Board of Selectmen- March 16, 2026 Regular Meeting

001Mhm. >> Okay, I'm good. >> Good evening. Today is Monday, March the 16th, 2000 26. It's 7:00 p.m. We'll call the regular Board of Selectmen meeting to order. >> Troy Lemire. >> Kevin Bishop. >> Paul Marino. >> Paul Harrington. >> Todd Arslanian. >> Glenn Nobis. >> William Hester. >> Cheryl Hafernan McHugh. >> William Pozo. >> Please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Item three, agenda review. >> I have a question. Um, I see in executive sessions, item 12, indication of personal personnel salary negotiations. Which What class of personnel? Who is this regards to, what group? >> This is in regard to

002the town clerk. >> Okay, um as I understand, the town clerk is an elected official position, is not a personnel. It's something that should be discussed in public. It's not properly an executive session matter, since he's not a member of our personnel. He's elected. While the is an ordinance that indicates that the board is elected chooses a salary, I also saw through going through the budget over the weekend, the proposed budget, that there is an increase factored into the budget. So, as a point of order, why would something such as this be in executive session when it's not provided for under the rules? He's not an employee. He's an elected official. >> Right. >> And it's something that's usually dealt with, has historically been dealt with through the budget process. Um there was a there

003was an issue in the with the prior board regarding whether you know the clerk was considered employee. Yep, that's had to do with the office being opened and not public notice something issued. And it was made very clear he was a elected official. So, he's not an employee. If he's not an employee, it's not a personnel discussion, which is what is allowed for executive session. So, this is something that should be put under new business for discussion. The public should be able to hear what's going on. It's not personnel negotiations. >> And I'm fine with that. >> I'm not saying you're not fine with the Glenn, I'm just saying I've made it clear that I think we have to be very cautious that what we put into executive session, the public has the right to

004know. So, I'm going to be very rigid on it. It's nothing personal to you. It is I'm very anal about that. I have been on other matters. So, I'd ask for that to be moved to new business item C. >> And I'm just stating to the mayor, um the selectwoman does make a point, um but the the elected official, I was just about to say employee, um they have the right to either do it uh as a as an employee either in executive session or publicly. I think the elected official just stated he's fine with doing it in open session, so >> clarity, can you cite to me where the an elected official is considered an employee? >> Well, that's That's what I was saying, yeah. >> of executive session. So, >> That's why I

005stopped myself. The employ- An employee would That's why I paused. So, I was kind of yeah. >> An employee has that right. An employee >> has that right. Elected official, you heard me bring that up, but you just heard the elected officials didn't have a problem with >> That's where >> doing it in open session, so I >> I mean, can I speak? >> Uh that's up to the mayor. >> Well, I you know, I I think the issue simply is having it public. And unless there is a provision for an elected official to be considered an employee >> Well, who do I work >> And I would ask for that to be for you to give me a citation for that. >> have that. >> And cuz And there's not. >> Yeah. >> And

006under our charter it's it's not employee. Yes, this board makes a decision as to the salary of a town clerk. But that's There's no provision in our charter for that to be done in executive session negotiation. So, it must be public. If it's not part of our charter, we cannot make that exception. >> Who do I work for? >> Ultimately, you work for the electorate, the the residents, um is ultimately your your boss, um because of our charter and statute, the Board of Selectmen does have the salary uh portion of it. >> Because it usually used to be you get a percentage of the fees. So, under our charter, it's instead of a percentage of fees, there's a guaranteed salary. Which is decided by the Board of Selectmen. So, that is what this town decided

007you know, we were we were at the same time deciding to have as currently as as an elected position. There was discussion at the prior meeting, but it's a constitutional office. As such, it's the people that need to have the information. This board will make a decision regarding that salary, but it's not appropriate for executive session, which would only apply if you were an employee of the town, and you're not an employee of the town. >> I Again, I have no problem pleading my case in public. I didn't want to go into executive session to hide anything. >> I'm not making any implications. I just want to make sure that we are doing executive sessions appropriately with the appropriate subjects. We have to be careful about it. There's been history where things have been brought

008into executive session for our boards that is are not appropriate. And I've come here and spoken as a member of the citizenry about that in the past. And so, as now I having a seat at the table, I am going to be raising it when it becomes an issue. It's not personal to you. >> Uh do we have a motion to move A to C, 12A to 11C. >> So moved. >> Second. >> We have a motion, we have a second, any other discussion? All in favor? Unanimous? Any other items? >> I have none. >> Item four, the approval of the regular meeting minutes from March the 2nd, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. We have a motion, we have a second, Any other discussion? Corrections, additions? Seeing no discussion, all in favor? unanimous Item

009five, citizens comments. The Board of Selectmen welcome public comments. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes and may speak once. Please give your name and address. Would anyone like to speak? We ask that you turn on the microphone before you start. Let me fix that microphone. >> Good evening. Frank Oliveri, 108 Shore Drive. I want to thank Mr. Marino, Mr. Harrington, and Mr. Hester for taking care of an a critical problem on East Wakefield Boulevard last week um between the beach and Shore Drive. It was a mess, but most it wasn't more potholes, but more craters. And I wanted to thank the public works group for taking care of that last week. But what I just found out this weekend, my neighbor at one at 110 Shore Drive has a 15-month-old grandson that got very

010ill and the hospital and the uh crew from the um hospital, but ambulance crew had a decision to make whether to go through there or around the 7.5 mile detour. Because they knew there was a 15-month-old child, they blew through the thing. So, thank you. I would you know, we talked about last month about roads and everything else. And I know that's a big thing, too, but you got to look at some roads that we can't afford to lose and put them out of service. You know, especially in in the lake area where you either go down the road or you go around 8 miles detour and lose a lot of time. So, thank you for your and think it out when we put the road program together this year. Thank you very much for

011your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Halloran. At the fault that you want to speak? >> Good evening. I just have a few questions. >> Could you just give us your name and address for the record? >> Oh, I'm sorry. Mike Canale, Moreland Road, Winchester. Uh I just wanted to know who plows the Meadow Street parking lot. Town? >> Is that the one at the end of Meadow Street? >> on Meadow Street. >> The one across from the brewery? >> Yeah. >> Do you want to do a back and forth or you want me to back to him? >> You tell me. >> If you have the answer, if not we can >> I just asked the the mayor if we were going to do dialogue or not and on that one I can tell you

012that the town does plow it, DPW or public works. Yeah, public public works. >> And who plowed the the snow from in front of the town hall? >> The street? >> The pile. The piles. Who took the piles away? >> That was a combination of DPW and a landscaping company that we had hired. You talking about the late the the work that was done late at night? >> I just want to know why they haven't taken care of the stores on Main Street or even the post office. I seen several people fall and trying to get over that mountain in in front of the the post office and trying to get to some of the other stores down there like uh the other restaurants and stuff. Like uh What is it? ABC Pizza, Monacos. >>

013So, I think >> Richard's Jewelers. >> I I think what you're asking for is is we we we we got back-to-back storms within uh short period of time frame. So, there was that one storm where I believe we received I I think it was >> You moved the one in front there. >> Yeah. >> Uh, we moved in >> In past years the town has taken care of that right away. >> We we have and and to be honest with you that last storm where the snow snow The first storm we did, you know, um, I think everybody was cheering our praises cuz we removed it. >> business people, you know, I mean they they should be taken care of, too. >> So, on that first storm I believe we did. I I I mean

014I There was videos going up on social media. >> I'm just bringing it up. If you If you It's not going to snow now. I'm just saying. >> Hope not. I put my snow blower in the shed. So, um, Mr. Genovese, I I I'm going to just talk openly and and and truthfully and factual with you. So, that first snowstorm, the big one, we cleared the snow within, you know, a couple of days. And we were getting rave reviews from everybody from in front of all of the small businesses. In fact, there's a few people on our board that have connections to small businesses. I think if they wanted to chime in they would say that first The second snowstorm, it's coming down to money. Is really what it's boiling down to. We needed to

015buy more salt than we've ever bought. Our overtime budget for the DP DPW was through the roof. >> I'm just saying that the small business people they they paid their taxes and they have They're just making it. Barely making it. And the people that own the building. >> So, that you brought up a good point about these small businesses that pay the taxes. You know, we we obviously are are very >> And I pay taxes in Torrington for a sign and two folding chairs and a and a card table. >> I was not sure how to laugh at that or not. Um >> But I pay taxes for that. >> And it's a balancing act. So, the public works director and I sat down on that last storm. We saw that the warm-up was going

016to happen. I believe it was, you know, 2 weeks We had 60 70° temperature. We figured that the snow would melt naturally. >> And the last thing we want is that the snow will take it away. That's what the mayor and um and Watertown I think said. >> Well, our mayor definitely didn't say that, but um you know, it was definitely a judgment call from my office and with, you know, consultation with our public works director in that we obviously didn't want to expend money if we knew 4 days later the snow banks would all be melted. And we decided to not do it cuz the last thing we want to do is to ask for even additional funds for snow that was going to be gone in 4 days. And with that warm up

017that we had, you know, 10 days ago, the snow was gone. Um and that's why we didn't come out and and clear the banks there. But that first snowstorm, um I'm still reading the social media posts, the emails of, you know, business owners, residents that were so impressed with the with the crew that came out at midnight to clear those snow banks. >> And uh is there plans for the 250th anniversary for the town? >> Working through them, yes. Our historic Our historic commission, they were just here at our last meeting 2 weeks ago. They gave us an update on the 250th celebrations and they are working very hard to come up with a lot of different ideas for the 250. >> Any news on changing New Street to uh after the Medal of Honor

018recipients? >> Um none right now. No update yet for that. >> It's only been I've only been here five times for that. >> But only twice with me. One time before. >> me the other time. >> Well, the other one, yeah. So, it wasn't on my list, but this is the second time you brought it up. So. >> His father would have got right on it cuz when his father was mayor, >> The mayor and I will have a conversation tomorrow about it. We'll look into it more. >> Will I be informed? >> Of course. >> I hope so. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Anyone else wish to speak? Item six, town manager's report. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and good evening, board. Quickie tonight cuz y'all know what I've

019been doing over the last few weeks, but uh happy to report that the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget has been completed and submitted for review. It represents a culmination of several months of work, department heads, finance staff to prepare a responsible financial plan that balances operational needs, capital priorities, and fiscal stewardship. Um a huge thank you to Tom, Ann Marie, and Terry for the work that they did should not go unnoticed. It was truly a team effort to put those 700 and some odd pages together. I may have signed the letter, but it was truly a team effort. And I'll leave you with this. A good budget process is a marathon. It's not a sprint. It's built through steady work, collaboration, and thoughtful decision. And we're going to start that, obviously, beginning next week with our

020with our uh Board of Ed Board of Selectmen meeting. Uh Winsted Restaurant Week, tremendous success. Um they kicked it off on March 4th with a Sip and Saver event. Wow. Food was great. Drinks were great. Um they were hoping that 100 people would register for that event. Uh happy to report that over 105 people actually had registered for that event. Tremendous uh job by EDC for organizing that event, and it was such a wonderful week. I happened to hit a few restaurants uh for lunch, um and obviously went to the Sip and Saver, but uh it was a great week, and look and look for now the third annual next year. I think the town really embraced it. I know the restaurant owners are happy with it, so we're going to do We're going to

021do it again next week. Northwest Transit, we continue to uh speak to the Northwest Transit District about efficiencies and cost controls um relative to to service in Winsted. We've made it very clear that we need to find additional efficiencies within the system. If we can't find the efficiencies, we may be looking at reducing or eliminating a route. Um, currently right now there's five routes throughout the day, we may drop it down to four. Um, all things are on the table. As you all know, we did go back out for 3% reduction, um, to our department heads. Um, we couldn't really go back to Northwest Transit as of now, but I think as we work through the budget process, we'll uh we'll find we may need to. Um, on some quick little notes, Habitat for uh

022Humanity were is in town last week. They're interested in constructing a home, um, which is a huge opportunity for home ownership for somebody that may need it. We're not there yet, but just put it on your radar that Habitat for Humanity is looking in the area for potentially building a home right here in Winsted. Um, I know Selectman Bishop, uh, was at Hinsdale cuz I saw that on social media, but I just wanted a big shout-out to our school that I got a chance to read to the first grade class. Such a wonderful event. I had the best first grade class ever. Um, we gave them stickers at the end. I read a book about a goldfish and it was great. Um, so uh kudos to the WPS >> had the best I I was

023there too. I had the best first grade >> Nah, I don't know about that. We'll we'll debate that, uh, after the meeting, but I forgot I saw you there, too. >> How fast did you read the book? That's what I want to know. >> Not fast. It had pictures in it. And then you know me, I can't stay on topic much. I always took me forever to get through the pages cuz we talked about everything. Um, upcoming town meeting tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. Two items for discussion is 48 Bridge Street sale and the Pearson School roof project. Um, the roof project will be adjourned to referendum which takes the takes place the following Tuesday, March 24th, 8:00 to 8:00 at Town Hall. So, it's not your normal polling place, but all of the ballots

024will be here. And you can grab one and and and vote to do a roof. And two last things, historic commission, they have a revolutionary trivia night at the Little Red Barn Brewery. How much do you know about the birth of our country? The Barkhamsted Historical Society and the Win- Winchester Historical Commission invite you to find out on Saturday, April 18th, from 6:00 to 8:00 at Little Red Barn on Main Street. There will be questions, prizes, and a good time for all. They wanted me to give everybody a little shout-out. They sent me an email today. And our Historic Commission, I think Bill will support these comments. They do a heck of a job, and as I mentioned earlier, they are planning a lot of good events for America's 250. And last but not least,

025the town has submitted, on behalf of the Board of Education, fiscal year 2027 community project funding application through Representative John Larson's office for $2 million to support Pearson School Infrastructure Renewal Project. These funds will help support, you know, capitals that were identified in the superintendent's 27 capital improvement plan. You look through the book, obviously there's a lot to discuss. One of the things that Selectman Bishop, he had Representative Larson's ear. He said, "Why don't you ask us? We'll see if we could fund those capital projects." So, we got Tom and myself directly on it, and we went off to see if we get $2 million for the capital projects for Pearson. So, it's one less thing we have to fund. On a second note, Representative Larson has done a heck of a job for this

026town. He continues to get money pumped in here from federal direct uh congress- federal federal direct congressional spending. They no longer call it direct congressional spending. They now call it community project funding, but at the end of the day, uh cross your fingers, and hopefully we can get $2 million from Mr. Larson's office. With that, I'll open it up for questions. Questions? >> I just wanted to to echo that. I've had several great conversations with Representative Larson and I've been very impressed that now he's he's actually called me out of the blue several times to check up on how our town is doing and ask what he can do to help. Um so, uh I feel pretty confident hopefully about that application. He's very interested um and hopefully that's 2 million bucks that can help

027fix up Pearson that uh you know, don't come out of the pockets of our local property taxpayers, so keep our fingers crossed. >> Both. Other stuff? Item seven, finance director's report. >> Mr. Mayor, I forgot to tell you the finance director got called away tonight, so I'll be wearing the finance director I'll be wearing the finance director's hat tonight. Uh so, this is for period ending February The report says February 31st, 2026, but we actually know it's February 28th, 2026. Current motor property taxes is 28,730,296. 98.43% of the budget compared to last year at 26,951,425. Motor vehicles supplemental, 243,990. 69.71% of the budget compared to last year at 265,849. Past due taxes, 263,201. 75.20% of the budget compared to last year at 258,781, which was 43.13%. Total revenues, 35,592,349, which is 86.77% of our budget

028compared to last year of 33,136,652, which was 81.20%. Expenditures to Expenditures to date, 27 million 272 680, 66.49% of the budget compared to last year of 26 million 430 412 64.77. Municipal aid received so far we've gotten $919,724 for special education special education excess cost to the Board of Ed and town aid roads of 197040. Cash flow, here's a big number. Currently we have 27 million 350,235. Invested is 19 million 119,500 in the Northwest Community Sweep 458,928 in stiff 2 million 629,943 in Northwest money market account 16 million 30,629. Capital expenditures in February we had just under $10,000 for town clerk office renovation. System conversion, they were going through a big system conversion. Fire turnout gear of 39,561. Annual road maintenance of 107,674 and senior center mechanical repairs of 51,496. With that I will open

029it up for questions. I will note if you see at the top of the page we're roughly 67% through the fiscal year. You start looking at your expenditures, we're right on track of where our expenditures should be just a little bit shy about a half a point. Um Heck of a job by our tax collector. We've almost received all of the property taxes that are were on the books. So great job by then so we we should have a a good closeout of the remaining 1/3 of the year, but I'm not seeing any issues that we're going to miss a revenue number or overspend which we can't but overspend anything on the expenditure side. >> Uh the motor vehicle vehicle supplemental. >> Yes. >> Big difference in the percentages. Is it because we had more

030supplemental squad this year or did we just have a higher collection rate? >> That's a excellent question, uh, Mr. Mayor. So, if you go back, we actually for many years were not charging a motor vehicle supplemental. Um, and this is relatively something that's 3 years old now. Um, and we're still trying to tune in in the budget. So, last year's budget number was massively under, uh, projected, which which is why you saw 118%. I think this year what you'll see is that number with only 30% left will come dialed in right in. Um, and really what you want to try and do, especially on the revenue side of things, you want to try and account for every dollar you possibly can. Because when you do that, you're going to impact, you know, the overall potential

031tax increase mill rate, all that. So, um, you know me when it comes to the revenue side of things, I really like to dial in to make sure that we're accounting for every dollar that we think. There's no sense of loading up our bank accounts while other bank accounts of our residents are getting tinier. So, um, that's what you're seeing there. And keeping in mind, motor vehicle supplement goes out in January, it's due in February. So, those bills just hit the household. But kudos because we've already received 70%. Um, sometimes we have some slow payers, but I'm not seeing any reason why we're not going to hit our motor vehicle supplemental. >> Any other questions from the board? >> No, I would just make a comment as we move into, uh, item 10 in just

032a little while, but you know, year over year we carry about a quarter of a million in unpaid past due taxes. So, keep that in number in mind as we get on to that other subject coming up. >> Anything else? Item eight, correspondence. Does anyone have anything? Item nine, boards and commissions. >> So, we have one, uh, reappointment tonight. Uh, Kurt Williams for board. Party unaffiliated member. Term end date will be 4 of 2032. We have one resignation. Stewart Pollens historic commission. Party >> He's a resident. >> Just a resident. >> Oh, just a resident. >> Just a resident. >> Okay. >> I shouldn't say just a resident. It's a resident. >> Uh he's a member. Um so, thank you, Stewart, for your dedication to the historic commission. And we have a nomination appointment, Esther

033Dew, historic commission. Party Republican member. Term end date will be 12 31 26. She's completing the uh term vacated by Linda Dew. All right. So, do we have a motion for Mr. Williams? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion with Mr. Williams? All in favor? Unanimous. Do we have any motion? >> So moved for Esther. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? Unanimous. Anything else? >> There's multiple seats open on the >> Item 10, unfinished business, the potential tax sale. Town Manager Harrington. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh I think it was last week I had sent the board an email of the list of properties that were two or yeah, properties that were uh 2 years delinquent and $5,000 uh delinquent as well. Um that list totaled

034There's 200 and something. I don't want to guess. 5 years. So, the 5,000 and 2 years delinquent totaled 266,561 and 76 cents compared to the 2 years delinquent and $7,000, that list totaled I think it was 112, but I want to get you the exact number. That was all organized before I came down here, so. Ah, 131,220 and 21 cents. Go to the top. So, 260 versus 131. 260 versus 131. Our tax collector did send a memo if you had a chance. There was a few questions that came up last week. I'll I'll hit a couple of them. Uh there was a taxpayer assistance one. That was a a conversation that and really enlightened me. In order to take advantage of any state or local program, the current taxpayer actually has to be current on

035their taxes. They wouldn't be able to go back and apply those. So, they've missed their opportunity. They would have to be current in order to to to take advantage of any type of taxpayer assistant program. Signage on property, they weren't able to find any state statute requiring signs on the property I'm going up for sale. It became a question that we don't technically own these properties right now and could we trespass and put a sign on the property? Mr. Cohen actually advised not to. The only time that Mr. Cohen recommends that a sign goes on the property is notice was unable to be delivered. Is the only time you will see him probably not him himself, but somebody go on to the property and list that the property is going to be foreclosed. Um and

036then as far as notifying abutters, our tax collector does not recommend notifying abutters prior to the tax sale. Doing so would create legal exposures for her office, but there's nothing that precludes you directing me to notify the abutters. Um Mr. Cohen actually did advise keep the tax collector cuz she ultimately would be challenged in court. They would be uh suing the tax collector if something was done improperly, but if you would uh directed me to notify the abutters as we did with any town town-owned property, again, um whatever you ask, I pretty much do anyway, so if that's something that you wanted to do. Um and then uh really she she she drove home the the fact of uh concerns of vulnerable res- residents. The town cannot make exceptions based on personal characteristics. Uh example,

037age, gender, race. Doing so could create uh equal protection and discrimination issues. All properties meeting the statutory requirement for delinquent tax must be treated consistently. So, you set the bucket, the bucket's the bucket. >> But there are some statutory protections in place, correct? >> Yeah, if um if they're filing bankruptcy, um they wouldn't be able to go through the process. Veterans, all of that. Yeah, there are statutory requirements that Mr. Cohen won't even um the list that you currently have, either list, those exceptions are not in in into this list. We There was one going through a a bankruptcy, that's been removed from the list cuz we know it's hands off. Yep, it freezes everything. Correct. So, I am here to answer any additional questions. >> Paul, if they did if we did move forward

038with this plan, what's the timing look like? >> So, the timing is Mr. Cohen's a very busy attorney. Um he would, you know, obviously get eyes on it right away. You potentially would not be looking at an a a sale date until probably late fall or early early winter is about the time. And that would be, you know, starting the process tomorrow. Um throw that out as an example. You would be looking for many, many months down the road. The process would start, you know, a a a few weeks from now. Mr. Cohen would send letters, but the the the actual sale date wouldn't be until probably late fall, early winter. >> Can you walk us actually through the timing again? It's been a bit since we talked about it. So, take us through the

039process. He if you move if we move forward with this, he would start notifying people you said pretty soon. >> Correct. >> And then it takes So, just walk us through the process if you would again. >> So, we would we would set a date and and I'll use May 1st. Arbitrary date, but just as an example. So, we say on May 1st, these particular properties, whatever bucket you may choose, get turned over to Mr. Cohen. At that point, our marshal the tax collector will no longer have those properties. We can't do anything with them. Mr. Cohen would then engage correspondence with the property owners and and I've seen the correspondence. Um it tells you exactly what's going to happen. Contact our office immediately. Um the sale date has been set for November 1st. Um

040please don't ignore this. If you don't contact our office, your property you know, may be sold on November 1st. So, there's a lot of back and forth. Um some people ignore it, some people don't ignore it, some people work down their balances. And then um the official notification that the sale date's happening, uh it goes in the paper. It goes on our website, depending on what Excuse me, what this board instructs me to do, notifying the abutters um that November 1st the sale of this property at an auction will be happening. Um November 1st comes. Um room usually does get filled up uh from all different states of buyers. They come in. Uh the initial uh price of the property is the taxes that are owed. Um it goes up from there potentially. Um and

041Adam then closes that particular auction on that particular property. Once that property has been auctioned off, the current owner has 6 months and 1 day to redeem the property from the new owner. They would no longer make payments to the town. They would make payments to the potential new owner. Still, that new owner does get to collect that extra, you know, the 2% charge uh that currently the tax collector has. Any proceeds from that sale, for example, a property owes us $10,000, it sells for $20,000. The current homeowner can petition the court for the proceeds. The town has absolutely zero claim to the proceeds. Mr. Cohen's office will have it. Um the existing owner could uh petition the court for those proceeds. With much success, the courts usually do release those funds to the current

042homeowner. Um again, in my time, uh in my last town, five properties uh were auctioned off. All but one was redeemed on the final day and it was just a vacant piece of land that owed lots of taxes. Currently, the town is enjoying the new and and and the particular agent that bought it no longer owns it. They put a single family house down and the town's now receiving new taxes from a new house that sits on that vacant land. So, I hope that answered your questions, but I can elaborate on any one of those sections. Questions? >> So, do you need a motion to do this or >> So, this this is tricky. Um the tax collector engages and ultimately signs the contract. But, she has no right to bind the town to a

043contract. You guys would be authorizing tax collector, not me, the tax collector, to engaging the services of Adam Cohen. I I- I- if there's more discussion, but I I wrote up a a very simple I move the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Winchester, Connecticut, pursuant to Connecticut General Statute uh section 12-157, authorize the tax collector to initiate the statutory tax sale process for any real property that meets the following criteria. One, the property's delinquent in the payment of real estate taxes for a period of two years or more. The total amount of delinquent taxes, interest, liens, fee lien fees, and other authorized charges owed to the town equals or exceeds $7,000 or exceeds $5,000. This is your bucket uh which you decide. I further move that the Board of Selectmen authorize the engagement

044of Attorney Adam Cohen to provide legal services necessary to carry out tax sale process in accordance with Connecticut General Statute section including preparation of notices, title work, coordination, conduct of the sale, and all associated legal requirements. This authorization shall remain in effect until 12/31/2026, meaning the tax collector can't do this every year without your permission. Uh I also wanted to point out there is no fees that are owed by the town. Um Mr. Cohen builds all those fees into the sale of the property, so we are not looking for anything on the expenditure side of thing. This is only a revenue side of the >> So, the bidders pay his fee? >> The bidders pay their fee. As the motion states, I further move that the Board of Selectmen authorize the engagement of Attorney Adam

045Cohen to provide legal services necessary to carry out the tax sale process in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes and related to statutes, including preparation of notices, title work, coordination, conduct of the sale of the sale, and all associated legal requirements. That all gets pushed into the sale. >> So, I'm going to make a motion whatever you said cuz I don't want to read all that. And my bucket is 260. >> I'll set it that way. >> Right. So, he's mo- he's Okay, yeah. Can we just be clear on that? >> So, to be clear, he's motioning the $5,000 delinquent for 2 years. >> Correct. >> Option. >> Okay. I speak Troy. >> I wasn't going to read all that again, though. And then just take the >> So, we have a we have a

046a motion and a second. So, we are as everybody knows, we've all watched the Board of Ed budget um negotiations over the last several weeks, and we understand what those numbers look like. We've all gotten our 718-page of light reading. Thank you. Um and those people who do pay every single month and do what they're supposed to do shouldn't be penalized with a potential extra tax increase because we're not collecting the monies that everybody should be paying already. And we're in a budget season right now where $250,000 if we collect that funds something we desperately need. So, um I agree with both of you. >> Other discussion? >> Yeah, actually I'm kind of the opposite. I I think it should be $7,000 because my tax is going to take me 2 years to get over

047that $5,000 thing. So, I think it's we're we're making it a little too short for people. We've got to give them a little extra time. >> So, Bill, you're going to put $150,000 on the table. >> Well, I'm hoping it's all collected, but I I think we should >> collected it. If you look back in the budget report, we've carried a quarter million dollars the last 2 years. >> I I think 5,000 is just a little too low. I think we should push it to seven. >> I would just submit that it's not just 5,000, it's 5,000 and 2 years. Both Both factors have to apply. So, if someone hasn't been paying their taxes now for over 2 years I I I I That's That's pretty tolerant already. We've been pretty tolerant as a town,

048and we've got some that go back several years. Um and it's not and it's at the 5,000. So, you know, so we're going to let people not pay taxes for, you know, 6 7 years at 5,000 and because but because it doesn't add up to over $5,000 or $7,000? I People have an obligation to pay their taxes. They get They get benefits of services. Everyone should be doing their share. Um We under- I understand it's hard. I have been through points in my life where it's been hard to make ends meet financially. We've all been there. But we have to have people pay their taxes. It's just been going on too long, and now we're looking at raising taxes potentially, more likely than not, and we're going to say, "Okay, the rest of you who

049can pay You just as you know, Paul said, "The rest of you who have been paying, right? But sorry, we still have We still have to make up this difference of this extra $160,000 because we don't want to harm we don't want people to fulfill their obligation because they've only owe $5,000 not $7,000. I don't think that's appropriate. >> Hey Bill, hey Bill, just put this in perspective, too. It's a quarter of the mill rate. >> Right. I I totally understand that, but there was one of those mandates that I absolutely can't even stand that word anymore come down from DEP for people paying their sewer tax or where they could just keep it at a certain point and never pay it off. And I think that's what could happen here is the same way.

050You're going to you can pay a certain point, you can keep within the 2 years, keep it under the 5,000, and never totally pay it off. >> No, if they they have to pay at least 5,000 to stay off the list. Maybe you're Maybe you're looking at this >> If I bring it down to 4,700 >> You're off the list. >> And also, this is just This is just a nudge, right? Like you Like you said in your past experience, like this is kind of a nudge to get people to pay their taxes. And by the end, we're not really taking people's homes. They have many, many opportunities for many months to come, you know, figure this out. >> And And in your outlook, if it's $4,700 that you put down or it's $6,700 that

051you don't put down. >> So, I have a question, Paul. >> Yep. >> So, let's say we have someone who owes 5,000. They've owed it for 2 years. They're on this list. You said if they bring in $4,700, they're suddenly not on the list anymore. >> no, no. If they bring in $300 >> They bring in a dollar, they're at $4,999. But keeping in mind that whenever we turn this list over to Adam, right? You're going to have a bill that's comes due July 1st. You may have a whole new list, you know, because the 2-year criteria changes and stuff like that. This This We'll publish the final list, obviously, in terms of what it looks like. I can tell you that when the list was initially being generated and and the gossip mill started

052somebody came in with a $12,000 truck and removed themselves from the list. This is as selectman Bishop said, this is the nudge that I don't want to lose my house, you know, and people do end up finding a way coming up with the money to to not have their house go through a sale. And it and it spreads a message to the community where you know, you have to pay your light bill or what do they do? They turn your lights off. You have to pay your cable if you don't pay your cable they turn your cable off. The list goes on and on and on. Here there's no mechanism because our schools are still going to open, town hall still going to open, I'll see roads are still going to be paved, but you

053know, this is now a mechanism of hey, if you become too delinquent we have to take action on you. >> So you also got to look at it too. So maybe a couple of the $5,000 ones will sneak under the radar, but you're going to get the ones that owe a lot of money that's in back taxes. That's where we need to get. >> If you look at, you know, page five of our packet, you know, past due taxes we've got 75.20% getting paid year to date right now. That's up from last year. That may be because of this discussion. Okay? You need sometimes you need a kick in the pants and that's what this may be. >> I I kind of agree with Bill. I think two years five case a little short and

054low for some people. I mean and and we said oh, we may have to raise taxes again this year. I I I hope not because there is people struggling in this town and well, they're using services too. We we provide a lot of services to people that are paying nothing in this town and we can't keep going out and raising taxes and and I think in two years if they can get it under I think some people maybe struggling. This list in particular there's people that have been multiple multiple years because the tax is so small. Okay. The fact that this has no exceptions says right here town cannot make exceptions. So, if it is a senior again that's 92 years old whose husband built the we can't make an exception cuz it's not equal

055protection and it discriminates others that can't pay. >> I can't uh >> But it seems that was >> We don't raise it on >> I just >> As if the senior comes in with If the senior comes in with some type of effort to make a payment, they're not going to be they're not going to lose their house. That's what we've determined here. >> If you if you look at the the first page of the list, you have someone on Alpha Ave. It doesn't add to 5,000, but it's for 2010. They have not paid taxes. That's inexcusable. >> I think to Kevin's point, we need to nudge everybody here and your list of people you're nudging at the $5,000 level is significantly longer than the list you're nudging at the $7,000 level. And again, we're

056all going to sit in this room in 2 weeks and or whenever our next get-together is for budget, and we're going to be looking at how do we save 100,000? Where do we find 200,000 for this? And people have to get caught up. >> I think I'll speak on so I'm looking at at a list and and I'm looking at a list where there there's a property back in 2010, the amount owed was $774. The interest is over $2,000. You know, you you you you you boil down the list and and and it's almost the interest. This is not something that's just 2 years old. This is something that's 10 years old. >> hasn't been addressed before. >> And it and it hasn't been addressed and to I think a few of your the the

057the select people's expresses opinion, it's that kick and when people realize that things could happen down the road, they're going to find different ways to to pay the bill. But, you know, just ignoring a bill that sits back 10, 16 years >> I agree with those situations. >> My concern was there's always a situation that comes up where somebody is struggling. And we talked about, "Well, we got to get tough on the taxpayers and this and that." But when we go through this budget this year, there's a lot of high line items we're going to look at. We don't want to get tough on certain ones cuz we don't want to, you know, we got to be fair to all the different groups and commissions and and extras and this and that. Well, sometimes we

058have to have tough talk tough and say, "Well, we can't put as much into this anymore. It's nice to have, but because we're going to be looking at going up. And you know what? I guarantee you next year we're sitting in this room going, "Well, we don't want to do it, but we're going to have to go up in taxes again." And the year after that, "Well, we're sorry, but we're going to have to go up in taxes again." It's a never-ending game. >> Well, if we collect what's owed, >> Yeah. >> it may soften some of the increase. >> Yeah. Uh Mr. Mayor, 200,000 is going to stop us the increase for this year and next year? >> Hey Bill, I'd rather have the 250,000 than not have it. >> So, two questions. First

059one, hypothetically, there's no offers on a house. What happens to that property? >> Well, uh excellent question. So, at the meeting, um you got we can get down that road later on um once we engage Adam Cohen. Um that's something I recommend you could take less of what taxes are owed. Um you know, for example, a a property owes $6,000 in taxes and you get no offer and and you know, somebody offers you $3,000. Okay? You know, you you could authorize me to accept it. Um >> Have you ever seen that happen, Paul? I mean, you've got real estate property here that you're buying for $5,000. >> Good deal. >> It's so the one property that ended up um selling in my former town I was well over $180,000 in back taxes. It was the

060vacant land. Um it did not sell. Um, and a developer came in and I believe offered way under the $180,000. I accepted it because talking with the existing owner of the lot, they were no never going to pay it. And now we have a nice beautiful house on that particular property. But, I think it's important to note when you look at the 10-year list, 148,000 is the property value or the property taxes that are due. There's a hundred and almost $10,000 just in interest alone. That doesn't happen from 2 years. That happens for well over a decade of just ignoring that bill. And then 800 Excuse me, $8,616 in liens. I'm sympathetic. I I wasn't a fan of this for many years, and then I actually saw it play itself out. I went to a

061tax sale in Hartford, big city, and actually witnessed it first hand, and decided to take it in my last town. I urge you there there open auctions. I'm bringing Ashley to the one in Windsor Locks that's happening in a few months from now just so she can see first hand, you know, what happens. Go to them. See how packed the room is. See these developers that are coming in that, you know, want to build something. >> I'd like to move the motion. I'm not going to change my motion, so. >> May I just ask one question cuz I think it was important. Throughout this conversation, there were talks of what we what we were going to do to identify or let people know about the sale. Is there anything that the board wants to put

062into the motion locking the town manager's office into notifying the abutters via letter? There are statutory requirements we're going to have to do. We're obviously going to check all those boxes. Because we got to keep the tax collector and myself separate. Is there anything that the board or wishes that our office would do during this process? >> It says in here that they do not recommend on notifying the butters prior to the tax sale. Doing so could create legal legal exposure if notices are missed and may lead to claims of unequal treatment. >> I think we follow the statute whatever the statute >> Yeah. And Paul, I have a how do we publicize this to begin with? Forgetting anything extra. >> Goes in the paper, goes on the website. Obviously, you know, the current owners

063obviously get notification of it as well. Um There's several new notices in the paper and then Mr. Cohen's website is heavily viewed of you know, the tax sales that he has going on. >> Well, if I if I understood correctly, you said that the tax collector cannot um notify abutters, but you can, right? That's what we have to decide. >> That yeah, that was my question. Yes, that that was what I stated. The tax collector, she will be the the office would be the one that would technically be challenged in court if you know, we mailed a letter to an address that you know, was on on file and you know, for an abutter and it went to the wrong address for whatever reason cuz they moved, but they never opened never updated their property

064card. We would have good legal standing that hey, we have to take what's on the property card and the address that's on the property card. But >> So, I don't I don't see any good reason to notify abutters. I think it exposes us potentially to that. And secondly, um we have no obligation. This is going to be a public sale. Anybody can come and bid on the property. I don't think we have to give abutters necessarily a a leg up on the opportunity. I think it's privacy. I don't know if I'd want my neighbor to get a letter if I was behind. >> It's not private cuz we're publicly posting. So, there's no privacy issue here. >> But but you have to pay attention to find it. It's opposed to get a letter in the

065mail going, oh look, that the Joneses are are behind and their house is going to be sold." >> but it's still a It's not It's not a privacy issue. It's just being clear. You know, you know, I like to have things as clear as possible. If we are going to be publishing and if we have to do the newspaper, we really should do the um we really should do it on the website as well. And you know, maybe if you know, maybe even a post on our Facebook page saying, "Here's a link." Instead of not putting everyone out there on Facebook, that's unnecessary. >> Right. >> But just say, "Here's a link of ta- you know, tax properties that have been involved in a tax sale at this point in time." That would be I

066think sufficient to give, you know, everyone the appropriate notice without trying to embarrass anyone unnecessarily cuz that's not what this is about. This is about accountability. >> All right, we have a motion. We have the second. >> And assuming you don't I'm not going to be abducted by an alien. I have absolutely zero uh plans of leaving. I I hear your direction. Sounds like the board is in agreement with that. I don't think we need to put it in the motion unless you want, but I website, social media, get a little attached to it. >> Yes, that's all right. >> Every feasible means um that we would normally communicate town meetings and what have you. >> Done. >> The law firm accounts could get you. >> Tomorrow. >> All in favor. >> Opposed. >> 5-2.

067>> The tax sale. >> I'll get you a copy of Mr. Cohen's contract once it's drawn up just so you can see it. And um please by all means if you see something I I it's going to be a form-fitting one, but if you see something that, you know, >> Does that list include any of the suspense list properties? >> It would. Yes, suspense list could go into that. >> That's quite expensive. >> Moving on to item 11, new business, discussion regarding the Rotary Parade. Town Manager Harrington. >> So, with me tonight are Come on up, please, please, please. With me tonight are two members from the Rotary. They came into my office last week. If you haven't heard, this is the 88th year of the Rotary Pet Parade. And these two gentlemen are here

068tonight for a little bit of a of an ask. Um So, gentlemen, please take it away. >> I hope this is going to be easy for you to do. >> Thank you. >> My name is John LaPrino. This is Bill Hardy. >> And both Rotarians. >> Thank you. >> Past presidents of the old Winston-Salem Rotary Club, now merged with Farmington. >> Thank you. >> And we represent the merged club. The Pet Parade has called seven mayors to life for 88 years. Uh we think it started in 1933 or so. >> 33, correct. >> And took off a few years during World War II, and been at back at it ever since with one or two weather interruptions. Uh it's been diminishing a little bit over the last several years in participants and spectators. So, we're

069trying to jazz it up a little this year. Don't go by how we look. We're the old guys. >> Yeah, we're actually >> young people on the committee who know what to do. And we're quite optimistic about it. Bill has sent out copies of our save-the-date flyer. The artwork at the top probably know, if you've been around town for a while, that in addition to the Pet Parade, we run a poster contest in the schools beforehand and encourage all the children to participate. Many do. We judge hundreds of posters and match two weights. This is the winning poster from last year, which we recalibrated to make it the save-the-date headline for this year. What we ask to try to help us put some drive into the effort is to declare the third Saturday in May

070and thereafter as Rotary Pet Parade Day. Which Uh and it's that simple. No money involved, just their support. We think it will create a beneficial effect in the community if people see the selectmen supporting it and it gets us a little bit of extra pizzazz. That's it. >> The one little bit of history, there's a Chicago club in Chicago, which is a 57 years. They're They're infants compared to us. So, you know, we're we're excited about this. I would also share that John and I have been around long enough that we probably saw Todd and his brother come as Captain Cassidy or something to this years ago, no doubt. >> Picture >> I was probably in >> There are some pictures, yes. >> But the interesting thing is we we now are dealing with 13

071schools in Northwest Connecticut. We're getting the kids more involved. We're this year going both English and Spanish. We're putting a lot of effort. One of the stars of the show is is our newest Rotarian. Is uh >> Where's the >> Riska Riska Melendez. She is doing a wonderful job, wonderful job. So, we're excited. We've got 80% of our returns of all of our posters, all of our participations is Winsted kids. And but we just we need to we need to we need to get it back to where many of you remember you couldn't sit on the church lawn. Yeah, it was packed. Well, we want to get back to that. >> Yep. >> And that's why we're hoping you folks can sort of give us a little flag we can wave. >> So, I got

072one question. Um can we keep the Laurel Parade out of the Pet Parade because that's always been a bone of mine that I don't think they should they should be separate parades. >> We keep the Laurel Parade out of the Pet Parade? >> Yeah, I don't think the Laurel we should be >> Well, you want them? Oh, no, they come with a float. >> Our first ask is not Yeah, cuz when when when I was growing up and the Pepper Queen was a huge thing. >> Yes. >> I was in it. I'm not even able to tell you what years, but I was in it for many years. Um, and the Laurel Queen was a whole separate thing. >> That is correct. >> And it and it's it was for the kids. >> Correct. >>

073It was for the animals. It was for bring your horse, bring your dog, you know, bring your go-kart that you made. >> Sure. >> Um, and and I think that, you know, we've lost that over the years and and more of the attention has been on the Laurel Queens and then cuz I was in it last year, I drove a truck for one of the Laurel Queens and then there was hardly any participation from the kids. And that's what I want to see. >> Well, that's what that's what we're working on. We're finding that if you go to the Little League game, grandparents who used to go to every Little League game aren't going anymore. It's it's our way of shoring up How are we going to shore this up? We're not about ready to

074give this up after 88 years. We're going to figure it out. And it's going to be again with the Laurel parade. We Now we're incorporating them. So when the Laurel parade came to us a couple years ago, we don't know if we can do it alone. We embraced them. But what do Why would we get rid of two traditions? That's over 100 years of the Laurel parade. >> What's happening, Troy, is that the Laurel parade shrunk to like 15 15 or 20 candidates that were here and it got smaller >> and smaller and smaller. >> They don't have enough volunteers to support it. We've been getting smaller, not quite at that rate. But we thought by bringing together maybe we could have created greater critical mass on the streets. >> If I understand >> up.

075We'll talk about it again. >> You you guys said you're working with the obviously with the schools. Have you reached out to St. Gilbert and Winchester public schools and worked with their tech departments? Like like Gilbert does a I believe it's a weekly update and then monthly they put a digital flyer out that says what's going on in the school and what's on in the towns. And that's a lot of the students actually doing those digital presentations and uh, one of the teachers >> at the high school level. >> High school has always been out of our age group. >> Yeah. >> What we're doing is >> Yeah, but I'm talking for promotions to be good project to help help the other schools. Um Yeah, that that make it worth it. >> Yeah, in the

076past we haven't had an attorney who was like >> All three of my grandkids have participated and and won and won the pet parade. >> Of course. Of course. >> The tech department. >> Yeah, I I would reach out and Yeah, because they they they're always looking for little projects to do for the town with the town and maybe something there instead of >> Well, thank you, Mr. Tharp. >> Well, I as a as a board of selectman member, you have my full support on this. And if there's anything that I can do to help, please reach out cuz I will help. >> You any good with a muffin rake? >> Would be the first time, Bill. And I don't want to try and sway the board in whatever decision it makes, but I do

077want to put on the record that um there may be a new Rotary member joining. My application has been formally submitted um to the Rotary Club. So, um please don't make me look bad. >> Make him follow the with the wheelbarrow. >> Yes, yes. There's a secret handshake in the back. We're trying to get that all figured out, but >> You're still practicing that. >> Yeah, they haven't given it to me yet. >> I I think you're going to be our speaker on the 13th. >> 14th of April. >> We hope to induct you the same day. >> Okay. >> We look forward to it. >> All right. >> From the office of the mayor, town of Winchester, Connecticut, proclamation. On behalf of the mayor's office and board of selectmen, hereby declare Rotary Pet Parade

078Day. Whereas the Rotary Pet Parade has been a cherished tradition in Winchester community for 88 years, bringing together families, children, and their pets in celebration of creativity, fun, and community spirit. And whereas the event is proudly organized and supported by the dedicated members of the Winsted Area Rotary Club whose commitment to service reflects Rotary's motto of service above self. And whereas the pet parade has become a beloved annual event that encourages youth participation, strengthens community pride, and celebrates the unique character and fellowship of the town of Winchester. Whereas the continued success of the Rotary pet parade over nearly nine decades is a testament to the dedication of volunteers, organizers, families, and participants who keep this treasured tradition alive each year. Now therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and the board of selectmen of the

079town of Winchester, Connecticut, do hereby proclaim the third Saturday in May as a Rotary pet parade day in the town of Winchester and encourage all residents to celebrate and participate in this long-standing community tradition. In witness thereof, we hereby set our hands and cause the seal of the town of Winchester to be affixed on the 16th day of March 2026. Can I have a motion to accept this? So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> Selectmen >> Gabe, I I want to This is going to start. Can we get a picture of you guys accepting it with the whole board? We'll get a little social media behind it and >> Jared, is there really a I didn't do >> Sorry. >> We'd love to do that. >> This is for the moment

080thing, too. I just thought of it. So, um >> We'd love to do that. >> I thought you guys could do that. >> Gabe, can you take the picture? >> Okay, so we have find us those smiles. >> Community teamwork. >> No, the other way. >> Well, get in this. >> No, it's all about It's not all about Paul. You're almost a Rotarian. >> Here, kneel down here. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, guys. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Paul. Thank you. >> Thank you, thank you, thank you. >> Thank you for the time. >> Thank you. It's always a >> Thank you all. Thank you for doing all this hard stuff you can do. >> John, did that get laminated? >> It did not. >> If you need that laminated,

081bring it back to the office. We'll laminate it for you. Yeah. Or do you want to keep it Take it. Well, it's raining out. >> I have a Well, I have a briefcase. >> Okay, put it in the briefcase and then bring it back to me. We'll laminate it. >> I'll bring it to the meeting tomorrow and have you sign it. >> Excellent. Good. >> Thanks, John. >> Thank you, John. >> Good night. >> I appreciate the work you do with that. >> Item B, 2610 refunds as recommended by the collector of revenue. Town Manager Harrington. >> So, as you see, we have total refunds in the amount of $1,855.41. Three of Three of them being certifications of corrections and three of them being overpayments. >> I move that the Board of Selectmen authorize the

082refunds recommended by the collector of revenue in the amount of $1,855.41. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> Thank you. >> Item C, discussion salary negotiations, Town Clerk. >> Per charter article 8, section 801, salaries, the salaries of all directors and other employees in the classified service of the town shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen in conformity with systematic pay plans of the positions involved upon recommendations of the town manager providing nothing herein shall be construed to limit the power of the Board of Education to fix compensation of employees of the school system. The town clerk shall receive a salary in lieu of all fees and such salary salary should be determined by the Board of Selectmen. Shall be determined. >> You said should. >> Yeah, shall. >> Different legal

083definition. >> With the Board's permission, I'm going to sit up front here. >> Don't forget your microphone. >> No, I won't. Thank you. It's been 4 years to get to this point. I appreciate it. It's been a long haul. So, had we been in executive session, you would have got the abbreviated appeal. Cuz we're out in the open, you don't. I want to start by making a couple kind of random comments, but I want to clear the air. Um I was counseled repeatedly that this was going to be an awkward situation because I'm here to ask my friends for an increase in salary. That's not easy. For my 40 years of working, I never had to just show up, walk through the door, and expect a salary. I was always performance based. In government, you

084show up, you go through the door, you get paid. So, given that, I've got some things I'm going to read here and hopefully they'll make sense. Um I'm appealing for myself, but truly, I I hope you accept this comment. I'm appealing for the position as well. Um it's got the word clerk in it, the title. It's not such a fancy word anymore. Uh I think the salary has been neglected for a long time. Uh willfully. Which is unfortunate, but that's my opinion. Um I tried from early on when I came to the job and got elected. I was there about maybe 2 months and I looked around and I made it a point to challenge myself to change just about everything in that office to what it is right now. Some of you who frequent

085it probably feel it. Some come in may not, but I think we've made some significant changes as way that the office looks, the way it feels, the way we interact with people. And um it's been it's been a long it's been a long haul, but I think we're at a good spot. Uh 2 weeks ago we brought in a um state-of-the-art recording system. So, I can tell you right now that that town clerk's office compares to any town clerk's office in the state. And I take a little bit of responsibility for that. So, I'm going to hand all this out. You can read along with me. It's just documentation of where I stand in relationship to my peers. >> If anybody on the board of selectmen choose to challenge anything that I gave them, I

086fully expect that to happen. So, to the board of selectmen, I'm respectfully asking this board to consider the following points and encourage you to work with the town manager to establish a fair and equitable compensation formula for the town clerk position. Respecting your time, I'll use bullet points and outline a format to state my case. Section 202 of the town charter states the town clerk is elected for 2 years. This requires the clerk to incur campaign costs and time spent to win their job back every 2 years. Section 307, section G of the town charter states the town clerk, in addition to powers and duties provided in Connecticut general statutes, shall be the town clerk of the board of selectmen. The town clerk's salary is addressed by one sentence in section 801 stating the town

087clerk shall receive a salary in lieu of all fees, and the salary is to be determined by the board of selectmen. The town clerk is not a member of a labor union. Union members get scheduled pay increases, retroactive pay, education stipends. The town clerk does not. The town clerk is paid for a 35-hour work week, but required to work following time for free. All board of selectmen meetings, regular and special, town meetings, referendums, and elections. The charter does not address any of the following pertinent employment criteria. Job certification, pay rate formula, job performance, work schedules, vacation time, sick time, pension, or annuity. So, some quick highlights of my journey here. Elected in 2021, sworn in January 3rd, 2022. I donated to the town 225 hours of free time to shadow Sheila prior to being sworn

088in on January 4th, 2022. I worked 18 months without any cola or performance-based increase. I received a pay increase in July of 2023 that netted me $12 a week. My written budget request for compensation equalization um part of it will be based on the junior assessor, and I know Becky is listening here, and this is no reflection on her whatsoever. It is the position that was and has been paid more than the town clerk, even though I was hired before that position. Um they continue to earn more than I do. So, some accomplishments. I'll read these quickly. I returned by attained my state certification in 2 and 1/2 years. I completely renovated the town clerk office, flooring, wall paint coverings. I used state grants to purchase the hanging map files, the large format printer, and

089two scanners. I reduced our budget three of the four years I've been town clerk. Donated my time and materials to personally repaint the walls in front. I paid for every wall hanging in that office. Paid for the services offered offered banner outside her office. I took over management of the boards and commissions. And I just recently implemented a total overhaul of our town clerk recording software. Pretty much everything you see in there I wasn't required to do any of that. That's all me putting my you know, heart and soul into a job that I cared about. The cover page ended by saying my request is straightforward. Until the charter revisions are articulated and approved, I'm asking for a cut to be compensated fairly in line with my peers and for the overtime hours that my

090position requires. Second page. I pulled some data just to show you in comparison to towns based on population which seemed to be in our world the fairest and most um utilized way to uh compare one town to the act to the next. The Granby population 11,184 current salary is $98,162. The projected column is based on a history of the past three or four years uh increases. They work 36 hours. 36 and 1/2 hours their higher position. So, I won't go through all these, but we start at 98,162 and we work our way down the list. Prospect 88,96 Burlington 76,770 Winchester 317. Department heads, just to compare myself to I guess I'm not an employee, but my peers that I work with here at town hall. Police Chief 125, Public Works Director 108, Fire Chief 90.

091Director of Land Use 85. Those are all hires with the exception of Jimmy Rawlings after I started. Tax Collector, Senior Center Director, Junior Assessor, all union positions. All make more than I do. To the right July 1st Budget Analyst DMB extrapolated numbers of where their salaries will land July 1. Junior Assessor $82,703. Town Clerk $72,317. I won't go through the annual report that I do but on the second page there's a running summary of what we've done here. And I will share with you that had I lost the election and someone else had come in here, you may or may not have gotten this kind of list. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I put my heart and soul into this job. And I think my ask here is fair.

092Um but I understand that I've got you all in a position. I do understand that. Um The last thing I'm going to read is my review from Josh Kelly. Uh at one point he had us fill out self-evaluation and then he filled out ours. I included that for all of you to uh to see tonight. Josh Kelly says, "Glenn has made the town clerk's office the poster child for what each of our departments could and should be. He has increased visibility, upped the professionalism demonstrated uh by the department and its staff members, and helped residents feel happy when they leave his office. His approach to customer service is a game-changer. Anything that the next town manager can do to empower Glenn to help other departments to follow in his footsteps will be a positive development

093for the rest of the town. It has been a pleasure to serve with Glenn and I'm confident that his presence as a part of the town hall team will continue to pay dividends down the road. For the next town manager, Glenn's position is not one that is political. I would argue that. Yet, we require him to run for office every 2 years. It is not practical, it's led to deficient wages, and it's not rational. I recommend that another charter revision commission be impaneled to examine a change so that Glenn may be hired employee rather than elected. So, I close by again thanking you for letting me sit here tonight. It's a humbling experience, but truly one that the town deserves. It's up to you guys. When you make a decision one way or the other,

094whatever that may be, I'm okay with it. I've got other paths that I can go down. >> So, right now um you're paid salary, correct? You're not paid hourly? >> I'm paid a salary. >> Okay. So, uh >> hours. I have an hourly wage. Every >> Well, first of all, you you definitely need to be compensated for all the time you put in for all these meetings and the the elections that in my book, um >> But, I'm wondering how we could if we could raise the amount of hours, um for the position. But, if it's not being paid hourly, I don't want the compensation to be taken out of the um salary. Because, obviously, that will go lower. So, um I don't know. What are What are the uh What are our options, Paul,

095here? >> Uh we have lots of um >> Um Uh your options are whatever the board pleases. >> Do we uh I don't have a >> Steward, do you have in the budget that we're I'm just going going through some things >> Yeah. >> on the budget over the weekend. And, you know, a lot of our personnel um pay is based on contracts, union contracts, and commitments, correct? >> That is correct. Yes. And, then we have employee contracts with some non-union members as well. >> Non-union, but so they're contract based. >> Correct. >> Okay. And, because the town clerk is not an employee, we don't have those type of contracts, correct? >> Correct. >> And, that could explain some of the differences that we're that result in. >> Yeah, I've seen it um in other

096towns as well. There's There's compression issues that happen usually a lot with elected officials, yes. >> So, if I'm correct, if there is an increase in your proposed budget for the town clerk's pay, correct? >> There is, yes. >> percentage of that increase? >> I believe it's a 3% increase. >> Okay. And, in the past few years, have there been increases in the town clerk's budget? >> I can just speak for the two years that I put a budget together. I think last year was was two and a half or three and then yeah, I think it was two and a half or three in the current budget year that we're in and then three. And again, it was just a proposal to the board. You know, ultimately it becomes you know, the board's budget

097and then town's budget. So, I had put in a either a two and a half this current year and three for next year. >> Well, you I appreciate having discussion and and your presentation and you are a valued member of our town. I think this is a budget issue and I think it should be part of the discussions we have a budget. It is a line item in the budget. It's not contract based and I think we need to handle it just like we would handle any non-contract based line item. It's that's the equitable way to deal with it. It doesn't mean you're not going to get a raise. We're not going to decide to maintain a raise that's recommended or increase it or whatever, but this needs to go through the budget process because

098your position is a line item in our budget. Just like other non-contract things which can potentially get cut or increased or changed because they're not controlled by contracts. So, that would be my position. In you know, my recollection in going through the budget over the weekend is that there have been increases over the past four years. I think you break down everything down showing increases for all the items over four years. Increases or decreases or whatever. My recollections are were increases. Not saying that's necessarily your value, but this is a tough year, really tough year and I think we need to go through it in the regular order as a line item in budget and discuss that when we have the whole budget in front of us and we're looking to take this out of

099context is giving special treatment to one particular position one particular particular negotiable line item over others and I don't think that's equitable at this point and I think it I think it's a bad look. And that's what's important. I think it's a bad look to the town. Um and I don't think we should be doing that. >> I like how >> Fine, can I ask you something on this? Town clerk's paid for 35 hours and you do the regular meetings, the special meetings, the town meetings, the referendums, elections. If you had to give me a off the top guestimate right now of how many hours you put in a year that that the town's basically conservative. >> It's a lot more than 35. I'm just going to leave it at that. >> Sure. >> So,

100my way of looking at this thing is and and I understand what Cheryl's trying to say, but but in order for us to um talk about budget um numbers, we kind of need to come up with a plan on what we plan on doing with his salary. So, cuz so we can prepare ourselves for the budget later on. Um I mean, it's something that, you know, we got enough work to do going through the numbers. >> And I'm not asking for a decision tonight. I shouldn't I shouldn't have said that. I I fully expected one would not be But I will I will go back to the fact that you know, I I I get that I'm way, way, way out of the norm. And I remember Candy Russ saying, "You know what you signed

101up for." And she was right. But I think the rubber hits the road eventually because whether or not this charter revision change happens, you may have the community vote against it and you're going to have someone maybe in that position, who uh is going to have very, very little leverage with their with their salary. I've got nothing. I I You can see I'm going I'm going backwards because of because of the rules. >> And again, I appreciate this presentation. I mean, this, you know, this salary comparison data, you can do this for pretty much every position in this town. You can do this for our school teachers who are on the lowest paid in the state. We could our >> They're the lowest lowest starting salary in the state. >> And then they get increments.

102So, I'm just saying that this is the point I'm trying to make. You're talking about these other positions, teachers, and other They're all protected by the union. They get automatic annual raises. We've all been aware of the contract that's negotiated by the town and the union. But >> have it anyway. I have no leverage with the town. >> And that's the point I'm >> That's the point I'm going to try to make. You're talking about these other positions, teachers, and other They're all protected by the union. They get automatic annual raises. We've all been aware of the contract that's negotiated by the town and the union. But he doesn't have that. That's a This is a This is a whole different ballgame than anybody else's position in the town. >> Which is why this position

103has to be addressed in the appropriate manner. And then the town manager does have a negotiated contract. It has to be addressed in the appropriate manner in regular order as part of the budget process. This presentation is valuable for us in in considering what would be appropriate for you in the regular order through the budget process. >> Well, I agree with that, but I mean, it it needs to be determined before the budget process because you want a number to put in the budget. >> I agree with you 100% and and we need to look at the position because some of the decisions of the passport were appalling if not horrific. Um I I members saying conversations with past board members when I talked about improving morale in town hall. Remember 4 or 5 years

104ago, morale was you you walked down and I used to tell me all got poopoo faces. They're all in their office like this. Now everybody's smiling. A couple of them actually said to me, I could care less what the rema- morale is. As long as they're doing their job, that's what they're getting paid to do. >> Right. >> I disagree. Again, bend over backwards for everybody else. We have a few positions we don't. So, I agree with you. I don't know how we add that to the agenda, but I think we need to discuss the town clerk's position. Expectations, goals, compensation, everything. Not just a line item in the budget where we're going to give them 2 and 1/2%. >> I mean, we could do we could do like, you know, follow the union raises.

105Whatever the the clerical union raise is, then he automatically would get that. Um my contract personally, for where I work, I get paid salary, but I also get a raise on what the union guys get. So, the the the level is always there that, you know, you're a supervisor over cuz if it didn't if I wasn't getting raises, these guys would come up and why would I want to be a supervisor if they're making more than I am, you know? >> And I'm playing I'm playing catch-up here. >> Correct. >> know how else I can I can show it. And the determination may be that the town clerk is just not valued enough to get anything other than a union negotiated increase. That's a decision we make. >> I mean, that's that's where I would

106probably put it. I mean, if I was to make a decision on on how it would go, I would say it would have to follow the union. >> It's like I know. >> So, I have a question and Paul, you may know the answer, but are we even allowed to adjust a salary mid-term? >> No, you're not. >> No. So, when I say mid-term, legally, the next time you could an increase would be in between >> After the budget passed. >> No. No. >> Next election. >> It'd be the next time. >> State State Constitution says the uh town clerk has to have his salary negotiated prior to the uh elected term or the beginning of his term. >> Right. So, you wouldn't even if we said tonight >> at right now. >> So, if

107tonight if we gave you a raise, hypothetically, you wouldn't be able to actually receive it until the end of your current term. >> I'm not going anywhere near that cuz >> Well, I mean, that's what the law says, right? You can't receive it during your term. >> The Board of Selectmen is supposed to establish my salary, which they never did. >> Well, it it it was established. It just never got changed. I mean, it it's been changed over the years through the budget. It's been increased every year. >> of the law, Paul? >> To some extent. But >> I aware of the law, not off the top of my head. Um there's a lot of laws out there, so I can't say that I'm familiar with them all. >> you, Paul. I can I can

108show you I I didn't want to burden you with this. Here's a survey from the Connecticut Town Clerks Association of just about every town clerk in the uh state that's elected. Uh 62 of them responded that they get annual COLA or raises. >> Some of those hired positions are, right? >> No, there's no Those are all All right. Listen, I I think the starting point here is determine whether we have the legal authority to do it without you having >> If you don't, you don't. And I and I am >> So, before we said >> I've got other past I can quote town charter. >> Before we discuss the formulas and how we get there, let's see if we have the ability to do it. Let's get a ruling from the attorney. Do you have

109an with that with the board? >> I think the ruling for the attorney is to if we have the authority and when we have the authority. >> Yeah. But I have other questions for you, Glenn, and and we can we can talk about them at Let's get this question answered first. I you know, we do not and cannot do something that puts us in in jeopardy here from a you know, we're breaking a law because we give you a raise. We're not aware of the law. So, I think we need to get a ruling on that from the either labor attorney or the attorney. Whichever attorney you think is appropriate. >> That would be more town attorney cuz it's dealing with state statutes. I don't think that's a that's a labor >> Can we get

110a ruling on that and then readdress this at another time? >> I will reach out to him immediately. >> To Glenn's point, he's he's speaking as well as for himself as for the position period. For the future. Um it's funny that this come up tonight uh because I did a I performed a wedding ceremony over the weekend. And the couple come into town hall and it was their first time in about 6 years ever coming into town hall. And their comments to me were wow, we went up those stairs and we walked into that town's clerk office and oh my god, everybody was so friendly and and the place looks gorgeous. Like we could camp out there on the weekend. So, there's a little feedback coming from two residents that very rarely come in this

111They only come in this The only reason they come back in this building is cuz they needed a marriage license. >> I don't think that anybody really would would even suggest that Glenn and that position he hasn't done a phenomenal job. I think he has, right? >> yeah. And but I mean again, I'm not talking about the list of accomplishments for the position. >> The list of accomplishments that he's provided for us um shows that. And I also think and everybody's aware that we are looking at that position, the charter revision commission is looking at potentially making this a hired position because I agree that you know, having to fight for your livelihood every 2 years seems like a not a good idea and paying spending your own money on the campaign to keep your

112job and and then being in a position where you I mean technically Josh's review was inappropriate. It was an employer review for someone who's not an employee, right? So at the end of the day I would love to see this being an employee and have all the benefits that go along with that including us the ability to to work with you or whoever your predecessor becomes someday inappropriate salary. But at the very first let's find out what we have the power legally to do and then in you know the next 90 days I think we're going to have a pretty good feel on what the charter revision you know comes up with in terms of this position. I don't even know how it transitions. I guess if it did happen we'd have to understand how

113that does it have to be at the end of his term to transition or could he transition? >> That's what the charter >> Yeah, we're going to have to you know all that is going to be is certainly to be answered. Glenn, but you know, the value you are to this town is unargued, right? No no doubt about it. You've done a phenomenal job and I think everybody here is sympathetic to the situation. But let's let's first find out if we legally can do anything and then you know readdress it after we know that. >> Fair enough. Appreciate your time. >> So the other thing that I think needs to be addressed not necessarily quite but not just for Glenn but any employee we shouldn't be requiring employees to do work that they're not compensated

114for. >> I agree. >> And that's something that we need to figure out if not now in the future. How do we address that? Cuz that's important. >> Does he have a job description? Do you have a job description? >> It's a constitutional office. >> So is he is he required are you required by state law to do >> No. >> regular and special meetings? He doesn't You don't come to work, Bill. >> Nope, and there's nothing that anybody could do about it until the election. >> I don't >> to even come to work. >> This charter does say that he's the clerk of the Board of Selectmen meeting, but again >> Doesn't say he has to be here. >> It >> Or referendums or elections or any of that. >> Nope. And every town

115manager here in fairness to Paul and Josh and Bob Geiger could wipe it all off the back of their hand right in the pretty much the same speech. You are an elected official. You are steward >> Please, I don't want you to think we don't appreciate what you do. >> I know you do, but this has been a long time and I you know, I have a family and I have literally no recourse to change something that I feel should be changed. But, that's all right cuz like I said, I I've got other paths >> Well, I don't think what you're hearing tonight is a no, we're not interested in discussing it. We We do need to know where we stand. >> Absolutely. And I and you would never get me to expect anything other

116than you know, legal honesty every and I just figure at some point the challenges of life throws at you, you got to take them head on and like I said, it's not just for me, but it's the the next crew that may or may not come through. The town clerk would be in a world of hurt trying to find someone that >> Well, at least you shed light on a situation that's been neglected and forgotten for >> Yeah. So, anyway, I appreciate my job. I appreciate everything that you guys did. >> Sheds light on the structural the structural issue that we already, you know, agreed on through the charter revision. So, it's clearly an issue. >> Mr. Mayor, if I may >> Yes, sir. >> If you're looking at the salary comparison data and I

117was going to bring this up in the but since some numbers are out there and you may be looking at the budget books at home, I'll use the tax collector for example. You see the current salary and then the the the salary that's being proposed in the next year's budget. You're getting 2 years of a wage increase with that roughly 5 Not roughly, exactly 5.4%. What that is is cuz the number that went into this year's budget cuz we didn't have a contract when we put it in. You're getting a double year. So, 5.4 is a 2.7 for each year, but you're you're you're seeing the impact there. But remember we have unnegotiated settlements where I stuck some money. So, you won't see the huge impact on the budget cuz the money was already being

118funded in the budget. So, I just When you're looking at the numbers, that's why you're seeing, you know, 5.4% increase. And if you're at home wondering, "Hey, wait a minute. We looked at a union contract and it said this number and why is it going up that number?" That's the reason. Anything else? That's all I have. I have my work. >> Item 12, executive session discussion regarding sale of town-owned properties, 32 Hubbard Street, 82-84 Rockwell Street, 17 Birdsell Street, 132 Florence Street, 124 Rockwell Street, taking with us into executive session Town Manager Harrington and realtor David Satterwhite. So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Mike? >> Aye. >> Yeah. >> Aye. >> Mhm. >> We're back from executive session at 8:58 p.m. Item 13, new business. Discussion, possible action on the

119sale of town owned properties, 32 Hubbard, 82-84 Rockwell, 17 Birdsall Street, 132 Florence Street, and 124 Rockwell Street. >> Mr. Mayor, I make a motion that we reject the offer at 124 Rockwell Street, Winsted. And also direct Town Manager Harrington to reduce the selling asking price to 24-9. >> We have a motion, do we have a second? >> Second. >> Discussion? All in favor? 6-0. >> Also, Mr. Mayor, move that we refer to Planning and Zoning 32 Hubbard Street, 82-84 Rockwell Street, 17 Birdsall Street, and 132 Florence Street for consideration for sale. >> We have a motion, do we have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? 6-0. Item 14, citizens comments. Item 15, selectmen's comments and reports. Anyone? >> Uh really quick, this Saturday 10:30 to noon, uh finishing up the

120uh winter lecture series from the Soldiers Monument. This week is the radium girls, a tragic story of women in the clock and the watch industries, which should be pretty interesting since we have the world-famous Gilbert Clock Shops here. >> We need to reflect that selectmen's social hall. >> Yeah, it was 9:00 at night. >> Uh tomorrow being St. Patrick's Day, everyone celebrate responsibly. And I borrowed this from the senior center's newsletter. What does it mean if you find a four-leaf clover? >> You have too much time on your hands. I read it, too. >> That's cheating, Bill. >> Of course it is. >> The answer is requesting one more. >> One one quick uh two quick things. Um Eversource had uh reached out to me as I told you they're going to continue their gas

121main replacement. They were hoping to do a uh uh a kickoff meeting with our residents uh on April 6th. Do what we did last time, we could do it at um 6:00 at night, an hour before the selectmen's meeting, invite the general public in, question and answer period. Does that work uh I can talk a little more clearly. Does that date work? Although Charter Revision April 6th Charter Revision's probably meeting the first and third Mondays. >> They're meeting in here at 5:30. >> We could always go in the blue room. I know um April 6th, it's a selectmen's meeting night. They just wanted to do their kickoff. And uh technically I I I I don't need the board there. It's more of a of a question and answer for our residents. Um does the board

122feel okay with booking that for April 6th? I can find a suitable room for that. And then lastly, um just a two reminders. Town meeting tomorrow night for the Pearson roof project uh at 7:00 p.m. at the sale at 48 Birch Street. And then next Tuesday, the 24th, is not only the day you vote on the Pearson roof project, but it's also the that we have a co-meeting with the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education where both the Superintendent of Schools and the Head of Schools of Gilbert come in and present their overall Board of Education budget to you and to the public. And that's at 7:00 p.m. at Pearson. There will be a Zoom link available. That's what I was waiting for today to post the agenda. It will not be available

123on YouTube. It will be available on Zoom just because of the technology we have to do a Zoom link over there. >> Well done. >> Is that the meeting you were talking about on the 6th? What time is that? >> I was going to start that meeting at 6:00. >> Okay, so we'll we'll still be in >> 6th to the 6th. Yeah, I >> And then BOS right after, so how are you going to >> So, we you guys can meet here. We can we can kick the question and answer of Eversource over into the blue room. It was not well-attended and it affected a lot more of our residents and business. This is a stretch where there's very little businesses, but Eversource offered. I immediately said, "Let me check with the board just in

124case somebody has questions about it." >> Motion to adjourn. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> All in favor. >> Good night. >> Mhm.