9.10.2007

September 10, 2007

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, September 10, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were First Selectman Martin Klein and Selectman Edward Sipples. First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

2. Approval of Minutes - August 22 and 27, 2007
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to approve August 22, 2007 Special Meeting Minutes and August 27, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes as written. Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

3. Visitors
No one wished to speak at this time.

4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to approve tax refunds as reviewed and shown on the attached sheet. Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

5. Appointments/Vacancies
First Selectman Klein noted there were vacancies on the Wetlands Commission and the Water Pollution Control Authority.

6. Old Business
1. Custodial Service - Award of Bid
Selectman Sipples noted there had been a previous question about including a termination clause. Ms. Regolo stated there is such a clause included, but it was agreed the Town Attorney would not review the contract until the bid was actually awarded. There was discussion regarding what the bid specifications called for and if the lowest bidder bid using those specs. It was noted Selectman Dudek was recommending SMG whose bid was for cleaning 5 times a week versus the twice a week that was in the specifications. Selectman Sipples asked whether the lowest bidder should be contacted and asked to submit a price for 5 times a week. Ms. Regolo noted the Town went into this not looking to save money but higher standards. She indicated she met with all the bidders and reviewed what the Town had in the past and asked them to recommend what they thought was the best way to meet the Town's needs. Selectman Sipples felt all the companies should be given the opportunity to bid on 5 days a week. It was decided to table this item for further discussion.

7. New Business
Motion by Klein, second by Sipples, to add New Business Item #5 Tree Trimming on Iron Works Road. Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

1. Bid Opening - Hwy. Dept./PU Truck - Award of Bid
Walter Adametz explained these bids were for a new 2008 Chevrolet or GMC 1 ton Pick Up, 4 Wheel Drive for the Highway Department. The following bids were received -

Sansone Chevrolet, New Jersey $32,246.00
Scranton Motors, Vernon, CT $33,547.00
Jackson Chevrolet, Middletown, CT $33,489.00
Mallon Chevrolet, Norwich, CT $32,295.00
Liberty Chevrolet, Wakefield, MA $32,887.00

Walter Adametz took the bids to review them during the balance of the meeting and will then return at the end of the meeting with his recommendation.

2. Discussion - Green Hill & River Road Intersection/Speed of Traffic
First Selectman Klein noted there were a few residents present from that area who wished to speak on this subject. Debbie & Frank Wojcik, Granite Hill Road, noted there is very little time to pull out at that intersection because of cars coming down the hill. She suggestion either a stop sign or some clearing of the intersection. First Selectman Klein noted he and Mr. Adametz had visited the site several times. He noted the short term answer is to make the intersection a four way stop and trim the trees going up the hill toward the cemetery. It was noted this intersection is also an issue for the school buses. It was also suggested the hill be cut down some to increase visibility. Mr. Adametz reviewed some photos he took of the intersection and more particular the sight line. He indicated there is definitely a sight line problem that might be solved by removing some trees. First Selectman Klein noted initially the stop signs would be installed. The next step would be to start cutting the trees and then the excavation. Mr. Adametz noted a four way stop would be okay, but the sight line problem must be addressed to by removing some of the bank. He indicated there is certain criteria that must be met when installing stop signs. First Selectman Klein noted he will meet with the Town Engineer at the site tomorrow to determine how to proceed.

3. Discussion of Sign/Town Property/Killingworth Women's Organization
Derrick Schull introduced himself as representative for the Killingworth Women's Organization along with 3 representatives from the KWO. Mr. Schull noted this is a proposal to put an informational sign (for community events) on Recycle Way. The sign is oversized (30 square feet on one side) so a variance has been requested from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The sign will not be lit at this time. First Selectman Klein noted the KWO will assume responsibility to maintain the sign. Mowing around the sign will be done by the Town. Selectman Sipples noted he thought the concept for this sign was great. Motion by Klein, second by Sipples, to endorse the Killingworth Women's Organization to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance for a sign to be located on town property. Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

4. Review of BOS Mtg. Agenda Format
First Selectman Klein noted Recording Secretary Brown brought up some issues with regard to the meeting agenda format and made specific suggestions. Both Sipples and Klein agreed the meeting agenda structure isn't always followed and it should be. Sipples noted there are both advantages and disadvantages of putting visitors at the end of the meeting and didn't want to see a change in that.

5. Tree Trimming on Iron Works Road
First Selectman Klein noted there have been a tremendous amount of complaints about dead wood on Iron Works Road. The tree work has already been done by a contractor who originally said (verbally, nothing in writing) it could be done in 3 days and then took 6 days to do it. Mr. Klein noted he and Mr. Adametz visited the site and found out the contractor was also cutting underbrush which he shouldn't have been doing. The contractor said he had to cut the underbrush in order to get in to cut the trees. Selectman Sipples noted there should have been more supervision of the work. Walter Adametz stated this was a verbal contract for 3 days work and the contractor never came back to say he needed more days. Mr. Adametz suggested any work in the future would be done with a written contract. No decision was made.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted on September 27th at 10:00 AM there will be a dedication for the trees planted in Pam Ahearn's honor and Carl Lauer. Town employees have been invited to attend.

First Selectman Klein noted the State will be inspecting the River Road Bridge in January. The last inspection showed cracking which means the deck has been compromised and some of the plates have moved. Mr. Klein noted if the Town must entertain the idea of redoing the bridge, he would like to see if be a covered bridge as it is such a pristine area.

First Selectman Klein noted there is 1000 feet to be paved on Alder's Bridge. Hopefully the paving and the catch basins will be included in next year's budget.

First Selectman Klein noted the Compactor was swept today and lines were being put down.

First Selectman Klein noted he will meet the Town Engineer tomorrow at Lover's Lane and review some ideas for the road. The Town Engineer will go before the Wetlands Commission for an informational meeting to consider his recommendations.

First Selectman Klein noted the grass has been cut on the Bosco property.

First Selectman Klein noted he is looking into wind power for electric generation. Next year CL&P costs will be going up 27 percent.

First Selectman Klein noted the first check came in for the Reservoir Road Bridge. He briefly noted there were some unexpected expenses incurred.

9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Sipples noted he would like to suggest to First Selectman Klein that in the future he come to the Board of Selectmen before having the Town Attorney do research on an item, such as vendors and blight ordinances. First Selectman Klein noted the first selectman needs to make certain decisions.

Selectman Sipples asked if a meeting date has been chosen for discussion of the Planning & Zoning Commission questionnaire. First Selectman Klein agreed to do so in the future, but did not commit to a specific date.

Selectman Sipples reviewed some of the road projects and the fact these projects should be prioritized in the future.

Selectman Sipples noted the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held a couple days ago. He asked if this might be something to be held again at some point in the future. First Selectman Klein noted all the comments he received were complimentary. It was noted 69 people attended.

7. New Business
1. Bid Opening - Hwy. Dept./PU Truck - Award of Bid
Walter Adametz noted he reviewed the 5 bids for the truck and they all meet specifications. Sansone from New Jersey was the lowest bid and Mallon from Norwich was only $49 higher than the lowest bid. Mr. Adametz recommended Mallon Chevrolet based on the fact they are in the State and the Town has a current good working relationship with them. Motion by Klein, second by Sipples, to accept the bids for the 3500 1 Ton Chevrolet Silverado from Mallon Chevrolet of Norwich, Connecticut for $32,295. Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

10. Adjournment
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to adjourn at 8:33 PM. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.