December 20, 2006 - REGULAR

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Wednesday, December 20, 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. Legal Call of Town Meeting for December 27, 2006
First Selectman Klein read the Legal Notice for the Call of the Town Meeting scheduled for December 27, 2006 which included 6 items (copy attached).

Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to approve the Call of the Special Town Meeting for Wednesday, December 27, 2006, as presented. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

3. Discussion of Public Works Foreman Position
First Selectman Klein reviewed the draft copy of the Highway Foreman Position dated August 1, 2006. He noted he received copies of similar job descriptions both from other towns and CCM. Selectman Sipples asked if the job posting had been withdrawn as noted at the last Selectmen’s meeting. It was noted the job posting was taken down at the Town Hall on the 13th, day after the meeting. Selectman Sipples noted a resume had been submitted on the 18th and asked if that was okay.

Selectman Sipples questioned Page 18 where it stated “must have experience as a trained mechanic and have the following certifications:” but there was nothing listed for certifications. It was agreed there was nothing listed under certifications, it was left blank.

Selectman Sipples noted First Selectman Klein had recently expressed a concern about the Highway Foreman doing manual labor as opposed to planning, organizing, supervising, etc. He noted the draft job description still includes manual labor. First Selectman Klein noted he expects the highway foreman to be a working foreman. Selectman Sipples asked Selectman Dudek whether he agreed with this position being a working foreman. Selectman Dudek noted he indicated the contract talks about crew leaders and a possible change in this position to crew leaders, town engineer or director of public works. Selectman Dudek noted if the position remained the same as a highway foreman, then it should be a working foreman. If it is changed and not a working foreman position, it should then be an exempt position from the Union.

Selectman Dudek briefly reviewed certain positions that weren’t originally included in the Union contract and then were included.

There was discussion regarding having a working foreman and a town engineer. First Selectman Klein noted even if the town has a working foreman, it still needs a town engineer. Selectman Dudek noted it was never his intention to eliminate the town engineer.

Selectman Dudek noted the main issue is does the town want the Highway Foreman to be a working foreman. There was discussion regarding whether LOCIP funds would cover either in house or outside hire for engineering services.

Selectman Sipples pointed out that any changes to the job description would have to be approved by the Union. It was also pointed out that if the position is removed from the Union the title would have to be changed.

Selectman Sipples noted two major issues are – do we want a working foreman and someone with engineering qualifications. If the town is heading in the direction of having a Director of Public Works, that is a big change and he wasn’t sure the town was ready for that yet. Selectman Sipples noted he thought the position at this time should be a non-working foreman with an engineering degree. That would also trigger the position being eliminated from the Union. If the position was kept as a working foreman with no engineering qualifications, then the job description could remain status quo.

First Selectman Klein noted there are a lot of small independent contractors out there that have no engineering degree but have a lot of experience. Mr. Klein noted someone with an engineering degree would be very costly to the town.

The issue of supervision was discussed. Selectman Sipples noted in his opinion this was a supervision/management position. The only tie to the Union is the requirement that this individual operate heavy and light equipment. Sipples noted he didn’t think this position should be in the Union because it is a strongly management/supervisory position. The needs of the town should be on a long term basis and shouldn’t fluctuate with who is the latest first selectman. The priorities could be dramatically different every two years making that position very difficult. This would be more consistent with a Public Works Commission.

First Selectman Klein noted there are a lot of projects this year requiring engineering services. There was a question as to whether LOCIP funds covered in house engineering services. The answer to that question will be researched.

Selectman Sipples noted he agreed with Selectman Dudek that this is the time to change the job description when there is a vacancy in that position.

It was noted this item does not need to be rushed through as there is an interim acting highway foreman.

It was agreed the Selectmen will decide what the job description should be and then it will be posted first in house and then in the newspaper.

The position of Director of Public Works was again reviewed.

Who should do the employee evaluations (highway crew) was discussed.

It was agreed this should be reviewed again at the Board of Selectmen Meeting held January 22, 2007.

The issue of an in house person applying for the position and an outside person with the same qualifications also applies for the position was discussed. Selectman Dudek noted a qualified KMEA member (as determined by the First Selectman) applying for the position should be given preference. If the position is no longer in the KMEA contract, then that is a different story.

4. Multi-Year Capital Plan
First Selectman Klein noted he will make a second request from everyone to submit a multi-year capital plan. The only responses he has had to date are from the Library and the Town Clerk. Selectman Dudek asked if this pertained only to LOCIP funds. The previous memo that went out to departments was specific to LOCIP. First Selectman Klein noted he has asked the Town Engineer to prepare estimate costs for upcoming road projects. There was discussion about asking residents to pay for something that won’t happen for 5 years. Selectman Dudek suggested another memo go out indicating this should cover all capital projects and not just ones covered by LOCIP funds.

5. Adjournment
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 8:45 PM. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

December 1, 2006 - REGULAR

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, December 11, 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 27, 2006
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the November 27, 2006 Minutes amended as follows –
• Page 2, last paragraph, correct motion to read “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 $25.00, as per Section 12-144c of the Connecticut General Statutes.”
• Page 4, 6th paragraph, correct end of 1st sentence to read “…and asked First Selectman Klein why he stated at the last meeting that those letters were previously sent out.”
• Page 4, 7th paragraph, correct 2nd sentence to read “First Selectman Klein noted this individual was a grant writer for the Town and is currently working on grants for the Library.”
Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

3. Visitors
Richard Bauer, Fire Chief, was present. Chief Bauer noted the Fire Department has reviewed the bids for the new attack engine. The cost of the new truck would be $424,700 including the apparatus, the emergency lights and equipment. He noted there was a significant increase in the cost of the air packs. First Selectman Klein asked if the Fire Dept. had dealt with this vendor before. Chief Bauer replied no, but they meet all the specifications. Selectman Dudek reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan. He noted Attorney Wells said the Town couldn’t approve a project for more money than what was in the capital reserve. So how do the Selectmen approve a project for $424,700 when there is only $85,000 available? Selectman Sipples noted he felt the Town was in good financial shape and there are funds that are not encumbered (and available) and this should be discussed with the Board of Finance. Selectman Dudek noted the First Selectman should go to the Board of Finance and get some declaration or ruling that there will be $85,000 in the budget every year for so many years, and then the project can be approved. Selectman Dudek suggested First Selectman Klein contact the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and ask what the process is for approving capital projects. Chief Bauer noted the bid was only good for 45 days from November 1st and the price will continue to increase. He further noted the truck being replaced is on its way out. He indicated he probably could get another year out of it, but after that it would be a concern.

Fire Chief Bauer also noted the Town was awarded a grant from the Federal Government for a vehicle exhaust system to capture diesel fumes at the Fire House.




4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve tax refund to Honda Lease Trust in the amount of $26.69 for sold motor vehicle. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

5. Appointments/Vacancies
1. 2007 Appointment List
The 2007 Appointment List as presented was reviewed in detail. Changes were made in accordance with the following motion which was unanimously approved.

Motion by Klein, second by Sipples, to reappoint those shown on the 2007 Appointment List (attached). Discussion followed. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to make appointments based on the original list with the following changes – 1) hold off on Pension Committee, to be reviewed at a later time, 2) addition of PAYT Committee, appointment of Amy Roberts-Perry, Peter Venuti with 3 vacancies, and 3) Town Office Building Study Committee, addition of existing member Arlene Tunney. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – Klein. Motion Carried.

2. It was noted Dave Gumbart and Thomas Keyes have both resigned from the Conservation Commission.

6. Old Business
1. Authorization to call Town Meeting
Board members discussed the two items to be taken to Town Meeting – 1) Alders Bridge Road, and 2) Town Hall Computer Expenditure.

Motion by Klein, second by Sipples, to approve Town Hall Computer Expenditure in the amount of $20,000, as approved by the Board of Finance. Voting in favor – Klein, Sipples, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to authorize First Selectman to call a Town Meeting for a) Discontinuance of portion of Alders Bridge Road revised 10/20/06, approved at P&Z Meeting of 11/21/06; and 2) Approval of Town Hall Computer Expenditure in the amount of $20,000. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

2. Authorization of BOS to go to BOF
Board members discussed the over expenditure for cemetery tree cutting and Town Office Building Roof Repair.

Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to approve the over-expenditure of the Cemetery Tree Cutting and TOB Roof Repair and to take to BOF. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek. Opposed – Sipples. Motion Carried.

3. Open Space Grant Agreement, Wettish Property –STEAP 2002-17
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to authorize First Selectman to take Open Space Grant Agreement, Wettish Property-Soccer Fields, STEAP 2002-17 to BOF and then Town Meeting. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

4. Multi Year Capital Improvement Plan
First Selectman Klein noted the Town received $33,000 from LOCIP. It was agreed the Board should discuss this at its January meeting and review the process for a Capital Improvement Plan and how a project can be approved when there aren’t enough monies already set aside. The Town should also find out exactly what falls under LOCIP.

5. Authorization for First Selectman to call Town Meeting, pending approval by BOF, to appropriate the sum of $18,600 to the $200,000 previously appropriated, for engineering services for replacement of Reservoir Road Bridge
It was noted this item has to go before the Board of Finance and has already been approved by the Board of Selectmen.

6. Employee Evaluation Program Review
Selectman Sipples read his recommendation for the Employee Evaluation Program. He also noted he had a number of specific concerns. It was agreed the first step should be to review the job descriptions, but Mr. Sipples noted he has not seen them. Selectman Sipples also noted he would like to review the actual form and the 10 performance factors. He felt the 10 factors were extremely subjective. First Selectman Klein asked Mr. Sipples if he thought proceeding with this program at this time was harmful. Selectman Sipples replied yes.
Selectman Sipples suggested an exit interview should be done with Jim Ward. First Selectman Klein noted said exit interview was done by John McMahon. Selectman Sipples felt the interview was insufficient and asked why his form couldn’t be sent to Mr. Ward for him to fill out and return. Selectman Dudek noted the resignation letter from Mr. Ward stated that if he didn’t leave right away, he would lose an opportunity available to him.

7. New Business
1. Fire Co. Bids for Truck and Receipt of Grant – discussed earlier under Visitors.

2. Approval by BOS and Authorization to take to Town Meeting
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve and authorize First Selectman to take to Town Meeting the Over and Under Expenditures as reviewed (attached). Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve and authorize First Selectman to take to Town Meeting the close out of reviewed capital accounts with the balance going to Undesignated Reserve Fund Balance (attached). Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve and authorize First Selectman to take to Town Meeting the transfer of $37,053 from Undesignated Capital Reserve Fund Balance to the Capital Reserve Fund line item Land Use Committee (attached). Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

3. BOS Reconsider Authorization to go to BOF for Approval of Property Tax Resolution per Section 12-144c of CT General Statutes
There was a brief discussion about a prior resolution approved at the last BOS meeting. Selectman Dudek noted the Tax Collector had recommended waiving amounts of less than $25.00 per the General Statutes, and is now recommending it be less than $10.00. Selectman Dudek noted he was annoyed at receiving erroneous information. The Board has heard from both the auditor and the Tax Collector on this subject.

Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to amend and send to Town Meeting an Ordinance that currently states to waive any property tax due in an amount less than $25.00 to an amount less than $10.00, per Section 12-144c of the Connecticut General Statutes, pending BOF approval. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

4. Set Date for Special BOS Meeting
Discussion ensued as to whether there should be a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen before the end of the year. There was discussion regarding the posting of the Interim Public Works Foreman position. Selectman Dudek noted he would like to review this position and possibly make some changes to it. The job has already been posted and therefore cannot be changed, unless the posting is withdrawn. Selectman Dudek suggested the posting for that position be withdrawn until the Board has had time to envision what that position should be.

It was decided there would be a Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, at 7:00 PM. Items to be discussed would be – approval of the Call of the Town Meeting, and the new Job Description for the Highway Foreman. The Town Meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2006, at 8:00 PM at the Fire House.

7. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein reiterated the Town received $33,000 from the LOCIP funds and would be receiving another $40,000 shortly. He also noted the Library has received $15,000.

Jere Adametz noted he was not aware that Jim Ward has left the employment of the Town. He had previously spoken with Mr. Ward about a problem with a ditch on Old Bedford Farms Road. He asked that the drainage ditch be cleaned out.

First Selectman Klein reviewed a recent drainage issue on Hemlock Drive.

8. Selectmen’s Concerns
Neither Selectmen Dudek nor Sipples had any concerns.

9. Adjournment
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 9:15 PM. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.