Special Town Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2016
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
First Selectman, Christina Mailhos read the call of the meeting and asked for nominations for a moderator. Christine Psathas made a motion to appoint Jeanne Monty as moderator and was seconded by Philip Monty.
Motion carried.
Moderator read each question as we came to it rather than reread the whole call. This was acceptable to all in attendance. Each speaker will be allotted one minute.
Item I
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will appropriate $15,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund –LoCIP 02-2016 OTH Electrical for the purpose of electrical and restoration work at the Old Town Hall to be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program.
Moderator read Item I.
A motion was made by Mark Palmer and seconded by Kim Kowalyshyn to approve Item I.
Discussion
Motion carried
Item II
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will authorize the appropriation of $13,500 from the Capital Projects Funds; LOCIP- 02-2017 Public Works Garage Improvements for the purpose of lighting, AC/heating upgrades and garage door resealing to be reimbursed by the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement Program.
Moderator read Item II.
A motion was made by Phil Monty and seconded by Dot Drobney to approve Item II.
Discussion
Motion carried
Item III
To see if the townspeople, based on the recommendation of the Board of Finance will authorize the appropriation of $500,000 from the Capital Projects Funds- 03-3057 to continue construction of the Drainage Improvements and Resurfacing of Phase IV of Reconstruction of Turnpike Road between Ruby Road and Moose Meadow Road; to be reimbursed by Small Town Economic Assistance Program 160-149.
Moderator read Item III.
A motion was made by Bob Jellen and seconded by Laurie Semprebon to approve Item III
Discussion
Motion Carried.
Item IV
Willington electors to nominate and vote for Willington electors to fill a vacancy on the Regional 19 Board of Education. Registered voters attending shall cast a certified paper ballot on the nominated names.
Moderator read Item IV.
A motion was made by Sara Smith and seconded by Phil Monty to nominate Bob Jellen.
Motion carried
A motion was made by John Blessington and seconded by Phil Monty to nominate Herb Arico.
Motion carried
Discussion
Each candidate was given the opportunity to speak, Herb Arico spoke of his experience with education and as a member of the Willington Board of Education and Region 19 Board of Education.
Bob Jellen commented on his experience on both boards and that this should be about education for our children. If a more qualified person comes forward, party affiliation should be put aside.
Sara Smith spoke in favor of Bob Jellen, both have experience but we should vote for candidate who is going to be the best for the job.
John Blessing spoke in favor of Herb Arico, and feels that the vacancy should be filled by the Republican candidate, it should remain a Republican seat.
Numerous Town residents spoke in favor of each candidate. The residents commented on the experience each candidate had.
A motion was made by Mark Palmer and seconded by Bill Wells to open voting.
Motion carried
The vote count was as follows Robert Jellen 31 votes, Herb Arico 13 votes.
Robert Jellen elected to fill vacancy on the Region 19 Board of Education.
Motion was made by Mark Palmer and seconded by Phil Monty to close voting.
A motion was made by Bob Jellen and seconded by Kim Kowalyshyn to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maureen A. Gantick
Willington Assistant Town Clerk
Dated September 14, 2016