May 30, 2007 - Special

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 30, 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. Attorney Michael Wells, Tax Assessor Donna Shanoff and Regina Regolo were also present. First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

2. Affordable Housing Adjustments
Attorney Michael Wells noted he has reviewed the files for affordable housing. He noted the value for the homes is based strictly on the calculation contained in the regulations which is based on income. The variables for this are income, interest rate, taxes and insurance. Therefore, the starting values for each of the properties is exactly the same. Mr. Wells further explained to that value is added the recapture which is any improvement after 1993. He briefly reviewed how to figure the recapture. Attorney Wells also pointed out the regulations call for using the New Haven figures. At some point in time Killingworth was moved out of Middlesex County to New Haven County and is now moved back into Middlesex County. In New Haven County, the median income is $76,600 and Middlesex County is $93,000. The difference in the median income is significant between the 2 counties.

Attorney Wells noted changing to the Middlesex County will significantly increase the value of these houses much more than they were under New Haven County. The Affordable Housing Authority might want to consider whether or not it wants to do that right now. He also noted the Town's Regulations do not conform to State Statutes as written. The AHA has the authority to amend or change the Regulations. He explained, however, it is a double edged sword because if one of these homeowners wanted to sell, they would want the Middlesex County price but their tax bill would be lower with the New Haven price. Any decision made by the Affordable Housing Authority will effect these homeowners one way or the other.

Selectman Dudek asked if the Authority decided to stay with New Haven County, could a homeowner come back and demand to sell at the Middlesex County price. Attorney Wells replied he didn't think so. The Regulations only provides that the resale restriction would only be for 30 years. He indicated the Statute says 40 and he does not know why Killingworth Regulation says 30. There are also some issues with the formula that he briefly reviewed.

Attorney Wells pointed out the Authority must take into account is that if changing the measured area at this time builds a huge increase in all at once. Perhaps it should be done in a phased process. Selectman Dudek suggested maybe phasing it in 20 percent every year over a period of 5 years until it gets to the Middlesex County value at the end of 5 years.

Attorney Wells noted this is not a State Program and the Town is not getting any State funding and there isn't anything preventing the Town from using whatever measure it chooses to use.

First Selectman Klein noted he would prefer to remain in New Haven County and perhaps use a phased in process to get to Middlesex County. Attorney Wells also noted the Regulations would have to be changed to delete the reference to the Connecticut Mortgage Journal as it no longer exists.

There was discussion about how to go about phasing in a change from New Haven to Middlesex County.

There was discussion as to why the Town's Regulation doesn't conform to the Statutes. Ms. Shanoff noted Planning & Zoning drafted and approved the Regulation.

Attorney Wells defined again for the Board what "recapture" entailed. Ms. Shanoff noted that "recapture" figures in the past have varied from year to year and she isn't sure what should really be used.

It was noted when one of these affordable houses sells, it must be sold to someone who qualifies as an affordable home buyer.

The Affordable Housing Authority Chairman asked what happens if the Authority decides to stay in the New Haven County now, and a new affordable housing subdivision is proposed. Are those new houses automatically in Middlesex County or New Haven County?

There was further discussion regarding the Regulations and the process for changing the Regulations and getting the Town into the proper measuring county.

Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to accept the New Haven area calculation for property assessment for the following five affordable homeowners - Vumback, Hajek, Kasper, Sepega and Mead. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to authorize Town Counsel Mike Wells to amend the Town of Killingworth Affordable Housing Agency Regulations for presentation and approval by the Board of Selectmen at a later date. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

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

May 29, 2007 - Special

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Tuesday, May 29, 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
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve May 14, 2007 amended as follows -
Page 1, under 6. Re-Opening of Lovers Lane, 6th paragraph, last sentence - change "included" to "inclined."

Page 5, under Selectmen's Concerns, 2nd paragraph, last sentence should read, "...Affordable Housing Plan."

Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

3. Visitors
John Himmelman was present representing the Inland Wetlands Commission. He indicated they are looking for help in completing the Environmental Review Team Study for Lovers Lane. The Study was lacking the soil sample borings. The cost would be $3,270 as they were not able to get any graduate students to do it. Mr. Himmelman noted the IWWC has voted to appropriate $1000 from their budget to contribute to this cost, but the Town would have to pick up the balance. It was noted the borings had never been done. They would like to do eight (8) test holes. Selectman Dudek noted there is money available in the Capital budget for these improvements, but he was concerned in that it would not be comparable to anything. Selectman Sipples asked if borings would be done at the Route 81 site for comparison. Would the cost be double if two sites are done? Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to add new business item #6 to approve $2270 for soil core boring at Lovers Lane. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

7. New Business
1. Proposed Gardens @ Bosco - Peg Scofield
Peg Scofield noted she was investigating the possibility of having a community garden at the Bosco property. She indicated the field could support 24 plots each 20 feet by 20 feet. The vegetables grown could be donated to food pantries in Killingworth and surrounding towns. The project could also be an educational project for students at the nearby Haddam-Killingworth Middle School and an opportunity for older residents at Jensen's Mobile Home Community to have their own garden. There project would have to have some kind of fencing to keep deer and other animals out and a pump to draw water from a well on the property. A solar powered fence is also a possibility. Peter Venuti offered to help complete the necessary site preparation work this year for planting in the spring of 2008. First Selectman Klein supported the idea noting the fencing and pump could be obtained at a minimal cost to the Town. Prospective gardeners would have to sign a hold harmless agreement to satisfy the Town's insurance carriers. The Board urged Ms. Scofield to continue her efforts relative to the community garden project. The project could be run administratively by the Town possibly through Park & Rec charging a small fee for people to work their plot of land.

Lou Annino noted he heard there was less traffic at the Middle School site since Lovers Lane was opened. There is a lot less congestion. He also noted he spoke with a retiree from the State who indicated there is the same problem on Route 148 that exists on Lovers Lane. They put a certain amount of bituminous material down every year and raise it up every year. This did not require any test borings. The project should be looked at simply to keep the road open. Mr. Annino briefly reviewed the beaver situation at this location. Selectman Dudek noted part of the problem here is that the permit was withdrawn during the process after the previous Board of Selectmen had set that process in motion. Dudek indicated he would just like to fix it instead of chip sealing it every year. Klein agreed noting that should be presented to the townspeople once the Town Engineer finishes his report and the core samples are done.

4. Tax Abatements and Refunds
$401.74 GMAC Overpayment of Taxes
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve tax refund to GMAC as noted. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

5. Appointments/Vacancies
1. BAA - Collis Beck
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to appoint Collis Beck to Board of Assessment Appeals. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

2. TOBSC
First Selectman Klein noted there are two vacancies and no volunteers at this time.

3. IWWC
First Selectman Klein noted there has been a vacancy for some time and Mr. Addy has not resigned as yet, but his resignation is anticipated soon. Mr. Addy will be greatly missed as he has been on this Commission for about 15 years.

6. Old Business
1. Green Hill/Route 81/Work Schedule
First Selectman Klein noted work will start as soon as school is out. The big item will be removal of the huge tulip tree. The work will shut down on Thursday and it will be closed until after Labor Day. They will continue however to work on the sides of the road with normal traffic flow. Todd Berman will be coming in to discuss the traffic issue on Chittenden Road. The definition of thru-traffic was reviewed. First Selectman Klein reviewed the work schedule in detail.

There was a brief discussion about signs being put up at the Route 81/80 Circle. The State DOT has been removing those signs as they are a deterrent to motorists.

2. Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
Selectman Dudek noted they received a draft of the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The items were reviewed in detail and where they should be placed within the Five-Year Plan. There was discussion about projects being done in multiple phases and how they should be identified in the Plan. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

3. Waiver of Building Inspection Fees for Region #17 Middle School & Acceptance of Final Payment
First Selectman Klein noted the final check has been received for building inspection fees. Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to accept the final payment for building inspection fees for Region #17 Middle School. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

7. New Business
2. BOS Approval - Tri-State Trek 7/20/07 Certicate of Insurance.
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to accept the Certificate of Insurance from Tri-State Trek for the purpose of an event on town roads. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

3. Flashing Lights - Irene Sheldon Park, Route 80
First Selectman Klein noted CL&P has sent the Town a bill for $2900. Initially the electrician never took out a permit to install the lights and this bill goes back to July 2002. Discussion followed. The lights are now metered. The Board asked Klein to negotiate with CL&P for a resolution.

4. Employee Picnic
First Selectman Klein noted it is estimated there will be about 200 people for this event. It was noted $5000 has been allocated for this event. Discussion followed. Klein will investigate the possibility of utilizing the cafeteria at the new Middle School.

5. BOS Authorization for First Selectman to sign Resident Trooper Contract for period of 7/1/07 - 7/30/09
The Board reviewed the two options relative to this contract. It was noted the purchase and maintenance of computers were non-budgeted items. Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Resident Trooper Contract extension from 7/1/07 to 7/30/09. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

6. Lover's Lane $2270 for Soil Core Samples
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to utilize $2270 from Capital Dollar Line entitled Lover's Lane for the purpose of taking soil core samples at Lover's Lane. Voting in favor - Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. It is noted $1000 will also come out of the Inland Wetlands budget.

There was a brief discussion about having independent people narrow the field down to a minimal number of candidates for the Public Works Supervisor position. Selectman Dudek explained how this process works relative to the Fire Department. He was not familiar how it would work regarding Public Works Departments. Selectman Sipples has been told this is a common practice among municipalities. It was noted there are 9 applicants. It was noted the "letter of interest" received from one individual is not an application. Selectman Sipples asked about the status of removing this position from the Union. Klein noted this is still in negotiation and should not be discussed. There was further discussion as to whether this position should be classified as a supervisory position. Dudek reiterated his position that this job should not be in the Union. Klein indicated there are times when one has to manage and there are times when one must pitch in to help. He felt there wasn't a lot of managerial work. Selectman Sipples suggested a trial period of one year hiring Mr. Leighton as the managerial person and leaving the highway foreman position as is. Both Klein and Dudek were against the suggestion. Dudek noted he felt this position could be handled by one individual. It was decided to check with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities on putting together a group of individuals to review the applications.

8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted he spoke to the Post Office today relative to the Town getting its own post office. He was promised they would look into this again.

First Selectman Klein noted he was in the preliminary stage of discussing another Open Space parcel but declined to give any further information.

9. Selectmen's Concerns - none.

10. Executive Session - none.

11. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples to adjourn at 8:44 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

May 14, 2007 - Regular

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, May 14, 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.

Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to move Old Business Agenda Item 7 – Re-opening of Lovers Lane as the first order of business. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

6. Old Business
7. Re-opening of Lovers Lane
Lou Annino Sr. and Andy Annino were present. Lou Annino indicated he hoped the Selectmen would vote this evening to re-open Lovers Lane. He noted people on the upper side have had trouble with their wells. The State has diligently been removing beaver debris which has caused a lot of this. He also noted none of the beaver issue got into the Environmental Review Study which he thought was useless. He felt the biggest part of the problem is not the road sinking, it's the animals. If the Town paid more attention and put a few dollars a year into that road, it would be fine for 9 or 10 months of the year. That has not occurred and the road has been closed all winter. The road could have been opened last week.

First Selectman Klein noted he is waiting for Howard Pfrommer from Jacobson & Associates to give their recommendation to be brought before the Board of Selectmen. If the Board of Selectmen decide to accept the town engineer's recommendation, then it must go before the Wetlands Commission and then Town Meeting.

Jere Adametz noted it was mentioned at a Town Meeting last week that the Route 81 soil being removed was going to be stockpiled on Town property and used for topsoil. He asked if that soil has been tested. Mr. Adametz noted it has always been said the soil on Lovers Lane has been polluted from cars, but there are 4 times the amount of cars on Route 81 and he felt that soil should be tested before use as topsoil. He reiterated that area of Route 81 has a large body of water running through a swamp and it should be tested.

Selectman Sipples noted the Board of Selectmen have never discussed the Environmental Review Team Report which listed pros and cons of a variety of options, but there was no comprehensive directive. He felt there was one thing missing from the report that he thought was key and that was test borings. Sipples suggested test borings should be done at both Lovers Lane and Route 81 in order to compare the results.

John Himmelman noted the main thrust of having the ERT report was to get the test borings and everything was done except that. They are still waiting for those test borings to be done. First Selectman Klein noted C. Jefferson has been in touch with them as well as people from UCONN to get this done, but nothing has been done yet.

Selectman Sipples noted the Town should be doing business as usual until something conclusive is received to the contrary. Selectman Dudek agreed. Sipples noted he was prepared to vote on this issue this evening. He visited the site yesterday and last week and agreed with Mr. Annino there is a minimal amount of water on the road. He was included to open Lovers Lane unless there is a major rain and it becomes unsafe to travel.

First Selectman Klein noted he had a concern about constantly opening and closing the road. If it is opened and there is a major storm event in a few days, it will be closed again. He indicated if the road is opened at this time, he would like specific instructions as to how to proceed. Selectman Dudek noted this is already on record from last year and that unless it was a very unsafe condition, the road would remain open.

Selectman Dudek noted the State is using liquid salt on Route 148, a parallel road, and the ERT report doesn't address the surrounding area. He further noted the ground rules have already been laid down (Board of Selectmen Minutes from last year just about this same time) and that in the spring time and the road was dry, it should be opened.

There was discussion about the additional traffic from the new school at the intersection and traffic issues created by the Route 81 work at Chittenden Road.

Selectman Dudek noted he didn't see the need for another motion. This has already been discussed. Direction has been given to Walter Adametz that he has the authority to shut the road down if he feels it is an unsafe condition. Selectman Sipples noted it was probably mid to late summer last year when this was discussed and voted on.

First Selectman Klein voiced his concerns. 1) the water is washing on the underside of the cars (that is not happening on Route 81). 2) egress on either side is very dangerous. 3) town counsel is of the opinion that Lovers Lane is a defective road and if something should occur, the town is leaving itself wide open to liability. Selectman Dudek noted he does not recall any serious accident that the Fire Company has responded to at either intersection. Any Lovers Lane accident has been on Route 81 and has been related to speed and not negotiating the corner.

Lou Annino thanked the Board for its attention.

2. Approval of Minutes – April 23, 2007 and May 3, 2007 Special Meeting
Motion by Sipples to approve April 23, 2007 Minutes as written. Voting in favor – Sipples, Klein. Opposed – none. Abstained – Dudek. Motion Carried.

Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to approve May 3, 2007 Minutes as written. Voting in favor – Klein, Sipples, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

3. Visitors – none.

4. Tax Abatements & Refunds – none.

5. Appointments/Vacancies
First Selectman Klein noted there are several vacancies on the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Town Office Building Study Committee. He indicated the Town Committees have not responded to date. They have 45 days.

6. Old Business
1. Approve Call of Town Meeting (revised)
Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to approve revised Call of Town Meeting (attorneys fees went from $50,000 to $40,000). Voting in favor – Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

2. Emergency Generator KES – Award of Bid
Don McDougall noted he checked to see if there was anyone else available to bid on this work. He came up with one more name that may or may not be interested. He recommended going with SNS Electric for a bid in the amount of $17,377. He indicated there is $21,572 available in the 2005 Grant available. The Town will pay for it and Homeland Security will reimburse the Town. It was noted this price included $3,000 +/- for an automatic transfer switch. Motion by Sipples, second by Klein, to award the bid for the 100kw generator at Killingworth Elementary School to SNS Electric, Stonington, CT in the amount of $17,377.00. Voting in favor – Sipples, Klein, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried. It was noted this will be done right after school gets out in June as it requires that the school be shut down.

3. Establish Charter Review Commission
Selectman Dudek noted he felt this was not the time to establish this Committee. The incoming Board of Selectmen should appoint the Committee in January with the rest of the appointments. He indicated he would be against appointing a Charter Review Committee now. The new Board of Selectmen should do this.

Selectman Dudek also felt this Board of Selectmen should work together on the bidding procedures policy through Ordinance, and the First Selectman's eligibility for benefits, entitlements and job expectations. There is no one better than this Board to do that.

First Selectman Klein noted none of the recommendations of the previous CRC were adopted. Selectman Sipples pointed out the Board of Selectmen were told they had to adopt all or none of the recommendations and it has since been determined that is not correct.

First Selectman Klein noted he felt the nine people he has come up with should be given the opportunity to work on this. The Board of Selectmen have enough on their plate and a little gun shy about the Board of Selectmen writing part of the Charter.

Selectman Dudek noted that was not the goal. It would be to rework an existing regulation (bidding procedures) and changing it to an Ordinance. There is also an issue with the Affordable Housing Regulation which has just been brought forth.

Selectman Dudek noted he would like to see a Charter Revision Committee voted on at a municipal election rather than a presidential election, and that the two items (bidding procedures and First Selectman's eligibility for benefits and job expectations) should be tackled by the Board of Selectmen.

First Selectman Klein felt this would overload the Board of Selectmen and require additional Special Meetings.

Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, that the Board of Selectmen work on two major items – 1) bidding procedure to be followed by the Board of Selectmen and Town of Killingworth, and 2) First Selectman eligibility for benefits and job expectations. Voting in favor – Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – Klein. Motion Carried.

Motion by Sipples, second by Dudek, to table the establishment of the Charter Review Committee at this time until December 2007. Voting in favor – Sipples, Dudek. Opposed – Klein. Motion Carried.

4. Appoint Members to Charter Review Commission - no discussion.

5. Septic Lagoon Closure - Update
First Selectman Klein noted the pumping will be done tomorrow morning. DEP has given their approval. Insurance and surety bond are in place.

6. Multi-Year Capital Improvement Plan
The previous 2005 Five Year Plan was reviewed. Gina Regolo noted the only item that remains on that list is Alders Bridge Road. Burr Hill needs to get into the five year plan. Ms. Regolo gave a brief history of the events that have transpired in an attempt to update the five year plan. She indicated on March 2nd, the Selectmen should have received the 2007 guidelines which are still in effect. It was noted Burr Hill and Green Hill were tagged as LOCIP projects. First Selectman Klein noted Burr Hill will be a big project. There was discussion regarding work needed at the Library. It is very clear in the License Agreement who is responsible for what. The Library is responsible for interior work and the Town is responsible for exterior work.

Selectman Dudek asked if there would be a LOCIP Plan and a Five Year Capital Plan, or will there be one Plan with certain projects. Ms. Regolo noted there should be a rolling Five Year Capital Plan that is looked at every year. First Selectman Klein noted there should be a Five Year Capital Plan with some items falling under LOCIP and some items will not.

It was noted Reservoir Road is out of LOCIP. Paving of Alders Bridge Road was reviewed, but it is not a priority. Green Hill Road and Route 81 is the priority at this time.

Gina Regolo reviewed the items eligible for LOCIP funds. Selectman Dudek noted other than the Town Hall, it's mainly roads for LOCIP funds. For LOCIP, there is a potential for the Wettish property, Alders Bridge Road and Green Hill Road/Route 81 intersection. Lovers Lane is still in there too. Gina Regolo will prepare an updated Five Year Capital Improvement Plan (identifying the LOCIP projects) and this will be on the Agenda at the next meeting for approval.

7. New Business
1. Wettish Property House
First Selectman Klein noted there have been some minor vandalism problems. Does the Town want to keep it or give it to the Fire Department? It was noted Town Counsel should look at this and there should be a response from Wettish before any decisions are made regarding this matter.

8. MK Announcements
First Selectman Klein noted the Green Hill/Route 81 project should start by June 25th. Before the project starts, there is a very large tree that will have to come down with the use of a crane.

First Selectman Klein noted there is a meeting on Wednesday night regarding Reservoir Road Bridge with the Committee and Cardinal Engineering. The hydrology has been done and hopefully a determination will be done as to whether it can be sleeved or go with Federal funding. Klein noted it was his opinion the Town go with the Federal program as this is such a sensitive area and the Federal Government will pay 80 percent. If the hydrology indicates the project cannot be sleeved, then the Town should not do the project itself, but go with the Federal program.

9. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek asked about bids for the custodians. First Selectman Klein noted there has been no bidding yet for the custodians. It was noted the job description should probably be rewritten. Dudek noted he would be happy to review the job description with Gina with Selectmen Klein and Sipples permission. It was agreed that would be okay.

Selectman Sipples noted the Highway Foreman's Position has been advertised and the deadline is May 18th. He asked what the time line would be for addressing this issue. Would this be discussed at the next Selectmen's meeting? Selectman Dudek noted he would like to see the resumes prior to the meeting and then discuss it in Executive Session at the next meeting. Selectman Sipples noted if there was general discussion as to salary structure, etc. that would not be Executive Session. Discussion regarding individuals would be appropriate for Executive Session. Selectman Sipples asked First Selectman Klein if there has been any feedback from the Union as to whether or not this position could be removed from the Union. Selectman Dudek noted if that position cannot be removed from the Union, then that changes the flavor of the job. That position either has to be managerial or labor; it can't be both.

Selectman Sipples asked if there was a Special Board of Selectmen's Meeting scheduled for May 30th. First Selectman Klein replied yes. It was agreed the subject for discussion at that meeting would be how to administer the plan.

Selectman Sipples noted he read there would not be a Town Picnic this year and asked if that was true. It was noted there is a problem with volunteers and last year there were security issues.

Selectman Sipples noted he read on the Killingworth Today website there was a Freedom of Information complaint about action taken at the last Board of Selectmen meeting. First Selectman Klein stated he did not think this should be discussed as it is not on the agenda and the letter from the Freedom of Information Commission has not been received yet.

10. Adjournment
Motion by Klein, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 8:23 PM. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

May 3, 2007 - Special

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on Thursday, May 3, 2007, at 7:30 PM 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. Also present was Donna Shanoff, Tax Assessor, and Regina Regolo. First Selectman Klein called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

2. Affordable Housing Adjustments
Ms. Shanoff distributed sheets covering all five of the affordable homes in town. She noted the Town of Killingworth is now back in Middlesex County as of October 2006 according to CHFA and not New Haven County. The Town of Killingworth Affordable Housing Regulation, however, shows Killingworth in New Haven County. Selectman Sipples asked how this regulation gets changed and what the process is. Ms. Shanoff noted it is a Zoning Regulation. She indicated the Town was originally in Middlesex County in 1992 and changed to New Haven County in 1994. The value is $93,000 for Middlesex County and $76,600 for New Haven County.

Ms. Shanoff next reviewed sale and resale restrictions. There is confusion between using 30 percent or 33 1/3 percent of the gross income.

Ms. Shanoff noted this is not clear cut and it is up to the Affordable Housing Authority to decide what is correct. She has calculated figures for both 30 and 33 1/3 percent for Middlesex and New Haven Counties for median income.

Selectman Sipples noted the Town must stay in New Haven County for now (as that is what the Town's regulation says as of October 2006) and then if it needs to be changed to Middlesex County, then it should be done. Ms. Shanoff noted as of October 1, 2006, CHFA says the Town of Killingworth is in Middlesex County.

Ms. Shanoff noted it was up to the Housing Authority, Town Attorney and Planning & Zoning that needs to make these determinations. She felt there should be a legal opinion on this topic.

Ms. Shanoff indicated she has been trying to get this matter straightened out for a number of years. She also noted as stated above she the calculations in four different ways, not knowing which one should be the correct one. The difference in the Regulation could cause a large variation in the figures.

Ms. Shanoff reviewed improvements made to these residences and how the reporting of these improvements effects the calculations.

Ms. Shanoff noted the Housing Authority is also supposed to maintain a list of qualified people in Town who may wish to buy affordable housing.

Ms. Shanoff noted the houses are valued at current market value during the revaluation process. She has no authority to do anything other than that.

The formula for doing the calculations was reviewed.

The issues to be decided are – is the Town of Killingworth in New Haven or Middlesex County and what percentage of median income is used 30 percent or 33 1/3 percent, documentation for improvements and a list of people eligible to purchase affordable housing. It was also felt Attorney Wells should be contacted.

Ms. Shanoff noted Planning & Zoning writes the Zoning Regulations, but does not have to deal with the implementation of this particular item and therefore does not understand the problem.

The Town Attorney will be contacted for a legal opinion on these items.

Ms. Shanoff noted there are two affordable housing properties that have considerable variations in documentation that has been submitted. She briefly reviewed the discrepancies. Previous letters sent out to the property owners asking for documentation relative to improvements were reviewed. There needs to be a specific format for what documentation is going to be accepted.

First Selectman Klein thanked Ms. Shanoff for explaining this process.

3. Removal of authorized contacts on credit card: Diane Zukowski, David Denvir & James Ward. Add as authorized contacts on same account: Martin Klein, Walter Adametz, Jr., Regina Regolo.
Motion by Dudek, second by Klein, to remove previous personnel as authorized contacts on credit card: Diane Zukowski, David Denvir and James Ward and replace them with current personnel on the same credit card: Martin Klein, Walter Adametz and Regina Regolo. Voting in favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

4. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Sipples, to adjourn at 8:56 PM. Voting in Favor – Klein, Dudek, Sipples. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.