November 27, 2006 - REGULAR
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, November 27, 2006, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. 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. Approval of Minutes – November 13, 2006
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve the November 13, 2006 Minutes as written. Discussion followed. Selectman Sipples asked First Selectman Klein to confirm two items as stated in those minutes. Mr. Klein acknowledged those items were stated correctly. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Town Attorney Michael Wells was present relative to discussion regarding Reservoir Road Bridge Project. Attorney Wells noted Cardinal Engineering has been selected as the engineering firm for the Reservoir Road Bridge Project. He noted that the Regulations concerning competitive bidding approved in 1992 by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance should be amended to include a new paragraph 10 which he read into the record and which is stated below.
RESOLVED: That the Regulations concerning competitive bidding approved April 13, 1992 by the Board of Selectmen and April 21, 1992 by the Board of Finance are hereby amended, subject to the approval of the Board of Finance, to include a new paragraph 10 as follows:
10. The foregoing requirements shall not be applicable to, and the requirement for competitive bidding shall be satisfied, when the expenditure by the town is a part of a project being undertaken pursuant to a federal or state grant program, and the requirements of said program provide for (a) an alternative system of interview and/or review of potential bidders and (b) the review and approval by the granting authority of all contracts entered into and expenditures made for said project.
There was a brief discussion regarding Quality Based Selection. Attorney Wells suggested making this change now and then discussing the whole Regulation at some future date.
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve following Resolution – That the Board of Selectmen recommends to the Board of Finance that the foregoing amendment to the Competitive Bidding Regulations be approved. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Selectman Dudek asked how the Town will keep track of this change. Attorney Wells suggested the Board of Selectmen maintain a notebook called Selectmen’s Regulations.
First Selectman Klein noted he hoped with the passing of this the Town could move ahead rapidly to resolve issues with the Reservoir Road Bridge. He briefly reviewed the alternative recommendation by Cardinal Engineering for sleeving the Reservoir Road Bridge and the pros and cons of the Federal Program.
There was discussion regarding the use of LOCIP funds. First Selectman Klein noted the Town needs to have a 5 Year Capital Project Plan in place in order to get LOCIP funds. He indicated there should be funds available soon for Alders Bridge. There was discussion regarding using the State Program versus the Federal Program.
Attorney Wells explained the Town needs to appropriate an additional $18,600 for engineering services. The total for Cardinal Engineering is $218,600 and there is $200,000 already available. He reviewed said Resolution for the $18,600. Selectman Dudek asked if the Town pays the bills up front and then gets reimbursed. First Selectman Klein noted these bills are sent to the State and paid by them. Mr. Klein noted the two important stages of this project are surveying and hydrology.
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples - RESOLVED: That the Board of Selectmen recommends to the Board of Finance that a town meeting appropriate the sum of $18,600, to be added to $200,000 previously appropriated, for engineering services for the replacement of Reservoir Road Bridge, said sum to be taken from the Capital Reserve. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Attorney Wells explained the next step is for the Town to enter into an agreement with Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. for engineering services for the design of the replacement of the Reservoir Road Bridge. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples - RESOLVED: That upon the approval of said appropriation by the Board of Finance and Town Meeting, the First Selectman is hereby authorized to enter into a certain agreement entitled Agreement with Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. For Engineering Services Required in Conjunction with the Design of the Replacement of the Reservoir Road Bridge (Bridge No. 04716) Over the Menunketesuck River. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Don McDougall reviewed the Memorandum of Agreement from the State Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security that must be signed, dated and returned with a sealed authorizing resolution. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to authorize First Selectmen Klein to sign the Resolution between the State of Connecticut Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management dated October 18th. Discussion followed. It was noted the governing body in the Town of Killingworth is the Board of Selectmen. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Jere Adametz suggested the Town consider relocation of the services located in the old library building (police, emergency management, etc.). If there is a catastrophe at the Circle some time, all those services will be lost.
Ruth Patrick reviewed the Ordinance to waive property tax less than $5.00. Discussion followed. It was noted Section 12-144c of the Connecticut General Statutes allows for an optional waiver of property tax under $25.00. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to amend and send to Town Meeting An Ordinance that currently states to waive any property tax due in an amount less than $5.00 to $25.00, as per Section 12-144c of the Connecticut General Statutes. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve Tax Refunds totaling amount of $507.11 as reviewed and noted herein – GMAC $452.98 (Sold Motor Vehicle) and Honda Lease Trust $54.13 (Sold Motor Vehicle). Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments & Vacancies – none.
6. Old Business
Items #1 and #2 under Old Business were already discussed under Visitors above.
3. Award of Public Works Sand Bid
First Selectman Klein reviewed letter from Jim Ward, Road Foreman, recommending the Town accept the sand bid from Seashore Construction. Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to award the Public Works Sand Bid to Seashore Construction at the amount of $11.80 per c.y., delivered to the Town of Killingworth. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
Items #1 and #2 under New Business were already discussed under Visitors above.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted there will be an appointment to the Board of Education at Town Meeting tomorrow night.
First Selectman Klein noted the Town Office Building Study Committee will be meeting regularly and Selectman Dudek will be attending as a BOS liaison.
First Selectman Klein noted he would like to form a Killingworth Foundation that would be utilized for various uses in the Town. He is in the process of researching this matter.
First Selectman Klein briefly reviewed several projects going on in Town. Ms. Perry asked about a recent repair that was done at the compactor. Recycling was briefly reviewed.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
First Selectman Klein noted he has a concern about expenditures and would like to keep expenses within reason. He reiterated the $500,000 STEAP Grant will be going to Town Meeting tomorrow night.
Selectman Sipples noted he took exception to the fact First Selectman Klein was putting a cap of $500,000 on the athletic fields.
There was a brief discussion regarding Capital Reserve.
Selectman Sipples noted there is a Town Meeting tomorrow evening with 3 items to be covered. The Board of Education item will be handled by the Board of Ed with very minimal participation from the BOS. With regard to the $500,000 STEAP Grant, it was noted Park & Recreation will be responding to any questions with Chris Kelly assuming the leadership role in discussion. Selectman Sipples suggested Park & Rec appear as a unified body. First Selectman Klein suggested Ed Sipples contact Dan Colonia and make that suggestion.
Selectman Sipples asked whether the Board of Selectmen could go into Executive Session at the end of tonight’s meeting to discuss potential disciplinary actions that have recently come to light. Selectman Dudek noted executive session would be to discuss specific individuals and they would have to be notified of the meeting.
First Selectman Klein reviewed Page 24 of the Town Charter relating to the fact that First Selectman Klein is the Director of Public Works Department, and as such, he is in charge of that department. Selectman Sipples disagreed and noted that the sentence before that in the Charter indicates that all that falls under the general policy making of the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Sipples asked how a certified mail letter sent by the State to First Selectman Klein dated September 27, 2006 was received by the Town on November 20, 2006. The letter pertained to 146 Chestnut Hill Road which the State is offering for sale as is for $25,000. There was no interest in purchasing this property by either First Selectman Klein or Selectman Dudek. It was noted the property is just a rock pile.
Selectman Sipples asked what the status was of the employee performance plan. He asked if there should be a training program for such plan. Selectman Dudek suggested this was a very generic plan and should be put on the next meeting agenda for further discussion. Selectman Sipples noted this plan was highly subjective and he felt that if supervisors were properly trained, this could be a very positive experience. Selectman Dudek reiterated he would like to see this put on the next meeting agenda. There was a brief discussion regarding job descriptions, setting goals for the coming year and letting the employees know what is expected.
Selectman Sipples noted he received a copy of the affordable housing letter that just went out and asked First Selectman Klein why he stated at the last meeting that those letters went out. Mr. Klein had no comment.
Selectman Sipples inquired about a check made out to Bryan Grant Consulting in the amount of $1,200. First Selectman Klein noted this individual was a grant writer for the Town. There is $5,000 in the budget for a grant writer.
Selectman Dudek noted he would like the two Democrat Selectmen to caucus in private and get it over with so there could be a good Board of Selectmen meeting.
Jere Adametz asked why Alders Bridge Road Discontinuance wasn’t on the Town Meeting Agenda. He noted if the road is not abandoned, the Town should plow it.
First Selectman Klein noted in January, he will begin negotiations with KMEA as their contract is done in July. He has consulted with John Amport who will be helping to develop a statistical base of employees.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 8:30 PM. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, November 27, 2006, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. 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. Approval of Minutes – November 13, 2006
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve the November 13, 2006 Minutes as written. Discussion followed. Selectman Sipples asked First Selectman Klein to confirm two items as stated in those minutes. Mr. Klein acknowledged those items were stated correctly. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Town Attorney Michael Wells was present relative to discussion regarding Reservoir Road Bridge Project. Attorney Wells noted Cardinal Engineering has been selected as the engineering firm for the Reservoir Road Bridge Project. He noted that the Regulations concerning competitive bidding approved in 1992 by the Boards of Selectmen and Finance should be amended to include a new paragraph 10 which he read into the record and which is stated below.
RESOLVED: That the Regulations concerning competitive bidding approved April 13, 1992 by the Board of Selectmen and April 21, 1992 by the Board of Finance are hereby amended, subject to the approval of the Board of Finance, to include a new paragraph 10 as follows:
10. The foregoing requirements shall not be applicable to, and the requirement for competitive bidding shall be satisfied, when the expenditure by the town is a part of a project being undertaken pursuant to a federal or state grant program, and the requirements of said program provide for (a) an alternative system of interview and/or review of potential bidders and (b) the review and approval by the granting authority of all contracts entered into and expenditures made for said project.
There was a brief discussion regarding Quality Based Selection. Attorney Wells suggested making this change now and then discussing the whole Regulation at some future date.
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve following Resolution – That the Board of Selectmen recommends to the Board of Finance that the foregoing amendment to the Competitive Bidding Regulations be approved. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Selectman Dudek asked how the Town will keep track of this change. Attorney Wells suggested the Board of Selectmen maintain a notebook called Selectmen’s Regulations.
First Selectman Klein noted he hoped with the passing of this the Town could move ahead rapidly to resolve issues with the Reservoir Road Bridge. He briefly reviewed the alternative recommendation by Cardinal Engineering for sleeving the Reservoir Road Bridge and the pros and cons of the Federal Program.
There was discussion regarding the use of LOCIP funds. First Selectman Klein noted the Town needs to have a 5 Year Capital Project Plan in place in order to get LOCIP funds. He indicated there should be funds available soon for Alders Bridge. There was discussion regarding using the State Program versus the Federal Program.
Attorney Wells explained the Town needs to appropriate an additional $18,600 for engineering services. The total for Cardinal Engineering is $218,600 and there is $200,000 already available. He reviewed said Resolution for the $18,600. Selectman Dudek asked if the Town pays the bills up front and then gets reimbursed. First Selectman Klein noted these bills are sent to the State and paid by them. Mr. Klein noted the two important stages of this project are surveying and hydrology.
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples - RESOLVED: That the Board of Selectmen recommends to the Board of Finance that a town meeting appropriate the sum of $18,600, to be added to $200,000 previously appropriated, for engineering services for the replacement of Reservoir Road Bridge, said sum to be taken from the Capital Reserve. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Attorney Wells explained the next step is for the Town to enter into an agreement with Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. for engineering services for the design of the replacement of the Reservoir Road Bridge. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples - RESOLVED: That upon the approval of said appropriation by the Board of Finance and Town Meeting, the First Selectman is hereby authorized to enter into a certain agreement entitled Agreement with Cardinal Engineering Associates, Inc. For Engineering Services Required in Conjunction with the Design of the Replacement of the Reservoir Road Bridge (Bridge No. 04716) Over the Menunketesuck River. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Don McDougall reviewed the Memorandum of Agreement from the State Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security that must be signed, dated and returned with a sealed authorizing resolution. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to authorize First Selectmen Klein to sign the Resolution between the State of Connecticut Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management dated October 18th. Discussion followed. It was noted the governing body in the Town of Killingworth is the Board of Selectmen. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Jere Adametz suggested the Town consider relocation of the services located in the old library building (police, emergency management, etc.). If there is a catastrophe at the Circle some time, all those services will be lost.
Ruth Patrick reviewed the Ordinance to waive property tax less than $5.00. Discussion followed. It was noted Section 12-144c of the Connecticut General Statutes allows for an optional waiver of property tax under $25.00. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to amend and send to Town Meeting An Ordinance that currently states to waive any property tax due in an amount less than $5.00 to $25.00, as per Section 12-144c of the Connecticut General Statutes. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve Tax Refunds totaling amount of $507.11 as reviewed and noted herein – GMAC $452.98 (Sold Motor Vehicle) and Honda Lease Trust $54.13 (Sold Motor Vehicle). Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments & Vacancies – none.
6. Old Business
Items #1 and #2 under Old Business were already discussed under Visitors above.
3. Award of Public Works Sand Bid
First Selectman Klein reviewed letter from Jim Ward, Road Foreman, recommending the Town accept the sand bid from Seashore Construction. Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to award the Public Works Sand Bid to Seashore Construction at the amount of $11.80 per c.y., delivered to the Town of Killingworth. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
Items #1 and #2 under New Business were already discussed under Visitors above.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted there will be an appointment to the Board of Education at Town Meeting tomorrow night.
First Selectman Klein noted the Town Office Building Study Committee will be meeting regularly and Selectman Dudek will be attending as a BOS liaison.
First Selectman Klein noted he would like to form a Killingworth Foundation that would be utilized for various uses in the Town. He is in the process of researching this matter.
First Selectman Klein briefly reviewed several projects going on in Town. Ms. Perry asked about a recent repair that was done at the compactor. Recycling was briefly reviewed.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
First Selectman Klein noted he has a concern about expenditures and would like to keep expenses within reason. He reiterated the $500,000 STEAP Grant will be going to Town Meeting tomorrow night.
Selectman Sipples noted he took exception to the fact First Selectman Klein was putting a cap of $500,000 on the athletic fields.
There was a brief discussion regarding Capital Reserve.
Selectman Sipples noted there is a Town Meeting tomorrow evening with 3 items to be covered. The Board of Education item will be handled by the Board of Ed with very minimal participation from the BOS. With regard to the $500,000 STEAP Grant, it was noted Park & Recreation will be responding to any questions with Chris Kelly assuming the leadership role in discussion. Selectman Sipples suggested Park & Rec appear as a unified body. First Selectman Klein suggested Ed Sipples contact Dan Colonia and make that suggestion.
Selectman Sipples asked whether the Board of Selectmen could go into Executive Session at the end of tonight’s meeting to discuss potential disciplinary actions that have recently come to light. Selectman Dudek noted executive session would be to discuss specific individuals and they would have to be notified of the meeting.
First Selectman Klein reviewed Page 24 of the Town Charter relating to the fact that First Selectman Klein is the Director of Public Works Department, and as such, he is in charge of that department. Selectman Sipples disagreed and noted that the sentence before that in the Charter indicates that all that falls under the general policy making of the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Sipples asked how a certified mail letter sent by the State to First Selectman Klein dated September 27, 2006 was received by the Town on November 20, 2006. The letter pertained to 146 Chestnut Hill Road which the State is offering for sale as is for $25,000. There was no interest in purchasing this property by either First Selectman Klein or Selectman Dudek. It was noted the property is just a rock pile.
Selectman Sipples asked what the status was of the employee performance plan. He asked if there should be a training program for such plan. Selectman Dudek suggested this was a very generic plan and should be put on the next meeting agenda for further discussion. Selectman Sipples noted this plan was highly subjective and he felt that if supervisors were properly trained, this could be a very positive experience. Selectman Dudek reiterated he would like to see this put on the next meeting agenda. There was a brief discussion regarding job descriptions, setting goals for the coming year and letting the employees know what is expected.
Selectman Sipples noted he received a copy of the affordable housing letter that just went out and asked First Selectman Klein why he stated at the last meeting that those letters went out. Mr. Klein had no comment.
Selectman Sipples inquired about a check made out to Bryan Grant Consulting in the amount of $1,200. First Selectman Klein noted this individual was a grant writer for the Town. There is $5,000 in the budget for a grant writer.
Selectman Dudek noted he would like the two Democrat Selectmen to caucus in private and get it over with so there could be a good Board of Selectmen meeting.
Jere Adametz asked why Alders Bridge Road Discontinuance wasn’t on the Town Meeting Agenda. He noted if the road is not abandoned, the Town should plow it.
First Selectman Klein noted in January, he will begin negotiations with KMEA as their contract is done in July. He has consulted with John Amport who will be helping to develop a statistical base of employees.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 8:30 PM. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
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