April 9, 2007 - Regular
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, April 9, 2007, 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 - March 26, 2007
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to approve March 26, 2007 Minutes amended as follows -
Page 2, 1st paragraph, correct the following "Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to request $104,000...".
Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors -
7. New Business
2. CRRA Report/Amy Perry - PAYT Committee
Amy Perry and Jeff Reisman from the PAYT Committee were present. It was noted there were no questions on the CRRA Report submitted by Ms. Perry. Mr. Reisman noted the Committee would like to consider a notification system for when the transfer station is closed. During the last snowstorm it was closed and residents were there at the gate. First Selectman Klein indicated a decision was made at the last minute to close the transfer station due to the fact they were short a plowing contractor. Selectman Dudek noted he spoke to transfer station employees and has been assured they are doing all they can to eliminate sticker issues and not allowing people to pick. It was noted there is money in the budget for new stickers. There was a brief discussion regarding metal. Selectman Dudek indicated that probably won't be squared away until a public works person is hired. Mr. Reisman noted the issue of compacting cardboard has been put on hold due to the cold weather and freezing, but it is past that time now. First Selectman Klein noted the Committee should be talking with Don Berry whenever there is an issue at the transfer station as Mr. Berry is the one in charge. Ms. Perry asked what individuals are certified. First Selectman Klein noted he would get an answer to that question. Mr. Reisman indicated the Committee is recommending a video system to monitor the metals. Selectman Dudek indicated the Board chose not to take any action on that item.
7. New Business
4. Affordable Housing - Scott Kasper
Todd Hajek, Robert Sepega and Scott Kasper were present regarding affordable housing properties. They indicated the Board of Selectmen needs to determine the current resale value of their affordable housing properties based on the formula in the regulations and forward that number to the Assessor for the June bills. First Selectman Klein noted the Assessor has indicated she does not want to do this. Mr. Kasper gave a detailed review of the formula. It was the interest rate and median income for the area are the only two figures that change from year to year. Selectman Dudek asked why this is not given to the Board of Selectmen in a package by the Assessor. He indicated the goal of the Town Hall is to assist the public. First Selectman Klein noted he will instruct the Assessor to do this when she returns from vacation. Selectman Sipples noted the Assessor should be doing the leg work and the BOS would then approve it. Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, that the Tax Assessor be instructed to use the formula presented to the Board of Selectmen at this meeting, copy of which First Selectman Klein has and will present to the Tax Assessor, to give the five affordable homeowners tax relief and to report back to the Board of Selectmen with the figures pertaining to those five property owners by the next BOS meeting on April 23, 2007. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Request to Remove Bridge on Tibbal's Bridge Road
Attorney Thomas Cronan was present representing the Hammonassett Fishing Association (HFA) in their request for removal of the bridge crossing the river from Tibbal's Bridge Road. Attorney Cronan noted there are no other private landowners other than the HFA. He indicated the Wetlands Commissions in both Towns would be notified. The Town of Madison would do the work. There would be no expense to the Town of Killingworth. A crane would just pick the bridge up and move it. Jere Adametz asked what the difference was between discontinued and abandoned. It was explained when a road is abandoned there must be a Town Meeting and once approved, adjoining property owners would then own to the center of the road. It was agreed First Selectman Klein would send Attorney Cronan a letter indicating the Town of Killingworth has no problem with the bridge being removed.
There was discussion regarding the abandonment of a portion of Alders Bridge Road. Jere Adametz indicated that portion of Alders Bridge Road was only discontinued and not abandoned, but it was voted to do so at a Town Meeting. Selectman Dudek suggested the minutes of that Town Meeting be checked to verify that before anything further is done. Mr. Adametz noted he would like to ask the Power Company to remove and relocate the utility pole there.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds - none.
5. Appointments/Vacancies - none.
6. Old Business
1. Award of Bid/Septic Lagoon Closure
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to award the Septic Lagoon Closure Bid to Luba Construction LLC in the amount of $68,900 based on the recommendation of Brian Curtis from Jacobson & Associates, Town Engineer. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. It was noted the Board of Finance has not yet approved the $104,000.
2. Bid Opening/Route 81/Green Hill Road Project
The following 3 bids were received -
1. Standard Demolition Services, Inc., 30 Nutmeg Drive, Trumbull; received April 5th @ 3:45 PM, in the amount of $199,768.00.
2. Pinder Construction Company, Inc., 27 Old Post Road, Clinton; received April 5th @ 9:30 AM, in the amount of $199,935.00.
3. Schumack Engineered Construction Corp., 93A Glenwood Road, Clinton; received April 5th @ 9:45 AM, in the amount of $194,880.00.
All bids will be forwarded to the Town Engineer to be reviewed by Howard Pfrommer and his recommendation to the BOS.
7. New Business
3. Middlesex Community College Proclamation
Motion by Klein to accept the Proclamation that the Town of Killingworth declares the month of May as "Middlesex Community College Month." Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein reported on the following items -
Town Engineer is looking at Alders Bridge Road for possible paving next year.
Work will start soon on the septic lagoons. He will be going to the Board of Finance tomorrow and then Town Meeting. Luba will be doing the work.
Temporary traffic lights have been installed on Route 81 for the State's work on the bridge. There will be one lane traffic when they start. Work will then stop for the summer and then commence again in the fall. There may be a lot of activity going on in that same area with construction of the hardware store.
Sweeping of the roads has started; going along pretty well.
Bids have been put out for road patching. The road lining will start after July 1st.
Cardinal Engineering has submitted a preliminary report to the committee and neighbors in that area.
The work on Burr Hill Road will be some time in 2008. Archaeological report was okay. Waiting for Army Corps. of Engineers report.
Town Office Building Committee is progressing. Information has been submitted to them regarding Judge of Probate space which is in violation of certain privacy State Statutes.
There was some recent water testing at Jensen's by the State Health Department. Testing found radium in the water. First Selectman Klein contacted Superintendent Mala to have the schools' water tested, which test results came out fine. The schools will be tested again this week. A report will be forthcoming from Dr. Winikur.
At some point the Town will look at paving Beckwith Road. Drainage problems are being looked at by the Town Engineer.
9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek asked what precautions are being taken regarding the radium at Jensens. First Selectman Klein noted he inquired of the State what has to be done and there is nothing that can be done other than Jensens' management must notify the people in the Park.
Selectman Sipples inquired about the closing of the dirt section of Chittenden Road. First Selectman Klein noted that was closed as an accommodation to the contractor doing work on Route 81 who wished to park his equipment there. Klein indicated he spoke to Walter Adametz about closing the road and it was agreed that section of road was not that important.
Selectman Sipples discussed the initiation of an employee salary review. He indicated it was brought up during budget discussions and First Selectman Klein was going to approach the Board of Finance on this matter. The last employee salary review was done by the BOF.
Selectman Sipples brought up the subject of a new Town Charter Revision Committee. Membership was again reviewed. Sipples noted 3 individuals have volunteered to serve. Klein indicated he would like all new faces on a new committee. Dudek noted the BOS have not agreed on the size of the group. Sipples indicated he was concerned about the role of the BOS because State Statutes are quite clear. Sipples indicated he was asked by Klein to document problem areas in writing regarding this subject, which he did and has had no feedback. Sipples asked Klein if he took issue with the document written by him, and Klein replied absolutely. Dudek noted the prior committee indicated the BOS must take all or nothing of what was being recommended, and it was subsequently found out through Connecticut Conference of Municipalities that was erroneous. It was noted the bidding procedures and public works committee could both be dealt with as Ordinances.
First Selectman Klein noted a resident wishes to remove some old turkey equipment from the Bosco property. Klein indicated there was no value to the equipment. Dudek indicated he didn't take issue with it and would leave the decision up to First Selectman Klein.
Bids have been requested for the wiring of the generator at the school. All bids will come to the Board of Selectmen. Technical questions are going to Richard Leighton, Code Official, and Mike DiStefano at the school.
Dudek noted he was pleased bids are being obtained for the chip sealing and crack sealing. Klein indicated bids are not going out for the line striping.
Dudek noted the Board of Selectmen should examine the issue of contractors for snow removal. Some towns hire outside contractors and others don't.
Jere Adametz asked if there was a record of all roads that have been paved. Klein indicated that record must be down at the public works garage.
10. Executive Session
Selectman Sipples asked if this discussion had to do with a specific employee and if not, indicated it should be held in open session. It was decided to review the job description during open meeting. There was much discussion about this position being a participating supervisor and whether the position could be removed from the Union. The April 4th draft of the Public Works Supervisor Job Description was reviewed. Dudek indicated if it was a supervisory job, it should come out. One cannot be both management and labor. There were 3 changes made to the draft job description and the words "as needed" were added in the Purpose, Essential Job Functions and Operates Heavy and Light Equipment. Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to authorize First Selectman Klein to post the revised Public Works Supervisor Job Description dated April 4, 2007 with the 3 changes as reviewed at this meeting. Voting in favor - Sipples, Dudek, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
First Selectman Klein noted the job will be posted internally for five days, and then be posted outside.
First Selectman Klein asked what happens when there is a big snowstorm and the Town is short a driver. The supervisor has put in 40 hours and then goes out to plow. Does that individual get compensated? Selectman Dudek indicated there are issues that still need to be discussed. Also, does overtime pay go into the Pension Fund?
It was noted the Capital Plan still needs to be discussed.
Time frame for the budget -
April 16th - town budget available to the public
April 24th - public hearing for budget
May 15th - Annual Town Budget Meeting
11. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to adjourn at 9:20 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, April 9, 2007, 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 - March 26, 2007
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to approve March 26, 2007 Minutes amended as follows -
Page 2, 1st paragraph, correct the following "Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to request $104,000...".
Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors -
7. New Business
2. CRRA Report/Amy Perry - PAYT Committee
Amy Perry and Jeff Reisman from the PAYT Committee were present. It was noted there were no questions on the CRRA Report submitted by Ms. Perry. Mr. Reisman noted the Committee would like to consider a notification system for when the transfer station is closed. During the last snowstorm it was closed and residents were there at the gate. First Selectman Klein indicated a decision was made at the last minute to close the transfer station due to the fact they were short a plowing contractor. Selectman Dudek noted he spoke to transfer station employees and has been assured they are doing all they can to eliminate sticker issues and not allowing people to pick. It was noted there is money in the budget for new stickers. There was a brief discussion regarding metal. Selectman Dudek indicated that probably won't be squared away until a public works person is hired. Mr. Reisman noted the issue of compacting cardboard has been put on hold due to the cold weather and freezing, but it is past that time now. First Selectman Klein noted the Committee should be talking with Don Berry whenever there is an issue at the transfer station as Mr. Berry is the one in charge. Ms. Perry asked what individuals are certified. First Selectman Klein noted he would get an answer to that question. Mr. Reisman indicated the Committee is recommending a video system to monitor the metals. Selectman Dudek indicated the Board chose not to take any action on that item.
7. New Business
4. Affordable Housing - Scott Kasper
Todd Hajek, Robert Sepega and Scott Kasper were present regarding affordable housing properties. They indicated the Board of Selectmen needs to determine the current resale value of their affordable housing properties based on the formula in the regulations and forward that number to the Assessor for the June bills. First Selectman Klein noted the Assessor has indicated she does not want to do this. Mr. Kasper gave a detailed review of the formula. It was the interest rate and median income for the area are the only two figures that change from year to year. Selectman Dudek asked why this is not given to the Board of Selectmen in a package by the Assessor. He indicated the goal of the Town Hall is to assist the public. First Selectman Klein noted he will instruct the Assessor to do this when she returns from vacation. Selectman Sipples noted the Assessor should be doing the leg work and the BOS would then approve it. Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, that the Tax Assessor be instructed to use the formula presented to the Board of Selectmen at this meeting, copy of which First Selectman Klein has and will present to the Tax Assessor, to give the five affordable homeowners tax relief and to report back to the Board of Selectmen with the figures pertaining to those five property owners by the next BOS meeting on April 23, 2007. Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Request to Remove Bridge on Tibbal's Bridge Road
Attorney Thomas Cronan was present representing the Hammonassett Fishing Association (HFA) in their request for removal of the bridge crossing the river from Tibbal's Bridge Road. Attorney Cronan noted there are no other private landowners other than the HFA. He indicated the Wetlands Commissions in both Towns would be notified. The Town of Madison would do the work. There would be no expense to the Town of Killingworth. A crane would just pick the bridge up and move it. Jere Adametz asked what the difference was between discontinued and abandoned. It was explained when a road is abandoned there must be a Town Meeting and once approved, adjoining property owners would then own to the center of the road. It was agreed First Selectman Klein would send Attorney Cronan a letter indicating the Town of Killingworth has no problem with the bridge being removed.
There was discussion regarding the abandonment of a portion of Alders Bridge Road. Jere Adametz indicated that portion of Alders Bridge Road was only discontinued and not abandoned, but it was voted to do so at a Town Meeting. Selectman Dudek suggested the minutes of that Town Meeting be checked to verify that before anything further is done. Mr. Adametz noted he would like to ask the Power Company to remove and relocate the utility pole there.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds - none.
5. Appointments/Vacancies - none.
6. Old Business
1. Award of Bid/Septic Lagoon Closure
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to award the Septic Lagoon Closure Bid to Luba Construction LLC in the amount of $68,900 based on the recommendation of Brian Curtis from Jacobson & Associates, Town Engineer. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. It was noted the Board of Finance has not yet approved the $104,000.
2. Bid Opening/Route 81/Green Hill Road Project
The following 3 bids were received -
1. Standard Demolition Services, Inc., 30 Nutmeg Drive, Trumbull; received April 5th @ 3:45 PM, in the amount of $199,768.00.
2. Pinder Construction Company, Inc., 27 Old Post Road, Clinton; received April 5th @ 9:30 AM, in the amount of $199,935.00.
3. Schumack Engineered Construction Corp., 93A Glenwood Road, Clinton; received April 5th @ 9:45 AM, in the amount of $194,880.00.
All bids will be forwarded to the Town Engineer to be reviewed by Howard Pfrommer and his recommendation to the BOS.
7. New Business
3. Middlesex Community College Proclamation
Motion by Klein to accept the Proclamation that the Town of Killingworth declares the month of May as "Middlesex Community College Month." Voting in favor - Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein reported on the following items -
Town Engineer is looking at Alders Bridge Road for possible paving next year.
Work will start soon on the septic lagoons. He will be going to the Board of Finance tomorrow and then Town Meeting. Luba will be doing the work.
Temporary traffic lights have been installed on Route 81 for the State's work on the bridge. There will be one lane traffic when they start. Work will then stop for the summer and then commence again in the fall. There may be a lot of activity going on in that same area with construction of the hardware store.
Sweeping of the roads has started; going along pretty well.
Bids have been put out for road patching. The road lining will start after July 1st.
Cardinal Engineering has submitted a preliminary report to the committee and neighbors in that area.
The work on Burr Hill Road will be some time in 2008. Archaeological report was okay. Waiting for Army Corps. of Engineers report.
Town Office Building Committee is progressing. Information has been submitted to them regarding Judge of Probate space which is in violation of certain privacy State Statutes.
There was some recent water testing at Jensen's by the State Health Department. Testing found radium in the water. First Selectman Klein contacted Superintendent Mala to have the schools' water tested, which test results came out fine. The schools will be tested again this week. A report will be forthcoming from Dr. Winikur.
At some point the Town will look at paving Beckwith Road. Drainage problems are being looked at by the Town Engineer.
9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek asked what precautions are being taken regarding the radium at Jensens. First Selectman Klein noted he inquired of the State what has to be done and there is nothing that can be done other than Jensens' management must notify the people in the Park.
Selectman Sipples inquired about the closing of the dirt section of Chittenden Road. First Selectman Klein noted that was closed as an accommodation to the contractor doing work on Route 81 who wished to park his equipment there. Klein indicated he spoke to Walter Adametz about closing the road and it was agreed that section of road was not that important.
Selectman Sipples discussed the initiation of an employee salary review. He indicated it was brought up during budget discussions and First Selectman Klein was going to approach the Board of Finance on this matter. The last employee salary review was done by the BOF.
Selectman Sipples brought up the subject of a new Town Charter Revision Committee. Membership was again reviewed. Sipples noted 3 individuals have volunteered to serve. Klein indicated he would like all new faces on a new committee. Dudek noted the BOS have not agreed on the size of the group. Sipples indicated he was concerned about the role of the BOS because State Statutes are quite clear. Sipples indicated he was asked by Klein to document problem areas in writing regarding this subject, which he did and has had no feedback. Sipples asked Klein if he took issue with the document written by him, and Klein replied absolutely. Dudek noted the prior committee indicated the BOS must take all or nothing of what was being recommended, and it was subsequently found out through Connecticut Conference of Municipalities that was erroneous. It was noted the bidding procedures and public works committee could both be dealt with as Ordinances.
First Selectman Klein noted a resident wishes to remove some old turkey equipment from the Bosco property. Klein indicated there was no value to the equipment. Dudek indicated he didn't take issue with it and would leave the decision up to First Selectman Klein.
Bids have been requested for the wiring of the generator at the school. All bids will come to the Board of Selectmen. Technical questions are going to Richard Leighton, Code Official, and Mike DiStefano at the school.
Dudek noted he was pleased bids are being obtained for the chip sealing and crack sealing. Klein indicated bids are not going out for the line striping.
Dudek noted the Board of Selectmen should examine the issue of contractors for snow removal. Some towns hire outside contractors and others don't.
Jere Adametz asked if there was a record of all roads that have been paved. Klein indicated that record must be down at the public works garage.
10. Executive Session
Selectman Sipples asked if this discussion had to do with a specific employee and if not, indicated it should be held in open session. It was decided to review the job description during open meeting. There was much discussion about this position being a participating supervisor and whether the position could be removed from the Union. The April 4th draft of the Public Works Supervisor Job Description was reviewed. Dudek indicated if it was a supervisory job, it should come out. One cannot be both management and labor. There were 3 changes made to the draft job description and the words "as needed" were added in the Purpose, Essential Job Functions and Operates Heavy and Light Equipment. Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to authorize First Selectman Klein to post the revised Public Works Supervisor Job Description dated April 4, 2007 with the 3 changes as reviewed at this meeting. Voting in favor - Sipples, Dudek, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
First Selectman Klein noted the job will be posted internally for five days, and then be posted outside.
First Selectman Klein asked what happens when there is a big snowstorm and the Town is short a driver. The supervisor has put in 40 hours and then goes out to plow. Does that individual get compensated? Selectman Dudek indicated there are issues that still need to be discussed. Also, does overtime pay go into the Pension Fund?
It was noted the Capital Plan still needs to be discussed.
Time frame for the budget -
April 16th - town budget available to the public
April 24th - public hearing for budget
May 15th - Annual Town Budget Meeting
11. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to adjourn at 9:20 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
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