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Board of Selectmen Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, May 1, 2017

Meeting Minutes                                                                         
May 1,  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 of April 17, 2017 with the following edit:

Page 3 (Veteran’s Tax Abatement) – all words “abatement” should be replaced with exemption as per state Statute CGS12-81(53). Clarification:  an exemption is a reduction in the property’s assessed value on which taxes are owed, not a credit against the amount of tax owed.   4th paragraph; omit the first sentence ;(clarification; the veteran only has to file DD214 one time to receive the basic exemption which is $1,000  municipal property tax exemption.

Selectman  Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Present to Speak:

No one was present to speak.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to add Item B under old business called “fire hydrant discussion”

First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.

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

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 continues to move along.  ASHOW is looking at the list of interest and will be in contact with those who have signed up.  A question came up today about the smoking policy and how it will be handled at the new senior cottages.  It seems that the Willington Woods and the Senior Center each have different policies.  We will figure that out.
  • *Daleville School Road Bridge – the DEEP permit has been approved.  We will be going out to bid shortly.
  • *Willington Day Planning- A meeting was held today.  Plans are coming along.
  • *Selectmen Wing Renovations – painting in the foyer/hallway has begun.  If there is money left over in this year’s budget, we will use the money to get new carpeting.
  • *VCI – The nomination has been approved and is being finalized.   We will begin discussions to consider talking to PZC about the zoning changes.
  • *Hiring new Town Clerk – We will develop a plan to figure out the hiring schedule and write up the job description/help wanted ads so the new BOS in November will be able to interview and hire a new Town Clerk.  
  • *Fracking Ordinance – The Town Attorney has reviewed the proposed Ordinance and has approved it to go to Town Meeting.  Town meeting date is slated for June 20th.
  • *Website Upgrade – If the budget passes, we will begin the upgrade as early as the beginning of May and have it completed by the end of summer.
  • *Fence next to TOB- We have been asked to replace the fence along the side of the TOB.  The neighbor believes that the town owns it.  However, at this point it is a closed issue as we cannot find  any records that indicate that it is the towns responsibility.
  • *Senior Center Re-permitting – Phase I has been completed.  Phase 2 items have been identified and we need to determine how we will move forward.
  • *MS4 Compliance – the permit has been submitted and we are looking to adopt an ordinance soon.
  •  *PW Environmental Configuration Engineering –We are still waiting for STEAP approvals. In the meantime, we will begin to submit applications to Land Use.  
  • *TOB Masonry & Door replacement – we have had several contractors scope the project.  We are expecting to go out to bid shortly.
  • *Crumbling Foundations – we continue to track the bills of interest and decide if we want to support any proposed solutions.
  • *Pillars under Town Clerk Office – we have to wait to see if the budget passes as well as the State budget as we have earmarked LoCIP funds for this project.
  • *Transfer Station Parking Lot Paving – This project is also dependent on if our budget and the State budget pass.
  • *Ground Spreader Controls – This project is also dependent on if our budget and the State budget pass.
  • *Reval 2018 – This project is also dependent on if our budget and the State budget pass.
  • *WHFD Parking Lot Replacement – This project is also dependent on if our budget and the State budget pass.
  • *River Road Athletic Complex Lighting – This project is also dependent on if our budget and the State budget pass.
  • *Evergreen Memorial Tree on the Town Green – A plan has been developed and the tree is to be replaced shortly.  Derek and members of the committee are working out a plan.

 Public Works:

Derek Reported the crew has been busy with the following:

  • Sweeping
  • Equipment/vehicle repairs
  • Grade gravel roads
  • Install rip-rap in roadside washouts
  • Set up OTH for budget meeting~
  • Spread playground mulch RRAC
  • Remove old field hockey nets and wood at Halls School~
  • Turn off fire pump at Senior Housing pumphouse fill and flush new fire protection main at Button Hill Senior Housing
  • Burn brush pile at Transfer Station
  • Roadside mowing
  • Remove unwanted items from common room for polling room setup
  • Pothole repair~
  • New Business
  •  Conflicts of interest discussion

First Selectman Mailhos stated that the Selectmen received a letter from resident Doug Roberts, asking for a discussion of the topic of conflicts of interest. Resident Doug Roberts was in attendance and stated that he sent the letter after reading through a recent Board of Finance meeting minutes.  He asked if it is morally responsible or ethical that an individual who is directly involved with companies having a negative impact on the grand list be involved in an advisory role and/or having voting privileges that shape town policy.   He stated that he felt  compelled to ask the Selectmen to discuss it at a meeting.  Mr. Roberts then asked in his letter if a motion would be in order to prevent a potential conflict of interest for anyone involved with an event that negatively impacts the grand list from serving in a role that shapes town policy especially matters involving financial budgets.

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she feels it is important to discuss as the topic has come up several times and in different ways. She added that it was also brought up at a CIP meeting a few months ago.  However, she does not think that the Selectmen have the authority to address it.  As she understands it, the Board of Finance should have the ability to ask the member to recuse themselves if the Board thinks there is a conflict of interest when discussing certain topics; or the board could censure the member.  

Mr. Roberts then stated that the Selectmen usually are involved in the appointing process and asked how that is different; such as when he was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.  First Selectman Mailhos clarified that in this particular case, he was filling a vacancy.  That is different because the Board of Finance members are all elected.

Selectman Blessington said that this topic has been coming up for 20 years and suggested contacting the Town Attorney.  Selectman Kowalyshyn then suggested looking into an ethics commission; since we don’t have one.

Selectman Blessington said maybe now is the time we get the attorney involved to see if we should do something about this; it’s gone on too long.   Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if we should pass this along to the other Board.   First Selectman Mailhos said she can forward this on to the BOF to bring it to their attention.  She then noted that this is the first letter we received on the topic.  It was brought up at a CIP meeting, and one of the members resigned over it.  

Resident Randy Belair then asked Mr. Roberts if he is looking to see the person recuse himself from voting on topics or simply have the person resign from the board entirely.  Mr. Roberts clarified that it is ok for one to voice their opinion, but when it comes time to vote; he thinks the Board of Finance has a lot of power and every decision that comes in front of them is indirectly related to the grand list.  He then noted that he attended a recent BOF meeting and did not like the tone; especially the discussions about the property values declining.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn then suggested looking into creating an ethics commission.  She stated that she will research to see how it works and what we can do.  Selectman Blessington then stated that an ethics board was discussed several years ago, but there was question on who would appoint the members.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated it should be a board; such as all three Selectmen. First Selectman Mailhos then added that it could even possibly be an elected position. She then stated that she wanted to run this by the Board to see if they thought she should contact the attorney.  Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she would like to research a bit first beforehand so we can save some money.   It will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Randy Belair asked what we expect to learn from this – will they be able to remove the person from an elected position?  First Selectman Mailhos stated she doesn’t think they can,  but rather, make a recommendation to ask the person to recuse themselves; or lastly censure them; that is the extent of it.  She then clarified it is her understanding that  the Board of Selectmen do not have the authority to remove anyone from an elected office on any board.

Selectman Kowalyshyn then stated if we had an ethics commission; and a complaint was filed; the discussions would be documented; people will see it; and then perhaps the residents will follow and become involved.  

Mr. Roberts clarified that he does not feel that any of the past votes were suspec; just saying from an ideological aspect,  he is just wondering if it is ethical.  

Award Custodial bid

Robin Campbell stated that we solicited 5 companies for custodial services and received two back:

Opportunity Works:                                      $88,233.60 (annually)

Admiral Cleaning & Maintenance:                         $988.00 per month ($11,856 annually)

Selectman Blessington moved to award the custodial contract to Admiral Cleaning & Maintenance as per their bid of $988.00 per month for the period of July 1, 2017 expiring June 30, 2019.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

The Selectmen asked to clearly state the expectations in the award letter to the cleaning company for the new contract term.

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

Tax Refunds

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $300.17 to Vault Trust Louisville, KY on a certificate of correction.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $53.68 to Vault Trust; Louisville KY on a certificate of correction.

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

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

First Selectman Mailhos moved to refund $$502.46 to VCFS Auto Leasing Company; Mobile, AL on a certificate of correction.

Selectman Kowalyshyn seconded the motion.

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

Conservation Commission appointment clarification

Robin Campbell stated that Jackie Kulig was appointed as an alternate member of the Conservation Commission on April 3, 2017.  It was brought to our attention that the Conservation Commission has an ordinance that states that all appointments shall expire on December 1st of the corresponding year of their appointment.  The book in the Selectmen’s office does not have that information, so we did not know of the rules when she was appointed.   The expiration of her term needs to be corrected.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to correct the expiration date on the appointment of Jackie Kulig (alternate member of Conservation Commission) to be December 1, 2019.

First Selectman Mailhos seconded the motion.

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

Old Business

Crumbling Foundation Update

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she has not heard any news on the crumbling foundations, as state leaders are still working on the budget.  

Randy Belair stated that he has been working on a list of re-assessed properties from the most critically affected towns with a gentleman from Tolland and they are almost ready to submit the information to Senator Guglielmo.  

 State Budget update

First Selectman Mailhos stated that the State budget imploded last week and they have never seen anything like it and it seems to be a big mess.   She stated that it almost looked as if the TRB was going to be removed from all of the municipal budgets but now it is anyone’s guess how it will turn out.  If not, we will definitely see some other type of revenue reduction.      

Selectman Blessington stated that he is still going to vote no on the education budget; not because of the town budget;  but because of the state reduction and he encourages everyone to vote no as well.

First Selectman Mailhos said we will see how it goes as time goes on.  

Fire Hydrant Discussion

Selectman Kowalyshyn stated that she hasn’t called CT Water yet.  She did some research and found out that CT Water pays the town for taxes on the piping for the hydrants (we receive $11,762 annually).  She noted that even though we pay them $7,000 annually for the hydrant piping, she said that we are still making revenue from the taxes.   

First Selectman Mailhos stated that she heard back from the Town of Coventry – they only have one hydrant;  Tolland may be interested to talk to CT Water if they would be able to get the testing done for free; however they get a large revenue from taxes as well;  they do not think that it is a large negotiation point for them.

Robert Wiecenski stated that the Fire Department has asked several times for the flow to be tested – we are paying $7,000 per year and they won’t even test it.  Robin Campbell clarified that the Fire Department was told that CT Water would test it, but would be done for a fee – not that they won’t do it.  

Mr. Wiecenski clarified that the Fire Department just wants to know if there is an adequate flow of water in the event of a fire and they would need to use it.   Selectman Kowalyshyn asked if the Fire Department would be able to budget for the testing, if they wanted to do it.   Mr. Wiecenski said that we paid for the piping to come in and we pay for it; so we should get the testing done at no charge.  

Selectman Kowalyshyn said she doesn’t know if we have the right to ask them to do the testing for free; when they are paying a large amount of taxes on it.  

First Selectman Mailhos asked how often do they need to be tested – is it once per year, or only once?  Mr. Wiecenski stated as far as he knows it has never been done.   Selectman Kowalyshyn said she will check to see how often it needs to be done and the cost associated with it.    Mr. Wiecenski added by knowing the flow rate will help the neighbors with their insurance rates.    

Selectman Kowalyshyn said that she feels better knowing that we get tax revenue and recouping the money.

Good & Welfare

First Selectman Mailhos reminded everyone to get out voting on the budget tomorrow.

A presentation on fracking waste and how to establish a local waste ordinance will be held on Thursday, May 4th at the library at 7pm.

The Planning & Zoning Commission will  review the first draft of the POCD tomorrow night and the consultant will present planimetrics.

The Selectmen received a resignation letter from Jackie Silverstein chairman of the Willington EDC.  They are now down to three members.  The Selectmen thanked Ms. Silverstein for her service on the commission over the years.

Selectman Kowalyshyn moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 P.M.

Selectman Blessington seconded the motion.

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

Respectfully submitted,
Robin Campbell
Administrative Assistant