TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
AMENDED REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 11, 2008
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Moira Wertheimer, Robert Hensley and Michael Long. Others in attendance included: Carolyn Keily, Bruce Sullivan, State Representative Linda Schofield, and other interested parties.
Ms. Glassman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Resolution Recognizing September as Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Awareness Month
Ms. Glassman read the following Proclamation:
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
PROCLAMATION
Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Awareness Month
WHEREAS, blood cancers currently afflict more than 823,000 Americans with an estimated 135,520 new cases diagnosed each year, and
WHEREAS, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma will kill an estimated 52,310 people in the United States this year, and
WHEREAS, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, through voluntary contributions, is dedicated to finding cures for these diseases through research efforts and the support for those that suffer from them, and
WHEREAS, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society maintains two offices in the State of Connecticut to support patients with these diseases and their family members, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Simsbury is similarly committed to the eradication of these diseases and supports the treatment of its citizens that suffer from them, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Simsbury encourages private efforts to enhance research funding and education programs that address these diseases,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Simsbury joins with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in designating the month of September 2008 as Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Awareness Month to enhance the understanding of blood related cancers and to encourage participation in voluntary activities to support education programs and the funding of research programs to find a cure for them.
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman
Announcement by State Representative Linda Schofield regarding $350,000 State Grant for Meadowood acquisition.
Representative Schofield presented the Town a check for $350,000 for the bonding initiative for the Meadowood acquisition. She said she is hopeful that the remainder of the bonding for $450,000 will be received within the next few months. It is always a challenge to get on the bonding agenda. She will do her best to make sure Simsbury receives the balance.
Mr. Hensley asked how the Board could help to make sure the balance is received. After some discussion, Mr. Hensley made motion to send a letter of thanks for the funding check of $350,000 to the Connecticut Legislature and Governor for consideration and hope that they will consider giving the Town the rest of the funds in the future. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Representative Schofield said she spoke to Ms. Glassman about Enerloom, which provides technical products to save on florescent lighting. This is a special program that can save 15-20% on lighting costs. She will discuss this further with the Board and Mr. Sawitzke.
Announcement regarding receipt of GFOA- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Ms. Glassman noted that the Town received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting due to the great efforts of Kevin Kane, Director of Finance/Treasurer. This is the 9th year of this award being presented to the Town and Kevin Kane.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Tom Horan, from Simsbury Main Street Partnership, introduced Linda Gelineau who owns L Designs.
Ms. Gelineau said she has been in business for 1-1/2 yrs now. She said this is a family oriented salon. They not only cut hair, but color and insert hair extensions. They also do bridal work, with make-up artists and a photographer. They are also looking into introducing some skin care. They are listed as the best salon in the Farmington Valley Readers Advocate.
Ms. Griebel, Chairman, Simsbury Citizens First, said it was extremely disappointing to learn of the decision of the Republican Town Committee to deny Nancy Miller's request to be appointed to the Aging & Disability Commission. She said Ms. Miller is very well qualified and eager to join the Commission.
Ms. Griebel said that no explanation was given and feels the process is outdated and needs to be updated in order to best serve the citizens of Simsbury. Ms. Griebel read the minutes of the June 9, 2008 on the appointment on the Aging & Disability Commission. She feels this item needs to be removed from the agenda before acting on a new appointment in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, pleaded with the Board to approve the Charrette for the Town. She urged the Board to use their influence and position to move forward with the process as the residents wish to do. She feels Simsbury would be short changing themselves if this Charrette is not done.
Ms. Nash said Tom Condon had a great article in the "Place" about zoning. She said a few members of the Zoning Commission cannot balance the legal aspects of zoning with what the desires of the community are is just too much of a burden.
1. Information Technology Update - Time Frame
Ms. Glassman said the information technology contract came in very favorably. On September 8, 2008 at 11 a.m., the consultants will be in Simsbury. They will spend three days here. Ms. Glassman said there have been a number of staff meetings to discuss how to improve the website. She asked Board members to attend the September 8th meeting. She said input from residents would be welcome also.
2. Director of Public Works selection update
Ms. Glassman said they received 24 applications for this position. The Town Managers of Avon and Granby looked at the applications. They will be starting the interview process and she would like the Board members to attend interviews if possible.
3. Review, discuss and possibly adopt CRCOG Pre-Disaster Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan as recommended by the Public Safety Sub-Committee.
Ms. Glassman said this is a process that has been going on in the Capital Region for some time. This will also serve as a blueprint for grants of Towns applying for grants.
Ms. Glassman said if the resolution is adopted, the Town will receive an additional 50 points
toward the consideration of the grant application.
After some discussion, Mr. Long read the following resolution: "Resolution Adopting Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
WHEREAS, the Town of Simsbury in collaboration with the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) has developed a Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Simsbury has established and prioritized goals and strategies for reducing the loss of life and property from natural hazards that affect the region within the Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency/Department of Homeland Security has approved the Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, on condition of local adoption, enabling the Town to apply for Hazard Mitigation grant funding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Simsbury Board of Selectmen hereby adopts the 2008 Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.
Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
4. Review, discuss and possibly take action concerning a request from the Town of Windsor for representation at their upcoming 375th Anniversary Parade
Ms. Glassman wanted to congratulate Windsor on their 375th Anniversary.
Mr. Long read the following Proclamation: "WHEREAS, In honor of Windsor, Connecticut's 375th anniversary, a parade will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008, stepping off at noon from the Windsor High School complex located on Sage Park Road in Windsor, and
WHEREAS, The people of Windsor would be honored if their "daughter town" Simsbury, joined us to participate in this very special celebration, along with Windsor's twenty daughter towns, and,
WHEREAS, All participating towns will be warmly welcomed and officially recognized in the parade, and,
WHEREAS, the participation of each town could include, but not limited to, a high school marching band, a float representing services the town is known for, a replica of a famous landmark of the town, costumed individuals portraying famous people from your town, a
marching unit from your town's fire or police department, portrayal of your town seal, a color guard displaying your town flag or any other ideas you may have, and
WHEREAS, TO RSVP to Connecticut's biggest and best birthday party of 2008, call Enita Jubrey at 285-1835, email jubrey@townof windsorct.com, visit the parade link on the Windsor 375 website at windsor375.com or complete the enclosed application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE WINDSOR 375 PARADE COMMITTEE THAT:
Windsor's daughter town, Simsbury, Connecticut is hereby invited to participate in the Windsor 375 Anniversary Parade on September 27, 2008.
Windsor 375 Parade Committee
June 30, 2008
Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
5. Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute an agreement with the Connecticut State Library for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant
Mr. Long made motion: "RESOLVED, That Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant." Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Keily Town Clerk, said they are required by law to have paper documentation now. What this does it make some of it available on line.
6. Review, discuss and possibly approve tax refunds as recommended and requested by the Tax Collector
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve tax refunds, as recommended by the Tax Collector, in the amount of $85,693.55 for the period covering July 9, 2008 - August 6, 2008. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
7. Update and discussion regarding Town Farm Dairy
Ms. Glassman said the Board received a letter from the Department of Agriculture about the Town Farm Dairy milk sales.
Mr. Sullivan said the State will allow pasteurized milk sales if requirements are met at this time. The State will re-license Town Farm Dairy after all requirements are met.
The Board thanked Mr. Sullivan, Bill Walsh and Town Farm Dairy for their work and concerns about these problems. The Board will work with everyone to make sure all problems are resolved.
8. LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Hensley, liaison of the Police Commission, said two new officers graduated number 1 and 2 in the class of 36. There are also two officers in the academy now. Ed Cosgrove is the new chairman of the Police Commission.
Mr. Long congratulated Chief Ingvertsen for stopping the "revolving door" of officers..
He has introduced community policies and it is now a great place to work. The Board will send a letter for a job well done.
Mr. Long said the EDC is still wrestling with the Charrette process. Ms. Long said he was also interested in the independent professional random survey of what citizens want. He was also looking for someone to give the Board independent tax information.
Ms. Glassman noted that the RFP's are due by August 18th. She also noted that the Board of Finance sent out surveys. There was only one inquire from UConn about the survey. Dates will be set to go through the RFP's.
9. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
Personnel
Mr. Long thanked Ms. Wertheimer and Mr. Hampton for all their hard work on the Personnel Sub-Committee projects.
Welfare
No report at this time.
Public Safety
No report at this time.
10. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a. Review, discuss and possibly accept the resignation of Margaret Abernethy from the Housing Authority.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept the resignation of Margaret Abernethy from the Housing Authority, with thanks. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b. Review, discuss and possibly accept the resignation of John Ritson from the Culture, Parks & Recreation Committee.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept the resignation of John Ritson from the Culture, Parks and Recreation Committee with thanks. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c. Review, discuss and possibly accept the resignation of Gloria Knierim from the Aging & Disability Commission.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept the resignation of Gloria Knierim from the Aging and Disability Commission with thanks. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d. Review, discuss and possibly appoint Kelly Kearney to fill a vacancy on the Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission with a term to expire on January 1, 2014.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to appoint Kelly Kearney to fill a vacancy on the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission with a term to expire on January 1, 2014. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e. Review, discuss and possibly appoint Edward J. Pabich to fill a vacancy from an alternate on the Zoning Commission with a term to expire on December 7, 2009.
Mr. Hensley made motion to appoint Edward J. Pabich to fill a vacancy for an alternate on the Zoning Commission with a term to expire on December 7, 2009. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f. Review, discuss and possibly appoint Carl D. Eisenmann to fill a vacancy for an alternate on the Planning Commission with a term to expire on December 7, 2009.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to appoint Carl D. Eisenmann to fill a vacancy for an alternate on the Planning Commission with a term to expire on December 7, 2009. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
g. Review, discuss and possibly appoint William J. Fiske to fill a full time vacancy on the Board of Assessment Appeals with a term to expire on December 7, 2009.
Mr. Hensley made motion to appoint William J. Fiske to fill a full time vacancy on the Board of Assessment Appeals with a term to expire on December 7, 2009. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
h. Review, discuss and possibly appoint Thomas A. Doran to fill a vacancy for an alternate on the Aging and Disability Commission with a term to expire on January 1, 2010.
Mr. Long made motion to reconsider any considerations made in the past 90 days concerning possible appointments for an alternate vacancy on the Aging and Disability Commission; to deny any requests or proposals made during that period for possible appointment to fill such vacancy and to appoint Thomas A. Doran to fill a vacancy for an alternate on the Aging and Disability Commission with a term to expire on January 1, 2010. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Glassman thanked Ms. Griebel for her comments in public audience. This Board has tried to open up this process. In this case, the process should be moved along with an appointment. While someone can't always get the position they want, there are other ways to serve the Town and they should still volunteer for other positions as volunteers are always needed.
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Review, discuss and possibly approve Regular Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2008
Mr. Long made motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2008 as presented. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
12. ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
C.G.S. 1-200 (9) Tax Appeals
a. Beizer v. Town of Simsbury
b. Farms Village Plaza v. Town of Simsbury
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 8 p.m. to discuss the following:
C.G.S. 1-200(9) Tax Appeals
a. Beizer v. Town of Simsbury
b. Farms Village Plaza v. Town of Simsbury
Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made motion to come out of Executive Session at 8:07 p.m. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hensley made motion to accept the recommendation to adjust the refund of the Beizer v Town of Simsbury and Farms Village Plaza v. Town of Simsbury tax appeals as recommended by David Gardner, Assessor. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman
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