Simsbury, CT - BOS - Budget Workshop 02/07/02

The Board of Selectmen Budget Workshop Meeting was called to order at 6:10 P.M. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Board Members Madeleine Gilkey, William Garrity, John Romano and Anita Mielert, Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson, Director of Community Planning and Development William Voelker, Town Engineer Richard Sawitzke, Finance Director Kevin Kane, Chief of Police Peter Ingvertsen, Director of Public Works Michael Wrabel, Director of Social Services Mickey Lecours Beck and other interested parties.

Mr. Sawitzke reviewed the Development Rights/Open Space program that is a continuation of last year's program to acquire open space and development rights of land that is environmentally sensitive and/or suitable for active or passive recreational and cultural uses. Mr. Sawitzke said that the main source of funding is through bonding, with some funding being recovered through grant programs, and that there are approximately 220 acres in various stages of evaluation.

Ms. Mielert expressed her support for funding the program at $1,000,000 per year instead of every other year, because of the number of land owners the Town is talking to and the price of land. Ms. Mielert said the program could be looked at as an investment and a way to avoid future costs.

Mr. Sawitzke then reviewed the Sewer Main Extension program, an ongoing program. Mr. Sawitzke said that funding comes from the Extension Fund which is paid for through benefited property assessments; that portions of Lawton or Elaine Drives and the Hopmeadow/Pine Hill area are being considered; that the plan is administered by the Water Pollution Control Authority; and that future cycles being considered are portions of Castlewood Road and Alder Road and rehabilitation work in the Woodlands Street area.

Mr. Sawitzke reviewed the Water Extension Program stating that areas identified because of contamination or well problems, etc. would be contacted when road resurfacing was scheduled and there would be a hearing at that time. The program would be funded similarly to the Sewer Extension Program by assessment to the benefited property.

Mr. Voelker reviewed the Economic Development Plan for 2002/2003 and 2005/2006 that includes $500,000 for an Economic Development Fund allowing the town to be proactive rather than reactive to economic development, the ability to provide infrastructure support, and stating that the fund component of the plan dovetails with other strategies for economic development.

Mr. Wrable reviewed the plan for the expansion and upgrade of the Simsbury Water Pollution Control Facility for FY 2002-03 stating that the facility had a 20-year design life and is now in its 26th year of operation; that pumps and pipes are wearing away; that it was designed to handle 2.85 million gallons per day; that the town of Avon is under a DEP consent order for additional areas and that flow could be in the system by this summer; that January 1, 2002 new laws require nitrogen removal to protect the Farmington and Connecticut Rivers and the Long Island Sound; that the cost of construction will be $26.8 million to be shared by the towns of Simsbury, Avon and Granby; that a bond authorization needs to be passed; that the users of the facility will pay for the upgrade; that design will take approximately one year and construction in two years with a 2004/2005 estimated completion date.

Mr. Toner reviewed the proposed Park Improvement Plan stating that the town maintains 470 acres of active use parkland, approximately 1200 acres of open space area and 70-80 acres of Board of Education athletic fields; that the priorities include dredging of the pond and repairs to the dam at Town Forest Park, regrading of existing field, installing irrigation, fence replacement and adding bleachers in Tarriffville Park, repair of basket ball court and installation of a playscape in West Mountain Park, installation of bleachers and replacement of playscape in Weatogue Park, improvement of playscape in Meadow Pond Park, and playground installation in Simsbury Meadows.

Chief Ingvertsen reviewed the plans for renovation and expansion of police facilities stating that current spaces for personnel, activities and storage are less than adequate, that the arsenal needs to be relocated; that the dispatch center has poor airflow; that walls have holes and collect mold; carpeting needs to be replaced; that officers need to be protected from infectious diseases in the cell area; and that there is enough room in the existing building which could be renovated to accommodate the police department for 15 to 20 years to come.

Mr. Sawitzke reviewed the proposal for lighting the three rectangular playing fields at Simsbury Meadows stating that the lighting for the fields would have special features allowing them to be used for cultural events; and that hopefully there would be cost sharing from leagues using the facilities.

Chief Ingvertsen reviewed the plan for improvements to the regional radio system stating a study has been done by the Capitol Region Council of Governments regarding regionalizing police departments' communication centers in an attempt to cut costs; it includes Simsbury, Avon, Granby and Bloomfield; that there is federal money to get the plan underway; and that radio frequencies and equipment will have to be changed which would be the cost to the town.

Mr. Wrable reviewed the proposal for the Town Offices Lower Area Renovations stating the project's purpose is to improve the functionality, comfort and service delivery; that it includes increased storage, ergonomically designed work stations, improved lighting and air circulation, moving the lower level meeting room to the area now a temporary home for the Building Department, improvements to the ventilation system, and relocating the reception area.

Mr. Wrable reviewed the replacement plan for part of the Highway Garage stating the facility was constructed when highway vehicles were much smaller and is no longer adequate for housing present equipment; that if a vehicle is on the lift other vehicles have to be parked outside; that the sheathing is rotted; and that the plan provides for a washing area to comply with pollution prevention requirements.

Mr. Toner reported on plans to replace the irrigation system on two fields, adding guardrails and deep tine aerifying in Curtis Park, replacement of irrigations system and deep tine aerifying at Henry James; paving entry slope in the Sycamore Tree area; guard rails at the Iron Horse Fields; replacing the lifeguard shack, perimeter fencing, and rubber matting in the rink at Simsbury Farms.

Susan Bullock reviewed the plans for the Library Renovation and Expansion stating that the plan proposes a 19,600 square foot addition and renovation to the existing 23,000 square feet; that the major needs of the library are electronic workstations, larger area for children's services, more room for materials and additional parking; and that the plan will double the size of the children's library, provide an IT training facility for 20 people, quiet study areas, enlarge the Business Information Center, meeting spaces and staff work spaces, storage for an additional 50,000 items and bring aisle widths into ADA compliance; that they have received a $500,000 State Library Construction grant and $50,000 in private donations; that they will seek tax-deductible donations and grants from foundations and corporations; that under the State grant the project must be started by November 2002 and once the project is started it must be completed in 18 months.

In response to Ms. Gilkey's questions, Ms. Bullock said that there is no duplication of Board of Education training because they are using data bases licensed to the library for specific programs, i.e. small business tax preparation; and that the ceiling on the State grant is currently $500,000.

Mr. Sawitzke reported on plans for upgrades to the mapping system stating there are currently 192 areas mapped for use by assessors; that the plan would reduce the number by linking to statewide agencies; that the GIS implementation program provides the capability to display and analyze data in the community via coordinates; that GIS allows use of other data bases especially useful for economic development information, retrieving addresses for notifications of new sub-divisions, school bus routing etc.

Mr. Sawitzke reviewed the plans for the missing section of the Greenway from Sand Hill Road along the rail right-of-way to Drake Hill Road and Iron Horse Boulevard; arrangements with Ensign Bickford for easements; widening of sidewalk or a new crossing at Hop Brook; and project funding.

Ms. Lecours Beck reviewed the request for a new Dial-a-Ride Vehicle since two of the three vans have exceeded the 100,000 mile mark with the third not far behind, stating the cost is an 80-20 split with the Federal Government; that the town's share would be $15,000; and that the contractor may pay half by way of a monthly discount.