Simsbury, CT - Board of Selectmen Minutes

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Thomas Vincent, Board members: Moira Wertheimer, John Romano, Joel Mandell, John Hampton, and David Ryan. Others in attendance included: Brandon Robertson, Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo, Police Chief Ingvertsen, John Loomis, Susan Bullock, Chuck Ward, and other interested parties.

"WHEREAS, Simsbury Special Olympian brothers Sean and Kyle Wadlinger will participate in the 2007 Special Olympic World Games in Shanghai, China, in October 2007, by running a full marathon, and;

WHEREAS, these athletes have adhered to a diligent practice schedule covering 900 miles on the streets and roads of Simsbury since the beginning of April, and are eagerly anticipating their part in the Games as members of Team USA,

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN, that the people of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut, join in recognition of the accomplishments of Sean and Kyle Wadlinger and express their admiration and congratulations to them for their accomplishments.

"WHEREAS, the white cane and dog guide have come to symbolize every blind person's right to pursue and achieve a full and independent life, and the use of the white can or the dog guide allows blind persons to travel safely and effectively and undertake gainful employment and otherwise fully participate in society, and,

WHEREAS, Connecticut State law secures the right of blind persons to carry and use a white cane and be accompanied by a dog guide, whether on the streets and highways, traveling on public transportation, utilizing public accommodations, locating housing or working on the job, and Connecticut law also requires motorists to exercise appropriate caution when approaching a blind person using a white cane or dog guide; and,

WHEREAS, Connecticut law further encourages employers, both in private and public sectors, to explore and utilize the skills and potentials for productivity of the blind citizens of Connecticut, to recognize their capabilities and respect their worth as individuals; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, with the assistance and cooperation of the National Federation of the Blind in Connecticut, can look forward to an ever-increasing awareness of the abilities of blind people and to a greater acceptance of blind persons in the competitive labor market;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2007 as WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY for the Town of Simsbury and call upon our schools, institutions and business leaders to take the lead in ensuring full acceptance and equal opportunities for the blind of Connecticut, and I also urge all citizens to recognize and respect the white cane and the dog guide as representing safety, dignity and self-help for the blind of Connecticut.

Mr. Loomis said the Public Hearing was held in the High School on September 19, 2007 with 40 in attendance. There were 13 speakers at the meeting. The Planning Commission will be holding a meeting tomorrow to discuss this issue further. He feels this issue will be finalized at the October 9th meeting.

Attorney DeCrescenzo presented the Freedom of Information Commission Settlement Agreement for Docket #FIC 2007-064. After the last Board meeting, Attorney DeCrescenzo made the following changes in paragraph 7. They were to change the word audit to review and to add a clause after the word implemented to state that if there were any expenses incurred, they would be expenses paid by the complainant.

Attorney DeCrescenzo said he met with Mr. Ward and he agreed to change the word audit to review, but would not agree to the clause about expenses to be paid by the complainant. Attorney DeCrescenzo said the only expenses might be for copying documents. However, the intent of this is that there is follow through.

Mr. Ward said he has worked diligently with Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo and Brandon Robertson on this settlement that he feels would benefit the citizens of Simsbury as well as hopefully create a more efficient, open government for other towns to envy. His comments are attached. He strongly urged the Selectmen to approve this settlement as he feels it is what's best for the citizens and the Town of Simsbury.

After some discussion, Ms. Wertheimer made motion to approve the FOI settlement agreement, Docket #FIC 2007-064 as presented tonight. Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive said she won't vote for Tom Vincent for First Selectman as she feels he doesn't understand the complex interests of the Town. She really wants a Town Manager form of government.

Ms. Coe said the Selectmen never answer any of her questions. She feels the people pay more taxes due to the Skating Center loss and other infrastructure improvements in Town.

Ms. Coe showed another picture of the sticky note on the Hartford Courant promoting Septemberfest. It was a coupon for a residential rate at the golf course. She asked who approved this.

Ms. Coe showed another picture of problems in Town Hall, which she called a blighted building due to peeling paint, a hole in the overhang and a stain on the ceiling in the Main Meeting Room.

Mr. Romano said he would like more discussion on the 2 million dollar State refund the Town received. He would still like this money divided to every household as a tax rebate. He would like this issue placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Mr. Vincent said part of the money received was put aside to set against the mil rate on the existing tax bills. He will have Mr. Kane call Mr. Romano to explain this further.

Mr. Romano said he would also like a Town-wide Cherette. He is not sure of the cost, but would like to look into fund raising and grants funds that may be available for this. He would like to start a dialogue on this issue.

Ms. Bullock, Library Director, said the Library project is 40% complete, on budget, and on time. They have project meetings every two weeks to discuss issues and resolve any problems. Ms. Bullock said the building should be completely enclosed by early November.

Ms. Bullock said the anticipated completion date is still the beginning of March. They will need volunteers to help remove everything from the temporary space and make the Library complete.

Ms. Bullock said they are planning the grand opening celebration early June 2008, most likely the 7th, 8th and 9th. The Friends of the Library have formed a Committee to plan the celebration. They would like everyone's input.

The Board received a handout explaining how applications are presented for use of the Performing Arts Center. This includes an application which goes before the Board of Selectmen, which includes references and temporary permits for signs. There is a form and meetings with the Police Department and how they are to be used. There is a public gathering permit application and insurance information required. There is also a list of items that the Town supplies.

Mr. Vincent said the fund balance started at $53,589.48; revenues received is $132,000; expenses of $99,000 with a profit of $33,000. The Hartford Symphony check of $17,561 should be received by the end of the week. Therefore, the balance will be over $100,000, which goes to the upkeep of the facility.

Mr. Vincent said the Board of Selectmen do approve all dates. Attorney DeCrescenzo showed the Board the License Agreement and said insurance certificates are also required. He feels this is a workable agreement for the Town and vendors.

Attorney DeCrescenzo said there is a different License Agreement with the Hartford Symphony. The exclusive dates are approved by the Board of Selectmen. The agreement has been changed to have rain dates and black-out dates for their performances.

After some discussion, the Board agreed to let the upcoming Board look into this issue further. Some of the Board members feel a committee should be formed to see how to make the Performing Arts Center grow further.

Chief Ingvertsen said trucks that are gross 13 tons are banned from going over Avon Mountain unless they are making deliveries in West Hartford or Avon. The Motor Vehicle Department is still stopping vehicles on Rte. 44 for spot checks. They are also monitoring traffic on Rtes. 185 and 315, as well as back roads. There will be a meeting on Thursday to discuss funds to enforce the ban and truck inspections. They will also be looking into ramps on the Avon side of the mountain.

Chief Ingvertsen said the Simsbury Police Department has been in the process of becoming Accredited since 2001. In September 2001 they became accredited in tier 1 section, which deals with liability issues. This meant that they met 126 standards. In January 2005 they were awarded State accreditation, tier 2 and a renewal of tier 1 certification. On September 21, 2007 the State assessors recommended they be accredited with tier 3 certification and re-certified in tiers 1 and 2. They also plan on becoming nationally certified.

Mr. Ryan made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $8,180.96 for the period covering September 5 - 19, 2007. Mr. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Review, discuss and possibly approve a resolution required to receive funding n the amount of $30,000 through the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.

Mr. Mandell made motion to approve the following resolution: "RESOLVED: That the Simsbury Board of Selectmen and the Town of Simsbury hereby adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes § 4a-60(a)(1) and§ 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142. "

Mr. Mandell said Culture, Parks and Recreation have enhanced their website. He said there will be three courses for the youth of Simsbury. One is a course on creative expression, which starts October 5th for 7 weeks and costs $129.00. There is also an acting workshop which starts on October 5th and also costs $129.00. The third course is called Broadway Jazz, which starts on October 3rd. Mr. Mandell said the website is full of other activities.

Mr. Mandell said the Culture, Parks and Recreation Department has tried many things to enhance play at Simsbury Farms including giving out cards to members to allow friends to get a residential rate. This is the courtesy of the pro, which also includes 10% off of merchandise.

Ms. Wertheimer said there was a celebration ceremony at the Ethel Walker property yesterday. This was put on and paid for by the Trust for Public Land. It was a great day with hikes, etc. Mr. Vincent noted that there will be maps placed on the trails so people can find their way through them.

The Board thanked the Trust for Public Land, Keep the Woods and all of the other volunteers for making this project happen. They also thanked the residents for voting to purchase this property.

Mr. Romano said that Aging & Disability Commission held their "Picnic in the Park" at St. Catherine's Church on Saturday. He thanked everyone for help in this event.

Mr. Mandell also mentioned the "Fly In" at the airport where they also had an antique car show. There was a lot happening in Simsbury this weekend.

Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 10, 2007. Mr. Romano seconded the motion. After some corrections, all were in favor and the motion passed.