TOWN OF WILLINGTON
MINUTES
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
August 5, 2014
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
First Selectman, Christina Mailhos read the call of the meeting and asked for nominations for a moderator. Christine Psathas made a motion to appoint Suzanne Chapman as moderator and was seconded by John Blessington.
Motion carried.
The moderator read the call of the meeting again.
Item I
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $500,000 from the Capital Projects Fund for continuation of improvements to Turnpike Road to be reimbursed by the Small Town Economic Assistance Program STEAP Grant once the 2014 $500,000 Grant has been executed.
Moderator read Item I.
A motion was made by John Blessington and seconded by Kelly Trueb to approve Item I.
Discussion. Christina Mailhos spoke on this question and explained that they that they are just finishing up phase 2 at Moose Meadow Road and Fernier Road. They would like to switch phases and continue and do the paving of section 1 and 2 now.
Motion carried.
Item II
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance, will appropriate
$310,000 from the Unassigned General Fund Balance for the replacement and repair of Polster Road Bridge to Line item 0503 – Capital Projects.
Moderator read Item II.
A motion was made by Pater Tanaka and seconded by Kim Kowalyshyn to approve Item II.
Discussion. Christina spoke on this item and said it is the process of going out to bid; bridge needs to be replaced as beams are extremely bad. It looks like the cost would be about 310,000.00. This project is already in CIP and has gone through Zoning, Inland Wetland as well as BOF. Phase 2 will be to work on the curve on the opposite side of the bridge; this is on State property and requires working with the State.
Motion carried
Item III
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will authorize the
Appropriation of $50,000 from the Capital Projects Fund-LOCIP-WHFD for the purchase of purchasing and installing a generator at WHFD to be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program.
Moderator read Item III.
A motion was made by Mike Makuch and seconded by Jerry Chartier to approve Item III.
Discussion. Mike Makuch spoke on the item, the generator that is being used in the firehouse now is too small and cannot run the fire house nor can it be set up as a shelter. They have gotten quotes from electricians to install and tie into the firehouse. This is a CIP project.
Motion Carried.
Item IV
To see if the townspeople, on the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen and Town Assessor will amend the Local Option Veteran’s Ordinance.
Moderator read Item IV.
A motion was made by Kim Kowalyshyn and seconded by Bob Wiecenski to approve Item IV.
Discussion. Christina spoke on this item and said this is mainly to bring the Veterans Ordinance which is from 1985 to current law. This will bring the income level up to the current state law. This is an administrative change.
Motion carried, with one person abstaining
Item V
To see if the townspeople will adopt a Volunteer Fire Department Personnel Tax Abatement Ordinance.
Moderator read Item V.
A motion was made by Jerry Chartier and seconded by Kelly Trueb to approve Item V.
Discussion Mike spoke on this abatement of up to $1000.00 per year comes with requirements. Richard Claus Jr. spoke and said that there is training required and there is percentages of calls training and meetings that must be met Also you must be in the fire dept. for at least 2 years before you can qualify this abatement. Richard Mailhos asked if this will set a legal precedent Christina Mailhos responded that Connecticut legislation supports and allows towns to do this. This was passed by Connecticut in 1999. Ralph Tulis questioned why are other Boards not allowed to do this, Christina Mailhos responded that Connecticut has certain laws that pertain to certain groups. John Blessington has respect and gratitude for all Fire Department members but feels they will continue to do the job with or without the
abatement. He does not want taxpayers to pay for this. Peter Tanaka stated the town can’t afford every good idea. Christina wants to make sure that there is a plan to go along with the abatement to continue to bring on members. Mike Makuch stated they will continue doing what they are doing now. Suanne moved to vote by hand count.
Motion carried, with one person abstaining.
Item VI
Public Hearing Item:
A presentation and discussion regarding a proposal to increase item fees at the Transfer Station.
Discussion only with no vote.
Christina spoke on this item the town needs to raise fees at the Transfer Station as it is costing us more for their removal then we are charging towns people. List was provided with new fees.
Item VII
Public Hearing Item:
A presentation and discussion of a 7 year Lease/Purchase Agreement for a new dump truck for Willington Public Works Department.
Discussion only with no vote.
Derek Dimmock PW Director spoke on the new truck; we are going with a Freightliner truck over an International. The cost to the town is $25,000.00 over a 7 year period, after the 7 years the truck will belong to the Town. Christina Mailhos said the Town needs this new truck. Bobbie Knight asked what was happening with the truck they are replacing, Derrick Dimmock said they are using it when they are sweeping and other things.
A motion was made by Ralph Tulis and seconded by Jim Harvey to adjourn the meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen A. Gantick
Willington Assistant Town Clerk
Dated at Willington August 6,2014
August 6, 2014
Board of Selectmen
860-487-3100
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