These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes please contact the Town Clerk's Office.

MARCH 15, 2000

PUBLIC HEARING

1. CALL TO ORDER

Paul Henault, Chairman, called the Public Hearing of the Board of Finance to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Simsbury High School Amphitheater, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: James Belfiore, Peter Askham and Michael Wade. Also present were Anita Mielert, First Selectman, Kevin Kane, Finance Director, Joseph Townsley, Superintendent of Schools, David Holden, Business Manager, Mary Margaret Girgenti, BOE Chairman, and other interested parties.

2. PUBLIC HEARING - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Chairman Henault reviewed the role of the BOF, the proposed capital projects (Addendum 1) and the current debt policy. Ms. Girgenti and Ms. Mielert reviewed the projects proposed by the BOE and the BOS. Ms. Mielert pointed out that $400,000 of the Simsbury Farms Golf Clubhouse project is attributed to renovating the septic system at Simsbury Farms, and 50% of the remaining $900,000 will be funded by revenues from the golf course. Chairman Henault noted that the proposed capital project are the proposed projects for the next 2 years. He noted that they have already reduced the amount of the capital projects from $8 million to $6 million. Chairman Henault stated that aside from these projects will be the high school project and the sewer treatment plan expansion and upgrade. He stated that there may be additional school projects if enrollment continues to increase. He noted that in their current form the proposed operating budgets and capital projects would equate to a tax increase of 7%-8%.

John Carroll, 31 Terry's Plain Road, expressed his concern with the purchase of development rights when the Town is not addressing the wood chip and log situation at the Dewey Flower Farm. He stated that if the Town spends $1 million of tax revenue to own property they need to take care of what they own.

Randy Packer, Hopmeadow Street, questioned the status of the bridge repair on Rt. 185. He stated that he supports the golf course clubhouse project.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, suggested that these projects should be brought to referendum and not be voted on by the 50 residents who attend the Town Meeting. She stated that she objects to the renovation of Town offices and the expansion of the library. Ms. Coe suggested that increased use of the intemet creates less of a need at the library. She stated that they would not need to upgrade the septic system at Simsbury Farms if it were not for the clubhouse renovation and she suggested that other things are more important than this project. Ms. Coe recommended that the Town not build athletic fields until they know the status of the high school project. She questioned why the boiler at Central School was not replaced when the addition was done. She suggested that the schools use the existing computer equipment. Ms. Coe stated that the needs at Henry James will be different depending on what happens with the high school and they should wait to do any expansion of Henry James.

Ron Urban stated that he supports the clubhouse project. He stated that the current building is not big enough and is an eyesore compared to other buildings in town.

Eileen Zaldonis stated that she supports the library expansion. She noted the varied population which is served by the library and the needs of the children which are met through the library. She pointed out that they have a Business Resource Center and stated that the library enhances the community.

Gail Ryan, Westledge Road, Chairman of the Library Board, stated that the demand for books has increased and the length of time visitors spend at the library has doubled. She requested that the BOF keep the library on track for expansion.

Cynthia Chamberlain, Co-President Simsbury Farms Women's Golf League, stated that the town is not well represented with the existing clubhouse. She noted that children use the golf course and requested that the clubhouse renovation be supported.

George Boisvert, volunteer coordinator for Friends of the Simsbury Library, stated that shelving space is inadequate and the space between the aisles makes it difficult to locate materials and books. He requested that the Town proceed with the expansion program to continue to serve the library.

Jewel Gutman, 8 Daniel Lane, stated that the library is the cultural center of town. She noted the programs which are held at the library and stated that people still read books and the library provides contact with other people. She stated that she supports the library expansion project.

Adam Laden, Wall Drive, stated that the Simsbury Farms golf course has become 1 of the top 10 golf courses in the state, yet they have the worst clubhouse in the state. He voiced his support for the clubhouse renovation.

Joel Mandell, 7 Harriet Lane, stated that the library project is part of the planning process. He noted the fish and tackle program and the need to store equipment. He stated that the library is a resource for children and it is money well spent for good planning. Mr. Mandell addressed the clubhouse project and stated that the Simsbury Farrns Special Revenue Fund has put funds back into the facility. He questioned whether anyone objects to the golf course surcharge to help fund this project -- the response from the public was no. He stated that the clubhouse badly needs to be renovated and they should continue the program to take care of this jewel.

Carol Shurn, Stebbins Brook Lane, stated that she supports the clubhouse renovation and it is the golf course's turn since the ice rink and playground were completed.

Burt Kaplan, 3 Lionel Drive, Library Board member, stated that the library is a recreation park for socializing.

David Brownell, 22 Tootin' Hills Road, President Simsbury Farrns Golf Club, stated that all members of the golf club are in favor of the renovation of the clubhouse.

Al Scolar, Westledge Road, stated that the library is a community center and an education tool. He noted that the service of the library today is very different to that of 15 years ago and it is time to address the space issue.

Jane Foster, 4 Meadow Court, stated that she supports the clubhouse renovation and the planning for a library expansion.

Steve Kushan, Sunset Hill Road, stated that he supports the renovation of the clubhouse. He stated that he is proud to live in Simsbury and wants people to have a favorable impression of the town. He noted that Simsbury Farms hosts many tournaments and they need to take the same pride in the facility as they do in the golf course.

Ed Dudley, 24 South Bridge Court, stated that many youth spend time at the golf course and there is socialization in the club house area. He stated that the golf course provides a wholesome atmosphere and tutelage for the youth. He stated that he supports the improvements which are much needed.

Bev Payne, 184 Westledge Road, stated that Simsbury's library borrowing rate is twice the average and they have the highest number of visitors in the state. She pointed out that as the town's population increases, the demand at the library will increase. She stated her support of the library expansion project.

Carol Bingham, Browngate Lane, Vice Chairman of the Library Board, stated that they are approaching the time when they will be in a crisis situation at the library. She noted that the library caters to the needs of everyone and equalizes the disparities in town. She pointed out that there is a high demand for the internet terminals at the library.

Ann Erickson, 85 West Mountain Road, Library Board Secretary, stated that the library is used by all and it was built too small to accommodate the population growth. She pointed out that tools and machines take space that wasn't anticipated 20 years ago. She stated that they have many requests from patrons to order books. Ms. Erickson noted that the library is a popular community resource, training center, meeting place and program place. She stated that the staff needs space to work and they need to plan for the library's future.

Ed Kowalski, 415 Firetown Road, stated that when the clubhouse was built 28 years ago it was supposed to be temporary. He stated that the maintenance department is running out of band aids to maintain the building. He noted that when residents have guests play golf they go elsewhere to eat.

Paul Gaylick, 13 Castlewood Road, stated that the golf course condition has improved and they need to take care of this jewel for the community.

Chairman Henault reviewed the capital projects approval timetable.

The Public Hearing was closed at 9:26 p.m.