Board of Selectmen Minutes

Meeting Minutes                                                                            
October 16,  2017
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:  Selectman Kowalyshyn & Blessington and several residents.    First Selectman Mailhos then led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Approval of Minutes:

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to approve the minutes of October 2, 2017 with the following edits:

4th page (under Future Town Meeting Discussion) -  second paragraph and third paragraph are redundant;  take last sentence from second paragraph and add it to the end of the first paragraph. So it reads: Selectman Kowalyshyn then stated that the way she reads the Transfer Station Ordinance, it states that the Board of Selectmen shall hold a public hearing – it does not say anything about a Town meeting.  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that particular item is in regards to item and load fees.

4th page , Fifth paragraph  last sentence should read: Selectman Blessington said he agrees with the way to word the call of the meeting (remove with the concept) and it should go to town meeting…..

Page 10 (good & welfare) first paragraph (tax collector is sending out notices for tax sale….) second sentence should read: we currently have 6 on the list (those making diligent payments on a payment (remove plan) add arrangement are excused.  Last sentence should read: wanted to remind everyone on a (remove payment plan add monthly payment schedule that if they miss…..)

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Present to Speak:

Linda Miner of Navratil Road asked to open the discussion about the proposed Transfer Station Fees.  She stated that if  it [a fee to use the Transfer Station] goes into effect, she will probably be the first person to come in to pay the fee for the permit, but sees this as a potential hazard to encourage residents to dump their trash off along the side of the roads, in the sand pits, or even in front of the gate at the Transfer Station.  Some might just end up burning their trash in their back yards.   Ms. Miner added that she feels it would be difficult and costly to administer; noting that we would most likely have to hire an extra employee to help with the administration. She understands that this is stemming from a $2 million revenue shortfall from the state, but would like to see some other form of cuts before having to charge for the Transfer Station.  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that we are currently under an Executive Order from the State and  we may be looking at a major tax increase if the Order stays in effect.  Ms. Miner issued hand outs to those in attendance.

The Selectmen recessed briefly to move the meeting to the upper level to accommodate those in attendance.

Once the meeting had settled in the Common Room, Ms.  Miner continued, stating she is hopeful that the charges for use at the Transfer Station do not pass because it will cost us more money in the long run with depreciated property values as a result of trash being all over.  

First Selectman Mailhos thanked Ms. Miner and then clarified that tonight’s meeting is for the Selectmen to vote on calling a Town Meeting on this matter so the residents will be able to vote on it.

Selectman Blessington called a point of order.  He stated that Present To Speak is usually for those to speak in regards to something that is not on the agenda, or to request to speak during a certain topic that is upcoming on the agenda for the evening.   First Selectman Mailhos stated if the residents want to speak about the proposed  Transfer Station permit fees, they will be able to do so.  Selectman Blessington stated that he feels it should all be discussed at one time, rather than under present to speak and then under the new business item.

Selectman Blessington moved to move item 7A (Call Town Meeting) up to this point on the agenda.

First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.

Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)

Call Town Meeting

David Lytwyn (Ruby Road) stated that he agrees with Ms. Miner; noting that he lives just down the road from Hancock Road; where the Transfer Station is located and they have found tires, refrigerators full of rotting food and paint cans (with owner’s names on the tops) along the road on his property.  He added that we have so many people around here on fixed incomes, having the charge be added to the mil rate will at least allow them a break on their federal taxes.

Mr. Lytwyn added that more people are leaving Connecticut as time goes on and they are heading south. He stated that we need to get more serious about regionalization; noting that our schools are no longer running at capacity and as much as he would like to see things stay the same, it is not possible.

Alicia Corsini stated that she lives on the Stafford Town Line on a dead end road and since Stafford went to the pay as you go (bags)system,  the dead end road is full of trash and at the end is a river and there are couches, chairs,  tires as well as bags of garbage.   She stated that area is a huge dumping ground now; she can only imagine how it will end up if we charge for use at the Transfer Station.  She then stated that she understands that the town needs to make money, but believes if maybe it were a smaller fee and it was spread across the board it would be easier for everyone; as $100 seems like a lot.  She then added that she doesn’t believe this is the answer. Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that we are not trying to make money, but rather come up with revenue to offset the cost to operate the Transfer Station. Ms. Corsini then asked what the total cost is to run the Transfer Station.  First Selectman Mailhos noted that it was budgeted at $214,000, but the actual cost last year was $184,000.  She then noted that we paid less money to run the Transfer Station last year than we did in 1996 when it first opened.  She noted that there is nowhere to cut – we have taken a number of measures to get here and this will probably be the last straw.  She noted that we now look at every single service in Town that way.  

Daniel Geromin suggested reselling items at the Transfer Station (at an inexpensive rate so we can get rid of the items).  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that we already have a swap shed where items are free.  Then we’d have to hire someone to man the swap shed.  Mr. Geromin stated that it would save money, because we would make  $10 on an item instead of paying to dispose of it. He clarified that many items that come in, like batteries and mattresses are in good condition and would be sold for a profit to the town.  Selectman Blessington stated that is what the swap shed is currently used for (but it is free).  First Selectman Mailhos noted that it would be a liability and we can’t re-sell things that have been dumped there.  

Peter Tanaka (Mason Road) said he is a member of the Board of Finance.  He stated although the Selectmen are not calling this a tax, anytime the Town takes money from him (or any resident) it is a tax – just a way to get more money out of him.  He added that he is going to suggest at the next BOF meeting that they take a dollar away from the Transfer Station line item for each dollar that is charged for it. (if it passes) to make it neutral.

Robin Murphy (River Road) stated that her mother lives in Guilford, where the town only charges residents $5 to use their dump and her mother would rather drive around to find an open dumpster at a nearby business than pay the small $5 fee.   Ms. Murphy suggested spreading the cost of the Transfer Station into the taxes instead of one charge.  We will all benefit from having the dump open and the trash will not be spread all over town.  

Bill Forman stated the Town will benefit to put the fee into people’s tax bills.~ Peter Tanaka stated that the tax bills already cover the cost to operate the Transfer Station.~

Heather Alexson then asked if the Solid Waste Advisory Commission has a breakdown of the costs associated with the operation at the Transfer Station.~ We already sell scrap metal and we get money for the textile recycling.~ She then asked what the costly items are?   She then asked if we monitor what contractors bring in? ~ Derek Dimmock clarified that the businesses pay a $125 fee annually to use the Transfer Station.~

Adam Zalonis (119 River Road); asked what the~actual percentage of residents who are using the dump currently is? First Selectman Mailhos stated that we do not know the actual number, but are basing it on a percentage with an estimated number of residents who get trash pick up, which is around 15% (but those who have trash pick also have the option to use the Transfer Station for various bulk items from time to time).~ Mr. Zalonis then asked what the town is looking for in revenue from the charge.~ First Selectman Mailhos said we are looking at an estimate of $170,000.~ Mr. Zalonis suggested  the town’s population of 6,200,  the breakdown should be $29 per person - that should be what people should be paying - not $100.~ Selectman Kowalyshyn said that's not how it works.~ ~Selectman Blessington then asked if a 2 year old child (resident) would have to pay the fee?  Mr. Zalonis said no.  Selectman Blessington then clarified that children are included in the 6,200 population number, therefore, they based the fee on a household average.  First Selectman Mailhos added that several households have multiple vehicles and stickers attached to them;  but we do not track  how many there are.  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the fee would only be paid by those who choose to use the Transfer Station.~~

Peter Tanaka clarified that there are plenty of people who pay for the school system and do not have children; so that is not a valid argument.~ ~First Selectman Mailhos said we can only tackle one problem at a time.~ ~She explained that we are here because we are under an Executive Order from the state right now.~ We recently received our first ECS installment and it is a fraction of what we usually get from the State.   We are under a serious discretionary~spending freeze and have put off a lot of projects that we had planned on doing because of this freeze.~ She added that we don't know what is going to happen come January - if this budget does not get adopted, we are looking at a $2.2 million shortfall in revenue~in this fiscal year as it stands, in which we cannot make up.~ She warned that we might have to send out a supplemental~tax bill if that is the case.~ ~We have been working with every department head to come up with cutting costs as well as building revenues and we have been talking about this for months.~ She continued on to say we have three positions that have not been filled (employees left and we have not replaced them).

David Lytwyn asked what the increase would be in taxes?~ He then asked if any real numbers have been discussed for regionalizing with Mansfield?~ First Selectman Mailhos said that he would have to discuss that with the Board of Education; as they have been holding discussions and probably have the numbers.~~She then encouraged the residents in the audience to attend and follow the Board of Finance meetings as well.~ She noted that we have been looking at regionalizing everything that we can.~

Tom Fox said he feels that we do not have to discuss this any further - it should be rolled into next year’s mill rate and addressed at that time.~ ~He too, lives on a dead end road and worries about trash being dumped on his road.~

Joan Taraskiewicz (Liska Road) noted it is a choice for those who want to use the Transfer Station or not – it is similar to someone who chooses to send their child to a private school – they will still have to pay their share of taxes that cover the cost of the schools in town.  That is how being part of a community is – everyone antis up and pay their fair share, even if it only benefits others.  

Jim O’Neill (Ruby Road) said Connecticut is a tough state to live in.  He asked if there is a possibility of the dump closing if they don’t get the funds.   First Selectman Mailhos stated that anything is possible.  A lot of towns have gone that route and gone to curbside pickup and others have gone to the special bags (pay as you throw) and that is the preferred model amongst neighboring towns.  It also encourages residents to recycle more instead of tossing everything out.  If you discard more volume, you will pay more. Mr. O’Neill then stated that he lives on Route 320 (which is one of the main routes to the Transfer Station) and he always finds trash that presumably has blown out of resident’s vehicles on the way there.  He then noted that residents should make sure their loads are secure before traveling with their garbage.

Daniel Geromin said he lives on the other end of Ruby Road and sees the same thing on his end.   He added that the dump is a meeting ground.  He goes there weekly and it’s a friendly meeting place adding he is not sure if the Selectmen are aware of that aspect.  

Selectman Blessington stated that he wanted to address the concern of closing the Transfer Station – other towns have closed theirs and went to curbside pickup and others have gone to the “pay as you throw” concept  and another alternative  he suggested (a few weeks ago) was to close it; but that concept was shot down.  The discussions of the trash haulers were discussed in the past as well and his argument was if we ended up with two trash haulers competing for business, he bets they would come down. Selectman Blessington said it is an option that should be talked about even though no one wants to do so.  First Selectman Mailhos added that we are one of the last towns in the state that does not charge for dumping at their Transfer Station.  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that the proposed $100 fee breaks down to $8.33 per month.

Mr. O’Neill stated that the $100 doesn’t seem all that bad and he doesn’t want to lose the dump.  He has been here for 33 years.  When he first moved to Willington, the landfill was a huge mound on the ground.  Today it is a very classy establishment and modern and he would hate to see it close – if he has to pay a $100 fee, he will,  just to keep it open.  He then stated that he noticed that the Transfer Station was recently paved and asked where the funding came from for the paving?  First Selectman Mailhos stated that we had funds left over last year that were returned to the General Fund.   The paving project has been on the capital plan for several years and kept getting cut.  It ended up becoming a safety issue; one that needed to be addressed sooner than later, so the leftover funds from last fiscal year covered the cost.  Something like that is not discretionary, especially when reviewing OSHA standards.

Donna Cook (Common Road) stated that she is already paying for services through her taxes whether she uses them or not- for example the library, schools, emergency services and the dump.  If we start saying that we are going to pick and choose then she will pay more for her use of the dump, but wants to be taken off of the list for the things she doesn’t want to use.   She added if the town decides to close the Transfer Station, then they need to come up with a solution for everyone to use.   There is give and take; part of her angst is that her taxes have doubled since she moved here, but the services have not.   She understands that the state is in a dire situation, but our families are also in the same situation.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said that there are certain things that do not make sense of charging for (for example, you cannot pick and choose to pay for the schools).  The Selectmen have seen and keep seeing revenues coming down due to the crumbling foundations and keep hearing that they need to make cuts.  She then added that everyone has been saying that they can no longer afford to live here, but they would rather see their taxes raised instead of being charged $100 to use the Transfer Station – it does not make sense to her; either way it will be unaffordable.   Ms. Cook clarified that if she could move to somewhere that would be more affordable to live, she would go; but it is not an option.  She then added that regionalization is something you need to be careful with, noting that every year Willington residents vote No on the Region 19 budget but end up having to pay their share because we don’t have enough say.  She said it almost ends up like a marriage and you can end up with a bad partner.  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that this is why we have been discussing what we can do – we have cut and cut – and feels we are being financially responsible as a Town.  What else should we do to cut?  She clarified that we are just looking at options and the Selectmen are not going to be the ones to decide - you the residents will have an option to vote yes or no at the Town Meeting.

Heather Alexson noted that if it ends up to be a tax increase, someone who has a $350,000 home is going to end up paying more than someone who has a $100,000 home.  

Peter Tanaka said it is a tax and it is something you already pay for.  

Tom Fox asked who is going to enforce if his neighbor decides to burn his mattress in their backyard.  He then noted that people might bury their trash in their back yards, what will happen once the garbage seeps into the soil.

Linda Miner asked if there is a way to prosecute non– residents who try to use the Transfer Station.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that the Town of Tolland currently pays $1 million for their trash pick-up per year; which breaks down to $200 per resident.  Pick up includes one garbage tote and two recycling totes per week.  She clarified that pick up is one designated day per week – our residents can choose which day (Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday) to discard their trash and bulky items if they so choose.   The Town Manager in Tolland then suggested charging out of Towner’s a $400 fee to use our Transfer Station and we could possibly make revenue. First Selectman Mailhos noted that it is a possibility, but we would have to cover the cost of an extra employee to enforce at the gate (would be approximately a $50,000 investment); but she clarified that we cannot spend any money at the moment – so that is off of the table.

First Selectman Mailhos noted that everyone will have a chance to voice their concerns at the Town Meeting that will be held on November 1st.

Bob Wiecenski asked how many older people do we have in town or those who are on a fixed income?  Insurance is going and medical is going up we are getting to the point where we can’t afford it. Where does it stop?

Jim O’Neill stated that things go up every year. Some people have kids, some don’t – it is just a fact of life.  If you want to move down south, then move.   He added that he is glad he lives in Connecticut, adding it is an expensive state, but it is better than a lot of other states. He doesn’t think it should be an addition to the mil rate.   Mr. O’Neill then said that an $8.40 charge per month is worth it to him – especially if they are considering closing the dump.  Selectman Blessington clarified that it was just an analogy when discussing options and it is not in danger of closing right now.

Peter Tanaka stated that item I on the Town Meeting agenda still needs to be discussed and he feels he has heard everything he needs to hear on item II. 

The Selectmen said they would hear one last comment about item II before closing the discussion.  

Elena Testa asked if it would be possible to decrease the number of days that the Transfer Station is open?  First Selectman Mailhos said that we have discussed that and the problem is that even though you are decreasing the number of days that the Transfer Station is open,  it does not decrease the amount of trash that is generated.  Our biggest expense is the hauling of the trash.  The only savings we would see is the salary of the employee who would not be working that day and it does not end up to be that much money in the scheme of things.

ITEM I was then discussed (Ordinance regarding Adult Oriented Business).  

Peter Tanaka stated that he has read the Adult Oriented Business Ordinance and asked if it is a prevention Ordinance.  First Selectman Mailhos answered yes, it is a prevention Ordinance.  Mr. Tanaka then said he is against it and thinks it is a bad idea -  it is not something we need to worry about and he is against additional regulations/ ordinances; noting it is an impingement on expression.

David Lytwyn stated that he agrees with Mr. Tanaka, noting that all of his years serving on Planning and Zoning  that we already have stuff in place that would essentially deal with this sort of issue.  If it were something that everyone decided they wanted, it would come out at a public hearing.  He added he doesn’t think it is necessary to add another regulation.   Selectman Kowalyshyn said you cannot tell someone that they can’t come here because you don’t want it. She noted as long as they comply with the regulations you just can’t say no… -look at the unwanted truck stop and all of the public hearings that were held.

Robin Murphy (River Road) stated that she doesn’t personally like that sort of thing, but at the same time it is a business that will generate tax revenue and while she probably won’t like what is going on in there, it is still employing people and the town would benefit from it.  

Matt Clark stated he moved here in July and he did not move here to have porn shops come to town.  He added that he is anti-regulations too, but it is good to have rules to begin with so you can follow them – especially before someone applies.   If you make them up as you go along, you get sued. He added that it is very forward thinking on the part of the Selectmen to say this is not the quality of life they want here.   People are saying something like “that is never going to come here”, but it might, so let’s be prepared if it does. He added that he read the entire ordinance and it is has reasonable regulations.

Alicia Corsini asked what other businesses are currently in town that has regulations against them.  First Selectman Mailhos said she doesn’t know if we have any specific ordinances in town quite like this one, but we do  have is PZCf regulations  that specific what you can and cannot do on all properties, and specifically commercial property.  She clarified that we currently have a live entertainment ban in place, which protects our town from those types of businesses coming in.  The ban is very restrictive and there is an unintended consequence that can hurt businesses.  For example, we had a coffee shop in town that closed because they wanted to be able to have a guitar player on site, but could not.   She then noted that this ordinance will not restrict that type of business to coming to town, but will only allow the business in certain designated areas.  It will limit the number of places it could be (it cannot be near homes, schools, places of worship or the parks; for example).

Selectman Blessington said he planned to come here with a joke stating that we also need to adopt an ordinance of where it is not illegal to bring a Tyrannosaurus Rex into town.  He said he thinks we need an ordinance because those animals are dangerous.  It is just like Jurassic Park where you would buy a small one that eats a can of food the first day, the next day it is a small animal and a few days later, it eats the mailman; where it becomes a real nuisance.  He added the point of the story is that maybe we won’t need that Ordinance because Tyrannosaurus Rex is as extinct as these porn palaces that we are trying to ban right now.  Thirty years ago, we might have had to worry, but now a days we have the internet and nobody goes to those places when they can stay at home.   Linda Miner disagreed, noting that when she drives by the Electric Blue in Tolland, she always sees a lot of cars and has seen the police there many times as well. She noted that we don’t need that here.

Selectman Blessington said he doesn’t feel he has to go to the mats to fight this one, simply because he doesn’t feel it is necessary. You always have unintended consequences.  We have banned live entertainment in the past but have created loop holes to get around the system.  First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Recreation Commission had applied for a variance the past two summers to be able to hold concerts at River Road Athletic Complex, but also noted that the concerts were free and no one paid a cover charge to get in.  Selectman Blessington said it has been allowed, but never was in the past.  He reiterated that he is not going to the mats over this one.

 David Lytwyn asked if the ordinance has been run through legal?  First Selectman Mailhos said yes, we have been working closely with the  land use attorney on this.  She added that the Planning and Zoning Commission had also reviewed this as well. The PZC is in support of this because it will allow them to change the regulations to make them more business friendly.   The townspeople will be able to vote on it when it goes to Town Meeting.

Adam Zalonis asked if this is a zoning change that we are looking at? First Selectman Mailhos clarified that it is an ordinance that has zoning implications. Mr. Zalonis stated that you don’t need an ordinance to create a village district.  You can create one anywhere or for any reason and enforce anything you want within reason. he voiced his concern of the proposed village district in South Willington and its relevance to the ordinance.

William Luchon asked what the driving force behind the Ordinance being drafted?  First Selectman Mailhos answered that some of the businesses in town have expressed concerns that they are currently not allowed to have live entertainment.  This stemmed from years ago, where the coffee shop wanted to have a man with a guitar to some of the restaurants who wanted to have live entertainment.   They had researched that other towns have adopted an ordinance such as this and then the Zoning Regulations will be able to change to be more permissive.

Selectman Blessington asked how we go about this?  We have discussed both items, but haven’t called the meeting?  Will we vote on each item?  Selectman Kowalyshyn said both items are together on the meeting, we should call it that way.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to call a town 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 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at the Old Town Hall; 11 Common Road for the following purposes:

ITEM I

Should the townspeople adopt an Adult Oriented Business Ordinance for the Town of Willington?

ITEM II

Should the townspeople amend the Town of Willington Transfer Station Ordinance to implement a permit fee?

Dated at Willington,

This 16th day of October, 2017

Willington Board of Selectmen

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Selectman Blessington said if item I was the only item on here, he would vote yes because it appears to be very popular.  Item II on the other hand, still fails to convince him – and he keeps hearing that people can’t afford an increase of $100 but then can afford a tax increase of $100. He clarified that it is a tax… it is a fee …. If you are paying $100 and you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it whether it is a tax or a fee.  He then said he would like it listed as a tax and it seems we are trying to say that we didn’t raise taxes by calling it a fee.  He is going to vote against calling the Town Meeting because of item II.

Vote:  2 Yes (Mailhos & Kowalyshyn) 1 No (Blessington)   

The Board continued on with Present to speak.

Adam Zalonis stated that he lives on Road and announced to those who live in South Willington – they are looking to create a Village District which is basically a historic district of sorts with the same restrictions, however you get no vote.  He presented a map of the proposed district that lists guidelines and restrictions whether or not you can paint your house or use vinyl siding.  He clarified that the village district is more powerful than a historic district and the documentation comes from the state.  He then added that when he purchased his home, the house was not in a village district at the time.  He does not want those restrictions on his home.  He stated that the proposed district was probably thought of with good intentions but it is not very democratic the way it was handled.  

Robert Shabot stated that South Willington Village was designated National Historic District in February of this year. He clarified that National District is honorary only. There are no restrictions to the homeowner.  The only district that has restrictions for individuals and their houses is a local historic district.  Our local historic district in willington is the area that surrounds the Town Green.  South Willington was designated as a national district and in that process, all property owners were notified by registered letter.   The property owners were also interviewed and invited to several public meetings on the topic over a years’ time. If people chose to attend, that was their choice.  The idea of having the village district in South Willington is to allow zoning to eliminate all of the extra zoning steps for business going into the mills.  It will also allow those homes in that zone to open up B&B’s – something that never was allowed in the past.   

Robin Murphy said her house falls in the zone of the village district and she was never interviewed – not even once. She added that neither have her neighbor to her left or across the street.  She then asked why they place certain restrictions on the homes, (such as siding, etc.) but will allow them to become bed and breakfasts?  Mr. Shabot stated that there are no restrictions.  Ms. Murphy reiterated that she has the document that lists the restrictions. She added if the idea is to allow bed and breakfasts or businesses to allow certain things why are there ordinances that allow for a restriction as to whether or not a house can be vinyl sided or not.  According to the state document, she can be prevented from changing out her wood deck on her home.  She then added that her home might be applying an additional burden for living in an area that she did not sign up for when she purchased her house.  Mr. Shabot said it is not the same as a local historic district and it is not a village district yet.   First Selectman Mailhos clarified that it is currently a recommendation from the consultants for our zoning board to consider changing that area into a village district, but it hasn’t happened yet and she said not sure what the Zoning Board is going to do because they might be potentially adding new members to the Commission after the election.   Mr. Shabot and Ms. Murphy will talk outside of the meeting.

Correspondence:

A list of correspondence was available at the meeting and in the Selectman’s office.  

First Selectman Status Report

First Selectman Mailhos went over the list of updates:

• *The following items are on hold until we receive LoCIP funding:
• *River Road Athletic Complex Lighting
• *WHFD Parking Lot Replacement  
• *TOB Masonry & door replacement
• *Pillars under the Town Clerk’s office
• *PW Environmental Configuration Engineering (Salt Shed - waiting on STEAP approvals)
• *Daleville School Road Bridge –    The contractor is still on target to finish the project soon.  
• *Senior Center Re-permitting – Phase I has been completed and the permit was approved however the consultant has suggested we wait to drill the test holes until more people move into the new apartments which will then increase the rate thresholds. This will be an ongoing project that First Selectman Mailhos will work with the new incoming First Selectman once they are elected.
• *MS4 Compliance –  A meeting was held with key personnel last week going over the timeline and what needs to be done.  First Selectman Mailhos would like to meet with the new incoming First Selectman once they take office to get them on board.
• *2017-18 Lease items – truck , wood chipper & SCBA air packs  –The Fire Department was not able to secure a grant to cover the cost of the SCBA Air Packs.  Our Business Manager is working on bid documents for the leasing rates and the Selectmen will adopt a resolution at the next meeting to close on the lease documents.  
• *Door to Lower Level at TOB – we have received bids to replace the door and have funding, but will wait to spend the money as it could be discretionary.  In the meantime it has been temporarily fixed.
• *Ground Spreader Controls – the unit is being installed now.
• *Cadlerock Property – there may be a potential buyer for the property.  The attorneys are working with them. This is another transition item that will need to be discussed with the incoming First Selectman.
• *Reval 2018 – The project was approved and the vendor will begin assessing properties in the spring of 2018.
• *Hiring new Town Clerk –The help wanted ad went out today and applications are due back to the Town Clerk by November 9th.  The Selectmen will discuss a hiring committee at the next meeting.
• *Website Upgrade – in progress.
• *PZC/ POCD - the next date for the final draft will be held in January.  First Selectman Mailhos will discuss this with the incoming First Selectman.
• *Crumbling Foundations – We are waiting for the budget to pass as there are multiple solutions tied into the proposed budget.  A public hearing was held in Coventry earlier tonight for grant funding to financially help homeowners who want to test their foundations.  The Town of Coventry is applying for the grant jointly with the towns of Ashford, Bolton, Columbia, Tolland, Union and Willington.
• *Land Use Position – this is currently on hold.   The original thought was to place the help wanted ad in the paper and begin interviewing soon to have the new person start in January, however due to the funding issues, we will not fill at this time.  First Selectman Mailhos also noted that we have a vacancy in the Finance Department that is not being filled at this time either.  Lastly, the EDC has a vacancy that is not being filled either.

Public Works:

Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following.

• Grading Gravel roads
• Install Driveway aprons on Jared Sparks Road
• Vehicle/equipment repairs
• Repair~washouts along Michalec Rd
• Mow Senior Housing Septic leach field area
• Remove Items from common room to the attic
• Roadside mowing
• Install speed radar sign on Turnpike Rd ( On loan from T2 Center)
• Sign replacement/ repair
• Mow old landfill
• mark out location of distribution boxes~ and saw cut pavement for septic inspection
• Mowing  sight lines

The contractor will be resuming work on the abutment wall repairs to the Daleville School Bridge.  The project should be completed by the end of October.

First Selectman Mailhos introduced Derek Dimmock, our Public Works’ Director who was in attendance.  She stated she has been reviewing all of the data for the Transfer Station and it appears that we have substantially reduced our budget under Derek’s management.  First Selectman Mailhos noted that the thought behind the charges at the Transfer Station comes from the fact that we keep hearing that we need to make cuts over and over but the data shows that we have already taken these steps.  

New Business

Call Town Meeting

(was discussed under Present to speak)

Tax Refund

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $493.90 to Gregory and Tracie Bristow; 112 Willington Hill Road; Willington CT as a result of an overpayment.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Old Business

Crumbling Foundation Update

Selectman Kowalyshyn said that the Tolland Town Manager’s office received an invitation to a viewing of a new concrete alternative.  It is a composite panel wall system.  The public is invited to view the process that will be done in the town of Union (105 Stickney Hill Road) on November 1st at 10:00 AM. 

First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) in which Willington is a member of; are having our Building Inspectors meet and find acceptable measures of going through an entire basement replacement process.  They are trying to come up with standards to follow as these replacements go along.

Budget Update 

Governor Malloy presented his fourth budget proposal today.  Caucus leadership is negotiating behind closed doors.  The rumor is that the legislators will try to vote again sometime next week.

Good & Welfare

The annual Willington and Connecticut Street Legends car show was successful once again this year!  It was one of the best shows yet and it was the 15th anniversary.  They had a great turnout – 140 show cars filled the town green and a new record of  $1,650 was raised to go to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. Valerie Rogers sang the National Anthem to open the event.    The Selectmen thanked Joe Phillipi for putting on the car show and another successful year!

We received our monthly letter from the Connecticut State Police for the month of September:

13   accidents                          37 written warnings     

23   criminal investigations            680  non-reportable matters

0   burglaries                                 3  Larcenies

286 traffic citations                   3  DUI’s

First Selectman Mailhos noted that most of the activity happens along Interstate 84.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 PM

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant