TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 10, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Moira Wertheimer, John Hampton, Michael Long and Richard Hogan. Others in attendance included: Brandon Robertson, Richard Sawitzke, Joel Mandell, Anita Mielert, John Loomis, Emil Dahlquist and other interested parties.
PUBLIC HEARING
Receive public comment concerning a proposed interlocal agreement entitled “Equipment Sharing Agreement: Farmington Valley Trail Maintenance in accordance with C.G.S. Section 7-148cc.
Ms. Glassman made motion at 7:05 p.m.: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby opens a public hearing to receive public comment concerning a proposed interlocal agreement entitled “Equipment Sharing Agreement: Farmington Valley Trail Maintenance” in accordance with C.G. S. Section 7-148cc.” Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Steve Noble, 15 Fairchild Road, a member of the Farmington Valley Trails Council said he wholeheartedly supports the concept of the interlocal agreement. He feels this is a way to go to help take care of the multi-town asset. He feels this is a modest step to start and feels this could help establish a template for the future of maintenance for the trail.
Mr. Noble said he is not sure of what equipment is being purchased, but does feel that something needs to be done about some tree roots that are now moving the blacktop. These roots need to be cut and the blacktop needs to be repaired.
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive said if the tree roots are killed there is a chance that the trees could then fall on someone after they die.
With no further comments, Ms. Wertheimer made motion: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby closes the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.” Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Ms. Glassman noted that there will be a Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. at Eno Hall to honor all Veterans.
Mr. Hampton welcomed Eileen Fielding the new Director of the Farmington River Watershed Association. He said the Board will work with her to improve quality at the Watershed.
Mr. Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street gave tribute to Veteran’s by reciting a poem by Lt. Col. McCray entitled “In Flanders Field.”
Mr. Kalechman spoke about the Performing Arts Center again. He feels their financial report was incorrect. He also feels there is a conflict of interest on that Committee.
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive said she still feels that the Town should have a Town Manager form of government. She would like the Board to form a Charter Revision Commission to do this.
Ms. Coe spoke about tax appeals and the housing values.
Ms. Coe spoke once again about Captain Sevitz of the Police Department and bullying at the High School.
Ms. Coe would like a moratorium on capital expenditures during this rough financial time.
All of Ms. Coe’s comments can be read on Simsbury.com/forum.
Kristen Griebel of Simsbury Citizen’s First asked the Board for an update on the Charrette along with a time-line on this issue. Ms. Glassman said the Committee is meeting with three consultants to share their proposals and will get back to the Board as soon as possible.
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood wanted to remind everyone that Thursday, November 13, 2008 will be the latest in the Gifford Green conversation programs at Ethel Walker School at 7:00 p.m. The topic will be the wild and scenic feasibility study.
Joel Mandell spoke for American Legion Post 84 and Simsbury Post of Foreign Wars and said that the Veteran’s service will be at Eno Memorial Hall at 10:45 a.m. with Captain Steve Garbin as the speaker. There will be a moment of silence at 11:11.
Mr. Mandell also said there will be a Greater Hartford Prayer Breakfast on November 20, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. at the Artist Collaborative in Hartford. This breakfast is multi-cultural and multi-religious. Everyone is invited to this meaningful and wonderful event.
ACTION ITEMS
a) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute an agreement entitled “Equipment Sharing Agreement: Farmington Valley Trail Maintenance”
Mr. Long made motion: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby authorizes the First Selectman to execute an agreement entitled “Equipment Sharing Agreement: Farmington Valley Trail Maintenance” as presented. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Introduction of Director of Public Works
Ms. Glassman introduced Tom Roy, the new Public Works Director. She said this position has been vacant for four years now and after receiving 28 applications, Mr. Roy was chosen for the position.
Mr. Roy said everyone he met with was very professional during this process. He has heard a lot of good things about Simsbury. He is looking at green initiatives with the Town, along with monitoring fuel issues.
c) Review, discuss and possibly approve minutes from the Regular Meeting held on October 27, 2008.
Mr. Hampton made motion: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby adopts the minutes of the Regular Board of Selectmen Meeting held on October 27, 2008. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. Ms. Wertheimer made a change to 18. a. - Mr. Frank is the Chair of the EDC. All were in favor with the correction and the motion passed.
c) Review, discuss and possibly take action concerning tax corrections as recommended and requested by the Tax Collector.
Mr. Hogan made motion: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby approves the tax corrections as recommended and requested by the Tax Collector in the total amount of $2,658.31. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Review, discuss and possibly appoint Richard Order as a full time member of the Board of Ethics with a term to expire on January 1, 2009.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby appoints Richard Order as a full time member of the Board of Ethics with a term to expire on January 1, 2009”. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Review, discuss and possibly appoint Kay Coffey as a full time member of the Housing Authority with a term to expire on April 1, 2010.
Mr. Hampton made motion: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby appoints Kay Coffey as a full time member of the Housing Authority with a term to expire on April 1, 2010. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
MISCELLANEOUS
a) Presentation by Recycling Committee concerning Recycling Award recipients.
Ms. Glassman introduced Mary Turner, Chairman of the Recycling Committee. Ms. Turner said the Committee has been very busy by amending their mission statement and the advising the Board on the 20/2010 initiative as well as other recycling programs.
Ms. Turner thanked the volunteers for their time at the Swap Center, which ran from April to October 14, 2008. She noted that 413 residents came through the Center.
Ms. Turner said November 15th is the official date of America Recycles Day, which started over ten years ago.
Lonnie Schultz presented an award to Jan Manchester who has always looked for ways to recycle. She said Ms. Manchester was the biggest supporter of the Nike Reuse a Shoe Program.
Ms. Manchester read about the South Side Little League looking for used equipment and single-handedly brought them four bags of equipment.
Ms. Schultz presented Ms. Manchester with the award, which was in a recycled frame.
Dane Woodbury said the Committee also wanted to recognize an organization for their recycling commitment. The Farmington River Watershed Association came up with a program for pharmaceutical items. Ms. Fielding accepted the award for her organization.
Ms. Fielding said November 15th is Recycling Day and there is a Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Trinity College which is hosted by REI in West Hartford as a fund raiser. Everyone is welcomed.
b) Presentation of results of a Preservation Survey Report of Eno Memorial Hall.
Anita Mielert from Simsbury Main Street Partnership said they are working on historic preservation at Eno Hall. She feels Eno Hall is the best historic building in Town. They have received $15,000-$20,000 so far in donations. They are trying to raise money for enhancements to include five marble benches. They are going to try to hold a rededication of Eno Hall next Memorial Day.
Emil Dahlquist, Design Review Board chairman, thanked the Board for their support on this project. The project will consist of three phases including exterior/interior work; mechanical/lighting/air conditioning work; and fire safety issues. The Commission wants to make improvements to honor the building.
After some discussion about fire code issues, the Board thanked everyone for their great help on this project.
c) Report by Clean Energy Committee concerning status of activities.
Mr. Hampton introduced Patrick Boeshans the Chairman of the Clean Energy Task Force. Mr. Boeshans said the Task Force has had two meetings and they consist of very creative and energetic people.
Mr. Boeshans spoke about the 20/2010 commitment by consumers and Towns . More information on this can be seen on ConnecticutCleanEnergy.com.
Mr. Boeshans spoke about grants available to towns. He said the Board needs to review a draft resolution. Mr. Hampton said this issue will be put on the next Board agenda.
LIAISON REPORTS
There were no reports at this time.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no reports at this time.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss the following:
a) Collective bargaining
b) Pending tax appeals
- Wolcott Woods, LLC v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-4017632-S
- Hoskins Crossing, LLC v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-401634-S
- CRG, LLC v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-5037728-S
- Holloway’s Inc. V. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-4037739-S
Mr. Hampton made motion: “Resolved, the Board of Selectmen hereby adjourns at 8:40 p.m. to Executive Session to discuss the following: collective bargaining and pending tax appeals.” Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed. Brandon Robertson, Director of Administrative Services, was also present in the Executive Session.
ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION-POSSIBLE ACTION
Executive Session was adjourned at 9:25 a.m. on a motion made by Mr. Hensley, seconded by Ms. Wertheimer, and unanimously adopted. The Board of Selectmen took the following action.
Mr. Hampton made a motion to settle the tax appeal referred to as Wolcott Woods, LLC, v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-4017632-S at a revised value of $4,656,500 as recommended by the presiding Judge. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was adopted.
Mr. Hogan made a motion to settle the tax appeal referred to as Hoskins Crossing, LLC v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-401634-S, at a revised value of $4,800,000 as recommended by the presiding Judge. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was adopted.
Mr. Hogan made a motion to settle the tax appeal referred to as CRG Holloway, LLC v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-5037728-S at a revised value of $210,820, as recommended by the presiding Judge. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was adopted.
Mr. Long made a motion to settle the tax appeal referred to as Holloway’s Inc. v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-4037739-S at a value of $320,060 as recommended by the presiding Judge. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was adopted.
Mr. Hogan made a motion to settle the tax appeal referred to as Holloway’s Inc. v. Simsbury, HHB-CV-08-4037739-S at a revised value of $554,120 as recommended by the presiding Judge. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion was adopted.
Mr. Hampton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman,
First Selectman
| 
