These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk's Office.
MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
JUNE 24, 2002
§ CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell, Board Members Madeleine Gilkey, William Garrity, John Romano and Anita Mielert, Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson and other interested parties.
§ RESPONSE TO PUBLIC AUDIENCE
First Selectman Vincent said that in reference to land use applications he had asked Mr. Robertson to gather data on fees charged by surrounding towns and that information had been received from two of the six surrounding towns; that the Town does not have any plans at this time to charge non-profit organizations for the use of Simsbury Meadows and that at this time policies are being reviewed regarding fees for use of the fields at Simsbury Meadows; that the Town is reviewing the use of funds from the Town Farm Dairy Fund and that recommendations will be made to the Welfare Sub-Committee; and that Mr. DeCrescenzo continues to serve as the Town Attorney.
First Selectman Vincent commented on accusations made by Ms. Coe at the June 10, 2002 meeting stating that Ms. Coe falsely accused members of the Board of accepting complimentary tickets to the Talcott Mountain Music Festival in violation of the Code of Ethics; that for the first two years of the symphony's performances Board Members received one complimentary ticket for one performance and this was acceptable under the Guidelines for Gifts and Favors at that time. First Selectman Vincent said that the Board was committed to encouraging open lines of communication with Town residents and that one critical aspect of this open communication is the Public Audience portion of the Board of Selectmen's meetings; and reminded Ms. Coe that he was the only compensated member of the Board and the members of the Board are
dedicated hard-working volunteers and should be treated with the respect they deserve. First Selectman Vincent also requested that Ms. Coe refrain from making false and reckless statements regarding Board Members.
First Selectman Vincent said that he has received numerous reports of acts of vandalism on parks and to the Drake Hill Flower Bridge; that he has requested increased police patrols of this area; and that individuals caught perpetrating acts of vandalism will be dealt with severely.
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Board of Selectmen
June 24, 2002
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§ PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, expressed her concerns regarding the take over of Ensign Bickford by Dyno-Nobel and its possible financial and environmental ramifications for the Town; the escalating cost of liability insurance; increases in legal fees in connection with Meadow Wood property; the deficit in the Simsbury Farms Revenue Fund; alleged infractions violating the Code of Ethics; the lack of identification of Town vehicles; the Town's approval of serving wine at Eno Hall during special events; contract negotiations; grass growing between the bricks on the sidewalks on Hopmeadow Street; and her support for a Town Manager.
§ AGENDA ADDITION
Ms. Gilkey made a motion, seconded by Mr. Garrity and passed unanimously to add the approval of the appointment of Kendra Dalhquist as Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics in accordance with Connecticut General Statues Section 7-19 and Section 7-38 to the Agenda as Item 5.
1. FINANCE
Review and act on correspondence from the Tax Collector regarding tax refunds
Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Mr. Garrity and passed unanimously to approve tax refunds in the amount of $1,749.26 for the period June 11, 2002 through June 19, 2002 per a memorandum from Kathleen Hayes, Tax Collector, to the Board of Selectmen dated June 19, 2002.
2. PUBLIC SAFETY
a. Review and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute the annual CMED Communications System Agreement
First Selectman Vincent said that according to the agreement CMED agrees to supply two-way radio communication between participating hospitals and all EMS providers 24 hours a day, seven days a week; that the fee for this service is based on population; that the fee for this service for 2003 will be $10,256.42; and that the Town Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement as presented.
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Board of Selectmen
June 24, 2002
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Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey and passed unanimously to authorize the First Selectman to execute the annual CMED Communications System Agreement.
b. Review the Local Emergency Medical Services Plan
First Selectman Vincent said that a working group consisting of the Civil Preparedness Director Kevin Kowalski, Director of Volunteer Ambulance Association Michael Delehanty, Police Captain Peter Sevetz and Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson have completed the Local Emergency Medical Services Plan.
c. Review and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute the Simsbury Emergency Medical Services Plan Agreement
First Selectman Vincent said that the Medical Service Plan Agreement is required by statute and is a written agreement for services between the Town and the Emergency Medical Service Providers; that the Town Attorney has reviewed this agreement and found it to meet the requirements of the statute.
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Mr. Romano to authorize the First Selectman to execute the Simsbury Emergency Medical Services Plan Agreement.
In response to Ms. Mielert's question, Assistant to the First Selectman Robinson said that the agreement reflects the way the Emergency Medical Services in the Town of Simsbury have been conducted over the past five to ten years and that statute requires it be put in writing.
Mr. Mandell said that the numbering of property is critical for Emergency Service Providers and Ms. Mielert added that vandalism and theft of street signs poses an obstacle to Emergency Service Providers responding to emergency situations.
After discussion the motion was passed unanimously.
3. PARKS & RECREATION
Review and possibly authorize the First Selectman to submit a grant application to the Department of Economic and Community Development
First Selectman Vincent said that the State Bond Commission recently approved an award of $500,000 for the construction of a band shell to be located at
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Board of Selectmen
June 24, 2002
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Simsbury Meadows and that he has been advised by the Department of Economic and Community Development that a formal application and Assistance Agreement for funding are required.
Mr. Mandell read the resolution as follows:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Act 01-07 the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development is authorized to extend financial assistance for economic development projects; and WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Simsbury make an application to the State for $500,000 in order to undertake the Band Shell Project at Simsbury Meadows and to execute an Assistance Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the Board of Selectmen
1. That is it cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for the State Assistance imposed by Public Act 01-07.
2. That the filing of an application for State financial assistance by the Town of Simsbury in an amount not to exceed $500,000 is hereby approved and that Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman is directed to execute and file such application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, decisions, and revisions thereto, and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Simsbury.
Ms. Gilkey made a motion, seconded by Mr. Garrity to authorize the First Selectman to submit a grant application to the Department of Economic and Community Development.
In response to Ms. Mielert's questions, First Selectman Vincent said that the architect is in place and that there would be at least two meetings for organizations who will be using the facility, i.e. the Hartford Symphony, to discuss plans for the band shell.
Mr. Garrity said that perhaps the project should be reviewed by the Public Building Committee.
After discussion the motion passed unanimously.
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Board of Selectmen
June 24, 2002
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4. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a. Resignation of Joan Howard as a full member from the Planning Commission
Mr. Romano made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey, with regret, and passed unanimously to accept the Resignation of Joan Howard as a full member from the Planning Commission.
b. Resignation of John Loomis as an alternate from the Planning Commission
Ms. Gilkey made a motion, seconded by Mr. Romano, and passed unanimously to accept the resignation of John Loomis as an alternate from the Planning Commission.
c. Appointment of Joan Howard as an alternate on the Planning Commission (Loomis Vacancy)
Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey, and passed unanimously to approve the appointment of Joan Howard as an alternate on the Planning Commission.
d. Appointment of John Loomis as full member on the Planning Commission (Howard Vacancy)
Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey, and passed unanimously to approve the appointment of John Loomis as a full member on the Planning Commission.
5. Approval of appointment of Kendra Dalhquist as Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Ms. Mielert, and passed unanimously to approve the appointment of Kendra Dalhquist as Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-19 and Section 7-38.
6. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
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Board of Selectmen
June 24, 2002
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7. LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Romano reported that at the last meeting of the Recycling Committee a request was made to the Town for $750.00 to complete the work on the Swap Center. Mr. Vincent said that a decision would be made within the next ten days.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
Review and possibly approve a request by the Theatre Guild of Simsbury to serve Wine at Eno Memorial Hall
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Ms. Gilkey, and passed unanimously to approve a request by the Theatre Guild of Simsbury to serve Wine at Eno Memorial Hall on September 6th and 7th.
9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Mandell made a motion, seconded by Mr. Romano, and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 10, 2002 meeting as written.
10. ADJOUNMENT
Mr. Garrity made a motion, seconded by Mr. Romano and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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