These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office.
Board of Selectmen
Town of Simsbury
Regular Meeting
January 22, 2001
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, and other interested parties.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Kathy Lazarus, President of the Adult Board of the Farmington Valley Student Union, noted some of the activities at the Teen Center. She stated that the Teen Center is a non-profit organization and they will be sponsoring 3 fund-raisers in February: (1) the sale of chocolate roses at local grocery stores, (2) workshops for younger students during the February vacation week, and (3) an adult wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at the Chart House on February 9th.
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, commended the BOS for rejecting the new high school proposal. She stated that the new high school proposal was fiscally irresponsible and she suggested that members of the BOE should resign. Ms. Coe commended Chief Ingvertsen for establishing programs to combat underage drinking and she urged the BOS to support alcohol free activities by voting no for all requests to serve alcohol in Town facilities.
Ms. Coe noted that Ms. Mielert stated that the Attorney General is trying to find a remedy for Eno Farms. She questioned the fiscal impact on the Town when the Attorney General reaches a decision. Ms. Coe expressed her concern that Ethel Walker, Westminster and Master School do not pay taxes on the assets of the school. She noted that when the school purchases private homes it takes them off of the tax role. She questioned whether payment of taxes by private schools is at the discretion of the First Selectman, and what the tax amount would be if taxes were collected from these schools.
Ms. Coe addressed the new brick sidewalk in town and expressed concern that the Town could be faced with lawsuits due to heaved and broken bricks. She stated that this project has cost taxpayers $240,670. Ms. Coe noted that Ms. Mielert stated that written approval is necessary to submit pictures of individuals at Town Hall. She questioned whether approval has been received by individuals who are filmed by the surveillance camera at Town Hall, noting that there is no notification of the camera posted (Addendum 1). Ms. Coe stated that the athletic fields built along Iron Horse Boulevard are inconsistent with floodplain management and she questioned who is in charge of the oversight of the floodplain.
Mr. Mandell moved to amend the agenda and add an item to 3a referring the purchase of modular classrooms to the Public Building Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
FINANCE
a. Correct Resolution Authorizing Supplemental Appropriation Pursuant to 908(a) in the Amount of $320,000 for Purchase of Four Modular Classrooms for Use at Simsbury High School
Ms. Mielert stated that this appropriation should be taken from Section 908(a) of the Charter, not 908(c) which was originally approved.
Mr. Mandell moved to correct the previous Resolution and authorize the supplemental appropriation pursuant to 908(a) in the amount of $320,000 for the purchase of four modular classrooms for use at Simsbury High School. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
Mr. Garrity moved to refer the four modular classroom project to the Public Building Committee for management thereof and the selection of an architect. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey.
Mr. Romano questioned why an architect is needed for this project and not an engineer. Ms. Mielert stated that Dr. Townsley has requested an architect for the project. Mr. Garrity noted that the amount approved included architectural fees. He pointed out that if the Public Building Committee feels an architect is not necessary they will not hire one.
Mr. Garrity amended his motion to refer the four modular classroom project to the Public Building Committee for management thereof and the selection of an architect, if deemed necessary. Ms. Gilkey amended her second. The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.
b. Request for Supplemental Appropriation Pursuant to 908(a) in the Amount of $8,750 for the Purchase of Intoxilyzer Breath Test Instrument (100% Reimbursement through DOT Grant)
c. Authorization to Establish “Underage Drinking Program Grant” Special Revenue Fund
Ms. Mielert stated that Chief Ingvertsen requested that these items be addressed after the Police Commission meeting this evening.
d. Acceptance of Non-Monetary Gift (digital piano) from Senior Choir “Intonations”
Mr. Mandell moved to accept the non-monetary gift of a digital piano from the Senior Choir “Intonations”. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
Ms. Mielert noted that this gift was received through a grant and the piano will be kept at Eno Hall.
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION
a. Authorize First Selectman to File for Financial Assistance From Connecticut Historic Commission in an Amount Not to Exceed $12,000 for Archaeological Site Sensitivity Analysis
Ms. Mielert stated that this has been a long term wish list item for the Historic District Commission. She stated that the Town was notified that the grant is available and would cover 60% of the cost. She stated that the Town would need to provide $2,000 and $2,800 of staff time would be an in-kind match to the grant. Ms. Mielert explained that this survey would provide a catalog and record of those construction sites which require an archaeological survey. She noted the importance of having the survey prior to the next revision of the Plan of Development. She stated that funding will be included in the 2001/2002 budget.
Mr. Garrity RESOLVED that the First Selectman is authorized and directed to file an application on forms prescribed by the Connecticut Historical Commission for financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-321, General Statutes of Connecticut, in an amount not to exceed $12,000, and upon approval said request to enter into and execute a funding agreement with the state for such financial assistance to this municipality for Archaeological Site Sensitivity Analysis. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.
PUBLIC SAFETY
a. Request by National Multiple Sclerosis Society to Utilize Town Owned Property (Library Parking Lot) on April 21-22, 2001
Mr. Garrity moved to approve the request by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to utilize Town owned property (library parking lot) on April 21-22, 2001. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a. Reappointment of Julie A. Pomainville to Aging and Disability Commission for Term to Expire January 2005
Mr. Mandell moved to reappoint Julie A. Pomainville to the Aging and Disability Commission for a term to expire in January 2005. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
b. Reappointment of Noris E. Christensen to Aging and Disability Commission (Alternate) for Term to Expire January 2003
Mr. Romano moved to reappoint Noris. E. Christensen to the Aging and Disability Commission (Alternate) for a term to expire in January 2003. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.
c. Reappointment of Nancy Hendryx to Board of Ethics for Term to Expire January 2005
Ms. Mielert stated that she received notification that another individual is interested in this position, but Ms. Hendryx has been serving on the Board of Ethics. Mr. Mandell stated that Kathleen Martin Loomis sent a letter stating that she is interested in serving on the Board of Ethics. He suggested that the BOS request a resume or statement of why these individuals want to serve and then the BOS can decide which individual will serve. Ms. Mielert pointed out that the BOS has never taken someone who held a position on a board and not allowed them to serve again. She expressed her concern that this policy may deter people from coming forward to serve if they feel they have to pass an ad hoc review and a competitive vote. Mr. Mandell noted that the BOS requested that interested individuals
come forward and someone did. He stated that he hopes more people will come forward. He suggested that the BOS look at the credentials of each unaffiliated candidate and vote, just as the Town Committees do with their nominations. Ms. Mielert noted that the Town Committees vote in private. Mr. Mandell stated that he is amenable to options, but wants to give both applicants an opportunity to serve. Ms. Gilkey suggested that in the future the BOS announce ahead of time when an unaffiliated position becomes available and then the BOS can act as a nominating committee. Ms. Mielert suggested that a formalized plan be followed, in the future, for the nomination of unaffiliated voters. She recommended that this reappoint be addressed when a formal plan is in place.
d. Appointment of Pamela Albertsen to Health and Welfare Commission (Fierri Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2003
Mr. Mandell moved to appoint Pamela Albertsen to the Health and Welfare Commission (Fierri vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2003. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
e. Appointment of Sandy Ziplow to Historic District Commission (Taub Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2002
Mr. Vincent moved to appoint Sandy Ziplow to the Historic District Commission (Taub vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2002. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
f. Appointment of Stephan Barnicle to Historic District Commission - Alternate (Lanza Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2003
Mr. Garrity moved to appoint Stephan Barnicle to the Historic District Commission - Alternate (Lanza vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2003. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.
g. Resignation of Doris Farmer from Housing Authority Effective November 16, 2000
Mr. Mandell moved to accept the resignation of Doris Farmer from the Housing Authority, effective November 16, 2000, with thanks for her service. 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.
LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Mielert reported, as the EDC liaison, that SNET is interested in discussing DSL service with the Town and they will be meeting next week.
CORRESPONDENCE
a. Request by the Theatre Guild of Simsbury, Ltd. to Serve Wine at “Spring Cabaret” on May 5, 2001 in Eno Memorial Hall
Mr. Garrity moved to approve the request by the Theatre Guild of Simsbury, Ltd. to serve wine at their “Spring Cabaret” on May 5, 2001 in Eno Memorial Hall. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.
b. Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Budget Workshop Calendar
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. January 8, 2001 Regular Meeting
Mr. Garrity moved to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2001 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.
FINANCE
b. Request for Supplemental Appropriation Pursuant to 908(a) in the Amount of $8,750 for the Purchase of Intoxilyzer Breath Test Instrument (100% Reimbursement through DOT Grant)
Mr. Garrity moved to approve the supplemental appropriation pursuant to 908(a) in the amount of $8,750 for the purchase of an Intoxilyzer Breath Test Instrument (100% reimbursement through DOT Grant). The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.
c. Authorization to Establish “Underage Drinking Program Grant” Special Revenue Fund
Ms. Mielert noted that this is a federal grant and involves no taxpayer funding. She stated that the Simsbury Police Department will be the lead agency for this program.
Mr. Romano moved to establish an “Underage Drinking Program Grant” Special Revenue Fund. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE (cont’d.)
Joan Coe noted the boiler problems at the high school and Town Hall and she questioned when maintenance will be set as a priority in the budget.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Garrity moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
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Anita L. Mielert
Approved: / /
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