2307
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Special Meeting
July 7, 2014
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Steven N. Wawruck, Jr., Dennis Gragnolati and Michael Russo
ALSO PRESENT: Malcolm Hamilton, Paul Harrington, Douglas Hamilton, Joseph Tria,
Mickey Danyluk, Michael Forschino, Norman Boucher, Mark Horan,
Rita Strogoff, Town residents, and a Reporter from the Journal Inquirer
-------------------------------------------------------------------CALL TO ORDER:
First Selectman Wawruck called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
As a point of order Selectman Wawruck stated that because the meeting is considered a “Special
Meeting” no additional items can be added to tonight’s Agenda.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Malcolm Hamilton of 41 South Elm Street distributed a Blight Ordinance that he had proposed in
2011, and asked the Selectmen for their review and consideration.
Paul Harrington of 10 Meg Way felt that the Town should consider implementing a nepotism policy for
their employees. He offered a proposed policy and certification for the Selectmen to consider.
Selectman Gragnolati stated that a policy has been adopted for the Police Department.
APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 17, 2014 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:
Selectman Gragnolati moved to approve the Minutes from the June 17, 2014 Regular Meeting
as published. Selectman Russo seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. Blight Ordinance Discussion:
Selectman Gragnolati began the discussion stating that several residents have brought their
concerns to him and Selectman Russo regarding the enforcement of the current Blight Ordinance.
Public Input was received from:
Douglas Hamilton, 5 Ahern Avenue, Windsor Locks, CT
Malcolm Hamilton, 41 South Elm Street, Windsor Locks, CT
Joseph Tria, 4 Ahern Avenue, Windsor Locks, CT
Mickey Danyluk, 18 Maple Avenue, Windsor Locks, CT
Michael Forschino, 4 Ross Way, Windsor Locks, CT
Norman Boucher, 115 Bel-Aire Circle, Windsor Locks, CT
Paul Harrington, 10 Meg Way, Windsor Locks, CT
Mark Horan, 31 Dickerman Avenue, Windsor Locks, CT
Rita Strogoff, 24 Coolidge Street, Windsor Locks, CT
The residents expressed their concerns to the Selectmen regarding properties that they felt are
blighted in Town. Several properties were discussed at length including; the Montgomery Building,
the land owned by Ahlstrom on the east side of the canal, the land owned by the State of
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Board of Selectmen
July 7, 2014
Page 2
Connecticut/Amtrak on Main Street, Green Manor Terrace, Elm Street, 18 South Center Street,
Szepanski Way, Acorn Drive, Bel-Aire Circle, Jubrey Lane, and Dickerman Avenue.
Continued discussion centered on what the residents perceived to be a lack of enforcement of the
current Blight Ordinance, foreclosures, how to strengthen the existing Blight Ordinance, property
values dropping because of blighted areas, ways to help clean-up blighted properties (including
several individuals who volunteered), instituting fines to property owners who don’t clean up their
properties, condemning the Montgomery Building, unregistered vehicles in yards, parking cars on
lawns and on the Town’s right-of-way on Suffield Street, adding more man-power to help enforce
blight, portable garages, and blighted homes that are owned by absentee landlords.
Both Douglas Hamilton and Malcolm Hamilton offered to share pictures that they have of blighted
properties in Town.
Selectmen’s statements included sympathy with the resident’s concerns. They felt that the points
were valid however many different facets need to be considered along with the obstacles that
have to be overcome when addressing blight matters. The goal has been to work with property
owners to remediate any violations especially if the resident is elderly, handicapped or disabled.
The Town has paid contractors to clean up various properties with that cost being added to the
homeowner’s tax bills only to have the collection of these fees being dismissed in court. There is
difficulty in getting the courts to uphold enforcement actions taken by the town because of being
considered as an infringement on the individual’s rights.
The Selectmen also discussed possible liability issues that could arise if a volunteer or student got
hurt while cleaning up a property, and raised the question of who would absorb the expenses
associated with condemning a house or building.
Selectman Russo stated that he would reach out to the owner of the Montgomery Building this
week to let him know that a blight meeting was held and that residents have a great concern with
the condition of the property. He also suggested that residents should address their concerns with
the State Representative and Senator to help enable towns to enforce blight matters.
The condition and proposed purpose of the Montgomery Building was further discussed.
Emergency Departments have resolved their concerns with gaining access to the site if needed.
Mr. Hamilton gave the Selectmen a copy of the CAMA Meeting presentation on how to enact
blight ordinances and property maintenance codes. Copies will be distributed to the Selectmen.
Several residents offered to volunteer their services to help residents maintain their property.
Selectman Wawruck stated the concerns expressed tonight will be addressed with the Town
Attorney upon his return from vacation. Blight enforcement is ongoing; in the last year 120
properties were reported, 99 were remediated, and 21 are still open. He added that some of the
issues are beyond the town’s control. Complaints should be filed with the Blight Officer in the
Building Department.
The blight matter will be placed on the next Board of Selectmen’s Agenda.
b. Public Works – Purchase of Volvo L-60G Wheel Loader:
A memo was received from the Director of Public Works requesting the authorization of waiving
the competitive bidding process to allow the purchase of a Volvo L-60G wheel loader that was
approved as part of the Capital purchases for FY 2014/2015.
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Board of Selectmen
July 7, 2014
Page 3
Selectman Gragnolati moved to waive the competitive bidding process to allow the
Department of Public Works to purchase the Volvo L-60G Wheel Loader. Selectman Russo
seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
c. Resolution to Invest Funds up to the Insured Level at Authorized FDIC Institutions:
The Resolution will allow the Finance Director to invest funds up to the insured level at all
authorized FDIC Institutions.
Selectman Russo moved that the Town of Windsor Locks Board of Selectmen hereby
authorize the Finance Director to invest funds up to the FDIC insured level in Certificates of
Deposit at authorized FDIC Institutions. Selectman Gragnolati seconded the motion. All
were in favor. Motion passed.
d. Windsor Locks Volunteer Fire Department Parade – Saturday, 07-12-14 (line-up @ 5:30 p.m.
– Public Safety Complex, Parade @ 6:30 p.m. to Veteran’s Park)
The Selectmen are invited to participate in the Fire Department Parade on Saturday, July 12,
2014.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Ethics Policy
The Town Attorney has drafted a proposed Ethics Policy for review and comment.
b. Non- Union Employee Compensation Time Policy
The proposed Compensation Time Policy is still under review by the Labor Attorney.
c. Town Building Committee
This item is on hold for now.
APPOINTMENTS, RE-APPOINTMENTS, RESIGNATIONS:
a. Appointment of Michael Forschino as an Alternate member to the Planning & Zoning
Commission for a term expiring on February 15, 2017
Selectman Russo moved to appoint Michael Forschino as an alternate member to the
Planning & Zoning Commission. Selectman Gragnolati seconded the motion. All were in
favor. Motion passed.
b. Appointment of Shirley O. King to the Charter Revision Commission
Selectman Gragnolati moved to appoint Shirley O. King to the Charter Revision
Commission. Selectman Russo seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
c. Appointment of Elizabeth Gannuscio to the Charter Revision Commission
The appointment was tabled as it would create an imbalance of democrat/republican members.
d. Appointment of Patrick Sayers as an alternate member to the Planning & Zoning
Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2018
Selectman Gragnolati moved to appoint Patrick Sayers as an alternate member to the
Planning & Zoning Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2018. Selectman Russo
seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion passed.
TAX REFUNDS:
Selectman Russo moved to approve the Refund Request for July 07, 2014 in the amount of
$1,657.40, as defined in Schedule A. Selectman Gragnolati seconded the motion. All were in
favor. Motion passed.
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Board of Selectmen
July 7, 2014
Page 4
A copy of Schedule A is attached to the Minutes of the July 07, 2014 Board of Selectmen Meeting.
PUBLIC INPUT: None.
SELECTMEN’S COMMENTS:
There has been no response from the Public Work’s/WPCA Union regarding the MOU that was sent
to them from the Town Labor Attorney.
Selectman Russo stated that he would not be able to attend the July 21st meeting.
Wawruck and Gragnolati agreed to meet if there were any items of discussion.
Selectmen
Selectman Russo referred to an email he received from William Rousseau regarding an email policy
that he feels should be addressed. His concerns will be directed to the Police Chief.
Selectman Russo also mentioned the new “Stop Sign” that has been installed at the intersection of
South Center Street and Orchard Hill Drive making it a safer three-way intersection.
COMMENTS – FIRST SELECTMAN:
Selectman Wawruck referred to a letter that the Selectmen received from Mickey Danyluk asking to
be appointed as the Town Historian in light of the passing of Joe Bonito.
A Moment of Silence was observed for Joe Bonito. The Selectmen were grateful for all the service he
gave to the Town of Windsor Locks.
Selectman Wawruck felt that consideration should be given in appointing a new Town Historian. The
last two Historians were both President of the Historical Society when they were appointed but
Selectman Wawruck felt the appointment should be opened up for others that may want to serve. A
possible 5-year term could be considered instead of it being a lifetime appointment. An
announcement will be posted on the website to seek anyone that might be interested.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further discussion or information to come before the Board of Selectmen;
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m. was made by Selectman Gragnolati and
seconded by Selectman Russo. All were in favor. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan R. Barsanti,
Recording Secretary
A full recording of this meeting is available on CD in the Town Clerk’s Office and on the
Town’s Website @ www.windsorlocksct.org
2311
Schedule A
Refund Request for
July 7, 2014
NAME
BILL NUMBER
REASON FOR
REFUND
REFUND
AMOUNT
Prior Year Refunds
Chase Auto Finance Corp
1111 Pliaris Pkwy OH1-1086
Columbus, Ohio 43240
2012-3-52136
2012-3-52143
Over Payment
Over Payment
$ 22.93
$ 78.29
Lear Jet, Inc. , Attn: Jean Cary
P.O. Box 7707 MS#8
Wichita, KS 67277-7707
2012-2-40375
Over Payment
$ 67.87
Matthew Montemerlo
12 Washington Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
2012-3-62078
Over Payment
$ 90.53
Raymond Pepin
82 Raffia Road
Enfield, CT 06082
2012-3-63320
Over Payment
$ 79.63
Hoang Tran
3 Pine Drive
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
2012-3-70611
2012-3-70612
Over Payment
Over payment
$ 64.81
$ 44.47
Vivian Salzarulo
2019 Airport Loop
Homer, LA 71040
2012-3-69090
Over Payment
$ 54.50
Simmons Paving, LLC
7 Larch Drive
East Granby, CT 06026
2012-3-69580
Over Payment
$ 95.95
Richard Starbird
107 River Road
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
2012-3-69878
Over Payment
$ 73.62
Kevin Steirer
552 Elm Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
2012-3-69938
Over Payment
$ 126.14
Miriam Wilcox
38 Arlington Road
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
2012-3-71572
Over Payment
$ 84.18
UPS Cartage Service
Property Tax Dept
636 East Sandy Lake Road
Coppell, TEXAS 75019
2012-3-70919
Over Payment
$ 677.47
US Bancorp Equipment
1310 Madrid Street Ste 100
Marshall, MN 56258
2012-3-70949
Assessment
Changed
$ 24.18
2312
CURRENT YEAR REFUNDS
Willard & Flora LaFerriere
13 Grove Street #308
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
2013-3-61608
Over Payment
$
72.83
Prior Year Refunds
Current Year Refunds
$ 1584.57
$ 72.83
Total Refunds
$ 1657.40