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, Joseph Townsley, Superintendent of Schools, Mary Margaret Girgenti, Board of Education Chairman, and other interested parties.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, read her farewell to Paul Fetherston. Ms. Coe questioned what the State’s findings were regarding the Police Department’s claim against Mary Miller, and how Ms. Mielert is addressing the issue. She questioned when the results will be received from the testing of the air quality at Town Hall. She questioned how the costs to address the air quality situation will be covered and whether the $45,000 budgeted for the Police Department renovation will be used. Ms. Coe addressed Attorney Moran’s remarks at the Budget Public Hearing and listed the outside tuitions current paid by the Town. She stated that she has not received a reply from Ms. Mielert regarding a censure of Attorney Moran or his removal from the BOE. Ms. Coe noted that Ms. Mielert did not share her comments with the Democratic Town Committee and she questioned whether Attorney Moran will seek re-election to the BOE.

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

PROCLAMATION - Celebrating the Re-opening of the Phelps House as The Phelps Tavern Museum

Ms. Mielert read the Proclamation and presented it to a member of the Simsbury Historical Society.

PUBLIC HEARING - Proposed Ordinance Providing Tax Abatement for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Personnel

Mr. Mandell read the Notice of the Public Hearing. Ms. Mielert read the Purpose included within the ordinance. She noted that the proposed ordinance is designed to demonstrate the Town’s appreciation for volunteers’ activities.

Kevin Kowalski, Deputy Chief Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company, thanked the BOS for considering the proposed ordinance. He stated that fire service is a demanding service for volunteers and the abatement will help with retention in the Fire Department, and possibly with recruitment. Mr. Kowalski reviewed the required training for firefighters. He noted that volunteer firefighters must follow the same State and Federal regulations as career firefighters who are paid employees.

Mike Juda, Chief Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department, discussed the savings the Town realizes with a volunteer Fire Company. He stated that based, on New England salaries in 1999, the Town of Simsbury saved $18.6 million in 1999.

Mark McPherson, President Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA), expressed appreciation for the BOS’ consideration of this ordinance. He reviewed the training requirements for EMTs. Mr. McPherson stated that if the Town had to fund one ambulance, including staffing over a 24 hour period, the annual cost would be $1,678,022 per person multiplied by the four staff necessary for coverage. He noted the tragedies that EMTs deal with in Simsbury. Mr. McPherson expressed his concern with the abatement scale and suggested that it be addressed in the future. He stated that the SVAA wants the ordinance passed and is pleased that the Town is reviewing the ordinance and hopefully will act on it tonight.

Ms. Mielert closed the Public Hearing.

a. ANNUAL TOWN BUDGET REMINDERS

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. General Fund 2000/2001 Budget Transfers

Ms. Mielert noted that there are deficits in the current BOS budget due to unforeseen circumstances. She stated that energy costs, snowplowing overtime, and Meadowood legal expenses have created the deficit. Ms. Mielert requested that funds be transferred within the budget so that the BOS does not have to request a transfer from Reserves to cover the deficit.

Mr. Mandell moved to adopt the recommendation of the Finance Director, as set forth in his April 17, 2001 memo, and transfer $165,000 within the BOS budget. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

c. Legislative Body Approval of Budget Referendum Mailings Written and Produced by Simsbury Board of Education

Ms. Mielert noted that Dr. Townsley had the BOE budget document reviewed by the Town Attorney. Ms. Girgenti stated that the BOE regularly provides a newsletter to the community. Dr. Townsley stated that the Town Attorney forwarded the document to the Executive Director of the State Elections Enforcement Commission and two recommended changes have been incorporated into the document.

Ms. Gilkey suggested that the line item listed as Salary Increases & Staff Additions be separated into two separate line items. Dr. Townsley noted that this is the same format which is used for the budget meeting and the Town Meeting.

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the budget mailing written and produced by the Simsbury Board of Education. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano.

Dr. Townsley stated that the mailing will not be distributed prior to the May 1, 2001 Annual Town Meeting. He stated that the cost for the mailing is $7,000 - $10,000. Mr. Romano expressed concern with the cost of the mailing, since the BOE has received funding for a $280,000 deficit in their current budget. Dr. Townsley stated that a mailing was not sent last year and residents complained.

The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.

d. Discussion and Possible Adoption of Ordinance Providing Tax Abatement For Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Personnel

Mr. Mandell moved to adopt the ordinance entitled “Ordinance Providing Tax Abatement For Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Personnel”, pursuant to Section 12-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes as amended by Public Act No. 99-272, Sec. 6, for volunteer fire and ambulance personnel on the conditions set forth in this section and Article 141-17 through Article 141-121. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

Ms. Mielert noted that the abatement will be reflected in the July tax bills.

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

a. Receipt of and Discussion Regarding Revisions to Simsbury’s Code of Ethics as Submitted by Simsbury Board of Ethics

Ms. Mielert noted that a draft of a revised Code of Ethics has been provided by Glenn Knierim, Chairman of the Simsbury Board of Ethics. Mr. Knierim addressed the reasons behind the Board of Ethics’ recommendation. He stated that the revision includes a restructuring of the Code, clarification of procedures, and the addition of the beneficial interest concept. He noted that codes from other towns and the State model code were considered during the drafting process.

Ms. Mielert questioned whether specific guidelines for gifts have been drafted to include with the ordinance. Mr. Knierim stated that the specific guidelines have been drafted and he will provide them to the BOS. Mr. Garrity requested a document which provides a summary of the proposed changes. Ms. Mielert stated that the document will need to be shared with other bodies within the government, such as the Board of Education. She noted that this is a preliminary presentation of the recommended changes to the Code of Ethics.

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION

a. Authorize Staff to Proceed with Draft and Release of Request for Proposals for Construction of Telecommunications Tower on Town Owned Property on Town Forest Road

Ms. Mielert read Mr. Voelker’s April 23, 2001 memo and noted that a telecommunications tower located on Town owned property would provide an income stream to the Town. Mr. Garrity questioned whether there are other potential tower sites on Town owned property. Ms. Mielert stated that there are other potential sites. She noted that residents would have to approve any lease on Town owned property which is in excess of 10 years.

Mr. Mandell stated that there are two issues regarding a tower: (1) the lease between the property owner and the builder of the tower, and (2) the location of the tower. He stated that the Town would lease the land, not the tower. Mr. Mandell expressed his support for increasing Town revenue, but not to the detriment of private property owners. He stated that he is willing to consider proposals, with the understanding that the Town does not have to accept a proposal. Mr. Vincent suggested that the RFP not be limited to the Town Forest site, since the Town owns property beyond Town Forest Road. Ms. Mielert stated that she would prefer to limit the initial RFP due to the propagation study. She stated that she does not share Mr. Mandell’s concern regarding private property owners. She suggested that since the entire town would see the tower, the entire town should benefit from the revenue. Ms. Mielert pointed out that the Town needs income.

Mr. Mandell stated that he only supports a proposal on a specific piece of land, and suggested that the Town first determine what the possibilities are on Town Forest Road. Ms. Mielert noted that the Town owns property adjacent to Town Forest Road and Mr. Voelker has suggested providing one alternate site with the RFP. Mr. Garrity suggested that the Town follow through with the RFP process as a first step, and then consider alternate Town owned property locations. Ms. Mielert noted that the financial advantages will need to be considered with the proposal.

Mr. Garrity moved to request proposals for a wireless telecommunications facility on Town owned property near the Town Garage facility on Town Forest Road. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

a. Reminder - 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. Request by Saint Mary’s Spring Festival to Utilize Town Owned Property on Hopmeadow Street (Weatogue Park) May 22nd through May 26th, 2001

Mr. Romano moved to approve the request by Saint Mary’s Spring Festival to utilize Town owned property on Hopmeadow Street (Weatogue Park) May 22nd through May 26, 2001. 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.

Ms. Mielert reported that Simsbury has been awarded a transportation project in 2005/2006. She stated that this project involves the upgrade of the intersection at Hoskins Road, Ely Lane and Hopmeadow Street. She noted that the project includes addressing access issues from this intersection to the driveway at the International Skating Center. Ms. Mielert stated that the project cost is $2 million and the Town will be responsible for 20% of the cost.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 9, 2001 Regular Meeting

Mr. Garrity moved to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2001 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

b. Possible Lease/Sale/Purchase of Real Estate Pursuant to CGSA 1-200(6)

Mr. Mandell moved to enter Executive Session at 8:49 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.

The Board of Selectmen came out of Executive Session at approximately 9:06 p.m.. No action was taken.

Mr. Garrity moved to adjourn the meeting at approximately 9:07 p.m.. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.

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