These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes contact either the Town Clerk's office or the First Selectman's office.

Regular Meeting

May 8, 2000

CALL TO ORDER

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

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, questioned why Ms. Mielert is unresponsive to the questions asked in Public Audience. She questioned whether smoking is allowed in Town vehicles. Ms. Coe questioned why 3 Suffield children are being allowed to attend Simsbury schools without paying a fee. She questioned why a student charged with drug and alcohol related incidents is allowed to represent the boys lacrosse team and a student who stole beer is not allowed to represent the football team.

Ms. Coe submitted a picture of a Recreation Department employee cutting branches with no protective gear and no one nearby (Addendum 1). She questioned whether this action meets the OSHA requirements. Ms. Coe requested that the BOS review their policy regarding alcohol in Town buildings and on Town grounds. She stated that the BOE is in violation of the Town Charter by not signing the Conflict of Interest forms. She questioned what the First Selectman is doing to enforce the Charter.

Ms. Coe requested that no more funding be appropriated for community policing. She requested that the BOS not approve the requested increase in the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund since the fund is supposed to be self-sustaining. Ms. Coe requested a definition of "family" with regard to pool memberships. She suggested that building athletic fields at Pharos Farms would be less expensive than those proposed in other areas.

Dan Crowley discussed the situation when the U.S. was forced to surrender the colony of the Philippines. He stated that the town doesn't know the ramifications of losing control of local water. He stated that Moody's has reduced the purchasing company to a negative rating. Mr. Crowley discussed the oral hearing in New Britain and stated that the Town was represented only by the Town Attorney. He suggested that Ms. Mielert is responsible for losing local control of water. He requested that residents call the Governor and the Attorney General to overrule the decision of the DPUC.

Robert Sullivan, 10 Deerfield Lane, questioned whether the "War on Waters" was reviewed by the BOS. He stated that there are 3 billion people in the world without fresh water and states are fighting over water. He expressed his concern that French and British companies own water companies in the U.S.

STATE OF THE TOWN - FIRST SELECTMAN

Ms. Mielert stated that all of the land use commissions have denied the Meadowood application and the applicant has 15 days from May 5th to respond. Ms. Mielert stated that May 12th is Employee Recognition Day. She stated that 8 seasonal positions are available through the Town. Ms. Mielert noted that the budget referendum will be held on May 16th, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Henry James Middle School.

Ms. Mielert stated that applications for the Renters Rebate program are being accepted in the Social Services Department. She stated that the Police Department will hold an Open House on May 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She reported on the Bike Rodeo and the Tip-A-Cop event. Ms. Mielert stated that Simsbury police officers will take part in the Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

Ms. Mielert stated that the Public Building Committee will begin interviewing architects for the golf clubhouse project. She stated that registration for swimming and tennis lessons must be done in person. Ms. Mielert thanked DAR for donating a cherry tree to the Town.

Ms. Gilkey moved to amend the agenda to discuss the Simsbury Theater Guild event at Eno Memorial Hall. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

Darlene Davis and Foster Reeves were present representing the Simsbury Theater Guild. Ms. Davis thanked the BOS for taking the necessary steps to allow them to serve alcohol at their event last weekend.

FINANCE

a. ANNUAL TOWN BUDGET REMINDER

Budget Referendum - Tuesday, May 16, 2000 from 6AM to 8PM at Henry James Middle School

b. Request to Authorize Increase in 1999/2000 Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund, Revenue and Appropriation Budgets

Mr. Toner stated that he is requesting the use of higher than anticipated revenues to cover higher than anticipated costs. He stated that they have excess revenue from the ice rink because they do not need to begin the debt service payments until next fiscal year. He explained that the ice rink revenue is $60,000 greater than what was projected for the old rink. Mr. Toner stated that the increased expenses are due primarily to 2 programs: the Junior High ski program and the increased registrations in the recreation programs for which they pay a subcontractor fee. He stated that the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission and the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Advisory Committee both approved the requested amendment.

Mr. Romano moved to authorize an increase in the 1999/2000 Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund, Revenue and Appropriation Budgets. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent.

Mr. Vincent noted that the plan is to increase revenues through increased programs. He pointed out that no new funding is being requested and the items would be paid within the fund. Ms. Mielert read Mr. Mandell's letter in support of the request. Mr. Toner stated that they intend to meet the debt service payment next year and are on-track for eliminating the Town subsidy in a 3-5 year period.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

PUBLIC SAFETY

a. Discussion Regarding Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program Funding

Chief Ingvertsen reviewed his March 31st memo (Addendum 2). He explained that currently the grant funds go directly in the General Fund. He requested that a special fund be established to receive these funds so that they can be used for needed items not included in the Police Department's budget. Chief Ingvertsen explained that the amount of the state grant is based on the town's crime rate and this year the Town will receive $5,000.

Mr. Garrity moved to create a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Fund. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

b. Information Regarding U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Universal Hiring Program 2000

Chief Ingvertsen requested feedback on applying for this Universal Hiring Grant. He explained that the Town would apply for 2 positions under this grant and the Federal Government would pay $75,000 per officer up to 3 years. He noted that the Town must pay for these positions in the fourth year. Chief Ingvertsen stated that the application deadline is May 30th. He explained that the 2 officers would be involved in community policing and expanding the program further. He stated that 1 officer would be involved with school programs and summer programs for children and the other officer would be responsible for traffic problems such as addressing speeding issues in certain neighborhoods. He pointed out that they had to pay 4 officers comp time for their participation in the Bike Rodeo.

Ms. Gilkey questioned the projected cost for the Bike Rodeo and the change in the budget to a full time Dispatcher. Chief Ingvertsen stated that he doesn't know the cost for the Bike Rodeo. He stated that replacing the 2 part time Dispatchers with a full time Dispatcher will be done to reduce overtime when an officer has to cover for the Dispatcher. Chief Ingvertsen stated that for 4 years the 2 police officers would have to be dedicated to community policing and if in the fifth year they decide the program isn't working the positions can be removed without penalty from the Federal Government.

Mr. Romano questioned whether any retirements are expected within these 4 years. Chief Ingvertsen stated that it is possible that 2 officers may retire in the fourth year. He noted that the department would have 35 officers including these 2 officers. Ms. Mielert stated that the Police Commission had requested 3 additional officers in their budget. She stated that the Police Department is at their maximum with staffing shifts and the result can be large overtime costs. Chief Ingvertsen stated that if one of the community police officers needed to cover for another officer for a period of time they can suspend the receipt of funds from the government until that time in which the officer can return to community policing.

Ms. Gilkey questioned when they would hire these officers. Chief Ingvertsen stated that they could stagger their hire by 1 year. He noted that it takes 10 months before an officer is out on the road. He confirmed that the grant would cover education and training. Ms. Mielert suggested that the BOS be prepared to vote on this request at their next meeting.

Chief Ingvertsen stated that they are also filing for 3 grants which involve no cost to the Town. These grants would fund: the Youth Community Policing Program, the Farmington Valley Public Safety Career and Youth Leadership Day, a joint grant with neighboring communities to combat underage drinking and house parties, and the New England Community Police Partnership Awards Program.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a. Resignation of John A. Levy from Economic Development Commission Effective April 26, 2000

Mr. Garrity moved to accept the resignation of John A. Levy from the Economic Development Commission, effective April 26, 2000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

b. Appointment of Dawn H. Bobryk to Economic Development Commission for Term to Expire January 2002

Mr. Romano moved to appoint Dawn H. Bobryk to the Economic Development Commission, for a term to expire in January 2002. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Public Safety: No report.

b. Finance: No report.

c. Welfare: No report.

d. Personnel: No report.

e. Regional Affairs: No report.

LIAISON REPORTS

None.

CORRESPONDENCE

a. 2000 Hometown Hero Awards Presentation Reminder - May 22, 2000 at 6:30PM on Brickwalk in Front of Simsbury Town Offices (Main Meeting Room in event of inclement weather)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 10, 2000 Regular Meeting

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2000 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Garrity moved to enter Executive Session at 8:39 p.m., to discuss pending litigation and open space, to include the Town Attorney. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.