August 14, 2006 - REGULAR
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, August 14, 2006, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were First Selectman Martin Klein, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectman Edward Sipples. First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Approve Minutes of July 24, 2006
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to approve July 24, 2006 Minutes amended as follows –
Page 1, add the following Motion under Tax Abatements and Refunds – Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to abate the taxes for the Town of Killingworth on the Wettish property in the amount of $2,523.72. SO VOTED.
Page 2, 3rd paragraph, add First Selectman Klein as voting in favor of the motion to install two speed limit signs on Lovers Lane.
Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Phil Stull noted he submitted a Citizen Petition back in January requesting the Board of Selectmen appoint an ad hoc traffic committee to study the road system in Town and have an overview of what’s happening in town. The Town should be proactive in this rather than reactive. The uses of the roads should be looked at as well as speed and ways of improving the quality of life in Killingworth. He suggested a public hearing should be held to gather ideas from the citizens to identify areas of concern. Phil Stull and Jere Adametz volunteered to be on the committee. Other members could be sought from the Town Committees. Dudek noted that if the committee were appointed now, it would have to be reappointed in January. Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to establish a Traffic Study Committee consisting of five members in addition to the acting Town Highway Foreman and one member of the Public Safety Community with the charge being to gather information concerning vehicular, pedestrian, and other users of Killingworth’s road system and make a report containing proposals to the KBOS intended to increase safety and to help maintain Killingworth’s rural character. Voting in favor – Sipples, Dudek, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Jere Adametz noted the narrow part of Alders Bridge Road has been reconstructed and there is runoff on to his property. He indicated the Town cannot run water on to private property without permission. Mr. Adametz stated he would like the matter corrected or a letter from the Town indicating this is temporary and will be corrected when the proper drainage is installed. First Selectman Klein noted this will be taken under consideration.
Tom Lentz was present representing the Killingworth Historical Society along with Julia McCurdy and Heather ?. Mr. Lentz noted Julia and Heather have been working at Union District Cemetery restoring grave stones. Some tree work had been done at the Cemetery and unfortunately there was some damage to some of the grave stones. Ms. McCurdy gave a brief summary of the restoration work they have been doing at the cemetery and that they found several broken head stones after the tree work had been done. She noted she was sad to see the disrespect that had occurred. They spoke to the Resident Trooper, but was told that because this wasn’t willful damage it could not be pursued as a criminal matter, but was a civil matter. The tree cutting crew has denied any responsibility for damaging the stones or making any compensation for damages. She urged the Town to pursue whatever needs to be done to recover damages. Both Messrs. Klein and Lentz contacted the Wilcox Tree cutting people. The Board of Selectmen noted that before this can be pursued, it must have a dollar amount for the damages. A dollar amount will be determined and given to First Selectman Klein who will contact Wilcox and, if necessary, then contact the Town Attorney. Mr. Klein noted he didn’t think Wilcox did this willfully. He also noted that Mr. Broach was invited to be at the cemetery during the tree cutting work, but did not attend.
Mike Board submitted a 2 page Freedom of Information request to see various documents.
4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the tax abatements and refunds as reviewed and copy attached to these Minutes. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments and Vacancies – none.
6. Old Business
1. Traffic Commission – P. Stull
This item was discussed under Visitors above.
2. Sludge Lagoon Testing – Update
First Selectman Klein noted he was waiting for the final letter from the State as to what to do. Arrangements must be made for the dewatering and soil testing. The testing will cost approximately $11,000. First Selectman Klein noted he would like to have the lagoon closed by the end of the year, but it takes time to get a response from the State. There was a brief discussion about this work going out to bid. Selectman Dudek noted there might be a State bid list for this type of work. There are 15 specific work elements in the Plan of Action that must be addressed. First Selectman Klein noted this will be discussed further at another meeting.
7. New Business
1. Roll-Off Truck Bid
The following 5 bids were received and opened at the BOS meeting –
1. Stanley Burr $2,165.00
2. Gerald Wiknik $1,700.00
3. LPS Assoc. LLC $5,551.00 (Peter and Linda Venuti)
4. Ed O’Connell $4,100.00
5. Chester Marina $5,113.00
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to accept the highest bid for the Roll Off Truck from LPS Associates LLC (Peter and Linda Venuti) in the amount of $5,551.00. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
2. Progress on Bonding
First Selectman Klein noted he had a meeting scheduled tomorrow with the bonding people to review the process. Moody’s, the rating agency, will be calling on Wednesday asking a lot of questions about the community, population, education, household income, etc. There was discussion about what would be included in the bonding (notes from Bosco and Wettish properties, infrastructure cost). It was noted the school bond has nothing to do with this issue. Peter Venuti suggested the Town should look into just going to a bank to borrow funds as well. Selectman Dudek noted the Town has already voted to go out bond and has picked Webster Bank as the bonding representative.
3. Dev. Of Athletic Fields
Shelly Cumpstone and Chris Kelly were present from Park & Recreation. She noted the initial plan for 5 soccer fields was for $700,000. A letter from Connecticut Office of Policy and Management dated July 24, 2006 from Robert Genuario was reviewed. This letter noted there was a change in scope of the $500,000 STEAP grant from the Transfer Station project to various recreation improvements on the Wettish property. Ms. Cumpstone noted they would come to the Town at some point for the additional $200,000. Mr. Kelly noted they have a topographic survey in 2 foot contours, but have not located an engineer yet. Selectman Dudek noted Park & Rec should come back to the BOS when they have an engineering cost. It was not known whether prevailing wage would have to be complied with.
4. Emergency Management & Homeland Security/Memorandum of Understanding
Don McDougal noted he was present to ask the Board of Selectmen to approve financing for the generator at Killingworth Elementary School (funds to be reimbursed by the State). The cost was $44,531 including installation. Selectman Dudek asked if there was a signed document indicating these funds were reimbursable and earmarked specifically for Killingworth. Mr. McDougal replied yes – 2004 was $24,000; 2005 was $21,000 and 2006 was $4,500. It was noted the Memorandum of Understanding has to be signed first and then the dollars can be applied for. Selectman Sipples inquired about the diesel fuel tank that had been approved at the last meeting. First Selectman Klein noted that money was not reimbursable. Ms. Scofield asked if the new school had a generator. First Selectman Klein replied yes and Superintendent Mala has said Killingworth could use it if necessary. Selectman Sipples noted Essex just held a meeting with the townspeople explaining what the emergency situation would be. First Selectman Klein noted he would be happy to hold a similar meeting in Killingworth to alert the public. Mr. McDougal noted a meeting is being set up with Mr. Mala to tour the new school. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, that the First Selectman be authorized to go to the Board of Finance to request an additional appropriation in the amount of $44,531 with the understanding that this money is reimbursable by the Department of Homeland Security if in fact, the Town has a valid signed Agreement between the State of Connecticut and Town of Killingworth. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein, Opposed – none. Motion Carried. Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for 2005 for $22,217. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. CRERPA – Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
Selectman Dudek noted he has not read this Plan yet and would like to do so. This will be put on the next agenda.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted the following –
Alders Bridge Road – Tilcon will be grading and putting in the asphalt by Wednesday. The following week the soil berm will be put in and the apron cut. CL&P will move the pole and wires.
Bellard Property/Route 81/Green Hill Road – A Town Meeting will be held on August 29th to accept the Bellard property. By the end of next month, drawings should be complete and this can go out to bid. Catch basins will be needed on the Vet property next door.
Burr Hill Road – Planning on commencing construction by July 1, 2007 to widen the road by 10 feet and install new railings. Bids will be sent out.
Reservoir Road Bridge – The Committee is working on this. They have 5 engineering companies to interview and they will then make their decision.
Mowing was discussed. A complaint was received on River Road. Walter Adametz noted mowing is being done at intersections.
Selectman Sipples noted it was reported at the last meeting there were 104 complaints from residents and asked what is being done with these. First Selectman Klein noted they are being handled as they come in. Mr. Adametz noted a lot of the complaints were for road sweeping which the Town was not going to do this year. First Selectman Klein noted road sweeping is being done selectively.
Jere Adametz noted there was a dead tree on Alders Bridge Road that finally came down during a storm and is laying in his field. He would like it removed so he can mow his field.
There was a brief discussion regarding a complaint letter from Richard Welch, Jackson Road, about cars for sale and road sweepings being dumped at the corner of Routes 148/145. Mr. Adametz noted that when the Town Crew has time they pick up the road sweepings and remove them.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
Selectman Dudek did not have any concerns.
Selectman Sipples reviewed the following –
Selectman Sipples asked First Selectman Klein if he responded to the “Generations Together” letter mentioned at the last meeting. Mr. Klein indicated he did not recall. Selectman Sipples noted he keeps bringing this up and Mr. Klein keeps ignoring it. First Selectman Klein noted there just aren’t enough hours in the day and he is overwhelmed.
Selectman Sipples asked what the status was of his request made at a recent meeting for the Land Use Committee to assist Park & Recreation with the plans for the Wettish property. First Selectman Klein noted he has not done anything yet with that; it is more important at this point to get the funds. Sipples asked Klein if he was going to determine if Park & Rec wanted the Land Use Committee to assist them or was he going to ignore that to. First Selectman Klein did not respond and departed from the meeting at 8:46 PM.
Selectmen Dudek and Sipples continued with the meeting.
Selectman Sipples noted there is a meeting on Friday about repair of a bridge on Route 80, ¼ mile south of the Traffic Circle. Walter Adametz briefly reviewed this project which is scheduled to start in April 2007.
Selectman Sipples asked Selectman Dudek about the status of the network administrator. Dudek noted he is meeting with one of the bidders this week and will do a write up for the other selectmen. Selectman Sipples asked if he could have copies of the 3 bids and Dudek replied yes.
Selectman Sipples noted First Selectman Klein had talked about an energy purchasing program and asked about its status. Selectman Dudek noted this needs further discussion.
Selectman Sipples noted there had been no presentation yet regarding Affordable Housing. Dudek noted the Assessor was going to supply copies to the Selectmen of what needs to be done for the coming year, but nothing has been received yet. Lou Annino noted he took umbrage with the service in the Town Hall, and specifically in the Assessor’s office. He suggested the Board of Selectmen review this matter.
Selectman Sipples asked about the invitation to a Region 17 event to be held on August 28th. Dudek replied he was not attending. Sipples wanted to know who would be representing Killingworth.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Voting in favor – Sipples, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, August 14, 2006, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were First Selectman Martin Klein, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectman Edward Sipples. First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Approve Minutes of July 24, 2006
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to approve July 24, 2006 Minutes amended as follows –
Page 1, add the following Motion under Tax Abatements and Refunds – Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to abate the taxes for the Town of Killingworth on the Wettish property in the amount of $2,523.72. SO VOTED.
Page 2, 3rd paragraph, add First Selectman Klein as voting in favor of the motion to install two speed limit signs on Lovers Lane.
Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Phil Stull noted he submitted a Citizen Petition back in January requesting the Board of Selectmen appoint an ad hoc traffic committee to study the road system in Town and have an overview of what’s happening in town. The Town should be proactive in this rather than reactive. The uses of the roads should be looked at as well as speed and ways of improving the quality of life in Killingworth. He suggested a public hearing should be held to gather ideas from the citizens to identify areas of concern. Phil Stull and Jere Adametz volunteered to be on the committee. Other members could be sought from the Town Committees. Dudek noted that if the committee were appointed now, it would have to be reappointed in January. Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to establish a Traffic Study Committee consisting of five members in addition to the acting Town Highway Foreman and one member of the Public Safety Community with the charge being to gather information concerning vehicular, pedestrian, and other users of Killingworth’s road system and make a report containing proposals to the KBOS intended to increase safety and to help maintain Killingworth’s rural character. Voting in favor – Sipples, Dudek, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Jere Adametz noted the narrow part of Alders Bridge Road has been reconstructed and there is runoff on to his property. He indicated the Town cannot run water on to private property without permission. Mr. Adametz stated he would like the matter corrected or a letter from the Town indicating this is temporary and will be corrected when the proper drainage is installed. First Selectman Klein noted this will be taken under consideration.
Tom Lentz was present representing the Killingworth Historical Society along with Julia McCurdy and Heather ?. Mr. Lentz noted Julia and Heather have been working at Union District Cemetery restoring grave stones. Some tree work had been done at the Cemetery and unfortunately there was some damage to some of the grave stones. Ms. McCurdy gave a brief summary of the restoration work they have been doing at the cemetery and that they found several broken head stones after the tree work had been done. She noted she was sad to see the disrespect that had occurred. They spoke to the Resident Trooper, but was told that because this wasn’t willful damage it could not be pursued as a criminal matter, but was a civil matter. The tree cutting crew has denied any responsibility for damaging the stones or making any compensation for damages. She urged the Town to pursue whatever needs to be done to recover damages. Both Messrs. Klein and Lentz contacted the Wilcox Tree cutting people. The Board of Selectmen noted that before this can be pursued, it must have a dollar amount for the damages. A dollar amount will be determined and given to First Selectman Klein who will contact Wilcox and, if necessary, then contact the Town Attorney. Mr. Klein noted he didn’t think Wilcox did this willfully. He also noted that Mr. Broach was invited to be at the cemetery during the tree cutting work, but did not attend.
Mike Board submitted a 2 page Freedom of Information request to see various documents.
4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the tax abatements and refunds as reviewed and copy attached to these Minutes. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments and Vacancies – none.
6. Old Business
1. Traffic Commission – P. Stull
This item was discussed under Visitors above.
2. Sludge Lagoon Testing – Update
First Selectman Klein noted he was waiting for the final letter from the State as to what to do. Arrangements must be made for the dewatering and soil testing. The testing will cost approximately $11,000. First Selectman Klein noted he would like to have the lagoon closed by the end of the year, but it takes time to get a response from the State. There was a brief discussion about this work going out to bid. Selectman Dudek noted there might be a State bid list for this type of work. There are 15 specific work elements in the Plan of Action that must be addressed. First Selectman Klein noted this will be discussed further at another meeting.
7. New Business
1. Roll-Off Truck Bid
The following 5 bids were received and opened at the BOS meeting –
1. Stanley Burr $2,165.00
2. Gerald Wiknik $1,700.00
3. LPS Assoc. LLC $5,551.00 (Peter and Linda Venuti)
4. Ed O’Connell $4,100.00
5. Chester Marina $5,113.00
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to accept the highest bid for the Roll Off Truck from LPS Associates LLC (Peter and Linda Venuti) in the amount of $5,551.00. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
2. Progress on Bonding
First Selectman Klein noted he had a meeting scheduled tomorrow with the bonding people to review the process. Moody’s, the rating agency, will be calling on Wednesday asking a lot of questions about the community, population, education, household income, etc. There was discussion about what would be included in the bonding (notes from Bosco and Wettish properties, infrastructure cost). It was noted the school bond has nothing to do with this issue. Peter Venuti suggested the Town should look into just going to a bank to borrow funds as well. Selectman Dudek noted the Town has already voted to go out bond and has picked Webster Bank as the bonding representative.
3. Dev. Of Athletic Fields
Shelly Cumpstone and Chris Kelly were present from Park & Recreation. She noted the initial plan for 5 soccer fields was for $700,000. A letter from Connecticut Office of Policy and Management dated July 24, 2006 from Robert Genuario was reviewed. This letter noted there was a change in scope of the $500,000 STEAP grant from the Transfer Station project to various recreation improvements on the Wettish property. Ms. Cumpstone noted they would come to the Town at some point for the additional $200,000. Mr. Kelly noted they have a topographic survey in 2 foot contours, but have not located an engineer yet. Selectman Dudek noted Park & Rec should come back to the BOS when they have an engineering cost. It was not known whether prevailing wage would have to be complied with.
4. Emergency Management & Homeland Security/Memorandum of Understanding
Don McDougal noted he was present to ask the Board of Selectmen to approve financing for the generator at Killingworth Elementary School (funds to be reimbursed by the State). The cost was $44,531 including installation. Selectman Dudek asked if there was a signed document indicating these funds were reimbursable and earmarked specifically for Killingworth. Mr. McDougal replied yes – 2004 was $24,000; 2005 was $21,000 and 2006 was $4,500. It was noted the Memorandum of Understanding has to be signed first and then the dollars can be applied for. Selectman Sipples inquired about the diesel fuel tank that had been approved at the last meeting. First Selectman Klein noted that money was not reimbursable. Ms. Scofield asked if the new school had a generator. First Selectman Klein replied yes and Superintendent Mala has said Killingworth could use it if necessary. Selectman Sipples noted Essex just held a meeting with the townspeople explaining what the emergency situation would be. First Selectman Klein noted he would be happy to hold a similar meeting in Killingworth to alert the public. Mr. McDougal noted a meeting is being set up with Mr. Mala to tour the new school. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, that the First Selectman be authorized to go to the Board of Finance to request an additional appropriation in the amount of $44,531 with the understanding that this money is reimbursable by the Department of Homeland Security if in fact, the Town has a valid signed Agreement between the State of Connecticut and Town of Killingworth. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein, Opposed – none. Motion Carried. Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for 2005 for $22,217. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. CRERPA – Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
Selectman Dudek noted he has not read this Plan yet and would like to do so. This will be put on the next agenda.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted the following –
Alders Bridge Road – Tilcon will be grading and putting in the asphalt by Wednesday. The following week the soil berm will be put in and the apron cut. CL&P will move the pole and wires.
Bellard Property/Route 81/Green Hill Road – A Town Meeting will be held on August 29th to accept the Bellard property. By the end of next month, drawings should be complete and this can go out to bid. Catch basins will be needed on the Vet property next door.
Burr Hill Road – Planning on commencing construction by July 1, 2007 to widen the road by 10 feet and install new railings. Bids will be sent out.
Reservoir Road Bridge – The Committee is working on this. They have 5 engineering companies to interview and they will then make their decision.
Mowing was discussed. A complaint was received on River Road. Walter Adametz noted mowing is being done at intersections.
Selectman Sipples noted it was reported at the last meeting there were 104 complaints from residents and asked what is being done with these. First Selectman Klein noted they are being handled as they come in. Mr. Adametz noted a lot of the complaints were for road sweeping which the Town was not going to do this year. First Selectman Klein noted road sweeping is being done selectively.
Jere Adametz noted there was a dead tree on Alders Bridge Road that finally came down during a storm and is laying in his field. He would like it removed so he can mow his field.
There was a brief discussion regarding a complaint letter from Richard Welch, Jackson Road, about cars for sale and road sweepings being dumped at the corner of Routes 148/145. Mr. Adametz noted that when the Town Crew has time they pick up the road sweepings and remove them.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
Selectman Dudek did not have any concerns.
Selectman Sipples reviewed the following –
Selectman Sipples asked First Selectman Klein if he responded to the “Generations Together” letter mentioned at the last meeting. Mr. Klein indicated he did not recall. Selectman Sipples noted he keeps bringing this up and Mr. Klein keeps ignoring it. First Selectman Klein noted there just aren’t enough hours in the day and he is overwhelmed.
Selectman Sipples asked what the status was of his request made at a recent meeting for the Land Use Committee to assist Park & Recreation with the plans for the Wettish property. First Selectman Klein noted he has not done anything yet with that; it is more important at this point to get the funds. Sipples asked Klein if he was going to determine if Park & Rec wanted the Land Use Committee to assist them or was he going to ignore that to. First Selectman Klein did not respond and departed from the meeting at 8:46 PM.
Selectmen Dudek and Sipples continued with the meeting.
Selectman Sipples noted there is a meeting on Friday about repair of a bridge on Route 80, ¼ mile south of the Traffic Circle. Walter Adametz briefly reviewed this project which is scheduled to start in April 2007.
Selectman Sipples asked Selectman Dudek about the status of the network administrator. Dudek noted he is meeting with one of the bidders this week and will do a write up for the other selectmen. Selectman Sipples asked if he could have copies of the 3 bids and Dudek replied yes.
Selectman Sipples noted First Selectman Klein had talked about an energy purchasing program and asked about its status. Selectman Dudek noted this needs further discussion.
Selectman Sipples noted there had been no presentation yet regarding Affordable Housing. Dudek noted the Assessor was going to supply copies to the Selectmen of what needs to be done for the coming year, but nothing has been received yet. Lou Annino noted he took umbrage with the service in the Town Hall, and specifically in the Assessor’s office. He suggested the Board of Selectmen review this matter.
Selectman Sipples asked about the invitation to a Region 17 event to be held on August 28th. Dudek replied he was not attending. Sipples wanted to know who would be representing Killingworth.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Voting in favor – Sipples, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
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