June 26, 2006 - REGULAR
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, June 26, 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
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve June 14, 2006 Minutes as written. SO VOTED.
3. Visitors
Andrew Merola from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities was present to give a presentation on their Energy Purchasing Progam. He distributed copies of the Program to the Board members. Mr. Merola noted they have developed a program to help school districts and municipalities and encouraged the Board to explore options in the competitive electric market. He indicated there were 72 participants in the program and 50 of those have already signed long term contracts. It was noted RSD17 went with a different group in conjunction with RSD15 for a period of 3 years.
Jeff Reisman, Peter Venuti and Steve Hollander were present from the PAYT Committee. Discussion pursued regarding the outsourcing of cardboard and mixed paper to Willimantic Waste. It was pointed out that with increased oversight and management, more can be fit into the bins which would be more attractive to Willimantic. Numbers were distributed for MSW, G&P and Cardboard for the period November 2005 thru May 2006. These numbers were reviewed in detail. It was noted right now the mixed paper is being brought to Essex and its costing the Town money. Selectman Dudek noted that before a decision is made the Town must get a ruling on the legal aspect mentioned in previous discussions. There was discussion regarding maintenance of the compactor. Mr. Reisman urged the Board to get all the facts it needs and the Town should then do a controlled experiment. August 1st was suggested as a date to start. It was noted it was the Board’s consensus to go ahead with this, but a date was not officially agreed upon.
4. Tax Abatements/Refunds – none.
5. Appointments/Vacancies
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to rescind the appointment of William Hayden as Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate. SO VOTED.
6. Old Business
1. Bid Opening – Bosco House/Parcel
First Selectman Klein noted there were no responses to the bid for the Bosco House/Parcel. He suggested waiting a couple of weeks and if nothing happens, perhaps an ad should be put in the New York Times and after that give it to a realtor. He noted that last year at this time there were only 30 houses for sale in Killingworth and this year there are 91.
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to add an agenda item to Old Business, Award of Fencing at Bethke Road Field. SO VOTED.
2. Award of Fencing, Bethke Road Field
It was noted this has already been awarded and this is to make that award official. First Selectman Klein explained a notice was received from the fence supplier that he would like the Town to pay him directly. Mr. Klein responded stating that the Town would only pay the contractor. Mr. Klein noted work has already started at the site. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to accept the recommendation of Eric Auer for Gateway Fence and Guardrail Company for the Bethke Road Field Property. SO VOTED.
There was a brief discussion relative to the difference between the fence at the new Intermediate Middle School and the Bethke Road Field.
7. New Business
1. CCM – discussed earlier in the meeting under Visitors.
2. Unpaid Fee for Open Burning Official – 03/04 and 04/05
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to pay the Open Burning Official for the past two years where he erroneously was not paid for his services, and to send this to Board of Finance for their approval. SO VOTED.
3. Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
First Selectman Klein noted the full Plan was available in the Selectmen’s Office for anyone who wished to review it. Towns are being encouraged to take advantage of 75 percent funding but it doesn’t describe what it is. This item was tabled pending further review and discussion.
4. Park & Rec Commission/Wettish Property
It was noted the Park & Recreation Commission is planning on spending $4200 out of this year’s budget for a topographic survey of 20 acres on the Wettish property.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted he met with Bob Baranoff (Board of Ed Chair), Gary Mala (Superintendent), Haddam First Selectman Tony Bondi and Kjell Tollefson to discuss monies owed to the Town of Killingworth regarding the new Intermediate Middle School. Mr. Klein noted RSD17 owes the Town $102,000 plus $18,000 for 2006. He also has a previous letter from Gary Shettle in which they agreed to pay the fees for inspections for everything that goes on. They are now reneging on that agreement and want to wipe it away. A settlement of $30,000 was suggested by the Board of Ed. First Selectman Klein noted this will probably be settled in court. Mr. Klein asked the Board if they wished to continue to negotiate or leave it alone. Both Selectmen Dudek and Sipples noted they agreed to pay 100 percent of Mr. Leighton’s inspections. It was noted the legal fees have been reduced by 25 percent. First Selectman Klein read a letter dated February 15, 2005 written to former First Selectman David Denvir regarding building permit costs. There was a brief discussion regarding the litigation for the downstream defenders. Selectman Dudek noted the Board of Ed is adamant (and on record) as to how much money Richard Leighton, Code Official, has saved them on that building. The Board of Selectmen praised Mr. Leighton for the great job he has done relative to this project noting the Town is lucky to have someone of his knowledge that capable of doing this. Selectman Sipples noted the Board of Ed basically owes the Town of Killingworth lots of money and he would like to look at some of the components.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
Selectman Dudek noted the question came up in December of January that the Town never sees any money from the metal at the Transfer Station. Since January, there has now been over $5000 received for metal. In the two years prior there was hardly nothing. Mr. Dudek noted this was very troubling to him and asked this item be put on the July 10th Agenda under Executive Session.
Selectman Sipples noted that at the last meeting it was stated the selectmen would be provided a copy of the plan for closing the sludge lagoons. First Selectman Klein noted he would supply Mr. Sipples with that plan.
Selectman Sipples asked if the Board of Selectmen were ever going to review the Purchase Order Policy recently put into effect. He felt it should have been discussed by this Board before being put into place. Dan Colonia (Chair of Park & Rec) noted he did not receive a copy of that new Policy. Selectman Dudek noted he has pushed for such a policy for some time and received a copy of it as Fire Chief. He agreed with the new purchase order system.
Selectman Sipples asked when the Board would review year end final results of the budget. It was noted a copy will come out probably at the end of July. Mr. Sipples noted the Board of Selectmen should look at these numbers before the auditor finalizes them. This will probably be on the July 24th meeting agenda.
Selectman Sipples noted he was unofficially told that the Town has come to an agreement with KMEA and the contract has been approved. Mr. Klein replied yes. Mr. Sipples asked if that is an item the BOS should be aware of. Mr. Dudek noted it should come to the Board of Selectmen for ratification and should be included in the July 10th Agenda.
Selectman Sipples reviewed the fact that the May 8, 2006 Minutes were never approved. He again asked that those Minutes reflect what he had suggested previously and was originally omitted from those Minutes. Motion by Sipples to approve the May 8, 2006 Minutes with the addition of Item #9, Selectmen’s Concerns, and that a copy of that in its entirety be added to these Minutes. VOTE IN FAVOR – Sipples. Opposed – none. Abstained – Klein, Dudek.
Selectman Sipples asked if there were any new reports from the Charter Revision Committee. No one could answer that question.
Selectman Sipples asked what the status was of funds coming from the State for the Wettish property. A letter from Representative Brian O’Connor was reviewed. There was a brief discussion regarding State grants. Mr. Klein noted this doesn’t look and the State Legislature is not having a Special Session. Dan Colonia briefly reviewed a conversation he had with Brian O’Connor relative to funding. He indicated Park & Rec will be meeting on Thursday to review the status of this matter and to decide what needs to be done.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to adjourn at 8:35 PM. SO VOTED.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, June 26, 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
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve June 14, 2006 Minutes as written. SO VOTED.
3. Visitors
Andrew Merola from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities was present to give a presentation on their Energy Purchasing Progam. He distributed copies of the Program to the Board members. Mr. Merola noted they have developed a program to help school districts and municipalities and encouraged the Board to explore options in the competitive electric market. He indicated there were 72 participants in the program and 50 of those have already signed long term contracts. It was noted RSD17 went with a different group in conjunction with RSD15 for a period of 3 years.
Jeff Reisman, Peter Venuti and Steve Hollander were present from the PAYT Committee. Discussion pursued regarding the outsourcing of cardboard and mixed paper to Willimantic Waste. It was pointed out that with increased oversight and management, more can be fit into the bins which would be more attractive to Willimantic. Numbers were distributed for MSW, G&P and Cardboard for the period November 2005 thru May 2006. These numbers were reviewed in detail. It was noted right now the mixed paper is being brought to Essex and its costing the Town money. Selectman Dudek noted that before a decision is made the Town must get a ruling on the legal aspect mentioned in previous discussions. There was discussion regarding maintenance of the compactor. Mr. Reisman urged the Board to get all the facts it needs and the Town should then do a controlled experiment. August 1st was suggested as a date to start. It was noted it was the Board’s consensus to go ahead with this, but a date was not officially agreed upon.
4. Tax Abatements/Refunds – none.
5. Appointments/Vacancies
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to rescind the appointment of William Hayden as Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate. SO VOTED.
6. Old Business
1. Bid Opening – Bosco House/Parcel
First Selectman Klein noted there were no responses to the bid for the Bosco House/Parcel. He suggested waiting a couple of weeks and if nothing happens, perhaps an ad should be put in the New York Times and after that give it to a realtor. He noted that last year at this time there were only 30 houses for sale in Killingworth and this year there are 91.
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to add an agenda item to Old Business, Award of Fencing at Bethke Road Field. SO VOTED.
2. Award of Fencing, Bethke Road Field
It was noted this has already been awarded and this is to make that award official. First Selectman Klein explained a notice was received from the fence supplier that he would like the Town to pay him directly. Mr. Klein responded stating that the Town would only pay the contractor. Mr. Klein noted work has already started at the site. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to accept the recommendation of Eric Auer for Gateway Fence and Guardrail Company for the Bethke Road Field Property. SO VOTED.
There was a brief discussion relative to the difference between the fence at the new Intermediate Middle School and the Bethke Road Field.
7. New Business
1. CCM – discussed earlier in the meeting under Visitors.
2. Unpaid Fee for Open Burning Official – 03/04 and 04/05
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to pay the Open Burning Official for the past two years where he erroneously was not paid for his services, and to send this to Board of Finance for their approval. SO VOTED.
3. Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
First Selectman Klein noted the full Plan was available in the Selectmen’s Office for anyone who wished to review it. Towns are being encouraged to take advantage of 75 percent funding but it doesn’t describe what it is. This item was tabled pending further review and discussion.
4. Park & Rec Commission/Wettish Property
It was noted the Park & Recreation Commission is planning on spending $4200 out of this year’s budget for a topographic survey of 20 acres on the Wettish property.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted he met with Bob Baranoff (Board of Ed Chair), Gary Mala (Superintendent), Haddam First Selectman Tony Bondi and Kjell Tollefson to discuss monies owed to the Town of Killingworth regarding the new Intermediate Middle School. Mr. Klein noted RSD17 owes the Town $102,000 plus $18,000 for 2006. He also has a previous letter from Gary Shettle in which they agreed to pay the fees for inspections for everything that goes on. They are now reneging on that agreement and want to wipe it away. A settlement of $30,000 was suggested by the Board of Ed. First Selectman Klein noted this will probably be settled in court. Mr. Klein asked the Board if they wished to continue to negotiate or leave it alone. Both Selectmen Dudek and Sipples noted they agreed to pay 100 percent of Mr. Leighton’s inspections. It was noted the legal fees have been reduced by 25 percent. First Selectman Klein read a letter dated February 15, 2005 written to former First Selectman David Denvir regarding building permit costs. There was a brief discussion regarding the litigation for the downstream defenders. Selectman Dudek noted the Board of Ed is adamant (and on record) as to how much money Richard Leighton, Code Official, has saved them on that building. The Board of Selectmen praised Mr. Leighton for the great job he has done relative to this project noting the Town is lucky to have someone of his knowledge that capable of doing this. Selectman Sipples noted the Board of Ed basically owes the Town of Killingworth lots of money and he would like to look at some of the components.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
Selectman Dudek noted the question came up in December of January that the Town never sees any money from the metal at the Transfer Station. Since January, there has now been over $5000 received for metal. In the two years prior there was hardly nothing. Mr. Dudek noted this was very troubling to him and asked this item be put on the July 10th Agenda under Executive Session.
Selectman Sipples noted that at the last meeting it was stated the selectmen would be provided a copy of the plan for closing the sludge lagoons. First Selectman Klein noted he would supply Mr. Sipples with that plan.
Selectman Sipples asked if the Board of Selectmen were ever going to review the Purchase Order Policy recently put into effect. He felt it should have been discussed by this Board before being put into place. Dan Colonia (Chair of Park & Rec) noted he did not receive a copy of that new Policy. Selectman Dudek noted he has pushed for such a policy for some time and received a copy of it as Fire Chief. He agreed with the new purchase order system.
Selectman Sipples asked when the Board would review year end final results of the budget. It was noted a copy will come out probably at the end of July. Mr. Sipples noted the Board of Selectmen should look at these numbers before the auditor finalizes them. This will probably be on the July 24th meeting agenda.
Selectman Sipples noted he was unofficially told that the Town has come to an agreement with KMEA and the contract has been approved. Mr. Klein replied yes. Mr. Sipples asked if that is an item the BOS should be aware of. Mr. Dudek noted it should come to the Board of Selectmen for ratification and should be included in the July 10th Agenda.
Selectman Sipples reviewed the fact that the May 8, 2006 Minutes were never approved. He again asked that those Minutes reflect what he had suggested previously and was originally omitted from those Minutes. Motion by Sipples to approve the May 8, 2006 Minutes with the addition of Item #9, Selectmen’s Concerns, and that a copy of that in its entirety be added to these Minutes. VOTE IN FAVOR – Sipples. Opposed – none. Abstained – Klein, Dudek.
Selectman Sipples asked if there were any new reports from the Charter Revision Committee. No one could answer that question.
Selectman Sipples asked what the status was of funds coming from the State for the Wettish property. A letter from Representative Brian O’Connor was reviewed. There was a brief discussion regarding State grants. Mr. Klein noted this doesn’t look and the State Legislature is not having a Special Session. Dan Colonia briefly reviewed a conversation he had with Brian O’Connor relative to funding. He indicated Park & Rec will be meeting on Thursday to review the status of this matter and to decide what needs to be done.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to adjourn at 8:35 PM. SO VOTED.
