Regular Meeting December 8, 2008
1. Call to Order.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, December 8, 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 7:00 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to add two items to the Agenda under Old Business, ATV Ordinance and Lover's Lane. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
It was also agreed to add the name of Bruce Dodson to Agenda Item 9A.
3. Approval of Minutes - November 24, 2008.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve November 24, 2008 Minutes. Discussion followed. Selectman Dudek noted there were several differences between motions on the record of the vote and what motions were included in the minutes. He pointed out minutes reflect the motions accurately and the record of the vote should match. Dudek reviewed the inaccuracies. First Selectman Cabral noted the name of Katrina Little should be removed as a member of the Parmelee Steering Committee as she is a student and member of the 4H Club, however Ms. Little and another member of 4H, are invited to attend the Committee meetings. Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to amend original motion to include an amendment which is to remove the name of Katrina Little as an appointment to the Parmelee Steering Committee for the aforesaid reason. Voting on the amendment - in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Vote on original motion to approve November 24, 2008 Minutes (with the amendment). Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors Concerning Items on the Agenda.
Peg Scofield noted she would recommend the Board of Selectmen consider going back to all night meetings as being a member of the press she cannot attend the day time meetings and there are probably others who cannot attend due to the fact they have full time jobs.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve the following tax refunds - Financial Service Vehicle Trust $331.84, Honda Lease Trust $211.20 and James W. Cutler $78.12, all for overpayment. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Vacancies.
The following vacancies remain. IWWC - 1, OEM - 1, Public Health, Housing Partnership - 4 and Estuary Council of Seniors.
7. Appointments - none.
8. Old Business
A. Hours of Town Hall.
Selectwoman Iino noted this subject has turned out to be more complicated than originally thought. The problem is that each office seems to be open different hours. She was not prepared to make any recommendations to move forward at this time.
B. Lover's Lane.
Selectman Dudek noted he received an email from Howard Pfrommer (Town Engineer) that the pipe solution did not meet the hydraulic requirements of DEP or the Army Corps. He suggested the road just be raised and overlaid. Pfrommer noted he would check with C. Jefferson to see if there is any problem with doing that. The road could be raised every 5 or 6 years at a minimal cost and remain open. The State uses that solution on Route 148 where they periodically raise it. It could be a 'no salt zone' so salt doesn't get into the water if necessary. Mr. Pfrommer will speak with C. Jefferson and report back to the Board of Selectmen.
C. ATV Ordinance.
Selectwoman Iino noted she didn't see why the Ordinance couldn't be passed as drafted by the Town Attorney Michael Wells. It was decided the list of Open Space would not have to be defined before the Ordinance is adopted. First Selectman Cabral will contact the Conservation Commission and request a list of Open Space. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve the ATV Ordinance and send to Town Meeting. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
This will be scheduled for the next Town Meeting with other items that may come up.
9. New Business
A. Parmelee Steering Committee - Deborah E. Bodner, Linda M. Dudek, Bruce Dodson.
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to place the following names in nomination for appointment to the Parmelee Steering Committee - Deborah Bodner, Linda Dudek and Bruce Dodson. Discussion followed. It was noted in the future a letter should go to the Town Political Parties soliciting nominations and that if the other two committees appointed at the last meeting are not full, that should be done. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
B. Board of Selectmen 2009 Meeting Schedule.
It was noted a concerned member of the public has voiced an opinion that all BOS meetings should be held at night time. Selectwoman Iino had noted earlier in the meeting she would support that idea. Selectman Dudek asked if anyone had come forward asking to keep the 9 AM meetings. First Selectman Cabral replied no. Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve the 2009 BOS Meeting Schedule as amended by holding the second meeting of each month at 7:00 PM thereby making all meetings at 7:00 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
C. Assessor's Seasonal Labor Plan.
Donna Shanoff, Town Assessor, presented her plan for seasonal help. Selectman Dudek noted he had not had a chance to review the plan yet and indicated the first this subject came up was at the last meeting. He asked why this was not brought before the Board sooner. Ms. Shanoff stated she didn't know this was going to be an issue. She thought the funds were still in her budget until she recently spoke to First Selectman Cabral and was told it was to be used for the Tax Collector's office and the Building Department Clerk. Shanoff reviewed the timing of the Grand List. She also noted the Supplemental Motor Vehicle List and the Personal Property Declarations all come out at the same time. She reviewed the work her department has to do for the rate book concerning veteran's benefits and fire men's and ambulance personnel exemptions, also the home owner's tax relief program. First Selectman Cabral asked how Killingworth compares to other towns. Shanoff noted other towns don't have a mobile home park or as many residences. Cabral asked if the other towns have two full time people. Shanoff replied that some of them do, but it depends on the town. A lot of the towns don't have the amount of construction that Killingworth does. Selectwoman Iino noted she did some research and some of the other towns have much smaller population. Shanoff noted the State of Connecticut mandates the time frames for everything. She reviewed the process the Assessor's Office has to go through for various things, such as the motor vehicle list, personal property, veteran's benefits, home owner's tax relief program, etc. She noted over 65% of their time is spent on motor vehicles. First Selectman Cabral asked if there would be someone available to come in right away that is familiar with the system. He indicated only 5 hours has been paid out to this point, but not in the Assessor's Office. Selectman Dudek noted this needs to be looked at during the upcoming budget process. He recommended staying with what had been agreed to at the beginning of this budget year. Ms. Shanoff will give First Selectman Cabral a couple of names to contact. The pay rate will be discussed with Cabral and Shanoff. Selectman Dudek confirmed that 60% of the time is taken up with motor vehicle issues. Shanoff replied yes. She indicated two days a week or 14 hours would be sufficient. Gina Regolo noted it sounds like additional funds will be spent than what is currently in the budget. Dudek replied that was correct. No action was required.
D. Award Contract to American Home & Tree for tree, brush and general clean-up at North Parker Hill Cemetery.
First Selectman Cabral noted he requested 3 quotes - one came in and two did not respond. Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to award the contract for the tree, brush and general clean up at North Parker Hill Cemetery to American Home & Tree for an amount of $3,500. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
10. RJC Announcements - none.
11. Selectmen's Concerns.
Selectman Dudek noted he visited Patrick Drive last Sunday during the rain event. The water was 6" below the road near the catch basin and berm. There was discussion regarding the two dams in the Patrick Drive area. Dudek also noted Walter Adametz had just sealed some of the cracks in the road that were 1" wide. Cabral noted baffles were put in farther up on Roast Meat Hill Road on the Young property, but there was nothing near the dam on Patrick Drive. Selectman Dudek noted the water will definitely impact that property. Selectwoman Iino noted there must be a way to deal with water damaging a road. Dudek reiterated it was significant, it is acres of water. Beavers have it dammed up right up to Patrick Drive.
Selectwoman Iino inquired about the schedule for the septic pumping regulations. It was noted the last meeting of the WPCA did not have a quorum present, but they are currently working on this item. Richard Leighton and Dr. Winokur are to attend the next meeting in January.
Selectwoman Iino noted the value of recycled materials is way down and the Town will probably lose its $10 per ton Town rebate.
12. Visitor's Comments in General.
Scott Perry and Christine Conlon were present to discuss the recent rash of burglaries with Killingworth. Mr. Perry noted he did a lot of research on what Killingworth and other towns are spending on police protection and Killingworth is 4/10's of one percent. He indicated 14 out of 17 other towns spend 8/10's of one percent for police protection. Selectwoman Iino noted she contacted Resident Trooper Matt Ward and discussed what hours he is in town and what happens when he is not on duty. The Town is then covered by a trooper from Troop F Barracks. Mr. Perry pointed out that a second trooper patrolling the town would be a deterrent. He also noted an additional trooper could assist with public health safety as they are trained in certain medical emergencies, such as CPR. Perry reiterated the Town of Killingworth is not doing enough for police protection. Ms. Conlon noted one trooper is not optimum for crime policing. She reviewed a recent incident where her child was missing. She noted she found the child within 40 minutes, but never received a call back from the police. It was noted when the economy goes bad, crime goes up. Home values are effected by crime. Selectman Dudek noted the town does have extra enforcement with grant funds. It was suggested response times be looked at as well as crime rate. First Selectman Cabral will contact Troop F for those numbers. Peg Scofield asked if the Traffic Study Committee would have a say in this as well. Selectman Dudek replied no, they were to look at traffic only. They became involved in some enforcement rather than what they were charged. Selectman Dudek noted the process for allocating more funds would be research and then budgetary. The budget goes to the Board of Finance at the end of March.
13. Adjournment.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to adjourn at 8:17 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, December 8, 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 7:00 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to add two items to the Agenda under Old Business, ATV Ordinance and Lover's Lane. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
It was also agreed to add the name of Bruce Dodson to Agenda Item 9A.
3. Approval of Minutes - November 24, 2008.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve November 24, 2008 Minutes. Discussion followed. Selectman Dudek noted there were several differences between motions on the record of the vote and what motions were included in the minutes. He pointed out minutes reflect the motions accurately and the record of the vote should match. Dudek reviewed the inaccuracies. First Selectman Cabral noted the name of Katrina Little should be removed as a member of the Parmelee Steering Committee as she is a student and member of the 4H Club, however Ms. Little and another member of 4H, are invited to attend the Committee meetings. Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to amend original motion to include an amendment which is to remove the name of Katrina Little as an appointment to the Parmelee Steering Committee for the aforesaid reason. Voting on the amendment - in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Vote on original motion to approve November 24, 2008 Minutes (with the amendment). Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors Concerning Items on the Agenda.
Peg Scofield noted she would recommend the Board of Selectmen consider going back to all night meetings as being a member of the press she cannot attend the day time meetings and there are probably others who cannot attend due to the fact they have full time jobs.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve the following tax refunds - Financial Service Vehicle Trust $331.84, Honda Lease Trust $211.20 and James W. Cutler $78.12, all for overpayment. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Vacancies.
The following vacancies remain. IWWC - 1, OEM - 1, Public Health, Housing Partnership - 4 and Estuary Council of Seniors.
7. Appointments - none.
8. Old Business
A. Hours of Town Hall.
Selectwoman Iino noted this subject has turned out to be more complicated than originally thought. The problem is that each office seems to be open different hours. She was not prepared to make any recommendations to move forward at this time.
B. Lover's Lane.
Selectman Dudek noted he received an email from Howard Pfrommer (Town Engineer) that the pipe solution did not meet the hydraulic requirements of DEP or the Army Corps. He suggested the road just be raised and overlaid. Pfrommer noted he would check with C. Jefferson to see if there is any problem with doing that. The road could be raised every 5 or 6 years at a minimal cost and remain open. The State uses that solution on Route 148 where they periodically raise it. It could be a 'no salt zone' so salt doesn't get into the water if necessary. Mr. Pfrommer will speak with C. Jefferson and report back to the Board of Selectmen.
C. ATV Ordinance.
Selectwoman Iino noted she didn't see why the Ordinance couldn't be passed as drafted by the Town Attorney Michael Wells. It was decided the list of Open Space would not have to be defined before the Ordinance is adopted. First Selectman Cabral will contact the Conservation Commission and request a list of Open Space. Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve the ATV Ordinance and send to Town Meeting. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
This will be scheduled for the next Town Meeting with other items that may come up.
9. New Business
A. Parmelee Steering Committee - Deborah E. Bodner, Linda M. Dudek, Bruce Dodson.
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to place the following names in nomination for appointment to the Parmelee Steering Committee - Deborah Bodner, Linda Dudek and Bruce Dodson. Discussion followed. It was noted in the future a letter should go to the Town Political Parties soliciting nominations and that if the other two committees appointed at the last meeting are not full, that should be done. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
B. Board of Selectmen 2009 Meeting Schedule.
It was noted a concerned member of the public has voiced an opinion that all BOS meetings should be held at night time. Selectwoman Iino had noted earlier in the meeting she would support that idea. Selectman Dudek asked if anyone had come forward asking to keep the 9 AM meetings. First Selectman Cabral replied no. Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve the 2009 BOS Meeting Schedule as amended by holding the second meeting of each month at 7:00 PM thereby making all meetings at 7:00 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
C. Assessor's Seasonal Labor Plan.
Donna Shanoff, Town Assessor, presented her plan for seasonal help. Selectman Dudek noted he had not had a chance to review the plan yet and indicated the first this subject came up was at the last meeting. He asked why this was not brought before the Board sooner. Ms. Shanoff stated she didn't know this was going to be an issue. She thought the funds were still in her budget until she recently spoke to First Selectman Cabral and was told it was to be used for the Tax Collector's office and the Building Department Clerk. Shanoff reviewed the timing of the Grand List. She also noted the Supplemental Motor Vehicle List and the Personal Property Declarations all come out at the same time. She reviewed the work her department has to do for the rate book concerning veteran's benefits and fire men's and ambulance personnel exemptions, also the home owner's tax relief program. First Selectman Cabral asked how Killingworth compares to other towns. Shanoff noted other towns don't have a mobile home park or as many residences. Cabral asked if the other towns have two full time people. Shanoff replied that some of them do, but it depends on the town. A lot of the towns don't have the amount of construction that Killingworth does. Selectwoman Iino noted she did some research and some of the other towns have much smaller population. Shanoff noted the State of Connecticut mandates the time frames for everything. She reviewed the process the Assessor's Office has to go through for various things, such as the motor vehicle list, personal property, veteran's benefits, home owner's tax relief program, etc. She noted over 65% of their time is spent on motor vehicles. First Selectman Cabral asked if there would be someone available to come in right away that is familiar with the system. He indicated only 5 hours has been paid out to this point, but not in the Assessor's Office. Selectman Dudek noted this needs to be looked at during the upcoming budget process. He recommended staying with what had been agreed to at the beginning of this budget year. Ms. Shanoff will give First Selectman Cabral a couple of names to contact. The pay rate will be discussed with Cabral and Shanoff. Selectman Dudek confirmed that 60% of the time is taken up with motor vehicle issues. Shanoff replied yes. She indicated two days a week or 14 hours would be sufficient. Gina Regolo noted it sounds like additional funds will be spent than what is currently in the budget. Dudek replied that was correct. No action was required.
D. Award Contract to American Home & Tree for tree, brush and general clean-up at North Parker Hill Cemetery.
First Selectman Cabral noted he requested 3 quotes - one came in and two did not respond. Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to award the contract for the tree, brush and general clean up at North Parker Hill Cemetery to American Home & Tree for an amount of $3,500. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
10. RJC Announcements - none.
11. Selectmen's Concerns.
Selectman Dudek noted he visited Patrick Drive last Sunday during the rain event. The water was 6" below the road near the catch basin and berm. There was discussion regarding the two dams in the Patrick Drive area. Dudek also noted Walter Adametz had just sealed some of the cracks in the road that were 1" wide. Cabral noted baffles were put in farther up on Roast Meat Hill Road on the Young property, but there was nothing near the dam on Patrick Drive. Selectman Dudek noted the water will definitely impact that property. Selectwoman Iino noted there must be a way to deal with water damaging a road. Dudek reiterated it was significant, it is acres of water. Beavers have it dammed up right up to Patrick Drive.
Selectwoman Iino inquired about the schedule for the septic pumping regulations. It was noted the last meeting of the WPCA did not have a quorum present, but they are currently working on this item. Richard Leighton and Dr. Winokur are to attend the next meeting in January.
Selectwoman Iino noted the value of recycled materials is way down and the Town will probably lose its $10 per ton Town rebate.
12. Visitor's Comments in General.
Scott Perry and Christine Conlon were present to discuss the recent rash of burglaries with Killingworth. Mr. Perry noted he did a lot of research on what Killingworth and other towns are spending on police protection and Killingworth is 4/10's of one percent. He indicated 14 out of 17 other towns spend 8/10's of one percent for police protection. Selectwoman Iino noted she contacted Resident Trooper Matt Ward and discussed what hours he is in town and what happens when he is not on duty. The Town is then covered by a trooper from Troop F Barracks. Mr. Perry pointed out that a second trooper patrolling the town would be a deterrent. He also noted an additional trooper could assist with public health safety as they are trained in certain medical emergencies, such as CPR. Perry reiterated the Town of Killingworth is not doing enough for police protection. Ms. Conlon noted one trooper is not optimum for crime policing. She reviewed a recent incident where her child was missing. She noted she found the child within 40 minutes, but never received a call back from the police. It was noted when the economy goes bad, crime goes up. Home values are effected by crime. Selectman Dudek noted the town does have extra enforcement with grant funds. It was suggested response times be looked at as well as crime rate. First Selectman Cabral will contact Troop F for those numbers. Peg Scofield asked if the Traffic Study Committee would have a say in this as well. Selectman Dudek replied no, they were to look at traffic only. They became involved in some enforcement rather than what they were charged. Selectman Dudek noted the process for allocating more funds would be research and then budgetary. The budget goes to the Board of Finance at the end of March.
13. Adjournment.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to adjourn at 8:17 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
