TOWN OF SIMSBURY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
AMENDED REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 25, 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, and Richard Hogan. Others in attendance included: David Ryan, Gerry Toner, Sarah Floroski, Anita Mielert and other interested parties.
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Glassman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Rich Wagner, Main Street Partnership, introduced Mary Moret, owner of the Geeper's Store at the Simsbury Farms Shops. Ms. Moret said she has owned the store for over 7 years and her store is a really fun place. They sell care packages for camp kids, private schools, bridal showers, etc. They feel customer service is key. Ms. Moret also showed the Board her latest idea, which was a candy cake. The Board thanked her for her community support.
Anita Mielert, Main Street Partnership, said there is a letter from the U.S. Postal Service on the agenda tonight. She said they are implementing a search for a new facility. There is also a memo stating that the Post Office will maintain a retail presence on Hopmeadow Street. She asked for active support of the Board of Selectmen, to make it a top priority, as to help the Postal Service find a space in the downtown area. She also feel that post office boxes are an essential part of the Post Office. Ms. Glassman said this will be put on the March 24th agenda for further discussion.
Natalie Ohi and several other people, some cancer survivors, spoke about the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The kick-off for this activity is February 29th at the Volunteer Ambulance Building from 6:30-8:30. They would like to have the Board come up with a team for this Relay, which will be held on May 16-17 at Henry James Junior High School from 4 p.m to 10 a.m. It's all about celebrating survivors and fighting back as well. For more information, go to www.RelayForLife.org.
Mr. Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street said everyone is touched one way or another by cancer and he hopes everyone will support the Relay for Life effort.
Mr. Kalechman spoke about the appointments to the Boards, especially about the Design Review Board. He feels this is a controversial conflict on the Board's part. Everyone in Simsbury wants change and the Board can't deny that.
Mr. Kalechman spoke about Eno Hall and the air conditioners. He said now the Town is going to do a study on the feasibility of the replacing stones. He feels the seniors need the air conditioners more than stone. Things are never finished without going off in a different direction.
Mr. Kalechman also spoke again about the Band Shell only having one bathroom, which should have more, as 5-7million dollars was spent on the project.
Tom Frank, 19 Banberry Drive said according to the Charter 701-36 and Statute 711, they mandate that the Economic Development Commission shall conduct research on issues, economic conditions and trends and make recommendations, coordinate activities, and make reports on their findings.
Mr. Frank said the Plan of Economic Development, page 108, policy #1, objective a, says to develop and implement a plan for economic growth and intention. He feels this is a very big task for a Board of six volunteers.
Mr. Frank would like to urge the Board to make funds available for the EDC, to be controlled by the Board of Selectmen, for consultants, etc. Ms. Glassman said the budget has been approved by the Board, but there is a reserve fund for the EDC.
Ms. Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive said the Board of Selectmen is supposed to serve the people of Simsbury and to fulfill their promises made when running for the position. She feels a Town Manager is needed now and wants the Board to place this issue on the next agenda for discussion. She would then like them to move forward in choosing a Charter Revision Commission.
Ms. Coe spoke about the Simsbury Performing Arts Center Task Force convening a meeting without notification on the Town bulletin board, which is in violation of the Freedom of Information Act. The public was only notified through the Hartford Courant. There should be procedures to following when holding meetings.
Ms. Coe said she is happy to see that the First Selectman is holding a workshop for Boards, Commissions, staff and the public on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the High School in FOIA and Conflict of Interest information.
Ms. Coe spoke again about Certificates of Occupancies on buildings in Town. She said the Building Inspector has now issued Certificates of Compliance. She hopes all of the buildings are in compliance with the State Building Code.
Ms. Coe said there is a capital expenditure of $30,000 for a road to the Golf Course. She feels this expenditure is premature as there is going to be a consultant report defining the needs and improvements of the Golf Course Complex. She would like this expenditure removed until an entire plan is approved.
Ms. Coe spoke about property being used for disaster relief. She feels more work is needed on this policy.
All of Ms. Coe's comments can be read on Simsbury.comforum.
Lindsey Aliyeh, 6 Whitman Pond told the Board Simsbury missed being the 69th Town to join the 20% by 2010 program. Ms. Glassman said they gave this initiative to the Recycling Committee for their review on Thursday. This will be on the next month Board agenda also.
1) Board of Selectmen Budget Update - Board of Selectmen proposed FY 08-09 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan will be presented to the Board of Finance on February 26th at 6:00pm.
Ms. Glassman said the Board of Selectmen voted to approve their budget and is being proposed to the residents for $18,323,609 which is 3.48%. These budgets go before the Board of Finance on February 26th. She said there is a Public Hearing April 1st at the Simsbury High School at 7:30 p.m. There will be an annual Town meeting on May 6th.
2) Update on the 12th Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life scheduled for May 16-17 at Henry James Memorial Junior High School
Ms. Glassman said this was discussed during Public Audience. She would like to start a Board of Selectmen team.
3) Review, discuss and possibly authorize advertisement of a Request for Proposals for Management Services for the 2008 Season at the Performing Arts Center.
Mr. Ryan, 20 Westledge Road, Chairman of the Task Force, said it is the job of the Task Force to recommend actions, including ongoing management and management structure of the Performing Arts Center.
Mr. Ryan said they are trying to make this year work and also look at the long term use of the facility. They are recommending three additional events this year at the Center. They will adopt license terms for these concerts. They also feel that 8000 people is an acceptable amount and this will be used as a guideline. They would also hire the same Site Manager as last year. He gave the Board a list of the 2008 Booking Terms Summary.
After going through the Summary, Mr. Hensley made motion to authorize the Performing Arts Sub-Committee to put in a Request for Proposals for Management Services for the 2008 season at the Performing Arts Center. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
4) Receive report regarding applications for funding to be submitted through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) as administered by the Office of Policy and Management.
Ms. Glassman said the Town decided to apply for two STEAP grants: a $200,000 for Eno Memorial Hall and a $300,000 grant for the road improvements to the Simsbury Farms Complex.
These capital improvements have both been approved by the Board already. Mr. Toner said the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee has endorsed the project as well.
Ms. Glassman said Mr. Toner was also asked to balance the revenue funds at the last meeting. Mr. Toner gave the Board an update on this issue. He said the Committee working on $5 surcharges on all programs, except for the Day Camp Program. There will be a $10/year membership fee per family for services. The members will also receive 10% discounts from the Pro-shop and Restaurant.
Mr. Toner said that Culture, Parks and Recreation will meet on Thursday to discuss this further. The Complex Committee will also meet soon.
5) Receive report regarding award of funding through the Regional Performance Incentive Grant Program as submitted by the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG).
Ms. Glassman said the Governor has released 8.5 million dollars in incentive grants, in which CRCOG received 5 million dollars. The Town of Simsbury projects are included. There will be a meeting to discuss these projects further.
6) Review, discuss and possibly schedule a public hearing regarding a proposal to amend Chapter 3, Section 302 of the Town Code of Ordinances entitled "Aging and Disability Commission."
Mr. Hogan said the Aging and Disability Commission met on February 19th to adopt an ordinance for membership criteria on the Commission. He said they had a proposal a few years ago that the Board did not adopt. They want to re-introduce that proposal. They also gave the Board a modified proposal. This item was tabled until the next Board meeting. He would like the original proposal included at the next meeting as well.
7) Receive report regarding correspondence from the United States Postal Service providing notice of intent to implement a search for a new facility to replace the present Post Office on Hopmeadow Street.
Ms. Glassman said she received a hand-delivered letter from the U.S. Postal Service with their intent to move the Post Office as their carriers are moving to Avon. There will be a Public Hearing on March 24th, before the Regular Meeting, where the Board and residents can express their concerns with the representatives of the Postal Service.
8) Review, discuss and possibly approve refunds as requested by the Tax Collector.
Mr. Hampton made motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $2,294.44 for Specialty Saw, Inc. For the Business Development Abatement covering the Grand List of October 1, 2006. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
9) LIAISON REPORTS
Report on joint meeting to discuss possible Charrette and discussion of advertising a request for proposals.
Ms. Glassman said she only received two pieces of correspondence on the Charrette. She gave them to the Board and they are attached.
Mr. Hampton made motion for a request to solicit proposals, by Town Staff, about the Charrette development.
There was some discussion on the magnitude of the project and how things may be done within the Plan of Development. Most of the Board is unsure about spending more money on a Charrette. There was no second to this motion. After further discussion, the Board will discuss this issue with the Economic Development and Zoning Commission as soon as possible.
Mr. Hogan noted that the Town needs Grand List growth. The chances of the Charrette succeeding are remote, but he is all for meeting with the Commissions.
Mr. Hensley noted that there was a new Police Officer in Town and welcomed him.
10) SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. Hampton said Public Safety will meet March 20th at 7 a.m. in the Main Meeting Room. All are welcome.
Ms. Wertheimer said the Board of Education will meet on their budget tomorrow.
11) RESIGNATIONS & APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Hensley made motion to re-appoint William Gardner, Mark Naccarato, Richard Schoenhardt, John Stewart, Emil Dahlquist, Kevin Gray and Charles Stephenson as members of the Design Review Board; also to re-appoint Rita Bond, Anthony Drapelick and John Carroll as alternates. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to re-appoint Austin D. Barney, John Loomis, Helen Peterson, and Margery Winters to the Open Space Committee. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Wertheimer made motion to appoint Mona Herman as a full member, and Ann Walter Thompson as an alternate to Aging and Disability. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
MINUTES
a) Review, discuss and possibly approve the minutes of the Budget Workshop on February 5, 2008.
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve the minutes of the Budget Workshop on February 5, 2008. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Review, discuss and possibly approve the minutes of the Budget Workshop on February 6, 2008.
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the minutes of the Budget Workshop on February 6, 2008 as corrected. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Review, discuss and possibly approve the minutes of the Budget Workshop on February 7, 2008.
Mr. Hogan made motion to approve the minutes of the Budget Workshop on February 7, 2008. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Review, discuss and possibly approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting on February 11, 2008.
Mr. Hensley made motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen on February 11, 2008 with a correction. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
13) ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Hampton made motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:55 p.m., pursuant to C.G.S. 1-200 (6)(E) to discuss records related to a personnel matter exempt from disclosure under 1-210. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman
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