Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting Minutes
August 21, 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 and residents. First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance. Selectman Blessington arrived at 6:36 P.M.
Approval of Minutes:
First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the minutes July 17, 2017 with the following edits:
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Present to Speak:
Christine Psathas (Democratic Registrar of Voters) stated that she and Suzanne Chapman (Republican Registrar of Voters) have both passed their certifications for Registrars this past week. They have been attending classes in Hartford and are also certified moderators as well. The Selectmen congratulated the Registrars.
Ms. Psathas added that the Republicans will be holding a primary on September 12th for the position of First Selectman. Polls will be open from 6AM until 8PM. Only registered Republicans are able to vote on this date. Ms. Psathas clarified that anyone who is unaffiliated may change their party up until noon the day prior to the voting event.
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:
- *Senior Housing Phase III (Cottages) – construction has been completed! The c/o was issued and residents have been moving in. This item will be removed from the status report.
- *River Road Athletic Complex Lighting – This project is on hold as it is dependent on LoCIP funding.
- *WHFD Parking Lot Replacement – This project is also on hold as it is dependent on LoCIP funding.
- *Daleville School Road Bridge – The contract was awarded on July 7th Construction is moving along and is expected to be completed by September.
- *PW Environmental Configuration Engineering (Salt Shed) –All of the land use permit approvals are in and the project is shove-ready; however it is on hold until we hear we can use the remaining STEAP funds from the Turnpike Road construction project.
- *Senior Center Re-permitting – Phase I has been completed and the permit was approved. Sampling wells will be drilled (for future testing) in the next few weeks.
- *MS4 Compliance – we have been working with the NEMO group at UCONN and they have a software based map system that they would like to test out with us; which will save on cost if we are able to work the demo ourselves. Derek will be working with them in the future to get the project moving.
- *TOB Masonry & Door replacement – we have had several contractors scope the project but are looking to see if LoCIP funds will become available or we will have to look at another funding source.
- *Transfer Station Parking Lot Paving –this project will be done next week using remaining funding from 2016-17 fiscal, based on transfer approval from the Board of Finance. Derek will be going off of the state bid to save money. First Selectman Mailhos added that she would like to discuss this further under the budget discussion because we have been asked to cease all discretionary spending from the Board of Finance; based on the latest budget discussions coming from the state.
- *2017-18 Lease items – truck and wood chipper –we are waiting to see what is happening with the SCBA air packs; the Fire Department is anticipating a grant to cover the funding of the air packs, but has not received confirmation. If they do not get the grant, the airpacks will be added to the lease and we will go out to bid on rates.
- *Pillars under Town Clerk Office –this project is dependent on LoCIP funding and is on hold until further notice.
- *Door to the lower level at TOB – we have received bids to replace the door and they range between $7,000 to $10,000; however this project is dependent on LoCIP funding and is on hold until further notice. First Selectman Mailhos noted that Derek and the crew worked on the door a few weeks ago and believes that it may be fixed and we won’t have to spend the money after all.
- *Ground Spreader Controls – Derek has purchased one control; he is just waiting for it to come in.
- *VCI – we have asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider the zoning changes brought forth by the new State Historic listing. The PZC should be discussing at a future meeting.
- *Cadlerock Property – the RFP has been drafted and is in the process of being approved by DEEP. Once approved, the RFP will be published (sometime in September).
- *Reval 2018 – a Town meeting will be called during this meeting to appropriate the funding for the contract.
- *Hiring new Town Clerk –the job description will be discussed a meeting in September.
- *Website Upgrade – Phase 1 has been completed and we are working out the details on the new webpage.
- *PZC/ POCD – The Selectmen will review the draft prior to the next meeting. The PZC will review at their September 5thmeeting (which is the same night as the BOS meeting – the Selectmen will try to have a quick meeting so they (and the public) will be able to attend the POCD meeting afterwards).
- *Sign for Senior Complex- Derek found a new sign and will be putting it up shortly.
- *Crumbling Foundations –The bill is still on hold; as it is tied to the State budget vote. In the meantime, a meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 23rd at 3:15 PM at the Tolland Fire Department Training Center ; 191 Merrow Road (Route 195) in Tolland. The meeting will be hosted by the Ad-Hoc Committee of CRCOG with Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Richard Blumenthal.
- *Land Use Position –The budget was approved to hire a part time person to begin in January; but this could be cut from the budget.
- *Safety Committee – the Committee needs to be rejuvenated. First Selectman will advertise for people to serve on the committee.
- *Library Term Ordinance – this topic was discussed in detail with the Town Attorney. It could be a simple change in the Library’s bylaws. It will be discussed further under old business.
- *Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance – the discussion will be continued.
Public Works:
Derek reported that the crew has been busy with the following.
- Spread playground mulch at Center School and Hall School
- Repair roadside washouts
- Mow D.P.W, Dog Pound, Transfer Station
- Clean storm water outfalls
- Pot hole patching
- Roadside mowing
- Sign repair/installation
- Equipment/vehicle repair
- Grade gravel roads
- Replace curbing damaged during winter plowing
- Replace the baluster~at Senior Center
- Add millings to~Training area road and grade at Fire house 1
- Oversaw the water storage tank inspection at Senior Housing water system
- Mowing of Senior Housing septic system
- Removal of weeds at T.O.B flower beds and weed whack along fence
- Install millings at Library lower lot, Center School upper lot and Senior Center access road
- Haul in gravel and grade Trask Rd
- Pave driveway aprons at Center School
- Sadow Construction mobilized their equipment and will begin Daleville School Bridge repairs later this week, weather permitting. Please seek alternate route as there may be~delays.
Award Winter Sand Bid:
We received 2 bids this year:
DeSiato Sand & Gravel: $18.75 per ton delivered
Becker Construction Co: $12.45 per ton delivered
Derek has recommended the two year sand bid be awarded to Becker Construction at $12.45 per ton.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to award the 2017-2019 winter sand contract to Becker Construction as per their bid of $12.45 per ton delivered.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Award Plowing Contract:
We received one bid:
Hipsky Construction, LLC: 1 truck at $110.00 per hour.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that normally, Hipsky provides two trucks to us, but this year they are only able to offer one. Derek talked to several people; because we need two trucks to be able to run the plowing routes. He was able to secure Kucko Construction to also provide one truck at the same rate ($110 per hour).
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the 2017-2019 plowing contract to Hipsky Construction, LLC as per their bid of one truck at $110.00 per hour.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)
First Selectman Mailhos moved to award the 2017-2019 plowing contract to Kucko Construction, LLC as per their bid of to one truck at $110.00 per hour.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)
New Business
Appointment
Liam Keefe was present. He has come forward with interest in serving on the Economic Development Commission. Mr. Keefe stated that he has lived in town for 25 years and recently graduated from UCONN with a BA in Economics. He will be pursuing a graduate degree this coming fall. He added that he remembers Phelps plaza and the Citgo station when they thrived and believes there is a lot that can be done to better Willington as it has a lot of potential.
Selectman Kowalshyn cautioned that Mr. Keefe will be the only member on the Commission as of right now. Mr. Keefe stated that he was aware. He wants to be involved and give back to Willington. Selectman Blessington stated that we will try to find some people to serve on the Commission with him as well. Selectman Kowalyshyn (who served on the Commission for several years) stated that it is a good place to start. Selectman Blessington noted that Selectman Kowalyshyn was very effective on the EDC. Selectman Kowalyshyn noted that Mr. Keefe should review the market study that was performed a few years ago. In addition, the Chronicle will be doing a story on the EDC as well.
First Selectman Mailhos added that there is a lot of potential in this town, as we have a lot of land surrounding the highway. The market study was done to research the best type of business we would want to come here and need to market them to come. She added with Mr. Keefe’s background, he may be the person to get us over that hump.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to appoint Liam Keefe as a regular member of the Economic Development Commission; (filling a vacancy); effective August 21, 2017; expiring January 1, 2020.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
The Selectmen thanked Mr. Keefe for coming forward to serve on the Commission.
Tax Deferment Discussion (Mihiliak Road)
First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Tax Collector has informed her that the property at 25 Mihiliak Road (formerly known as Red & Arts) has been on a Tax Deferment plan and the taxes are piling up as the property sits for sale. She noted that the owners are trying to sell the property, but have been unsuccessful so far. The taxes on that property will be at $29,000 by the end of this fiscal year.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Tax Collector would like to know if the Selectmen would be in favor of going to tax sale on the property or if we should allow the tax deferment to continue.
Selectman Blessington asked the odds of us selling at tax sale; noting that there could be brownfields issues and could end up with a similar problem like Cadlerock. Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that Selectman Blessington has a good point.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that the way it was worded a few years ago would be it would run in perpetuity. Selectman Blessington suggested waiting another year and in the meantime, perhaps we could look into the options of brownfields. The Selectmen stated that the property could also sell once the new truck stop is built. They would like to defer to the new Board that will be in place after the election in November
Call Town Meeting
First Selectman Mailhos read (moved) 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 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the Old Town Hall; 11 Common Road for the following purposes:
ITEM I
Should the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance authorize the appropriation of $76,000 in fiscal year 2018-2019 from the reserve fund, account #04-4020 for the purpose of the State mandated physical revaluation?
Dated at Willington,
This 21st day of August, 2017
Willington Board of Selectmen
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Tax Refunds
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $61.89 to Amy E. Vasington; Willington CT on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $41.19 to James Phillips; P.O. Box 233; Willington CT on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $63.13 to Jean Cormier; P.O. Box 354; Willington CT on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $100.00 to Michael or Donna Barberi; Turnpike Road Extension; Willington CT for an overpayment.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $300.32 to Enterprise F.M. Trust; St. Louis, MO on a Certificate of Correction (sold vehicle).
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $218.74 to Enterprise F.M. Trust; St. Louis MO on a Certificate of Correction (sold vehicle).
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $9.30 to Machine Technology; Willington, CT on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $219.96 to Deborah Dixon; 66 Hill Crest S. Windsor, CT on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $108.72 to Todd St Pierre; West Bradford, PA on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $207.77 to Suzanne & Gaetano Cassone; 1729 NW River Trail; Stuart, FL on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $341.22 to Matthew Dione; 268 Ringwood Drive; Winter Springs, FL on a Certificate of Correction.
Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Old Business
Crumbling Foundation Update
First Selectman Mailhos presented the agenda for the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, August 23rd at 3:15 PM. The meeting will be held at the Tolland Fire Department Training Center; 191 Merrow Road; Tolland.
The agenda is as follows:
Approve minutes
Discussion with Senator Murphy & Senator Blumenthal regarding Crumbling Foundation Issues
Other Business
Public Comment
Adjournment
Update – Library Board of Director’s Terms
First Selectman Mailhos recapped that she had been working on this with the Town Attorney last week and was found that such a change could be made by the Board of Directors themselves wich a change in bylaws. They will work directly with the Town Attorney to move forward.
Selectman Blessington stated that he is always complaining about state mandates – and that he doesn’t always agree with the way the state wants us to handle things. However, in this case, he believes that the state statute covers this and he feels we should follow it.
First Selectman Mailhos clarified that the Attorney read the statutes, and reviewed it a few times and interpreted that the Board of Directors will be able to change it. Selectman Blessington warned that he just doesn’t want the State to come down on us if they believe we are having an illegal election in the future.
Continued Discussion – Sexually Oriented Business
The first draft of the Ordinance was forwarded to the Selectmen from the Town Attorney along with comments:
The ordinance would allow the PZC to regulate live entertainment rather than strictly banning it.
The separation distances are left blank (for now) there has to be some place within the limits of Willington where such an establishment theoretically could be located. It can be prohibited 500 – 2000 feet from churches, parks, schools, etc. but the radius must be determined.
The ordinance contemplates a licensing process because an absolute ban would not withstand a court challenge.
We would also need to determine who issues the license. (in the draft; it is issued by the Town Clerk); the Town clerk may not want to be the department to issue. It can be changed to read that the First Selectman issues the permit, but if that is the case, it should not be the Board of Selectmen who hears any appeals, since they wouldn’t want to be in both roles and would create due process issues. In other towns where the First Selectman issues the permit, the appeals board is made up of several town officials, e.g., the building inspector, health director, zoning officer and Chairman of the PZC.
Lastly, the permit fees would also need to be determined as well.
Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if the ordinance was established, it looks as though an adult oriented business could potentially come into town, if they were to meet all of the requirements. First Selectman Mailhos answered yes, but the places where they would be allowed to go would mostly not likely be a favorable area to that type of business to invest in.
Selectman Blessington said that he looked at the proposed ordinance and it is talking about an adult oriented business which provides closed booths, cubicles, studios and rooms for private viewing of so – called adult motion pictures and or video tapes and or live entertainment. He then stated that he spoke with President Reagan who said it is a good idea to protect Willington now, but in 32 years (2017), when people read the ordinance, they will say that it is silly because people now have access to the internet. He added that we could try to pass this, but doesn’t feel it is necessary. Lastly, Selectman Blessington added that it is a well written ordinance, but feels it is obsolete.
The next step would be to figure out the radius of where the type of business would be allowed. It would then go to the PZC for review. First Selectman Mailhos added that she wants to make sure they (PCZ) would support it.
Selectman Kowalyshyn then asked Selectman Blessington if we do not pass this ordinance and also decide to lift the live entertainment restriction and a bar decides to open up and add a strip club within it; you would just have taken away any say we have as a town. Selectman Blessington clarified that he is willing to take the chance because he feels the odds are a million to one of that happening in this day and age.
First Selectman Mailhos then warned that we are just off of the highway; UCONN is just around the corner and we are going to have 2 truck stops… that could make us a prime target for that sort of thing. Selectman Kowalyshyn then asked Selectman Blessington if he has ever gone to the Subway in Tolland? Selectman Blessington responded that he does not like to go there because he can never find a parking space. Selectman Kowalyshyn then clarified that there are no parking spaces because the parking spaces are taken up by those who are at the Electric Blue (which is also, right off of the highway). Selectman Blessington then clarified that no one is establishing new business like that. Selectman Kowalyshyn said it is because of ordinances like this.
Budget Update
The Board of Finance has sent a letter to the Selectmen and Board of Education asking for us to freeze all discretionary spending in our budgets. In addition they are asking for recommendations for immediate reductions in expenditures. The letter is the result of the recent executive order from the Governor’s office noting a further reduction from $3,637.161 to $1,091,148. If the state budget does not pass in October, we could potentially be left with a revenue shortfall of $2,274,054. This is much more of a reduction in revenue than the BOF planned for in the budget process and our Business Manager has confirmed that our cash position is good enough to cover expenses through October and after that point we will be spending our reserves. The BOF will be reviewing this further at their September 21st meeting.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that she spoke with the Business Manager earlier today and 27 % ($614,000) of the entire budget is town operations. The rest is the BOE. Just looking at the town portion of it, we would have to further reduce our operating budgets by 13% to cut the $614,000.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that she then prepared an expenditure budget showing the various departments and how much they would have to cut in dollars to get to that amount. She then also noted the items that we are contractually bound to that cannot be cut.
For example, the Selectmen’s proposed budget (that was passed at referendum) in the amount of $151,630 would need to be reduced by $19,711.90. Accounting services budget of $200,307 would need to be reduced by $26,039.91 and Public Works’ approved budget of $1,165.803 would need to be reduced by $151,554.39.
First Selectman Mailhos added that she does not believe that the budget won’t be approved, adding that we are not the only ones in this predicament.
Selectman Kowalyshyn then added that the towns would have to merge and become counties instead of towns; and we will have to share our services. Selectman Blessington stated that somehow that never seems to work out to be cheaper.
First Selectman Mailhos said she will send an email to department heads tomorrow asking them to figure out where they can make cuts and tell them to freeze all discretionary spending. She added even if we stopped purchasing supplies, that would cut $18,000 right away but at some point we will need paper.
Discussion was held on things that can be cut or figuring out ways to save money. Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that town staff is pretty much bare bones as it is. First Selectman Mailhos said we pared everything down a few years back. Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that we can always look into cutting hours; perhaps we could cut the TOB 10 hours per week; opening Monday 2 – 7:30 and Tuesday through Friday 9AM-12PM. She then suggested closing on Fridays.
The Selectmen will schedule a special meeting to discuss further. They will meet on Friday, September 8 at 9AM. In the meantime, First Selectman Mailhos will talk with the Department Heads to see if anyone can come up with ideas and she will invite them to the meeting as well to discuss our options.
Good & Welfare
Selectman Kowalyshyn mentioned the recent passing of Alice Gangaway and the Selectmen expressed condolences to Wilbur Gangaway for his loss.
First Selectman Mailhos noted that we received a surprise visit from OSHA a few weeks ago. Other rhan a few minor violations, we did very well. The OSHA inspector commented on how well managed our various departments are (particularly the Transfer Station, Recreation, Public Works, the Senior Center and Animal Control) and how courteous and cooperative everyone was. He was also impressed by our claim records and that every recommendation he mentioned on his visit had already been addressed (to some degree) by the time he had come to discuss his findings. First Selectman Mailhos thanked the TOB employees for their assistance.
First Selectman Mailhos congratulated the Housing Authority for the completion of Button Hill.
We received our monthly letter from the Connecticut State Police for the month of June & July
June’s report is as follows:
10 accidents 62 written warnings
12 criminal investigations 591 non-reportable matters
2 Burglaries 1 Larceny
229 traffic citations 2 DUI’s
July’s report is as follows:
5 accidents 63 written warnings
12 criminal investigations 757 non-reportable matters
0 Burglaries 0 Larcenies
396 traffic citations 2 DUI’s
Willington residents, Joe and Ruthann Ferenc have organized A “Ride for Gage”, which will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 in honor of Gage Rondeau, the Ferenc’s grandson, who took his own life at the age of 19. The proceeds will benefit the Jordan Porco Foundation’s suicide prevention programs. For information contact Joe Ferenc at : [email protected] or 860-916-7750.
First Selectman Mailhos stated that a few people have come together to begin a gardening club in town. Regina Chatel has headed up the club and they began working in front of the Town Office Building,. Their goal is to have the project completed by Election day. The front where they started looks beautiful so far. First Selectman Mailhos said we will send out a public notice to seek interest in the club and they will hold their first meeting soon.
The POCD meeting which will be held on September 5th is an important one for the public to attend. It will be the last time for public comment. A copy of the draft can be found on the website or in the Land Use Department.
Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 PM
Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.
Vote: 3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington) 0 No.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant