TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 11, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Simsbury Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:07 p.m. 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 Richard Hogan. Absent was: Michael Long. Others in attendance were Brandon Robertson, Richard Sawitzke, Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo and other interested parties.
Announcements
Ms. Glassman said the meeting would start on a sad note with a moment of silence for Edward Cerri. Mr. Cerri was an 18 year employee of the Highway Department.
Educational Homestay Program
Christine Brown was introduced and asked for families to volunteer for this program hosting a student from either Spain, Italy or France from July 9 - August 4. The students would be taking language and culture classes weekly and the families would be asked to give them transportation, room and meals during this time. For more information you e-mail Christine at Christine.Brown@ef.com or call her at 617-619-1217.
Employee Recognition Ceremony
Ms. Glassman said there will be an Employee Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 14th from 12-1:30 in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. They will be recognizing employees with 5-30 years of service to the Town.
Connecticut Library Association - Karilyn Hollebone-Library “Support Staff of the Year” Award
Ms. Glassman announced that the Connecticut Library Association has awarded one of Simsbury’s staff people with the “Support Staff of the Year” Award.
Sue Bullock introduced Karilyn Hollebone who has worked in the Children’s Room of the Library for 23 years. Karilyn makes everyone feels welcome and she is very deserving of this award.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said it was time for the Board to say if they will run for re-election. She said promises are still not fulfilled. She asked again about a Charter Revision Commission and the Town having a Town Manager form of government. She feels all expenses of the Town need to be voted upon.
Ms. Coe spoke about the farming at the Triangle. She asked about planning and pesticide usage.
She suggested that the Town hire a farmer with goats so the goats can eat the grass, which would organically enrich the soil.
Ms. Coe spoke about a Simsbury student and being bullied. She feels this should be further investigated.
Ms. Coe spoke about the May 19th referendum vote and doesn’t feel this is a democratic process as each project isn’t voted on separately.
All of Ms. Coe’s comments can be read on Simsbury.com/forum.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street gave the Board a handout to read. Ms. Kalechman said he feels like Robert Preston in “Music Man” when he said there is trouble in River City and warned about the booze. He also feels how Moses felt after the birth of his son “a stranger I have been and a stranger I am.”
Mr. Kalechman spoke about the April 27th meeting about the triangle project. He feels that farmer Hall should farm this triangle. He has had 50 years experience of farming and he knows the land.
Mr. Kalechman also spoke about the Performing Arts Committee and selling liquor at the Earth, Wind and Fire Concert. He does not feel the Town should be selling hard liquor. He feels the Police Chief and Town would have their hands full if this is approved.
Mr. Kalechman read a poem about Memorial Day Celebrations - “Between the Blue and the Gray.”
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood spoke about the Town Farm and the usage of it by the Community Farming Group. She said it is 2.2 +250 feet to get to the Farm from Town Hall.
Ms. Nash said the land is certified organic and this group would fulfill the goal of an outdoor classroom and organic farming. There could be a farmers market and sharing produce. There would also be enough to feed the Town if there was an emergency.
Ms. Nash asked that the Board of Selectmen pass a motion to support and approve the use proposal of the Community Farmers to use Town Farm subject to terms and conditions of a lease.
Bruce Kaplan, 96 West Mountain Road asked that item c be approved as it is very helpful to use the Eno Memorial Hall parking lot again this year.
Julie Meyer, 3 East View Drive agrees with Diane Nash and supports Bill Walsh to run the farm. She would like the entire piece of land be allotted to Mr. Walsh. She feels towns need to have education at farms in Connecticut. Her daughter also spoke in support of this.
Kirsten Griebel, 7 Caryn Lane asked why there was a special meeting tomorrow of the Chamber of Commerce instead of giving those updates at this meeting.
Ms. Glassman said there is no change in information that has been given at regular Board meetings, they are just updating the Chamber.
Kelly McDermott, 5 Sunset Road supports community farms at the Town Farm Dairy. She feels it is imperative for food source back-up for the community. She feels it is a jewel of the community.
Ashley Lane, Old Farms Road, who volunteers at the George Hall Farm, spoke about the triangle RFP’s. Hall Farm has 34 acres certified organic. He spoke about the other farmer and asked why this wasn’t on the agenda again tonight.
After further comments, Ms. Glassman said this issue was given to the Open Space Committee for recommendation to the Board.
First Selectmen Reports
Ms. Glassman said the budget referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. in the Henry James Memorial School Gymnasium.
Ms. Glassman said the Culture, Parks and Recreation Department has offered Community Gardens since 1975. She said 106 plots have been rented this year.
Ms. Glassman noted that there would be many events in Simsbury in the Spring and Summer.
PRESENTATION
Aging and Disability Commission-Disability Awareness Award Presentation
Ms. Glassman said this is a very special presentation.
Ed LaMontagne said the Commission studies and evaluates the needs, services and events designed to enhance lives for the Seniors and the Disabled. One of their program committees is the Citizen Service Award. This recognizes someone who has enhanced the lives of either seniors or the disabled in Simsbury. This is the 5th year of this award.
Mr. LaMontagne introduced Lynn Veith, Chairperson of the Citizen Award Committee. He thanked Lynn for wonderful job she has done with the Committee. He also thanked McLean Foundation, who is a sponsor for this award.
Ms. Veith announced that Gretchen Nelson is the recipient of the Ability Awareness Award. Gretchen runs the Farmington Valley Transition Academy based on the University of Hartford campus and serving students in Special Services from Simsbury High School and other Farmington Valley High Schools. Her comments are attached.
Ms. Nelson thanked everyone and said she is honored and humbled. She feels that she has the best job in the district. She feels the students deserve this award.
ACTION ITEMS
a) Review, discuss and possibly approve minutes of the following regular meeting:
*April 27, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 27, 2009. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. Ms. Glassman had a correction on page 4; line that starts with Ms. Glassman said the Board. This should read: “Ms. Glassman said the Board is awaiting a draft lease agreement for Town Farm Dairy.” Four were in favor, with Mr. Hogan abstaining, therefore, the motion passed.
b) Review, discuss and possibly approve license agreements to allow farming at properties located on Wolcott Road.
Ms. Glassman said there was a presentation on the proposal for Town Farm Dairy. Ms. Glassman said there were some details to work out and the Town Attorney is working on this.
Attorney DeCrescenzo said there was a good conference call with the other attorney today and what needs to be done is on the lessee side. There would no longer be a dairy operation there. They need to complete there documents before anything can be done. Also, the 501-3c needs to be in place.
Attorney DeCrescenzo said the Town has an understanding with the Attorney General to show them the change of condition. The ground lease extension term expired January 31, 2009, so the next step would be to extend that term.
Attorney DeCrescenzo said these steps are not complicated and can most likely be done within the next week or so. Also, they have noted that the insurance has already been extended.
The Board commented that they were not having problems with the theory, but do need at lot more information. They need to make sure they safeguard the Town’s interest there.
Diane Nash said the name would be Community Farm of Simsbury, Inc or LLC. She feels that Bill Walsh is the best farmer for that piece of property. After more discussion, Ms. Nash said she will tell her Board members that the Board supports the concept of the Community Farm at Town Farm subject to a lease and preparations.
Attorney DeCrescenzo asked the Board to make a lease extension at the next meeting so further work can be done with this project. There will also be a program plan presentation and name change information. He will move forward and return with information at the next meeting.
No action was taken.
c) Review, discuss and possibly approve a request by Fiddlers LLC to utilize parking located at Eno Memorial Hall for all Iron Horse Boulevard Events and Concerts beginning in May through October 31, 2009.
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve a request by Fiddlers LLC to utilize parking located at Eno Memorial Hall for all Iron Horse Boulevard Events and Concerts beginning in May through October 31, 2009. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. After some discussion, all were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Review, discuss and possibly approve a request to waive a usage fee for a benefit concert at Eno Memorial Hall.
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve a request by Jon Doucette to waive the $100 usage fee for a benefit concert at Eno Memorial Hall. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Glassman said the Town staff is reviewing usage fees for all public buildings, including energy usage, and will present a report to the Board shortly.
e) Review, discuss and possibly approve tax refunds as recommended and requested by the Tax Collector.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $62.14 as recommended and requested by the Tax Collector. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Personnel - no report at this time.
b) Finance - no report at this time.
c) Welfare - no report at this time.
d) Public Safety - Mr. Hampton said there will be a Public Safety Committee meeting on May 21st at 7:30 a.m. in the Main Meeting Room.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
None at this time.
LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Glassman said there will be a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce on May 12th at 8 a.m. to update all projects to them.
Mr. Hensley said Parks and Recreation has some concerns on vandalism at the Skate Park and monitoring there. This will be discussed at a future meeting.
Ms. Glassman said the Open Space Committee is working with UConn Agricultural Department and NOFA on the triangle property. They will hopefully have a presentation at the June 8th meeting.
Mr. Hogan likes the idea to go with organic farming, but also wanted the Town to look in to athletic fields that might be needed. Ms. Glassman said this issue was referred to Parks and Recreation.
Ms. Glassman said there is some public interest in farming other Town property. She would like these issues discussed at the Special meeting next week also. These properties include TulMeadow, Rosedale Farm and Tim Ryan’s Flower Farm. Great Pond has been mowed and is being used for hay only.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
There will be no Executive Session tonight.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman
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