Print
Share page with AddThis

Board of Selectmen Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, June 19, 2017

Meeting Minutes                                                                         
June 19, 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:

Selectman Blessington moved to approve the minutes of May 15, 2017.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Selectman   Kowalyshyn moved to approve the minutes of June 7, 2017.

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

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

Present to Speak:

No one was present to speak.

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 and the July  move in date is still on.
  • *Daleville School Road Bridge – This will be discussed under new business.  The bids came in and the lowest bid is still more than we had originally budgeted for.  We need to determine what to do next.
  • *Selectmen Wing Renovations – the renovations on the Selectmen’s side has been completed.  We need to determine whether or not to replace the carpeting on the other side (waiting for the last bid to come back).
  • *Cadlerock Property – the Town of Ashford is taking the lead on this.  The administration details are being worked out; and the next step is to find a contractor to do the work.
  • *Hiring new Town Clerk – we need to develop a timeline for the hiring of a new Town Clerk.  The details will be worked out as the time gets closer.
  • *Fracking Ordinance – The Town Meeting, in which the Ordinance will be voted on will be tomorrow night at the Old Town Hall (7PM).
  • *Website Upgrade – we are working on the design details for the new website.
  • *Ethics Commission – we will explore creating a committee and will have the attorney focus on this once the negotiations have been completed.
  • *Union Negotiations – a tentative Agreement has been signed and the Selectmen will sign off later on at this meeting.
  • *Senior Center Re-permitting – Phase I has been completed.  The permit application has been submitted to DEEP and we will begin sampling the wells.
  • *MS4 Compliance – we are in the beginning stages of looking at mapping software for the next phase of the permitting process.
  •  *PW Environmental Configuration Engineering –We are still waiting for STEAP approval.  The application has been submitted to PZC for approval at their meeting tomorrow night.  
  • *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.
  • *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.
  • *Crumbling Foundations –we still track bills of interest and decide if we want to support any other proposed solutions.
  • *Pillars under Town Clerk Office – this is on hold until we see if the State budget will go through.  
  • *Transfer Station Parking Lot Paving – This project is also on hold - dependent on the State budget and LOCIP funding.  
  • *Ground Spreader Controls – on hold because of lack of LoCIP funding.
  • *Reval 2018 – Our Assessor is working on the RFP and will go out to bid after July 1st.
  • *WHFD Parking Lot Replacement – This project is also on hold as it is dependent on LOCIP funding.
  • *River Road Athletic Complex Lighting – This project is also on hold as it is dependent on LOCIP funding.
  • *Nuisance Ordinance – Will be discussed at the next regular meeting where it will be finalized and brought to a future town meeting.

 Public Works:

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

  • Finished sweeping
  • Grading of gravel roads
  • Vehicle/equipment repair
  • Pick up clay for ball fields
  • Plant memorial tree on the Town Green
  • Mow OTH,Senior Housing Septic
  • Clean storm water outfalls
  • Roadside mowing
  • Pave roadside failures on Village Hill& Blair
  • Trim guide rails
  • Pick up cement blocks for catch basin repair
  • Move unwanted items from TOB attic and bring to Transfer Station
  • Mark roadside hazardous trees for takedown
  • Pick up catch basin Tops
  • Mow Old Landfill
  • Traffic control for tree Company
  • Catch Basin repairs/top replacement
  • Mow detention basins

This year's catch basin cleaning began on the 6th of June and should be completed by the end of July.

Derek stated he would like to thank Bill Lindon from Lindon Tree Service for donating his time and equipment picking up the Memorial Tree from the nursery in West Suffield and helping us plant it.~

New Business

Appointments

First Selectman Mailhos moved  to change the appointment of Lisa Madden from Acting Revenue Collector to Revenue Collector (effective June 20, 2017)  her term will remain the same; April 11, 2016 – April 11, 2020. Ms. Madden passed her exam and has received her CCMC Certification.

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

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

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Michele Manas as recording secretary for Planning & Zoning and Inland Wetlands Watercourse Commission; effective July 1, 2017; expiring June 30, 2018.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

First Selectman Mailhos moved to re-appoint Deb Lewis as recording secretary for Board of Finance as recommended by the Board of Finance; effective July 1, 2017; expiring June 30, 2018.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Daleville School Bridge Contract – Bid results

First Selectman Mailhos said that we received 4 bids in for the project:

Sadow Excavation Inc.:          $165,585

Trademark Contractors, LLC:             $319,450

Baier Construction Inc.:                $598,400

Frank Capasso & Sons, Inc:              $881,200

Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if Sadow had replaced the Polster Road Bridge.  First Selectman Mailhos said that he did – and he came in on-time and under budget.  Selectman Blessington then asked if the Daleville Bridge will be the same type of construction?  First Selectman Mailhos said no – totally different.  Polster Road Bridge’s deck was replaced and they were able to work in the river from the side of the road.  Daleville School Bridge is not getting the decking replaced, but rather just the underneath will be repaired; and it entails a lot of manual labor to get it done. In addition we need to stop the flow of water so they can work on it.  She added that the $125,000 left over from the Polster Road Bridge construction was just a preliminary number.  We are going to have to go back to the Board of Finance to get the $40,000 to fix it.  She noted that we cannot change the scope of the project; and going out for rebid is not going to change anything.   She will send a letter to the Board of Finance to request the additional funding.  This will be tabled until we hear back from the BOF.

Discussion  Senior Center Complex Sign

First Selectman Mailhos stated that the signage outside of the Senior Complex (which is now known as Senior Way); is in need of updating.   For one, the sign still  reads 60 Old Farms Road.  in addition, it was vandalized last year.  

The sign belongs to the town, therefore the Housing Authority won’t be able to cover the funding for a new sign.  Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if the town has a sign fund line item?  First Selectman Mailhos stated that she thinks Public Works has a line item for such a thing; but she isn’t sure if there is any money left; but she said it shouldn’t cost a lot (to fix it – perhaps some paint).  First Selectman Mailhos said she will research the cheapest option to have it changed.

Old Business

Crumbling Foundation Update

First Selectman Mailhos noted that we do not even know what Legislation looks like at this point because they kept changing it right up until the end of the session and because the crumbling foundation bill has a fiscal note tied to it we will just have to wait it out along with the budget.  

Good & Welfare

First Selectman Mailhos noted that we received a letter from St. Paul’s Church expressing the concern of the lack of enforcement of speeding in front of the Millworks building; making it hazardous for those trying to cross the street to the building.  First Selectman Mailhos noted that this has been a concern for several years and we have contacted the State Police about it numerous times.   Selectman Blessington noted that it is a busy main road and people travelling at 45 miles per hour he isn’t sure there is a whole lot we can do other than what we have been doing in the past.   First Selectman Mailhos said that she appreciates their concern and will write back to them.

The Willington Historical Society announced that the Masinda Button shop will have an open house next weekend.  Also, in their newsletter, they noted that they have received $5,072 in donations towards a new roof replacement on the Tavern.  They are still accepting donations towards the roof fund, in which they are in need of $8,500 total.

First Selectman Mailhos noted that we received a resignation letter from the two final members of the Economic Development Commission.  Selectman Blessington noted although the Commission has no members currently, it is still active and we will seek new volunteers.    

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

667 calls for service                   2 DUI’s

6 accidents                             58 written warnings     

15 criminal investigations              644 non-reportable matters

0 Burglaries                            2 Larcenies

238 traffic violations

First Selectman Mailhos attended a retirement party for Tom and Betsy Trieber on Wednesday, June 13th where she read a proclamation, proclaiming the day “Tom and Betsy Trieber Day”.  The Treibers have lived in Willington for over 50 years.  They have sold their home on Latham Road and will be moving to Cape Cod to enjoy their retirement.   Tom and Betsy served on various boards as well as contributed to the town in many ways  throughout the years.

First Selectman Mailhos found an “are you willing” post that was put on the Town’s webpage in years past as she was cleaning her office.  She is going to revamp the posting and will put it up again to seek volunteers for the various boards that are in need of members.  A notice will go out in the fall.

This year’s Willington Day was very successful again and we had a beautiful day.  Selectman Blessington said it was especially well-run.   First Selectman Mailhos said that the committee has been working together for several years and have a good system.

Robin Campbell thanked everyone who participated; spoke, sang and marched in the Memorial Day Parade; which was also successful this year and we lucked out with the weather for sure.

First Selectman Mailhos thanked everyone involved in planting the new memorial tree on the Town Green.  It was very important to have the tree in place for Memorial Day and everyone pulled it together to have it planted for the event.

The library held a Colonial Day event on the Town Green on June 10th.  First Selectman Mailhos said it was a very nice event; but wished that it had been better attended.  Selectman Blessington agreed that it was a wonderful event; and if you like history, you shouldn’t have missed it.  The Tavern and Old Town Hall were opened for the event as well.  First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Tavern had fired up the beehive oven and baked bread for the first time in decades.   Selectman Kowalyshyn noted that she heard feedback about the signs that were placed around town  - that they were hard to read because the writing was so small; and noted it was a shame because someone spent a lot of time making them.

First Selectman Mailhos noted that the Selectmen received “needles” from the Chronicle a few weeks ago because they couldn’t iron out a deal for the Historical Society to sell the 1.8 acre lot off Ruby Road for a parking lot.  The article states that they hope both sides can eventually come together again to make a deal.  First Selectman Mailhos agreed with the article.  Selectman Blessington stated he was in disagreement.   Resident Todd Bissionette agreed with Selectman Blessington noting that it does not make sense to put a complex in-between a major traffic area because it is dangerous having people crossing a road with vehicles traveling 40+ MPH.  

First Selectman Mailhos moved to go into Executive Session regarding the proposed Town Hall & DPW Employees Union Contract and invited Attorney Ryan O’Donnell & Business Manager Donna Latincsics at 7:18 P.M.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Todd Bissionette stated that he would have mentioned this under Present to Speak, but was late to the meeting because he was stuck on the highway due to an accident.  He asked the status of the proposed Nuisance Ordinance and when he can expect to see the Ordinance move forward.  First Selectman Mailhos stated that she did mention the Nuisance Ordinance under the Status Report; noting that it will be discussed at the next regular meeting; and at that point they will bring it to a future Town Meeting.  Mr. Bissionette had brought a copy of an article in last Thursday’s Hartford Courant regarding a similar issue the town of Newington is having.  It is very similar to what he is looking for from the Selectmen to ordain enforcement as he is still having issues with a neighbor who is aggressively riding ATV’s in their yard; which is so loud it disturbs him and his neighbors.   He then added that he does not live on 67 acres …..- He is entitled to his peace and quiet – everybody is entitled to it and no one should have to live with nuisance noises.  Mr. Bissionette added this would be up to the Board’s best interest to put an ordinance in place so the police can protect us and move forward to address more important issues.  Resident Linda Miner (who had just walked in) of Navratil Road was in agreement as she experiences the same thing on her property; and sometimes it is 4 AM.  The quad riders ride on her property and have damaged some of her plantings and landscaping.   

First Selectman Mailhos explained to Ms. Miner that the Selectmen are planning to have the issue discussed at their next regular meeting.  She then added that she too, experiences it at her home where her neighbors ride their quads and ATV’s and it is disturbing to her and her neighbors.

Selectman Blessington asked Mr. Bissionette if the State Troopers would be willing to attend the next regular meeting to discuss the issue.   Mr. Bissionette replied that Trooper Stackpole will be happy to come but it has to be under serious consideration.  He said he doesn’t live on 68 acres like some people.   He lives on 5 acres and it is a state law and if it doesn’t go through statutes of this town, the town will be liable to a civil suit that the town will be included.   Mr. Bissonette said don’t blow us off.   First Selectman Mailhos said we are not going to blow you off.

First Selectman Mailhos repeated that we are going to move forward on this and it will be discussed at the next meeting.   Mr. Bisonette continued to ask the Board to consider moving forward on this.  Selectman Blessington stated that they have a point of order where they need to be in Executive Session; we can’t  be here talking about this all night.  It will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Executive Session

First Selectman Mailhos moved to go into Executive Session regarding the proposed Town Hall & DPW Employees Union Contract and invited Attorney Ryan O’Donnell & Business Manager Donna Latincsics at 7:29 P.M.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to come out of Executive Session at 8:19 P.M.

First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.

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

First Selectman Mailhos moved to approve the previously tentatively approved Working Agreement Between the Town of Willington and Town Hall & DPW Employees Local #1303-121 of Council #4, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020.

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

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

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant