TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 22, 2007
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, John Loomis, Richard Sawitzke, Joan Coe, Chuck Ward, Cub Scout Troop 175, and other interested parties.
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Vincent called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Ms. Wertheimer introduced Cub Scout Troop Number 175 from Central and Tariffville School, nine and ten year old boys who are earning their citizenship badge.
Mr. Mandell read the following motion:
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL RED RIBBON CELEBRATION
WHEREAS, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse in this nation has reached epidemic stages, and
WHEREAS, 34% of 7th and 8th grade students have used tobacco, 51% drink alcohol, and 13% have used marijuana; and
WHEREAS, alcohol and other drug abuse is involved in 80% of property crimes and 70% of the 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 (CASAC) 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 forces, and individuals will 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 its resources to ensure the success of the Red Ribbon Celebration;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Simsbury does hereby declare October 22nd - 27th, 2007 as National Red Ribbon Celebration Week in Simsbury and encourages all its citizens to wear a Red Ribbon, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free Simsbury community.
Signed this 22nd day of October, 2007
Thomas E. Vincent, First Selectman
Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
PRESENTATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF CHECK FROM CL&P FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES INSTALLED AT WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY
Mr. Vincent said the Water Pollution Control Facility has been undergoing significant upgrades. As a result the processing capacity of the plant has been increased and is now in compliance with the regulatory requirements designed to protect the environment. The Town is now entitled to a refund from CL&P.
Mr. Vincent introduced Walt Szymanski, Account Executive and Jim Motta, Supervisor of Conservation and Load Management from CL&P.
Mr. Motta congratulated the Town of Simsbury for participating in the State of Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Program. This fund allows residents to take advantage of implementing high efficiency standards within homes and businesses.
Mr. Motta said the Town incorporated a lot of energy efficiency measures into the Water Pollution Control Facility. The Town had a 6.9 million kilowatts savings. Therefore, Mr. Motta and Mr. Szymanski gave the Town a check in the amount of $115,778 for their great design at the Water Pollution Control Facility.
Mr. Motta said for more information on this program you can go to their web-site; www.CL-P.com.
Mr. Vincent acknowledged Jim Clifton, who operates the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Mr. Loomis, 500 Firetown Road, Chairman of the Planning Commission, but speaking tonight as an individual, said the Commission adopted the Plan of Development on October 9. The plan will be implemented effective November 3rd. He said this has happened due to the extremely hard work of the Commission in the past five years. Mr. Loomis said Ernie Gardow is stepping down after twelve years. Mr. Loomis said this plan may be a contender for an APA award in 2008.
Mr. Loomis said he feels there hasn't been enough support and encouragement from the Board of Selectmen throughout their process. He feels the Commission needs active support from the Board of Selectmen to make the plan work and this is for the future of Simsbury.
Mr. Ward, 81 Blue Ridge Drive, wanted to update the Board on his FOI complaint against the Planning and Zoning office. He said the settlement agreement has been accepted by the State of Connecticut FOIA Commission. Mr. Ward read the settlement agreement and would like a copy of this document to be entered into the public record. Mr. Ward's comments are attached.
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke again about the elections and who she will be voting for.
Ms. Coe would like a reconciliation of the funds for the Performing Arts Center available; attendance and benefits analysis.
Ms. Coe spoke about a promotional video for a baseball team for use of the Town fields. She would like to know who pays fees to use the fields.
Ms. Coe said her FOI complaint against the Zoning Board of Appeals has been negotiated.
Ms. Coe spoke again about Eno Farms as there are 20 units empty. She asked about the foreclosure of the property. This property is supposed to be for the poor of Simsbury.
Ms. Coe gave the Selectmen pictures of repairs needed at Town Forest Park, Tariffville Park, Memorial Field and an overflowing trash can, as attached.
Ms. Coe would like an agenda section for discussion on the concerns of the public during each Board of Selectmen meeting.
All of Ms. Coe's comments can be read on Simsbury.com/forum.
Mr. Romano said he feels Planning Commission's Plan is a great document and very well done. He does feel there was some lack of involvement from the Board of Selectmen. He would like the Board to consider a motion to commend the Commission on the completion and adoption of the P.O.C.D. These people put a lot of volunteer time into this document.
Mr. Romano also noted that election signs are being taken down, which is inappropriate, when placed on private property. These signs cost a lot of money and they are just trying to get their messages out.
Mr. Romano asked about a charette study again. He would really like this done.
Mr. Mandell said the Veteran's Day Ceremony will be held on Monday, November 12th at 10:45 a.m. beginning at Eno Memorial Hall. It is put on by American Legion Post 84 and VFW Post 1926 and everyone is welcome.
Mr. Hampton said everyone on the Board commented on the Plan of Development and everyone on the Board was available for more discussion. This shouldn't be a politicized issue, this just diminished this document. The rest of the Board agreed.
Mr. Vincent noted that The Hartford has decided to keep its operation in the Town of Simsbury.
Mr. Vincent said the Town of Simsbury has been awarded an open space grant of $350,000 intended for the Lower Hill Properties in Tariffville.
Mr. Vincent noted that Town staff is working on the Regional Performance Incentive Program.
Mr. Vincent said an overhead projector has been installed in the Main Meeting Room along with a new recording system.
Mr. Vincent said the e-mail accounts for elected officials has been set-up. Links are established on the Town web-site. You can go to the Boards and Commissions section on the site and click on the name of individual you wish to contact, and the e-mail address will appear.
FINANCE
a) Review, discuss and possibly approve tax refunds as requested by the Tax Collector
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $14,628.51 for the period covering September 19 - October 17, 2007. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute an agreement for an Operating Assistance Grant with the Greater Hartford Transit District
Mr. Ryan made motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute an agreement for an Operating Assistance Grant, with the Greater Hartford Transit District to offset the cost of the Dial A Ride Service for approximately $4,433.44. Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the establishment of a "Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program" Special Revenue Fund
Mr. Mandell made motion to establish a special revenue fund in the amount of $775,000 to be used on an as needed basis. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion. After some discussion, all were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Review, discuss and possibly adopt Non-Discrimination Certification as required by an agreement with UConn Health Center for Paramedic Services
Mr. Mandell read the following resolution: "RESOLVED, that the Town of Simsbury hereby adopts as its policy to support the non-discrimination agreements and warranties required under Conn. Gen. State §4a-60(a)(1) and §4a-60a(a)(1), as amended by State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142, as those statutes may be amended from time to time.
Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute an agreement with the UConn Health Center for Backup Paramedic Services
Mr. Mandell made motion to approve the following resolution: "RESOLVED, that the Town of Simsbury is hereby authorized to make, execute and approve on behalf of the Town of Simsbury, any and all contracts and to execute and approve on behalf of the Town of Simsbury other instruments, a part of or incident to such contracts; effective until otherwise ordered by the Board of Selectmen." Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Review, discuss and possibly approve increases in pay for Poll Workers
Mr. Vincent said the Board received a request from the Registrar of Voters. The last time there were increases was in 2004.
Mr. Mandell made motion to adopt the request of the 2 Registrar of Voters for a new pay scale as set forth on a sheet entitled "Election officials new pay scale, October 12, 2007." Mr. Ryan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer noted that there are new voting machines in Town now. They are optical scan machines.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Richard Sawitzke said the Waste Water Treatment Plant is completely on line with all environmental quality improvements.
Mr. Sawitzke said the Library is now 50% complete. The March 2008 completion date is still in line.
Mr. Sawitzke said the Simsbury High School main building is functioning well. The emergency generator is working. The Auditorium is now 60% complete with some electric and rigging on the stage still left to complete. This should be completed in early November.
Mr. Sawitzke said the Bike Trails and Walkways are 87% complete. SI-5 should be completed this month.
Tariffville School is in the final plan and specification stage. The bid date is January 2008. The site plan was approved last week.
Mr. Sawitzke said the sanitary sewers were completed on Elaine Drive and Bushy Hill Road. They are working on design plans for another part of Bushy Hill Road and hope for funding for next year.
Mr. Sawitzke said the Eno Memorial Hall fire protection system has been finished and code improvement plans. The estimated construction cost is $495,000. They will request funding in 08/09 for that work.
Mr. Sawitzke said the Federal Aviation Administration approved a grant and a contract has been signed with Clough, Harbour and Associates for the feasibility study on the Simsbury Airport. This should be done within the next 6 months.
PLANNING & LAND USE
Discuss traffic conditions in Route 10 - Route 185 vicinity
Mr. Vincent said he received a memo, from the State of Connecticut, saying that the Avon Mountain truck ramp will be in place by the end of January 2008. If the ramp is not in place by then the truck ban will remain in place.
Mr. Vincent said he attended a meeting and the final designs are in place for the plan. The D.O.T. is proceeding with the right-of-way process and the project will be funded entirely with State funds.
Mr. Vincent said the Simsbury Police Department hosted an October 11th meeting with Avon, Bloomfield, Canton, and Farmington Police Departments, the State Police Truck Squad, and the Department of Motor Vehicle Inspectors, regarding commercial truck traffic. They have established a commercial truck enforcement schedule. They will be in the Simsbury area one day per week through January 1, 2008.
Mr. Vincent said the Town has applied for a traffic grant in the amount of $20,000 for traffic enforcement. We have also contacted the D.O.T. about the electrical signage on Canal Street and Stratton Brook and Route 185 and Route 10. The signals have been changed last week. The Police Chief will attend the next Board meeting to discuss this further.
CULTURE, PARKS & RECREATION
a) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute the First Amendment to an Agreement for the Simsbury Farms Restaurant between the Town and Attilio Ceneviva
Mr. Vincent said Attilio has done an excellent job at the restaurant. He has heard great comments about the food and the restaurant. Mr. Ceneviva is also in compliance with the current lease agreement. Mr. Toner agreed with Mr. Vincent's comments.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute an extension of the lease agreement for the Simsbury Farms Restaurant with Attilio Ceneviva through 2008 season with a possible option for 2009. Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Review, discuss and possibly approve a Fee Schedule for Simsbury Farms Ice Rink and Paddle Tennis Court as recommended by the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee and Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission
Mr. Mandell made motion to adopt the revised fees schedule for the 2007/08 Simsbury Farms Ice Rink and Paddle Tennis Courts. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Ryan showed the Board a picture of the Eclipse jet at Brainard Airport he saw at the APOP conference.
Mr. Mandell said the Library project is moving forward, but they are still in need of more money.
Mr. Mandell said the American Legion held a raffle, that he won, and the check for $100 was given to the Library fund.
Mr. Vincent said he did a walk-through with the Public Building Committee and Library Board of the Library and it is 50% complete. This project is on schedule.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
a) PUBLIC SAFETY
None at this time
b) FINANCE
None at this time
c) WELFARE
None at this time
e) PERSONNEL
None at this time
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Ryan made motion to approve the minutes of September 24, 2007. Mr. Mandell seconded the motion. After some corrections, all were in favor and the motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Ryan made motion to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas E. Vincent
First Selectman
| 
