TOWN OF SIMSBURY DRAFT
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 28, 2008
The Regular 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, Michael Long and Richard Hogan. Others in attendance included Brandon Robertson, Gerard Toner, David Ryan, Robert Kalechman, Steve Mitchell, Diane Nash, Sarah Floroski, Bill Miller, Anita Mielert, and other interested parties.
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Glassman called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Bill Miller, 45 Blueridge Drive said he was very upset about the new Zoning Regulations for mixed use developments proposed by the Town Planner, Hiram Peck. Mr. Peck should have looked at the recently enacted Town plan Mr. Miller said that over several years the Town Plan includes metrics that limits the size of retail stores to two stories and 40,000 sq. ft. He feels that Mr. Peck's mixed used zoning regulations should be even more specific than the Town Plan. They do not limit the size of retail stores and they allow "big box" stores. He didn't feel that Mr. Peck even listened to the consultant the Town hired to look at the proposed plan. Mr. Miller feels that Mr. Peck should have put a prohibition against "big box" stores in these new mixed Zoning
Regulations, but he didn't.
Mr. Miller said there is a pattern of what Konover would like in these Regulations. Each draft shows more items that Konover want. Mr. Miller would like to know when someone is going to produce mixed use Zoning Regulations that are not wanted by Konover, but instead reflect the wishes and values of the citizens of our Town.
Ms. Glassman said she would make sure his comments would be given to the Zoning Commission. She said the Zoning Commission would be the only one to act on mixed use regulations. Also, this Board is going to be holding a joint meeting with all of the Land Use Commissions to discuss the next steps of this process.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street said two years ago the Town demanded change in State government. He feels that "change is still in the wind." He feels that business is still "as usual."
Mr. Kalechman said at the first meeting a proposal for commissions were made. This issue was brought up again on the 14th. The public wasn't sure if the commissions were made or not.
Mr. Kalechman discussed Konover advertisements on the Town's website. He feels this is a conflict of interest.
Mr. Kalechman went through the Boards and Commissions and how many members were Republicans, how many were Democrats, and how many were Independents. He wants to know how these appointments can be improved.
Sarah Floroski, Executive Director of Simsbury Main Street Partnership introduced an eight week old business owner, Kathleen, of "Sophisticated Seniors." Kathleen said she has a lot of products and services in her boutique. There are classes and English teas. Kathleen handed out flyers to the Board on her new business.
Anita Mielert introduced conductor Edward Cumming, the Musical Director of the Hartford Symphony. He said the Symphony really enjoyed coming to Simsbury to perform. He said they will be performing at the Bandshell again this summer and are very excited about the programs.
Steve Mitchell, 432 Hopmeadow Street, introduced Chet Matsack from the Tariffville Village Association. Mr. Matsack said the Association will be holding a Greenway Symposium at Reno's on March 6,2008 from 5-7pm. This is for anyone interested in biking.
Mr. Matsack said the focus of the Tariffville Village Association is on kids and families going out to enjoy recreational activities. He spoke about the Greenway being a fundamental part of the grand plan. There is a lot of unique geography in Tariffville.
Mr. Mitchell noted that the River View Banquet Facility grand opening will be on April 26, 2008 and is a fund-raiser for Rails-to-Trails and Farmington River Watershed Association.
David Wescott, 35 West Point Terrace, Tariffville said he has been working with the Capitol Region Council of Governments who have convened an Active Transportation Initiative Workgroup. The East Coast Greenway is included in this workgroup. That trail runs from Key West to Canada. This is very important to Simsbury also.
Adoption of resolution regarding American Heart Association National Wear Red for Women
Ms. Glassman said that she received a letter from Robert Townes, Senior Regional Director,
Communications of the American Heart Association.
Ms. Wertheimer said this is the 5th annual American Heart Association National Wear Red Day for Women. This day will raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the number one health treat facing women today.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to adopt the attached resolution for the American Heart Association's "Wear Red Day for Women" on February 1, 2008. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
1) Review, discuss and possibly take action regarding the following:
a) Assignment of Ground Lease to Friends of the Town Farm Dairy and extension of term.
Mr. Hensley excused himself for this discussion.
Ms. Glassman said the Lease on the Town Farm Dairy is expiring as of January 31, 2008. The Friends of the Town Farm Dairy will be stepping in to run the Farm. The Friends of the Town Farm Dairy have asked that the Board suspend the payment of the lease period for the next six months.
After some discussion, Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the assignment of the ground lease at 73 Wolcott Woods Road to the Friends of the Town Farm Dairy and extension of the term. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Assignment of Building Lease to Friends of Town Farm Dairy and extension of term.
Ms. Glassman said the Board would discuss the business plans of the Dairy further. Mr. Long said these assets need to be looked in to.
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the assignment of the building lease at 73 Wolcott Woods Road to the Friends of the Town Farm Dairy and extension of terms. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hensley rejoined the meeting.
2) Review, discuss and possibly take action regarding a recommendation by the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission regarding Golf Course fees for 2008.
Mr. Toner gave the Board a list of golf course fees. These fees were initiated by the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee. They do a survey of other fees in different areas and the Simsbury Farms fee history before creating new fees.
After further discussion, Mr. Long made motion to approve the golf course fee schedule, with the senior weekday season passes to remain the same as last year. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
3) Review, discuss and possible take action regarding a proposed contract with the Farmington Valley ARC (FAVARH).
Mr. Toner said that FAVARH provides programs for special needs people for the Town. They also provide training to the staff.
After further discussion, Mr. Hampton made motion to allow the Town to enter into contract with FAVARH as proposed. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
4) Review, discuss and possibly adopt Budget Workshop meeting dates for development of FY'09 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.
Ms. Glassman said she would give the Board a list of dates for the budget process and the meetings will be set as soon as possible.
5) Discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to enter into and execute an agreement with the DEP for an emergency watershed project grant.
Mr. Long made motion to allow the Town of Simsbury to enter into contract with the DEP, as proposed, for the Emergency Watershed Grant money. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
6) Review, discuss and possibly take action regarding a recommendation by the Business Development Committee regarding an application made pursuant to the Tax Abatement Program.
Ms. Glassman said this is a tax abatement request for 30 Wolcott Road. The owners of the property have invested in excess of $100,000 in the property. Mr. Nagy had not applied for the tax abatement program. This would be subject to an abatement of $5,506.65 throughout three
years.
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve the Resolution regarding the Establishment of a Tax Abatement Program as attached. This will then go to the Board of Finance. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
7) Review, discuss and possibly approve tax refunds as recommended by the Tax Collector.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $11,588.39 for the period covering January 9, 2008 - January 23, 2008. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
8) Update regarding Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center and announcement of Talcott Mountain Music Festival dates of June 27, July 4,5,11,16 and 18 (2 rain dates TBA)
Ms. Glassman said there was a meeting of the Performing Arts Task Force. Ms. Glassman said the purpose of the Task Force is to adopt guidelines for the use of the facility, to talk about long range planning, and other operation improvements.
Mr. Ryan, 20 Westledge Road said there was a lot of discussion at the first Performing Arts Task Force meeting. They recommended that the Town proceed with plans for the 2008 Talcott Mountain Music Festival and to set the dates for concerts. He said Mr. Sawitzke gave a report covering the facility and offering some improvement ideas for the future. The Committee will make more recommendations on this facility in the future.
9) Review, discuss and possibly adopt an advertising policy for the Town website.
Mr. Toner said there is no policy for allowing advertising on the Town website, but one is needed.
After some discussion, Mr. Hogan made motion to pull all ads from the Town's website and to urge Culture, Parks and Recreation to propose a policy on advertising on the website. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
10) MISCELLANEOUS
a) Request by Farmington Valley Trails Council for Trails-In-Motion Event - June 7, 2008.
b) Request for Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride - June 8, 2008
c) Request by Hartford Marathon Foundation for Iron Horse Half Marathon - June 1, 2008.
d) Request by St. Mary's Church for St. Mary's Carnival - June 10-14, 2008.
e) Request by Valley Classic Wheels Car Club for a Car Show on June 13, 2008 (rain date of July 20, 2008.
f) Request by HARC for a Walkathon - May 18, 2008.
After some discussion, Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the above events (a-f) to be held on Town property, after obtaining Public Gathering Permits. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
11) Liaison Reports
Mr. Hogan said Aging & Disability Commission has restructured the way they operate their meetings. They have established sub-committees, which will address plans of action. At the January meeting they approved several sub-committees. The Commission has moved their monthly meetings from Eno Memorial Hall to Simsbury Public Library at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.
Mr. Hensley said Parks & Recreation reviewed and discussed their 6-year capital plan. They also elected officers.
Ms. Wertheimer said Board of Education adopted their capital improvement plan.
Ms. Wertheimer said the Conservation Commission will meet tomorrow evening.
Ms. Wertheimer said that the Water Pollution Control Commission met a few weeks ago and signed off on the Meadowood agreement.
Mr. Hensley said the Police Commission met and they approved a new officer. He comes from the New Britain Police Department. Mr. Hensley said it is the 50th Anniversary of the Simsbury Police Department. They will plan a celebration.
12) Sub-Committee Reports
Mr. Hampton said Public Safety held a meeting on January 17th. They unanimously endorsed the improvements to Eno Memorial Hall as recommended in Kevin Kane's January 8th memo. They
also pushed forward a resolution ensuring that all new buildings and future projects include a sprinkler system. They also discussed a mission statement, which they will bring before the Board for approval.
Ms. Wertheimer said the Welfare Sub-Committee will schedule a meeting soon.
13) Appointments
a) Review, discuss and possibly appoint students to the Youth Services Advisory Board as recommended by the Social Services Director.
Mr. Hampton made motion to appoint students to the Youth Services Advisory Board as recommended by the Social Services Director. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Accept the resignation of David Horowitz as a full time member of the Board of Education.
Mr. Long made motion to accept the resignation of David Horowitz as a full time member of the Board of Education with gratitude. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Appointment of replacement to fill full time vacancy on the Board of Education.
Mr. Hogan made motion to appoint Tara Donohue Willerup to fill the full time vacancy on the Board of Education. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Accept the resignation of John Yocom as a full time member of the Conservation Commission.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to accept the resignation of John Yocom as a full time member of the Conservation Commission with gratitude. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
14) Review, discuss and adopt the following minutes.
a) December 3, 2007 - Special Meeting
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen of December 3, 2007 with corrections. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Mr. Hogan abstaining, and the motion passed.
b) January 14, 2008 - Regular Meeting
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen of January 14, 2008 with corrections. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Adjournment
Mr. Long made motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathi Radocchio
Clerk
.
| 
