Simsbury, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes

Board of Selectmen

The meeting was called to order at 7:43 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, Deputy First Selectman, Joel Mandell, William Garrity, John Romano and Thomas Vincent. Also present were: Joseph Townsley, School Superintendent, David Holden, Business Manager, Rich Hogan, BOE Vice Chairman, Paul Henault, Board of Finance Chairman, and other interested parties.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, questioned whether the responses she receives from Ms. Mielert are answers from the entire BOS. She provided photographs of Recreation Department workers trimming trees without wearing a harness. She questioned how Ms. Mielert will address this issue since this is not the first time it has occurred. Ms. Coe questioned how Ms. Mielert will address the air quality issue at Town Hall. She stated that Carl Eisenmann violated the Town’s agreement with Gary Mihalik during discussion at the Police Commission meeting and she questioned how this is being addressed. Ms. Coe noted that Mr. Fetherston is leaving his position and she questioned who will be the liaison to the Attorney General’s officer regarding the Eno Trust issues. She questioned why Eno Farms is being referred to as a co-op. She questioned whether the Town approved the Eno Farms maintenance plan which includes participation by residents. Ms. Coe requested an update of the Town of Simsbury versus the Wadsworth Atheneum. She questioned whether Ms. Mielert is still intent on selling the Kensett painting.

Jim Gazzola, 9 Briarwood Drive, discussed the Red Gate Homes map amendment and permit request before the Conservation Commission. He noted that this site is next to commercial property which is contaminated and he requested that a scientific study be done to determine the amount and kind of contamination on the site. Mr. Gazzola stated that pesticides were used for many years in this area and there was no control of pesticides beneath the soil or in the water. He suggested that the developer should provide reports to the Town for discussion at the Public Hearing and they should not be limited to a Phase 1 study which doesn’t include borings into the earth.

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

STATE OF THE TOWN - FIRST SELECTMAN

Ms. Mielert stated that Hometown Hero nominations will be accepted until April 9th. She informed the public that the BOE operating budget is not part of the BOS budget. She noted the proposed dates and times for the Public Hearing, Town Meeting and Referendum on the budgets. Ms. Mielert explained the Simsbury High School emergency cell phone program. She stated that next week is National Library Week. She noted that the library is changing their automated system and the Public Works Department is assisting the library with a $7,500 CL&P grant. Ms. Mielert thanked the Highway Department for their snowplowing efforts and stated that street sweeping will begin April 9th.

Ms. Mielert noted the next three events which will be taking place at Simsbury Farms. She reviewed the current efforts of the Police Department, and noted that there is currently an opening for a police officer. Ms. Mielert stated that the Design Review Board will be reviewing plans for the Maple Tree Plaza. She stated that three of the unions will begin contract negotiations with the Town tomorrow. Ms. Mielert reviewed the two professional development days which were held and Ground Hog Job Shadow Day. She stated that during Employee Recognition Day an employee of the year will be named.

a. Consideration of Proposed Ordinance Providing Tax Abatement for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Personnel

Paul Henault, Chairman of the Subcommittee considering a tax abatement ordinance, stated that there is a State program which allows towns to provide an ordinance for the abatement of property taxes for ambulance and Fire District personnel. He requested that the BOS forward the proposed ordinance to a Public Hearing.

Ms. Mielert summarized the proposed ordinance and noted that the amount of the abatement is in the range of $200 - $1,000 dependent upon length of service to the organization. She addressed her concerns regarding the ordinance (Addendum 1). Mr. Mandell questioned the date of coverage if a volunteer leaves service. He also questioned the $60,000 reduction in taxes collected as a result of the ordinance. Ms. Mielert stated that the $60,000 figure is based on the current tax bills. She suggested that the BOS request answers to their questions prior to setting a Public Hearing. Mr. Vincent requested a clarification of how the abatement will be handled with regard to the budget. He suggested that an explanation of how eligibility is determined be included within the document.

Mark McPherson, Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA) President, stated that specific criteria will need to be met in order to qualify for the abatement. He stated that the criteria can be provided to the Tax Collector. Mr. McPherson expressed concern for those SVAA members who live outside of Simsbury. He pointed out that Lucy Bowman has been with the SVAA for 30 years and provides 24-36 hours per week of roster time. Mr. McPherson noted that the State law has a provision to grant a tax abatement to those living in another municipality. He requested that language allowing for this provision be added to the ordinance. Mr. McPherson noted that the SVAA attracts members from outside of Simsbury. He expressed concern with the eligibility scale for the abatement, noting that the average SVAA volunteer time is 5-10 years. He noted that SVAA members are scheduled for certain times and are not called out only when needed as are the Fire District members.

Ms. Mielert stated that the Town wants to encourage volunteers for the SVAA and the Fire District. She recommended referring the questions to the Town Attorney and setting a Public Hearing date in two weeks.

b. Request for Supplemental Appropriations to the Board of Education Operating Budget

Rich Hogan stated that the BOE is anticipating a $480,000 budget deficit. He reviewed the major factors contributing to the deficit (Addendum 2). He stated that the BOE has implemented budget cuts amounting to $150,000. Mr. Hogan stated that six additional special education students will provide Special Education Excess Cost Grants in the amount of $109,680. He requested that $109,680 be appropriated to the BOE through Section 908(a) of the Charter and $220,320 be appropriated through Section 908(c). Mr. Holden stated that the Auditor recommended using these provisions in the Charter. He stated that the Town will receive the $109,680 grant prior to June 30, 2001.

Mr. Garrity moved to recommend to the Board of Finance an appropriation of $109,680 pursuant to Section 908(a) and $220,320 pursuant to Section 908(c) to offset the BOE budget deficit. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell.

Mr. Vincent expressed concern with appropriating $220,000, pursuant to Section 908(c), in case funding is needed before the end of the fiscal year which puts the Town over the 1% allowed in the Charter. Mr. Henault stated that $520,000 is available and if the BOE is allocated $220,000, and $150,000 is allocated for revaluation, then $150,000 will be available to offset the BOS budget deficit.

Ms. Mielert noted that the appropriation for revaluation has yet to be determined, and the two unknowns are the overtime costs for snow removal and Meadowood legal fees. She stated that the estimated BOS budget deficit is $110,000.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

c. Set Date, Hour and Place of Annual Town Meeting Pursuant to Section 502 of the Town Charter (Tuesday, May 1, 2001 at 7:30PM - Simsbury High School Auditorium, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury)

Mr. Mandell moved to set the Annual Town Meeting, pursuant to Section 502 of the Town Charter, on Tuesday, May 1, 2001 at 7:30PM at the Simsbury High School Auditorium, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.

d. Set Date, Hour, and Place of Automatic Referendum on Annual Town Budget Pursuant to Section 506 of the Town Charter (Tuesday, May 15, 2001 - 6AM through 8PM - Henry James Memorial School, 155 Firetown Road, Simsbury)

Mr. Romano moved to set the Automatic Referendum on the Annual Town Budget, pursuant to Section 506 of the Town Charter, for Tuesday, May 15, 2001 from 6:00AM through 8:00PM at Henry James Memorial School, 155 Firetown Road, Simsbury. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

a. Reminder of Availability of 2001 Neighborhood Assistance Act Program Applications (State submission deadline of July 2, 2001)

Ms. Mielert noted that the Public Hearing will be held on May 22nd, after which the approved applications will be forwarded to the BOS for their June 11th meeting.

a. Resolution Authorizing the First Selectman to Sign the Agreement “Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Simsbury for the Development of Contract Plans, Specifications and Estimates for the Greenway Crossing of RTE 10 Utilizing Federal Funds Under the Enhancement Component of the Surface Transportation Program”

Ms. Mielert noted that these plans would address the dangerous Greenway crossing near Bidwell’s. She reviewed the proposed plan to remedy the situation.

Mr. Garrity RESOLVED, that Anita Mielert, First Selectman, be, and hereby is, authorized to sign the agreement entitled “Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Simsbury for the Development of Contract Plans, Specifications and Estimates for the Greenway Crossing of RTE 10 Utilizing Federal Funds Under the Enhancement Component of the Surface Transportation Program”. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

b. Authorize First Selectman to Execute Agreement Between the Metropolitan District and the Town of Simsbury for Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Ms. Mielert stated that the cost to the Town is $4,500 plus $39 per household. She stated that two years ago the Town spent $17,022.50 and funding for this year is included in the budget.

Mr. Garrity moved to authorize the First Selectman to execute an agreement between the Metropolitan District and the Town of Simsbury for Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

c. Request to Utilize Town Owned Land on Iron Horse Boulevard for Rotary Club “River Run” on Sunday, April 29, 2001

Mr. Mandell moved to allow a gathering in the parking lot at the corner of Wilcox Street and Iron Horse Boulevard for the Rotary Club’s “River Run” on Sunday, April 29, 2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Public Safety: No report.

b. Finance: No report.

c. Welfare: No report.

d. Personnel: No report.

Mr. Romano noted that an electronics and computer recycling day will be held at Henry James School.

a. March 19, 2001 Correspondence From Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell

Mr. Mandell stated that a process needs to be put into place for the appointment of unaffiliated voters. Ms. Mielert and Mr. Mandell agreed to create a proposal for review by the BOS.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 20, 2001 Budget Workshop

Mr. Romano moved to approve the minutes of the February 20, 2001 Budget Workshop. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously, with Mr. Mandell and Mr. Garrity abstaining.

b. February 21, 2001 Budget Workshop

Mr. Mandell moved to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2001 Budget Workshop. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously, with Mr. Garrity abstaining.

c. February 26, 2001 Regular Meeting

Mr. Romano moved to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2001 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent and carried unanimously, with Mr. Mandell and Mr. Garrity abstaining.

d. February 27, 2001 Budget Workshop

Mr. Romano moved to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2001 Budget Workshop. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.

e. March 1, 2001 Budget Workshop

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the minute of the March 1, 2001 Budget Workshop. 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.

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