TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
AMENDED REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 11, 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 Kevin Kane, Richard Sawitzke, Emil Dalquist, Anita Mielert, Diane Nash, Henry Miga, Joan Coe, Robert Kalechman, Sarah Floroski, Rich Correia, Hiram Peck, Susan Bullock, and other interested parties.
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Glassman called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Mr. Kalechman 971 Hopmeadow Street said he missed the budget workshops. He feels the Parks and Recreation budget should include the pool. The children are our future and should have more open hours and activities for the children.
Mr. Kalechman said the Board of Selectmen need to pay more attention to the street lights and sidewalks. He feels these items should be repaired or replaced.
Mr. Kalechman said the Band Shell is starting off on the wrong foot once again. He feels the people of the Town need to run this. He feels that more needs to be done as there is only one working toilet facility. He wouldn't approve more expenditures at the facility until huge profits are made.
Mr. Kalechman also asked about the ads on the Town's website. He asked why there are ads running on activities at the Band Shell when all ads were supposed to be removed from the website.
Mr. Correia, from the Main Street Partnership, introduced Melissa Brett, who owns Weldon Hardware with her husband John. Ms. Brett said they are the hometown hardware store for everyone's seasonal needs. They are a service based convenient hardware store. They also handle power equipment services and have good prices on all of their products. They also assemble and deliver grills, for residents, for free in the Spring.
Lindsey Aliyeh, senior at Simsbury High School, is an advocate for the Town's participation in the 20% by 2010 campaign. Simsbury would have to commit to purchasing 20% of municipal electricity usage from clean energy renewable resources by 2010. The Town would have to do two things: 100 residents of the Town would have to sign-up for clean energy options on their
energy bills and the Town would have to pass a resolution that states their commitment to the campaign. The second part is what the Town has not done yet. This would enable the Town to receive a $10,000 solar system. Lindsey handed the Board packets on this project.
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said she hoped the new administration would open up a good dialogue with the residents and would abide by their promises during their campaigns. She asked them to convene a Charter Revision Commission as soon as possible to include a Town Manager.
Ms. Coe asked about conflict of interest forms. She urge the Board to institute a training session on this issue as she was concerned about several of the forms she has seen. Ms. Glassman said there will be training sessions.
Ms. Coe spoke about Eno Farms affordable housing concerns. All of her concerns can be read on Simsbury.comforum.
Diane Nash asked about the Charette process. She feels this is a great opportunity for one as the Board is politically divided as a well-balanced Board. She feels this process will give everyone in the Town to participate it what is good for the Town.
1) Eno Memorial Hall improvement and program update
2) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to submit an application for funding for a Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Grant and to authorize the First Selectman to execute an Assistance Agreement upon notice of award.
Mr. Sawitzke said he has been working with Anita Mielert and Emil Dalquist on this design project. They have been looking the front area of the building, walkways, etc. He said that Ms. Mielert has been grants.
Mr. Sawitzke said at this point, the front walkways, columns, and sprinkler feed systems need to be done together. Ms. Glassman noted that this would be option B for $1,275,000.
Mr. Sawitzke said they are looking at a grant for $200,000. Ms. Glassman said there is additional in the Eno Fund of about $200,000 with about $60,000 in the painting fund. The same protocols would be used at Eno that were used at the School.
Mr. Miga, Building Inspector, gave the Board a handout of his inspection on Town buildings. Mr. Miga said that the Simsbury Farms Recreation Building is a very dated building, but is
structurally ok. However, the building codes should be addressed. Also, accessibility is far behind.
Mr. Miga said Eno Memorial has fire code issues. The sprinkler system has to be done to allow activities to continue there.
Mr. Glassman said that Main Street Partnership stepped up to design and deal with the issues at Eno Memorial. Mr. Dalquist, Chairman of the Design Committee of Simsbury Main Street Partnership, said the mission of the Partnership sums up what they are trying to accomplish with this project.
This was a generous gift in 1932. Jackson Eno is a part of the Design Committee today. They are dedicated to working with Mr. Sawitzke on the historic preservation of this property. Cross Key Architects were approved to help out with the surveying on this project.
Anita Mielert gave the Board a copy of a grant she wrote for the Eno Memorial project. Ths would provide a 50% match for the Town money. There is more work to be done before submitting the grant, which they will do if this is approved.
After further discussion, Mr. Hampton made motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute the application and assistant agreement for Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Grants and to approve the Town to authorize the $8,750 consultant fees from this fiscal years budget. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
3) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute a First Supplemental Agreement with the State of Connecticut concerning a State Matching Grant Program for Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transportation
Ms. Lecours-Beck said this is to enhance Dial-a-Ride. This is an amendment from the 2006 contract which allows residents to go to other places like out of town doctors appointments, etc. This is new language from the Legislature.
Mr. Long made motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute the First Supplemental Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Simsbury concerning a State Matching Grant Program for Elderly and Disabled Demand Responsive Transportation, as attached. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
4) Discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to enter into an agreement with the DEP for an Emergency Watershed Project Grant.
Mr. Hampton made the following motion: "RESOLUTION - EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROJECT/20 RED STONE DRIVE. Be it resolved that it is in the best interests of the Town of Simsbury to enter into a contract with the Department of Environmental Protection.
In furtherance of this resolution, Mary A. Glassman, the First Selectman, is duly authorized to enter into and sign said contracts on behalf of the Town of Simsbury. The First Selectman is further authorized to provide such additional information and execute such other documents as may be required by the state or federal government in connection with said contracts and to execute any amendments, recisions, and revisions thereto.
The Town Clerk is authorized to impress the seal of the Town of Simsbury on any such document, amendment, recision or revision." Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
5) MISCELLANEOUS
a) Review, discuss and possibly approve a request by the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce to utilize Town property for an event to be held on September 5, 2008 with a rain date of September 6 and 7.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to approve the request by the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce's event on September 5, 2008 with a rain date of September 6 and 7. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Announcement regarding request for nominees to select a 2008 Public Servant
Ms. Glassman said nominees are still being solicited until February 15, 2008.
c) Review, discuss and approve refunds as requested by the Tax Collector
Mr. Long made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $35,716.39 as presented by the Tax Collector for the period of January 23 - February 6, 2008. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to execute an "agreement" for participation in the Independent System Operator New England 30 Minute Demand Response Program.
Ms. Glassman said if the Town agrees to participate, a credit, of approximately $1,000 per month will be applied to the electric bill.
Mr. Long made motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute an Agreement for Participation in the Independent System Operator - New England 30 Minute Demand Response Program. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
6) LIAISON REPORTS
There were no Liaison Reports at this time.
7) SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no Sub-Committee Reports at this time.
8) RESIGNATIONS & APPOINTMENTS
a) Review and discuss the appointment of a Clean Energy Task Force pursuant to the 20% for 2010 Program.
Mr. Hampton noted that is discussion was brought forward a few years ago. If the Town agrees, they will receive a $10,000 solar system. This will be on the next agenda for action to be taken.
b) Review, discuss and possibly take action regarding review of Temporary Boards and Commissions.
Ms. Glassman asked that the Temporary Boards and Commission respond back to the Board with their missions and goals will be in order to be funded.
Ms. Glassman said the Recycling Committee is recommending continuation of the Swap Center and Nike Program but not the Recycling as a mission. The Selectmen will forward what they wish for the Recycling Committee. She gave the Board of letter from Mr. Paine.
c) Accept the Resignation of Thomas J. Rechen from the Economic Development Commission effective February 5, 2008.
Mr. Hogan made motion to accept the resignation of Thomas J. Rechen from the Economic Development Commission effective February 5, 2008. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Accept the resignation of David Thorgalsen from the Tourism Committee effective December 31, 2007.
Mr. Hampton made motion to accept the resignation of David Thorgalsen from the Tourism Committee effective December 3, 2007. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Review, discuss and possibly approve appointments to the following Boards and Commissions.
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the appointments of Grace Comeau, Ann Walters Thompson, Arlene Zappile, Steven Antonio, Mark Orenstein, and Mona Herman to the Aging and Disability Commission. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the appointments of Steven Antonio to Building Code Board of Appeals. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the appointments of Ryan Mahalic, Dominick Zackeo, Donald Rieger, and Margaret Sexton to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve the appointments of Barbara Koff, Linda Johnson, Harry Ryan, and John Ritson to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to approve the appointments of Louis George, Thomas Frank and Kevin Crimmins to Economic Development Commission. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the appointments of Mark McPherson, Eva Hausman and Susan Ersinghaus to the Human Relations Commission. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the appointments of Michael Laureno and Richard Cortes to the Public Building Commission. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to approve the appointments of Michael Park and Phil Richardson to the Water Pollution Control Commission. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the appointments of David Dell, Tom West, Jeffrey Seltzer, Gerry Post, Ron Patterson, Dennis Fallon, Erwin Marques, Marc Lubetkin and Antonia Braz to the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve the appointments of Robert Asensio, Paul Mikkelson, Edward Sparkowski, Stanley Cataldo, and Jonathan Yeisley to the Insurance Commission. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Glassman had concerns about Design Review. There were four spots to fill with two alternates for Design Review. She noticed that Emil Dalquist is not on the party lists. She would like to move the nominate of Emil Dalquist to the Design Review. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. There is nothing to specify the number of members on the Design Review Board.
There was a lot of discussion on the number of members on this Board and including Emil Dalquist on this Board. Ms. Glassman said she would ask the Democrats to nominate him to the list.
Ms. Glassman withdrew her motion. Ms. Glassman made motion to table the nominations of the Design Review Board. Mr. Long seconded the motion. After further discussion, all were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the appointments of Nicholas Mason, Donna Parker and Peter Petersen to the Insurance Commission.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the appointments of Nicholas Mason, Donna Parker, Phillip Schulz, Kevin Schultz, and Susan Royles to the Pension Committee. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the appointments of Mary Turner, Michele PotvinPiecuch, Gwendolyn Moraski, Lonni Schulz, Nathan Woodberry, Jill Paterson and Lori Fernand to the Recycling Committee. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed. Ms. Glassman said the Board would forward the information received from Paines and the 20/2010 Program to the Committee. They will ask them to expand on recycling and conservation efforts.
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the appointments of Steven Mitchell, Terry Boulton, Joyce Howard, Katherine Oaks, Paulette Clark, Laurie Matczak, Patricia Carbone, Elizabeth Banco and Dominique Avery to the Tourism Committee. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
9) Review, discuss and possibly adopt the Regular Meeting minutes of January 28, 2008
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the minutes with some name corrections. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
10) Continue Budget Workshop
Ms. Glassman said the Town is going in to bonding and certain things need to be in place. We needs minutes of meetings, etc. Some of the minutes cannot be found, but items have already been completed and we need back-up for it. After some discussion, Mr. Long made motion to
amend the agenda to take up item of Economic Development Fund. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the October 4, 2004 payment to Holloways in the amount of $56,150.00 from the Economic Development Fund. Mr. Long made a second motion to approve the January 17, 2007 payment to Fiddlers LLC in the amount of $75,423.26 from the Economic Development Fund. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Kane gave the Board a spreadsheet on where the budget is now. Ms. Glassman said $16,000 for Main Street Partnership came from. Mr. Kane said he went back and looked at all budgets. After making the changes, the Board will still be over the 3.5%.
The Board discussed the Library, Police Department and Main Street Partnership. They discussed possibly giving Main Street only $10,000 and the Police Department a part-time records clerk instead of full time. The budget will be over with Main Street Partnership money in. There are other positions that can be moved around. Ms. Glassman said there needs to be a better scope of services made for Main Street Partnership.
After further discussion, Mr. Hogan made motion to adopt the budget at 3.48%. (This will include $10,00 to Main Street Partnership and a part-time Police records clerk. The Historic Society is not being funded). Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hogan made the following motion: "Be it hereby resolved that the Board of Selectmen recommends the adoption of a Fiscal Year 2009 operating budget in the amount of $18,332,609 for the following departments: General Government; Public Safety; Planning & Development; Facilities Management; Public Health; Social Services; Culture, Parks and Recreation; Library; Fringe Benefits & Insurances; Special Projects; Operating Transfers Out; and Debt Service Budget." Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made the following motion: "Be it hereby resolved that the Board of Selectmen recommends the adoption of a Fiscal Year 2009 Sewer Use Fund Special Revenue Fund Budget in the amount of $4,043,501." Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hogan made the following motion: "Be it hereby resolved that the Board of Selectmen recommends the adoption of Fiscal Year 2009 Residential Rental Properties Special Revenue Fund Budget in the amount of $89,729." Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made the following motion: " Be it hereby resolved that the Board of Selectmen recommends the adoption of a Fiscal Year 2009 Animal Control Special Revenue Fund Budget in the amount of $79,107." Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made the following motion: " Be it hereby resolved that the Board of Selectmen recommends the adoption of a Fiscal Year 2009 Simsbury Farms Budget in the amount of $1,818.056." Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made the following motion: " Be it hereby resolved that the Board of Selectmen recommends the adoption of a Fiscal Year 2009 Capital & Non-Recurring Fund Budget in the amount of $525,957." Mr. Hampton seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hampton made motion to forward the entire Board of Education capital projects budget to the Board of Finance with a list of priorities of their projects. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Long made motion to approve the $1,250,000 for Eno Memorial Hall improvements. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Hensley spoke about the street scape and lamp posts for the downtown area to go along with the DOT work for $325,000. Ms. Wertheimer said this project has been delayed by the State. Ms. Glassman said the $100,000 bonding issue might be used for this project.
Ms. Glassman said the Gersten property is still in negotiations with the grant money. This money could go towards the purchase of the property. Mr. Kane said a transfer could be made from reserves.
Ms. Glassman said Meadowood should be left on capital even though the Town hasn't decided whether to purchase it our not.
After further discussion, Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the following items in the Capital Improvements Projects: Item 7 - Laurel Hill- Gersten $720,000; Item 8 - Firetown/Barrndoor-Culbro project $2,750,000 with no decision made at this time as they are awaiting ground tests; Item 11 - Streetscape for DOT 10/167 project for $325,000; Item 12 - Eno Hall improvements for $1,250,000; Item 22 - Water Extensions Fund for $170,000; Item 23 - Sewer Extension fund for $260,000; Item 25 - Rehabilitation of South Pump Station for $450,000; and Item 32 - Simsbury Farms improvements for $$330,000. Item 24 - GIS / Mapping System Upgrade for $848,000 and Item 33 - Parks/Golf Maintenance Facility for $1,250,000 will be moved to 2009/2010. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion
passed.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Hensley made motion to adjourn at 10:20 p.m. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman
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