Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting 01/14/2013

Approved

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – JANUARY 14, 2013

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Hall.  Present were:  First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members John Hampton, Sean Askham, Moira Wertheimer, Nancy Haase and Lisa Heavner.  Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Dave Gardner, Colleen O’Connor, Ed LaMontagne, Sue Bullock, Chuck Howard and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Glassman introduced three high school seniors who led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENTATION

Introduction of Sweet Adelines

Ms. Glassman introduced Laura Riley from the Sweet Adelines.  Ms. Riley said there are 45 members from 17 to 80+.  She introduced Alyssa, Nancy, and Rebecca who are going to sing tonight.  The Sweet Adelines sing in four-part harmony and are a non-for-profit group. They rehearse on Wednesday nights at First Church.  They are fund raising right now so they can go to Hawaii, after wining the regional competition, and will sing a Valentine for anyone, anywhere.  The Town has a link to their website.  They sang two songs for John Hampton as this is his last night on the Board.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Don Zaylor, One West Street, spoke about the ADA standards for the bathrooms at Eno Memorial Hall.  He said the upper level projects have been completed, but the lower level is not.  It is very hard for seniors to walk all the way to the elevator to go upstairs to the bathroom. This exhibits a total failure to recognize that the people attending Eno are elderly and some need walkers or wheelchairs.  The downstairs bathroom project needs to be completed now.

Mr. Zaylor is also concerned about the parking.  If the Eno lot needs to be plowed all the snow it put in the handicapped spot.  Then that spot can no longer be used. 

Mr. Zaylor said a couple of years ago there was ice build-up from the downspout at Eno at the entry level.  To protect seniors there was a plastic cover installed.  This is very dangerous.  He’d like to see that Simsbury is “senior friendly” not just “bike friendly” and get these issues corrected.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said that this Board does not respond to any public comments at their meetings or privately.  They are just concerned about lobbying groups.  She feels this Board has put Simsbury up for sale under the guidance of economic development.

She said this Board is never in favor of the taxpayers.  She said the poor farm should never have been turned over to the elite Ethel Walker School, who has never given any revenue to the Town.
She doesn’t understand how the Board can vote in favor of selling Pharos Farm to the Hall family with a farming only restriction.

Ms. Coe fells the Town spends more money and increases taxes with groups that should pay for themselves.  She feels the Library can incorporate many of the senior programs and that would take the burden off of Eno Hall renovations. 

Ms. Coe spoke again about lowering the fees for the paddle court.  She feels the fees are too high and cumbersome.  She showed an e-mail from a member & her cancelled checks that show how much fees have been raised.

Ms. Coe feels the First Selectman’s salary should be lowered as her responsibilities have decreased.

Ms. Coe also spoke about violence in schools and feels something needs to happen to stop the bullying. 

Mr. Kalechman, 971Hopmeadow Street, spoke about Mr. Hampton resigning from the Board.  He said the agenda shows the appointment of Lisa Heavner as Deputy First Selectman, and he doesn’t understand why that is.  He said Ms. Wertheimer had the most votes the last time and she should have been the new Deputy First Selectman.  Ms. Glassman had nominated Mr. Hampton as Deputy First Selectman even though Ms. Wertheimer should have gotten the position.  This needs to be further investigated. 

Mr. Kalechman said the same people who are on the Charter Revision Commission are also on the Ethics Commission.  There needs to be new blood on Committees and Commissions.

Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue said three months have gone by with no changes in the meeting. 

She said she has asked John Locker, President of S.H.A.R.E., to do an evaluation to find out what the residents are going to have to deal with as far as taxes and costs due to the developers. 

Ms. Bednarcyk also spoke about the elderly and the need for the Dial-a-Ride program to be able to take residents to their doctor appointments more than once a month.  Maybe there should be

some fund-raising done so Dial-a-Ride can do more for the residents.

Ms. Bednarcyk also spoke about Eno Memorial Hall.  She is not sure if this is the perfect place for a senior center.

  Presentation by CL&P: CL&P Transmission 1784 Line Re-Conductoring Project

Ms. Glassman introduced Marcia Wellman who said letters were sent out to property owners who are near the two projects.  One project is the expansion of a sub-station and the other one is the transmission line to the 1784 re-conductoring project.  This will bring in heavier wire that will allow more power to move efficiently. 

They did file for these jobs and now have a petition #1057, so if anyone wants to write to the Siting Council you can.  They would like to begin the projects in March. 

  Notice of UConn Public Hearing on new water services January 22nd at Uconn Health Center

Ms. Glassman gave notice of a public hearing on January 22nd at 7 p.m. at the UConn Health Center, in the Human Resources Training Room to discuss water services.

  Martin Luther King Presentation

Ms. Glassman noted that there will be a Celebration of Martin Luther King.   Margaret House, Maggie Willerup and Kyle spoke about the event.  They made a documentary on Martin Luther King.  They have a preliminary design for the memorial for Mr. King.  They are working with the Historical Society and Library on the design.  They showed a picture of their design. 

The group hopes to raise $20,000 for this memorial.  Cigna already gave a large contribution. People can purchase bricks for $100 each and put names or a message on them in the memorial. 
They website is www.  MLKinCT.com.

There will be Martin Luther King celebration Monday, January 21st at First Church at 2 p.m.  Everyone is welcome.   

Revaluation Update

Ms. Glassman said revaluation takes place every 5 years.  She introduced Dave Gardner.  He said the revaluation purpose is to bring values to current on a uniform basis.  This will help allocate taxes as fairly as possible.

Mr. Gardner said all notices have been mailed and hearings have been scheduled.  If you have any questions, you can contact his office.

Ms. Glassman said, if an appeal is requested, you can go on the website and appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals.  The deadline is February 20, 2013 to appeal. She told residents not to miss the deadlines.  It is too soon to know the new mil rate.

FIRST SELECTMAN REPORT

Update on The Hartford Insurance Company

Ms. Glassman said she requested a meeting with The Hartford to discuss long term plans for their Simsbury facility.  The Hartford said they will provide a date to meet with the sub-committee to address the needs of the Simsbury’s largest taxpayer soon.  The Town was informed that The Hartford completed its sale of the retirement business to Mass Mutual and those employees will move to the Mass Mutual Enfield offices.

  TCBY donates to Sandy Hook School Support Fund

Ms. Glassman congratulated TCBY Yogurt who will be donating 10% of their sales to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund through January 26, 2013.  She thanked Lisa and Mark Arnold and many other Simsbury residents who are doing their part to show support for Newtown in this very difficult time.

Ms. Glassman said there is a new program starting next Monday, called Mobile Foodshare.   This will distribute fresh fruits and vegetables, on alternate Monday afternoons.  If you want to participate, you can go to First Church from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m. on Monday January 21st and every other Monday thereafter.  If you have any questions, please call Social Services at 860-658-3283.

SELECTMEN ACTIONS

a) Accept the resignation of John Hampton from the Board of Selectmen effective January 15, 2013

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of John Hampton as a regular member of the Board of Selectmen effective 12:00 a.m. on January 15, 2013.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Appoint Shannon Knall as a member of the Board of Selectmen replacing the vacancy of John Hampton effective January 15, 2013

Ms. Heavner made a motion to appoint Shannon Knall as a member of the Board of Selectmen replacing the vacancy of John Hampton effective January 15, 2013.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Appoint Lisa Heavner as Deputy First Selectman effective January 15, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to table the appointment of Lisa Heavner as Deputy First Selectman until further review.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Adopt Board of Selectmen Budget Workshop dates: February 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th and March 12th, 13th, 14th and 19th

Ms. Haase made a motion to adopt the Board of Selectmen Budget Workshop dates of February 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, and March 12th, 13th, 14th and 19th with times of the meetings to be discussed further.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $36,799.51 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Accept a gift of $3,125 from Westminster School to be deposited into the Library Special Revenue (gift) Fund to be used for the purchase of teen library materials

Mr. Hampton made a motion to accept a gift of $3,125 from Westminster School to be deposited into the Library Special Revenue Fund (gift) to be used for the purchase of teen library materials.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Accept a financial donation from Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc. in the amount of $5,000 for the Keep Simsbury Warm Program

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the financial donation from Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc. in the amount of $5,000 for the Keep Simsbury Warm Program.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Approve the submission of a Request For Proposal for the Housing Authority of Simsbury Small Cities Grant

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the submission of a Request For Proposal for the

Housing Authority of the Simsbury Small Cities Grant.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

I) Referral of Pharos Farm and George Hall Farm request to Open Space Committee and Planning Commission

Ms. Haase made a motion to refer the revised proposal from the Simsbury Land Trust for the sale of Pharos Farms to the Planning Commission and the Open Space Committee as recommended by Town Counsel.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

j) Approve a request by the Simsbury Women’s Club to use the Iron Horse Boulevard parking lots from Friday, September 13, 2013 through Sunday, September 15, 2013 for their Arts and Crafts Fair, contingent on PAC Board approval at their January 17, 2013 meeting

Mr. Hampton made a motion to approve the use of the Iron Horse Boulevard parking lots from Friday, September 13, 2013 through Sunday, September 15, 2013 for the Simsbury Women’s Club Arts and Crafts Fair, contingent on PAC Board approval at their January 17, 2013 meeting.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

k) Authorize the First Selectman to sign a preservation easement for Eno Memorial Hall as required by the State Historic Preservation Office Grant

Mr. Hampton made a motion; “RESOLVED, that Mary A. Glassman, who is the First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury is empowered to execute and deliver in the name, and on behalf, of the Town of Simsbury a certain document with the State of Connecticut, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Easements, Declaration of Covenants, and Declaration of Preservation Restrictions document relative to Eno Memorial Hall, Grant Number 18153, and to affix the corporate seal, if any.” Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

l) Acceptance of America The Beautiful Grant

Ms. Haase made a motion; “RESOLVED, that the First Selectman, Mary A. Glassman, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Town of Simsbury a certain contract with the former Department of Environmental Protection, now known as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection of the State of Connecticut for the fulfillment of the America-the-Beautiful grant and is authorized to affix the Town Seal.”  Mr. Hampton seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

m) Approve re-opening the Special Revenue Account previously established to accept State funds for Incentive Housing Zone (Home Connecticut) Grant from OPM

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the re-opening of the Special Revenue Account previously established to accept State funds for Incentive Housing Zone (Home Connecticut) Grant from OPM.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

n) Acceptance of Croft Lane into the Town road network

Mr. Askham made a motion to accept Croft Lane into the Town road network.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

o) Approve the Simsbury ABC House application to be a qualified recipient under the Neighborhood Assistance Act

Ms. Heavner made a motion to set a public hearing for February 11, 2013 to consider the Simsbury ABC House application to be a qualified recipient under the Neighborhood Assistance Act.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) CCM Gun Violence Task Force recommendations

Ms. Glassman said the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has draft recommendations on gun violence.  Our Police Chief has reviewed them and he said they are reasonable. 

Mr. Hampton said the notes and recommendations are very helpful.  He hopes some resolutions are made on this issue.

Ms. Glassman said the Chief is designated as the signatory who issues permits.  She said there were 100 permits issued last year and already 53 permits issued this year.  There is information on the Town website.  

Mr. Askham said the Legislative body needs to make sense of all of this, be thoughtful to everyone, and actually do something which will help the situation. 

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Approve the appointment of Mike Jennings to the Aging and Disabilities Commission
Mr. Hampton made a motion to appoint Mike Jennings to the Aging and Disabilities Commission.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve the appointment of Rob Heagney to the Ethics Committee
Mr. Hampton made a motion to appoint Rob Heagney to the Ethics Committee.  Ms. Haase

seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve the appointment of Kevin Crimmins to the Ethics Committee
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Kevin Crimmins to the Ethics Committee.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Approve the appointment of Sharon Lawson to the Human Relations Commission
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to appoint Sharon Lawson to the Human Relations Commission.  Mr. Hampton seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Approve the appointment of Susan Ersinghause to the Human Relations Commission
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Susan Ersinghause to the Human Relations Commission.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approve the appointment of Marc Lubetkin to the Historic District Commission
Mr. Hampton made a motion to appoint Marc Lubetkin to the Historic District Commission.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approve the appointment of Kevin Crimmins to the Economic Development Commission
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Kevin Crimmins to the Economic Development Commission. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Approve the appointment of Alan Raphael to the Economic Development Commission
Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Alan Raphael to the Economic Development Commission.  Mr. Hampton seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

i) Approve the appointment of Ned Cosgrove to the Police Commission
Ms. Heavner made a motion to appoint Ned Cosgrove to the Police Commission.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.   

j) Approve the appointment of Harvey Goodfriend to the Police Commission
Mr. Hampton made a motion to appoint Harvey Goodfriend to the Police Commission.  Ms.
Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

k) Approve the appointment of Janice Kern to the Recycling Committee
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Janice Kern to the Recycling Committee.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

l) Approve the appointment of Steve Spalla to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission
Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Steve Spalla to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Askham made a motion to amend the agenda to re-appoint two members to the Ethics Committee.  Ms. Hampton seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Askham made a motion to re-appoint Peter Kellogg and Polly Maier to the Ethics Committee.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.  

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting of December 10, 2012

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of December 10, 2012 as corrected.  Mr. Hampton seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

1.  Personnel - no report at this time.
2.  Finance - no report at this time.
3.  Welfare - no report at this time.
4.  Public Safety - no report at this time.
5.  Board of Education - Ms. Heavner advised that the Economic Development Committee and this Board held a meeting regarding the C-PACE Program.

Ms. Heavner said there will be a Senior basketball night/pizza night on January 29th, with dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Ms. Heavner said there will be a Student UConn Dental Clinic on March 6th at 1:15 p.m. for seniors.  This will teach seniors about the importance of a healthy mouth and healthcare.

ADJOURN

Mr. Hampton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman