Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting 04/22/2013

APPROVED

BOARD OF SELECTMEN - REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - APRIL 22, 2013

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Sean Askham, Shannon Knall, Lisa Heavner, Moira Wertheimer and Nancy Haase.  Others in attendance included: Tom Cooke, Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Sue Masino, 41 Madison Lane, spoke about a citizen petition that was started to say they acknowledge that UConn is looking for new sources of water and that one of the MDC proposals is to extend a pipeline out to UConn by using water from the Farmington River Reservoirs.  They are letting them know that they are opposed to this use and want them to use other water.  This petition is posted online at signon.org. - Keyword is Farmington.  Ms. Masino also passed the petition around so people could sign it. Ms. Glassman noted that the Board has also sent UConn a letter about this issue.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said she reviewed her FOI request asking for all e-mails between staff and Ms. Heavner, as she felt they might be in violation of Section 411 of the Town Charter.   She said this Section states that no members of the Board of Selectmen are to give orders to the Administrative staff.  She feels some of the e-mails give directions and feels the Board should review her observations and take appropriate action.

Ms. Coe said the bicycle group has added landscaping to the area around the bike sculpture and doesn’t feel that they had approval from any Commission.  She doesn’t understand why the residents have to go through all Commissions before doing anything to their property and the bike group never has to.  

Ms. Coe showed a picture of a Simsbury High School wall that had misspelled word on it. 

Ms. Coe said her husband, a member of the WPCA, had a special meeting here and he couldn’t get up on the platform due to his wheelchair.  This meant he could not participate equally to the others. 

Ms. Coe said she reviewed complaints of Central School teachers, through her FOI complaint, and found many of the same issues throughout the school system.  These concerns need to be addressed.

Ms. Coe said she entered the Planning Department and found a sign saying employees only beyond this point.  The sign prevents anyone from doing business with the Building Department.  She feels this is wrong as the residents pay for the staffing of these offices and wants to know why there is a sign there. 

Ms. Coe said there was a raid on Hitchcock Circle in November and wants to know if the community is in any danger.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, reminded the Board of the U.S. Constitution and Freedom of Speech.  He also mentioned the State Constitution, which is a stronger Constitution. He read part of Article I, Section 1, which speaks about privileges.   

Mr. Kalechman spoke about the Veteran’s Hospital in Rocky Hill.  He feels these Veterans deserve a place to go to give them help.  He read a letter about the Veteran’s Fund being under the Treasury Dept. and cutting their funding.

Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue, spoke about Land Use Planning again.  She wants to make sure that the EDC market study and charrette include public comments.  She also asked that the owner of The Hartford property participate in the studies.  She also wants the entire south end looked at as a whole.

Ms. Bednarcyk said there is a drainage issue at 120 E. Weatogue and is amazed that this issue hasn’t been taken care of yet. 

Ms. Bednarcyk thinks that the Police and Public Works contracts were not approved and feels they need to be approved for public safety purposes. 
 
PRESENTATION

a) Presentation of May events for National Bicycle Awareness Month

Ms. Glassman introduced Patty Jacobus.  Ms. Jacobus, 22 Harvest Hill, said she is one of the original founders and directors of Simsbury Free Bike and has lived in Simsbury for 30 years.  She is also on the Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Ms. Jacobus said in 2010 Simsbury was designated as a bronze level bike friendly community.  She said last July they submitted another application and they got another objective report, which they are now working on. 

Ms. Jacobus said the Committee meets every third Thursday of the month at the Library at 10 a.m.  She said the meetings are open to everyone.

Ms. Jacobus spoke about AFree Bike@ and gave out a flyer listing the locations these bikes are available at.  She also said that May is Bike Month in Simsbury.  This celebration includes biking to schools and biking to work days.  She handed out a May calendar of bike events.  Information will be posted on the Town website.

b) Squadron Line School playground update

Ms. Glassman introduced Lisa Wilcox and Heather Duncan, who spoke about replacing the playground at the rear of Squadron Line School.  Ms. Wilcox said the old playground is 15-20 years old and very dangerous right now.  Their budget is $100,000 and they still need to raise $30,000.  They showed pictures of the new equipment.  Donations can be sent to Lisa Wilcox at sqlplayground@gmail.com.

c) Recycling Award Presentation

Ms. Glassman introduced Mary Turner, Chairman of the Recycling Committee.  Ms. Turner noted that Janice Keran, a new member, was in the audience.  Ms. Turner said that every year the Recycling Committee recognizes a member of the community that deserves recognition for their recycling efforts.  This award is going to Welden Hardware, Melissa and John Brett, for its innovative battery recycling program which they have started with Interstate Batteries of Rocky Hill. 

Ms. Turner said the Bretts’ are also exploring compact fluorescent light disposal.  You can go to their website for more information - Weldenhardware.com.

Ms. Brett said that Interstate Batteries has been a partner with them and they have been more than generous with their ideas.  She thanked everyone for this award

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman asked for a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombers.  She said there were acts of compassion, bravery and profound selflessness from the victims, medical and safety personnel and from average citizens who helped when needed. 

Ms. Glassman reminded everyone just how important it is to be able to contact residents in the event of an emergency.  She asked that they sign up for CT-Alert.  She asked that they visit the Town’s website at www.simsbury-ct.gov. where they can find a link to Community Alerts. 

Ms. Glassman said the Simsbury Police Department along with the Simsbury Social Services Department and the Simsbury Youth Advisory Board will be conducting a concentrated enforcement effort for distracted driving on Simsbury roads during the month of May.

Ms. Glassman said that the Social Services Department received a grant so the Police Department can be highly visible to monitor cell phone use. 

Ms. Glassman said that a Town employee, Ted Daniels, received the Connecticut Driver of the Year resolution Award. 

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Set Special Meeting date of April 26, 2013 at 7:45 a.m. to act on Town budget capital budgets and to set referendum date of Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to set the Special Meeting date of April 26, 2013 at 7:45 a.m. to act on Town budget capital budgets and any other items that are pertinent and to set a referendum date of Tuesday, May 14, 2013.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Refer FY 2014 capital projects to the Planning Commission for CGS Section 8-24 referral

Ms. Haase made a motion to refer FY 2014 capital projects to the Planning Commission for CGS Section 8-24 referral.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve the FY 2013 Town-Board of Education Budget Flyer

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the FY 2013 Town-Board of Education Budget Flyer to include an explanation of BOF and DRG B.  If the Board of Finance makes any other changes, they will need to come back to the Board of Selectmen for final approval.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Set a Public Hearing for May 13, 2013 for the Simsbury ABC House to be qualified for a Neighborhood Assistance Act

Mr. Askham made a motion to set a Public Hearing for May 13, 2013 to consider the request of the ABC House that its 2013 Neighborhood Assistance Program Application be approved by the Board of Selectmen.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Approve tax refunds
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $312.57 as recommended and approved by the Tax Collector.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Approve the request of Bruce Kaplan for Eno parking permission

Ms. Knall made motion to approve request for permission to use Eno parking for all Iron Horse Boulevard events and all concerts from May 1, 2013 to December 1, 2013.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Haase made a motion to amend the agenda to address the request from the Simsbury Lion’s Club to hold their fundraiser on May 4, 2013 on Iron Horse Boulevard and utilize an area adjacent to the bandshell for a 10' by 10' tent to serve refreshments to their participants.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the request from the Simsbury Lion’s Club to hold their Journey for Sight fundraiser on May 4, 2013 on Iron Horse Boulevard and utilize an area adjacent to the bandshell for a 10' by 10' tent to serve refreshments to their participants.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approve a request by Gold, Orluk Partners, LLC and the UConn Foundation to use the Performing Arts Center and the surrounding grounds for its annual Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride and Walk on June 8, 2013

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve a request by Gold & Orluk and Partners, LLC and the UConn Foundation to use the Performing Arts Center and the surrounding grounds for its annual Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride and Walk on June 8, 2013.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Authorize the First Selectman to execute the Consent to Solar Power & Services Agreement permitting C-TEC and the International Skating Center to proceed with the installation of a 324 KW solar electric power generation system on the roof of the International Skating Center

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute the Consent to Solar Power & Services Agreement permitting C-TEC and the International Skating Center to proceed with the installation of a 324 KW solar electric power generation system on the roof of the International Skating Center.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.
i) Finalize the land exchange agreement between the Town of Simsbury and Dorset Crossing, LLC by: a) approving the attached Memorandum of Understanding between Dorset, CL& P and the Town; b) authorizing Town Counsel to send a letter to DOT accepting the demand $160,000 in compensation for release of the existing deed restriction on the subject property; c) agreeing to accept $160,000 from Dorset Crossing in exchange for conveying Area 2B to Dorset Crossing for $1.00; d) agreeing to convey Area 1 to CL&P for $1.00; and e) authorizing the First Selectman to execute all necessary documents

Ms. Haase made a motion to finalize the land exchange agreement between the Town of Simsbury and Dorset Crossing LLC by:
a) Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between Dorset, CL& P and the Town;
b) Authorizing Town Counsel to send a letter to DOT accepting the demand $160,000 in compensation for release of the existing deed restriction on the subject property;
c) Agreeing to accept $160,000 from Dorset Crossing in exchange for conveying Area 2B to Dorset Crossing for $1.00;
d) Agreeing to convey Area 1 to CL& P for $1.00; and
e) Authorizing the First Selectman to execute all necessary documents
Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

No other business at this time.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Accept the resignation of Leo F. Collins as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board effective April 9, 2013

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Leo F. Collins as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board effective April 9, 2013.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve the appointment of Edward J. Kubasek as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board replacing the vacancy of Leo F. Collins

Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Edward J. Kubasek as a regular member of the Performing Arts Center Board replacing the vacancy of Leo F. Collins.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve the appointment of R. Kingsbury Chase to fill the remainder of Alan Needham’s term on the Recycling Committee with an expiration date of December 2, 2013
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the appointment of R. Kingsbury Chase to fill the remainder of Alan Needham’s term on the Recycling Committee with an expiration date of December 2, 2013.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Approve the appointment of James R. DeVivo to fill the remainder of the term of Shannon Knall on the Economic Development Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2014

Ms. Heavner made a motion to appoint James R. DeVivo, to fill the remainder of the term of Shannon Knall, to the Economic Development Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2014.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Budget Workshop Special Meeting, February 26, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Budget Workshop Special Meeting of February 26, 2013.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Regular Meeting Minutes, April 8, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2013 with one correction on page 9.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

1.  Personnel -Ms. Heavner said there was a Personnel Sub-Committee meeting before this meeting.  They discussed having unaffiliated employees as part of the wellness program They should be receiving a contract on the entire program, so it can be rolled out as of June 2013 to the employees.  After some discussion, Ms. Glassman recused herself before the voting.  Mr. Askham made a motion to included unaffiliated employees into the wellness program.   Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

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 said the seniors at Simsbury High School will be having a non-school sponsored water wars event.  Parents have been notified of this activity and there is more information on the website.

Ms. Heavner thanked Max Horton, Bob Knight and Deb Jones for volunteering to help seniors with their tax returns. 
Ms. Heavner said that she went to the DEEP trout stocking at Stratton Brook and breakfast over the weekend.  Representative Hampton was also there and it was a great event.
Ms. Heavner reminded everyone of Johnnie’s Junk Jamboree, which will be held Saturday from 9-11.

Ms. Heavner said she attended a Night of 1000 Stars and Mr. Cooke did a wonderful reading.  This event was also enjoyed by all.

Ms. Haase said that Zoning passed the work force housing overlay zones.  This will help address more affordable housing in Town. 

Mr. Askham noted that the tickets for the Harry Connick concert on June 22nd are going fast.  He also noted that volunteers are needed for this event. 

ADJOURN

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman