Regular Meeting March 9, 2009
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT. 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. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve February 23, 2009 Minutes amended as follows -
• Under 10. RJC Announcements, 2nd paragraph, correct name to "Robert Barakat."
Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve February 24, 2009 Minutes as written. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve February 25, 2009 Minutes as written. Discussion followed. First Selectman Cabral noted the reason for this meeting was there were only two (2) quotes received at the meeting, however, there was a third (3) quote in the Land Use Office. The February 25th meeting was to make sure all three (3) quotes had been received. The lowest quote was Ahearn & Sons. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors - none.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve Tax Refund to William Ridley in the amount of $10.00. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Vacancies
The following vacancies were reviewed - IWWC - 1, OEM - 1, Public Health Agency - 1, Recreation - 1, Housing Partnership - 4, Estuary Council of Seniors - 2, Municipal Land Use - 2 and Open Space Committee - 2. First Selectman Cabral noted the resignation of Robert J. Artus, Republican, from the Municipal Land Use Committee effective March 2, 2009 is accepted with regret.
7. Appointments
Public Health Agency
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to appoint Gary Mala to the Public Health Agency. Discussion followed. First Selectman Cabral noted another individual wished to serve on this Agency, but because they lived in Higganum was not eligible. He urged the Charter Revision Commission to look at the language governing this appointment so it could be an employee of the school district and not someone who must live in town. There is still another vacancy on the Public Health Agency. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Open Space Committee
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to appoint Bruce Dodson to the Open Space Committee. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
8. Old Business - none.
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to add item to the agenda as New Business C. - BOS to authorize First Selectman to sign Memorandum of Understanding for a Grant between the Town of Killingworth and the Health Communities, Healthy
Kids Coalition. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
9. New Business
A. Charter Revision Report - Helen Mahoney
Helen Mahoney was present to give a report on the progress of the Charter Revision Commission. Ms. Mahoney thanked the BOS for putting together a very workable mix of members with experience and talents. She indicated they have made a few decisions, but most things are still on the table. They are still looking at a Public Works Commission or Director of Public Works. There was a brief discussion about enlarging the Board of Selectmen to five (5) members. This would allow for a greater pool to move someone up to First Selectman. It was noted the Board must follow rules of party representation. Ms. Mahoney extended an invitation to the Board of Selectmen to attend any of their meetings. Selectman Dudek asked if there had been discussions regarding Section 9-4 and 9-5. Mahoney noted they talked about raising the limit of $5000, but that discussion has just begun. First Selectman Cabral asked if there was anything new on defining boards, commissions or committees. Mahoney replied nothing yet. It was noted the Town Attorney will have to approve any document before it goes to Town Meeting. Selectwoman Iino asked if the whole town meeting process had been discussed. Mahoney replied very briefly and the consensus was no. How could a quorum be set when sometimes there are very few people who attend those meetings. Ms. Mahoney reminded Board members their next meeting would be Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The BOS thanked Ms. Mahoney for her report.
B. Approval of 2009/10 Budget & Authorization to take to Board of Finance
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve the Town Operating Budget for fiscal year 2009/2010 in the amount of $4,791,387 and authorize the First Selectman to present this budget to the Board of Finance. Discussion followed. It was noted this budget was four (4) percent smaller than last year. The BOS worked extremely hard on the budget. No positions were eliminated. Some employees did not receive increased wages. Selectman Dudek noted the Town's debt is strictly the Wettish and Parmelee Bond. Selectwoman Iino noted in a few cases funds were used that were already available. Some was saved on the Burr Hill Road project. Funds are still being put away for future capital items (fire department, public works, roads). Dudek noted one increase was within the Park & Recreational Regional budget, but that was because of the increase in the ADM. Youth & Family Services was maintained. Dudek noted there is fiscal responsibility and accountability. They had real historical data and instituted a purchase order system. It was noted the Board of Education came in with a 1.75 percent increase. Iino noted various agencies in town were very cooperative in not requesting any increases. The majority of departments came in at a zero (0) percent increase. It was noted CCM and COST were the same. There is a slight increase for the Transit District, but this is going to be watched closely over the next year to be sure the Town is receiving the amount of service to warrant that cost. With regard to revenues, collection was strong, but the growth in the Grand List was flat (1/4 percent). TAR and LOCIP were discussed. The remaining budget process schedule was reviewed. The budget vote will be on May 18th. It is hoped the same mil rate can be maintained. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve a Capital Budget for fiscal year 2009/2010 in the amount of $1,677,000 and authorize the First Selectman to present this budget to the Board of Finance with the recommendation that the town issue short term notes for the Wettish Field Development and the Reservoir Road Bridge Project. Discussion followed. It was noted the Reservoir Road Bridge Project is temporary. The Town must pay and then get reimbursed through the Federal Bridge Program. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
C. BOS to authorize First Selectman to sign Memorandum of Understanding for a Grant between the Town of Killingworth and the Health Communities, Healthy Kids Coalition
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for a Grant between the Town of Killingworth and the Health Communities Healthy Kids Coalition. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
10. RJC Announcements
First Selectman Cabral gave an update on the Reservoir Road Bridge Project. He noted the Federal Government needed one more week to review paperwork. The bidding process should be finished in March. The project itself is still on schedule and should be completed by November.
11. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek asked if the letter to The Trust for Public Land had been sent. Selectwoman Iino replied yes.
Selectwoman Iino had no concerns.
12. Visitor Comments - General
Jere Adametz noted there is a stop sign coming out of the compactor site on Recycle Way. Seven out of ten cars don't stop at it. He suggested changing it to a right-of-way sign. First Selectman Cabral noted he wasn't sure why a stop sign was put there in the first place, but will take this under advisement. It was suggested the Traffic Safety Committee look at this matter. It was noted the Board has 45 days to act on appointing members to the Traffic Safety Committee.
13. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to adjourn at 7:50 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, CT. 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. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve February 23, 2009 Minutes amended as follows -
• Under 10. RJC Announcements, 2nd paragraph, correct name to "Robert Barakat."
Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve February 24, 2009 Minutes as written. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve February 25, 2009 Minutes as written. Discussion followed. First Selectman Cabral noted the reason for this meeting was there were only two (2) quotes received at the meeting, however, there was a third (3) quote in the Land Use Office. The February 25th meeting was to make sure all three (3) quotes had been received. The lowest quote was Ahearn & Sons. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors - none.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to approve Tax Refund to William Ridley in the amount of $10.00. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Vacancies
The following vacancies were reviewed - IWWC - 1, OEM - 1, Public Health Agency - 1, Recreation - 1, Housing Partnership - 4, Estuary Council of Seniors - 2, Municipal Land Use - 2 and Open Space Committee - 2. First Selectman Cabral noted the resignation of Robert J. Artus, Republican, from the Municipal Land Use Committee effective March 2, 2009 is accepted with regret.
7. Appointments
Public Health Agency
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to appoint Gary Mala to the Public Health Agency. Discussion followed. First Selectman Cabral noted another individual wished to serve on this Agency, but because they lived in Higganum was not eligible. He urged the Charter Revision Commission to look at the language governing this appointment so it could be an employee of the school district and not someone who must live in town. There is still another vacancy on the Public Health Agency. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Open Space Committee
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to appoint Bruce Dodson to the Open Space Committee. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
8. Old Business - none.
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to add item to the agenda as New Business C. - BOS to authorize First Selectman to sign Memorandum of Understanding for a Grant between the Town of Killingworth and the Health Communities, Healthy
Kids Coalition. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
9. New Business
A. Charter Revision Report - Helen Mahoney
Helen Mahoney was present to give a report on the progress of the Charter Revision Commission. Ms. Mahoney thanked the BOS for putting together a very workable mix of members with experience and talents. She indicated they have made a few decisions, but most things are still on the table. They are still looking at a Public Works Commission or Director of Public Works. There was a brief discussion about enlarging the Board of Selectmen to five (5) members. This would allow for a greater pool to move someone up to First Selectman. It was noted the Board must follow rules of party representation. Ms. Mahoney extended an invitation to the Board of Selectmen to attend any of their meetings. Selectman Dudek asked if there had been discussions regarding Section 9-4 and 9-5. Mahoney noted they talked about raising the limit of $5000, but that discussion has just begun. First Selectman Cabral asked if there was anything new on defining boards, commissions or committees. Mahoney replied nothing yet. It was noted the Town Attorney will have to approve any document before it goes to Town Meeting. Selectwoman Iino asked if the whole town meeting process had been discussed. Mahoney replied very briefly and the consensus was no. How could a quorum be set when sometimes there are very few people who attend those meetings. Ms. Mahoney reminded Board members their next meeting would be Wednesday, March 18, 2009. The BOS thanked Ms. Mahoney for her report.
B. Approval of 2009/10 Budget & Authorization to take to Board of Finance
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve the Town Operating Budget for fiscal year 2009/2010 in the amount of $4,791,387 and authorize the First Selectman to present this budget to the Board of Finance. Discussion followed. It was noted this budget was four (4) percent smaller than last year. The BOS worked extremely hard on the budget. No positions were eliminated. Some employees did not receive increased wages. Selectman Dudek noted the Town's debt is strictly the Wettish and Parmelee Bond. Selectwoman Iino noted in a few cases funds were used that were already available. Some was saved on the Burr Hill Road project. Funds are still being put away for future capital items (fire department, public works, roads). Dudek noted one increase was within the Park & Recreational Regional budget, but that was because of the increase in the ADM. Youth & Family Services was maintained. Dudek noted there is fiscal responsibility and accountability. They had real historical data and instituted a purchase order system. It was noted the Board of Education came in with a 1.75 percent increase. Iino noted various agencies in town were very cooperative in not requesting any increases. The majority of departments came in at a zero (0) percent increase. It was noted CCM and COST were the same. There is a slight increase for the Transit District, but this is going to be watched closely over the next year to be sure the Town is receiving the amount of service to warrant that cost. With regard to revenues, collection was strong, but the growth in the Grand List was flat (1/4 percent). TAR and LOCIP were discussed. The remaining budget process schedule was reviewed. The budget vote will be on May 18th. It is hoped the same mil rate can be maintained. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to approve a Capital Budget for fiscal year 2009/2010 in the amount of $1,677,000 and authorize the First Selectman to present this budget to the Board of Finance with the recommendation that the town issue short term notes for the Wettish Field Development and the Reservoir Road Bridge Project. Discussion followed. It was noted the Reservoir Road Bridge Project is temporary. The Town must pay and then get reimbursed through the Federal Bridge Program. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
C. BOS to authorize First Selectman to sign Memorandum of Understanding for a Grant between the Town of Killingworth and the Health Communities, Healthy Kids Coalition
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for a Grant between the Town of Killingworth and the Health Communities Healthy Kids Coalition. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
10. RJC Announcements
First Selectman Cabral gave an update on the Reservoir Road Bridge Project. He noted the Federal Government needed one more week to review paperwork. The bidding process should be finished in March. The project itself is still on schedule and should be completed by November.
11. Selectmen's Concerns
Selectman Dudek asked if the letter to The Trust for Public Land had been sent. Selectwoman Iino replied yes.
Selectwoman Iino had no concerns.
12. Visitor Comments - General
Jere Adametz noted there is a stop sign coming out of the compactor site on Recycle Way. Seven out of ten cars don't stop at it. He suggested changing it to a right-of-way sign. First Selectman Cabral noted he wasn't sure why a stop sign was put there in the first place, but will take this under advisement. It was suggested the Traffic Safety Committee look at this matter. It was noted the Board has 45 days to act on appointing members to the Traffic Safety Committee.
13. Adjournment
Motion by Dudek, second by Iino, to adjourn at 7:50 PM. Voting in favor - Dudek, Iino, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
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