September 24, 2007
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, September 24, 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 - September 10, 2007
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to approve September 10, 2007 Minutes amended as follows -
Page 2, under 2. Discussion Green Hill Road & River Road Intersection/Speed of Traffic, correct 3rd sentence to read, "She suggested either a stop sign...".
Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Abstained - Dudek. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Jere Adametz asked if 20 miles an hour speed limit on Green Hill Road has been approved by the Board of Selectmen. First Selectman Klein noted it has always been 20 miles an hour. It was noted there are now additional signs on the road. Mr. Adametz asked if the speed limit of 20 miles an hour has been approved by the State Traffic Commission. First Selectman Klein responded not that he knows. Selectman Sipples asked Walter Adametz if any new signs had been installed. W. Adametz replied a speed zone sign was placed at the intersection of Green Hill and River Roads to re-enforce the existing signs. W. Adametz also explained that for speed limits signs to be enforceable by the State Police they must be white and black and that was what was installed. First Selectman Klein referenced Connecticut General Statute, Section 14-297, Traffic Authority (definition) and Section 14-298 regarding placement of signs. Mr. Adametz reiterated this should be checked out with the State Traffic Commissioner.
Richard Albrecht noted there is also a newly installed 20 mile an hour sign near Chittenden Road and he didn't remember any action by the Board of Selectmen for that sign. He reiterated these signs should be approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Frank Kojcik from Granite Hill Road noted there is an illegal real estate at Green Hill Road that is not on the subject property.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve the following tax refunds - Donald R. Gagnon $27.41, Terrance O'Neill $24.00, Saab Leasing Company $19.17 and Steven & Marie Azzaro $19.12; all for overpayment. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments & Vacancies
First Selectman Klein noted there were 2 vacancies on the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission and 3 vacancies on the Town Office Building Study Committee. No one has come forward to serve on either. Motion by Klein, second by Sipples, to appoint Jeannette Clegg, Louis DesJardins, Walter Adametz Jr. and James McDonald to the Health & Safety Committee. Discussion followed. Selectman Sipples asked if this was a committee and if these appointments were in addition to members already on the committee. First Selectman Klein replied yes. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Old Business
1. Custodial Service - Award of Bid
Selectman Sipples noted all four vendors have submitted bids for cleaning 5 times a week and it is clear Service Management Group was the low bidder. Selectman Dudek noted the bid specification did not request the number of times to clean the building, but rather weekly cleaning which could be open to interpretation. He agreed the bid should go to SMG and the contract should be reviewed by the Town Attorney. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to award the bid to Service Management Group and to try to get this implemented by October 1st. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
2. Emergency Management - Homeland Security Grant (Revised)
Don McDougal was present to review the Homeland Security Grant. He noted the 2007 Grant was similar to 2006, but they added more things to it. He received a letter from Homeland Security indicating that every town will receive a minimum of $3000. Mr. McDougal also noted he had a letter that stated if the Chief Executive Officer has not changed since the Homeland Security Resolution was signed for the 2006 program, then the same Memorandum of Understanding could be used to satisfy grant requirements. Selectman Dudek noted he had a concern relative to a Item 1, Page 8 (document dated August 30, 2007) of the MOU which stated that acceptance of the program for eligibility indicates funding brings with it a commitment on the part of the municipality to increase operational capability with the funding of personnel and administrative expenses. He indicates the dollars for these programs are reduced every year. Dudek noted this effectively says a salaried position will be created and once this document is signed, it is a commitment on the town to do that. Mr. McDougal noted the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management are usually the same person. There was discussion as to what the E.O.C. should include. Dudek noted the document says the EOC should be staffed to handle day to day activities and all emergencies. McDougal noted the EOC is staffed for emergencies, but not day to day activities. Dudek was concerned a salaried position would be created and the funds would then be eliminated. It was noted this needs to be reviewed annually. Dudek noted he had a concern because there were no funds in the budget to hire a clerk and reimbursement is only 50 percent. Dudek noted he would not have a problem signing the document agreeing to the same terms and conditions as last year. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to accept the Homeland Security Resolution for 2006 (changing to current date). Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Financing of Attack Pumper
First Selectman Klein noted the pumper will be ready by December. There still must be an appropriation of $254,000 with payments for 3 years starting July 15, 2008 of $91,833 (interest of $21,000). Ms. Regolo noted the Board needs to approve in principal the concept of paying off the balance on the truck in the form of a lease over 3 years. Selectman Dudek asked if this had to go before Board of Finance and Town Meeting. Ms. Regolo replied no and explained this was already approved under Debt Lease Obligations in last year's budget during the Annual Budget Meeting. Dudek was concerned this must go before the Board of Finance. Ms. Regolo will follow up with Board of Finance on that question. Dudek noted he didn't have issue with the BOS approving the concept but felt it needed to go before the BOF for final approval. Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve in principal the idea of financing the balance of the attack pumper for 3 years. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Chittenden/Green Hill Road & River/Green Hill Road
First Selectman Klein read into the record a letter from Harold S. Wright, 81 Green Hill Road, dated September 21, 2007 regarding traffic and stop signs on Green Hill Road. Bruce Campbell noted there was a recent meeting of town officials and neighbors and he proposed a 3 way stop at the intersection of River/Green Hill Roads (3rd stop sign being on Green Hill coming from Madison going toward Killingworth). He indicated First Selectman Klein and the Traffic Study Commission Chairman agreed. Mr. Campbell submitted a pamphlet relative to pollution and health issues for the record. He indicated he would not oppose a sight line adjustment coming down from Madison on Green Hill Road, but felt nothing would be gained by a 4 way stop. First Selectman Klein noted he agreed with the stop sign, but some sight improvements must be done first. Ted LaFarge, 214 Green Hill Road, noted he was in agreement with a 3 way stop. He was in favor of sight line improvement, but would like to see what is proposed before it is done. First Selectman Klein noted the Town Engineer and Town Foreman are reviewing this matter. It was also noted by a resident there is a for sale sign on the LaFarge property that must be moved as it blocks one's vision at the intersection. There was discussion regarding possible inconsistency with the speed signs on Green Hill Road. It was noted speeding is an enforcement issue. Marilyn Campbell urged the installation of a 3rd stop sign at River/Green Hill Road. A 4th stop sign would increase pollution. First Selectman Klein noted the Town Engineer will be submitting a proposal for the sight line improvements. Bob Ellis from Quarry Hill Road introduced himself as Chairman of the Traffic Safety Committee. He indicated the Committee recognizes there are some serious problems in town with regard to traffic safety. The number one problem is speeding and the town must start doing things to help slow traffic down. Green Hill Road has been identified as having the most dangerous intersections. The town is being proactive in trying to solve the problem. A grant has been applied for and part of it will be used for increased traffic enforcement and part for another SMART machine so it won't have to be shared with 3 other towns. Mr. Ellis noted some residents don't agree with the Committee, but safety is a very serious issue in town and hopefully everyone will join together to do something about it. Chris Plumb from Granite Hill noted he would be in favor of a 3 way stop from west to east on Green Hill Road. Rick Albrecht asked if any study group is being proposed to review sight lines town wide rather than just reacting when there is a specific concern. Mr. Ellis noted the Committee is reviewing the road inventory and every single road in town has a sight line issue of one kind or another. This will be revisited again in the spring. Mr. Albrecht asked if this was part of the original charge of the committee. Mr. Ellis noted the original charge was innocuous and the committee decided to be more proactive. Mr. Albrecht asked if the 20 mile an hour signs would be removed that do not have the Board of Selectmen approval. There was some confusion as to what the actual speed limit was on Green Hill Road - was it 25 or 20?
Motion by Klein to put up a sign at the corner of Chittenden and Green Hill (southbound) and make it a 3 way stop. Discussion followed. Dudek noted he didn't have an issue with that intersection. Lou Annino noted there is an issue with pollution from the school buses and Green Hill Road is too small. Motion by Klein to make Chittenden and Green Hill Road a 3 way stop and Green Hill and River Road a 3 way stop subject to approval of the Board of Selectmen after seeing the proposal for sight line improvements. Dudek noted he would not approve a motion until the Town Engineer comes back with a proposal. He reiterated slowing down traffic is an enforcement issue not a stop sign issue. It was agreed by the 3 selectmen that once a determination is made as to how much it will cost to improve the sight line at Green Hill/River Roads for a 3 way stop, a decision will be made at that time by this Board. First Selectman Klein withdrew his two previous motions. Selectman Sipples noted he would have to have more information regarding problems at Chittenden and Green Hill Road before making any decisions.
Jere Adametz noted there are professional individuals who do speed studies and he would like to see the town request the Traffic Study Committee do such a study. First Selectman Klein noted he didn't object to that, but it should be addressed directly to the Traffic Study Committee. Mr. Ellis noted the Committee would take it up.
2. Town Plan Questionnaire
Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Tom Lentz was present. Dr. Lentz explained the history of the questionnaire. He noted 458 responses were received from the questionnaire and that the Town Plan is not based on the results of the questionnaire. It is based on studies the Commission has done over the last 3 years in attending workshops and a large number of reports and studies done by organizations run by UCONN School of Agriculture. Dr. Lentz briefly reviewed some of the results noting priorities of the townspeople are preserving the rural residential character of the town, protection of ground water supplies and continued acquisition of open space. It was noted there would be a public hearing on the Town Plan. Draft copies of the Plan have been forwarded to the Selectmen and a few key land use agencies to review and submission of any suggestions. Selectman Sipples read the summary paragraph on Page 81. Dr. Lentz noted the results of the questionnaire was prepared by the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency. Questions regarding Affordable Housing were reviewed. Tony Savino, Chairman of Housing Partnership, was also present. Whether or not the survey was going to become part of the Town Plan was discussed. Mr. Savino noted if it is going to be a major part of the Town Plan of Conservation, then it needs to be looked at much more carefully. Dr. Lentz noted it will be an appendix to show that a questionnaire was done. Lou Annino asked whether it was time to separate Planning and Zoning. Dr. Lentz noted the Planning & Zoning Commission is still able to handle the amount of work it has. He was definitely in favor of keeping a combined Planning & Zoning Commission. Amy Perry asked if the Commission has looked at trying to bring more business or industry to town to help with the tax base or does "keeping with the town's character" mean the town doesn't want any new businesses. Dr. Lentz noted there is a section in the Town Plan regarding tax base, but it doesn't include bringing in more industry. There is only a 2 acre industrial zone which is full. Commercial development, customary home occupations and continued purchase of open space are being encouraged. Dr. Lentz noted he has discussed affordable housing with Mr. Savino and the Commission is receptive to ideas as long as water supply is not adversely effected and it doesn't effect the rural residential character of the town.
3. Discussion - Employee Pension Plan Administrator & Trustee
First Selectman Klein noted currently the First Selectman and the Chairman of the Board of Finance are primarily responsible for the Town's Pension. He noted town officials change all the time. There is a representative from Merrill Lynch who also participates. Mr. Klein noted he would like to see this expanded to maybe 7 people as Trustees who are qualified to handle this money. The pensions are dependent on the vitality of the stock market and this is the people's money. Selectman Dudek noted there had been a Pension Committee in the past but no one wanted to serve on it. First Selectman Klein reiterated this should not be left in the hands of two people. It was agreed it would research this further.
4. Approved and Revised Bidding Regulations by BOS & BOF
It was brought to the Board's attention the Board of Finance has approved the newly revised Bidding Regulations (copy attached).
5. Billing Overrun - Paving @ Fire House 1 & 2
First Selectman Klein reviewed the issue of recent overruns on projects. He noted the paving at the fire house has an overrun. Some additional work had been requested by the fire department, but it never came back before the approving authority. Any changes in the scope of the work after the contract has been awarded should come back to the approving agency.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein reported on the following -
Phase 2 of Alders Bridge is being worked on.
Waiting for the Town Office Building report.
Green Hill maintenance paving should be done shortly. There was a brief discussion regarding school buses making the turn at Green Hill and Route 81. Walter Adametz noted the Town Engineer laid out the intersection and they have a formula for figuring that out.
Traffic counters have been installed on Route 81 at the entrance to the Middle School. First Selectman Klein noted he has asked Senator Meyer in conjunction with Brian O'Connor to introduce legislation forcing the State to put a traffic light there.
Reservoir Road Bridge is in progress.
9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek had no concerns.
Selectman Sipples asked for a status report regarding Lover's Lane. First Selectman Klein noted the Town Engineer hasn't presented anything new yet, but is planning on going before the Wetlands Commission to review this matter.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, September 24, 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 - September 10, 2007
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to approve September 10, 2007 Minutes amended as follows -
Page 2, under 2. Discussion Green Hill Road & River Road Intersection/Speed of Traffic, correct 3rd sentence to read, "She suggested either a stop sign...".
Voting in favor - Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Abstained - Dudek. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Jere Adametz asked if 20 miles an hour speed limit on Green Hill Road has been approved by the Board of Selectmen. First Selectman Klein noted it has always been 20 miles an hour. It was noted there are now additional signs on the road. Mr. Adametz asked if the speed limit of 20 miles an hour has been approved by the State Traffic Commission. First Selectman Klein responded not that he knows. Selectman Sipples asked Walter Adametz if any new signs had been installed. W. Adametz replied a speed zone sign was placed at the intersection of Green Hill and River Roads to re-enforce the existing signs. W. Adametz also explained that for speed limits signs to be enforceable by the State Police they must be white and black and that was what was installed. First Selectman Klein referenced Connecticut General Statute, Section 14-297, Traffic Authority (definition) and Section 14-298 regarding placement of signs. Mr. Adametz reiterated this should be checked out with the State Traffic Commissioner.
Richard Albrecht noted there is also a newly installed 20 mile an hour sign near Chittenden Road and he didn't remember any action by the Board of Selectmen for that sign. He reiterated these signs should be approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Frank Kojcik from Granite Hill Road noted there is an illegal real estate at Green Hill Road that is not on the subject property.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve the following tax refunds - Donald R. Gagnon $27.41, Terrance O'Neill $24.00, Saab Leasing Company $19.17 and Steven & Marie Azzaro $19.12; all for overpayment. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments & Vacancies
First Selectman Klein noted there were 2 vacancies on the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission and 3 vacancies on the Town Office Building Study Committee. No one has come forward to serve on either. Motion by Klein, second by Sipples, to appoint Jeannette Clegg, Louis DesJardins, Walter Adametz Jr. and James McDonald to the Health & Safety Committee. Discussion followed. Selectman Sipples asked if this was a committee and if these appointments were in addition to members already on the committee. First Selectman Klein replied yes. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Old Business
1. Custodial Service - Award of Bid
Selectman Sipples noted all four vendors have submitted bids for cleaning 5 times a week and it is clear Service Management Group was the low bidder. Selectman Dudek noted the bid specification did not request the number of times to clean the building, but rather weekly cleaning which could be open to interpretation. He agreed the bid should go to SMG and the contract should be reviewed by the Town Attorney. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to award the bid to Service Management Group and to try to get this implemented by October 1st. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
2. Emergency Management - Homeland Security Grant (Revised)
Don McDougal was present to review the Homeland Security Grant. He noted the 2007 Grant was similar to 2006, but they added more things to it. He received a letter from Homeland Security indicating that every town will receive a minimum of $3000. Mr. McDougal also noted he had a letter that stated if the Chief Executive Officer has not changed since the Homeland Security Resolution was signed for the 2006 program, then the same Memorandum of Understanding could be used to satisfy grant requirements. Selectman Dudek noted he had a concern relative to a Item 1, Page 8 (document dated August 30, 2007) of the MOU which stated that acceptance of the program for eligibility indicates funding brings with it a commitment on the part of the municipality to increase operational capability with the funding of personnel and administrative expenses. He indicates the dollars for these programs are reduced every year. Dudek noted this effectively says a salaried position will be created and once this document is signed, it is a commitment on the town to do that. Mr. McDougal noted the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management are usually the same person. There was discussion as to what the E.O.C. should include. Dudek noted the document says the EOC should be staffed to handle day to day activities and all emergencies. McDougal noted the EOC is staffed for emergencies, but not day to day activities. Dudek was concerned a salaried position would be created and the funds would then be eliminated. It was noted this needs to be reviewed annually. Dudek noted he had a concern because there were no funds in the budget to hire a clerk and reimbursement is only 50 percent. Dudek noted he would not have a problem signing the document agreeing to the same terms and conditions as last year. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to accept the Homeland Security Resolution for 2006 (changing to current date). Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
3. Financing of Attack Pumper
First Selectman Klein noted the pumper will be ready by December. There still must be an appropriation of $254,000 with payments for 3 years starting July 15, 2008 of $91,833 (interest of $21,000). Ms. Regolo noted the Board needs to approve in principal the concept of paying off the balance on the truck in the form of a lease over 3 years. Selectman Dudek asked if this had to go before Board of Finance and Town Meeting. Ms. Regolo replied no and explained this was already approved under Debt Lease Obligations in last year's budget during the Annual Budget Meeting. Dudek was concerned this must go before the Board of Finance. Ms. Regolo will follow up with Board of Finance on that question. Dudek noted he didn't have issue with the BOS approving the concept but felt it needed to go before the BOF for final approval. Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to approve in principal the idea of financing the balance of the attack pumper for 3 years. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Chittenden/Green Hill Road & River/Green Hill Road
First Selectman Klein read into the record a letter from Harold S. Wright, 81 Green Hill Road, dated September 21, 2007 regarding traffic and stop signs on Green Hill Road. Bruce Campbell noted there was a recent meeting of town officials and neighbors and he proposed a 3 way stop at the intersection of River/Green Hill Roads (3rd stop sign being on Green Hill coming from Madison going toward Killingworth). He indicated First Selectman Klein and the Traffic Study Commission Chairman agreed. Mr. Campbell submitted a pamphlet relative to pollution and health issues for the record. He indicated he would not oppose a sight line adjustment coming down from Madison on Green Hill Road, but felt nothing would be gained by a 4 way stop. First Selectman Klein noted he agreed with the stop sign, but some sight improvements must be done first. Ted LaFarge, 214 Green Hill Road, noted he was in agreement with a 3 way stop. He was in favor of sight line improvement, but would like to see what is proposed before it is done. First Selectman Klein noted the Town Engineer and Town Foreman are reviewing this matter. It was also noted by a resident there is a for sale sign on the LaFarge property that must be moved as it blocks one's vision at the intersection. There was discussion regarding possible inconsistency with the speed signs on Green Hill Road. It was noted speeding is an enforcement issue. Marilyn Campbell urged the installation of a 3rd stop sign at River/Green Hill Road. A 4th stop sign would increase pollution. First Selectman Klein noted the Town Engineer will be submitting a proposal for the sight line improvements. Bob Ellis from Quarry Hill Road introduced himself as Chairman of the Traffic Safety Committee. He indicated the Committee recognizes there are some serious problems in town with regard to traffic safety. The number one problem is speeding and the town must start doing things to help slow traffic down. Green Hill Road has been identified as having the most dangerous intersections. The town is being proactive in trying to solve the problem. A grant has been applied for and part of it will be used for increased traffic enforcement and part for another SMART machine so it won't have to be shared with 3 other towns. Mr. Ellis noted some residents don't agree with the Committee, but safety is a very serious issue in town and hopefully everyone will join together to do something about it. Chris Plumb from Granite Hill noted he would be in favor of a 3 way stop from west to east on Green Hill Road. Rick Albrecht asked if any study group is being proposed to review sight lines town wide rather than just reacting when there is a specific concern. Mr. Ellis noted the Committee is reviewing the road inventory and every single road in town has a sight line issue of one kind or another. This will be revisited again in the spring. Mr. Albrecht asked if this was part of the original charge of the committee. Mr. Ellis noted the original charge was innocuous and the committee decided to be more proactive. Mr. Albrecht asked if the 20 mile an hour signs would be removed that do not have the Board of Selectmen approval. There was some confusion as to what the actual speed limit was on Green Hill Road - was it 25 or 20?
Motion by Klein to put up a sign at the corner of Chittenden and Green Hill (southbound) and make it a 3 way stop. Discussion followed. Dudek noted he didn't have an issue with that intersection. Lou Annino noted there is an issue with pollution from the school buses and Green Hill Road is too small. Motion by Klein to make Chittenden and Green Hill Road a 3 way stop and Green Hill and River Road a 3 way stop subject to approval of the Board of Selectmen after seeing the proposal for sight line improvements. Dudek noted he would not approve a motion until the Town Engineer comes back with a proposal. He reiterated slowing down traffic is an enforcement issue not a stop sign issue. It was agreed by the 3 selectmen that once a determination is made as to how much it will cost to improve the sight line at Green Hill/River Roads for a 3 way stop, a decision will be made at that time by this Board. First Selectman Klein withdrew his two previous motions. Selectman Sipples noted he would have to have more information regarding problems at Chittenden and Green Hill Road before making any decisions.
Jere Adametz noted there are professional individuals who do speed studies and he would like to see the town request the Traffic Study Committee do such a study. First Selectman Klein noted he didn't object to that, but it should be addressed directly to the Traffic Study Committee. Mr. Ellis noted the Committee would take it up.
2. Town Plan Questionnaire
Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Tom Lentz was present. Dr. Lentz explained the history of the questionnaire. He noted 458 responses were received from the questionnaire and that the Town Plan is not based on the results of the questionnaire. It is based on studies the Commission has done over the last 3 years in attending workshops and a large number of reports and studies done by organizations run by UCONN School of Agriculture. Dr. Lentz briefly reviewed some of the results noting priorities of the townspeople are preserving the rural residential character of the town, protection of ground water supplies and continued acquisition of open space. It was noted there would be a public hearing on the Town Plan. Draft copies of the Plan have been forwarded to the Selectmen and a few key land use agencies to review and submission of any suggestions. Selectman Sipples read the summary paragraph on Page 81. Dr. Lentz noted the results of the questionnaire was prepared by the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency. Questions regarding Affordable Housing were reviewed. Tony Savino, Chairman of Housing Partnership, was also present. Whether or not the survey was going to become part of the Town Plan was discussed. Mr. Savino noted if it is going to be a major part of the Town Plan of Conservation, then it needs to be looked at much more carefully. Dr. Lentz noted it will be an appendix to show that a questionnaire was done. Lou Annino asked whether it was time to separate Planning and Zoning. Dr. Lentz noted the Planning & Zoning Commission is still able to handle the amount of work it has. He was definitely in favor of keeping a combined Planning & Zoning Commission. Amy Perry asked if the Commission has looked at trying to bring more business or industry to town to help with the tax base or does "keeping with the town's character" mean the town doesn't want any new businesses. Dr. Lentz noted there is a section in the Town Plan regarding tax base, but it doesn't include bringing in more industry. There is only a 2 acre industrial zone which is full. Commercial development, customary home occupations and continued purchase of open space are being encouraged. Dr. Lentz noted he has discussed affordable housing with Mr. Savino and the Commission is receptive to ideas as long as water supply is not adversely effected and it doesn't effect the rural residential character of the town.
3. Discussion - Employee Pension Plan Administrator & Trustee
First Selectman Klein noted currently the First Selectman and the Chairman of the Board of Finance are primarily responsible for the Town's Pension. He noted town officials change all the time. There is a representative from Merrill Lynch who also participates. Mr. Klein noted he would like to see this expanded to maybe 7 people as Trustees who are qualified to handle this money. The pensions are dependent on the vitality of the stock market and this is the people's money. Selectman Dudek noted there had been a Pension Committee in the past but no one wanted to serve on it. First Selectman Klein reiterated this should not be left in the hands of two people. It was agreed it would research this further.
4. Approved and Revised Bidding Regulations by BOS & BOF
It was brought to the Board's attention the Board of Finance has approved the newly revised Bidding Regulations (copy attached).
5. Billing Overrun - Paving @ Fire House 1 & 2
First Selectman Klein reviewed the issue of recent overruns on projects. He noted the paving at the fire house has an overrun. Some additional work had been requested by the fire department, but it never came back before the approving authority. Any changes in the scope of the work after the contract has been awarded should come back to the approving agency.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein reported on the following -
Phase 2 of Alders Bridge is being worked on.
Waiting for the Town Office Building report.
Green Hill maintenance paving should be done shortly. There was a brief discussion regarding school buses making the turn at Green Hill and Route 81. Walter Adametz noted the Town Engineer laid out the intersection and they have a formula for figuring that out.
Traffic counters have been installed on Route 81 at the entrance to the Middle School. First Selectman Klein noted he has asked Senator Meyer in conjunction with Brian O'Connor to introduce legislation forcing the State to put a traffic light there.
Reservoir Road Bridge is in progress.
9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek had no concerns.
Selectman Sipples asked for a status report regarding Lover's Lane. First Selectman Klein noted the Town Engineer hasn't presented anything new yet, but is planning on going before the Wetlands Commission to review this matter.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
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