KILLINGWORTH, CT — The Killingworth Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Aug. 10 to send a proposed Code of Ethics to a future town meeting and scheduled a Sept. 14 public hearing on the proposal and the town's 10-year capital improvement plan.
The board also unanimously accepted a 5 percent commission bid from a Sotheby's broker to market two town-owned properties, while discussions touched on school finances, PFAS work, youth services transportation and a future town meeting.
Derek Phelps and Ellen Oppenheimer told selectmen the proposed Code of Ethics was designed to provide practical guidance to town employees and appointees and help them avoid ethical problems rather than emphasize punishment.
Discussion included possible changes to the employee handbook and Town Charter, procedures for implementing the code and creation of an Ethics Commission. Establishing such a commission could require a charter review and possible amendments, according to the minutes.
Selectman Joel D'Angelo moved to send the Code of Ethics to a future town meeting, Selectman Nancy Gorski seconded the motion, and it passed 3-0.
The board then voted 3-0 to hold a Sept. 14 public hearing on both the proposed Code of Ethics ordinance and the 2026-36 Multi-Year Capital Improvement Plan. An earlier motion that would have set the ethics hearing for 6:30 p.m. was withdrawn.
Selectmen discussed preparing for a Sept. 28 town meeting that could include the ethics ordinance and capital plan. Gorski made a motion to prepare the necessary paperwork for the meeting, but after discussing legal notice and scheduling requirements, the board held the matter until its next meeting without taking a vote.
The town received one bid for real estate brokerage services for two municipal properties. First Selectman Eric Couture opened the proposal from Robert Allison of Sotheby's, which called for a 5 percent commission.
The board noted that the commission was within the typical range for brokerage services. Gorski moved to accept Allison's bid, D'Angelo seconded it and the motion passed 3-0.
Rachel Verinis, co-director of Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services, updated selectmen on the organization's programs, staffing and finances.
Verinis said she and Co-Director Alli Behnke are sharing leadership responsibilities, with Verinis concentrating on operations and Behnke on programming. The organization also added Summer Walton as positive youth development coordinator and Amber Grasso as a second contractual clinician.
Verinis identified transportation as one of the organization's largest challenges and expenses. Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services is considering purchasing a 12- or 15-passenger van through a new grant focused on teenagers and expanded programming. Selectmen suggested that the organization also contact Estuary Transit about possible transportation options.
HKYFS is also discussing potential collaboration with Parmelee Farm on programs and events.
Finance Director Regina Regolo said there was no monthly budget report. She identified a $10,000 payment to Pullman as covering assistance with the elementary school's POET system.
Selectmen discussed budget over- and under-expenditures, including snow and PFAS accounts, several capital project closeouts and a possible over-expenditure that is expected to be addressed in an upcoming call to a town meeting.
Couture later reported that the town had received a new proposal for PFAS site inspection work. Selectmen discussed the nature and costs of related change orders, but the minutes record no vote.
Couture also reported that Flock cameras had been removed and noted recent media coverage concerning the matter.
Gorski raised the state's tire recycling reimbursement program and asked whether Killingworth could receive reimbursement for tires collected by a Massachusetts business. The town was not selected to participate in the program this year but plans to continue seeking participation, according to the minutes. Gorski also suggested inviting Chris Mello to a future meeting to discuss Public Works labor and the continuing costs of garbage and recycling operations.
The board also approved five refunds for overpayments totaling $846.72 by a 3-0 vote.
All three selectmen — Couture, Gorski and D'Angelo — attended the meeting, which began at 7 p.m. at Killingworth Town Hall and adjourned at about 7:59 p.m.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
The Haddams Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.