Regular Meeting December 10, 2009
1. Call to Order
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were First Selectwoman Catherine Iino, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectman Richard Cabral. First Selectwoman Iino called the meeting to order at
7:03 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Approval of Minutes of Meeting Held November 23, 2009
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to approve November 23, 2009 Minutes amended as follows:
• Page 2, under 8B., delete last two sentences.
• Page 3, under G, delete the first five sentences and replace with the following - “First Selectwoman Iino noted the Town has applied for $40,000 under the Grant Program. There is a pool of money set aside to encourage municipalities to partner together to undertake projects that have a regional impact. The Town of Madison has agreed to hire an Energy Manager for the consortium of towns involved. If the group wins, each town would submit one project to the Manager for priority attention.”
Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors – Concerning Items on the Agenda
No visitors wished to speak at this time.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to approve Tax Refunds as follows – Jay R. or Noreen R. Granucci $88.20 and VW Credit Leasing LTD $176.92. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Old Business
A. Town Website
Selectman Dudek noted that under the new Charter, the Town can accept quotes rather than bids for up to $10,000. It was agreed to send out solicitations asking for quotes by January 22nd. The quotes will then be discussed at the January 25th Board of Selectmen Meeting. A legal notice will not be necessary.
B. River Road Bridge Project
First Selectwoman Iino noted this project is not under $10,000. The bid documents have been reviewed by Town Attorney and are ready to go out. First Selectwoman Iino will look into whether the bids will be good for 90 days.
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to discuss Agenda Item 7C on the Agenda at this time. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
C. Tax Collector – Discussion of DMV Direct Option
Michele Nuhn, Tax Collector, reviewed her proposal to register for DMV Direct which will allow the Tax Collector's Office to access certain DMV records. She explained the municipalities currently using the on-line program have found it very useful. The cost for a six month sign up from January to June 2010 would be $100.00 plus $30.00 VPN key fee. The key fee covers a three year period. In July 2010, the program will be changed back to a one year contract at $250.00 per year. Ms. Nuhn explained she would like to reallocate funds from other line items to cover the six month fee as there currently is no line item in her budget. She reviewed the specific information which would be available to both the Tax Collector and the Tax Assessor. Larry Sypher has indicated this will require a dedicated computer with a drop cable to be located in the Tax Collector's Office. The Board of Selectmen agreed they supported the concept.
A. Appointments of Members to Boards, Committees and Commissions
First Selectwoman Iino reviewed the list of new appointments. It was noted the Public Health Agency appointments must now be made by the Health Director according to the new Charter. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to approve list of appointments as drafted and reviewed with the exception of the Public Health Agency. Discussion followed. It was noted the Emergency Planning Committee and the Local Emergency Planning Committee are one and the same. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to amend original motion to include the removal of the Emergency Planning Committee. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Vote on Original Motion - In favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
B. Appointment of Town Counsel
First Selectwoman Iino noted the current Town Counsel has not expressed an interest and the Charter reads “...for no more than two years...” so she is unclear as to whether or not the same counsel can be reappointed for another two years.
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel – Gould, Larson, Bennet, Wells & McDonnell – under the blanket appointment above. Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to table the motion to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Discussion followed. First Selectwoman Iino noted she has interviewed one individual and will be interviewing another in the morning. She also noted it has been recommended to her that Town Counsel not reside in town. Iino briefly reviewed the two individuals mentioned. Selectman Cabral felt it would behoove the Board to contact the present Town Counsel and meet with him also. First Selectwoman Iino noted the Board must make this appointment within 30 days of taking office. A Special Meeting was set for Thursday, December 17th, at 9:00 AM. First Selectwoman Iino will contact Attorney Wells. Selectman Cabral noted the Town should not change its labor attorney.
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to take off the table motion to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Vote on Original Motion to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel under the blanket motion above (under Agenda Item 7A). Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
D. Bid Opening for Cleaning Services for Town Buildings
The following 3 bids were received and opened -
1. Nu Look Cleaning Services - $1,900 per month (cleaning materials and labor)
2. Jani King - $921 for 3 times a week and $1,282 for 5 times a week
3. Capital Cleaning Contractors - $900 monthly charge for 5 times a week and $750 monthly charge for 3 times a week
First Selectwoman Iino will review the bids and discuss this at the next meeting.
E. Charge to Energy Task Force and Appointments
Motion by Iino, second by Cabral, to adopt the following Charge to the Energy Task Force - “The Energy Task Force is charged with promoting energy efficient and sustainable practices, operations, and patterns of development for the Town of Killingworth and its residents. Its mission includes seeking out and implementing programs and funding sources to help the town meet its goals under the Connecticut Clean Energy Program.” Voting in favor - Iino, Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Iino, second by Cabral, to nominate the following individuals to the Energy Task Force - Stephen Anderson, Frank Cunningham, Michael Duffy, Susan Gumbart, George Keithan, William Leahy, Harsh Luthra, Debbie Sodergren and Philip Stull. Voting in favor - Iino, Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
F. Designation of Newspaper of Record
First Selectwoman Iino noted there were some recent problems with the current newspaper. She also noted there are more people in town that subscribe to the Middletown Press than the New Haven Register. The Press is less expensive. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to designate Middletown Press as the newspaper of record for the Town of Killingworth, effective January 1, 2010. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
8. C.I. Comments
First Selectwoman Iino noted a drainage issue has arisen at the Wettish Property. Water from the field is running through the catch basin going on to the road. Walter Adametz has made a band aid solution to make the situation safe, but there is a meeting tomorrow morning with everyone involved to discuss the issue and possible remedies. Amy Roberts-Perry noted she has seen torrents of water going completely over the road when it rains hard. She noted there needs to be a culvert there. Previously the stone wall and vegetation allowed the water to funnel correctly. First Selectwoman Iino noted it is a little unclear as to what started this, but the Town certainly has to fix it. The requirement is that there not be any more runoff then pre-Wettish construction. Iino suggested the Town Engineer look at the site. Selectman Dudek asked what happens if it turns out to be an engineering problem. Iino noted she was looking into that possibility.
First Selectwoman Iino briefly reviewed the VISTA program where 3 individuals would help out with a clerical project in the Public Works Department and possible cleaning services 3 hours a week, although they do not have their own equipment.
First Selectwoman Iino noted the beavers at Patrick Drive were trapped and removed in early December. The IWWC has given their approval to remove the dams and that will be done this week.
First Selectwoman Iino noted there was a seasonal flu clinic today with 100 doses available.
9. Selectmen's Comments
Messrs. Dudek and Cabral did not have any comments.
10. Visitor Comments – General
No visitor comments were forthcoming.
11. Executive Session – Health Director Resignation
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to go into Executive Session at 8:23 PM for the purpose of discussing the Health Director resignation. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Board came out of Executive Session at 9:04 PM. No motions were made during Executive Session.
12. Adjournment
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 9:05 PM. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
The Killingworth Board of Selectmen held its regular meeting on Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut. In attendance were First Selectwoman Catherine Iino, Selectman Fred Dudek and Selectman Richard Cabral. First Selectwoman Iino called the meeting to order at
7:03 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Approval of Minutes of Meeting Held November 23, 2009
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to approve November 23, 2009 Minutes amended as follows:
• Page 2, under 8B., delete last two sentences.
• Page 3, under G, delete the first five sentences and replace with the following - “First Selectwoman Iino noted the Town has applied for $40,000 under the Grant Program. There is a pool of money set aside to encourage municipalities to partner together to undertake projects that have a regional impact. The Town of Madison has agreed to hire an Energy Manager for the consortium of towns involved. If the group wins, each town would submit one project to the Manager for priority attention.”
Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
4. Visitors – Concerning Items on the Agenda
No visitors wished to speak at this time.
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to approve Tax Refunds as follows – Jay R. or Noreen R. Granucci $88.20 and VW Credit Leasing LTD $176.92. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
6. Old Business
A. Town Website
Selectman Dudek noted that under the new Charter, the Town can accept quotes rather than bids for up to $10,000. It was agreed to send out solicitations asking for quotes by January 22nd. The quotes will then be discussed at the January 25th Board of Selectmen Meeting. A legal notice will not be necessary.
B. River Road Bridge Project
First Selectwoman Iino noted this project is not under $10,000. The bid documents have been reviewed by Town Attorney and are ready to go out. First Selectwoman Iino will look into whether the bids will be good for 90 days.
Motion by Iino, second by Dudek, to discuss Agenda Item 7C on the Agenda at this time. Voting in favor - Iino, Dudek, Cabral. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
7. New Business
C. Tax Collector – Discussion of DMV Direct Option
Michele Nuhn, Tax Collector, reviewed her proposal to register for DMV Direct which will allow the Tax Collector's Office to access certain DMV records. She explained the municipalities currently using the on-line program have found it very useful. The cost for a six month sign up from January to June 2010 would be $100.00 plus $30.00 VPN key fee. The key fee covers a three year period. In July 2010, the program will be changed back to a one year contract at $250.00 per year. Ms. Nuhn explained she would like to reallocate funds from other line items to cover the six month fee as there currently is no line item in her budget. She reviewed the specific information which would be available to both the Tax Collector and the Tax Assessor. Larry Sypher has indicated this will require a dedicated computer with a drop cable to be located in the Tax Collector's Office. The Board of Selectmen agreed they supported the concept.
A. Appointments of Members to Boards, Committees and Commissions
First Selectwoman Iino reviewed the list of new appointments. It was noted the Public Health Agency appointments must now be made by the Health Director according to the new Charter. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to approve list of appointments as drafted and reviewed with the exception of the Public Health Agency. Discussion followed. It was noted the Emergency Planning Committee and the Local Emergency Planning Committee are one and the same. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to amend original motion to include the removal of the Emergency Planning Committee. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Vote on Original Motion - In favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
B. Appointment of Town Counsel
First Selectwoman Iino noted the current Town Counsel has not expressed an interest and the Charter reads “...for no more than two years...” so she is unclear as to whether or not the same counsel can be reappointed for another two years.
Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel – Gould, Larson, Bennet, Wells & McDonnell – under the blanket appointment above. Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to table the motion to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Discussion followed. First Selectwoman Iino noted she has interviewed one individual and will be interviewing another in the morning. She also noted it has been recommended to her that Town Counsel not reside in town. Iino briefly reviewed the two individuals mentioned. Selectman Cabral felt it would behoove the Board to contact the present Town Counsel and meet with him also. First Selectwoman Iino noted the Board must make this appointment within 30 days of taking office. A Special Meeting was set for Thursday, December 17th, at 9:00 AM. First Selectwoman Iino will contact Attorney Wells. Selectman Cabral noted the Town should not change its labor attorney.
Motion by Cabral, second by Iino, to take off the table motion to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel. Voting in favor - Cabral, Iino, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Vote on Original Motion to rescind the appointment of Town Counsel under the blanket motion above (under Agenda Item 7A). Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
D. Bid Opening for Cleaning Services for Town Buildings
The following 3 bids were received and opened -
1. Nu Look Cleaning Services - $1,900 per month (cleaning materials and labor)
2. Jani King - $921 for 3 times a week and $1,282 for 5 times a week
3. Capital Cleaning Contractors - $900 monthly charge for 5 times a week and $750 monthly charge for 3 times a week
First Selectwoman Iino will review the bids and discuss this at the next meeting.
E. Charge to Energy Task Force and Appointments
Motion by Iino, second by Cabral, to adopt the following Charge to the Energy Task Force - “The Energy Task Force is charged with promoting energy efficient and sustainable practices, operations, and patterns of development for the Town of Killingworth and its residents. Its mission includes seeking out and implementing programs and funding sources to help the town meet its goals under the Connecticut Clean Energy Program.” Voting in favor - Iino, Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
Motion by Iino, second by Cabral, to nominate the following individuals to the Energy Task Force - Stephen Anderson, Frank Cunningham, Michael Duffy, Susan Gumbart, George Keithan, William Leahy, Harsh Luthra, Debbie Sodergren and Philip Stull. Voting in favor - Iino, Cabral, Dudek. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
F. Designation of Newspaper of Record
First Selectwoman Iino noted there were some recent problems with the current newspaper. She also noted there are more people in town that subscribe to the Middletown Press than the New Haven Register. The Press is less expensive. Motion by Dudek, second by Cabral, to designate Middletown Press as the newspaper of record for the Town of Killingworth, effective January 1, 2010. Voting in favor - Dudek, Cabral, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
8. C.I. Comments
First Selectwoman Iino noted a drainage issue has arisen at the Wettish Property. Water from the field is running through the catch basin going on to the road. Walter Adametz has made a band aid solution to make the situation safe, but there is a meeting tomorrow morning with everyone involved to discuss the issue and possible remedies. Amy Roberts-Perry noted she has seen torrents of water going completely over the road when it rains hard. She noted there needs to be a culvert there. Previously the stone wall and vegetation allowed the water to funnel correctly. First Selectwoman Iino noted it is a little unclear as to what started this, but the Town certainly has to fix it. The requirement is that there not be any more runoff then pre-Wettish construction. Iino suggested the Town Engineer look at the site. Selectman Dudek asked what happens if it turns out to be an engineering problem. Iino noted she was looking into that possibility.
First Selectwoman Iino briefly reviewed the VISTA program where 3 individuals would help out with a clerical project in the Public Works Department and possible cleaning services 3 hours a week, although they do not have their own equipment.
First Selectwoman Iino noted the beavers at Patrick Drive were trapped and removed in early December. The IWWC has given their approval to remove the dams and that will be done this week.
First Selectwoman Iino noted there was a seasonal flu clinic today with 100 doses available.
9. Selectmen's Comments
Messrs. Dudek and Cabral did not have any comments.
10. Visitor Comments – General
No visitor comments were forthcoming.
11. Executive Session – Health Director Resignation
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to go into Executive Session at 8:23 PM for the purpose of discussing the Health Director resignation. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried. Board came out of Executive Session at 9:04 PM. No motions were made during Executive Session.
12. Adjournment
Motion by Cabral, second by Dudek, to adjourn at 9:05 PM. Voting in favor - Cabral, Dudek, Iino. Opposed - none. Motion Carried.
