013fTOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Amphitheater of the Simsbury High School, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury. Present were: First Selectman Thomas Vincent; Board Members; David Ryan, John Hampton, John Romano, and Moira Werthemier. Also in attendance was Brandon Robertson.
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vincent called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Jerry Litner, 22 Misacco, spoke on the Ethel Walker property. He said he first felt confusion, then disappointment and am now angry. He felt the project was not discussed enough and enough information was not given to the residents.
Mr. Litner said it was first going to cost the Town 11.1 million dollars before any grants. Then there became two proposals. Then at a special meeting, with about three hundred people there, the second half of the proposal was voted on; to make a million dollar deposit that would be irrevocable if, at referendum, the second portion passed.
Mr. Litner said he went to many meetings, say no facts, and asked for more information, and didn’t get it. He said there was a comprehensive presentation in terms of the impact to the potential of reducing the bond rating, to increasing their taxes by a million dollars a year during the whole period of the loan, and to losing a million dollars in income. They were also told they were poisoning their children.
Mr. Litner said a small group of concerned residents put together a fact sheet on making the purchase or not, which was also put in the Farmington Valley Post and then they produced a poster. He asked Richard Sawitzke if their information was correct and was told it was.
Mr. Litner said the residents were just not informed of the project enough. He has now asked for the meeting with Mr. Vincent and Mr. Sawitzke.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, congratulated the Charter Revision Commission and voters who approved the new Charter.
Mr. Kalechman said there are still conflicts of interest in Town and asked the Ethics Commission to check on these.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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Mr. Kalechman said residents should reject the plan to be presented tonight as he fells it is “spot zoning.”
Mr. Kalechman said he has an issue with people saying they are from Tariffville, West Simsbury, or Simsbury. He fells there is just one Town not separate Towns.
Mr. Kalechman also feels the Town was unprepared for this election. The people waiting at Eno Hall just couldn’t wait to vote anymore. He thanked the people who won the elections and the people who lost.
Robert Wise, an attorney who has lived here for 39 years. Mr. Wise said he sent a letter to the Board about a month ago about removing an individual. He asked that the individual give his reply. He is asking the Board to decide this week about removing this individual. He would like to either meet individually or at a Public Hearing about this issue within the next few weeks.
Mr. Vincent said there have been Executive Session meetings and that Barbara Fredericks was here tonight for any questions. Ms. Fredericks said that the individual says the claims are without foundation and they have no merit.
Mary Barr, 92 Westledge Road, thanked the Board of Selectmen for partnering with the Trust for Public Land and the Keep the Woods Organization. Many people worked long hours and the residents have now spoken.
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, said under no circumstances did anyone say someone was lying about the information on the Ethel Walker property. They did correct some of the information that was given incorrectly. She felt that all the facts and information was given out correctly and there was plenty of information out there. She also thanked the Board for their help and said the residents have now spoken.
John Nagy, President of the Tariffville Village Association, thanked the Board of Selectmen, other Boards and Commissions and citizens for a successful year in Tariffville. They are very pleased by the vote for the renovation at Tariffville School and the renovations in Tariffville Park.
Mr. Nagy said they have an agenda item tonight about the possible referral of their plan for the Village Green to Culture, Parks and Recreation. He said they did receive a favorably report from them the last time they were there. They are not sure why they are going back to Culture, Parks and Recreation and would like this issue addressed during this agenda item.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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Jeff Madsick, 18 Woodson Road, Tariffville, said he distributed copies of the minutes and highlighted the important issues. This revolves around the possible sale of 31 Main Street a long time ago. The Planning Commission responded to the Board of Selectmen’s 8-24 referral recommended that the sale not proceed.
The Planning Commission elaborated by siting several topics and goals in the 1994 plan of development which supported maintaining that parcel that intended usage as a park. He asked the Board members about commercial development of 31 Main Street. He feels it is time to move forward with the plan.
John Glover, Squadron Line Road, spoke about the Ethel Walker referendum vote. He said they are now spending a lot of money on the Ethel Walker property, which he feels is a bailout. He asked that the Board drive a hard bargain with this property. He felt the First Selectman’s advisory group who lobbied at the election was inappropriate.
Mr. Glover asked if there was anything in writing with the Ethel Walker Trustees as to our intent and their intent. He also asked that the Director of Finance give them some indications of what the purchase means to taxpayers increases for the next five year.
Mr. Vincent said there would be two separate agreements: one with the Trust for Public Land and one with Ethel Walker School. The process is being completed. Mr. Vincent said that the agreements will be available to the voters. Mr. Vincent said that there are three grants that have been approved for that property. They are reimbursements to the Town after the completion of the whole agreement is done. These total almost 1 million dollars.
Joyce Howard, 116 Terry’s Plain Road, thanked the Board of Selectmen for their hard work. She is co-chair of tourism in Tariffville. She feels the Town of Simsbury is a Town with a diversified make-up. Tariffville is an authentic Victorian village, which makes for a great Town. The Village Association is very active and she thanks them for their commitment to the Town. She feels everyone should vote for this project as it will be an asset to the Town.
Frank Sawsa, Elm Street, Tariffville, said that 31 Main Street should move forward. He feels this project would help the community thrive as it is a great area.
Dave Balboni, 13 Fox Den Road, congratulated Diane Nash for the accuracy with the report on the Ethel Walker Property. He said there were 2248 people who didn’t vote, but went to the polls. He worked the polls and found it amazing that people spent a lot of time reading the referendums that were there.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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Mr. Balboni said he wrote a letter to the Hartford Courant on November 1st asking if they would have an opportunity to read the purchase sale agreement that was formed between the TPL, Town and Ethel Walker. He did not receive a response. Unfortunately the agreement was never available to read. He asked when this agreement would be seen by the residents for review.
Brian West, 48 Church Street, said that Tariffville is great place and the green speaks volumes. Please keep this moving forward.
Mr. Hampton said the Farmington River Watershed Association’s annual meeting held on November12th was a great celebration. Also, he attended the Town Farm Dairy Auction, which is fighting for the last great farm of Simsbury. Mr. Hampton said there was a beautiful Veterans’s Day Ceremony at Eno Memorial Hall on Saturday. Jason Lil was there, back from the war, which was just wonderful.
Mr. Hampton said he did advocate on behalf on the Ethel Walker issue and he felt it was the right thing to do so residents could see where he stands. He wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t show everyone where he stands on issues.
FINANCE
a) Tax Refunds
Mr. Romano made motion to approve the tax refunds as presented by the Tax Collector in the amount of $45,420.77. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Section 908 ©) - supplemental appropriation
Mr. Vincent said the Chief of Police asked for this supplemental appropriation for items damaged in the July storm. Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the supplemental appropriation for $9,424.00 for items listed in the Chief of Police’s memo. Mr. Romano seconded. After some discussion, all were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Fiddler’s Green LLC bond authorization
Mr. Ryan made motion to refer the this item to the Board of Finance and Planning Commission. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. After some discussion, all were in favor and the motion passed.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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Finance continued:
d) Memorandum of Understanding FFY 2006 Grant Funding
Mr. Romano read the following resolution:
“Authorizing Resolution Of The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Simsbury. Certification: I, Carolyn Keily, the Town Clerk of Simsbury, do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of Selectmen at its duly called and held meeting on November 13, 2006, at which a quorum was present and acting throughout, and that the resolution has not been modified, rescinded, or revoked and is at present in full force and effect:
Resolved, that the Board of Selectmen may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and
Further Resolved, that Thomas E. Vincent as First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Board of Selectmen and to do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.
The undersigned further certifies that Thomas E. Vincent now holds the office of First Selectman and that he has held that office since January 1, 2002.
In Witness whereof: The undersigned has executed this certificate this 13th day of November 2006. Thomas E. Vincent.”
Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Hampton said the Public Safety Committee had a special workshop on November 2nd to plan accordingly for traffic improvements to Riverside Road and East Weatogue. It was very well attended and he thanked Richard Sawitzke and Earth Tech. Earth Tech will come back with a formal proposal with final recommendations.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Hampton said the Senior Tax Relief Commission is finalizing their work and will report on November 21st at 6:30 at the High School.
Mr. Ryan said the EDC met last Thursday which including discussion on the Y-Five potential and the potential for increasing the attractiveness and effectiveness of the website.
RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
a) Mr. Hampton made motion to reappoint Geoffrey Dale to the Simsbury Zoning Enforcement Hearing Officer position pursuant to Town Ordinance, Chapter 158. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Ms. Wertheimer made motion to reappoint Susan Beardsley, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer and Brandon Robertson, Director of Administrative Services to serve on the Board of Directors of the Farmington Valley Health District. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Mr. Romano made motion to appoint Edward LaMontagne to serve as the Town’s representative on the North Central Mental Health Board replacing Lois Comstock. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed..
MISCELLANEOUS
a) Farmington Valley ARC, Inc.
Mr. Romano made motion to approve the proposed contract for services with the Farmington Valley ARC, Inc. as attached. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. After some discussion, all were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Jim Calhoun Challenge Ride
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve use of Town property for the Jim Calhoun Challenge Ride. The proceeds will benefit and UConn Cancer Center. Mr. Vincent said the Town has not been officially selected yet, however we have been asked to have the requested approved. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. After some discussion, all were in favor and the motion passed.
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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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Miscellaneous Continued:
c) Tariffville Village Association
Mr. Vincent said the Tariffville Village Association has asked him to designate 31 Main Street in Tariffville a village green and possibly refer same to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission again. Then the application will go to the Planning Commission, pursuant to Section 8-24, for approval and then Zoning Commission will make the site plan approval and a special exemption as required by the zoning regulations. Mr. Vincent said that Culture, Parks and Recreation is looking for more specific plans.
Mr. Vincent made motion to refer this matter to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission for review. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion. After some discussion, four were in favor with one voting no and the motion passed.
d) St. Mary’s Church
Mr. Romano made motion to approve the request by St. Mary’ Church to utilize Town property for the annual carnival scheduled for June 12-16, 2007. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a) October 11, 2006
Mr. Ryan made motion to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2006 as presented. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) October 26, 2006
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of October 26, 2006 as presented. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
PLANNING AND LAND USE PRESENTATION
John Loomis who said the Planning Commission has been doing work on the draft plan for about 4 years now. The goal is to see and shape the future of Simsbury. They received input from residents from 2003-05 and the draft plan often includes and often embraces what residents and organizations have written and said.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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Mr. Loomis said the Board received a hard copy of the 2007 draft plan on November 3rd or 4th and the residents have had access to the plan on the Town’s website. There will be meetings on November 29th at the High School Auditorium and on November 29 and 30th at the Henry James Cafeteria.
Mr. Loomis said tonight they are here to listen to the Board’s input. He introduced Glenn Chalder, the Consultant, who since July has helped the Commission think through the draft plans organization and presentation.
Mr. Chalder said planning is a process to help the community make conscience choices. The plan shows overall goals, alternative strategies, desired outcomes, and recommended policies.
The plan is made to protect natural resources, historic resources, open space, scenic resources, agricultural resources and community character. It shows economic growth and development. It lets everyone show what is important to them and how everything fits into place including added transportation, facilities, and utility infrastructures.
The plan makes sure that there is adequate staffing and resources. This plan may also including changes in regulations to implement and maintain the plan.
Mr. Chalder said there are three public meetings to go through the draft plan. In December the Planning Commission will be working on refining the policies based on the feedback that is given to the draft plan.
Mr. Chalder said the Planning Commission hopes to adopt the plan by March 2007. Mr. Chalder is asking for feedback from the Board on all of the draft plan.
Mr. Loomis said many of the Town’s staff has helped the Commission and he thanked all of them for their help.
Mr. Ryan said he has some concerns on sequences and emphasis. He feels that transportation is a very important thing. He also thinks that economic development is very important. We need to encourage the Town to supply goods and services to enhance the quality of life and livelihood.
Mr. Hampton thanked the Commission for their hard work and for attending this meeting. He appreciates their attention to open space. There was some discussion on the airport and its feasibility.
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2006
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Mr. Romano said this is a great achievement on the part of the Commission. He felt that Policy 7 was very proactive. He also felt that Objective F was positive. He didn’t see a lot that he would question or want to change.
There was some discussion on open space and the objective. The Commission thinks that their plan would allow developers to get the same amount of buildable lots and still have open space lots.
Mr. Romano said it is very important to keep the communities character and resources. The plan helps to move forward and encourage creativity.
Mr. Romano feels there is a lot of positive detail on page 56.
There was discussion on development and keeping resources in tact. Ms. Wertheimer said she felt additional staff would be needed to implement the plan and asked where the funding would come from. She would like a priority list of what is wanted when.
After more discussion, the Board thanked the Commission for all their hard work and planning. They look forward to the public input.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Ryan made motion to adjourn at 10:15 p.m. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman
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