Regular Meeting July 14, 2008
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2008, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were First Selectman Richard Cabral, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectwoman Catherine Iino. First Selectman Cabral called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting held June 23, 2008
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve June 23, 2008 Minutes as written. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors – Concerning Items on the Agenda – none.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve tax refund to Wells Fargo on behalf of Ashok Luthra $552.78 (overpayment) and tax abatement to Edward L. Barnes (eviction/trailer removed) $380.74. Voting in favor – Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
6. Vacancies
The following vacancies were noted -
IWWC – 1, OEM – 1, Public Health – 4, Traffic Study Committee – 2, Housing Partnership 4, Library Board – 1 and ZBA Alternate – 1. A moment of silence was observed for the passing of Charles Morgan (ZBA Alternate and former Selectman).
7. Appointments – none.
8. Old Business
A. BOS Authorization for First Selectman to sign Red Cross MOU for Emergency Services (previously tabled)
First Selectman Cabral noted agreements are going to be signed by Region 17 (owner of the regional schools) and forwarded to Sue Parker of the Red Cross. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to take off the table the Authorization to sign the Red Cross MOU for Emergency Services. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Discussion followed. Selectman Dudek again asked if any other towns had received this MOU for signing. First Selectman Cabral replied none of the other towns have seen a similar agreement. Selectman Dudek asked why the Town of Killingworth is seeing this after all these years and no other town has gotten it. First Selectman Cabral noted he will ask the Chief Elected Officials from the other towns again if they have seen such an agreement. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to table the Authorization to sign the Red Cross MOU for Emergency Services. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
B. Phone System Update
Gina Regolo noted 7 people responded to the RFP for the phone system. No 2 responses were alike. The Town has gone back to all respondents asking for clarification. The responses are still being sorted through to see what the best match is for this building. Selectwoman Iino asked what the price range was for the bids. Gina noted it was a 3 year lease at $300 to $400 per month. Some of the bidders will be invited in for further discussion. There are no recommendations at this time.
C. Five Year Capital Plan Update
The proposed Five Year Capital Plan was reviewed. The proposal is to keep the five year capital plan investment around $350,000 per year. There was a brief discussion regarding Lovers Lane and the fact the Town now does not have to go to the Army Corps of Engineers if its only doing the pipes. Selectman Dudek asked if this plan fulfills the LOCIP requirement. First Selectman Cabral replied yes. Action will be taken on the Five Year Capital Plan at the next meeting.
D. Water Pollution Control Authority/Final Draft Ordinance
Selectman Dudek noted he hasn't had time to fully review the Draft Ordinance and has several questions. He noted he would like to meet with Ron Rose, Richard Leighton and the Director of Health. Dudek asked why the change has been made to requiring one individual as a Certified Sanitarian. Robert Ellis noted the WPCA feels that having two individuals (a Certified Sanitarian and an Agent) is very cumbersome. They are looking to the future to have the process run by a Certified Sanitarian. It was noted the Director of Health and WPCA have a dual responsibility. Mr. Ellis noted whatever procedure was in force previously is now out of existence with the elimination of the lagoons when they were closed down. The WPCA's primary concern is to get the Ordinance in place. Selectman Dudek asked Mr. Ellis to elaborate on the two individual concept. Mr. Ellis noted a Certified Sanitarian would be present to fulfill all the duties and responsibilities. Presently there is an agent who can only do certain things. A Certified Sanitarian can do more. The Town should 'bite the bullet' now and do this. A time frame was also built into the process to get this finalized in a year and half. Selectman Dudek noted he would like this Agenda Item tabled until the next meeting. Mr. Ellis reminded everyone this Ordinance will also cost the Town some money. There will be some administrative requirements. Mr. Ellis noted Mr. Leighton doesn't feel he can support the process because there are no funds available in the Building Department to do so. Mr. Ellis noted the Town has lost the capability to track who is doing what. The pumpers have no reason to cooperate with the Town any more because they are using the Town's lagoons. The Town can provide a list of local pumpers, but it can't prevent an outsider from coming in to Town to pump. Selectwoman Iino asked how the WPCA regulates the pumping process so that everyone pumps every 5 years. Mr. Ellis noted it will probably take 3 to 5 years to get back to where we were 5 years ago. A permit to discharge will be issued. If a system fails, the Ordinance will provide for monetary fines. The Town will also monitor and send out reminders to property owners to pump. Mr. Ellis noted he has provided a copy of the Final Draft Ordinance to both Richard Leighton and Attorney Mike Wells and has not heard back from either one. Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to table the WPCA Ordinance until the July 28, 2008 Meeting. Voting in favor – Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
9. New Business
A. Resolution for the purpose of issuing bonds for the Wettish Project and Burr Hill Road Culvert Project
There was much discussion regarding the two Resolutions noted above. The process is the Board of Selectmen approve, the Board of Finance approves and then it must go to Town Meeting for approval. It was noted there will also be a Town Meeting when the final plan is finished for the Wettish Property by Weston and Sampson. The Park & Recreation Commission has discussed the Wettish property with the Wetlands Commission and they are happy with it. Park & Rec has also been to Planning & Zoning a number of times for discussion. Planning & Zoning had two concerns – stone walls and the type of soil near the street. The number of fields have been reduced from 5 to 4. The soil in the front will now be a retention area. Planning & Zoning is now okay with the project. This will go to the Land Use Committee next. There is also the question was to whether or not this fits into the general recreation plan for the Town. There was discussion regarding language in the Resolution. Gina Regolo will contact Bond Counsel to see if it can be changed to “...only after Town approves the Plan design...”. Selectman Dudek noted the Burr Hill Road Culvert Project has been approved, but the Wettish Project has not and he was uncomfortable about signing these Resolutions. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to table Agenda Item 9A. Until the next meeting. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
B. Authorization for the First Selectman to obtain Board of Finance approval of Financing for the Wettish Project and the Burr Hill Road Culvert Project. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to table Agenda Item 9B. Until the next meeting. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
10. RJC Announcements
First Selectman Cabral distributed the “Charter Revision Schedule” he had prepared and asked Selectman Dudek and Selectwoman Iino to review it in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes governing this subject.
First Selectman Cabral noted the Town has sent RSD 17, Killingworth Fire Department and Killingworth Ambulance Association an announcement that the Board of Selectmen as the Affordable Housing Authority in Town must keep a list of individuals who choose to apply for an affordable housing unit and that applications are available in the Selectmen's Office. Two applications have been received so far and are on file. They were dated and time stamped, but not opened.
First Selectman Cabral noted the air conditioning unit will be installed tomorrow in the IT room. It will hang on the wall with a hose outside.
First Selectman Cabral noted a dehumidifier will be purchased for the Land Use Office to be drained outside. Also, one may be purchased for the map room.
First Selectman Cabral noted verbal approval has been received from DEP for the hydraulic plan for Reservoir Road Bridge. This is normally a 90 to 120 day process. It was submitted on June 12th and approval has now been received. Cabral further noted he met with the utility company and easements will be obtained for temporary poles.
11. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek asked if the Burr Hill Road Project was to start on July 1st. Cabral replied it was July 7th and the signs have been installed. He indicated he has not heard anything further from VMS, but will get in touch with them to find out when the road will be closed. The closing will be posted on KillingworthToday.com and in the newspaper.
Selectman Dudek asked if the letter to the Urban Wildlife Coordinator was pertaining to beavers. Cabral replied yes.
Selectman Dudek asked if the Hazard Mitigation Plan will be brought back before the Board of Selectmen in a month or two. Cabral replied yes. He also noted he received a letter from Jean Davies asking if a public hearing had been held yet and it has not. Selectman Dudek noted he was concerned with the HMP because the Town does not have the personnel available to implement it. Dudek will send Cabral a list of his concerns which will be forwarded on to Jean Davies.
Selectwoman Iino noted every month there is a motorcycle accident on Route 148. She suggested a sign be installed citing the number of motorcycle accidents. First Selectman Cabral noted Route 148 is a State Highway and getting signs installed on a state highway is not an easy task.
12. Visitor Comments – General
Jere Adametz noted there is a sign on Roast Meat Hill Road just south of Stevens Road indicating a cross road which should be removed. This dirt road has been closed for many years and there is no cross road. Cabral noted he would instruct Walter Adametz to remove the sign.
Jere Adametz noted he read in the newspaper that several towns are going to a 4 day work week. He asked if the Town of Killingworth has contemplating doing that. Cabral noted Killingworth is not intending on going with a 4 day work week. Selectwoman Iino noted she would like to see the Town Hall open a couple of evenings a month. Cabral noted this will be put on an upcoming agenda for discussion.
It was noted there is a sight line issue on North Chestnut Hill Road. Robert Ellis, Chairman of the Traffic Study Committee, will follow up on this request.
Barbara Klein noted (with regard to the draft WPCA Ordinance) that the Town of Old Saybrook has undertaken this as a means of keeping control. There is also an incentive or penalty in a property owner's taxes if an owner does or doesn't comply. This is something the Town of Killingworth needs to work on.
13. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to adjourn at 8:05 PM. Voting in favor – Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2008, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth. In attendance were First Selectman Richard Cabral, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectwoman Catherine Iino. First Selectman Cabral called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting held June 23, 2008
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve June 23, 2008 Minutes as written. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors – Concerning Items on the Agenda – none.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve tax refund to Wells Fargo on behalf of Ashok Luthra $552.78 (overpayment) and tax abatement to Edward L. Barnes (eviction/trailer removed) $380.74. Voting in favor – Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
6. Vacancies
The following vacancies were noted -
IWWC – 1, OEM – 1, Public Health – 4, Traffic Study Committee – 2, Housing Partnership 4, Library Board – 1 and ZBA Alternate – 1. A moment of silence was observed for the passing of Charles Morgan (ZBA Alternate and former Selectman).
7. Appointments – none.
8. Old Business
A. BOS Authorization for First Selectman to sign Red Cross MOU for Emergency Services (previously tabled)
First Selectman Cabral noted agreements are going to be signed by Region 17 (owner of the regional schools) and forwarded to Sue Parker of the Red Cross. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to take off the table the Authorization to sign the Red Cross MOU for Emergency Services. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
Discussion followed. Selectman Dudek again asked if any other towns had received this MOU for signing. First Selectman Cabral replied none of the other towns have seen a similar agreement. Selectman Dudek asked why the Town of Killingworth is seeing this after all these years and no other town has gotten it. First Selectman Cabral noted he will ask the Chief Elected Officials from the other towns again if they have seen such an agreement. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to table the Authorization to sign the Red Cross MOU for Emergency Services. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
B. Phone System Update
Gina Regolo noted 7 people responded to the RFP for the phone system. No 2 responses were alike. The Town has gone back to all respondents asking for clarification. The responses are still being sorted through to see what the best match is for this building. Selectwoman Iino asked what the price range was for the bids. Gina noted it was a 3 year lease at $300 to $400 per month. Some of the bidders will be invited in for further discussion. There are no recommendations at this time.
C. Five Year Capital Plan Update
The proposed Five Year Capital Plan was reviewed. The proposal is to keep the five year capital plan investment around $350,000 per year. There was a brief discussion regarding Lovers Lane and the fact the Town now does not have to go to the Army Corps of Engineers if its only doing the pipes. Selectman Dudek asked if this plan fulfills the LOCIP requirement. First Selectman Cabral replied yes. Action will be taken on the Five Year Capital Plan at the next meeting.
D. Water Pollution Control Authority/Final Draft Ordinance
Selectman Dudek noted he hasn't had time to fully review the Draft Ordinance and has several questions. He noted he would like to meet with Ron Rose, Richard Leighton and the Director of Health. Dudek asked why the change has been made to requiring one individual as a Certified Sanitarian. Robert Ellis noted the WPCA feels that having two individuals (a Certified Sanitarian and an Agent) is very cumbersome. They are looking to the future to have the process run by a Certified Sanitarian. It was noted the Director of Health and WPCA have a dual responsibility. Mr. Ellis noted whatever procedure was in force previously is now out of existence with the elimination of the lagoons when they were closed down. The WPCA's primary concern is to get the Ordinance in place. Selectman Dudek asked Mr. Ellis to elaborate on the two individual concept. Mr. Ellis noted a Certified Sanitarian would be present to fulfill all the duties and responsibilities. Presently there is an agent who can only do certain things. A Certified Sanitarian can do more. The Town should 'bite the bullet' now and do this. A time frame was also built into the process to get this finalized in a year and half. Selectman Dudek noted he would like this Agenda Item tabled until the next meeting. Mr. Ellis reminded everyone this Ordinance will also cost the Town some money. There will be some administrative requirements. Mr. Ellis noted Mr. Leighton doesn't feel he can support the process because there are no funds available in the Building Department to do so. Mr. Ellis noted the Town has lost the capability to track who is doing what. The pumpers have no reason to cooperate with the Town any more because they are using the Town's lagoons. The Town can provide a list of local pumpers, but it can't prevent an outsider from coming in to Town to pump. Selectwoman Iino asked how the WPCA regulates the pumping process so that everyone pumps every 5 years. Mr. Ellis noted it will probably take 3 to 5 years to get back to where we were 5 years ago. A permit to discharge will be issued. If a system fails, the Ordinance will provide for monetary fines. The Town will also monitor and send out reminders to property owners to pump. Mr. Ellis noted he has provided a copy of the Final Draft Ordinance to both Richard Leighton and Attorney Mike Wells and has not heard back from either one. Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to table the WPCA Ordinance until the July 28, 2008 Meeting. Voting in favor – Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
9. New Business
A. Resolution for the purpose of issuing bonds for the Wettish Project and Burr Hill Road Culvert Project
There was much discussion regarding the two Resolutions noted above. The process is the Board of Selectmen approve, the Board of Finance approves and then it must go to Town Meeting for approval. It was noted there will also be a Town Meeting when the final plan is finished for the Wettish Property by Weston and Sampson. The Park & Recreation Commission has discussed the Wettish property with the Wetlands Commission and they are happy with it. Park & Rec has also been to Planning & Zoning a number of times for discussion. Planning & Zoning had two concerns – stone walls and the type of soil near the street. The number of fields have been reduced from 5 to 4. The soil in the front will now be a retention area. Planning & Zoning is now okay with the project. This will go to the Land Use Committee next. There is also the question was to whether or not this fits into the general recreation plan for the Town. There was discussion regarding language in the Resolution. Gina Regolo will contact Bond Counsel to see if it can be changed to “...only after Town approves the Plan design...”. Selectman Dudek noted the Burr Hill Road Culvert Project has been approved, but the Wettish Project has not and he was uncomfortable about signing these Resolutions. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to table Agenda Item 9A. Until the next meeting. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
B. Authorization for the First Selectman to obtain Board of Finance approval of Financing for the Wettish Project and the Burr Hill Road Culvert Project. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to table Agenda Item 9B. Until the next meeting. Voting in favor – Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
10. RJC Announcements
First Selectman Cabral distributed the “Charter Revision Schedule” he had prepared and asked Selectman Dudek and Selectwoman Iino to review it in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes governing this subject.
First Selectman Cabral noted the Town has sent RSD 17, Killingworth Fire Department and Killingworth Ambulance Association an announcement that the Board of Selectmen as the Affordable Housing Authority in Town must keep a list of individuals who choose to apply for an affordable housing unit and that applications are available in the Selectmen's Office. Two applications have been received so far and are on file. They were dated and time stamped, but not opened.
First Selectman Cabral noted the air conditioning unit will be installed tomorrow in the IT room. It will hang on the wall with a hose outside.
First Selectman Cabral noted a dehumidifier will be purchased for the Land Use Office to be drained outside. Also, one may be purchased for the map room.
First Selectman Cabral noted verbal approval has been received from DEP for the hydraulic plan for Reservoir Road Bridge. This is normally a 90 to 120 day process. It was submitted on June 12th and approval has now been received. Cabral further noted he met with the utility company and easements will be obtained for temporary poles.
11. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek asked if the Burr Hill Road Project was to start on July 1st. Cabral replied it was July 7th and the signs have been installed. He indicated he has not heard anything further from VMS, but will get in touch with them to find out when the road will be closed. The closing will be posted on KillingworthToday.com and in the newspaper.
Selectman Dudek asked if the letter to the Urban Wildlife Coordinator was pertaining to beavers. Cabral replied yes.
Selectman Dudek asked if the Hazard Mitigation Plan will be brought back before the Board of Selectmen in a month or two. Cabral replied yes. He also noted he received a letter from Jean Davies asking if a public hearing had been held yet and it has not. Selectman Dudek noted he was concerned with the HMP because the Town does not have the personnel available to implement it. Dudek will send Cabral a list of his concerns which will be forwarded on to Jean Davies.
Selectwoman Iino noted every month there is a motorcycle accident on Route 148. She suggested a sign be installed citing the number of motorcycle accidents. First Selectman Cabral noted Route 148 is a State Highway and getting signs installed on a state highway is not an easy task.
12. Visitor Comments – General
Jere Adametz noted there is a sign on Roast Meat Hill Road just south of Stevens Road indicating a cross road which should be removed. This dirt road has been closed for many years and there is no cross road. Cabral noted he would instruct Walter Adametz to remove the sign.
Jere Adametz noted he read in the newspaper that several towns are going to a 4 day work week. He asked if the Town of Killingworth has contemplating doing that. Cabral noted Killingworth is not intending on going with a 4 day work week. Selectwoman Iino noted she would like to see the Town Hall open a couple of evenings a month. Cabral noted this will be put on an upcoming agenda for discussion.
It was noted there is a sight line issue on North Chestnut Hill Road. Robert Ellis, Chairman of the Traffic Study Committee, will follow up on this request.
Barbara Klein noted (with regard to the draft WPCA Ordinance) that the Town of Old Saybrook has undertaken this as a means of keeping control. There is also an incentive or penalty in a property owner's taxes if an owner does or doesn't comply. This is something the Town of Killingworth needs to work on.
13. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to adjourn at 8:05 PM. Voting in favor – Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.
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