TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
FEBRUARY 24, 2003
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:33 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices on February 24, 2003. Present were the First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Board Members Joel Mandell, John Romano, Anita Mielert, and Madeleine Gilkey. The Assistant to the First Selectman Brandon Robertson and other interested parties were also present.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Mr. Vincent asked if there was any member of the public who would like to address the Board of Selectmen.
Joan Coe, Simsbury resident, commented on the budget process mentioning the Board of Selectmen discussions and decisions about the budget. Ms. Coe noted recent snowfall and its possible effects to the Town Hall's foundation possibly adding to mold infestation problems. She mentioned companies available who deal with mold remediation and asked who will encapsulate the workplace while the renovations take place and where will employees work during this process. She mentioned a doctor who has stated the building cannot be renovated into a safe working environment. She asked who will certify the building is safe and free of mold. Ms. Coe suggests purchasing the old South School for the police department. Ms. Coe urges town members with an unusually high revaluation to apply for an appeal as hers
had errors. Ms. Coe was upset about the paddle tennis courts being half clean and half icy and unplayable. Ms. Coe discovered the heaters for the paddle courts were never permitted or inspected by the town and the heaters that were installed were not for outdoor paddle courts. She asked if there is a plan in place to remedy this, who is responsible and who pays for the replacement of the heaters. Ms. Coe brought up the town recently receiving defibrillator for town use and it was recommended that the senior center receive one but supposedly someone there did not want to receive the defibrillator. Ms. Coe asked what the town plan is for distributing these defibrillators and who will be trained to use them. Ms. Coe mentioned the fact that the attorneys of Robinson and Cole, defenders of Simsbury against the Meadowood lawsuit asked for an increase in fees. She asked if the town had a written contract for attorney services during this
litigation. Ms. Coe urges the Board of Selectmen to deny the permit for serving alcohol at Septemberfest.
CORRESPONDENCE
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE THE DATES FOR THE 2003 TALCOTT MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to approve the dates for the Talcott Mountain Music Festival this year to be held on Ironhorse Boulevard on June 27, July 4, July 11, and July 18, 2003. Mr. Vincent also noted an additional date of July 12, 2003 is asked to be reserved for an additional concert. Mr. John Jepson, Hartford Symphony Orchestra representative was present for any questions. Mr. Mandell made the motion to approve the dates and Mr. Romano seconded the motion. Ms. Mielert recused herself since she is member of the Hartford Symphony Board of Directors. Mr. Romano asked about the additional date of July 12, 2003. Mr. John Jepson, Up The Road, West Simsbury, said there is a possibility for the fifth concert all depending on funding. If this were to happen the only
change would be a rehearsal needed on Saturday afternoon and concert that evening. Mr. Romano asked if it would be a similar concert to the July 11 concert. Mr. Jepson thinks it would be totally different. Ms. Gilkey confirmed there would be no conflict with the fields for the afternoon practice. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Minutes
Board of Selectmen
February 24, 2003
Page 2
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A REQUEST OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AUTHORIZING THE USE OF IRONHORSE BOULEVARD FOR SEPTEMBERFEST AND THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to approve the Chamber of Commerce request for theuse of the Ironhorse boulevard parking lots for Septemberfest this September 5,6,and 7, 2003. Also they are asking for permission to sell beer and wine at the event. Charity Folk, Executive Director of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the Chamber for this request. She mentioned the "Fact Sheet" enclosed in packet for the Board and brought up that the TIPS class would begin this Wednesday at Simsbury Chamber office. Ms. Folk introduced the chairman for the event , Dennis Jacobs and mentioned it would be the 15th year for the Septemberfest. Mr. Romano asked Ms. Folk how many would be trained in the TIPS class this year. Ms. Folk responded 25 volunteers will have their cards
expired this year. The cards are typically good for three years. The group coming in this week is for retraining.
Ms. Gilkey made the motion to approve this request and Mr. Romano seconded the motion.
Mr. Mandell mentioned being TIPS trained for number of years and the Chamber is very good with notifying those about expiration. Mr. Mandell has never seen any youthful person try and pass an i.d. and has never served an intoxicated person while working as a TIPS server over the years. Mr. Romano noted checking with the Chief of Police who confirmed there has never been any incidents involving alcohol at the Septemberfest and there have not been any. All were in favor.
REVIEW AND CONSIDER DESIGNATION OF THE PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2003 AS REQUESTED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mr. Vincent asked if there were any nominations for the Public Servant of the Year Award 2003. Mr. Mandell made a motion to nominate Ms. Gillian Oeschlin, of Prompt Inc. for the Public Servant of the Year Award. Ms. Mielert seconded the motion and commended Ms. Oeschlin for her work. All were in favor.
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A REQUEST BY THE ST. MARY PARISH AND SCHOOL TO UTILIZE THE SIMSBURY MEADOWS FOR THE 2003 ST. MARY SPRING CARNIVAL
Mr. Vincent asked for a motion to approve the use of the Meadows by St. Mary Parish and School for their Spring Carnival May 20-24, 2003. Mr. Romano made the motion and Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion.
Mr. Romano confirmed the location for the carnival this year. Mr. Vincent said it would be the same as last year. All were in favor.
FINANCE
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE TAX REFUNDS AS REQUESTED BY THE COLLECTOR OF REVENUE
Mr. Vincent requested a motion to approve the tax refunds as outlined in a memo from the Tax Collector, Kathleen Hayes in the amount of $5,471.39. Mr. Mandell made the motion and Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Minutes
Board of Selectmen
February 24, 2003
Page3
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A REVISED AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF AVON TO PROVIDE RECIPROCAL TAX RELIEF FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
Mr. Vincent explained a revised agreement with the town of Avon to provide reciprocal tax relief for volunteer firefighters. Mr. Vincent explained the documents to include an agreement with Avon that does contain some language modification that shows in bold. The second document is a memorandum of understanding that explains how the agreement would be implemented and does not need to have a vote from the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Vincent asked the Board of Selectmen for a motion authorizing the First Selectman to sign the local agreement between Simsbury and Avon for reciprocal tax relief for volunteer firefighters with changes as recommended. Ms. Gilkey made a motion and Mr. Romano seconded the motion. Mr. Mandell asked if the benefits would be the same. Mr. Vincent explained it is
basically for bookkeeping ease. There are three Simsbury residents who volunteer in Avon and at this time there is nobody volunteering for Simsbury from Avon but we may at some point. He said they can take their requirements to give themselves the tax credits making it easier on bookkeeping. Mr. Romano confirmed that our ordinance 141-16 is similar to their number 68. Mr. Vincent said their criteria for bookkeeping may be slightly different than our volunteers. He said this rule does not change the maximum.
Ms. Mielert asked how Avon can give a Simsbury volunteer a tax credit if they don't pay taxes in Avon. Mr. Vincent explained they will get a credit but be serving Avon and will receive reward based on Avon criteria and vice a versa for an Avon volunteer in Simsbury. Mr. Vincent said it does not change the maxed out benefit, it only aids in bookkeeping. Ms. Mielert asked how Avon compensates. Mr. Vincent said it is not a tax abatement and Mr. Robertson explained that in Simsbury we provide the benefit as a straight out abatement of the tax bill, in Avon they take it out of the assessment. Mr. Robertson explained the different approach. Mr. Robertson explained it is the same concept. Mr. Mandell confirmed that all the volunteers are treated the same. Mr. Robertson said it is
really a matter of paperwork. He said the benefit used to be based on the ordinance of the town in which you lived, now it will be based on the ordinance in effect by the town in which you volunteer. All were in Favor.
Ms. Mielert asked if this had to take the power of an ordinance. Mr. Robertson said no, he did confirm this with town attorney Robert DeCrescenzo. Mr. Roberston explained this is a minor enough modification to the ordinance that it did not require going back to public hearing process. Mr. Robertson does not have this in writing but did speak to the attorney. Ms. Mielert noted when Avon was originally writing their ordinance they were talking about offering a number of things that could benefit the volunteers, such as education benefits, but did not seem to be actual tax abatement. Mr. Robertson understood that they will provide a cash benefit and was unsure about any education benefits.
Ms. Mielert mentioned she did not vote and if that vote sticks she requested an abstention.
Ms. Gilkey mentioned being a member of the Finance sub committee when we were drawing up our ordinance. She felt it made sense that the person volunteering from this town in another town should have their benefits based on the town's ordinance in which they are volunteering.
Mr. Vincent confirms we have four in favor and one abstention.
LEGISLATIVE
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY SET A DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING AN ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN TOWN BUILDINGS
Mr. Vincent asked for a review of an ordinance governing the consumption of alcoholic beverages in town buildings. Mr. Vincent noted the change in the ordinance under 63-2 the language "or on the immediate premises of" has been struck out. Mr. Vincent asked for a motion setting a public hearing date of
March 24, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. for the ordinance. Ms. Mielert made the motion and Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Minutes
Board of Selectmen
February 24, 2003
Page 4
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
REVIEW, OFFER , COMMENT, AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A BROCHURE ENTITLED "DOING BUSINESS IN SIMSBURY"
Mr. Vincent referred the Board members to review the "Doing Business in Simsbury" brochure that was developed by Charity Folk and Brandon Robertson. The brochure was designed to answer questions about registration, taxation, and zoning. The town staff attorney has reviewed this brochure for content. There is one change to be made in the brochure, the deletion of the word small before business owner in the first sentence on the last page next to the picture of the computer. Everything else will stay the same.
Mr. Vincent asked for a motion to approve the brochure "Doing Business in Simsbury". He also noted it is subject to review by the Economic Development Commission since they have not seen it yet.
Mr. Mandell made the motion and Mr. Romano seconded the motion.
Mr. Mandell raised question about the consideration of putting in the date of the revaluation on the first page under the question "how do I know the value of my property". Mr. Roberston explained they did consider this and decided it was a matter of how detailed to make the brochure. All were in favor and the motion passed.
RESIGNATIONS
REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF FRANCES SARNECKI FROM THE AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
Mr. Vincent asked for a motion to approve the resignation of Frances Sarnecki from the Aging and Disability Commission. Mr. Romano made the motion and Mr. Mandell seconded the motion.
Mr. Romano thanked Ms. Sarnecki for her work on the committee.
All were in favor.
LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Mielert attended a CRCOG transportation meeting today and she noted the presentation to be given at next meeting in two weeks regarding the Farmington River Trail for the Surface Transportation Program Enhancement. She said there will be nine presentations and we are competing for one of the top five spots that will be forwarded on to the state. She said Farmington and Canton are also requesting money for segments on the same trail. She thinks the chances of getting something funded on this path are reasonably good but the bad news is it could be years before there is another round of funding. Also Ms. Mielert mentioned comments from Manchester Mayor Steven Cassano, head of policy board for CROG, who wrote letters to senators and representatives regarding the Clean Air Act. She will copy
the Board of Selectmen on the letter.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD ON FEBRUARY 3, 2003
Mr. Vincent requested a motion for the approval of the minutes from the Board of Selectmen Budget Workshop held on February 3, 2003. Mr. Mandell made the motion and Mr. Romano seconded with all in favor.
Minutes
Board of Selectmen
February 24, 2003
Page 5
REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE MEETING MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD ON FEBRUARY 4, 2003
Mr. Vincent requested a motion for the approval of the minutes from the Board of Selectmen Budget Workshop held on February 4, 2003. Ms. Gilkey made the motion and Mr. Mandell seconded with all in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Vincent asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Mandell made the motion and Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,___________________
Thomas E. Vincent
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