Simsbury, CT - Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting Minutes - April 14, 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 Robert Hensley, John Hampton, Michael Long and Richard Hogan. Absent was Moira Wertheimer. Others in attendance included Hiram Peck, John Loomis, Emil Dahlquist, Joel Mandell, Gerry Toner, and other interested parties.

Ms. Glassman introduced Erika Sloan who is being recognized for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Her accomplishments exhibit a tremendous amount of dedication and compassion.

Ms. Sloan said she and her sister started "Kids for Cause" after hurricane Katrina in 2005. There were many animal rescue organizations that needed help. They designed a logo and purchased tee shirts and other merchandise. They sell their merchandise and give the money to animal organizations. They have raised about $12,000 so far. Erika and her sister were given an award for their help.

Mr. Long made motion to adopt the Proclamation for National Walking Day on April 16, 2008 where people can wear sneakers to work, walk for 30 minutes, and to pledge to live a longer, healthier life, and get involved with walking. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Hampton announced the Green Summit meeting to be held on April 22, 2008 from 7-9p.m. in the Chapel of the Ethel Walker School. Everyone is welcome to come and brainstorm about making a greener community.

Mr. Holihan, 2 Somerset Lane, who is on the Board of Directors of the Main Street Partnership, introduced Viv Ladget of "Sew Inspired". She has owned the shop for 3 years now on Fiddlers Green. It's a cloth shop for quilters.

Ms. Ladget said she has two other partners now; Deb Jacoby and Sandra Moraski. They have a great customer base n the Farmington Valley. They not only sell fabric, but educate people on quilting.

Sue Bednarcyk, 118 East Weatogue Street spoke about the Charrette. She feels the cost could be reduced if it becomes a regional initiative and grants are looked in to.

Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, said Zoning regulations are clearly defined, but a Plan of Development District is needed. She feels the Town needs a new look at Zoning. She feels it is unrealistic to ask volunteers to look into this further, it's just too time consuming.

Bruce Kaplan, 96 West Mountain Road spoke about the parking problem at Fiddler's Green during events on Iron Horse Blvd. There are concerns from local businesses that their patrons cannot find parking during events.

Mr. Kaplan submitted a request to the Board for permission to use the Eno Hall parking lot during all Iron Horse Blvd. Events and concerts. Ms. Glassman noted that this will be further discussed on item number 13 of the agenda.

Ms. Spears, 230 Bushy Hill Road, the new Head of Ethel Walker School, said she wants her students to be a part of the community. She is also passionate about the environment and what to do to help it.

Mike Paine, 72 Holcomb Street, spoke about Simsbury Community TV. He gave the Board a package about the bill in the State Legislature which is allegedly intended to foster competition within the cable/video services provided to the local resident homes.

Mr. Paine would like the Board to write to the Legislature asking for equal competition and for them to provide the same benefits for public assess.

Dick Davis, 36 Prairie, spoke about the Gersten Property. He asked that the Town purchase this property as it is part of the Blue Trail as it is the last property to fill out the Ridge Line.

Mr. Davis also feels the Town should purchase the Culbro Property. The meetings on these properties are May 6th for the Gersten Property and May 20th for the Culbro Property purchase.

Mr. Mandell, 7 Harriet Lane, said he is a member of the Parade Committee, which is comprised of representatives of American Legion Post 84 and VFW Post 1926. He wants to remind everyone that the Tariffville parade will by held on Memorial Day at 9 a.m. and the Simsbury parade will start at 1 p.m.

Mr. Mandell said that any group who wished to march in either parade should contact either Bob Gauthier at 651-7307 or Bob Roberts at 658-2027 or Joel Mandell at 658-2185.

Mr. Mandell also noted that wanted to call attention to the wonderful program, developed by Chief Ingvertsen and members of the Simsbury Police Dept called Simsbury Citizen Police Academy. He is a current graduate and it has been a wonderful experience. Mr. Mandell encourages others to sign-up for the 2009 class. This is a 12 session program starting in February.

awards were given to Simsbury residents. One award was a Lifetime Achievement Award, given to William Farley and Bruce Cagenello was given the Partner of the Year Award.

Mr. Mandell mentioned that the Greater Hartford Prayer Breakfast will be held on November 20th at the Artist's Collaborative in Hartford. They are interested in obtaining sponsors and anyone interested can call him at 658-2185.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive spoke about alleged ethical lapses by the last First Selectman as written in the Hartford Courant. She also talked about the Simsbury Superintendent of Schools Contract, which she feels should be the way a Professional Town Manager would be hired.

Ms. Coe thanked the Town for removing soda machines at Simsbury Farms. She feels a walk-up fee at the paddle courts was not needed and they were rescinded immediately. However, the signage is very misleading as the office hours and play hours do not match.

Ms. VanZelm said their objective was to come up with a way to revitalize the center of Mansfield. She said the Town has a couple of strip malls, but no real traditional center of Town. In the beginning of 1999 they started to come up with an enhancement strategy. The developed a partnership - Mansfield Downtown Partnership.

Ms. VanZelm went through a slide show and showed everyone Mansfield and where they were revitalizing it. This is a mixed use plan. They had to go through Zoning to get housing approved also. Some of the plans can be seen on www.MansfieldCT.org.

Ms. VanZelm said they held over 300 public meetings, including with the neighbors and retailers, which she feels is very important. There is also a 600 member strong e-mailing information list. They also generated interested by holding festivals and events to show people what can happen there when the project is completed.

Mr. Owens and Mr. Ford continued with the Smart Growth Georgetown Land Project. They feel there are some very important issues that need to be discussed when going through this process including: Mixed land use issues; compact building design creative housing opportunities; walkable neighborhoods; distinctive/attractive communities; preserving open space; reinvesting in the community; having transportation choices; making sure the development is fair and cost effective and to encourage citizens to participate in the development process.

They held a Charrette in October 2003 and filed plans in June 2004. The last approvals were completed in February 2008. There is a lot of time needed for this type of project. The most important thing to do is to hire the best professionals to do the job so the job is completed properly. You also need to think a lot about how to obtain the money for the projects.

2. Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to enter into an agreement with the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day - August 16, 2008.

Mr. Long made motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute an agreement with the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day - August 16, 2008. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

3. Review, discuss and possibly adopt a resolution authorizing the First Selectman to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $20,000 for the rejuvenation of a handicapped accessible playground at Central School.

Mr. Hogan made motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the First Selectman to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $20,000 for the playground at Central School. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

4) Review, discuss and possibly adopt a resolution delegating the Eno Memorial Hall Fire Suppression System and Life Safety Improvements Project to the Public Building Committee.

Mr. Hampton made motion to adopt a resolution delegating the Eno Memorial Hall Fire Suppression System and Life Safety Improvements Project to the Public Building Committee. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

5. Review, discuss and possibly adopt a resolution delegating the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex building's preliminary design project to the Public Building Committee.

Mr. Hensley made motion to adopt a resolution delegating the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex Building's preliminary design project to the Public Building Committee. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

The Board was given a memo from Ms. Lecours-Beck, Director of Social Services, asking that the Town purchase a bus for the Dial-A-Ride program in the amount of $2,000.

Mr. Long made motion to purchase a bus from the Greater Hartford Transit Administration for the Dial-A-Ride program in the amount of $2,000. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

7. Review, discuss and possibly authorize the First Selectman to enter into an agreement with the University of Connecticut Health Center for the provision of back up paramedic services.

Ms. Glassman said the University of Connecticut Health Center provides back-up paramedic services for the Town for Advanced Life Support calls which cannot be handled by Town emergency services personnel due to system overload. The duration of the agreement is one year and has been renewed annually.

Mr. Hogan made motion to authorize the First Selectman to enter into agreement with the University of Connecticut Health Center for $6,007.00, for the provision of back-up paramedic services, as defined in the memo from the Chief of Police Ingvertsen of April 10, 2008. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Hensley made motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $7,487.14 for the period of March 19, 2008 - April 9, 2008. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

9. Review, discuss and possibly approve a request by the Chief of Police for a supplemental appropriation pursuant to Section 909 (a) of the Town Charter in the amount of $21,581.60 as a reimbursement for a grant.

Ms. Glassman said this is for increased motor vehicle enforcement initiated on October 21, 2007 and concluded on January 22, 008. On March 18, 2008 the Police Department received a purchase order from the State DOT indicating that the reimbursement of $21,581.60 was forthcoming. Therefore, the reimbursement needs to be credited back to the police overtime line as that budget is currently overspent.

Mr. Hampton made motion to approve a request by the Chief of Police for a supplemental appropriation pursuant to Section 909 (a) of the Town Charter in the amount of $21,581.60 as a reimbursement for a grant. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Toner gave the Board a memo, dated March 28, 2008, with the revised adjustments to proposed revenues and expenses for the FY 08/09 Special Revenue Fund. These recommendations were reviewed and endorsed by the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee and the Culture, Parks and Recreation Committee to eliminate a fund shortfall.

Mr. Long made motion that the Board of Selectmen hereby authorize the amendment as proposed to the 2009 operating budget for the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Funds, by the Director, as presented in his memo of March 28, 2008. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Hampton made motion to adopt the Mission Statement of the Recycling Committee as proposed April 2, 2008. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman said letters were sent to members who served on the Task Force to see if they would still like to serve, as well as new members who are interested in serving. Mr. Ryan said he would still help out coordinating names to keep the Task Force moving ahead.

b) Review, discuss and possibly act on a request by Fiddler's LLC to use the Eno Memorial Hall parking lot during Iron Horse Boulevard events and concerts.

After some discussion, Mr. Hampton made motion to authorize the request of Fiddler's, LLC for the use of the Eno Memorial Hall parking lot during Iron Horse Boulevard events and concerts, subject to the provisions in the memo dated March 28, 2008, for six months, while awaiting further review. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Review, discuss and possibly approve request by Simsbury Community Band to use the Performing Arts Center for a performance scheduled for July 30, 2008.

Ms. Glassman said she received a request from the Simsbury Community Band to move the venue for their last concert to the bandshell at Simsbury Meadows on Iron Horse Boulevard.

Mr. Long made motion to approve a request by the Simsbury Community Band to use the Performing Arts Center for a performance scheduled for July 30, 2008. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Long made motion to accept the resignation of Thomas Sharpless as an alternate from the Conservation Commission. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Hogan made motion to re-appoint Nancy Hendryx as a full member of the Board of Ethics with a term to expire on 1/1/2012. Mr. Long seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Hampton made motion to re-appoint Carol Cunin as a full member of the Tourism Committee with a term to expire on 12/7/2009. Mr. Hensley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Re-appoint Maribeth Mortillaro as a full member of the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee with a term to expire on 12/7/09 and expand the membership of the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee from 9 members to 10 members.

After some discussion, Mr. Long made motion to re-appoint Maribeth Mortillaro as a full member of the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee with a term to expire on 12/7/2009 and to expand the membership of the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee from 9 to 10 members. Membership will revert back to 9 after 12/7/2009. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Long made motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2008. Mr. Hogan seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.