TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 14, 2010
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 Tom Herlihy, Moira Wertheimer, John Hampton, Lisa Heavner and Robert Hensley. Others in attendance included State Representative Linda Schofield, Chuck Howard, Sue Bullock, Dave Ryan, Greg Piecuch, Gerry Toner, and other interested parties.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. Glassman noted that today is Flag Day.
PRESENTATIONS
a) Legislative update by Representative Linda Schofield
Ms. Schofield said in all it was a good legislative session. She said there were no cuts in education funding or any other town funding. Therefore, the Simsbury budget is safe this year.
Ms. Schofield said there was a lot of attention paid to rolling back mandates of towns. She said minutes do not have to be on-line so quickly now. Also, towns don’t have to pay for storage for tenants who have been evicted.
Ms. Schofield said towns and Boards of Educations can now ban together to purchase health insurance cooperatively. They can also buy drug benefits together as well. This should save some money. Also, Boards of Education can ban together to purchase school transportation services. Ms. Schofield said there is no increase in health and workmen’s compensation insurance costs. Education reform was passed.
Ms. Schofield said the conveyance tax was not re-authorized. There will be a special session starting 6/21 and she thinks it will be passed then.
Ms. Schofield said the recycling bill passed and thanked Paine’s and All Waste for their help. Public places with trash cans will also require recycling cans now.
Ms. Glassman thanked Ms. Schofield for her report.
b) Proclamation - Honoring Jessica Soja and Scott Blumenthal, Connecticut High School Scholar Athletes
Mr. Hampton read the following proclamation: “ WHEREAS, Scott Blumenthal, as a graduating senior from Simsbury High School, has earned the privilege of being a Connecticut High School Scholar-Athlete by meeting the necessary criteria established by the CIAC; and
WHEREAS, Scott has been captain and a leading scorer for the men’s varsity soccer team while maintaining a full slate of Advanced Placement classes; and
WHEREAS, Scott has distinguished himself during his High School career by serving as a student representative to the Simsbury High School Leadership Team; and
WHEREAS, The Town of Simsbury is proud to give tribute to Scott for demonstrating the high level of integrity, self discipline and courage required of a Scholar-Athlete which serves as a role model to others.
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it Resolved that I, Mary A. Glassman, as First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury and on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, hereby officially honor Scott Blumenthal as a Scholar-Athlete and wish him well in his future endeavors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I HAVE PLACED MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY
Dated this 2nd day of May, 2010.
Ms. Heavner read the following proclamation: “ WHEREAS, Jessica Soja, as a graduating senior from Simsbury High School, has earned the privilege of being a Connecticut High School Scholar-Athlete by meeting the necessary criteria established by the CIAC; and
WHEREAS, Jessica has distinguished herself as the best female runner at Simsbury High School and has represented SHS in New England meets for both cross country and track at the national level while maintaining a GPA of no less than 3.5; and
WHEREAS, Jessica has served her community through work in her church and her involvement in scouting; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Simsbury is proud to give tribute to Jessica for demonstrating the high level of integrity, self-discipline and courage required of a Scholar-Athlete which serves as a role model to others.
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it Resolved that I, Mary A. Glassman, as First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury and on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, hereby officially honor Jessica Soja as a Scholar-Athlete and wish her well in her future endeavors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I HAVE PLACED MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY.
Dated this 2nd day of May 2010.
Ms. Glassman said Jessica will go on to Quinnipiac this fall for Physical Therapy and Scott is going to Tuff’s. They will go on a do wonderful things and the Town is honored by their accomplishments.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORTS
Ms. Glassman said the Town received a Highland Grant for $241,866. She thanked everyone for their hard work in obtaining this grant. This will help with phase II of the Ethel Walker open space property.
Ms. Glassman said it is being recommended that we enter into agreement on the Hopmeadow Street corridor study. She will look at the final consultant selection.
Ms. Glassman said the Town was honored by the CT Main Street Center on the Charrette. The Town received a proclamation by Governor Rell.
Ms. Glassman said the Town received the League of American Bicyclist Award as well.
Ms. Glassman said the Farmers Market is officially open and will be open every Thursday until October from 2-6 p.m. She urged everyone to support the vendors.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive asked who would take over for Ms. Glassman if she was elected Lieutenant Governor. She asked what the procedure would be. She feels this is now the time for a Town Manager.
Ms. Coe said according to a 12 page statement developed by the charities of the Attorney General’s office on Eno Farms the Town has fiduciary responsibilities at Eno Farms. This property is deteriorating. This complex has been mis-managed from the beginning; what is being done to clean it up?
Ms. Coe asked about a personal trainer coming to the Library. She spoke about books being discarded and wanted to know about the Library inventory.
Ms. Coe said there was a flood in the boiler room at Town Hall. She asked how it was cleaned up and if mold problems would be prevented from there.
Ms. Coe read a poem after talking about plantings. All of her comments can be read on wwww.Simsbury.com/forum.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street spoke about Veterans and a proposed bill “727". He congratulated Tom Herlihy on the bill that allows placing flags on Veterans graves 7 days before Memorial Day through 7 days after July 4th.
Mr. Kalechman spoke about a letter received April 14th from Updike, Kelly & Spellacy about private non-profit organizations raising funds.
Mr. Kalechman is very worried about the Town, State and Government budgets.
Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue Street spoke about the Zoning PAD. She doesn’t think there is enough detail in the PAD and feels it needs to be discussed further.
Mike Rinaldi, 32 Pinnacle Mountain Road spoke about taxes. He said the municipal bond market is crashing and feels we are all in trouble. He feels the Town needs to stop bonding. Mr. Rinaldi said only 9% of the people voted on the budget and this needs to stop. He feels the Town needs to do something to live within the budget.
Steve Mitchell, 432 Hopmeadow Street spoke about the East Coast Greenway and said the trails are amazing. He asked for the trails to be maintained as they are a real value to the Town and State.
Mr. Mitchell said next spring, from April 29th - May 1st the Town will host the East Coast Greenway’s Trail Council, which will be good for the Town.
Selectmen Actions
a) Approve Tax Refunds
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $2,425.58 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Review and accept donation from the Friends of the Simsbury Library in the amount of $95,409 which represents donations of furniture, equipment, signs and plantings
Mr. Hampton made motion to accept donation from the Friends of the Simsbury Library in the amount of $95,409 which represents donations of furniture, equipment, signs and plantings with gratitude and best wishes. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Review and discuss a request from the Simsbury Land Trust for a grant to purchase development rights on 73 acres at Tulmeadow Farm
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to table this item until the June 28th meeting so more information can be received and discussed. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Review and discuss request for appropriation and transfer for purchase of new Dial-a-Ride buses
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to set up a special revenue fund in the amount of $52,025, which includes transferring from reserves for a supplemental appropriation to included the federal grant of $40,000 and transfer from account 01010 to 07423 of $12,025 for the purchase of new Dial-a-Ride buses. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Review and discuss Performing Arts Center Governance Options
Mr. Hensley made motion to authorize the Town Attorney to pursue and provide detailed option documents for establishing a non-profit organization for the Performing Arts Center. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Review and discuss Resolution pertaining to closure of Town Landfill
Ms. Wertheimer made motion “RESOLVED, that Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town of Simsbury a Grant-in-Aid Grant Agreement with the State of Connecticut for reimbursement of costs, up to $350,000.00, for Closure of the Simsbury Landfill, Wolcott Road, Simsbury, Connecticut.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mary A. Glassman is hereby authorized to enter into such agreements, contracts and execute all documents necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of the Agreement, including, but not limited to executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by said Grant Agreement with the State of Connecticut.
Also, to set up fund to go into a special project account to help costs with general site maintenance, mandatory water testing, test well repairs, recycling activities, and a land re-use study.”
Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
g) Review and discuss request from the Director of Planning to establish a Special Revenue Fund for the purpose of collecting money for the creation of specific design standards to be used in conjunction with the Form Based Code for Simsbury Town Center
Mr. Herlihy asked if Zoning, Planning and SHARE have responded to this item. After discussion, this item was tabled as more information is needed.
h) Review and discuss Field Needs Study as submitted by the Director of Culture, Parks and Recreation
Mr. Toner gave the Board the updated field study report. He said the last study was done in 1995. After review Mr. Toner said that a cooperative effort must continue for current maintenance standards to be met. He said his staff and Culture, Parks and Recreation will address growing challenges the maintaining the current fields. No new fields are needed at this time.
i) Review and discuss the use of the Simsbury Performing Arts Center for a concert on July 18, 2010
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the use of Simsbury Performing Arts Center for a concert on July 18, 2010 contingent upon the execution of a license agreement in a form acceptable to the Town Attorney, the payment of $10,000 for license fee, and timely issuance of a public gathering permit. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Accept the resignation of Andrew Rose(R) as a full member of the Recycling Committee effective May 20, 2010
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept the resignation of Andrew Rose (R) as a full member of the Recycling Committee effective May 20, 2010 with gratitude and thanks. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Accept the resignation of Ann W. Thompson (R) as a full member of the Aging and Disability Commission effective May 4, 2010
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept the resignation of Ann W. Thompson (R) as a full member of the Aging and Disability Commission effective May 4, 2010 with gratitude and thanks. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Accept the resignation of Robert Hensley (R) as a full member of the Public Safety Sub-Committee effective May 13, 2010
Mr. Herlihy made motion to accept the resignation of Robert Hensley (R) as a full member of the Public Safety Sub-Committee effective May 13, 2010 with gratitude and thanks. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Recommend the appointment of Joyce Banks (R) to serve as a full member of the Recycling Committee replacing the vacancy of Andrew Rose with a term to expire on December 5, 2011
Mr. Hampton made motion to appointment Joyce Banks (R) to serve as a full member of the Recycling Committee replacing the vacancy of Andrew Rose with a term to expire on December 5, 2011. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Recommend the re-appointment of Kathleen Coffey (U) as a full member of the Housing Authority with a term to expire on April 1, 2015
Mr. Herlihy made motion to re-appoint Kathleen Coffey (U) as a full member of the Housing Authority with a term to expire on April 1, 2015. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
None at this time.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) May 10, 2010 - Regular Meeting
Mr. Hampton made motion to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 10, 2010. Ms. Heavner made two changes on Page 7. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor with changes and the motion passed.
b) May 18, 2010 - Special Meeting
Ms. Heavner made motion to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting of May 18, 2010. Ms.
Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) May 26, 2010 - Special Meeting
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting of May 26, 2010. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to amend the agenda for 5 minutes of Public Audience. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion.
SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personnel - no report at this time.
2. Finance - no report at this time.
3. Welfare - no report at this time.
4. Public Safety -
Mr. Hampton said the Veteran’s Resource Center will be open monthly. It will be run by the American Legion and VFW. It will be open in the Town Office Building the 2nd Monday of each month from 5-7 p.m.
Mr. Hampton said there will be a ribbon cutting at the Gersten property on June 17th at 10 a.m. for the acquisition of the property.
Mr. Hampton said the “Relay for Life” event was a great event with a great turnout. He thanked everyone for their efforts.
5. Board of Education
Ms. Heavner said graduation will be held at the Performing Arts Center on June 21st at 6 p.m.
The school calendar has been issued for 2010-11. The first day of school will be August 25, 2010 and the last day will be June 7, 2011.
Mr. Hensley noted that the first Gateway sign is finally going up after a long process. It’s on the southern gateway.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to amend the agenda for another 5 minutes of Public
Audience. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Kalechman commended Mr. Hampton for opening the Veteran’s Center. He said there are a lot of important questions that need correct answers and wondered how that will be handled. Mr. Hampton said that center will offer referrals and support, not legal advice. He doesn’t believe that experts from the State or Federal government will be here.
Ms. Coe said there was a plan on the Mike Gerard property for housing. Will people be living next to the Performing Arts Center? Ms. Glassman said there are no proposals for the Mike Gerard property at this time. The Performing Arts Center was there first and this needs to be addressed first.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Hampton made motion to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman
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