BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Meeting Minutes December 4, 2017
Town Office Building 6:30 P.M.
*Minutes are not official until approved at the next regular meeting
First Selectman Wiecenski called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM with the following in attendance: Selectmen Makuch & Blessington and residents. First Selectman Wiecenski led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of November 17, 2017 as written.
Selectman Makuch seconded the motion.
Vote: 2 Yes (Makuch & Blessington) 0 No. 1 Abstain (Wiecenski)
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of November 20, 2017 with the following edit:
Page 5: under Good and Welfare; third paragraph; “Attention budget writers”. Second sentence should read “ Donna is making edits to the form (as suggested by Randy Belair) which makes it easier to submit requests, and for the readers to comprehend.
First Selectman Wiecenski seconded the motion.
First Selectman Wiecenski clarified that she sought opinion from the Town Clerk regarding the approval of the minutes to make sure we are in compliance as the old Board had run those 2 meetings. The Town Clerk clarified that the Selectmen are able to approve them to the best of their knowledge and since First Selectman Wiecenski was in attendance at the meeting of the 20th and Selectman Makuch was in attendance on the 17th, it is fine.
Vote: 2 Yes (Wiecenski & Blessington) 0 No 1 Abstain (Makuch)
Present to Speak:
Robert Jellen, Chairman of the Willington Democratic Town Committee presented a letter to the Selectmen in regards to the CIP Committee. He then read the letter as written:
The letter read as follows:
To: Willington Board of Selectmen
RE: Vacancies on the CIP Committee
From: Robert Jellen, Chair; Willington Democratic Town Committee
Ladies and Gentleman:
I come before you this evening to propose two names to fill the vacancies on the Willington Capital Improvement Plan Committee. Both candidates come with extensive experience which would enhance the structure of the committee. Both have the support of the Willington Democratic Town Committee.
Richard Maloney is a twenty-four year resident of the town. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and has worked in State Government service for thirty years in the Department of Consumer Protection, retiring just this summer. I have known Rick for all of his time in Willington and can personally attest to his integrity and dedication to our town. He has served for many years as Treasure of the WDTC and has serviced on the ZBA. He comes with a great deal of budgetary experience and will certainly be an asset to the CIP. He and his family are active members of the community and have long been involved in many community-oriented projects.
Stephanie Summers has lived in town for twenty years. She is a journalist by profession and has worked for several years as an editor at the Hartford Courant and before that at the Kansas City Star in her hometown. She has extensive experience with managing budgets, especially in the newsroom of the Courant. In addition to that, she has worked in communications at the University of Connecticut. Many will remember her as one of the prime forces in the successful “unWillington” Inc. opposition group to prevent a State Police gun range from being constructed in Willington. Stef brings many varied work experiences to the table and will be an effective member of the CIP.
It is with all these factors in mind that I enthusiastically recommended their appointment to the Capital Improvement Plan Committee.
Respectfully submitted:
Robert E. Jellen
December 4, 2017
Don Berg spoke on behalf of the holiday committee. He stated that he has heard that there will not be a holiday party before the end of the year; but perhaps sometime in January because of budget constraints. He then suggested that the Board of Selectmen should support and significantly finance a large portion of the party for all of the volunteers in town who work diligently for no pay. He noted that he, himself has worked over 500 hours of time over the past year with the Button Hill Cottage project and other people have also put in time for varioius projects too. These people should be honored and respected for their time – fifteen dollars is not a lot per person for those who attend the holiday party is not too much to ask.
Mr. Berg added that he will approach the Board of Finance as well and is hopeful that the Selectmen will be able to chip in to make it possible for those wishing to attend a holiday party.
Correspondence:
A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.
Robin Campbell stated that she recently received an email from a property owner who abuts the Senior Complex. The resident is seeking interest from the town to possibly purchase the property, which is 26 acres. The cost would be $5,000 per acre. Robin Campbell would like to forward the email to the Conservation Commission, Housing Authority and perhaps the Board of Education for further discussions.
Selectman Blessington stated that he did see it and thinks it should be added to the next agenda for discussion.
First Selectman Status Report
First Selectman Wiecenski reviewed items on the report that have had movement in the past few weeks:
*Daleville School Road Bridge – has been completed and the item has been removed from the list.
*Hiring new Town Clerk –The hiring committee should have an appointment by the next BOS meeting.
*Website Upgrade – training for the new website will be held on Thursday, December 7th and the new website will go live on Friday, December 8th.
*Crumbling Foundations – A new concrete testing program on the CRCOG website is now live. The program offers up to a 50% reimbursement (up to $2,000) for the testing of two core samples within the home and visual testing is eligible for 100% reimbursement or up to $400.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following:
- Cut up tree that had fallen during high winds
- Vehicle/equipment repair
- Wax vehicles
- Roadside mowing
- Install Posts and reflectors at roadside obstructions
- Industrial storm water sampling
- Move rocks along roadsides
- Roadside brush removal
- Set up chairs at OTH for tree lighting
- Bulb replacement at TOB
- Sign repair
Derek would like to remind the residents that the sand and salt at the Public Works Facility is not for public use. There is sand/salt mixture at the Transfer Station, for residents to pick up with a ten gallon container limit.
New Business
- Approve 2018 Selectmen Meeting Calendar
First Selectman Wiecenski noted that there are 4 Mondays where the meetings would be moved to Tuesday, due to holidays in the next year.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to approve the Selectmen’s meeting calendar as presented.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
*A copy of the approved calendar is attached with the minutes and submitted with the Town Clerk.
- Approve 2018 Holiday Schedule
First Selectman Wiecenski noted that Selectmen’s Day is included in the holiday calendar. The proposed date for Selectmen’s day will be Monday, December 24th, (Christmas Eve) as that made the most sense.
Selectman Blessington moved to approve the 2018 holiday schedule (including Selectmen’s Day) as presented.
Selectman Makuch seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
- Set BOS budget meeting calendar
The Selectmen discussed holding budget meetings, but are not sure of when the deadline will be to submit their budget. Selectman Blessington stated that the Board of Finance has not set the budget calendar yet but noted that they usually have the BOS submit in early February. The Selectmen decided to table this until the budget deadline has been set by BOF and will consider dates in early January. The Selectmen will send some suggested dates to Robin Campbell and she will compile a list of those dates for the next regular meeting.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to table the budget meeting calendar
Selectman Makuch seconded the motion.
Vote 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Justin Tindall (who is interested in serving on the Economic Development Commission) was in attendance. First Selectman Wiecenski noted that the EDC currently only has one member and the Commission will begin with a fresh start. Mr. Tindall stated he is ready to serve. He attended college with a business major with an economic focus. He is originally from the South, but was stationed in Groton while serving in the Navy. He resides in Willington now being central with his fiancée who works in Framingham. The Selectmen welcomed Mr. Tindall to Willington.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to appoint Justin Tindall as a regular member of the Willington Economic Development Commission (Filling a vacancy); term is effective December 4, 2017; expiring November 20, 2021.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to appoint Andy Marco as a regular member of the Willington Planning & Zoning Commission, (filling a vacancy); term is effective December 4, 2017; expiring November 19, 2019.
First Selectman Wiecenski noted that we received a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission last week for Mr. Marco’s appointment. Mr. Marco called earlier today to inform us he would not be able to attend tonight’s meeting as he had a conflict.
First Selectman Wiecenski seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to appoint Don Courtois as an alternate member of the Planning & Zoning Commission; effective December 4, 2017; expiring December 3, 2020.
*Mr. Courtois was invited to the meeting, but did not respond.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to appoint Brittany Skorupski-Williams as an alternate member of the Planning & Zoning Commission, effective December 4, 2017; expiring December 3, 2020.
First Selectman Wiecenski seconded the motion.
Ms. Skorupski-Williams was in attendance. Selectman Blessington welcomed Ms. Skorupski-Williams back on the Commission and noted that she did a great job while serving in the past. First Selectman Wiecenski thanked Ms. Skorupski-Williams for serving.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to appoint Rick Maloney as a regular member of the Capital Improvement Program Committee; effective December 4, 2017; expiring November 30, 2020
Selectman Makuch seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to appoint Stef Summers as a regular member of the Capital Improvement Program Committee; effective December 4, 2017; expiring November 30, 2020
Selectman Makuch seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Makuch moved to re-appoint Michael Iacampo as a regular member of the Willington Parks & Recreation Commission; effective December 15, 2017; expiring December 14, 2020.
First Selectman Wiecenski seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Makuch moved to re-appoint Bill Bilyak as a regular member of the Willington Parks & Recreation Commission, effective December 15, 2017; expiring December 14, 2020.
First Selectman Wiecenski seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Selectman Blessington moved to re-appoint Ed Taiman as a regular member of the Willington Parks & Recreation Commission; effective December 15, 2017; expiring December 14, 2020.
Selectman Makuch seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to re-appoint Ginger Halle as a consumer service representative on the Willington Youth Services Advisory Board; effective retro-active June 30, 2017, expiring June 29, 2019
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Wiecenski noted that we did have two other members to be appointed to the Youth Service Advisory Board, however we heard back this morning that they opted to not be renewed after all. Jennie Arpin, our Human Services Director is actively looking for new members to appoint as there are more vacancies than members currently. Selectman Blessington noted that particular board has certain requirements that must be filled, such as representatives from the police, library, school as well as a member who is under the age of 21 (and a non-voting member under 21).
- Resolution - EMPG (Emergency Management Performance Grant)
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to adopt the following Resolution:
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, Erika Wiecenski 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 she deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents.
The undersigned further certifies that Erika G. Wiecenski now holds the office of First Selectman and that she has held that office since November 21, 2017.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
- Discussion – TOB Employee Holiday Party – closing TOB at 12PM on 12/15/17
First Selectman Wiecenski stated that in years past the TOB employees have held a make-shift party while the building is open. The employees continue to work through the party and assist residents and customers if they come in during that time. She added it that she would like to recognize our employees and close the office at noon on Friday December 15th so they all will be able to attend. This includes the Public Works’ crew, Animal Control, Fire Marshall and the Selectmen.
First Selectman Wiecenski clarified that the party would be here at the Town Office Building and the employees bring pot luck dishes so there would be no additional cost to the Town for the event. In addition, she has spoken with union representatives, who have not taken issue with it.
At this point, we are on a spending freeze, so there will be no option to have the board/ commission party, which is a different type of gathering altogether.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to close the Town Office Building at 12 PM-2PM on Friday, December 15, 2017 for a holiday party.
Selectman Makuch seconded the motion.
Selectman Blessington noted that an E-Blast should be sent out to let residents know.
Vote: 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Old Business
- Crumbling Foundation Update
First Selectman Wiecenski reiterated that the testing program is now live on the CRCOG (Capitol Region Council of Governments) website.
The town is still on a budget freeze. First Selectman Wiecenski noted that the Board of Finance will be meeting on December 14th and will also discuss on their agenda. The Selectmen will seek direction from that meeting. For example, the part time Zoning Assistant is an upcoming discussion that was set to start in January (to hire an employee), but cannot until the BOF has had a chance to approve first. She plans to attend the meeting on the 14th.
Good & Welfare
The second annual tree lighting was held last Friday, December 1st on the Town Green. First Selectman Wiecenski stated that it was a fantastic event and thanked Parks & Recreation Director, Maureen Parsell, who put the event together with Robert Shabot of the Willington Historical Society as well as the many helpers who made the event so successful; including Santa and Walt West for installing the lights on the tree. The Old Town Hall was decked with trees which were decorated by various organizations in town and will be donated to families in Willington so they have a Christmas tree for the season. First Selectman Wiecenski noted to those who were not able to attend, it is a must for next year.
First Selectman Wiecenski thanked Christina Mailhos and Kim Kowalyshyn for their years of service to the Town. She especially thanked Christina for her help and support through the transition process – which there was a lot of information to be relayed.
This coming Friday, December 8th, the Town Office Building will be participating in PJ Day (in conjunction with the schools, other businesses and civic groups). Any employee who is interested will be able to make a donation (of $1 or more) in exchange for the privilege of wearing PJ’s to work for the day. First Selectman Wiecenski noted the event is completely voluntary – and a donation jar will be set up on her desk. All proceeds made from the day will benefit the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. First Selectman Wiecenski noted that she will sadly not be able to participate, as she will be in Hartford attending a meeting for newly elected officials, but may come in dressed in PJ’s on another date.
First Selectman Wiecenski thanked all of the people who were recently appointed to Boards and Commissions at this evenings meeting.
First Selectman Wiecenski moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:03 P.M.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote 3 Yes (Wiecenski, Makuch & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Recording Secretary
Attachment: BOS Meeting Calendar 2018
2018 Holiday Calendar
Town of Willington
Board of Selectmen
40 Old Farms Road
Willington, CT 06279
(860) 487-3100
(860) 487-3103 Fax
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING SCHEDULE - 2018
1ST & 3RD MONDAY (EXCEPT HOLIDAYS) @ 6:30 P.M.
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
Jan. 02, 2018 (Tuesday) Jul 02, 2018 Jan. 16, 2018 (Tuesday) Jul.16,
2018
Feb. 05, 2018 Aug. 06, 2018
Feb. 20, 2018 (Tuesday) Aug. 20, 2018
Mar. 05, 2018 Sept. 04, 2018 (Tuesday)
Mar. 19, 2018 Sept. 18, 2018
Apr. 02, 2018 Oct. 01, 2018
Apr. 16, 2018 Oct. 15, 2018
May 07, 2018 Nov. 05, 2018
May 21, 2018 Nov. 19, 2018
Jun. 04, 2018 Dec. 03, 2018
Jun. 18, 2018 Dec.17, 2018
Jan. 07, 2019
Jan 22, 2019 (Tuesday)
*voted on at BOS meeting 12-4-17
Town of Willington
Board of Selectmen
40 Old Farms Road
Willington, CT 06279
(860) 487-3100
(860) 487-3103 Fax
The Town Office Building will be closed in observance of the following holidays for the year 2017
Holiday Day Closed
New Year’s Day Monday, January 1, 2018
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 15, 2018
President’s Day Monday, February 19, 2018
Good Friday Friday, March 30, 2018
Memorial Day Monday, May 28, 2018
Independence Day Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2018
Columbus Day Monday, October 8, 2018
Veteran’s Day Monday, November 12, 2018
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 22, 2018
Day after Thanksgiving Friday, November 23, 2018
Selectmen’s Day Monday, December 24, 2018
Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25, 2018
New Year’s Day 2018 Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Approved by Board of Selectmen on December 4, 2017
Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100
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