January 8, 2007 - REGULAR
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, January 8, 2007, 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 11 and 20, 2006
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the December 11, 2006 and December 20, 2006 Minutes as amended below -
December 11, 2006 Minutes -
Page 3, under 4. Multi Year Capital Improvement Plan, add to first sentence "First Selectman Klein noted the Town received $33,000 from LOCIP for Alders Bridge Road."
December 20, 2006 Minutes -
Page 3, 2nd paragraph, add to second sentence "Selectman Dudek noted a qualified KMEA member (as determined by the First Selectman) applying for the position should be given preference as specified by the KMEA Agreement."
Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Don McDougall was present to review proposals for the wiring for the new 100 KW Generator at Killingworth Elementary School. He noted that Homeland Security will not pay for removal of the old wiring and piping. Mr. McDougall noted all three companies who submitted proposals were taken through the school and shown what had to be done. There were others who also walked through, but did not submit a proposal. Selectman Dudek noted he was concerned because of such a difference in prices. He asked if there was a written specification. Mr. McDougall replied no. First Selectman Klein suggested these proposals be reviewed with the Building Inspector and discuss such issues as the difference between using copper and conduit. It was agreed Mr. McDougall would talk with Richard Leighton, Code Official, regarding these matters. Mr. McDougall noted one of the companies wanted 50 percent up front and the Town does not do that. He also noted the Homeland Security funds were to have been spent last year and now it is by March of 2007. Selectman Sipples asked why this did not go out to bid if it was over $5000. Mr. McDougall noted Homeland Security is paying for this. The Board of Finance had indicated they had already approved $44,000 and that Homeland Security would be reimbursing the funds. Selectman Dudek noted this has already gone to Town Meeting. He asked if Homeland Security requires a specification process. Mr. McDougall replied no. Selectman Dudek reiterated we need to be sure all three companies are talking the same language. It was again suggested Mr. McDougall discuss this matter with Richard Leighton and Mike DiStefano of Region 17. Mr. McDougall noted he has already talked with Mr. DiStefano and will contact Mr. Leighton. This item was tabled.
Mike Board inquired about the status of the fingerprint time clock. If it is under warranty, why can't we get it fixed or get our money back. First Selectman Klein noted to the best of his knowledge it works. Selectman Dudek noted the new computer person will be looking at this matter. Selectman Sipples asked Gina Regolo what she uses to prepare pay checks. Ms. Regolo noted she runs reports off the new clock and also uses the old system. Dan Colonia (who indicated he works with fingerprint matters for a living) and stated fingerprints can be worn off by certain types of work. He also noted a lot of people do not register well with fingerprints. Different chemicals will erase fingerprints or make them difficult to read. Mr. Colonia also noted the problem with holidays can be fixed.
4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
Motion by Dudek to approve payment of reviewed tax refunds (sheet attached). Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments & Vacancies
Motion by Klein to appoint Jeff Reisman and Steve Hollander to the PAYT Committee. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to appoint Patricia Worth, Robert Artus and Anthony Savino to the Housing Partnership. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Old Business
1. Generator Installation - KES (D. McDougall)
Discussion held during Visitors above.
2. Transfer Station Hours (Thursdays)
Don Berry and Amy Perry were present to review transfer station hours. First Selectman Klein noted he would recommend changing the hours for Thursdays for the winter. A list of counts on Thursdays between 7 to 8 PM from April through January 2007 was reviewed. Ms. Perry asked if a count had been taken between 6 & 6:30 and 6:30 & 7:00. She felt that count was important and by changing the hours the Town might be eliminating a lot more than it thinks. Selectman Sipples noted he didn't have a problem changing the hours for winter, but felt the hours should be restored when daylight savings time returns. Selectman Dudek noted he did not have a problem with changing the winter hours, but this change needs to be posted. The question was asked how quickly this could be communicated to the town's residents. Much discussion ensued regarding changing the hours. The following hours (and motion) was agreed upon.
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to accept change to the transfer station hours as noted below -
Effective February 1, 2007 through end of April, winter hours will be Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Commencing May 1, 2007 through November 1, 2007, summer hours will be Tuesdays 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Thursdays 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Voting in favor - Sipples, Dudek, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
It was also noted the Board should review the hours again some time in the future and possibly consider extending to a 3rd day.
Ms. Perry suggested using a car counter for the counts instead of doing it manually. She reviewed some recent CRRA bills where items (such as cardboard) weren't categorized properly. Selectman Sipples asked if the Town was being billed properly. Ms. Perry noted the dollars are accurate but the categories of mixed paper and cardboard are inaccurate. Walter Adametz noted he would ask the driver to speak with the dispatcher to get the categories correct.
3. Multi Year Capital Plan
It was noted a second letter has gone out to all department heads, boards and commissions requesting a multi year capital plan be submitted by the end of January. Ms. Regolo noted she has inquired of LOCIP about current projects and whether they could be included in the LOCIP funding. It was noted a letter has been received from the State Office of Policy and Management and they have agreed to pay the overage for Alders Bridge Road. Ms. Regolo urged the Selectmen to review the updated list she prepared.
7. New Business
1. PAYT Charge
First Selectman Klein reviewed the proposed charge for the PAYT Committee. Selectman Sipples asked whether this group should continue to monitor the operation and maintenance at the transfer station, or to restrict the group to recycling. Selectman Dudek noted the original charge of the Committee has been met. Maintenance is the Highway Foreman's issue. Mr. Dudek noted he was more concerned with better prices for metal, etc. and recycling, but that the Committee could make recommendations for maintenance. First Selectman Klein noted he did not want the Committee getting involved with maintenance; that was the Highway Foreman's job. First Selectman Klein noted there are a lot of people coming to the transfer station without stickers. He asked why that can't be monitored. Mr. Berry noted that was not true. He explained there are some people who come in with company cars and they don't like to put the stickers on the car, but they have the stickers in the car. Ms. Perry noted the Committee has repeatedly asked the Selectmen to get someone to evaluate the condition of the transfer station. She further noted it broke down 3 times during the Christmas holiday. First Selectman Klein reiterated the Committee should be giving advice and the Board of Selectmen will then decide on what to do. He indicated there were people in town who objected to the Committee's approach. Peg Scofield noted there were over 100 people who took the survey on the website that praised the Committee's efforts. Ms. Perry asked if the Committee could get a record of the costs spent on maintenance. First Selectman Klein noted he didn't think that was under the Committee's purview.
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to accept the charge of the PAYT Committee as reviewed (copy attached). Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
2. Set 2007 Budget Meeting Dates
The following budget meeting dates were agreed upon - January 31, 2007, February 1, 2007, February 21, 2007 and February 28, 2007, all at 7:00 PM.
3. Authorization for First Selectman to Sign Mentoring Proclamation
Motion by Dudek to authorize First Selectman to sign the Mentoring Proclamation. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. First Selectman Klein noted he would be out of town on January 20th, so Selectman Sipples will attend the breakfast to be held on that date.
It was noted the next Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2007, has been cancelled and rescheduled to Wednesday, January 24, 2007.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted the new school is open. An agreement has been prepared regarding the monies due, but has not been signed yet. That will take the project through June 30th. There are still a lot more fees due, particularly for the Code Official for the month of December.
First Selectman Klein noted the work at the lagoons is going out to bid. Bids will be reviewed with the Town Engineer and the Town Attorney late in January. Approval has been received from both the State and Attorney Jane Marsh, Rose Dudek's attorney.
First Selectman Klein gave a brief status update on Burr Hill Road, Reservoir Road Bridge, Route 81 and Green Hill and problems with beavers.
9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Sipples noted he can attend the conference of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns on January 17th and asked if the fee had been sent in. First Selectman Klein told Mr. Sipples to check with Ms. Regolo on this matter.
Selectman Sipples noted correspondence was received from CRERPA regarding Lovers Lane. First Selectman Klein noted responses are still due from other members of the Environmental Review Team. Mr. Sipples asked if two signs could be purchased and installed that said "closed for the winter." He felt that due to the fact the road had been opened and closed so many times it would behoove the town to put up signs indicating the road is closed now for the winter. Motion by Sipples to purchase 2 signs "Closed for the Winter" for Lovers Lane to attach to the signs already there. Voting in favor - Sipples. Opposed - Dudek, Klein. Motion Failed.
Selectman Sipples noted the latest charge of the Killingworth Town Office Building Study Committee was pretty significant. Mr. Sipples asked Mr. Klein why he didn't communicate this to the Board of Selectmen before going to the Committee. Selectman Dudek noted this was just a recommendation, he didn't see this as a charge.
Selectman Sipples asked about the status of the Town Foreman position, the job descriptions for all town employees and has there been any progress with the employee evaluations program. It was noted the deadline for the Town Foreman position was January 24th. Selectman Dudek noted if the town hires an in-house engineer that would be reimbursed by LOCIP funds. Selectman Sipples asked if the town has ever considered combining the duties of the Building Inspector, Sanitarian and Town Foreman. Messrs. Dudek and Klein both felt that would be virtually impossible as one person could not handle all those duties and did not wish to pursue it.
Selectman Sipples asked if the Board of Selectmen would be involved in the KMEA contract negotiations. First Selectman Klein replied no. He has hired a labor attorney to do the negotiations.
Selectman Sipples asked if the Board was going to consider recreating the Charter Revision Committee in 2007. Selectman Dudek replied he would like to do so, but the Board of Selectmen must be strong as to what direction this Committee must take.
Selectman Sipples asked if there was a target date to start the review of the town's bidding procedures. Messrs. Dudek and Klein noted they were comfortable with what had been discussed a couple of months ago.
Selectman Sipples asked when the memo from Hilary Kumnick regarding the development of the athletic fields could be discussed. Selectman Dudek noted he just received the memo and did not have time to review it.
Mike Board asked if Region 17 was looking for a new location for the Killingworth Elementary School. Richard Cabral replied no.
Selectman Dudek noted he has a question in to CCM regarding the Pension Committee charge and personnel.
There was a brief discussion regarding the fact the custodian wants to raise prices during the fiscal year. First Selectman Klein noted he advised the custodian he could not do that in the middle of the year. Selectman Dudek noted this will have to go out to bid at some point. It was also pointed out that snow removal comes under the Public Works Department.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, January 8, 2007, 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 11 and 20, 2006
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the December 11, 2006 and December 20, 2006 Minutes as amended below -
December 11, 2006 Minutes -
Page 3, under 4. Multi Year Capital Improvement Plan, add to first sentence "First Selectman Klein noted the Town received $33,000 from LOCIP for Alders Bridge Road."
December 20, 2006 Minutes -
Page 3, 2nd paragraph, add to second sentence "Selectman Dudek noted a qualified KMEA member (as determined by the First Selectman) applying for the position should be given preference as specified by the KMEA Agreement."
Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Don McDougall was present to review proposals for the wiring for the new 100 KW Generator at Killingworth Elementary School. He noted that Homeland Security will not pay for removal of the old wiring and piping. Mr. McDougall noted all three companies who submitted proposals were taken through the school and shown what had to be done. There were others who also walked through, but did not submit a proposal. Selectman Dudek noted he was concerned because of such a difference in prices. He asked if there was a written specification. Mr. McDougall replied no. First Selectman Klein suggested these proposals be reviewed with the Building Inspector and discuss such issues as the difference between using copper and conduit. It was agreed Mr. McDougall would talk with Richard Leighton, Code Official, regarding these matters. Mr. McDougall noted one of the companies wanted 50 percent up front and the Town does not do that. He also noted the Homeland Security funds were to have been spent last year and now it is by March of 2007. Selectman Sipples asked why this did not go out to bid if it was over $5000. Mr. McDougall noted Homeland Security is paying for this. The Board of Finance had indicated they had already approved $44,000 and that Homeland Security would be reimbursing the funds. Selectman Dudek noted this has already gone to Town Meeting. He asked if Homeland Security requires a specification process. Mr. McDougall replied no. Selectman Dudek reiterated we need to be sure all three companies are talking the same language. It was again suggested Mr. McDougall discuss this matter with Richard Leighton and Mike DiStefano of Region 17. Mr. McDougall noted he has already talked with Mr. DiStefano and will contact Mr. Leighton. This item was tabled.
Mike Board inquired about the status of the fingerprint time clock. If it is under warranty, why can't we get it fixed or get our money back. First Selectman Klein noted to the best of his knowledge it works. Selectman Dudek noted the new computer person will be looking at this matter. Selectman Sipples asked Gina Regolo what she uses to prepare pay checks. Ms. Regolo noted she runs reports off the new clock and also uses the old system. Dan Colonia (who indicated he works with fingerprint matters for a living) and stated fingerprints can be worn off by certain types of work. He also noted a lot of people do not register well with fingerprints. Different chemicals will erase fingerprints or make them difficult to read. Mr. Colonia also noted the problem with holidays can be fixed.
4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
Motion by Dudek to approve payment of reviewed tax refunds (sheet attached). Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments & Vacancies
Motion by Klein to appoint Jeff Reisman and Steve Hollander to the PAYT Committee. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to appoint Patricia Worth, Robert Artus and Anthony Savino to the Housing Partnership. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Old Business
1. Generator Installation - KES (D. McDougall)
Discussion held during Visitors above.
2. Transfer Station Hours (Thursdays)
Don Berry and Amy Perry were present to review transfer station hours. First Selectman Klein noted he would recommend changing the hours for Thursdays for the winter. A list of counts on Thursdays between 7 to 8 PM from April through January 2007 was reviewed. Ms. Perry asked if a count had been taken between 6 & 6:30 and 6:30 & 7:00. She felt that count was important and by changing the hours the Town might be eliminating a lot more than it thinks. Selectman Sipples noted he didn't have a problem changing the hours for winter, but felt the hours should be restored when daylight savings time returns. Selectman Dudek noted he did not have a problem with changing the winter hours, but this change needs to be posted. The question was asked how quickly this could be communicated to the town's residents. Much discussion ensued regarding changing the hours. The following hours (and motion) was agreed upon.
Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to accept change to the transfer station hours as noted below -
Effective February 1, 2007 through end of April, winter hours will be Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Commencing May 1, 2007 through November 1, 2007, summer hours will be Tuesdays 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Thursdays 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Voting in favor - Sipples, Dudek, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
It was also noted the Board should review the hours again some time in the future and possibly consider extending to a 3rd day.
Ms. Perry suggested using a car counter for the counts instead of doing it manually. She reviewed some recent CRRA bills where items (such as cardboard) weren't categorized properly. Selectman Sipples asked if the Town was being billed properly. Ms. Perry noted the dollars are accurate but the categories of mixed paper and cardboard are inaccurate. Walter Adametz noted he would ask the driver to speak with the dispatcher to get the categories correct.
3. Multi Year Capital Plan
It was noted a second letter has gone out to all department heads, boards and commissions requesting a multi year capital plan be submitted by the end of January. Ms. Regolo noted she has inquired of LOCIP about current projects and whether they could be included in the LOCIP funding. It was noted a letter has been received from the State Office of Policy and Management and they have agreed to pay the overage for Alders Bridge Road. Ms. Regolo urged the Selectmen to review the updated list she prepared.
7. New Business
1. PAYT Charge
First Selectman Klein reviewed the proposed charge for the PAYT Committee. Selectman Sipples asked whether this group should continue to monitor the operation and maintenance at the transfer station, or to restrict the group to recycling. Selectman Dudek noted the original charge of the Committee has been met. Maintenance is the Highway Foreman's issue. Mr. Dudek noted he was more concerned with better prices for metal, etc. and recycling, but that the Committee could make recommendations for maintenance. First Selectman Klein noted he did not want the Committee getting involved with maintenance; that was the Highway Foreman's job. First Selectman Klein noted there are a lot of people coming to the transfer station without stickers. He asked why that can't be monitored. Mr. Berry noted that was not true. He explained there are some people who come in with company cars and they don't like to put the stickers on the car, but they have the stickers in the car. Ms. Perry noted the Committee has repeatedly asked the Selectmen to get someone to evaluate the condition of the transfer station. She further noted it broke down 3 times during the Christmas holiday. First Selectman Klein reiterated the Committee should be giving advice and the Board of Selectmen will then decide on what to do. He indicated there were people in town who objected to the Committee's approach. Peg Scofield noted there were over 100 people who took the survey on the website that praised the Committee's efforts. Ms. Perry asked if the Committee could get a record of the costs spent on maintenance. First Selectman Klein noted he didn't think that was under the Committee's purview.
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to accept the charge of the PAYT Committee as reviewed (copy attached). Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
2. Set 2007 Budget Meeting Dates
The following budget meeting dates were agreed upon - January 31, 2007, February 1, 2007, February 21, 2007 and February 28, 2007, all at 7:00 PM.
3. Authorization for First Selectman to Sign Mentoring Proclamation
Motion by Dudek to authorize First Selectman to sign the Mentoring Proclamation. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. First Selectman Klein noted he would be out of town on January 20th, so Selectman Sipples will attend the breakfast to be held on that date.
It was noted the next Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2007, has been cancelled and rescheduled to Wednesday, January 24, 2007.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted the new school is open. An agreement has been prepared regarding the monies due, but has not been signed yet. That will take the project through June 30th. There are still a lot more fees due, particularly for the Code Official for the month of December.
First Selectman Klein noted the work at the lagoons is going out to bid. Bids will be reviewed with the Town Engineer and the Town Attorney late in January. Approval has been received from both the State and Attorney Jane Marsh, Rose Dudek's attorney.
First Selectman Klein gave a brief status update on Burr Hill Road, Reservoir Road Bridge, Route 81 and Green Hill and problems with beavers.
9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Sipples noted he can attend the conference of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns on January 17th and asked if the fee had been sent in. First Selectman Klein told Mr. Sipples to check with Ms. Regolo on this matter.
Selectman Sipples noted correspondence was received from CRERPA regarding Lovers Lane. First Selectman Klein noted responses are still due from other members of the Environmental Review Team. Mr. Sipples asked if two signs could be purchased and installed that said "closed for the winter." He felt that due to the fact the road had been opened and closed so many times it would behoove the town to put up signs indicating the road is closed now for the winter. Motion by Sipples to purchase 2 signs "Closed for the Winter" for Lovers Lane to attach to the signs already there. Voting in favor - Sipples. Opposed - Dudek, Klein. Motion Failed.
Selectman Sipples noted the latest charge of the Killingworth Town Office Building Study Committee was pretty significant. Mr. Sipples asked Mr. Klein why he didn't communicate this to the Board of Selectmen before going to the Committee. Selectman Dudek noted this was just a recommendation, he didn't see this as a charge.
Selectman Sipples asked about the status of the Town Foreman position, the job descriptions for all town employees and has there been any progress with the employee evaluations program. It was noted the deadline for the Town Foreman position was January 24th. Selectman Dudek noted if the town hires an in-house engineer that would be reimbursed by LOCIP funds. Selectman Sipples asked if the town has ever considered combining the duties of the Building Inspector, Sanitarian and Town Foreman. Messrs. Dudek and Klein both felt that would be virtually impossible as one person could not handle all those duties and did not wish to pursue it.
Selectman Sipples asked if the Board of Selectmen would be involved in the KMEA contract negotiations. First Selectman Klein replied no. He has hired a labor attorney to do the negotiations.
Selectman Sipples asked if the Board was going to consider recreating the Charter Revision Committee in 2007. Selectman Dudek replied he would like to do so, but the Board of Selectmen must be strong as to what direction this Committee must take.
Selectman Sipples asked if there was a target date to start the review of the town's bidding procedures. Messrs. Dudek and Klein noted they were comfortable with what had been discussed a couple of months ago.
Selectman Sipples asked when the memo from Hilary Kumnick regarding the development of the athletic fields could be discussed. Selectman Dudek noted he just received the memo and did not have time to review it.
Mike Board asked if Region 17 was looking for a new location for the Killingworth Elementary School. Richard Cabral replied no.
Selectman Dudek noted he has a question in to CCM regarding the Pension Committee charge and personnel.
There was a brief discussion regarding the fact the custodian wants to raise prices during the fiscal year. First Selectman Klein noted he advised the custodian he could not do that in the middle of the year. Selectman Dudek noted this will have to go out to bid at some point. It was also pointed out that snow removal comes under the Public Works Department.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

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