These minutes are a DRAFT version only. They are not yet approved by the Board of Selectmen.

Town of Simsbury

Regular Meeting

July 10, 2000

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell, William Garrity, John Romano, Madeleine Gilkey and Thomas Vincent. Also present were: Paul Fetherston, Assistant to the First Selectman, Chief Ingvertsen and other interested parties.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Ms. Mielert stated that she will provide written responses to questions raised during public audience.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, expressed her discomfort with the podium. She stated that Simsbury.com is up and running. Ms. Coe questioned why the Candella family has not paid for their children's education. She questioned whether the Police Department is reviewing this matter. Ms. Coe discussed the problems with the potential locations for the proposed new high school and concluded that the only option is to expand the existing facility.

Ms. Coe addressed the Town's purchase of the 3 parcels along Iron Horse Boulevard and questioned whether the assumptions of the appraiser were reviewed. She also questioned whether the seller tested the properties for contamination. Ms. Coe questioned whether the investigation of Jessica Ruse's claim against Bob Young has been completed by the Police Department and the resulting findings. Ms. Coe noted that there is a State mandate regarding no alcohol in State parks and she urged the BOS to consider a similar policy. She stated that the black and white truck driven by Wally McDonald does not have a logo on it and the logos on Town vehicles are not consistent. Ms. Coe stated that Robert Case won his case against the Town and she questioned the final decision, the Town's position on the matter, and the cost to the Town for this case.

Joan Byron, 12 Mather's Crossing, stated that she submitted her comments and questions regarding the Greenway and she did not receive a response.

STATE OF THE TOWN - FIRST SELECTMAN

Ms. Mielert provided an update on the Meadowood application and the corresponding meeting schedule. She noted the Renter's Rebate Program through the Social Services Department. Ms. Mielert stated that Simsbury Family Day will be held on July 22nd at Simsbury Farms. She stated that the community appreciates the Police bike patrols and the Town has applied for a $3,000 grant to complement the bike patrols on the Greenway. Ms. Mielert noted that Fitzgeralds will host guest baggers on July 15th to raise money for the proposed skateboard park. She discussed the results of the Relay for Life event. She stated that Chief Ingvertsen is the Vice President of the Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association.

Ms. Mielert stated that the last concert in the Talcott Mountain Music Festival series will be held this weekend. She reviewed the schedule for the summer night events at the Simsbury Farms rink on Thursday evenings. Ms. Mielert stated that Public Works will be working on sealing roadways. She discussed the library summer reading programs and stated that an event regarding the Harry Potter books will be held at Boy Scout Hall. She noted that the Tariffville school library has begun their summer hours.

FINANCE

a. Fiscal Year 1999-2000 Budget Transfers

Ms. Mielert addressed Mr. Kane's July 7th memo regarding General Fund budget transfers (Addendum 1). She reviewed the status of the maintenance of Eno Hall. Mr. Romano moved to accept the 1999/2000 budget transfers from the General Fund. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

Ms. Mielert noted that the majority of the Special Revenue Fund budget transfers are within the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund (Addendum 2).

Mr. Mandell moved to adopt the recommendations of the Finance Director for the Special Revenue Fund 1999/2000 budget transfers. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

PUBLIC SAFETY

a. Authorize First Selectman to Execute and Submit on Behalf of the Town of Simsbury and Simsbury Police Department a U.S. Department of Justice COPS MORE 2000 Grant Application

Ms. Mielert noted that applying for the grant does not commit the Town to accepting the grant.

Mr. Mandell moved to authorize the First Selectman to execute and submit on behalf of the Town of Simsbury and the Simsbury Police Department a U.S. Department of Justice COPS MORE 2000 grant application, as requested. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity.

Chief Ingvertsen explained that this grant will allow officers to be on the road while civilians work at the dispatcher's desk. In response to Ms. Gilkey, Chief Ingvertsen stated that this position would be in addition to what has been budgeted and the grant is for 1 year. He noted that the Town can request an extension beyond 1 year. Chief Ingvertsen stated that this position would effect the 2001/2002 budget. He pointed out that it costs $38,000 to fill the desk slots with an officer and last year they spent $58,000 in overtime to fill these slots.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

PUBLIC WORKS

a. Request by Simsbury Woman's Club for Permission to Use Town Owned Property on Iron Horse Boulevard on September 16 and 17 for 31st Arts and Crafts Festival

Mr. Mandell moved to grant the request of the Simsbury Woman's Club to use Town owned property on Iron Horse Boulevard on September 16 and 17 for the 31st Arts and Crafts Festival. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

b. Selection of Route for Project No. 128-128 - Farmington Valley Greenway Segment S1-5, Drake Hill Road to Canal Street

Mr. Garrity moved that the Board of Selectmen endorses the Ensign Bickford railroad right-of-way route of the Farmington Canal Greenway as the preferred route of Segment SI-5 of Project No. 128-128. The Board of Selectmen further recommends that all mitigating activities be explored to ease the impact on all abutters to the extent possible. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell.

Mr. Mandell stated that he did not receive Ms. Byron's letter. Other members of the BOS had not seen the letter. Ms. Byron submitted her letter to Ms. Mielert.

Ms. Mielert noted that the BOS does not need to vote on this matter again, but the DOT wants to make sure that Town officials still support this route since their vote was taken in 1998. She pointed out that the DOT will be in charge of the project, will make any necessary changes, and hold public information sessions.

Len Kendall, 18 Hazelmeadow Place, stated that he submitted a letter to Mr. Sawitzke and did not receive a response.

Ms. Mielert read the letter submitted by J. Raymond and Joan Byron.

Mr. Romano stated that he feels strongly about safety and he requested that the questions raised by answered. Mr. Mandell stated that he is prepared to vote and to instruct staff to work with the residents regarding privacy. He expressed his confidence that the DOT and staff will proceed in the best interests of all. Ms. Gilkey stated that she empathizes with the concerns of the Hazelmeadow residents, but noted that there are other safety concerns to be considered. She pointed out that the Town is willing to accommodate the safety and privacy issues of the Hazelmeadow homeowners.

Mr. Romano stated that he appreciates the comments of the Hazelmeadow homeowners and other town residents, but does not appreciate comments from residents of other towns. Ms. Mielert noted that this is a regional facility which is paid for 80% by the federal government and facilitated by CRCOG. She addressed the transportation aspect of the facility and the safety factor. She stated that many issues and questions will be resolved during the design phase.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a. Appointment of Mark McPherson to Human Relations Commission (LaMontagne Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2001

Mr. Mandell moved to appoint Mark McPherson to the Human Relations Commission (LaMontagne vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2001. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously

b. Appointment of James R. Byrne to Human Relations Commission (Briggs Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2001

Mr. Romano moved to appoint James R. Byrne to the Human Relations Commission (Briggs vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

c. Appointment of Mary Ann Alimi to Aging and Disability Commission (Alternate - LaMontagne Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2001

Ms. Gilkey moved to appoint Mary Ann Alimi to the Aging and Disability Commission (Alternate - LaMontagne vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Public Safety: No report.

b. Finance: No report.

c. Welfare: No report.

d. Personnel
Mr. Mandell stated that the Personnel Subcommittee will discuss the Personnel Rules and Regulations at their next meeting. Ms. Mielert stated that the Town Attorney has reviewed the document for Charter compliance and the Department Heads will have one more opportunity to comment.

LIAISON REPORTS

Ms. Gilkey reported that MSNBC did a segment in which they interviewed farmers in Simsbury regarding the state of the their farms. She suggested that SCTV look into obtaining the tape and broadcasting it.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. June 12, 2000 Regular Meeting

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the minutes of the June 12, 2000 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

b. June 19, 2000 Special Meeting

Mr. Mandell moved to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2000 Special Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously, with Mr. Garrity and Mr. Vincent abstaining.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Pending Litigation

Mr. Mandell moved to enter Executive Session at 8:36 p.m., to include Carol Shubinski, attorney from Robinson & Cole. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.

Mr. Garrity moved to reconvene in Regular Session at 9:06 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

Mr. Garrity moved to enter Executive Session at 9:07 p.m., to include James Sconzo, attorney from Halloran & Sage. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

Mr. Garrity moved to reconvene in Regular Session at 9:13 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

Mr. Garrity moved to authorize a settlement in the matter of Campbell v. Town of Simsbury, et al. as recommended by Attorney Sconzo. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

Ms. Gilkey moved to enter Executive Session at 9:17 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

Mr. Romano moved to reconvene in Regular Session at 9:22 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.

Mr. Mandell moved to adopt a settlement in the Candella matter as set forth in letters of June 14 and June 27 by Richard Case and Robert DeCrescenzo for payment of $21,000, payable with a $11,000 immediate payment and a promissory note in the amount of $10,000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Garrity moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.