can best implement the Willington POCD.

We received our monthly letter from Troop C with the following statistics from the month of October:

  • 11 accidents
  • 10 criminal investigations
  • 2 larcenies
  • 583 non-reportable matters
  • 235 traffic citations
  • 44 written warnings
  • 0 DUI’s
  • 0 burglaries
First Selectman Mailhos noted that most of these incidents pertain to the traffic on Interstate 84 travelling through Willington; that is why the numbers are so high.

Selectman Blessington noted that we have a new videographer, Olivia Pierce.  The Selectmen thanked Ms. Pierce for taping tonight’s meeting.

The annual Board Member Holiday Open House will be held on December 7th.

The CIP Committee  will hold their first meeting on December 6th.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to adjourn at 8:13 P.M.
Selectman   Kowalyshyn 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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