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, Deputy First Selectman, Joel Mandell, William Garrity, John Romano, Thomas Vincent and Madeleine Gilkey. Also present were: Paul Fetherston, Assistant to the First Selectman, and other interested parties.

Nancy Hendryx, 27 Carver Circle, Chairman of the Recycling Committee, stated that the committee’s April meeting date has been changed to April 26th. She noted that Electronics Recycling and Mercury Thermometer Exchange Day will be held June 9th at Henry James School. Ms. Hendryx stated that the Recycling Committee wants to establish a swap operation at the landfill. She noted that the committee was involved with the placement of recycling bins at the schools. Ms. Hendryx stated that there is a website which provides information on how to reuse or recycle and a link will be established to the Town’s Web Page. She requested that nominations for Recycling Awards be forwarded to the committee.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, discussed statements she made during the BOF Public Hearing regarding the 2001/2002 operating budgets. She expressed concern with comments made by Attorney Moran regarding her statements suggesting that special education costs be reduced. Ms. Coe pointed out that some students are not educated in Simsbury. She noted that Attorney Moran suggested the elimination of Project Choice at the BOE meeting. Ms. Coe requested that Ms. Mielert sanction Attorney Moran for his comments and that he resign from the BOE.

Ms. Coe stated that she feels reductions can be made in the BOE budget without effecting education. She pointed out that the proposed budget cuts do not include electives at the high school. She provided a list of some of the high school electives. She questioned who decides on what programs will be cut, the BOE or Dr. Townsley. Ms. Coe stated that it is time for term limits.

Ms. Coe stated that air quality is still a concern at Town Hall. She stated that CIRMA suggested that the building be tested for mold. Ms. Coe questioned why an environmental agency has not been hired to address the mold issue. She questioned what Ms. Mielert is doing to reduce the risk to employees.

Jim Gazzola, 9 Briarwood Drive, expressed concern with the Zoning Board of Appeal’s approval of a 74 foot reduction in lot frontage for Red Gate Homes. He noted that this is a 37% reduction in frontage and the hardship cannot be created by the applicant. Mr. Gazzola urged the Town to be careful with their economic development and to not lose sight of the quality of life in Simsbury. He suggested that the boards and commissions should meet jointly to discuss economic development in town.

Ms. Mielert stated that environmental testing has been ordered for Town Hall.

Mr. Mandell stated that Simsbury High School has been ranked #1, for large schools, in the Michael’s Cup. He noted that this award is based on a combination of athletics and academics.

STATE OF THE TOWN - FIRST SELECTMAN

Ms. Mielert stated that the BOS has no jurisdiction over the BOE budget. She stated that the current budget constraints for the BOS are: (1) the Meadowood legal fees, (2) overtime due to snowplowing, (3) Police Department overtime, and (4) energy costs. She noted that these costs amount to $230,000. Ms. Mielert requested that Department Heads cover these deficits within their own budgets in an effort to not requesting funding from Reserves. She stated that certain budget line items will be frozen.

Ms. Mielert noted the schedule for the Annual Town Meeting and Referendum. She stated that when voting on the Referendum was moved to one polling place, participation increased. Ms. Mielert stated that the last day to apply for fuel assistance is April 30th. She noted that a play will be held at the Senior Center on April 25th and the Aging & Disability Commission is holding a music for all ages program.

Ms. Mielert stated that Public Works has begun street sweeping. She stated that Earth Day will be celebrated at Simsbury Farms on April 28th. She noted that the Simsbury Farms Golf Course will open April 10th and season passes are available. Ms. Mielert stated that 4 positions are being advertised through the Human Resources Department.

Ms. Mielert discussed the projects which are currently being addressed: (1) funding from the DEP for the purchase of development rights at Flamig Farm and Hall Farm, (2) the Greenway crossing at Bidwells on Rt. 10, (3) sewer and water line improvements, (4) renovation of the Simsbury Farms Golf Clubhouse, (5) the design phase for the library expansion, and (6) renovation of the engineering/planning departments at Town Hall. She noted that construction of the athletic fields along Iron Horse Boulevard is proceeding and will be completed in mid-May. Ms. Mielert stated that the streetscape project will be reactivated this month.

a. ANNUAL TOWN BUDGET REMINDER

Annual Town Meeting - Tuesday, May 1, 2001 - 7:30PM at Simsbury High School Auditorium

Budget Referendum - Tuesday, May 15, 2001 from 6AM to 8PM at Henry James Middle School

b. Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Budget Update and Potential Tax Implications

Ms. Mielert reviewed the tax implications if the proposed BOS 4.53% and BOE 9% budget increases are approved. She stated that residents’ current tax bill would increase by 7.56%. Ms. Mielert stated that she has been receiving letters from the elderly and empty nesters who are concerned with the increasing tax burden. She expressed concern with the tax issue causing divisiveness in town. Ms. Mielert stated that she supports a more aggressive tax relief program for the elderly. She recommended that the Finance Subcommittee, of the BOS, work on making the Town more attractive to the elderly so that they stay in the community.

c. Consideration of Proposed Ordinance Providing Tax Abatement for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Personnel and Set Public Hearing Date for Same

Ms. Mielert reviewed the answers to the questions brought up at the previous BOS meeting.

Mr. Mandell moved to set a Public Hearing for the April 23, 2001 BOS meeting on the Town of Simsbury Article V Ordinance Providing Tax Abatement for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Personnel. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey.

Mr. Garrity requested that the matter of interlocal agreements be addressed further.

Mark McPherson, President Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA), stated that the current cost to provide tax relief for out of town SVAA members is $2,400. He noted that half of the volunteers from out of town do not meet the minimum necessary or the requirements. Mr. McPherson stated that currently 8 out of 36 volunteers live outside of Simsbury.

Ms. Mielert noted that Simsbury would need to have reciprocal agreements with other towns. Mr. Fetherston suggested that tax relief for volunteers who reside outside of Simsbury could be allowed only if interlocal agreements are in place.

Mr. Mandell amended his motion to add language to the ordinance to allow volunteers from other towns, per statute, to be eligible for a tax abatement. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Romano.

Mr. Vincent requested a list of the out of town volunteers. Mr. Fetherston noted that the out of town volunteers could not be addressed in this year’s Grand List.

The amended motion passed unanimously. The motion carried.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

a. Statutory Notice of Connecticut Light & Power Company’s Proposal to Convey Land and Town’s Interest in Acquiring Said Property

Ms. Mielert noted that CL&P is required to offer their land to the Town for acquisition. Mr. Mandell stated that he does not want the Town to purchase land which is desirable for commercial business.

Mr. Garrity moved to authorize the BOS to sign a declination document regarding Connecticut Light & Power Company’s proposal to convey land. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

a. April 27, 2001 “Tip A Cop” Fundraising Event Sponsored by Simsbury Police Department, in conjunction with Simsbury Commons and Chili’s Restaurant, to benefit Special Olympics

a. Consideration and Possible Approval of Simsbury Bulky Waste Facility Proposed Fees - Effective May 1, 2001

Ms. Mielert reviewed the requested fee increases at the Simsbury Bulky Waste Facility.

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the new rates for the Simsbury Bulky Waste Facility, effective May 1, 2001. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey.

Mr. Romano questioned what initiated the cost increases. Mike Paine, Paine’s Inc., stated that disposal fees have increased.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a. Resignation of Judi Lamb from Tourism Committee Effective March 23, 2001

Mr. Mandell moved to accept the resignation of Judi Lamb from the Tourism Committee, effective March 23, 2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Public Safety: No report.

b. Finance: No report.

c. Welfare: No report.

d. Personnel: No report.

a. April 5, 2001 Memorandum Pertaining to Hometown Hero Selection Committee

Ms. Mielert reviewed the list of proposed members for the Hometown Hero Selection Committee. She requested that a Republican member of the BOS be a member of the committee. Mr. Mandell volunteered to participate on the Hometown Hero Selection Committee. The BOS approved the Hometown Hero Selection Committee list.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. March 26, 2001 Regular Meeting

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Pending Claim/Litigation

Ms. Gilkey moved to enter Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

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