The Town of Washington, Connecticut
Minutes: Board of Selectmen
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www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Minutes: Board of Selectmen |
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Disclaimer: While we have attempted to reproduce them accurately, the electronic documents you see here are not the official public documents. Official copies may be obtained on paper from theTown Clerk . Also note that minutes of recent meetings are often not yet approved by the Board, and are subject to correction.
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January 19 •January 18 •January 5 •
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Posted: January 24, 2012 January 19, 2012
Minutes are subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
Present: First Selectman Mark E. Lyon, Selectmen Richard O. Carey, Anthony J. Bedini.
Public: Addie Troup, Perla Meyers.Call to Order: First Selectman Mark Lyon called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
Motion:
To add subsequent business not already on the agenda.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Tony Bedini.
Discussion: Re: request to waive the fee for renting the Town Hall.
The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes:
Motion:
To approve the minutes of the January 5, 2012 Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen with the following corrections:
under New Business: Request to install a generator on Town Property by National Iron Bank - “personal contractor” should read electrical contractor; and Discussion of lease for proposed telecommunications tower on Town Property - “installing a telecommunications on the Town …” should read telecommunications facility.
The motion passed unanimously.
Communications: None.
Appointments/Resignations: None.
First Selectman’s Report:
Mark Lyon reported the following:
New Accounting Program:
In Selectmen’s Office-things are coming along with staff, training, etc. Programmer and Accountant will be in next week to address issues.Future of Fire Marshall Office:
A meeting was held on 1-18-12 with the Acting Fire Marshall, Deputy Fire Marshall, Fire Investigator, Building Department Official and the Selectmen to discuss the future of the Office – location, staffing, etc. No decisions were made at this time.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Drainage issues:
The Board of Selectmen and the Highway Director have visited the two locations under discussion.
1) River Road –
Addie Troupe came to discuss the problems she has had over the years due to run-off from the road that has, in her opinion, damaged her property – particularly her driveway. Mrs. Troupe read a letter, which she was asked to provide a copy of to the Selectmen’s Office to be attached to these minutes filed with the Town Clerk. She stated she would bring a copy into the office. There was lengthy discussion regarding the history of the problem, the Selectmen’s opinion of the problem, the Town’s response to the problem and assistance in repairing to the extent the Town is liable. Mrs. Troupe feels more should have been done and requested the Town to repair the driveway to its original condition, replace stone, etc. It was explained that due to the major weather events last year, many property owners suffered damage to their properties and it is not the responsibility of the Town to repair. The Selectmen explained that River Road is on the schedule this coming construction season to be reclaimed and repaved and a catch basin will be added which hopefully will eliminate the problem. Mrs. Troupe may be asked to grant an easement over a section of her property to install a pipe. There is nothing that can be done immediately.
2) West Church Hill Road –
Perla Meyers came to discuss the problem of the poor condition of West Church Hill Road, the drainage issues and subsequent damage to their property and particularly their pond. She stated she and her husband have taken care of many of the issue for years at their expense but are no longer able to do this. There was lengthy discussion about measures they have taken, the Town’s work on the road, etc. All agreed to meet in the spring and work on the problems/issue together. Mrs. Meyers suggested consulting an engineer.Resolution of Endorsement-Municipal Solar Energy Project
Mark explained that the Office of Policy & Management is soliciting applications for Regional Performance Incentive Program Grants. This particular application would be for several towns to purchase solar panels for their municipal building(s). A single contractor would be hired to determine the appropriate location and size for panels and do the installation. Each town would be responsible for maintaining their own installation. Presently, the Selectmen are looking at installations for the New Preston Firehouse and the Highway Garage.
Motion:
To adopt a resolution by the Board of Selectmen which endorses the Regional Performance Incentive Program proposal referenced in Section 5 of Public Act 11-61 (An Act Concerning Responsible Growth) for a “Municipal Solar Energy Project”.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Tony Bedini and unanimously approved.Resolution of Endorsement-Regional Organic Recycling Facility:
The second application through The Office of Policy & Management is for a planning study to determine the feasibility of a regional organic recycling facility. The facility would accept organic materials and produce compost and/or bio-gas. The planning study’s goal would be to provide the towns with the information they need to make a decision about whether or not this project is worth pursuing.
Motion:
To adopt a Resolution by the Board of Selectmen which endorsed the Regional Performance Incentive Program proposal referenced in Section f of Public Act 11-61 (An Act Concerning Responsible Growth) for a “Regional Organic Recycling Facility Feasibility Study”.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Dick Carey and unanimously approved.Request to waive the fee for renting the Town Hall:
Barbara Damon-Hill has written the Board of Selectmen requesting the rental fee of $100 be waived for a fundraiser to be held for Christine Hopkins whose home suffered significant damage as a result of a fire. The Selectmen discussed the purpose of the request, and waiving of the rental fee for other fundraising events in the past.
Motion:
To waive the $100 rental fee for Bryan Memorial Town Hall for February 19, 2012 for a fundraiser for Christine Hopkins. The deposit check of $200 will be required.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Tony Bedini and unanimously approved.
Adjournment:
Motion:
To adjourn the meeting at 7:00p.m. as there was no further business for discussion.
By Tony Bedini, seconded by Dick Carey and unanimously approved.Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Selectmen’s Secretary
Posted: January 24, 2012 January 18, 2012
Special Meeting
Minutes are subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
Present: First Selectman Mark E. Lyon, Selectmen Richard O. Carey and Anthony J. Bedini, Acting Fire Marshall Tom Osborne, Deputy Fire Marshals Brian Ohmen and George Steiner, Jr., Washington Building Inspector William Jenks.
Call to Order: First Selectman Mark Lyon called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
Mark gave a background of the Fire Marshall’s Office and its historic structure up to the retirement of Donald Etherington on December 31, 2011. He explained that with the Towns interest in looking ahead, the Board of Selectmen are looking for information to address needs of the office and its future structure.
Tom Osborne gave a review and explanation of the Fire Marshall’s duties and the current organization.
Bill Jenks gave an overview of the interaction between the Building Inspector’s Office and the Fire Marshall’s Office. He supplied information regarding facilities in Washington that require Fire Marshall inspections as well as other matters that require the two offices working together. He presented a potential future idea of linking the two offices and staff.
The Acting Fire Marshall and Deputies are reviewing records and are working on creating a system for the office to function under in the future.
The Board of Selectmen asked the Fire Marshall Office personnel to continue to give further consideration to the future structure of the office to meet requirements.
Adjournment:
Motion:
To adjourn the meeting at 6:18 p.m. as there was no further business for discussion.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Dick Carey and unanimously approved.Respectfully submitted,
Mark E. Lyon
First Selectman
Posted: January 12, 2012 January 5, 2012
Minutes are subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
Present: First Selectman Mark E. Lyon, Selectmen Richard Carey and Anthony Bedini.
Press: Ann Compton – VOICES, Jack Coraggio – Litchfield County Times.
Public: Gary Fitzherbert, Rocky Tomlinson, Nick Solley.Call to Order:
First Selectman Mark Lyon called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.Minutes:
Motion:
To approve the minutes of the December 22, 2011 Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Tony Bedini and unanimously approved.
Communications: None.
Appointments/Resignations: None.
First Selectman’s Report:
Mark Lyon reported the following:
Happy New Year and welcome to Tony Bedini now serving on the Board of Selectmen.Recycling Initiative:
Met with Carlos Canal and Robert Woodroffe of the Washington Environmental Council re: a recycling initiative for the Town. A sign has been put up in front of the Town Hall to draw attention to the goal of increasing recycling. They presented several ideas i.e. more enforcement of recycling ordinance, single stream recycling, etc. WEC is willing to work with the Town.New Accounting System:
is being installed for the Town – new programs, new computers, etc. Mark thanked the Selectmen’s staff and Town Treasurer as well as the Town’s auditor for the hard work, extra time etc. that is being put in to get it up and running.CL&P Thank You Donation:
Jim Kalamajka, the Town’s representative with CL&P, visited this afternoon and presented Fire Chief Mark Showalter and the Town of Washington with a $5,000 donation to the Washington Volunteer Fire Department as a thank you for the overwhelming support and assistance given by the Fire Department and Emergency Services during Storm Alfred.
OLD BUSINESS:
STEAP Grant Resolution-Hidden Valley Pedestrian Bridge:
In order to proceed with the paperwork for the STEAP Grant awarded to the Town for the construction of the Pedestrian Bridge in Hidden Valley in conjunction with Steep Rock Association, the following Resolution needs to be passed.
Motion:
To pass the following Resolution:
Resolved, Mark E. Lyon, First Selectman of the Town of Washington be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town of Washington a Personal Services Agreement with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance for fabrication and installation of a Pedestrian Bridge over the Shepaug River east of Bee Brook Road, STEAP Grant #2010-26. In addition, First Selectman Mark E. Lyon is hereby authorized to enter into such agreements, contracts, and execute all documents necessary to said grant with the State of Connecticut.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Tony Bedini and unanimously approved.Resolution of Endorsement-Public Works Equipment Cooperative:
Mark explained that the NW CT Council of Governments and the Litchfield Hills Council of Elected Officials submitted an application and were approved for funding from the State of CT under the Regional Performance Incentive Program. Funding will allow for the purchase of 2 asphalt recyclers, 2 asphalt hot boxes, 2 vibratory rollers, a hydro-seeder and administrative costs. Member Towns will share the equipment. One Town will house and maintain the equipment (not yet determined) and the other Towns will pay “rent” to use the equipment, which will cover the costs of housing and maintenance. Mark consulted with Kevin Smith, Highway Director who felt the equipment would be very beneficial to the Town and very cost effective.
Motion:
To pass the following Resolution: Resolved, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Washington endorses the Regional Performance Incentive Program referenced in Section 5 of Public Act 11-61; an Act Concerning Responsible Growth.
In addition, First Selectman Mark E. Lyon is hereby authorized to enter into such agreements, contracts, and execute all documents necessary for Town of Washington participation in the Regional Performance Incentive Program, said proposal referred to as “Public Works Equipment for Roadway Maintenance” attached to and made a part of this record.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Tony Bedini.
Discussion: Tony Bedini asked for clarification that the cost of the equipment be completely covered by this program. Mark explained that it was and there was no expense to the Town.
The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request to install a generator on Town Property by National Iron Bank:
Mark explained he was approached by a personal contractor who had been contacted by the National Iron Bank regarding the installation of a generator at their branch in Washington Depot. Due to the limited space, the generator would need to be placed on Town property, as would the propane tank and necessary lines. The Bank, although in preliminary stages of this project, is asking for Town permission. Discussion continued with numerous concerns brought to the table by the Selectmen – including permitting problems, available space, etc. The Selectmen will contact the Bank explaining they would not grant permission at the current time and asked that the above concerns be addressed as well as assurances that all available options be explored. Discussion of lease for proposed telecommunications tower on Town Property: Mark explained that following the meeting with John Lawrence of Centerline who had been contracted by AT&T to explore the possibilities of installing a telecommunications on the Town Highway Department property (where Verizon had previously expressed interest in) a preliminary “boiler plate” lease has been sent and reviewed by the Cell Tower Sub-committee. Mark has since spoken with Attorney Chris Fisher, representing AT&T, who recommended that the Town should respond to AT&T by working off the concerns they had with Verizon’s proposed lease. Following discussion, it was determined that a meeting with the Board of Selectmen and the Cell Tower Sub-committee be scheduled as soon as possible. Rocky Tomlinson suggested LCD representative(s) be included for emergency services. Tony Bedini asked Gary Fitzherbert questions concerning the Town’s Zoning Regulations on Cell Towers. In summary, Gary explained that the current regulations were written years ago and in his opinion have not been updated to be in line with newer findings regarding setbacks, RF emissions, etc. In the end, the CT Siting Council does not need to adhere to the Town’s zoning regulations.
Visitors:
No comments from the visitors.Adjournment:
Motion:
To adjourn the meeting at 6:10 p.m. as there was no further business for discussion.
By Mark Lyon, seconded by Dick Carey and unanimously approved.Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Selectmen’s Secretary
Meetings in 2011