Regular Meeting April 28, 2008

A. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2008, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were First Selectman Richard Cabral, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectwoman Catherine Iino. First Selectman Cabral called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.

B. Approval of Minutes
Motion made and seconded to approve April 14, 2008 Minutes amended as follows -
Page 3, 2nd paragraph, 3rd sentence should read, "He felt that inter-commission communication is very important."
Page 5, Executive Session, add sentence to 1st paragraph, "The Board of Selectmen took no votes during executive session."
Page 5, under Executive Session, correct motion to read, "Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to add to the agenda a vote concerning pending lawsuit and a vote concerning the discussion of negotiations of the Venuti property."
Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Abstained - Iino. Motion Carried.

First Selectman Cabral noted Agenda Item H.2. should say 'Previous Request for Updated Appraisal.'

C. Visitors - Concerns Items on the Agenda

D. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve tax abatements and refunds as follows -
Abatement -
Town of Killingworth, $2,111.10, Town Owned Property

Refunds -
Countrywide Mortgage (Sekban), $3,266.82, Overpayment
First American Real Estate (Parillo), $3,880.03, Overpayment
First American Real Estate (Scirocco, $222.18, Overpayment
David or Divinna Schmitt, $83.51, Overpayment
David Schmitt, $14.34, Overpayment
Vote in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

E. Vacancies
First Selectman Cabral reviewed the following vacancies - WPCA - 1, IWWC - 1, OEM - 1, Public Health - 4, Traffic Study Committee - 2. He urged anyone to come forward who might wish to serve on any of this boards or commissions.
F. Appointments - none.

G. Old Business -
1. Award of Town Hall Furnace Bid
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to award the Town Hall Furnace Bid to RLD Heating and Cooling. Vote in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

2. Award of Network Administrator Bid
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to award the Network Administrator Bid to Sydell Associates in the amount of $13,500. Vote in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

There was some confusion as to the amount of the minimum retainer for Connecticut Computer in the amount of $3,750. Motion by Dudek to table the Connecticut Computer Bid for further review. Vote in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

3. Review of Purchase Order Policy
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to table the purchase order policy as it is still being reviewed. Discussion followed as to why there should be a purchase order policy and if it should be changed from what is already in place. Selectman Dudek noted the auditors had recommended having a purchase order policy. Vote in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

H. New Business -
1. RFP Opening - Communication System, Telephone & Voicemail
The following bids were received -

Connecticut Computer Systems, $22,285.00
New England Communications, $8,404.00
Data-Tel, $8,253.00
Stevens Communications, $11,027.00
AT&T, $12,450.81
Valley Communications Systems, Inc., $8,947.96
Total Communications, Inc., $22,172.00

The above bids will be reviewed and on the agenda for the second meeting in May.

2. Open Space Committee - Re: Previous Request for Updated Appraisal
Dave Gumbart, Chairman of the Killingworth Open Space Committee, read a statement from the Committee regarding the request for another appraisal of the Venuti property. Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to rescind the authorization by the Board of Selectmen on April 14, 2008 to go to the Board of Finance requesting an expenditure of $2700 for an updated appraisal of the Venuti property. Discussion followed. First Selectman Cabral noted he felt it would better serve negotiations to not use an updated appraisal of the one obtained in 2003 as this is now 5 years old, but to obtain a new, current full blown appraisal. Vote in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. The Committee will obtain quotes for a new appraisal. This item will be on the next meeting agenda.

I. RJC Announcements
First Selectman Cabral reminded everyone of the hearing of the Board of Finance tomorrow night at 8 PM at the Killingworth Elementary School.

J. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek briefly reviewed correspondence between the Open Space Committee and Tom Lentz (Planning & Zoning) regarding a formal designation of a certain percentage of the Wettish property for Open Space. Selectwoman Iino asked about hunting on the property. Mr. Gumbart noted that would be up to the Town as to what is allowed on this property.

Selectwoman Iino asked the question of whether the Town should be using Killingworth vendors, when possible, and whether there is a current policy. A copy of the current policy will be distributed and this will be discussed further at a future meeting. Board of Finance will also be contacted to see if they have any concerns.

Selectwoman Iino asked what the status was of the sale of the affordable housing property. Iino noted she would research the process for this if a sale should occur.

Selectman Dudek noted he read the Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes and felt there was some antagonism between P&Z and the Affordable Housing Partnership. There was discussion about having a meeting of these commissions to review communications in general. It was also noted the charges for all commissions/committees should be reviewed and reiterated.

K. Visitor Comments: General
Jere Adametz noted on the northeast corner of Route 148 near the traffic control box there were two signs for Alders Bridge Road that have been removed. Two steel bases remain that protrude above the ground about 8" that have two cones on them that should also be removed. The cones keep getting knocked off and now that the grass is growing, someone may not see them and ruin their tires. Selectman Dudek also noted there is the same situation on Green Hill Road. First Selectman Cabral noted he would ask Walter Adametz to remove those steel bases.

L. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to adjourn at 10:00 AM. Vote in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

Regular Meeting April 14, 2008

1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, April 14, 2008, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were First Selectman Richard Cabral and Selectman Fred Dudek. Selectwoman Catherine Iino joined the meeting later by conference phone call for the Executive Session. First Selectman Cabral called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to add 2 items to the agenda Pledge of Allegiance and Vote Concerning Direction of Attorney in Pending Litigation. Voting in favor – Cabral, Dudek. Opposed – none. Motion Carried.

2. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to approve March 24, 2008 Board of Selectmen Minutes as written. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to approve April 8, 2008 Board of Selectmen Minutes as written. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

3. Visitors Concerning Items on the Agenda – none.

4. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to approve Tax Refund to Steven P. & Barbara A. Durdy in the amount of $208.60 for overpayment. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

5. Vacancies
First Selectman Cabral noted there were the following vacancies – Water Pollution Control Authority – one; Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission – one; Office of Emergency Management – one; Public Health – four. It was also noted there are two vacancies on the Traffic Study Committee that should be added to the list.

6. Appointments – none.

7. Old Business
1. Travel Survey Results for Committee/Commission Members
First Selectman Cabral reviewed the results from the travel survey of committee/commission members. Selectman Dudek felt that based on those results there should not be a mileage reimbursement policy and that the First Selectman should have purview to handle this at his discretion.


2. Award of Cemetery Mowing Bid
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to award cemetery mowing bid to Yard Works Lawn and Landscaping, 92 Olde Orchard Road, Clinton as the lowest bidder in the amount of $6,600.00. Discussion followed. First Selectman Cabral noted references were check and an insurance certificate has been issued. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

3. Purchase Order Policy
First Selectman Cabral noted a Purchase Order Policy was adopted on June 6, 2006. Anything over $500 requires purchase order. Anything outside the operating budget must be approved by the First Selectman or Acting First Selectman. There was discussion as to whether vendors will be notified that if anything over $500 that isn't in the budget or previously approved will not be paid. Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to table the Purchase Order Policy pending receipt of further input. Discussion followed. Cabral noted this was being tabled to get further input from Selectmen Dudek and Iino and to see what groups already have a purchase order system in place. Selectman Dudek noted this was a great idea and should have been instituted a long time ago. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

8. New Business
1. Housing Partnership Progress Report – Tony Savino, Rob Artus
Tony Savino noted Mr. Artus was on vacation but Cathy Smith and Pat Worth (also members of the Committee) were present. Selectman Dudek stated he noticed a trend in the comments received at least from the Region 17 side of it that they couldn't afford to live in Killingworth because of the cost of houses and taxes. Mr. Savino noted the two majors reasons why people don't live in Killingworth were cost of living and taxes. He indicated additional surveys are being sent to first responders and ambulance personnel as well as those over 50 and anyone who works for the town directly.

First Selectman Cabral asked what creates the high taxes in town. Mr. Savino noted it was the school budget. There is a high percentage of teachers that would like to live in town but perceive they can't afford to because of the high cost of living and taxes.

Mr. Savino noted they are still in the data collecting stage and trying to determine if there is a need for over 55 housing in town and for starter housing.

Mr. Savino noted they looked at taxes and pupil comparative analysis as well as affordable housing. He indicated there was no difference in how many children were generated between an affordable housing subdivision (one acre) and a regular subdivision (two acres).

First Selectman Cabral noted he would like to see decisions based on the quality of life and the ability to provide for whatever residents come to town rather than on how much taxes will be paid based on the amount of children. Mr. Savino agreed this is about the towns balancing their housing needs.

The Plan of Conservation was reviewed. Mr. Savino noted the Committee submitted a proposal to the Planning & Zoning Commission and a review of their minutes does not show that this proposal was ever discussed. He felt that inter-commission communications is very important. In the meantime, the Plan was finalized and the Committee feels there is enough in the Plan for them to move forward. Selectman Dudek asked if anyone from the Committee attended the Plan public hearing. Mr. Savino indicated they never received notice of that meeting. Selectman Dudek stated the hearing was legally noticed. Mr. Savino reiterated they were never notified of the meeting and it would have been nice to receive at least an email from the Planning & Zoning Commission informing the Committee of the hearing.

2. RFP Opening – TOB Furnace
The following bids were received -

John A. Samperi Heating and Cooling - $8,500.00
RLD Heating and Cooling - $8,305.00

Selectman Dudek asked who would review these bids. First Selectman Cabral stated he would have Dick Leighton take a look at them.

3. RFP Opening – TOB Network Administrator
One bid was received from Sydell Associates in the amount of $13,500.00 and CT Computer for $750.00 which was for licensing. Selectman Dudek will review this bid.

It was noted there also was an unsolicited bid from John A. Samperi Heating and Cooling for a Computer Room Air Conditioner in the amount of $4,900.00.

4. BOS Approval of 6th Annual Tri-State Trek Boston to New York for ALS
First Selectman Cabral reviewed the route being taken through town and indicated they have insurance. It was agreed it was okay for this event to proceed through town.

5. BOS Approval to Authorize First Selectman to be Empowered to Execute and Deliver on Behalf of Killingworth a Contract with the State of CT Library for Historic Documents Preservation Grant
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, that the Board of Selectmen authorize the First Selectman to be empowered to execute and deliver on behalf of Killingworth a contract with the State of CT Library for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

6. Affordable Housing – Request for Current Sale Value
First Selectman Cabral noted these figures are now based on Middlesex County figures whereas previously it was New Haven County. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to authorize the First Selectman to sign the affordable housing letter based on the formula already agreed to. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

7. Wettish Property – Request for Funding Needed to Provide Required Surveying for Latest STEAP Grant
Chris Kelly noted the paperwork for the $400,000 State of Connecticut 2008 STEAP Grant Application would be coming through shortly. Part of the documentation to be provided is an A2 Survey of the property referenced. There is an A2 Survey for the Sheldon property but the town does not have one for the Wettish property. First Selectman Cabral noted the letter from the State only referenced the renovation of Sheldon Park Recreational Facility and didn't mention the Wettish property. This needs to be clarified with the State and modified if necessary. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, that the Board of Selectmen release $4,300 from the Wettish fund line item for an A2 Survey. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

8. Traffic Study Committee – Bob Ellis – Request for Approval to Purchase Enforcement Equipment Covered Grant Funds
Bob Ellis noted the town has received a grant from the State DOT for traffic safety in the amount of $17,806.50. Mr. Ellis reviewed the traffic safety equipment they would like to purchase. Three of those items were radar speed detection units and the fourth was the actual software to support those units. There would be no tax and no freight. Additional funds would be left over in the amount of $785.00 which they would like to link with other funds the town already has for the Resident State Trooper. No one item is over $5000. They have an approved State vendor list. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to authorize the First Selectman to go to the Board of Finance requesting $17,806.50 for the Traffic Study Grant. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. It was noted this would be for this fiscal year.

9. RJC Announcements – none.

10. Selectmen's Concerns – none.

11. Visitor Comments – General
Jere Adametz noted he returned his questionnaire regarding mileage reimbursement adding that he volunteered his services and does not wish to be reimbursed for mileage. Selectman Dudek reminded Mr. Adametz that mileage can be written off as a donation.

12. Executive Session – Pending Litigation and Negotiations
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to go into Executive Session at 8:10 PM for the purpose of discussing litigation and negotiations and to invite the following individuals to participate - Attorney Michael Wells, Bruce Dodson, Charles Martens and Susan Davenport. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

It is noted for the record that Selectwoman Catherine Iino was present for the Executive Session by telephone and concurs with the other selectmen on the following votes.

Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to add to the agenda a vote concerning pending lawsuit and negotiations of the Venuti property. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, that the Board of Selectmen direct the First Selectman to go to the Board of Finance requesting an expenditure of $2,700 for an updated appraisal of the Venuti property for negotiation purposes, said appraisal to be obtained by the Town Attorney thereafter. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, that the balance of Jay Dowd Road is discontinued as voted by 1964 Town Meeting and reinforced by Board of Selectmen vote in 1964 following that Town Meeting, and that the Town Attorney be instructed that is the Board of Selectmen position. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.

13. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to adjourn at 9:00 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.