TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 10, 2007
The Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Moira Wertheimer, Robert Hensley, John Hampton and Michael Long. Others present included: Brandon Robertson, Richard Hogan, Attorney DeCrescenzo, Hiram Peck, Richard Sawitzke, Joel Mandell, Kevin Kane, Chief Ingvertson, Lyle Wray, and other interested parties.
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Glassman called the meeting to order at 6:00p.m.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Mr. Mandell, 7 Harry Lane, now Town Moderator, thanked Mr. Long for the rules and procedures of Town meetings. He said the rules were drafted in 1975 and revised in 1991. Mr. Mandell said he has revised the rules and procedures again. He has submitted the revisions to the Town Attorney and gave a copy to the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk and Brandon Robertson.
Mr. Mandell said that under the Town Charter he is required to hold a hearing on the first Tuesday of an even number year. Therefore, there will be a Public Hearing on January 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 106 of the Town Offices. The revisions will be put on the website. He will take all comments under consideration and once again speak to the Town Attorney.
Mr. Mandell said the first order of business at the Town Meeting on May 8, 2008 will be to adopt or not accept the Town rules.
Mr. Mitchell, 432 Hopmeadow Street congratulated the new Board of Selectmen and First Selectman. He spoke about the East Coast Greenway Alliance. He would like to propose the rails-to-trails from Key West, Florida to the Canadian border through Simsbury. More information on this issue will be given to the Board for future meetings.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to move item I. Resignations and Appointments - Board of Selectmen to item A. on the agenda, so a new Board member can join the Selectmen. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
A. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept Mr. Vincent's resignation from the Board with gratitude for his service to the Town. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the nomination of Mr. Hogan to Selectman, to fill the vacancy left by Mr. Vincent. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed. Mr. Hogan was sworn in by Town Clerk, Carolyn Keily.
B. DISCUSS, REVIEW AND POSSIBLY APPROVE TAX REFUNDS AS REQUESTED BY THE TAX COLLECTOR
Mr. Long made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $2,942.46 for the period covering November 9, 2007 - December 5, 2007. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
C. REVIEW RESULTS OF BID PROCESS FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY
Mr. Robertson spoke about the agreement the Town executed with Transcanada Power Marketing Ltd. for the purchase of electricity generation. This agreement was executed on November 30, 2007.
Mr. Robertson said there were three suppliers that bid on this purchase of electricity. There is not a lot of time to execute a contract for this purchase. This is just information for the Board and no action is required at this time.
D. REVIEW, DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY ACCEPT DONATION OF LAND AT 288 FIRETOWN ROAD
Mr. Sawitzke said the property owner came to the Town to donate a 1.508 acre parcel of open space. This has been approved by the Planning Commission. Mr. Sawitzke showed everyone a map that showed that this space compliments now existing space.
Mr. Long made motion to accept a donation of a 1.508 acre parcel of land at 288 Firetown Road by Mr. Frieswick for the specific purpose of open space. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
E. REVIEW, DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A REQUEST TO UTILIZE TOWN PROPERTY FOR THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY, FOR AN EVENT TO BE HELD ON MAY 4, 2008
Ms. Glassman noted that policies for utilizing Town property will be looked at for future events.
Mr. Long made motion to approve a request to utilize Town property for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, for an event to be held on May 4, 2008. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
F. CONSIDER AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ISCC, LLC TO REFINANCE IT'S MORTGAGE DEBT ON THE INTERNATIONAL SKATING CENTER OF CONNECTICUT
Ms. Glassman said this request was made in October 2007. This will not cost the Town anything. There are no taxes due the Town from them to date.
Attorney DeCrescenzo said he has been working with the lessee and would like the Board to approve this refinancing. This will pay off existing debts and give them some money to make improvements.
After some discussion, Mr. Hogan made motion to authorize ISCC, LLC to refinance it's mortgage debt on the International Skating Center of Connecticut. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
G. CONSIDER AND POSSIBLY APPROVE A TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE GROUND LEASE BETWEEN THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY AS LESSOR AND ISCC, LLC AS LESSEE FOR THE GROUND LEASE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SKATING CENTER OF CONNECTICUT
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the technical amendment to the first amendment to the ground lease between the Town of Simsbury as lessor and ISCC, LLC as lessee for the ground lease of the International Skating Center of Connecticut. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
H. REVIEW, DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY AUTHORIZE THE FIRST SELECTMAN TO EXECUTE A SUB-RECIPIENT GRANT AGREEMENT ENTITLED "AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN OF SIMSBURY FOR VIRGINIA CONNELLY RESIDENCE AND DR. OWEN MURPHY APARTMENTS SENIOR HOUSING RENOVATION PROJECT"
Ms. Glassman said the Town of Simsbury applied for a Community Development Block Grant on behalf of the Simsbury Housing Authority. The Town received the grant for $775,000 in September. This money will be used for repairs and upgrades.
After some discussion, Mr. Hensley made motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute a sub-recipient grant agreement entitled "Agreement between the Town of Simsbury and Housing Authority of the Town of Simsbury for Virginia Connelly Residence and Dr. Owen Murphy Apartments Senior Housing Renovation Project." Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
I. REVIEW, DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY AUTHORIZE THE TOWN'S PARTICIPATION IN SHARED SERVICES PROJECTS AS REQUIRED BY PUBLIC ACT 07-239-AN ACT CONCERNING RESPONSIBLE GROWTH PROGRAM
Ms. Glassman said the Legislative body of each of the 29 towns in the Capitol Region authorize participation in each individual initiatives. This Board is being asked to approve participation in 10 projects.
After some discussion, Mr. Hampton made motion to authorize the Town's participation in shared services projects as required by Public Act 07-239-an Act Concerning Responsible Growth Program: Administrative/IT Staff Talent Pool and Standard Administrative Procedures; Digital Health Departments; Information Technology Application Sharing and Development; Enhancement of CRCOG Regional Web GIS; GIS Flight and Mapping Data - Spring 2008 Color Digital Orthophotography; Farmington Trail Maintenance/ Equipment Sharing; Regional Traffic Team/Accident Investigation Unit; Regional Law Enforcement Data Sharing; Regional Police Training Facility and Regional Emergency Operations Coordination Center. The First Selectman was authorized to sign the agreement and report back on the status of the programs. Mr. Long seconded
the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
J. RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to table discussion on the Republican appointments for the temporary Boards and Commissions. The First Selectman was granted a time period, not to exceed 60 days, to which she could bring herself up to speed on the Boards and Commissions. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Glassman noted that Mr. Hensley will be on the Public Safety Sub-Committee.
K. LIAISON REPORTS
There were no Liaison Reports at this time.
L. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. PUBLIC SAFETY
Mr. Hampton said the Public Safety Sub-Committee will be holding a Special Meeting early in 2008 for orientations and workshops.
B. FINANCE
No report at this time.
C. WELFARE
No report at this time.
D. PERSONNEL
No report at this time.
M. REVIEW, DISCUSS AND POSSIBLY ADOPT MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2007 BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of the November 14, 2007. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. Mr. Hampton and Ms. Wertheimer were in favor with the other members abstaining as they were not present at the meeting.
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve a 5 minute recess. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
N. ORIENTATION AND GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP TO INCLUDE PRESENTATION BY LYLE WRAY, PhD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CAPTIAL REGION COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AND PRESENTATION BY DEPARTMENT HEADS - ORIENTATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AT TOWN HALL AND SIMSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Ms. Glassman introduced Mr. Wray who gave an overall view of the Town's goals and improvements. He gave the Board a list of Department Goals including continued coordination with Town Attorney to complete any outstanding appeals or litigations and continued coordination with Special Land Use Counsel to complete work on PDD regulation. He also gave the Board a list of Department Structures, projects and goals for success, as attached.
Mr. Kane, Director of Finance/Treasurer gave the Board a report on Municipal Finance Review including operating budgets, capital projects, financial policies and major financial issues.
Mr. Kane showed the Board what budgets fall under the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education. He also explained the key financial dates of the budget process.
Mr. Kane's report is attached.
Police Chief Ingvertson said he has 35 sworn officers with a total of 49 employees in his department. They are staffed 24 hours per day. Chief Ingvertson said they are first responders for all emergency calls. They are a totally "customer service" department.
Chief Ingvertson said they have a new computer system in place and their software has been updated. This helps with criminal investigations including drug investigations and youth related crimes. They have also upgraded their portable radios and emergency lighting system. They also purchased 4-wheel drives for their Sargents.
Chief Ingvertson said they have been awarded tier 3 in State Accreditation. Their Mission Statement is posted in the Police Department as well as their Value Statement.
Mr. Toner, Director of Culture, Parks, and Recreation said they handle maintenance on open space, the golf course and for recreation programs. He has ten full time employees and six part-time employees in park maintenance. There are several projects in their six year plan.
Mr. Toner said the golf course opened in 1972 and there are season passes for resident and non-residents of the Town. The golf course employs four full time employees and five part-time employees. They are trying to be pro-active with the golf course.
Mr. Miller, from the Library said there are fourteen full time employees and twenty-three part-time employees. Sue Bullock is the Library Director.
Mr. Miller said they will be asking for volunteers to help move the Library back to it's updated facility at the end of March. Hopefully the grand opening will be held on June 8, 2008. The new building is now 60% complete.
Mr. Miller said the Library is also hoping to replace DSL with new fiber-optic internet access.
Mr. Peck, Director of Planning said the Zoning regulations were adopted in 2005, but put on hold. They should be completed in 2008.
Mr. Peck said the staff in the Planning and Development Department include Lynn and Howard. Their administrative assistant Lois Laczko holds them all together. She makes sure all of the notices are done correctly.
Mr. Peck said there is a new building official in the Building Department. There are a number of projects they are looking at right now.
Mr. Peck said the Plan of Conservation and Development was adopted in October 2007. This became effective November 3, 2007.
Mr. Peck said they plan to have a draft of the Plan of Development District Regulations by the end of December 2007.
Mr. Peck said they are seeking re-authorization, an upgrade of the existing tax abatement reimbursement program for economic development.
Mr. Peck said they need more training and improvement of the local data bases including GIS.
Mr. Mega, the Building Inspector feels there is a lot of opportunity to upgrade procedures and systems.
Mickey LeCours-Beck, Social Service Director said there are four full time employees and one part-time employee in her department. They also have a Senior Center Coordinator.
Ms. LeCours-Beck said their mission is to meet the needs of the Community. They are in charge of the Dial-a-Ride service, which takes seniors to medical appointments. They are expanding the program to take citizens to out of town medical appointments as well.
Ms. LeCours-Beck said they also handle a juvenile review board. They are expanding youth services for after school programs. They will start the Teen Center on December 19, 2007.
Ms. LeCours-Beck said the community is very generous. That is why there are a lot of services, free of charge, to the community.
Carolyn Keily, Town Clerk gave a brief history of Simsbury. She showed everyone records dating back to the 1600's. There are a lot of records in the vault including land records, birth marriage records, military records, minutes, etc.
Ms. Keily said she has three full time employees and three sub-registrars in Town that are appointed by the Clerk and approved by the Board. They sign burial permits when Town Hall is closed. There is no compensation from the Town for that service.
Ms. Keily gave the Board revenue charts for their review.
Ms. Keily said that all departments are inter-related and everyone depends on each other for help and information.
O. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman
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