Board of Selectmen Minutes

Meeting Minutes                                                                         
July 17, 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:  Selectmen Kowalyshyn & Blessington and residents.    First Selectman Mailhos led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes:

First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the minutes June 19, 2017 with the following edits:

Page 2 (Selectman Status Report – Ground Spreader Controls)- remove “on hold because of lack of LoCIP funding”.  Replace with : budget item #930 has been approved and Derek will purchase after July 1st.

Page 3 (Appointments – Lisa Madden) -  remove “and has received” replace with and will receive add “next spring” at the end of the sentence.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Selectman   Blessington moved to approve the minutes of July 7, 2017.

First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.

Vote:   2 Yes (Mailhos & Blessington) 0 No 1 Abstain (Kowalyshyn)

Present to Speak:

Resident Todd Bissonette stated that he would like to speak under the Nuisance Ordinance when it is discussed.  

Mr. Bissonette then asked what the status of the purchase of the land across from the library is at. First Selectman Mailhos stated that it is still in limbo as the Selectmen and Historical Society couldn’t come to an agreement on a purchase price.  Mr. Bissonette stated that Route 320 is very busy and is hazardous with the way traffic goes through that area and he doesn’t think it would be safe to cross the street.  He said events on the green could be moved to the River Road Athletic Complex if they need more parking.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that the discussions were only an idea and we couldn’t come to an agreement or price, therefore it has been dropped for now.

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 is almost completed,  the move in date was slated for last week, but has been delayed until the final punch-list items have been completed and the c/o issued.  The Housing Authority is hopeful to be done this week.  
• *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 and the contract signing was last week.  Construction will begin soon 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.   We are closer to getting final word whether OPM will allow us to use the leftover funding from Turnpike Road construction.  

*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 – Derek has begun looking into mapping software and we will research what is needed for compliance moving forward.

*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 in the next few weeks; using funding left over from 2016-17 fiscal, based on recent transfer approval from the Board of Finance.  Derek will be going off of the state bid to save money.
• *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.
• *Ground Spreader Controls – Derek will purchase one unit for now, per the CIP Plan.   
• *Selectmen Wing Renovations- the Registrars of Voters will be moving upstairs next week and the project will be completed.
• *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 Town of Ashford is in the bidding process to seek a contractor to begin the assessment work.
• *Reval 2018 – the Bids have come in and the Selectmen will call a Town meeting after the Board of Finance and Assessor have recommended the contract.  We will have this item at an upcoming Town Meeting.
• *Hiring new Town Clerk –we will work out a timeline and draft a job description at this meeting.
• *Website Upgrade – Phase 1 has been completed and we are working out the details on the new webpage.
• *Ethics Commission – we will explore creating a committee and will discuss further at tonight’s meeting.
• *Union Negotiations – a tentative agreement has been made and the contract has been approved.  It will be signed by all parties this coming week.
• *PZC/ POCD – the first draft of the new POCD was reviewed back in May.   The Revisions were discussed in June and the draft (with updates) will be reviewed at the September meeting.
• *Sign for Senior Complex- Derek is seeking bids for a new sign.  Funding will come from the Public Works’ sign line item.
• *Crumbling Foundations –the bill is on hold; as it is tied to the State budget vote, which is in special session.  We continue to wait to see what happens.
• *Fracking Waste Ordinance – this was approved at the last Town Meeting (June 20th).  It will be removed from the status report.
• *Library Term Ordinance – we will introduce a concept at tonight’s meeting and it could possibly go to a future Town Meeting; coming up in September.
• *Sexually Oriented Business Ordinance – we will introduce the concept at tonight’s meeting.  It will possibly go to a future Town Meeting.
• *Nuisance Ordinance – we will introduce the draft ordinance at tonight’s meeting and it could possibly go to Town Meeting as early as September.

 Public Works:

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

• Grading of gravel roads
• Vehicle/equipment repair
• Mow Senior Housing Septic
• Clean storm water outfalls
• Roadside mowing
• Pave edge of road failures Village Hill
• Trim guide rails
• Edge Jared Sparks
• Mow Halls Pond
• Pick up and spread playground mulch at RRAC
• Fill in at Transfer Station
• Remove old mulch at Center School playground
• Cut up tree that~fell ~during storm
• Pothole patching
• Repair Michalec Rd washout and water ponding
• Haul mulch for Center School playground
• Pick up catch basin Tops
• Mow Old Landfill
• Traffic control for tree company
• Catch Basin repairs/top replacement
• Mow detention basins

The Transfer Station parking lot will be paved this summer along with Jared Sparks, Tinkerville and~Fermier. This work~will be done off the state bid, I'm still waiting on a firm date from the paving contractor.

New Business

Tax Refunds

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $535.77 to CAB East, LLC (Ford Credit) for an excess payment.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $488.99 to CAB East, LLC (Ford Credit) for an overpayment.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Award 2018 Revaluation Contract

First Selectman Mailhos said that she thought we would be able to award this contract as the item had been budgeted and approved through the CIP process, but was suggested that we follow the procedure as done in the past where we split it in 2 appropriations at a Town Meeting.   She noted that it must be done this way for clarity.  In the meantime, we will need to get approval from the Board of Finance.  A memo will be sent for their consideration at their next meeting, which will be Thursday, July 20th.

Discussion:  Possible Ordinance Prohibiting Sexually Oriented Businesses

First Selectman Mailhos noted that this was brought up several months ago, when the Town of Berlin adopted the ordinance.  So far, it has been going well for them.  She noted that Willington currently bans all live entertainment and that is how we keep those types of businesses from coming here. She added because of that, it is also problematic for the other businesses (restaurants) who would like to have live music at their venues.    For example, the Parks and Recreation Commission had to go through a lengthy process to be able to hold the summer concert series because of the regulations in place.

In the past, the Planning and Zoning Commission has expressed support of this ordinance if we decide to move forward with it.    

Selectman Blessington said here we are in 1995 – that is when the thing in Berlin came about.  He said maybe we should double check our Ordinance and Regulations – times have changed and perhaps we will be able to allow music without having to allow the sexually oriented businesses.  He then asked to have the Town Attorney see if there is a way around it.  Selectman Kowalyshyn said there is a way,  -adopt this ordinance.   Selectman Blessington added that we have 130 pages of ordinances in place in the past 270 years and now we want to add an additional 20 pages in one swoop.

Peter Tanaka added that we need to check with the forestry person if we want to cut down a tree, with the newly adopted forestry ordinance - he is against additional ordinances.   It’s not the right way to go.  He added that Sexually Oriented Businesses are dying out- we should just allow live entertainment and see how it goes; adding that  he feels that we are trying to kill a problem that isn’t occurring.   Selectman Blessington was in agreement, stating that was what he was getting at.

Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that she wouldn’t want the Electric Blue in her town, that’s all she is saying.  Todd Bissionette stated that happened in the town of East Hartford several years ago and it took the town years to shut it down.  He added that it even re-opened as a “family oriented restaurant” only to be closed a short time later to re-open as a strip joint – which took an additional 15 years to close down.  He added that you need to be careful with the “live entertainment” wording.

Selectman Blessington asked what the odds are of us ending up with a strip club?  He referenced the horror we dealt with when a certain head shop wanted to come to town – people were up in arms and they protested, only to find it would close six months later.  He feels if we were to allow a strip club here, it would end up the same way.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that she receieves so many complaints about the Electric Blue billboard on I84 – that is in Willington.  Robin Campbell clarified that the billboard is actually on Perron Road in Tolland, although it appears to look like it is in Willington – it is not.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said if it takes a 20 page ordinance to keep them out – then so be it.   Resident Dave DeCelles asked if it were possible to cut it down a few pages.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that she would like to have the Attorney look at it, but wanted to get approval from the Selectmen before she engages him to do so.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to have the Town Attorney look into the Ordinance Prohibiting Sexually Oriented Businesses.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Mr. DeCelles noted that we don’t have a big enough town to keep something like that in business.  Selectman Blessington agreed.  First Selectman Kowalyshyn disagreed and said we are right off of the highway. Robert Shabot stated that the town of Merrow (which is extremely small) had a very successful strip club which just closed only a few years ago.  Selectman Kowalyshyn agreed and noted that we may be small, but we also have several UCONN students who live here and could keep it going.  

Selectman Blessington said he doesn’t see it to be a high priority issue.  He clarified that the motion is to consult the Attorney; and to see it’s applicability to Willington and to see if there is a way to simplify the Ordinance itself.  He then asked for the Attorney to see if the current regulations could be changed so we can still have live entertainment without the sexual orient.

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

Selectman Blessington said he will vote in favor of speaking with the Attorney, but is not in favor of adding the Ordinance.

Discussion:  Possible Ordinance Regarding Changes to Library Board of Directors Term Lengths

First Selectman Mailhos said that she had met with Library Board of Directors Chairman, Katy Ryan, who has requested the town to consider changing the terms of the members from 6 years to 4.  She had sent a letter in regards to this; noting that they have had several people interested in serving, until they find that the length of the term is 6 years, they are reluctant to run.  This limits the candidate pool quite significantly – people simply do not want to commit for that long of a timeframe.

Vice Chairman of the Library Board, Heather Alexson was present.  She was recently appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board and her term is almost up.  She added that the 6 year term is a huge deterrent.  They have had people express interest in serving on the board, but when they find out it is 6 years, they don’t walk, they run away.   She added that she can see how a longer term can work for the Board of Finance, because you need that continuity, but all of the other boards she knows of are only 2 – 4 years – that might actually encourage longevity on the board.  She has friends and colleagues from other towns who think the six year term is unnecessary.

Selectman Kowalyshyn then asked Ms. Alexson if 4 years isn’t too much?  She then asked what her suggestion would be for those who are currently serving on the board.   Ms. Alexson said 4 years is better than 6 and it is a step in the right direction.  Everyone currently serving has 2 years left on their terms as far as she knows.  Even if they stagger, they will end up on even years.    She added for example, her term (which she has filled a vacancy) and she would like to seek another term, but the thought of it being for another 6 years (where by that time, her children will be graduating high school) is hard to fathom.    

Selectman Blessington said that he is feeling like Dr. No tonight.  Ms. Alexson asked why – she clarified that we are trying to get more people to participate in our community – six years is a long time.  

Selectman Blessington said we live in the best place ever and we have a great government and part of the reason is because we, the civilians get to run it.  All you have to do is run for office and show up.  We are scrambling for people to run for positions this year.  The Library Board is a great gig.  He added, six years is not that long – you’re not signing a contract.  Ms. Alexson disagreed, stating that six years is huge – especially when you are trying to raise a family and most of these people are donating their time away from their families to serve on these boards. They are also working full time.   Selectman Blessington suggested that people who don’t feel like serving the full six years can simply resign.  Ms. Alexson cautioned that sometimes can cause inconsistencies among the board when people leave.   We are trying to encourage people to serve for a lower term.

First Selectman Mailhos said there are a lot of people who take their commitments seriously and will not just resign.  They would just likely not sign up at all because they don’t know what will happen 6 years from now.  

Christine Psathas told Selectman Blessington that everything that he has said regarding this position is good argument to decrease it from six to four years.  There are many boards who are lacking members and she doesn’t understand why the library board terms are so long in the first place.   Selectman Blessington asked if anyone looked at the state statute?

First Selectman Mailhos moved to have the Town Attorney look into the terms of the Library Board of Directors. He will look into the legality of it, the process of how to change it and make sure it is possible to do so.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Robert Shabot said he has been President of the Willington Historical Society for 12 years and has found it difficult to engage people and put a psychological commitment on it.  Most people won’t want to even consider it – especially if it is their first step into the political pool.  Once they get involved, they will know if they want to continue.

Attorney O’Donnell read the statute : One third of the director shall hold office for six years.  He said he could research further to see what applies.   Two people would hold six year terms and we would look into having the other four serve four years.

Selectman Blessington said we will need to look into it and he will go along with it if it ends up being legal.

Vote:  3 Yes (Mailhos, Kowalyshyn & Blessington)

Town Clerk Appointment Schedule

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she sent an email to the Selectmen regarding the upcoming Town Clerk appointment schedule based on the new ordinance that was adopted in April.

The Town Clerk’s term will expire on January 8th and we need to have a new appointee by the time she leaves.  It would be nice to have the new person shadow Donna before she leaves as well.

She then went over the suggested timeline:

September 18th The job description will be approved by the Board of Selectmen

October 16th:  The Help Wanted Ad will be posted

November 7th: the new Board of Selectmen will be determined (on Election Day)

November 10th:  Applications are due to the Town Clerk’s Office

November 21st New Board of Selectmen will be in office and will have a packet of resumes to review on their first day.  

November 27th through December 4th:  interviews will be conducted

December 4th extend an offer to the potential candidate and begin training as December 18th.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said she feels badly for the incoming Selectmen.  She then asked if the current board would be able to look at the resumes?  Selectman Blessington said one board should be making the decision; it shouldn’t be split.  

The job description will be discussed at a September meeting.

August 7th Board of Selectmen Meeting

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she and Selectman Kowalyshyn will not be here on that date.   In year’s past we have canceled the August meeting because there is not a lot going on anyway.  She clarified if something comes up, the Selectmen will just hold a special meeting to accommodate.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to cancel the August 7, 2017 meeting.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

Robin Campbell noted that if the Selectmen want to call a Town Meeting for September, the earliest the meeting could be held would be the week of September 11th (so they would be able to plan accordingly).

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

Old Business

Follow up on Ethics/Conflict of Interest Discussion

First Selectman Mailhos recapped that the Selectmen had received a letter from a resident asking about conflicts of interest on boards in town and had asked the Selectmen what they might do about it.  First Selectman Mailhos had asked Attorney O’Donnell to follow up on this as a result of that discussion.

Attorney O’Donnell stated that the Town of Willington does not have a formal ethics structure or method of recourse.  The appropriate way to handle the situation would not be through the Board of Selectmen, but rather through the specific board that has the concern instead.  That particular board should take the issue up itself at a meeting as it’s own item.

He added that it is difficult for the Selectmen to handle the procedures of other boards and could be perceived as medaling with all of the other boards and is not recommended.

Selectman Kowalyshyn asked what if we created an Ethics Commission.  Attorney O’Donnell said if we took steps to establish one it would have the ability (based on the ordinance) to determine it, but without it, it becomes tricky to determine how each board should handle their affairs and members.  He then clarified that the individual boards need to be responsible for the actions of each of their members.  

Heather Alexson then asked what if the person that is calling the conflict of interest doesn’t feel comfortable to speak out?  There is no moderator to handle the situation?  She said it could be very intimidating.  

Attorney O’Donnell said there are other ways to bring it to their attention, such as sending a letter for example.  He then added at the end of the day, if you feel that it isn’t being addressed, it could be brought to the Selectmen, but that would be the last resort.

Selectman Blessington added if there is someone on the board that nobody wants to do anything about would be taken up at the next election; where the people would voice their opinion (by voting).  Selectman Kowalyshyn asked what happens if it pertains to a six year term and the board member just started?

The Selectmen thanked Attorney O’Donnell for coming to the meeting to clarify this.

Nuisance Ordinance

First Selectman Mailhos said she has been working on this with our Town Attorney, who was present.  They have been working with a draft of what the town of Mansfield currently has in place.  Attorney O’Donnell clarified that Mansfield’s Ordinance covered more of gambling and underage drinking, rather than vehicular noises – it was much to broad.    He then referenced a simpler ordinance, as adopted by the town of Stonington as an example.   The guidelines also have terms to suit both parties – for example after 10pm and before 6pm, the ordinance would be put in place.  

First Selectman Mailhos added that the Mansfield ordinance is also enforced by the Resident State Troopers, in which Willington does not have and there is no appeal process for those found offending the ordinance.  

Attorney O’Donnell added that certain items fall exempt from the sample ordinance, such as police/fire, civil preparedness, emergency generators and snow blowers, for example would fall into that category.   

Mr. Bissonette then asked what happens when his neighbor, who is riding a quad with open heads decides to ride it between the hours of 6 & 10? – they wouldn’t be doing anything illegal at that point.  Attorney O’Donnell said that is correct – they have just as much of a right to ride during the day as you do – as long as they are riding something that is legal.   It has to be able to accommodate both sides.  

Mr. Bissonette referenced general statutes in the State of Connecticut say that everyone is “entitled to their peace and quiet and they are entitled not to be bothered by their neighbors actions.”    He added that he has presented videos before this board of a quad ripping up their yard – the video was taken from his bedroom window.  Attorney O’Donnell clarified that he may want to make a private nuisance action but the town does not have the authority to take a public action on this.  Mr. Bissonette warned that the officials can put an ordinance in place to police it.  Attorney O’Donnell clarified that you can’t make an ordinance that is unconstitutional on its face.  It’s a larger picture of what the town can do, but rather that what it has to answer to once it passes an ordinance.   Attorney O’Donnell then said if it is an argument between two neighbors, it is more of a private issue, not something the town can address.  He then stated that if it is just a plain quad, it shouldn’t be an issue.  Mr. Bissonette said the DB level is over the limits.   He then said that he has had several Troopers come to his house over the past year and a half and they all tell him that there is nothing they can do because the town does not have an ordinance in place.   First Selectman Mailhos then asked Trooper Stackpole (who is a Mansfield Resident State Trooper and was in attendance) if it is state law, how come the troopers can’t address it and what needs to be in place so they can effectively enforce a situation like this.  

Trooper Stackpole stated that the Mansfield ordinance mirrors the state statute for breach of peace and disorderly conduct.  He added that we should be careful when putting time restraints in the ordinance.

Attorney O’Donnell stated when we look into adopting ordinances; we look at one that will balance both parties. If you want to ticket someone for breach of peace, that is one thing, but then you can’t tack on the noise/nuisance statute on top of it, he doesn’t feel it is the right thing to do.  

Trooper Stackpole then clarified when the Troop responds to a call, they cannot act on a “he said/she said” situation.  For example, Mr. Bissonette’s neighbors listen for the tones and by the time the troop gets there, they have quieted things down and there is nothing that we can get them on.   If it is not seen or heard by a trooper, they won’t be able to act on it.  Selectman Kowalyshyn asked what the difference is if the ordinance is in place, if they don’t see it?   Trooper Stackpole then said that they would be allowed an adjudication process at that point.

Mr. Bissonette then asked why can’t we (Willington) just enforce the state law?   Selectman Blessington said that he is not understanding this correctly.   If we have the ordinance in place, which states the same thing as the state law, would the ordinance give you an opportunity to throw the person in jail?  Trooper Stackpole said no, because he does not have firsthand knowledge of it and did not see it happening.  Selectman Kowalshyn then asked why can’t they act on Mr. Bissonette’s video?   Trooper Stackpole said that they can use video.  

Mr. Bissionette clarified that we aren’t talking about quads – we are talking about the nuisance they cause.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said that she is now confused, because they seem to be contradicting each other.  Mr. Bissonette  is saying that the troopers are telling him there is nothing they can do, but Trooper Stackpole said that they can act if they see the video.  Trooper Stackpole stated that they can’t do anything unless a state statute is being broken.  A ticket can be written against breach of peace or disorderly conduct – depending whether it is on private property or not.   Selectman Kowalshyn said that is why we have asked for a trooper to come to answer questions.   Mr. Bissonette aid that he has been told that they can’t do anything about it – why is that and what is my recourse?  He was told to call the troop again and then ask for a supervisor, if they are not handling his case.  

First Selectman Mailhos asked how much an infraction would cost. Trooper Stackpole said that a ticket runs $120.  First Selectman Mailhos asked if that is a big enough deterrent to stop people.   Peter Tanaka said you have to have an adjudication process to cover the ordinance.   Trooper Stackpole noted that the Town of Mansfield may be willing to help with the adjudication process as they have a board in place. This would help with the bubble of UCONN partying that tends to move out of Mansfield and into Willington.    He then added that the Town of Willington has 16 officers who live here and 10 of them are stationed at Troop C and he believes they are all available to assist with police matters.

Discussion was held on setting and enforcing ordinances and the appeal process as well as possible revenue if the ordinance was in place.   Selectman Blessington said he doesn’t like where this is going and we are not Mayberry.  Selectman Kowalyshyn clarified that we are just discussing possibilities, not putting anything in place at the moment. Trooper Stackpole clarified that the troopers do not care about the revenue, but rather look at the enforcement – if the smaller issues are taken care of, the bigger ones decrease in percentage.

Selectman Blessington stated that he has neighbors who ride quads and shoot guns.  We all have noises near us, but we learn to live with them.  

Attorney O’Donnell clarified that the residents have the option to show a video to a trooper and if you don’t have to pass another ordinance, that is a good thing.  Mr. Bissonette said he will take a video the next time he has an issue and then asked for the proper procedure going forward.

Selectman Kowalyshyn then said that it seems as though the college parties seem to be a bigger problem than the quads.  Trooper Stackpole agreed and said the quads would fall under the nuisance ordinance as well, if it were to be passed.   He then offered to have the Selectmen attend a ride-along with the troopers to see what they contend with.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she is well aware of it and lives near it.    

The Selectmen thanked Trooper Stackpole for coming and giving them the information.

Crumbling Foundation Update

First Selectman Mailhos noted that there was some news that the Federal delegations are looking into getting income tax relief for those who are affected.  We are still waiting for the State to vote on the budget.  The crumbling foundation bill is tied into the budget that hasn’t been voted on yet.

Budget Update  

First Selectman Mailhos reiterated that there is no state budget as of yet.  She then stated that the Board of Finance had sent a postcard out to all households in Willington and everyone should have received it by now.  The letter, written by BOF Chairman Jim Bulick explains why the taxes went up.  

First Selectman Mailhos noted that she believes Willington is in a good position (even though our taxes have gone up).  She heard that several of the other towns have elected not to raise their taxes until they see how the State budget turns out – expecting it would have been done by July  and at that point they would send out supplemental bills to cover the shortfall; however it is not looking like the budget is going to pass anytime soon.  

Those towns are now looking at cash flow wondering if they have enough to get by until the new expected date for the state budget, which will be sometime in September.

Willington should be ok for now and First Selectman Mailhos said she has asked our Business Director to run the numbers to make sure we will be ok if the budget is delayed until November.  The  good news is that we don’t get a lot of money from the state anyway other than ECS, so there we are not looking at a huge shortfall.

Selectman Kowalyshyn said that she thinks we did the right thing.

Good & Welfare

First Selectman Mailhos noted that a gentleman had stopped in her office after paying taxes one day last week to tell her what a great job the guys at the Transfer Station are doing.  He said that he appreciates that they are checking the stickers and clamping down on the operation.

The Town has negotiated a new contract with M&J Bus.   We are getting an additional $500 per year on the rental of the property.

Planning and Zoning has requested for the State to include the South Willington area as a “priority funding area” on the State’s Plan of Conservation and Development.  This will help them in the future for any potential grant opportunities.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that we received a “thread” in the Chronicle in support of the recent  adoption of the Fracking Waste Ban Ordinance

First Selectman Mailhos thanked local Girl Scout, Kat Rothauser, who made informative brochures of invasive species that may be harmful to our ecosystem.   The brochures are available in the Town Clerk’s office, in Land Use as well as the Selectmen’s office.  

We received a letter of interest from a gentleman who would like to serve on the Willington Economic Development Commission.  He will be invited to a future BOS meeting to discuss.

Christine Psathas asked if the EDC has recently been disbanded?  First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Commission was not disbanded, however the remaining two members of the Commission resigned last month.  The Selectmen are hopeful to have the Commission get new members to serve and begin meeting again soon.

First Selectman Mailhos moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 PM

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant