TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
NOVEMBER 25, 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 on November 25, 2002. Present were the First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Board Members Anita Mielert, John Romano, Joel Mandell, William Garrity and Madeleine Gilkey. Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson and other interested parties were also present.
First Selectman Vincent asked for the following additions to the agenda:
Request to add item b under the finance section of the agenda for the
authorization of a release of mortgage.
Ms. Gilkey made a motion, second by Mr. Garrity and passed unanimously.
Request to move items 7 a and 7 b of the agenda under Correspondence.
Mr. Mandell made a motion, second by Ms. Gilkey and all were in favor.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC AUDIENCE
First Selectman Vincent responded to comments made during the Public Audience portion of the Board of Selectmen meeting held on October 28th. Mr. Vincent stated that progress continues to be made in addressing the environmental concerns in the Town Hall. Mr. Vincent stated that work will continue over the upcoming holiday weekend. Mr. Vincent also noted that Ms. Coe contacted the Freedom of Information Commission concerning the presentations made during the public audience portion of the meeting held on October 28th. Ms. Coe has reported to the First Selectmen s Office that the presentations were not in violation of the Freedom of Information Act.
STORM EVENT
Kevin Kowalski of the Simsbury Fire District, Inc., reported on the Town s response to the storm that occurred on November 17th. Mr. Kowalski noted that the storm was a forecasted event that caused major damage to homes, vehicles and the utility infrastructure. Mr. Kowalski noted that Public Works was called in for assistance and that Mr. Vincent opened the Emergency Operation Center on Sunday. Mr. Kowalski also noted that the Chief of Police, Fire Chief and representatives from the Volunteer Ambulance Association, along with Social Services, the Board of Education, Public Works and CL&P worked together to address the situation.
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Board of Selectmen
November 25, 2002
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Mr. Kowalski noted that the High School was opened as a shelter and representatives from Social Services, Police and the Board of Education all provided assistance with food, blankets, maintenance and security until Monday when shelter needs were moved to the Virginia Connoly Complex, a smaller facility. Schools reopened on Wednesday. According to Mr. Kowalski, the amount of debris is vast and the Public Works plan is to chip through December. Equipment and Financial Assistance was applied for at the state level and meetings were held with the State of Connecticut, Office of Emergency Management.
PRESENTATION OF RECYCLING AWARDS BY THE SIMSBURY RECYCLING COMMITTEE
Mary Turner, Chairperson for the Simsbury Recycling Committee announced the recipients of the 2002 Simsbury Recycling Awards and Vice Chair, Heidi Meisner, presented the awards to the following recipients: Laura Towles, Heather Day, Helene Thompson, Andy Loren Andreo, and William Mickewicz. All were present to accept awards except for William Mickewicz who could not be present. Ms. Turner accepted the award in his absence and she also thanked Mike Paine, of Paine s Inc., for the recyclable material used to create the award plaques.
CORRESPONDENCE
PRESENTATION AND REQUEST TO POSSIBLY WAIVE THE ENO MEMORIAL HALL CUSTODIAL FEES FOR ART EXHIBIT FUNDRAISER
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to waive the Eno Memorial Hall Custodial fees for the Simsbury High School s National Art Honors Society fundraiser. The fee is waived by motion from Mr. Romano and seconded by Garrity, all in favor.
Ms. Mielert requested that Ms. Fox explain what the plans are for the fundraiser.
Ms. Fox gave details for a formal opening night on March 14th to include the High School jazz ensemble, food possibly from Truffles, and other area businesses and an art display and auction. According to Ms. Fox, the fundraiser would run through March 16th.
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Board of Selectmen
November 25, 2002
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REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE THE USE OF TOWN PROPERTY BY THE VALLEY CLASSIC WHEELS CAR CLUB FOR AN EVENT TO BE HELD ON JULY 13, 2003
Mr. Vincent asked for a motion to approve the use of Town property for the Valley Classic Wheels Car Club on July 13, 2003. Mr. Romano makes motion and Ms. Gilkey seconds it with all in favor. Mr. Mandell asks to amend the request with a rain date of July 20th 2003. All were in favor of the motion as amended. Mr. Howard Miller, president of Valley Classic Wheels Car Club, answered questions of the board concerning the car show and requested use of the Town s space on Iron Horse Boulevard for the event. Mr. Miller answered Ms. Mielert s question about the date of the event, and Mr. Romano s questions concerning estimated number of attendees.
FINANCE
REVIEW AND ACT ON CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR REGARDING TAX REFUNDS
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to approve the tax refunds as outlined in a memo from the Tax Collector. Mr. Vincent noted that the total amount of the tax refunds is $8,766.28. Mr. Mandell made a motion for acceptance, and Mr. Garrity seconds. All were in favor.
PRESENTATION BY TOWN ATTORNEY REQUESTING THE RELEASE OF MORTGAGES FOR PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 19 & 21 ELM STREET TARRIFVILLE
First Selectman Vincent asks for a motion to release and dismiss the open-end mortgage deed for the loan amount of $25,568.00 for the properties at 19 and 21 Elm Street, Tariffville of Edward and Julie Preneta. According to the Town Attorney, the loan was a no interest loan made through the housing rehabilitation Community Development Block Grant program. Mr. Mandell made a motion to grant the release of the mortgages for the properties located at 19 & 21 Elm Street in Tarrifville. Ms. Gilkey seconds the motion. Mr. DeCrescenzo, Town Attorney, explains the loan and noted that since the Board of Selectmen granted the loan the Board of Selectman should release the loan. Ms. Gilkey clarifies the type of loan, Mr. Garrity questions who uses the program and Ms. Mielert states
that not many areas in town qualify for this type of loan. Mr. Mandell mentioned publicizing the availability of these funds. All were in favor of the motion.
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Board of Selectmen
November 25, 2002
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LEGISLATIVE
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY SET A DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING AN ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN TOWN BUILDINGS
Mr. Vincent requested an open dialogue among board members about a proposed ordinance governing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Town buildings. Mr. Garrity mentions we presently have no ordinance. Mr. Garrity noted that the Board of Selectmen should approve any waivers of the policy. Mr. Mandell feels clarification is needed. He thinks the ordinance should be expanded to include all Town properties as well as Town Buildings, such as open areas like Simsbury Farms and Simsbury Meadows. Mr. Mandell also thinks a more elaborate ordinance is in order and a public hearing should be held. Mr. Romano is in favor of the ordinance and feels it should be broader, and agrees with Mr. Garrity that requests for permits should go before the Board of Selectmen and not the First Selectman.
Ms. Mielert is essentially in favor of the ordinance and thinks the Board should make permit decisions. Ms. Mielert questions sales of alcohol and specific exemptions needed for such. Ms. Mielert suggests remaining silent about open space land as it could add burden to police force. Ms. Mielert wants to hear from the public concerning this issue. Ms. Gilkey is in favor of the ordinance with some expansion and thinks there should be more of a permit process for events. Mr. Garrity is not for any expansion due to policing issues. Mr. Romano would like more of an outline for specific events only.
Ms. Mielert questions the Town Attorney about the sale of alcohol and controlling State Statutes. Mr. DeCrescenzo clarified the State Statute involving sale of beer and wine or other alcoholic beverages and the ordinance being written around the consumption of alcohol versus sale. The Board of Selectmen declined to set a public hearing date and asked that this be included on a future agenda.
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Board of Selectmen
November 25, 2002
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RECREATION
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A REQUEST TO USE TOWN PROPERTY FOR SIMSBURY CELEBRATES TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 30, 2002
Mr. Vincent requested a motion approving the request to use Town property for Simsbury Celebrates . Mr. Garrity made a motion and Ms. Gilkey seconds the motion. All were in favor.
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A REQUEST BY THE WOMEN S NATIONAL FARM AND GARDEN ASSOCIATION FOR THE FUNDRAISING OF THE PLANTING OF BUSHES AT SIMSBURY MEADOWS UTILIZING TOWN PERSONNELL AS NECESSARY.
Ms. Andee Schaedel from the Women s National Farm and Garden Assoc. discussed plans for bushes and trees at the Simsbury Meadows. Mr. Vincent mentioned the Town Engineer would have an overall plan. Ms. Mielert mentions that St. Mary s children planted daffodils in the area. Mr. Garrity recommends getting everybody coordinated in the project. Mr. Mandell made a motion and Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor.
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A PROPOSAL AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF A GIFT BY THE GERITOL SWINGERS
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to approve a proposal and gift by the Geritol Swingers. Bill Howard, member of the Geritol Swingers, wants to honor the veterans with a foot bridge at the Simsbury Golf Course since many club members are veterans. The Geritol Swingers will raise the money for the bridge. $7,500 has already been raised for the expected $15,000 project. More fundraising is in the works for the remaining amount.
The project is expected for completion next Spring. Mr. Mandell thinks the bridge is a great idea. Mr. Romano also thinks it is a great idea and asks about any dedication ideas since most are veterans in the club. Ms. Mielert offers advice for bronze plaques.
Ms. Gilkey made a motion and Mr. Mandell seconded the motion authorizing the Geritol Swingers to move forward and accepting the donation upon completion. All were in favor.
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Board of Selectmen
November 25, 2002
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SOCIAL SERVICES
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPOINT THE MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD PURSUANT TO THE GRANT REQUIREMENTS AND SECTION 403 OF THE TOWN CHARTER
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to appoint the members of the Youth Services Advisory Board, as outlined in Ms. Lecours Beck s memo, pursuant to the grant requirements and section 403 of the Town Charter. Mickey Lecours - Beck, Director of Social Services answers questions from the Board of Selectmen about the Youth Services Advisory Board. Ms. Gilkey asks specifically about what the Youth Services Advisory Board does in the Town. Ms. Lecours - Beck tells how the board advises on ways to spend the grant money for the needs of the town. Mr. Mandell made a motion and Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor. Addendum 1
PUBLIC WORKS
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A RESOLUTION DECLARING MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT TO BE SCRAP AND OF NO VALUE TO THE TOWN AND TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ADVERTISE THE AVAILABILITY OF SAID EQUIPMENT.
Mr. Vincent asks Mr. Mandell to read the resolution declaring the public works equipment to be scrap and of no value to the Town and to authorize the staff to advertise the availability of said equipment. Mr. Michael Wrabel, Director of Public Works, answers questions regarding the equipment and bids for parts. Mr. Romano asks about the condition of the equipment. All were in favor.
REVIEW AND WAIVE STORM RELATED BRUSH DISPOSAL FEES AT THE BULKY WASTE TRANSFER STATION
Mr. Vincent asks Mr. Mandell to read the resolution allowing the waiver of storm related brush disposal fees at the Bulky Waste Transfer Station everyday through
December 1, 2002 except for Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Romano requests we extend the date. Mr. Vincent agrees and extends the date through December 9th for waiving the storm related brush disposal fees. Mr. Michael Wrabel, Public Works Director remarks on the amount of people at the station this past weekend. Mr. Garrity requests clarification for residents with brush and when the town will do chipping. Mr. Vincent
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Board of Selectmen
November 25, 2002
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discusses the priority lists for those residents around schools and harder hit areas and discusses state assistance with equipment. Mr. Romano questions overtime incurred costs. Mr. Mandell accepted motion to extend the disposal through December 9th and Ms. Mielert seconded. All were in favor.
RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Resignation of Nancy Hendryx from the Recycling Committee
Mr. Vincent requested a motion accepting the resignation of Nancy Hendryx from the Recycling Committee. Mr. Romano made the motion and Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion with all in favor.
Resignation of Pierce Clayberger from the Conservation Commission-Inland
Wetlands and Watercourses Agency
Mr. Vincent requested a motion accepting the resignation of Pierce Clayberger from the Conservation Commission - Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency.
Mr. Mandell made a motion with much thanks to Mr.Clayberger. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All in favor.
Appointment of Gregory Piecuch as an Alternate to the Planning Commission
Mr. Vincent requested a motion accepting the appointment of Gregory Piecuch as an Alternate to the Planning Commission. Mr. Mandell made a motion and Ms.
Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor.
RE- Appointment of Carl Eisenmann to the Police Commission
Mr. Vincent requested a motion accepting the re-appointment of Carl Eisenmann to the Police Commission. Mr. Romano made the motion and Mr. Mandell
seconded the motion with all in favor.
Re-Appointment of Glenn Knierim to the Board of Ethics
Mr. Vincent requested a motion accepting the re-appointment of Glenn Knierim to the Board of Ethics. Mr. Mandell made a motion and Ms. Gilkey seconded the
motion. All were in favor.
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Board of Selectmen
November 25, 2002
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LIAISON REPORTS
Public Safety Sub-Committee: Mr. Garrity noted that the next Public Safety Sub-Committee meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2002. Mr. Garrity noted that he would have an update concerning the activities of the Public Safety Sub-Committee at the Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for December 9th.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF SELECTMAN MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 28, 2002
Mr. Vincent requests a motion to approve the minutes of the Board of Selectman meeting held on October 28, 2002. Mr. Mandell made the motion to approve the minutes and Mr. Garrity seconded the motion with all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Mandell made a motion and Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor and the meeting was adjourned into Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
All members of the Board of Selectmen were present for the Executive Session. In addition, Town Attorney, Robert DeCrescenzo, and Assistant to the First Selectman, Brandon Robertson, were also present for the Executive Session.
First Selectman, Thomas Vincent, requested a motion to adjourn from Executive Session at 9:21 p.m. Mr. Garrity made a motion to adjourn from Executive Session into regular session. Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. All were in favor. Mr. Vincent requested a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Garrity made the motion and Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________
Thomas E. Vincent
Addendum 1
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