October 9, 2007
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a meeting on Tuesday, October 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 – September 24, 2007
Motion by Dudek to approve September 24, 2007 Minutes amended as follows –
Under 7. New Business, 3. Discussion – Employee Pension Plan Administrator & Trustee, 8th sentence should read, “It was agreed this would be researched further.”
Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Jere Adametz noted he recently was traveling on Green Hill Road to Route 81 and had to stop because of a school bus coming around the curve or he would have hit the bus head on. He noted either the curve needs to be changed or Green Hill Road between Route 81 and Stevens Road needs to be made one way. Walter Adametz noted the Town Engineer is reviewing this to try and revamp the curve to make it a “Y” instead of a radius. First Selectman Klein also noted that was questioned and it is being looked at. Selectman Sipples asked if the Town would be paying for the changes or will the engineering firm admit it wasn’t designed properly. First Selectman Klein noted the Town will be paying for it as the engineering firm went by the book when designing it.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek to approve Tax Refunds as presented by the Tax Collector – Linda Sue McCormack $25.25, Brockway Smith Company $92.32 and Vincent Gambardella $61.31, all overpayments. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments and Vacancies
First Selectman Klein noted there are several vacancies, but no one is interested in serving at this time. He noted Helping Hands is in desperate need of someone as two individuals have gone back to work and don’t have the time any more to volunteer. This is a real problem as there is a need in the community for this service. Selectman Dudek asked for a report from Helping Hands as to their activities and how many families they assist. Rick Albrecht suggested contacting the Churches to see if they could assist in any way. Selectman Sipples noted that was an excellent idea.
6. Old Business
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to add to Old Business Item 2. Resolution Authorizing a Lease Purchase Agreement to Finance Attack Pumper Truck. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
1. BOS Discuss/Approve Amendment to “Affordable Housing Agency Regulations”.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Affordable Housing Regulations. It was noted the difference between New Haven County and Middlesex County was from $76,000 to $93,000 for median income. Selectman Dudek noted he would like to see a written explanation from the Assessor as to “why so much, so fast and getting to Middlesex County by 2010. There will be a hit in 2010 to be in Middlesex County and then again in 2011 with the reval.” This item was tabled until the next meeting.
2. Resolution Authorizing Lease Purchase Agreement to Finance Attack Pumper Truck.
The Resolution was reviewed. Selectman Dudek noted this was very similar to what was discussed originally. He asked if the first payment would be in the next fiscal year. Mrs. Regolo replied yes, and what was in this year’s budget was for the chassis. She confirmed the first payment would be in July 2008. Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, that the Board of Selectmen accept the Resolution Authorizing the Lease Purchase Agreement to Finance the Attack Pumper Truck (copy attached). Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Killingworth Hazard Mitigation Plan – Public Forum.
Selectman Dudek noted there were some problems with this when it was brought before the Board about 14 months ago and it was decided not to go any further until questions were answered. He asked for another copy of the Plan. It was noted Don McDougall was unable to attend this meeting, but would be at the next meeting to review this matter. The concern at this time was why have a public forum when this has not been approved by the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Dudek noted he would like to review the Plan before it goes to public forum. Selectman Sipples noted he would be amenable to having Jean Davies from CRERPA come to a special Board of Selectmen meeting to review the Plan. It was agreed the Selectmen would read the Plan and then Jean Davies would be asked to come to a special meeting to review it in detail.
2. Authorization by BOS to Amend Ordinance: Re Alternate Locations for Town Meetings.
It was noted the original locations for Town Meetings were the Town Hall and Killingworth Elementary School. The proposal is to add the Killingworth Fire House and the new Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to amend the Ordinance to read “That future Town Meetings shall be held at either the Town Hall, the Killingworth Elementary School, Haddam-Killingworth Middle School or the Killingworth Fire House at the discretion of the Board of Selectmen.” Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried. Rick Albrecht noted this change would have to go to Town Meeting for approval.
3. To Approve Draft Resolution Re Property Taxes and Take To Town Meeting.
Selectman Sipples asked what this item referred to. First Selectman Klein noted it had to do with abating taxes for the Killingworth Land Trust and it would be tabled until a future meeting.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted the Route 81/Green Hill Road intersection had already been discussed. Waiting to hear back from the Town Engineer.
First Selectman Klein noted bids were due in on the 11th for the final remediation and testing of the wells at the lagoons. The Town has an obligation to test the 3 wells for the next 18 months. The bids will be received and opened at the next Board of Selectmen meeting. It was noted the bids were solicited by the Town Engineer and the price is anticipated to be far in excess of $5000.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
Selectman Dudek questioned the stop sign on Green Hill Road. He noted this topic was discussed at the last Selectmen’s meeting and he thought the Board was going to wait until the Town Engineer came back with proposals. Selectman Dudek noted the sign went up about a week ago and he voiced his concern this was not brought back before the Board of Selectmen. He indicated he had a problem with the way this was handled and he had about 8 people contact him concerning the sign. Dudek noted that previously when stop signs were installed, warning signs were put up about 3 weeks prior to alert the public and the resident trooper would give verbal warnings during that time. Selectman Dudek reiterated his 3 issues with this – 1) this should have come before the Board of Selectmen, 2) this could have waited one more week to come before the BOS, and 3) anything like this should have advance notification because it is a very dangerous situation. First Selectman Klein noted Selectman Dudek’s point was well taken. However, he had contacted the State inquiring about the installation of stop signs on town roads and he was told the First Selectman has the right to put up stop signs. Selectman Dudek reiterated this should have been brought back to the full Board and there should have been a warning period of 2 to 3 weeks before the sign went up. Without the warning people at the intersection of Chittenden and Green Hill will have a false sense of security.
Selectman Sipples noted he contacted Town Attorney Michael Wells about 3 weeks ago inquiring about the sign at River Road and Green Hill Road. Attorney Wells indicated the First Selectman does not have the authority to put up any speed or stop signs and this must come back before the Board of Selectmen. Subsequently, the sign at River Road was removed. In the absence of a Traffic Authority, the Board of Selectmen is the Authority to put up speed signs and stop signs. First Selectman Klein noted he put the sign up for safety reasons and if any selectmen felt it should be removed, they should make a motion to that effect. Selectman Dudek asked for a written interpretation regarding this matter from Attorney Wells, and that he thought the Board was going to wait until the Traffic Study Committee made their recommendation. Selectman Sipples asked First Selectman Klein why he acted so quickly regarding this matter. First Selectman Klein stated Green Hill Road has become a real thoroughfare and he found this to be an extremely dangerous intersection. He reiterated he had contacted the State Traffic Commission who indicated he had the authority as the First Selectman and Chief of Police in Town to put up the stop sign.
Walter Adametz was asked what jurisdiction the Town and State have relative to these matters. Mr. Adametz replied the State has jurisdiction over speed limits and thru trucks. The municipality has jurisdiction over stop signs and any advisory signs.
First Selectman Klein referenced the Town Charter and the responsibility of the First Selectman as Superintendent of Highways and Chief of Police. Selectman Sipples noted the Charter indicates this comes under the general direction and policy making of the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Dudek reiterated he would like a written ruling on this subject from the Town Attorney, and that the next time this comes before the Board and there is a warning to the public before it happens.
Selectman Sipples noted this administration has looked at filling the vacant Town Foreman’s position for some time now. He suggested this matter be resolved at the next Board of Selectmen meeting unless First Selectman Klein had strong reasons not to. First Selectman Klein noted the labor contract has not been settled yet, and the job description change is still on the table.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to adjourn at 7:55 PM. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a meeting on Tuesday, October 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 – September 24, 2007
Motion by Dudek to approve September 24, 2007 Minutes amended as follows –
Under 7. New Business, 3. Discussion – Employee Pension Plan Administrator & Trustee, 8th sentence should read, “It was agreed this would be researched further.”
Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
3. Visitors
Jere Adametz noted he recently was traveling on Green Hill Road to Route 81 and had to stop because of a school bus coming around the curve or he would have hit the bus head on. He noted either the curve needs to be changed or Green Hill Road between Route 81 and Stevens Road needs to be made one way. Walter Adametz noted the Town Engineer is reviewing this to try and revamp the curve to make it a “Y” instead of a radius. First Selectman Klein also noted that was questioned and it is being looked at. Selectman Sipples asked if the Town would be paying for the changes or will the engineering firm admit it wasn’t designed properly. First Selectman Klein noted the Town will be paying for it as the engineering firm went by the book when designing it.
4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek to approve Tax Refunds as presented by the Tax Collector – Linda Sue McCormack $25.25, Brockway Smith Company $92.32 and Vincent Gambardella $61.31, all overpayments. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
5. Appointments and Vacancies
First Selectman Klein noted there are several vacancies, but no one is interested in serving at this time. He noted Helping Hands is in desperate need of someone as two individuals have gone back to work and don’t have the time any more to volunteer. This is a real problem as there is a need in the community for this service. Selectman Dudek asked for a report from Helping Hands as to their activities and how many families they assist. Rick Albrecht suggested contacting the Churches to see if they could assist in any way. Selectman Sipples noted that was an excellent idea.
6. Old Business
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to add to Old Business Item 2. Resolution Authorizing a Lease Purchase Agreement to Finance Attack Pumper Truck. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
1. BOS Discuss/Approve Amendment to “Affordable Housing Agency Regulations”.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Affordable Housing Regulations. It was noted the difference between New Haven County and Middlesex County was from $76,000 to $93,000 for median income. Selectman Dudek noted he would like to see a written explanation from the Assessor as to “why so much, so fast and getting to Middlesex County by 2010. There will be a hit in 2010 to be in Middlesex County and then again in 2011 with the reval.” This item was tabled until the next meeting.
2. Resolution Authorizing Lease Purchase Agreement to Finance Attack Pumper Truck.
The Resolution was reviewed. Selectman Dudek noted this was very similar to what was discussed originally. He asked if the first payment would be in the next fiscal year. Mrs. Regolo replied yes, and what was in this year’s budget was for the chassis. She confirmed the first payment would be in July 2008. Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, that the Board of Selectmen accept the Resolution Authorizing the Lease Purchase Agreement to Finance the Attack Pumper Truck (copy attached). Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
1. Killingworth Hazard Mitigation Plan – Public Forum.
Selectman Dudek noted there were some problems with this when it was brought before the Board about 14 months ago and it was decided not to go any further until questions were answered. He asked for another copy of the Plan. It was noted Don McDougall was unable to attend this meeting, but would be at the next meeting to review this matter. The concern at this time was why have a public forum when this has not been approved by the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Dudek noted he would like to review the Plan before it goes to public forum. Selectman Sipples noted he would be amenable to having Jean Davies from CRERPA come to a special Board of Selectmen meeting to review the Plan. It was agreed the Selectmen would read the Plan and then Jean Davies would be asked to come to a special meeting to review it in detail.
2. Authorization by BOS to Amend Ordinance: Re Alternate Locations for Town Meetings.
It was noted the original locations for Town Meetings were the Town Hall and Killingworth Elementary School. The proposal is to add the Killingworth Fire House and the new Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to amend the Ordinance to read “That future Town Meetings shall be held at either the Town Hall, the Killingworth Elementary School, Haddam-Killingworth Middle School or the Killingworth Fire House at the discretion of the Board of Selectmen.” Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried. Rick Albrecht noted this change would have to go to Town Meeting for approval.
3. To Approve Draft Resolution Re Property Taxes and Take To Town Meeting.
Selectman Sipples asked what this item referred to. First Selectman Klein noted it had to do with abating taxes for the Killingworth Land Trust and it would be tabled until a future meeting.
8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted the Route 81/Green Hill Road intersection had already been discussed. Waiting to hear back from the Town Engineer.
First Selectman Klein noted bids were due in on the 11th for the final remediation and testing of the wells at the lagoons. The Town has an obligation to test the 3 wells for the next 18 months. The bids will be received and opened at the next Board of Selectmen meeting. It was noted the bids were solicited by the Town Engineer and the price is anticipated to be far in excess of $5000.
9. Selectmen’s Concerns
Selectman Dudek questioned the stop sign on Green Hill Road. He noted this topic was discussed at the last Selectmen’s meeting and he thought the Board was going to wait until the Town Engineer came back with proposals. Selectman Dudek noted the sign went up about a week ago and he voiced his concern this was not brought back before the Board of Selectmen. He indicated he had a problem with the way this was handled and he had about 8 people contact him concerning the sign. Dudek noted that previously when stop signs were installed, warning signs were put up about 3 weeks prior to alert the public and the resident trooper would give verbal warnings during that time. Selectman Dudek reiterated his 3 issues with this – 1) this should have come before the Board of Selectmen, 2) this could have waited one more week to come before the BOS, and 3) anything like this should have advance notification because it is a very dangerous situation. First Selectman Klein noted Selectman Dudek’s point was well taken. However, he had contacted the State inquiring about the installation of stop signs on town roads and he was told the First Selectman has the right to put up stop signs. Selectman Dudek reiterated this should have been brought back to the full Board and there should have been a warning period of 2 to 3 weeks before the sign went up. Without the warning people at the intersection of Chittenden and Green Hill will have a false sense of security.
Selectman Sipples noted he contacted Town Attorney Michael Wells about 3 weeks ago inquiring about the sign at River Road and Green Hill Road. Attorney Wells indicated the First Selectman does not have the authority to put up any speed or stop signs and this must come back before the Board of Selectmen. Subsequently, the sign at River Road was removed. In the absence of a Traffic Authority, the Board of Selectmen is the Authority to put up speed signs and stop signs. First Selectman Klein noted he put the sign up for safety reasons and if any selectmen felt it should be removed, they should make a motion to that effect. Selectman Dudek asked for a written interpretation regarding this matter from Attorney Wells, and that he thought the Board was going to wait until the Traffic Study Committee made their recommendation. Selectman Sipples asked First Selectman Klein why he acted so quickly regarding this matter. First Selectman Klein stated Green Hill Road has become a real thoroughfare and he found this to be an extremely dangerous intersection. He reiterated he had contacted the State Traffic Commission who indicated he had the authority as the First Selectman and Chief of Police in Town to put up the stop sign.
Walter Adametz was asked what jurisdiction the Town and State have relative to these matters. Mr. Adametz replied the State has jurisdiction over speed limits and thru trucks. The municipality has jurisdiction over stop signs and any advisory signs.
First Selectman Klein referenced the Town Charter and the responsibility of the First Selectman as Superintendent of Highways and Chief of Police. Selectman Sipples noted the Charter indicates this comes under the general direction and policy making of the Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Dudek reiterated he would like a written ruling on this subject from the Town Attorney, and that the next time this comes before the Board and there is a warning to the public before it happens.
Selectman Sipples noted this administration has looked at filling the vacant Town Foreman’s position for some time now. He suggested this matter be resolved at the next Board of Selectmen meeting unless First Selectman Klein had strong reasons not to. First Selectman Klein noted the labor contract has not been settled yet, and the job description change is still on the table.
10. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to adjourn at 7:55 PM. Voting in favor – Dudek, Klein, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
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