Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, May 9, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held April 25, 2005
3. Visitors: KMEA Members, R. Cabral
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
5. Appointments/Vacancies:
    1. KLA
    2. Charter Revision Committee
6. Old Business:
    1. KMEA/Contract Discussion
    2. Lover's Lane
    3. PAYT; change of Transfer Station Hours
    4. Reservoir Road Bridge
7. New Business:
    1. Town Web Page
8. First Selectmen's Announcements
9. Selectmen's Concerns
10. Executive Session: Personnel Matters (Building Official)
11. Adjournment
Agenda as of 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, 5/04/05
Printable version

The Animal Control Officer is looking for a dog house to use at the 'Canine Castle". The Town is looking for a donation of a medium to large dog house in good condition. If any resident has one to donate please contact Officer Smith at 663-2439.
UPDATE 5/9/05: Officer Smith reports that she has already received several responses and has accepted the donation of two dog houses. Thank you!

On April 26, Plainfield Greyhound Park announced that dog racing would end at the Connecticut dog track on May 14. There is an admirable effort underway to find homes for some 1000 greyhounds that will not be used or moved to other racing facilities. The new owner of the park, New England Raceway developer Gene Arganese of Trumbull, announced last year his intention to build a $400 million NASCAR-style oval racetrack near the dog track. The Connecticut Post reported that Arganese halted greyhound racing to begin construction on the new facility. Greyhound rescue groups are sending out the word to dog lovers in every part of the country to find homes for these gentle, graceful dogs.

According to Greyhound Pets of America, Karen Keelan, executive vice president of Plainfield Greyhound Park, said that the track has committed available resources to ensure that greyhounds displaced by the decision to cease greyhound racing will be sent to another track to race; be returned to the farm or owner, whether for breeding purposes or placement in a local adoption program; or placed in homes as pets in accordance with the wishes of the greyhound owners. "Greyhound welfare is our first priority and we will keep the kennel area open until the greyhounds are suitably placed," Keelan said.

For more information on this story or to find out more about greyhound adoption here are some helpful links.
As Racing Ends, What About the Dogs? - New York Times
Connecticut Greyhound Park Closes Doors - Casino Times
Track close leaves dogs homeless - Connecticut Post
Greyhound Pets of America
Make Peace With Animals
Greyhounds as Companions

Haddam-Killingworth Middle School Principal, Miriam Furey-Wagner, recently released the honor roll listing for the third marking period of the 2004-2005 school year. Middle School Honor Roll

The Haddam-Killingworth Baseball team defeated Hyde on Monday (photos below), 7-3. Tyler Riordan picked up his fifth win of the year with 10 strikeouts and just 4 hits against. Devin Bell went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs.

On Wednesday, the Cougars got just one run in the fifth to blank Valley Regional. Peter Rynkowski kept his record a perfect 5-0 on the mound and drove in the Cougar's only run.

The HK Softball team fell to North Branford, 7-2, on Monday. Chelsea Griswold gave up 8 hits for only her second loss of the season.

On Wednesday Softball got back on track and demolished Valley, 11-0. Griswold improved her record to 8-2, giving up just three hits on the day. Kyle Emshwiller had 3 hits and 4 runs scored and Rachel Langevin had 2 hits and 2 RBIs.

The Boys Golf team defeated Morgan, 190-200 on Monday. Scores were: Peter Jessey 45; Logan MacCellan 47; Adam Rendiz 49 and T.J.Aceto 49.

The HK Lacrosse team lost an excited game, 6-7, to Fitch on Saturday. Fitch scored the first goal and HK's Ashley Smith answered. Then Fitch scored 3 unanswered goals to go into the half, 4-1. In the second half, Fitch scored two more in the opening minutes before the Cougars started their attack. HK came all the way back to 6-7 before time ran out. Scoring for the Cougars were: Ashley Smith: 3 goals, 1 assist; Ali Thomson, 2 goals; Jessica Bellonio, 1 goal; Meredith Burke, 1 assist. Coach Matteo said, "We were so strong defensively in the midfield. If the ball made it's way to the defensive end, Liz Scovill, Sarah Ferjak, and Amanda Murray played great low defensive, and really shut down Fitch's aggressive defense".

The Middletown Press reported that the lawsuit brought by Haddam-Killingworth High School junior Timothy Hedrick against the School District has been resolved. The family, however, states that they will not settle until Hedrick's record is expunged.

Hedrick was disciplined by the Board of Education for an alcohol-related incident on school grounds in January and served a 90 day expulsion. He filed suit against the District in Middlesex Superior Court on April 15. The family contends that the way Hedrick was treated was in "violation of the [his] Constitutional Rights to Due Process under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution and under the Constitution of the State of Connecticut". The lawsuit requests reinstatement of the student and expunging of the student's record. Hedrick is represented by attorney Ronald J. Piombino of Burdick & Piombino in Madison, is requesting unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and attorney's fees.

Killingworth Building Official Richard Leighton pleaded not guilty, yesterday in Superior Court in Middletown, to charges of overbilling the four towns he worked for and misusing the Town of Essex computers according to today's Hartford Courant. He remains on the municipal payrolls in Killingworth, Deep River and Fenwick. Leighton's next court date is June 9.

Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Charles Macunas has announced the Third Quarter Honor Roll for the 2004-2005 school year. Find the complete list here.

State Senator Edward Meyer, Chairman of the General Assembly's Select Committee on Children, recently hailed the passage of S.B. 1309, "An Act Concerning School Nutrition" in the State Senate. The measure would eliminate the sale of soda in schools, call for a recommended list of healthy snacks, and provide for at least 20 minutes of daily physical exercise for students without disabilities during the regular school day. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"The health and well-being of our state's children is of the utmost importance," Sen. Meyer said. "The New England Journal of Medicine recently reported that as much as 16 percent of children, ages six to nineteen, are at risk of developing obesity, and that 50 percent of all obese six year olds are projected to become obese adults. These are school-aged children who will benefit greatly from less sugar and more exercise."

The bill requires the State Department of Education to publish a list of recommended snack food and will limit the beverages that can be sold in schools to water, dairy and non-dairy milk, 100% fruit juice, and fruit-based drinks that are at least 50% juice and have no added natural or artificial sweeteners. The bill also requires physical exercise beyond physical education class for students in grades kindergarten through fifth, and the establishment of School Wellness Committees.

"There's no reason to give our children sugary sodas when there are a wide variety of healthier alternatives, and most importantly, water," Sen. Meyer explained. "Healthier choices coupled with increased exercise--of at least 20 minutes in duration--will help our state combat the childhood obesity epidemic, and allow our state's children to lead longer, healthier lives."

Sen. Meyer concluded, "It is relevant that this nutrition bill was opposed by the Coca Cola and PepsiCo companies."

The Regional School District No. 17 Board of Education and Superintendent wish to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the voters of Haddam and Killingworth for their support leading to the passage of the 2005-2006 operating budget.

As stated throughout the budget development process, both the Board of Education and the school district are committed to operating efficiently and effectively while maintaining programs that contribute to the future success of the children of Haddam and Killingworth. Additionally, they will continue to utilize organizational features that serve to foster a sense of community in all schools and the school district as a whole.

Connecticut author P.W. Catanese was on hand at the KES Book Fair last night to sign copies of his newly released children's novel, The Thief and the Beanstalk. This is the first of three books, termed 'further tales' being published by Aladdin Paperbacks, a division of Simon and Schuster. The novels are sequels of a sort to famous fairy tales. To find out more about the author and his novels go to www.pwcatanese.com.

The KES-PTO moved the Annual Book Fair to the gymnasium this year so shoppers, readers and just browsers could take their time and enjoy the evening looking over a few good books. The Family Night held in the adjacent part of the gym was also well attended, with games, crafts and plenty of refreshments. The book fair will continue all this week during school hours with children browsing and buying during designated times. Tonight, KES will present its Annual Art Show and Ice Cream Social. Parents with children in grades K-2 are encouraged to come between 6:15-7:00, and for grades 3-5, between 7:15-8:00.

Killingworth voters turned in good numbers today to pass the Region 17 School budget, 594-442. The 22.7 percent turn out was significantly higher than last year's 16.7 percent showing. The Town has 4549 registered voters and 10 additional eligible taxpayers. The 152 vote margin was only slightly closer than last year's 159 vote margin with 332 less total votes.

The real surprise for long-time residents was that the Town of Haddam passed the budget. With a 60% higher turnout than last year, Haddam voters passed its first school budget since 1999, 545-530. Haddam has passed the budget only five times in the last fifteen years. The results in Haddam have been scheduled for a re-count because of the 15 vote margin, and the tally from the 70-80 voters in Haddam Neck have not been counted in. Regardless, it looks certain that Superintendent Gary Mala has successfully passed his first budget.

The local teachers union along with the schools' parent-teacher organizations worked together to get out the vote. Susan Dean, a teacher at Killingworth Elementary School, said she thought the success was due to the total cooperation from everyone involved. She especially praised the work of Mala.
Update: Haddam Neck voters defeated the budget 27 in favor and 45 against. The total Haddam vote showed a 3 vote defeat.

Historical Society Tag Sale
The Killingworth Historical Society will hold its ANNUAL SPRING TAG SALE at the Black Rock School on Route 81 and Recycle Way. The sale will be held rain or shine from 8:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. The Society is still seeking quality items for the sale. Household items, collectables, tools and antiques are needed. Please call 663-2327 to arrange for pickup.

Lions Club Birdhouse Sale
The Killingworth Lions Club will sell Bluebird Houses from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. under the Lions' Tent on Recycle Way and Route 81. Each Bluebird House will sell for $10.00. Quantities are limited. All proceeds will benefit the Killingworth Lions charitable activities. A brochure, written by Naturalist John Himmelman of Killingworth, will be included with each Bluebird House. The brochure details the proper installation and placement of these houses.

Evergreen Garden Club Plant Sale
The Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale rain or shine from 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The plant sale will be held at Recycle Way, next to the library on Route 81. Our knowledgeable garden club members will be on hand to assist you with all of your plant purchases. The garden club will have perennials, annuals and herbs as well as hanging plants for Mother's Day. All proceeds will benefit the Killingworth Evergreen Garden Club scholarship fund.

Library Book Sale
The Killingworth Library will hold a book sale with books and videos; all genres at nominal prices from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Library.

Killingworth Democratic Town Committee Bake Sale
Sunday, May 8 is Mothers' Day and this year it's your turn to entertain the family. Relatives are coming from the far corners of the earth. There is so much to do with no time to bake and no bakery around the corner. But if you get a head start, the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee is having a bake sale from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Recycle Way. Top off your meal with cookies, cakes, pies, and fudge, all prepared by our renowned pastry chefs. Come early for some unique culinary offerings. If you are fortunate enough to have an invitation for Mothers' Day, charm your hosts with a luscious Haute Cuisine dessert from the KDTC. You can even purchase charming notepaper and a bumper sticker or two.

Nursery School Association 'Tiny Tots' Fair
The Killingworth Nursery School Association will sponsor its 39th Annual 'Tiny Tots' Fair rain or shine from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Congregational Church in Killingworth. The will have games and activities for children preschool through grade three. Admission is $.50. Refreshments will be sold with profits benefiting the Nursery School Association.

This week, Killingworth Democratic Town Committee member Kathleen Amoia offers her comments on Killingworth Volunteerism .

The best of what Killingworth represents will be on display this Saturday along Route 81 and Recycle Way. Volunteers will be raising money for the organizations and causes in which they ardently believe. From teens to seniors, people will be selling various treasures and goodies, exchanging ideas, and enjoying the satisfaction of being part of a community effort.
full story.

The Haddam-Killingworth Boys Tennis team swept all seven matches yesterday against Valley Regional at the HK Courts. Match scores were:
1 singles: Alessio Gallarotti def. Jesse Frendlich, 6-0,6-2
2 singles: Jeff Moskey (pictured below) def. Brett Roussel, 6-2,4-6,6-3
3 singles: Ryan Murray def. Reynolds Risseeuw, 6-1, 7-5
4 singles: Tom Koniuta def. Tanner Alsop, 6-1, 7-5
5 singles: Andy Otis def. Chris Thiele, 6-4,6-2
1 doubles: Chris Laudano & Ryan Hawkins def. Edwin Sojos & Alex Learned, 6-3, 6-0
2 doubles: Alex Langevin & Alex Waldman def. Will Scholes & Matt Fisher, 6-2,6-4

The Killingworth Lions Club will sponsor its second adults night out this Saturday, May 7 at the Old Town Hall on the grounds of the Congregational Church in Killingworth. This Killingworth Coffee House will feature talented local artists from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Too Blue, a contemporary bluegrass swing quartet, from 9:00-10:30 p.m.

The band features Joan Harrison on banjo; Betsy Rome on guitar; Jack Murphy on bass and Michael Sassano on the mandolin. Bluegrass Unlimited said, "... a class production from a contemporary bluegrass band that knows how to put swing into their bluegrass."

Admission is $5.00 at the door. Coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, desserts and snacks will be sold. For directions or more information, call 663-1789 or 663-2226.

Notice from the Assessor's Office
The deadline for filing for the Homeowners Tax Relief Program is MAY 16, 2005. Those Homeowners over 65 years old by December 31, 2004, or totally disabled, whose total maximum income, including Social Security, is $27,100 if single or $33,000 if married, may now apply at the Assessor's office.

Please call 663-2002 for an appointment. Applicants must show proof of income.

Veterans may also apply for additional exemptions at this time; qualifying incomes are the same as above. Deadline filing date for the Veterans program only is October 1, 2005.

Applications for Killingworth's local Senior & Disabled Tax Relief Program will also be taken at this time. Residence at current address must be longer than 12 Months and maximum allowable total income (including Social Security etc.) is $40,000 or less for this program only. Filing period deadline for this program is May 16, 2005.

The Killingworth Youth League held its Opening Day Ceremonies, Saturday despite a steady drizzle and cool temperatures. Parents huddled under umbrellas and watched from their cars, but there was plenty of heat on the pitching mounds and bright enthusiasm from players and coaches happy to get the spring baseball and softball seasons underway.

Bill Silas, President of the KYL Board of Directors threw out the first pitch at the ceremonies prior to the majors' game between the Yankees and the Cardinals. Games were being played at all the available Killingworth fields; Sheldon Park, Rocco Reale and the fields at Killingworth Elementary.

Special mention and praise of resident Eric Auer's plans to build more fields for baseball and soccer was made during the opening day welcome. The Killingworth Youth League consists of 35 teams for boys and girls ages 6-14. For more information and game schedules, visit the KYL website at www.kylbaseball.org

A Room of Her Own: Women's Personal Spaces
by Chris Casson Madden
ISBN: 0517599392

The author and designer Chris Casson Madden has created an enticing book that explores the dreamy concept of having a private room or area of one's own. Madden divulges the favorite spaces of thirty-eight women, with beautiful color photographs illustrating the sanctuaries each has created. Settings include a top floor loft, a tiny Norwegian style outbuilding, a thatched-roof cottage, a barn, and a wraparound terrace overlooking Central Park West.

The women's uses of the spaces are as varied as the individuals who created them. For some women, the space is a working place to create sculpture, or design textiles or pottery. For others, the space is a natural retreat with an ocean view or a mountain vista. All of the spaces provide a safe retreat for reflection and rejuvenation.

Chris Casson Madden has appeared on Oprah and written columns for Self magazine. Other books she has published include Chris Casson Madden's New American Living Rooms and Haven: Finding the Keys to Your Personal Decorating Style.

Susan Miller will be taking a short hiatus from her book reviews to transition into a new and exciting position. We look forward to her return. You may still reach her to comment at covertocover@killingworthtoday.com