Simsbury, CT - BOS - April 12, 2004

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen for April 12, 2004 was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were First Selectman, Thomas Vincent, Board Members Madeleine Gilkey, Joel Mandell, John Romano, William Garrity and John Hampton. Also present were Brandon Robertson, Assistant to First Selectman, Richard Sawitzke, and other interested parties.

Mr. Vincent called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.. Mr. Vincent said a few words about the passing of Felix DelGrecco, the 22 year old National Guardsman who passed away in Iraq. He gave condolences to the family and asked that everyone stand for a moment of silence. Then everyone remained standing for the pledge of allegiance.

Mr. Vincent opened the public hearing as required by Chapter 156 of the Town of Simsbury Code of Ordinances to receive public comment concerning the assessment of fees for water main extensions on Brighton Lane, Fleetwood Drive, Holcomb Street and Firetown Road.

Mr. Sawitzke was introduced and was there to answer any questions on these assessments. Mr. Sawitzke said the assessments for Fleetwood Drive, Holcomb Street and Surrey Circle were $4,615.00, for Firetown Road the assessment was $767.00 and for Brighton Lane the assessment was $5,197.67.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive thanked the First Selectman for responding to her note on the code of ethics. She spoke about section 13-6 “Use of Influence” and asked that the Board review and observe Town policies. She also spoke about Evolutions starting a business at the old Gemini’s Café. She said the sign is illegal and they have no Certificate of Ownership.

Ms. Coe spoke of the track and field, which needs public review. She said the Planning Commission denied it because of the lighting being added on. She also said the Town Website should get “up to speed”.

Dick Tesh, Bickford Street, spoke about the all-weather athletic field, which he feels would be valid on Iron Horse Blvd., as it would help the merchants. This would also eliminate traffic at the High School. He feels a decision was made before all the facts were known. He recommended that the Board of Finance eliminate this project at the May 4, 2004 capital vote.

Anita Mueller, East Weatoge Street said there was an informational meeting on March 30^th with the Department of Transportation on the Rte. 10 corridor project. Only three people showed up at the meeting as there were a lot of other meetings that night. She looked at plans and the project and had concerns, which she will write to the D.O.T. about. Ms. Mueller feels the public needs to get involved with this project and more advertising of meetings is necessary. There is another Public Hearing with the D.O.T. on May 3^rd.

Dawn Bobryk of the Historical Society said the 2004 Simsbury Muster will be held on May 15 & 16. On Friday night there will be opening ceremonies and a dance. Ms. Bobryk said according to the diary of John Adams, he was in Simsbury in 1776.

John Romano said he was pleased to announce that the Veterans Affairs office will open next month in Town Hall. They will be open the third Thursday of each month from 9-12 to provide information on benefits available to veterans. There will be further information going out on dates and times of the office openings.

Kevin Kowalski, Fire Marshall/Civil Preparedness Director said there will be a small pox vaccination drill on April 23 - 24^th. This will be an exercise with volunteers to make sure the Town would be ready if ever needed. Mr. Kowalski said to call Social Services 658-3283 if you would like to volunteer.

Mr. Vincent made motion to approve the assessments pursuant to Chapter 156 of the Town of Simsbury Code of Ordinances concerning the assessment of fees for water main extensions on Brighton Lane, Fleetwood Drive, Holcomb Street and Firetown Road. Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Romano made motion to set a public hearing date of April 26, 2004, regarding the proposed adjustments to Chapter 141 Article VI of the Town Code of Ordinances entitled Taxation, Property Tax Exemption for Qualifying Veterans. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

a. Mr. Mandell made motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $1,362.05 for the period covering March 22^nd thru April 7, 2004. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b. Mr. Mandell made motion to approve a supplemental appropriation pursuant to 908 ©) for the purpose of land acquisition by the Simsbury Lane Trust. This will be returned to the Board of Finance. Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c. Mr. Garrity made motion to approve the budget transfers in the amount of $465,713 to fund settlements for Collective Bargaining Units and Non-Union Employees. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d. Mr. Mandell made motion to approve budget transfers in the amount of $270,643 as requested in a memo from the Finance Director dated April 6, 2004. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

e. Mr. Vincent said Attorney Robert DeCrescenzo gave his legal opinion on the Simsbury High School Track and Stadium Field Improvement approval process. After some discussion, Mr. Vincent made motion to withdraw the Simsbury High School Track and Stadium Field Improvement project from the May 4, 2004 Special Town Meeting. Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

f. Mr. Vincent made motion to approve an increase of the private duty billing rate for the Police Department as recommended by the Chief of Police. This will take effect July 1, 2004. Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Vincent said Mr. Jepson, Festival Chair asked for a 5^th concert date of Saturday, July 3^rd to be approved. Ms. Gilkey made motion to approve the 5^th concert date of July 3, 2004. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Vincent said the Director of Public Works and Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor are requesting that the Board declare the attached list of equipment surplus and authorize its disposal. This equipment will be advertised and bids will be accepted. Mr. Garrity made motion to declare the attach list of equipment surplus and authorized its disposal. Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

a. Ms. Gilkey made motion to appoint Craig Haase to a position on the Pension Committee. Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b. Ms. Gilkey made motion appoint Bill Egan to a position on the Building Code Board of Appeals. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c. Mr. Garrity made motion to appoint members as requested so far to the Hometown Hero Selection Committee. There are two more members needed. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Garrity made motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 22, 2004. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Ms. Gilkey abstaining, and the motion passed.