TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen for December 13, 2004 was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were, First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Joel Mandell, Madeleine Gilkey, John Romano, William Garrity and John Hampton. Also present were, Brandon Robertson, Director of Administrative Services, Mike Goman, Chairman Board of Education Negotiating Committee, Dave Holden, Business Manager, Rich Hogan, Chairman of the School Board, and Dr. Diane Ullman, Superintendent of Schools and John Loomis, Chairman of the Planning Commission.
Mr. Mandell read a proclamation for Tootin’ Hills School, “This is a proclamation from the Town of Simsbury, Whereas, the Citizens of the Town of Simsbury in the year of 1952 A.D. did find need to provide an additional grammar school, Whereas such school was therefore constructed in the southwest quarter throughout the year 1953, and Whereas the completed school was opened to students of West Simsbury and Weatogue in September of 1954, Whereas in December of the same year the First Selectman Albert H. Curtiss and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Fred J.Hursick accept Tootin’ Hills School on behalf of the Town of Simsbury, and Whereas the Simsbury Board of Education has since contracted only the most capable faculty and staff to educate the students of Tootin’ Hills School, and Whereas, the parents of
these students have continually set an example for parents across our great nation by working closely with the teachers in support of their children’s education, and Whereas, over the course of it’s 50 years, Tootin’ Hills School has graduated over 3,500 talented members of Simsbury’s informed citizens and Whereas, we do herewith come together to celebrate 50 extraordinary years of teaching and learning, and Whereas, it is only fitting to recognize Tootin’ Hills outstanding contributions to our community and celebrate forthwith as we pay homage to all who have walked the hallow halls before us and to those who are still on the journey. Now therefore, Thomas Vincent, First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury does proclaim Friday, December 17th, 2004 as Tootin’ Hills Day in the Town of Simsbury. This proclamation is signed by Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman.”
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
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PUBLIC AUDIENCE
There was no one wishing to speak at this time.
FINANCE
a) Tax Refunds
Mr. Romano made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $2273.42. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b & c) Presentation of the Board of Education Officials concerning proposed Collective Bargaining Agreements
Mr. Gorman said the negotiating process involving the teachers is a State mandated process which begins with a Negotiating Sub-Committee for the Board of Education and the representatives of the Simsbury Education Association agreeing on a set of ground rules on negotiating. Once the ground rules are agreed upon the negotiating process, which started in the middle of August and ended about early October. Once the general negotiations are done they go in to mediation. The purpose is to try to mediate a settlement between the two groups. By early November, a State mandated process of arbitration is to start. Fortunately, this year they were able to come up with a settlement through mediation and didn’t need arbitration.
Mr. Gorman said the Administrators contract and the teachers contract combined over a three year period add up to almost one hundred million dollars. This is a huge obligation for the Town. It became clear to the Negotiations Sub-Committee that this process is a legal process. After interviewing various law firms they hired Tom Mooney from Shipman & Goodwin, LLP. Mr. Mooney wrote the book “Connecticut School Law”. Mr. Gorman said Mr. Mooney was very experienced and has a great style in communications.
Mr. Gorman said there was a memo on December 9th. Mr. Gorman said for teachers, the general wage increase for 2005-06 was 1.70% , 2006-07 is 1.16% and 2007-08 is 1.76%. The general wage increase plus increment for 2005-06 is 4.00%, 2006-07 is 4.00% and 2007-08 is 4.25%. Mr. Gorman said increment refers to the cost of movement on a stepped scale that teachers move along. There are 55% of teachers that are already off of the scale already. For those teachers they will only receive the general wage increases.
Mr. Gorman also went through the wage comparisons as presented on the December 9th memo. Mr. Gorman went to the Administrators contract settlement which covers 18 administrative
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
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positions. The total wages and benefits prior to negotiations was $2,139,871. The general wage increase for 2005-06 is 3.00%, for 2006-07 is 3.00% and 2007-08 is 3.25%.
Mr. Romano asked about a teacher who is also an athletic coach. Dave Holden said they get a separate stipend depending on the sport they are coaching, which will increase by 1.7% for 2005-06.
Mr. Garrity asked how many years it takes to get off the scale. Mr. Holden said prior to these negotiations it was 10 years, but now it is 11 years. Mr. Holden said the Administrators are now at a 5 year maximum.
Mr. Garrity also asked about per diem. Mr. Holden said during the summer months they are asked to come back for professional development training, etc.
Mr. Garrity asked if the tax shelter annuity was normal and in there forever. Mr. Holden said yes, it’s been in there for at least 15 years.
Mr. Mandell asked about the contributions to medical insurance. Mr. Holden said each plan varies from 7.5% to 12.5 %, plus a three tier formulary for prescription drugs.
Mr. Garrity asked why the teachers are all under 2% and the Administrators are 3 and over. Mr. Gorman said the groups are not comparable. There are a lot of challenges to be faced and good signal to the Administrators to face these challenges.
Mr. Gorman said the Board of Finance was asked to participate in this process, but the regulations only allow a member to observe. Mr. North was the member and he was kept up to date on all negotiations. Mr. Mooney costs about $17,000 and was very well worth it. He was a great asset to the process. Mr. Gorman thanked everyone for their help in this process.
Mr. Mandell made motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement through the Simsbury Education Association as presented by the Board of Education. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Romano made motion to approve the collective bargaining agreement for the Simsbury School Administrative and Supervisors Association as presented by the Board of Education. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. Mr. Garrity said he voted for a wage freeze and won’t vote for
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
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this. Mr. Mandell said he supports the contract negotiations. The vote was five to one in favor and the motion passed.
d) “Gift Policy”
The Board received a memo, dated December 10th. The Culture, Parks and Recreation Director has been approached by an individual from Burlington seeking to donate a 1996 Dodge Caravan.
This vehicle would be listed on the Town’s insurance policy and be used by one of the Recreation Supervisors for local use and transportation of program equipment.
Mr. Romano made motion to accept this motor vehicle pursuant to Chapter 100 of the Town Code. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Loomis, Chairman of the Planning Commission, was introduced and thanked by Mr. Vincent for all their time and effort on this Commission.
Mr. Loomis said in September 2002, the Commission sent out invitations to the community to address the development of the Town of Simsbury. In January 2003, they began hearing over thirty presentations and held meetings. They still welcome input from everyone on what people are looking for.
Mr. Loomis said the initial draft will be completed in the first quarter of next year. Then drafts will be given concurrently to the State and Town for review. They will await feedback from the State and Board of Selectmen. Within a 65 days period they will schedule a public hearing and they made hold other informational meetings. Mr. Loomis said the payoff is the implementation of the plan after approval of the State and Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Loomis compared the ‘94 plan to what has been done to date with seven drafts as presented to the Board. He highlighted some differences and said the plan is the Town’s statement of the way we want to manage our future. It’s the document that makes the connection between our vision for Simsbury and the nature and location of our future development. We must make choices that honor the express needs of our residents and the Town’s natural resources we treasure. We must encourage responsible economic development and enhances the Town.
Mr. Vincent thanked Mr. Loomis for his very informative presentation.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
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RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Mandell made motion to re-appoint Moria Wertheimer to Aging and Disability. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to approve the re-appointment of Sharon Craig to Economic Development Commission. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to appoint James W. Oliver to Historic District Commission as an alternate. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to re-appoint Harvey Goodfriend to the Police Commission. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to re-appoint Anthony Drapelick as an alternate to Design Review Board. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to re-appoint John Carroll to Design Review Board. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to appoint Ryan M. Mihalic to Conservation Commission. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to appoint Christine Sovik to Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to re-appoint James Hopkins to Housing Authority. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to appoint Andrew Rose to Recycling Commission. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
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UPCOMING SCHEDULES
Mr. Vincent made changes on the proposed Board of Selectmen regular meeting dates. They are January 24th not 29th and only October 24th, and October 12th also. Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the regular meeting dates of the Board of Selectmen with changes as presented. Ms. Gilkey seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Mandell made motion to approve the Budget Workshop meeting dates for ‘05-‘06. Mr. Garrity seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no sub-committee reports at this time.
LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Mandell said he and Bert Kaplan of the Library Board met with Paul O’Sullivan to discuss Federal Grants for the Library expansion. They will continue to pursue the talks.
Mr. Vincent said Nancy Hendryx wanted to speak in public audience, but was unable to be here at the time. He will let her speak at this point.
Ms. Hendryx handed out a flyer on Code of Ethics which will be available in Town Hall. She used to be on the Recycling Committee and she started a list service for Simsbury called Freecycle.org. She said this is a movement that has become international in scope which is a way to get on the internet and get rid of “stuff” they no longer want for free. She would like this done on a local level.
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Romano made motion to adjourn into executive session to discuss a pending claim at 8:40 p.m. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed. Brandon Robertson, Director of Administrative Services and Town Attorney, Robert DeCrescenzo, were also in attendance at the Executive Session.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 13, 2004
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ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session was adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m. by unanimous consent. The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the proposed settlement as attached(Addenda 1).
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas E. Vincent,
First Selectman
(Addenda 1)
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