Simsbury, CT - BOS Minutes

Board of Selectmen

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: Susan Bullock, Library Director, and other interested parties.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, stated that problems which exist at Town Hall are due to a lack of professional leadership. She referenced a letter sent by the President of the Simsbury Police Union to the BOS and two additional letters received by the First Selectman. She questioned whether Ms. Mielert and the BOS are investigating these serious allegations Ms. Coe stated that there have been continual air quality issues at Town Hall. She read excerpts from Fire Department and Police Department reports regarding fumes from the heating system at Town Hall. She questioned whether the purchase of antique bricks is more important than a new burner for the heating system.

Ms. Coe noted the Town’s purchase of property in Tariffville. She stated that the appraisal of the property was based on no contamination at the site. She noted that a dry cleaner had existed at this site. Ms. Coe questioned this use of taxpayers money when there is potential contamination at the site. She requested that this issue be forwarded to the BOF, as well as all other open space purchases by the Town.

Spinks Spangler, 25 Fox Den Road, Past Chairman Simsbury Taxpayers Association, suggested that the Town take over the business management of the Fire District. He reviewed the funds in the Fire District’s budget and noted that if the Fire District tax rate continues at 1.3 mils, the Fire District will have approximately $6,140,000 in their fund by July 31, 2001. Mr. Spangler pointed out that the Fire District has spent $150,000 on attorney fees toward the purchase of the Village Water Company He noted that if the Fire District issues a bond for the purchase of the Water Company the taxpayers will pay interest on the bonds as well as the principle of $9,200,000. Mr. Spangler questioned why taxpayers were levied 1.3 mils by the Fire District in 2000, particular when the BOS and the BOE need more revenue for cost increases.

Al Codet, 19B Wiggins Farm Drive, discussed the proposed letter by the BOS regarding the proposed cell tower on West Street. He noted that this letter suggested that the cell tower would not be in keeping with the architecture in town. Mr. Codet pointed out that 3 cell towers are visible from the center of town and the streets in town are lined with telephone lines. He suggested that an industrial park is the best place for a cell tower and there is little difference among the 3 proposed sites. He stated that the real issue is timing since all of the proposed sites will be visible from West Street. Mr. Codet stated that there is no health issue with regard to cell towers and no proven fact that these towers are dangerous. He stated that the Town should be more helpful to small businesses and choose a small business location instead of a corporate business site.

Jim Gazzola, 9 Briarwood Drive, expressed his feelings that the location of a cell tower is an issue. He noted that the Powder Forest site is deeper into the woods. He stated that West Street is a congested area and storms hit hard along this road. Mr. Gazzola stated that they should not gamble with children at the high school being so to close a cell tower because their immune system is not fully developed. He noted that economic development needs to considered with regard to the safety and health of children.

Ms. Mielert read her responses to Ms. Coe’s comments at the last BOS meeting.

Ms. Mielert reviewed changes to the agenda.

STATE OF THE TOWN - FIRST SELECTMAN

Ms. Mielert stated that she will give her State of the Town address at a later meeting when she has completed her budget address.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

a. Main Street Presentation

Ms. Mielert stated that the Main Street state representative could not attend tonight’s meeting so the presentation will be rescheduled.

Mr. Romano moved to add an item under Social Services onto the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

a. Request from Library Board of Directors for Authorization to Release $100,000 in Fiscal Year 2000-2001 CIP Funds for Library Expansion Plans

Ms. Mielert noted that the funding for these plans has already been approved.

Mr. Mandell moved to authorize the release of $100,000 granted in CIP 2000-2001 for the library expansion plans. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity.

Mr. Romano expressed his concern with approving this expenditure before reviewing the budget. He noted that the Town is not sure where they should go with the proposed library expansion. Ms. Mielert stated that these funds will get things ready for when the project is bonded. Ms. Gilkey requested that with the cost estimate, cost figures are included for every year the project is held in abeyance. Mr. Mandell stated that the Library Board is moving in a responsible and cautious manner and there are needs at the library. Ms. Bullock stated that this is the fourth year of planning for the library expansion and they need these plans to bring before the land use commissions.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

a. Review of Proposed Amendments to Town of Simsbury Code of Ordinances 85-2; 85-3; 85-4; and 85-5 and Set Public Hearing Date for Consideration of Same

Ms. Mielert stated that this item is in response to a request by the Chamber of Commerce for a change in signage fees. She explained that the proposed amendments will mean the BOS won’t have to change the ordinance each time they change fee amounts. Ms. Mielert stated that she is suggesting that the signage fees remain the same, except for the elimination of the temporary signage fee in the amount of $10. Mr. Garrity requested information on the amount which is collected by the Town in a year from the $110 signage fee.

Mr. Mandell moved to set a Public Hearing date of January 26, 2001 regarding proposed amendments to the Town of Simsbury Code of Ordinances 85-2; 85-3; 85-4; 85-5. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.

a. Donation From Simsbury Stop & Shop Store, Food for Friends Program

Ms. Mielert stated that the Social Services Department has received a financial donation in the amount of $6,326.13 which will be used to assist residents with the Medical Assistance Program.

Mr. Garrity moved to accept the gift from Simsbury Stop & Shop, Food for Friends Program, in the amount of $6,326.13 to support the Social Services Department. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a. Resignation of Carol Davis From Aging and Disability Commission Effective January 26, 2001

Mr. Garrity moved to accept the resignation of Carol Davis from the Aging and Disability Commission, effective January 26, 2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano, with regret, and carried unanimously.

b. Resignation of Ann W. Winship from Economic Development Commission Effective February 1, 2001

Mr. Mandell moved to accept the resignation of Ann W. Winship from the Economic Development Commission, effective February 1, 2001, with thanks for Ann’s long term 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.

Mr. Mandell reported that the Personnel Subcommittee reviewed the non-union employees and elected officials salaries. He suggested that the BOS act on the recommendations of the subcommittee during the budget deliberations on General Government. Mr. Mandell stated that the subcommittee recommended an increase of 4% in salary ranges and have requested additional information from Ms. Miller and Mr. Kane on positions where ranges are in excess of a 4% difference compared to other towns. He stated that the subcommittee is recommending a 3% general wage increase which is in-line with the union contracts. He noted that the subcommittee is also recommending merit performance increases, and a merit bonus for employees who are at the top of their salary range. Mr. Mandell stated that the subcommittee is recommending a 3% general wage hourly rate increase for Crossing Guards, a 3% general wage increase for Registrars of Voters and a 3% general wage increase for the First Selectman. He noted that all of these recommendations were unanimous.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 22, 2001 Regular Meeting

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2001 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

b. January 29, 2001 Public Information Meeting

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the minutes of the January 29, 2001 Public Information Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Pending Claim/Litigation Pursuant to CGSA 1-200(6)

Mr. Garrity moved to enter Executive Session at 8:23 p.m. to discuss pending claim/litigation pursuant to CGSA 1-200(6), to include members of the BOS and Attorney Brian Smith, Robinson & Cole. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

Mr. Mandell moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.

______________________________