TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 25, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen for October 25, 2004 was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were First Selectman, Thomas Vincent, Board Members, Madeleine Gilkey, John Romano, John Hampton, and William Garrity. Also present was Brandon Robertson, Director of Administrative Services.
Mr. Vincent called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Vincent said the Performing Arts Center would be holding a ground breaking ceremony at Simsbury Meadows. The press conference would be held on October 29, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. and all are welcome to attend.
Mr. Vincent announced that October 25 - 31 is National Red Ribbon Celebration week in Simsbury. Each Selectmen was issued a Red Ribbon in their packets and all employees are being asked to wear the ribbons to demonstrate their support and commitment to a healthy drug free lifestyle during this week.
Mr. Romano read the proclamation , “ The Town of Simsbury proclamation, National Red Ribbon Celebration. Whereas, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse in this Nation has reached epidemic stages and Whereas, 42% of 7th and 8th grade students have used tobacco, 50% drink alcohol, and 17% have used marijuana, and Whereas, alcohol and other drug abuse is involved in 80% of property crimes and 70% of violent crimes in Connecticut, and Whereas, it is imperative that visible unified prevention and education efforts by community members be launched to reduce the demand for drugs, and Whereas, the Capital Area Substance Abuse Council is urging all Connecticut residents to make a commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by participating in the Red Ribbon Celebration as well as prevention
activities throughout the year, and Whereas, businesses, media, social services, governments, schools, service organizations, religious institutions, safety courses, and individuals who demonstrate their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing and displaying red ribbons during this week-long celebration, and whereas, the Town of Simsbury further commits it’s resources to insure the success of the Red Ribbon Celebration. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Town of Simsbury does hereby declare October 25 - 31, 2004 as National Red Ribbon Celebration Week in Simsbury and encourages all it’s citizens to wear a red ribbon making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free Simsbury community. Signed, this 25th day of October, Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman.”
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 25, 2004
Page 2:
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said one of the most public policy issues facing Simsbury residents is the choice of having more of the same or changing the C.E.O. of Simsbury to a Town Manager. In 1997 Personal Management Associates of CT was hired to review the Chief Executive’s position and it said a Town Manager is a formally trained professional with 10 years experience. Unlike a Town Manager, there are really no formal job qualifications to become a First Selectman. All Department Heads report to a Town Manager.
Ms. Coe feels the Charter Revision Commission should start looking at the large picture of Town Manager and professional management. A vote should be taken on this issue.
Ms. Coe said the First Selectman found money to enhance the Director of Administrative Services position even though the non-union employees were denied a raise this year.
Ms. Coe said there are buildings that are not in compliance with the fire codes. We do not have a Zoning Enforcement Officer and there are businesses that appear to be in violation. Ms. Coe urges the Board of review the spending of money on the Library renovation as the High School project, Eno Hall, and Police Department aren’t completed yet.
Ms. Coe will post her comments on Simsbury.com forum and would like her exhibits attached to the minutes.
Sam Cohen asked about the Planning Commission creating a plan of development for the Town. There was a plan and recommendations. The Steering Committee discussed ways and means of measuring success of the endeavor to improve the economic situation in Town. It was decided to establish a goal for the ratio of residential to business in Town. Mr. Cohen asked if that was ever done. He asked for a resolution to establish that goal on an annual basis.
FINANCE
Mr. Garrity made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $3,240.16 as listed by the Tax Collector. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Vincent said a memo was given to the Board in their packets on the sale of a Dial-a-ride bus to the Town of Canton. This bus will be sold a fair market value. Mr. Garrity made motion to sell the bus. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 25, 2004
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LEGISLATIVE
Ms. Gilkey made motion to hold a Public Hearing to review the amendment of Section 141, Article II Property Tax Exemption, of the Town Code of Ordinances on November 8, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. Mr. Romano asked that a list of vehicles be given to the Board. All were in favor and the motion passed.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no Sub-Committee reports at this time.
LIAISON REPORTS
There were no liaison reports at this time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Gilkey made motion to approve the minutes of October 13, 2004. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor with Mr. Garrity abstaining.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Garrity made motion to move to Executive Session. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathi Radocchio
Clerk
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