1.25.2006

January 25, 2006 - REGULAR

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were First Selectman Martin Klein, Selectman Edward Sipples and a number of invited guests. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM. 2. Discussion of Wettish Property
Town Counsel Michael Wells reviewed the strategy for the Town Meeting. He suggested the following presentation. 1) Introduction by the First Selectman to give background information. 2) Review of the contract that has been approved and signed (to be done by Attorney Wells). 3) How to pay for the purchase (BOF Chair John McMahon will do). 4) What is the Town going to do with that property. BOF Chair McMahon noted he would explain financing in general and would then turn it over to Bond Counsel who could explain in detail how the bonds will impact the mil rate, how they are structured and how they work. The issue of moderator was briefly discussed. Attorney Wells asked whether questions should be held to the end of the entire presentation or whether they could be asked at the end of each of the four parts. Mr. McMahon noted he would like to see questions after each part. He felt if they were saved to the end there would be a lot of repeat questions. Gwenne Lally noted she would like to see a question period after each part, but that questions are limited to that particular section. Rich Cabral agreed with Ms. Lally. Bob Aft suggested a time frame be issued for questions after each part. Attorney Wells felt the most questions would come with the financing and use issues. There was discussion regarding the mil rate. Attorney Wells noted there is a survey for this property and a current A2 will be available in March. Seating at the head table was reviewed. Bonding information was reviewed. John Himmelman asked if the Town would go to the State for matching funds. Selectman Sipples noted he wasn’t aware of matching funds but there is grant money available which the Town will go after. It was noted the grant needs to be obtained before the property is purchased. Attorney Wells noted it is the date of the grant application that matters and not the actual purchase date of the property. It should be noted at the Town Meeting the Board of Selectmen are exploring all the available grant monies. It was noted the Town Meeting is to discuss the issue of buying a piece of property and the discussion should not be encumbered by bonding and minutia issues.

Mr. Cabral asked what the restrictions would be for the property if a State grant were received. Selectman Sipples reviewed this issue as it related to the Bosco property as an example. There was discussion regarding the ‘drawing of the line’.

It was noted other questions would come out regarding traffic, parking and neighborhood concerns. Mr. Cabral noted anything related to the fields should be allowed. It was noted use of the fields would be active and passive recreation, land banking and open space. It was agreed cost of the fields was an important item that should be noted at the Town Meeting.

Mr. Board noted he had pictures of the Wettish property that would be available.

Mr. McMahon reminded everyone there should also be discussion not only about the recreation fields but the fact there is open space and controlled development through this property purchase.

Selectman Sipples reviewed the history of recreation fields in the Town of Killingworth. He noted there are a lot of recreation people that will vote no on this subject unless a portion of the Wettish property is dedicated to recreation fields. He noted a few people walked the Wettish property last Saturday and a plan has been formulated. That plan was distributed and reviewed by Mr. Sipples. Mr. Himmelman reviewed the wetlands. First Selectman Klein noted he thought the purpose of the town meeting was to discuss the purchase of the property and not a development plan. There was much discussion as to whether there should be a concept plan available at the Town Meeting as to what would happen with the Wettish property. Attorney Wells suggested he and Selectman Sipples work together on a short presentation as to what would happen with the property. Mr. Aft cautioned that the townspeople should not be overwhelmed by a grand plan for recreation. The restriction on the property was reviewed. Uses for the property were reviewed including land banking. Selectman Sipples reviewed the topic of questions from the audience. The issue of moderator was briefly reviewed. Should the status of the Venuti property be discussed during this meeting?

Attorney Wells briefly summarized the order of business for the Town Meeting.

3. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

1.21.2006

January 21, 2006 - REGULAR

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Saturday, January 21, 2006, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT. In attendance were First Selectman Martin Klein, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectman Edward Sipples (arrived during WPCA discussion under Visitors). First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

2. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by First Selectman Klein, to approve the January 9, 2006 Minutes as written. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein.

Motion by Selectman Dudek to approve the December 12 and December 19, 2005 Minutes as written. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein.

3. Visitors
It was noted Ruth Patrick was not present.

Darryl Smith, WPCA Chairman, gave an update on what the WPCA is doing. One of the duties of WPCA is to monitor septic tank pump outs in Town and manage the data base of that information. He noted 450 to 550 premises are pumped annually, therefore, there is a total of 450,000 to 550,000 gallons of septage going into the lagoons. Mr. Smith reviewed the monitoring of the lagoons for alkalinities, manganese, chlorides, etc. The State of Connecticut has issued a health advisory for manganese in drinking water. The Town is 8 to 10 times higher than the standard. There is a concern about the impact of the lagoons on the water quality and environment. There was discussion regarding an anonymous tip to DEP that sewage was being pumped out of the lagoons on to the ground. It was determined this was in fact occurring in order to lower the liquid level in the lagoons to take the sludge out. Mr. Ward has been notified this was not acceptable and should not continue. The capacity of the lagoons was reviewed. There was discussion regarding remediation of the lagoons. Mr. Smith noted DEP has certain standards for closing such sites. He suggested the Town do a voluntary plan for remediation. Mr. McMahon noted the cost of remediation is unknown at this time. Mr. Smith stated the cost would be substantial.

First Selectman Klein noted they will also be looking at and testing the Bargate Trail wells.

4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Selectman Sipples, second by First Selectman Klein, to approve tax refund to Todd Chase in the amount of $72.17 for refund of excess payment (car destroyed). Voting in favor – Sipples, Klein, Dudek.

5. Appointments & Vacancies
Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to appoint Timothy N. Elliott, Mark S. Clifton and Derrick Schull to Land Use Committee. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein.

Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to appoint D. Gumbart, S. Davenport, C. Martens, T. Berman to the Open Space Committee. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein.

The appointment of Ingrid Balck-O’Donnell to Public Health was tabled until the next meeting to allow the Board to obtain further information.
The Justices of the Peace Vacancies will also be tabled until the next meeting.

6. Old Business
1. Reservoir Road Bridge
First Selectman Klein noted he has been attempting to determine if the dollars have been secured for this project, but has been unsuccessful to date in doing so. It appears that the former First Selectman never received an actual letter stating the dollars were secured. Hopefully there will be further information on this at the next meeting. First Selectman Klein noted the bailey bridge is available. The Town will have to pick it up, assemble it and when finished with it, disassemble it and return it to New Jersey. It can only be kept for two years. In the meantime if the State finds a need for it, the State could pull it out without any notice to the Town.

7. New Business
1. Town Counsel Appointment/Michael Wells
First Selectman Klein noted he would like to appoint Michael Wells as Town Attorney. Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by First Selectman Klein, to appoint Michael Wells of Gould, Larson, Bennet, Wells & McDonnell as Town Attorney. Discussion followed. First Selectman Klein noted that Planning & Zoning and Inland Wetlands have the option of choosing their own attorney. He also noted the Tax Assessor has used Howard & McMillan for a long period of time. There was discussion as to whether the Assessor should use the appointed Town Counsel or stay with Howard & McMillan. First Selectman Klein noted he has not finalized his decision on this matter with the Tax Assessor. Selectman Dudek noted the Town Charter provides that P&Z and IWWC can use their own attorney, but felt that remaining offices and departments should all use the appointed Town Counsel. First Selectman Klein noted the Town recently has had a ton of legal bills and stated it wasn’t good policy to use a number of law firms to represent the Town. He indicated the Taz Assessor uses Town Counsel a great deal during reval, but he would have no problem informing the Assessor to utilize the services of the new Town Counsel. Selectman Dudek noted he would like to be assured that all offices would use the newly appointed Town Counsel unless there is pending litigation. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples.

2. Set BOS Budget Meeting Dates
The Board of Finance budget meeting schedule was reviewed. A preliminary schedule for Board of Selectmen budget meetings will be prepared and reviewed upon Selectman Dudek’s return.

3. Wettish Property
Motion by Selectman Sipples, second by Selectman Dudek, to consider, discuss and vote upon a resolution to set the time of the referendum to be held on February 15, 2006 to begin at 6:00 AM and end at 8:00 PM. Voting in favor – Sipples, Dudek, Klein.

4. Discussion of Time Clocks
First Selectman Klein noted Time Clocks will be installed at the Public Works Department, The clocks do all the computations. There will hopefully be a savings from the surge protector at Town Hall to cover the cost.

5. Helping Hands
First Selectman Klein reviewed the space available for Helping Hands. He noted the Town will be utilizing one bay at the garage across from the Town Hall for this purpose from now on. A new room with 200 AMP service, shelving, and access to both side and overhead doors will be made available. This will make things a lot easier. The Lions Club is taking on this project, but the Town might have to help out. There was a brief discussion regarding the fact that the Board of Selectmen had already given approval for Youth & Family Services to be in Killingworth one day a week and utilize the upstairs room. It was agreed to revisit the issue of ‘right of privacy’ relating to Youth & Family Services.

6. Hazardous Waste
There was a brief discussion relating to the appointment of a CRERPA liaison that would volunteer 2 to 3 hours a week from April through October to work at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

7. Testing Wells
This was discussed earlier in the meeting.

8. Authorization of Town Meeting
Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to take to Town Meeting the re-appropriation of $50,000 for Regional District #17 Building Fees to be financed by offsetting billings to Regional School District 17; to authorize the overexpenditures in excess of $10,000 for the following line items – Town Counsel $50,908, Town Engineer $26,056, Medical Insurance $20,059, Snow Removal $148,178, Tax Refunds $14,972 and Miscellaneous Grants $21,604, said overexpenditures to be funded by underexpended general fund appropriations totaling $281,777; and to authorize the appropriation of $30,784 from General Fund undesignated fund balance to fund overexpenditures of less than $10,000 as approved by the Board of Finance totaling the same. Discussion followed. BOF Chair John McMahon noted the reappropriation of the building fees is just a bookkeeping issue. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein.

9. MK Announcements
10. Selectmen’s Concerns
A brief discussion was held regarding the PAYT Committee and whether any payment has been received from Willimantic Waste Company. Selectman Dudek asked who was making the decision to haul the container out and take it to Willimantic. First Selectman Klein noted it takes one hour to go to Essex and three hours to go to Willimantic. Selectman Sipples suggested the PAYT Chairperson be asked to come to the next Selectmen’s meeting, along with a Highway Department person (Jim Ward or Walter Adametz) to straight out this matter. Selectman Dudek noted the agreement was that the Town would try using Willimantic Waste to see if it was economically feasible. It was noted the Committee members are handing out the new transfer station stickers during the month of January and thereafter Town Hall staff will be handling it. Selectman Sipples suggested renaming this Committee to the Transfer Station and Recycling Committee. Selectman Dudek noted that if a Public Works Committee is established, this group should be eliminated and the newly established Public Works Committee should take on the transfer station, highway department, maintenance of the town hall, etc.

Selectman Sipples noted he had a concern that the Board of Selectmen hasn’t put together its strategy yet for the Town Meeting to sell the Wettish property. The Board should have a unified comprehensive approach and have good reasons to make the purchase. First Selectman Klein noted there would be a moderator, he (Klein) would make a few introductory remarks, the BOF Chair would speak, as well as Bond Counsel, Town Attorney and then Land Use members. Thereafter the moderator would accept questions from the public. It was agreed a Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen with invited guests would be a good thing. Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at 7:00 PM was agreed upon.

First Selectman Klein noted he had someone from Fairfield County who was interested in the Bosco farmhouse. He would meet with that individual and give them a tour. Mr. Klein suggested selling that parcel with 7 acres, 2 for the house and 5 for the 490 classification. That would still allow for access to the school and the rear of the Bosco property.

11. Adjournment
Motion by First Selectman Klein, second by Selectman Sipples, to adjourn at 4:20 PM. Voting in favor – Klein, Sipples, Dudek.

1.09.2006

January 9, 2006 - REGULAR

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, January 9, 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. Approval of Minutes – December 12 (regular meeting) and 19 (special meeting), 2006
After a brief review, it was noted both sets of minutes will be tabled and approved at the next meeting.

3. Visitors
R. Cabral – Board of Education Liaison
Mr. Cabral gave an update from the Board of Education. He indicated there would be a new mathematics program implemented for next year. He reviewed English Language Arts, Science and Mathematics programs. He stated there were a number of economic efficiencies that were realized and applied by the District. Mr. Cabral reviewed those items stating the total savings was around $180,000, but also noted this was not excess money but rather went to the increased cost of fuels. A volunteer incentive retirement program would take effect on 7/1/06 in an effort to decrease the impact of the new building coming on line for half of this year and a full year next year. Mr. Cabral indicated the school district would not be impacted by the electrical rate increase that became effective in Connecticut because an agreement had been signed 3 months ago as part of a consortium. He reviewed the 6 cents per gallon State tax on fuel noting they are working with State legislators to do something about this and will report back to the BOS the first meeting in February as to their strategic plan. They are working on identifying student interns for the Killingworth Town Office Building per First Selectman Klein’s request. Mr. Cabral noted there is a Building Committee meeting on January 11th at 7:00 PM, Lower Level High School Media Center, and reviewed the topics for discussion. Arrangements have been made by the Superintendent for computers to be installed at the Haddam Senior Center and Jensen’s so that high school students can teach seniors computer classes for community service. Mr. Cabral noted the BOE is going into budget preparation for the next year and distributed copies of the time line for such process. First Selectman Klein asked Mr. Cabral if the list of savings he had previously reviewed were sustainable. Mr. Cabral reviewed specific items in a little more detail. He also reviewed class sizes for the various grades. First Selectman Klein asked Mr. Cabral if he was comfortable with the projections for the system and the response was yes. Mr. Klein noted it was important that the BOS receive a BOE report on a monthly basis. Mr. Cabral replied that he would be happy to do so and would also start reporting on upcoming budget issues.

4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
First Selectman Klein reviewed the list of tax refunds. Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to approve tax refunds as reviewed (list attached). Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

5. Appointments/Vacancies
1. Russell David White – IWWC
Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to appoint Russell David White to the IWWC. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

2. Planning & Zoning – James O’Brien moving
5. Housing Partnership
First Selectman Klein noted that Jim O’Brien is moving so there is a vacancy on Planning & Zoning and Housing Partnership.

3. Emergency Management – David Hale
Motion by Selectman Sipples, second by First Selectman Klein, to appoint David Hale to Emergency Management. Voting in favor – Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to appoint Louis DesJardins to Emergency Management. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

4. Municipal Historian – W. David LeVasseur
Motion by Selectman Sipples, second by First Selectman Klein, to appoint W. David LaVasseur as Municipal Historian. Voting in favor – Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

6. Restaurant Sanitarian – Interim Appointment
Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to appoint Aimie Eberly as Restaurant Sanitarian (1 year for restaurant inspector). Discussion followed. First Selectman Klein noted Ms. Eberly will be appointed for one year until the present sanitarian receives his State certification. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

6. Old Business
1. Reservoir Road Bridge
First Selectman Klein noted the Reservoir Road Bridge has to be replaced. The question is what should the Town do in the interim. He noted the solution is probably to go with a Bailey Bridge in the interim which will be one lane but will be open to fire apparatus, etc. This will allow time to do the preliminary work for the federal program to get the proper permits. Permitting could take a year and then another year for construction after that. Selectman Dudek asked if the Town Engineer had already secured the dollars with the State. First Selectman Klein indicated he did not know, but would have an answer by the next meeting.

2. Discussion of Public Health District
Selectman Sipples noted he had attended three recent meetings pertaining to the Public Health District. He indicated there was another meeting scheduled for January 12th that he could not attend and asked whether one of the other selectmen could attend in his absence. Selectman Sipples noted the State is looking for two things from Killingworth – 1) letter of intent that the Town is interested in joining the Health District, and 2) preliminary agreement that doesn’t bind the Town to anything, but makes the Town eligible for $5000 as a bonus incentive to study the matter. It was noted that before any decision can be made on this the Board must have a description of what the Killingworth Health services and expenses are. Selectman Dudek noted he didn’t see anything in the presentation that was remotely attractive.

Lou Annino indicated the Board of Selectmen can make a recommendation on this matter, but a decision of this magnitude should be made by Town Meeting.

Pat Smulders noted that CRERPA thinks the Town could save in the end and it should be well educated in this matter.

Mike Wells noted the Agreement has already been signed by a number of towns. He also noted it is ultimately a Town Meeting decision after approved by the Board of Selectmen.

Mr. Sipples noted Wayne Addy asked if the Town had considered regionalizing with the Town of Haddam. He also noted First Selectman Tony Bondi (Haddam) was lukewarm to the idea but would be interested in talking about it. First Selectman Klein noted he would be happy to attend a meeting between Bondi, Sipples and Klein if one were arranged by Mr. Sipples.

7. New Business
1. CCM vs. COST – E. Sipples
Selectman Sipples noted he attended both the CCM and the COST conferences. He explained the difference between CCM and COST. CCM has a lot of resources and staff. COST is mainly a one person staff and formed for a different reason. The Town of Killingworth belongs to COST and not CCM. Selectman Sipples noted the Town of Killingworth now has a 6 month trial membership with CCM so it can see what kind of services they offer. Selectman Sipples noted there is a meeting of COST on February 14th and asked if First Selectman Klein could attend. Selectman Dudek noted it was his impression that CCM does more for the larger cities like New Haven, etc. Selectman Sipples noted most towns belong to both CCM and COST and that Killingworth is the only town that is not a member of CCM. The fee to join COST is about $800. The fee to join CCM is about $4000.

2. Anthem BC/BS – Selling of 777 Shares/Payout Contribution to Health Plan
4. AFSCME – “Anthem” Demutualization Remittance
First Selectman Klein noted he has settled with the Union regarding this matter. He indicated the stock should be sold and distributed to the six employees that have paid in since 2000 and the balance from the sale of stock should be put into the Pension Fund for the Town employees. If the Town doesn’t do this, there will be a lengthy process of litigation that could go on for years. Motion by Selectman Sipples, second by First Selectman Klein, to approve payment of $1000 to each of the following regarding the Anthem Demutualization – Walter Adametz Jr., Mark Albrecht, Gregory Alfierio, Irene DesJardins, Carol Gordon and Donna Shanoff. Voting in favor – Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

3. Wettish Property – Acquisition/Discussion and Vote/Req. from Board of Finance
Attorney Michael Wells gave a brief update regarding the purchase of the Wettish property. He indicated he had signed contracts from the Wettish family and a set of motions from Bond Counsel that the Board of Selectmen must approve in order to move forward with this purchase. Attorney Wells reviewed the set of motions authorizing the First Selectman to enter into a contract to purchase the Wettish property, that the BOS request an appropriation of $10,000 from the Board of Finance as a deposit and that the Town approve appropriation and bond authorization of $2,650,000 for the purchase of real property. The restrictive covenant was reviewed and it was noted that if the current property owner moves, that covenant disappears. It was noted the environmental study would be done before the Town Meeting, but the survey would not be done by the Town Meeting.

Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, that RESOLVED, that the First Selectman is authorized to enter into a contract to purchase the Wettish property on Parker Hill Road Extension, said contract providing for a purchase price of $2,450,000 and conditioned upon approval of Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission, Town Meeting/Referendum, receipt of a satisfactory A2 Survey including wetlands of the property and a satisfactory environmental Phase I Study Report, and a temporary conservation restriction on a portion of the property, all as set forth in the contract reviewed by the Board of Selectmen. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Selectman Sipples, second by Selectman Dudek, that RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen request an appropriation from the Board of Finance in the amount of $10,000 to be used to fund a deposit to be paid in accordance with the contract to purchase the Wettish property on Parker Hill Road Extension. Voting in favor – Sipples, Dudek, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, for Appropriation and Bond Authorization of $2,650,000 for the Purchase of Real Property –

At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen held on January 9, 2006 on a motion by Board Member Dudek and seconded by Board Member Sipples, the following resolutions were adopted:

RESOLVED, that

(i) the Town appropriate the sum of $2,650,000 for the cost of the purchase of all that certain piece or parcel of land, located on Parker Hill Road Extension in Killingworth, Connecticut, and being identified on the Killingworth Assessor Map 17 as Lot 14, and being more particularly described in Volume 102, page 229 of the Killingworth Land Records (the “Wettish Property”), as well as temporary and permanent financing costs and all other costs associated therewith (the “Project”), and to meet said appropriation and in lieu of a tax therefore, bonds of the Town be issued pursuant to Chapter 109 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Town Charter or any other provision of law thereto enabling, in the maximum principal amount of $2,650,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary after deducting grants or others sources of funds available therefore; and
(ii) that the First Selectman and the Treasurer be authorized to issue and sell bonds or temporary notes of the Town not to exceed $2,650,000 in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds from the sale of such bonds and to determine the amount, date, date of maturity, interest rate, form and other details of such bonds or notes, pursuant to Chapter 109 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the Town Charter or any other provisions of law thereto enabling, provided that the proceeds from the sale of such bonds or notes shall be used for said purpose; and
(iii) that the First Selectman and the Treasurer of the Town shall sign the bonds or notes by their manual or facsimile signatures and that the law firm of Pullman & Comley, LLC is designated as bond counsel to approve the legality of the bonds or notes; and
(iv) that the First Selectman and the Treasurer, or either of them, be authorized to designate a bank or trust company to be the certifying bank, registrar, transfer agent and paying agent for the bonds or notes; to sell the bonds or notes at public or private sale; to deliver the bonds or notes; and to perform all other acts which are necessary to appropriate to issue the bonds or notes. If the bonds or notes authorized by this resolution are issued on a tax-exempt basis, the First Selectman and the Treasurer, or either of them, are authorized to bind the Town pursuant to such representations and covenants as they deem necessary or advisable in order to maintain the continued exemption from federal income taxation of interest on the bonds or notes, including covenants to pay rebates of investment earnings to the United States in future years; and
(v) that the First Selectman is hereby authorized to purchase the Wettish Property and to enter into all agreements and execute such documents and instruments which are necessary or appropriate to purchase such property.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen hereby recommends to the Board of Finance that it approve the appropriation for $2,650,000 for the Project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, provided the Board of Finance approves the above-recommended appropriation, the Town convene a Special Town Meeting to be held on February 7, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. at Killingworth Elementary School, Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut to consider but not vote upon the resolution authorizing the appropriation and financing for and the purchase of the Wettish Property referenced above.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen, pursuant to Section 7-7 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, hereby removes the item described above on the call of such town meeting for submission to the voters on February 15, 2006 for vote by voting machine by the voters entitled to vote at such town meeting during the hours from twelve o’clock p.m. and eight o’clock p.m. (unless determined otherwise by the electors at the town meeting to assemble as set forth herein) at the Killingworth Elementary School, Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut under the following heading:


Shall the Town of Killingworth (the “Town”) appropriate $2,650,000 for the cost of the purchase of all that certain piece or parcel of land, located on Parker Hill Road Extension in Killingworth, Connecticut, being identified on the Killingworth Assessor Map 17 as Lot 14, and being more particularly described in Volume 102, page 229 of the Killingworth Land Records, as well as temporary and permanent financing costs and other costs associated therewith, authorize the issuance of bonds and notes in the amount of $2,650,000 to finance such appropriation and authorize the purchase of such property.


The moderator of such town meeting shall adjourn such meeting after reasonable discussion of such item and conclusion of such other business as may properly come before the town meeting and order such vote by voting machine in accordance with this resolution and Section 7-7 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town reasonably expects to incur expenditures (the “Expenditures”) in connection with the capital project for which a general functional description is provided in the resolution above. The Town reasonably expects to reimburse itself for the cost of the Expenditures and the proceeds of general obligation bonds and notes of the Town described above. The maximum principal amount of such debt (both bonds and notes) is not expected to exceed $2,650,000. This declaration of official intent is a declaration of official intent made pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.150-2.

Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

5. Sludge Lagoons
First Selectman Klein noted he went to the last WPCA meeting and discussed the status of the sludge lagoons. He noted the capacity of the sludge lagoons is 350,000 gallons and it is currently up to 500,000 gallons. The Town of Essex also has the same problem. The Town of Killingworth needs to move on this before DEP takes action. First Selectman Klein noted he has contacted a few engineers to get bids to remediate the situation. It could be very costly. The Town should put bids out to pumpers and make sure that the ones the Town recommends are bonded and have excellent equipment. First Selectman Klein noted he would have more information at a later date regarding this matter.

6. Discussion of Establishment of Ethics Commission
There was a brief discussion regarding the establishment of an Ethics Commission. It was noted First Selectman Klein would pass the model copy that had been distributed along to Town Counsel for review and to see what the liability ramifications were of having or not having an Ethics Commission.

7. Discussion of Bosco Property Alternatives
Selectman Sipples reviewed the status of the Bosco Property and what alternatives the Town now have for its use. He explained the first option was to use the front portion of the property between the hand-drawn line and Route 81 for active recreation. The Town would then apply for grant money for the remaining portion of the property. The second option was to use all the Bosco property for recreation. Mr. Sipples noted it was his understanding the grant money has been reallocated to another piece of property. First Selectman Klein noted he would research the status of the grant money. Selectman Sipples noted Region 17 might now be interested in purchasing a portion of the Bosco property for the new Middle School. Selectman Dudek noted Mr. Cabral stated this topic was going to be discussed at an upcoming meeting. Selectman Sipples reviewed the status and/or disposition of the Bosco farmhouse. He noted the Historical Society is no longer looking at the Bosco farmhouse for its museum. Perhaps some acreage could be swapped with the State of Connecticut to gain access to the plateau area. In summary, the 3 options are 1) sell a portion of the property closest to the new Middle School to RSD 17, 2) sell the Bosco farmhouse along with some adjacent land, and 3) contact the State of Connecticut and inquire about swapping land to get access to the plateau area. Pat Smulders noted the Bosco property was originally purchased by the Town as Open Space/Passive Recreation and asked how the Town could sell it or change it now. Mr. Sipples noted the question to purchase it was not that specific. Selectman Dudek noted the original Resolution would have to be looked at to determine the purpose for the property. Selectman Dudek noted the farmhouse is just sitting there and will rot away unless something is done with it. First Selectman Klein noted would like to survey a piece of property around the house and separate deed it to sell it. The property in front could be sold to the school to expand. This of course must be done without landlocking the rest of the property.

Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by First Selectman Klein, to add Agenda Item #8 under New Business – Resolution for Opposition to Liquified Natural Gas Facility known as Broadwater Energy. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

8. Resolution for Opposition to Liquified Natural Gas Facility
First Selectman Klein read the Resolution into the record. Pat Smulders noted a lot of shoreline communities have adopted this Resolution opposing this facility. Several Congressmen and Attorney General Blumenthal have spoke against it also. Motion by Selectman Dudek, second by Selectman Sipples, to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Resolution for Opposition to the Liquified Natural Gas Facility. Discussion followed. It was noted this facility presents a hazard to the community and interferes with recreational possibilities of Long Island Sound. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted he finds the amount of paperwork involved with this job very unsettling and asked everyone to please bear with him while he tries to cope with these matters.

9. Selectmen’s Concerns
Selectman Dudek noted he received a copy of a letter dated December 15th from the Library Association requesting approval of work from a leak and asked if this had been taken care of. First Selectman Klein replied yes.

Phil Stull noted he would like the BOS to consider a Traffic Study Committee. Selectman Dudek noted traffic should be reviewed any time there is a subdivision. Selectman Dudek distributed a draft copy of a Public Works Committee charge that might be considered in the future. There was a very brief discussion regarding whether the Town Engineer might at some time possibly take on a second hat as Town Foreman.

Selectman Sipples noted he had a concern that the Town Charter is not clear enough as to the roll of the Board of Selectmen. He referenced Section 6 (d) and (e) as well as Section 7-3. He felt the Charter was not clear enough because the First Selectman has been doing a lot of functions without consulting with the Board. Selectman Dudek noted he didn’t think the First Selectman had to come to the Board with every little thing to be discussed. Selectman Sipples noted he wasn’t concerned with every little thing, but was concerned about general policy. Selectman Dudek suggested Selectman Sipples go to the Charter Revision Committee if he has a problem with the Charter not being clear enough and let them know what his concerns are. Selectman Sipples reviewed a few topics that he felt should have been discussed with the full Board before decisions were made. There was continued discussion back and forth between the 3 selectmen about various topics and the meeting was brought to a close as the discussion ended.

11. Adjournment
There being no further discussion, the meeting ended at 9:35 PM.