Board of Selectmen Minutes 11/14/2012 DRAFT
DRAFT
TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 14, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the 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 Nancy Haase, Moira Wertheimer, John Hampton, Lisa Heavner and Sean Askham. Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Gerry Toner, Colleen O’Connor, Maryann Harris, Tom Roy and other interested parties.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, congratulated Mr. Hampton on winning State Representative 16th District. He said he was very disappointed in the performance of the loyal opposition throughout Connecticut.
He read an article about resigning from public office after being elected. Mr. Kalechman feels that Mr. Hampton should resign from the Board of Selectmen due to the perception of conflict of interest. He told everyone to read Section 1003 Conflict of Interest from the Simsbury Charter.
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive was upset that there was no additional time for public audience at the last Board meeting. She said there is a half hour of time set aside for public audience at each meeting and if there are only a few people speaking they should have more than 5 minutes each to total the 15 minutes. She feels other speakers go on and on about issues for more than 5 minutes each and this isn’t fair.
Ms. Coe said she feels that now that the new Town Charter was approved, the First Selectman’s salary should be reduced as she is being stripped of the legislative duties. She also feels the part-time communications specialist should not be added. This is not the time to increase staff.
Ms. Coe urges the Board to reject the proposal to sell Pharos Farm. She said the sale is not in the best interest of the Town
Ms. Coe feels the Board should review the entire golf complex and see if this should be run by the Town or by a private organization. This facility has be subsidized by the taxpayers for years.
Ms. Coe also feels that the Board should reject the proposal for the Powder Forest Homes community.
There was some discussion about allowing additional time for public audience. Ms. Glassman said the speakers have to show respect and honor the 5 minutes. The Board has been very open to the public to say whatever they want and she thanked the Board for their time. The Board members agreed that they do want to here what the public has to say, but there needs to be some order about it.
Ms. Haase made a motion to allow an additional 2 minutes per person for public audience if speakers respect and honor the first 5 minutes each for public audience. If not, the additional 2 minutes will be changed back to only 5 minutes to person during public audience. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Kalechman said his intent is for public speaking and freedom of speech. He read Section 1003 of the Town Charter, about conflict of interest. He feels Mr. Hampton should resign from the Board.
Ms. Coe spoke about the increased fees for the paddle courts. She doesn’t feel this is right and wants it reviewed again.
Ms. Coe spoke about a retired employees workman’s compensation claim about the mold in the building. She said the Town should monitor the health of employees due to the mold issues that still remain.
Ms. Coe spoke about the Simsbury Farms offices. She wants to know why Mr. Toner has his office at the Apple Barn instead of the renovated Simsbury Farms building. Ms. Coe kept speaking even after the bell went off.
Ms. Glassman said the Town will be collecting used skates again this year. They can be dropped off at Simsbury Farms and Town Hall.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT -
Ms. Glassman thanked everyone who participated in the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. This ceremony gives the Town a chance to honor the men and women who serve and have served in the military for putting their lives on the line to protect the liberties we have.
Ms. Glassman said the Jack Bannan’s Turkey Trot provides residents with an opportunity to help those in need. The Trot is being held today and the goal is 3,500 turkeys and 24,000 pounds of non-perishable foods for Foodshare. She thanked everyone for all of their hard work to make this successful.
Ms. Glassman wished the everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! She feels everyone is blessed to live
in this wonderful Town. Everyone always helps everyone during difficult times and that’s is very special.
SELECTMEN ACTION -
a) Approve Tax Refunds
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the tax refunds in the amount of $5,446.88 as reviewed and approved by the Tax Collector. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Accept a donation of benches and stick racks for the two new team rooms at the Simsbury Farms Ice Rink from the family of Albert Melanson and mount a plaque outside
Ms. Haase made a motion to accept a donation from the family of Albert Melanson of benches and stick racks for the two new team rooms at the Simsbury Farms Ice Rink. Also, a small plaque will be placed outside of one of the team rooms to recognize the years of service that Mr. Melanson provided to the Town and the gift in his honor. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Accept the month-to-month tenancy of Mrs. Charlene Dewey through December 31, 2012; authorize an inspection of the house on the property after January 1, 2013; assess the environmental conditions of the property; and prepare a request for proposal for lease of the farmland
Mr. Hampton made a motion to accept the month-to-month tenancy of Mrs. Charlene Dewey through December 31, 2012; authorize and inspection of the house on the property after January 1, 2013; and prepare a request for proposal for lease of the farmland. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Set public hearing of December 10, 2012 for possible sale of Pharos Farm to the
Simsbury Land Trust
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to table this discussion. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Review and possibly approve a request from the Theatre Guild to waive the fee for the use of Eno Memorial Hall on April 19, 20,21, 27 and 28, 2013 and authorize payment of janitorial fees only
Mr. Hampton made a motion to approve a request from the Theatre Guild to waive the fee for the use of Eno Memorial Hall on April 19, 20, 21,27, and 28, 2013 and authorize payment of janitorial fees only. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Approve the removal of the requirement for 6 “affordable” homes in the Claremont and Saxony neighborhoods in The Powder Forest Homes community; the current restrictions are really future “price appreciation restricted” upon resales and not income related
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the removal of the requirement for 6 “affordable” homes in the Claremont and Saxony neighborhoods in The Powder Forest Homes community. Ms. Haase seconded the motion.
Mr. Askham amended his motion to include reimbursement to the Town for any costs related to this requested action, including legal fees. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. Three were in favor with three against. Therefore, the motion didn’t pass.
After further discussion, Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to ask that Town staff and the First Selectman fully explore all questions asked and report back to the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
g) Approve the use of Eno Memorial Hall the evening of Thursday, November 29, 2012 for the purpose of holding the 4th Annual Community Bereavement Event by McLean Hospice
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the request for use of Eno Memorial Hall on Thursday, November 29, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the purpose of holding the 4th Annual Community Bereavement Event by McLean Hospice. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
h) Approve a resolution to endorse the Regional Performance Incentive Program proposal referenced in Section 5 of Public Act 11-61 (An Act Concerning Responsible Growth) as attached and entitled “Shared Asphalt Recycling Equipment”
Ms. Heavner made a motion that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Simsbury hereby resolves to endorse the Regional Performance Incentive Program proposal referenced in Section 5 of Public Act 11-61 (An Act Concerning Responsible Growth) , attached to this submission and entitled “Shared Asphalt Recycling Equipment.” Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
I) Approve additional year end transfers of $17,303 as requested by the Director of Finance
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the additional year end transfers of $17,303, as requested by the Director of Finance. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS -
! Acknowledge CL&P Incentive Payment Check in the amount of $5,831.50
Ms. Glassman said the Town received an Incentive Payment Check in the amount of $5,831.50 from CL&P. This award was based on the energy efficient lighting that was installed in the renovation/addition to the building.
! Passage of Charter Revision Commission Recommendations
Ms. Glassman said the Town’s attorney is currently working on the review of what actions the Board will need to take. The new Charter will take effect on January 1, 2013. There was a joint meeting and the Chamber was informed of the passing of the Charter. The Design Review Board appointments were already approved until 2013, so there are now questions to be answered about the new Charter.
Ms. Glassman said the Budget Workshops will be one month later than previously discussed. The new dates will be given to the Board as soon as possible.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS -
a) Accept the resignation of Barbara Koff as a regular member of the Culture, Parks, and Recreation Commission effective October 5, 2012
Mr. Hampton made a motion to accept the resignation of Barbara Koff as a regular member of the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission effective October 5, 2012 we our thanks. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Accept the resignation of Janet M. Gomen as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board effective November 9, 2012
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Janet M. Gomen as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board effective November 9, 2012 with our thanks. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Approve the appointment of Tim Pusch as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board replacing the vacancy of Janet M. Gomen effective immediately
Mr. Hampton made a motion to approve the appointment of Tim Pusch as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board effective immediately. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Approve the appointment of Mike Pendergast as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board replacing the vacancy of Sharon Lawson
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the appointment of Mike Pendergast as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in
favor and the motion passed.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES -
a) Regular Meeting of October 10, 2012
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 10, 2012 with a change on page 7. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Special Meeting of November 1, 2012
Mr. Hampton made a motion to approve the special meeting minutes of November 1, 2012 with a change on page 1. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personnel -
a) Approve the revised job description of the Superintendent of Highways
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the revised job description of the Superintendent of Highways. Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Approve the position description for the new position of Part-time Communications Specialist
no action taken
2. Finance - no report at this time
3. Welfare - no report at this time
4. Public Safety - Mr. Hampton said Public Safety did a great job during the last storm.
There will also be a Public Safety meeting tomorrow morning.
5. Board of Education - Ms. Heavner said there was a special needs presentation last night, which had great information.
6. WPCA Liaison Report - Ms. Glassman noted that the WPCA was approved. Ms. Haase said there was a good public hearing and there were good adjustments to the policy.
Ms. Haase also noted that Jim Clifton will receive the 2012 WEF award for outstanding performance and professionalism. He will receive an accommodation for this. Congratulations.
Ms. Haase gave a shout out to everyone for the Turkey Trot, especially Westminister School who gave 125 turkeys to this great cause.
ADJOURN
Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Radiocchio, Commission Clerk