Simsbury, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes

Board of Selectmen

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, 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, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, Chief Ingvertsen and other interested parties.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, discussed the grievance filed with the state by the Police Union regarding Ms. Miller’s interaction with Town employees. She suggested that there is a discrepancy in the Charter regarding who has control over human resources issues in the Police Department. Ms. Coe noted the background information provided for the recent bond issue and questioned what corporate position was held by Ms. Mielert. Ms. Coe stated that $3,000 has been spent in legal fees for the lawsuit against the Wadsworth Atheneum over the Kensett painting. She noted that more money may be spent on legal fees than could be obtained through the sale of the painting.

Ms. Coe referred to a Valentines bulletin at Eno Farms which implies that Eno Farms is a cooperative, which it is not because the residents rent and do not own their apartments. She stated that Paine’s has proposed increasing the landfill fees. She questioned how the fees can be increased without the approval of the Attorney General due to the Eno Trust. She questioned the amount of the funds collected at the landfill which will be distributed to the poor.

Ms. Coe stated that Carl Eisenmann made statements regarding Gary Mihalik at the January Police Commission meeting, which is in violation of the agreement the Town has with Mr. Mihalik. She requested that the Town Attorney check the audio tape of that meeting. Ms. Coe stated that the EDC is under new leadership and has proposed the elimination of funding for Main Street and the marketing consultant. She stated that Ms. Mielert refuses to eliminate these expenditures from the budget and move in a new direction. Ms. Coe suggested that a contest be held to collect input as to what types of businesses residents feel should be encouraged to come to town.

Bill Gardner, 53 High Ridge Road, requested that the status of the lawsuit and the costs associated with the lawsuit regarding the Kensett painting be presented at the next BOS meeting. He noted that the proposed budget includes $75,000 for a consultant for the Plan of Development. He stated that the Planning Commission should choose the consultant and the consultant should report directly to the Planning Commission.

Mr. Gardner noted that a Hartford Courant article, which included statements by the First Selectman, implied that the land use commissions are the reason for the lack of economic development in Simsbury and ultimately why the high school proposal was denied. He questioned what this First Selectman and the previous First Selectman have done to increase economic development. Mr. Gardner suggested that it is ludicrous to blame the land use boards when the First Selectman has not brought any projects forward. He stated that the CL&P proposal violated the regulations and the regulations are what make Simsbury a desirable place to live. He stated that bad mouthing the town is counter-productive and self-fulfilling.

Ms. Mielert noted that Mr. Gardner is the Chairman of the Republican Town Committee.

Jim Gazzola, 9 Briarwood Drive, noted the Simsbury Life article and the fact that contamination was not discussed. He suggested that the Town develop guidelines, to assist the boards and commissions, which include data for quantitative and qualitative analysis. He suggested that reports be required on the health of property whenever there is a sale or development. Mr. Gazzola pointed out that eminent domain cannot be used when the land is considered contaminated. He stated that economic development goes hand-in-hand with the contamination issue.

Ron Eisen, 2 Sunset Hill Road, Vice Chairman of the EDC, stated that he and Mr. Sweeney were upset that they inherited the EDC with less than 24 hours to prepare a budget and therefore submitted the old budget. Mr. Eisen stated that he and Mr. Sweeney spent many hours doing research on economic development to develop a reasonable budget to market Simsbury as a place to do business. He stated that the EDC has accomplished nothing, at $41,000 per year, over the last eight years. Mr. Eisen commented on the Simsbury Life article implication that Republicans in Simsbury are anti-business. He stated that if they don’t sell Simsbury, and safeguard the town while selling it and bring in the proper types of businesses as professionals should, taxes will go through the roof.

Jerry Lintner, 5 Simscroft Place, President of SCTV, discussed the resolution to support the position of HACTAC, AT&T, Simsbury, Bloomfield, Windsor and East Hartford on the distribution of funds for public access television stations. He explained that the re-franchise is up for renewal and previously the smaller towns were weighted in the distribution of funds. He stated with the proposed change these 4 towns cable stations are unlikely to exist without alternative funding. Mr. Lintner noted that Hartford and East Hartford disagree with this resolution and at a March 8th hearing at the DPUC Simsbury will need to defend the position they have taken.

Peter Stempien, 9 Tim Clark Road, HACTAC member, stated that the formula previously used for the distribution of funds for public access television stations was based on the fact that stations need a certain amount of funding to survive. He stated that HACTAC is comprised of members from six towns. Mr. Stempien noted that Hartford requests the support of smaller towns on their projects and this is a case where the smaller towns need the support of Hartford. He requested the assistance of the Town to tell the DPUC that this resolution is fair and equitable.

Ferg Jansen, 12 Echo Lane, noted the Simsbury Life article and its reference to the quality of life in Simsbury. He acknowledged that the proposed budget is tight, but the $75,000 for the Plan of Development will assist the Town in planning for the next 10 years. Mr. Jansen noted that the Simsbury 2020 plan was developed 6-8 years ago and they have not had results. He pointed out that the Plan of Development is the formula under which the Town operates.

Ms. Mielert read her response to Ms. Coe’s questions at the previous BOS meeting.

STATE OF THE TOWN - FIRST SELECTMAN

Ms. Mielert presented her budget message. She stated that the proposed BOS budget is $12,997,017 which is an increase of $566,532 over last year. She noted that this is an overall increase of 4.53%, but the .53% is covered by revenue brought in through grants to the Police Department. Ms. Mielert stated that 108% of the increase is due to salaries, benefits and increases in utility costs and agricultural costs. She reviewed the enhancement services included in the budget which benefit the library and the senior center. Ms. Mielert noted that $225,000 in grants have been awarded to the Police Department and will be used for a school resource officer and a full-time dispatcher. She stated that there is a budgetary increase for the purchase of environmental liability insurance. Ms. Mielert addressed the proposed CNR budget and those items included for next year.

PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN OF SIMSBURY CODE OF ORDINANCES 85-2 THROUGH 85-5 PERTAINING TO LAND USE APPLICATION FEES

Ms. Mielert stated that this proposal would rewrite the ordinance to remove the dollar amounts from the ordinance. She noted that a separate document has been created to set the fees. Ms. Mielert stated that she is recommending that the temporary signage fee be eliminated. She read the Public Hearing Notice.

Charity Folk, Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber of Commerce is working to address the signage issue in town. She stated that the Chamber of Commerce supports the elimination of a temporary signage fee and also the elimination of the $110 sign permit fee, if it is required when there are repairs to an existing compliant sign.

William Gardner, 53 High Ridge Road, questioned why the ordinance would be separated into two documents.

Ms. Mielert closed the Public Hearing.

Mr. Romano moved to amend the agenda and discuss agenda items 6a and 6b immediately. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

a. Discussion and Possible Adoption of Amendments to Town of Simsbury Code of Ordinances 85-2 Through 85-5

b. Discussion and Possible Adoption of Land Use Application Fee Schedules

Ms. Mielert stated that by having two separate documents the fee schedule can be changed without changing the ordinance.

Ms. Gilkey requested definition of the temporary signs. Ms. Folk explained that the current regulations allow a business to have a temporary A-frame sign out for two weeks, four times per year, for a special event. She noted that the cost for each two week period is $10. Ms. Folk stated that the Chamber of Commerce has been working with the Zoning Commission to develop an A-frame model sign to help the overall look and compliance of the temporary signs. She stated that the $10 fee may be a deterrence to small businesses.

Ms. Mielert stated that last year the Town collected $300 for temporary sign permits and $1,100 for sign applications. She noted that when a sign is replaced with a like sign no permit is required. Ms. Folk noted that a temporary sign permit would still be required, but the Chamber of Commerce is requesting that the fee for the permit be eliminated.

Mr. Romano moved to adopt the amendments to the Town of Simsbury Code of Ordinances 85-2 through 85-5, which eliminate the fees from the ordinance itself. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

Mr. Romano moved to adopt the proposed fee schedule with the elimination of the temporary sign permit fee of $10. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE POSITION OF HACTAC, AT&T, SIMSBURY BLOOMFIELD, WINDSOR AND EAST HARTFORD ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TELEVISION STATIONS

Mr. Romano resolved that the BOS supports the position of HACTAC, AT&T, Simsbury, Bloomfield, Windsor and East Hartford on the distribution of funds for public access television stations. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

Ms. Gilkey suggested that SCTV campaign for support from Simsbury residents. Mr. Lintner stated that Paine’s will include a flyer requesting SCTV support in their biannual bills, SCTV is running information on the station, and SCTV will be mailing a flyer to residents requesting contributions.

a. Request for Supplemental Appropriation Pursuant to 908(a) of the Town Charter ($58,157 Total; $14,532 Town Cost) for 1996 COPS MORE Grant

Chief Ingvertsen stated that previously Chief Shull applied for an extension of the 1996 COPS MORE Grant which was allowed. He stated that when he applied for an additional extension he was informed that the Town needs to begin drawing down the funds in April in order to keep the grant. Chief Ingvertsen explained that the technology, which the grant is funding, is now available and will allow for reports and information to be transferred between the cruisers and the Police Department. He stated that the computers which exist in nine patrol cars are three years old and only three of them work. He stated that the funding will be used to purchase new computers for the cruisers, at a cost of $3,000 per computer, and the rest of the funding will be spent on the air transfer system. In response to Mr. Romano, Chief Ingvertsen stated that training will be covered with the grant funding and there will be savings to the Police Department by keeping officers on the road and eliminating a budget request to purchase computer equipment.

Ms. Gilkey moved to allow the supplemental appropriation, pursuant to 908(a) of the Town Charter, to transfer $58,157 from Reserves, $43,625 of which will be reimbursed to the Town through a COPS MORE Grant. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

c. Resolution Authorizing First Selectman to Execute Grant Agreement Under the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program for Financial Assistance to Acquire and Manage Open Space (Stoddard Reservoir)

Ms. Mielert explained that there was confusion with the DEP regarding the resolution approved under Ms. Glassman and therefore the BOS needs to authorize the current First Selectman in this resolution to receive grant funding for the purchase of the Stoddard Reservoir.

Mr. Romano RESOLVED, that Anita L. Mielert, First Selectman for the Town of Simsbury be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town of Simsbury a Grant Agreement under the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to acquire and manage open space land (Stoddard Reservoir) pursuant to Section 7-131d of the Connecticut General Statutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

a. Resolutions Authorizing Submission of Application Under STP - Urban Program to CRCOG for

i. Nod Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project

Ms. Mielert stated that if chosen the grant funding for these projects would be available in 2005/2006. Mr. Sawitzke distributed a map and noted the section of Nod Road which would be rehabilitated. He stated that the rehabilitation would include drainage improvements and 28 foot wide pavement.

ii. Hopmeadow Street/Hoskins Road/Ely Lane Intersection Signal and Symbol Improvements

Mr. Sawitzke stated that this project was recommended in the Route 10 Corridor Study. He reviewed the proposed project and stated that the cost is $1.9 million with up to 20% requiring local funding.. Ms. Mielert stated that $16 million will be available region wide and this project was the third priority in the CRCOG recommendation.

Ms. Gilkey RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen supports and authorizes the submission of an application under the STP - Urban Program for the Nod Road Pavement Rehabilitation project to the Capital Region Council of Governments. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

Ms. Gilkey RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen supports and authorizes the submission of an application under the STP - Urban Program for the Hopmeadow Street/Hoskins Road/Ely Lane Intersection Signal and Symbol Improvements project to the Capital Region Council of Governments. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

a. Review of and Possible Action on Proposed Fee Schedule Changes for Golf, Swimming and Playground/Camp Programs

Mr. Toner reviewed his February 21st memo regarding the fee schedule for the golf, swimming and summer camp programs through the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund. He noted that the increases were recommended by the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee and were approved by the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Toner pointed out that the swimming and summer camp increases are due to the minimum wage increases. He noted that the increased fees collected at the golf course will be used to pay golf course expenses.

Mr. Vincent moved to approve the fee schedule changes for golf, swimming and summer camp programs. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

APPOINTMENT AND RESIGNATIONS

a. Appointment of David W. Bush to Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission (Garlick Vacancy)

Mr. Romano moved to appoint David W. Bush to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission (Garlick vacancy). The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

b. Appointment of Lynn R. Veith to Health and Welfare Commission (Lefebvre Vacancy)

Ms. Gilkey moved to appoint Lynn R. Veith to the Health and Welfare Commission (Lefebvre vacancy). The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

c. Appointment of James E. Hopkins to Housing Authority (Farmer Vacancy)

Mr. Vincent moved to appoint James E. Hopkins to the Housing Authority (Farmer vacancy). 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. Vincent moved to increase the salary range for non-bargaining employees by 4% for fiscal year 2001/2002. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

Mr. Vincent moved to approve the general wage increase of 3% for non-bargaining employees with a merit performance increase of 1% up to 3% for those not at the top of their scale, and for those at the top of their scale a merit bonus of 1% for an excellent evaluation and 2% for a commendable evaluation for fiscal year 2001/2002. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

Mr. Vincent moved to approve a 3% general wage increase for the Crossing Guards for fiscal year 2001/2002. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

Mr. Vincent moved to approve a 3% general wage increase for the Registrars of Voters for fiscal year 2001/2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 12, 2001 Regular Meeting

Ms. Gilkey moved to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2001 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

b. February 15, 2001 Budget Workshop

Mr. Vincent moved to approve the minutes of the February 15, 2001 Budget Workshop. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

Ms. Gilkey moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

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