Simsbury, CT - BOS - June 14, 2004

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen for June 14, 2004 was held in the Main Meeting Room in the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were First Selectman, Thomas Vincent, Board Members, Madeleine Gilkey, John Romano, Joel Mandell, William Garrity and John Hampton. Other interested parties were also present.

Ms. Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke about the response she received from Ms. Gilkey about employee layoffs. She said it was very easy to figure out the names of the employees.

Ms. Coe has filed a freedom of information complaint eliding that the meeting that the First Selectman had in his office on May 7, 2004 to discuss the placement of the 1.9 million dollar sports field was illegal.

Ms. Coe also asked about houses without Certificates of Occupancies. She wanted to know why people were being allowed to live in them without the Certificates. Also, it is Ms. Coe’s understanding that Mr. Yockamore is starting to rebuild 540 Hopmeadow Street, but he has not complied with certification of materials used for code compliance. This compliance needs to be met.

She also asked about the food cart at the golf course not having a permit. There appears to be conflict in the town code120-4 under exceptions with the State code. Ms. Coe also asked about the permanent tent being put up at the golf course. She feels that the Golf Course should be sub-contracted to a golf management company.

Mr. Bill Gardner, 53 High Ridge Road said we are playing catch-up for money that wasn’t spent on the Library 20 years ago. He asked that the Board support the request of the Library Board to get grant money from the State for the Library project.

Ms. Carol Bingham, Chairman of Library Board, 341 West Mountain Road also spoke on the grant for the Library. She wants the Board to consider the expansion at this time and not wait again as we a letting a gem slide away. She said we were 9^th in our peer group, in the nation, for usage in 2003 and 44^th in the country. Now we don’t even meet the list. We need expansion now.

Ms. Eileen Heim, 1 Muskett Trail, President of Friends of the Library, she urges the Board to support the Library expansion now. It is very important to the community.

Mr. Garrity made motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $4,827.56 for the period covering May 10^th thru June 9, 2004. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Hampton made motion to authorize the First Selectman to file an application for the State Library Construction Grant in the amount of $500,000, or the maximum amount available, for the additions and renovations to the Simsbury Public Library. Mr. Romano seconded.

Mr. Romano said his concern was that there weren’t any options for the project. It was either A or nothing at all. Options should have been made incase the total amount of money couldn’t be obtained.

Ms. Bingham said this is a very difficult project to phase in when we think about what needs to be done. Research was done on weight bearing loads, transporting massive quantities of books to be stored and health issues and fire exits. This is an ongoing establishment so it can’t be closed to do different phases. It could be funded in different phases. If it has to be done in phases, they would have to go back to the architect and they have no money to do that right now. You have to have a project with a 20 year growth so a State grant could be asked for.

Mr. Mandell said the Board is very much in favor a trying to get the grant and the library expansion. Mr. Mandell said this starts the ball rolling, but is not a commitment to the project.

Ms. Gilkey said she is also in favor of this project. She said we are right in line with what was projected six years ago. It would be 2007 before breaking ground.

Mr. Mandell read the resolution “Resolved that the First Selectman is authorized and directed to file an application on forms prescribed by the Connecticut State Library, for a State Public Library Construction Grant in an amount of $500,000, or the maximum amount available, for the additions and renovations to Simsbury Public Library.” All were in favor and the motion passed.

a. Ms. Gilkey made motion to authorize the First Selectman to enter into agreement with the North Central Connecticut Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2004-2005. Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b. Mr. Garrity made motion to authorize the First Selectman to enter into agreement with the University of Connecticut Health Center for Back-up Paramedic Services. Mr. Mandell seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Romano made motion to delegate oversight of Capital Projects to the Public Building Committee Projects to include Central School slate roof replacement, Simsbury High School auditorium upgrade and Elementary School modular classroom space. Ms. Gilkey seconded.

“Resolved that, in accordance with Section 173 of the Simsbury Town Charter and Section 10-291 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, the Board of Selectmen hereby charges the Public Building Committee with the responsibility for carrying out the design and construction oversight for the Slate Roof Replacement at Central School.” All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Garrity read the motion “Resolved, that, in accordance with Section 173 of the Simsbury Town Charter and Section 10-291 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, the Board of Selectmen hereby charges the Public Building Committee with the responsibility for carrying out the design and construction oversight for the Auditorium upgrade at Simsbury High School.” All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Romano read the motion “Resolved, that, in accordance with Section 173 of the Simsbury Town Charter and Section 10-291 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, the Board of Selectmen hereby charges the Public Building Committee with the responsibility for carrying out the design and construction oversight for the installation of Modular Classrooms to be located at any of the Town’s Elementary Schools.” All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Romano made motion to accept the resignation of Heidi Meissner of the Simsbury Recycling Committee. Ms. Gilkey seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Romano made motion to appoint Kathleen M. Fallon to the Aging and Disability Commission. Ms. Gilkey seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d. Personnel - Mr. Mandell said the next meeting is on July 12, 2004 to discuss compensation for school guards, registrar of voters, First Selectman, and non-unionized personnel.

Mr. Hampton said the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee reports that the new tent is not up yet, but the foundation is almost done. He feels this is a great addition to the Farms. He will check the date for the grand opening.

Mr. Romano said the Zoning Committee had a discussion on the tent, golf course, and accountability of the Farms and restaurant. He would like to discuss this with the Board.

Mr. Romano said he attending the joint meeting of Planing and Zoning with discussions of the Ensign Bickford property. There were layouts presented and a lot of discussion. It looks like a positive development. There will be follow-up meeting and he urged members to attend.

Mr. Romano said the Veterans office will be open again this Thursday. He thanked Chris Robin who made the sign and Jessica from the bagel shop for the food. Evan Wolcott will attend this meeting. The meetings are in room 106. Mr. Hampton said the State Veterans Affairs coordinator should attend. Mr. Romano said they are willing to come here.