Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting 06/10/2013

BOARD OF SELECTMEN - REGULAR MEETING - JUNE 10, 2013                             DRAFT

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  Present were:   Fist Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Sean Askham, Shannon Knall, Lisa Heavner, Moira Wertheimer and Nancy Haase.  Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Richard Sawitzke, Tom Roy and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENTATION

HEARTSafe Program

Ms. Glassman introduced Karin Stewart from the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance, Mike___________ and Michele Connelly, EMS Coordinator from the HEARTSafe program. 

Ms. Stewart said the community reached their goal as they have trained over 80 people since January.  Ms. Connelly said the HEARTSafe program was started in 2006.  It was started to create a better survival rate if a cardiac event happens.  The more people trained the better survival rate.  She congratulated the Town on becoming a HEARTSafe Community.

Ms. Glassman thanked the State and said this Town has dedicated staff and volunteers who are here to help and she encouraged everyone to get trained. 

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said she is concerned about where the Town allocates tax dollars.  There is a lot of money being spent to discuss a senior center; if it is needed, where it should go; if it is needed or wanted.  She said there is plenty of room at the Library for a senior center.

Ms. Coe said tax dollars are being spent on what to do when The Hartford leaves.  This is not a good time to increase expenditures when millions of tax dollars will be lost by The Hartford leaving the community.

Ms. Coe said the Board has spent a lot of money to review the Performing Arts Facility and she wants a no vote on the 501 3c as this is not a potential profit center.  There is no professionalism there. 

Ms. Coe is worried about the bicyclist not following the rules of the road.  They should obey the same rules as vehicles.  Traffic should not have to stop for them in the crossroads unless they are walking.  Safety should be first for everyone.  Ms. Coe said the traffic pattern at the State parking lot on Rte. 202/10 should be looked in to as it is very congested with walkers and bicyclist. 

Ms. Coe spoke again about the property at 730 Hopmeadow Street.  She said they are not in compliance and haven’t been for many years.  There is a notice of non-compliance on the land records for many years.  She read a letter from the Town attorney to the property owner.  She feels it is time to take this property owner to court.

Ed Lamontagne, 4 George Street, Executive Director of Simsbury Housing Authority, said he received a letter from Aquarion Water on a 19.4% increase in there fees.  He received this letter after he had already handed his budget in to the State.  They are asking the Board to help fight this fee increase as it will be a big hardship on them.  He will also be sending a letter to Aquarion on this issue.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, said many people came out to speak about the proposed Senior Center project.  He feels a lot of comments will fall on deaf ears.

Mr. Kalechman feels the Democratic Party is “all wet”; administration is listening in on phone calls, the IRS has issues and is being investigated. 

Mr. Kalechman read a letter from a Veteran who wrote to the Hartford Courant about what is going on in this administration.  He was very moved by it and he agrees with him.  He would like more people to take interest in government. 

Sue Benarczyk, 118 E. Weatogue said the last meeting wasn’t televised and this one isn’t being televised either.  

Ms. Benarczyk said there are many creative ways to get funding for a Senior Center.  There are also grants out there to be looked in to. 

Ms. Benarczyk said the people of Simsbury need to decide what type of businesses they want to have in their Town.  Better decisions need to be made.

Wooda McNiven from SCTV apologized that there is some kind of issue and the meeting is not being televised.  They have checked their equipment and it is fine - it seems to be an issue somewhere in the piping.  However, the meetings are always being taped.  Hopefully this televised issue will be resolved soon.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman said that Officer Tracy Dunne used AED to save a life of a man in Suffield - this as the Town has become a HEARTSafe Community.  Ms. Glassman said the Police Chief of Suffield sent a letter informing her that on May 28, 2013 Officer Dunne, who was off duty, came to the rescue when a 56 year old man experienced full cardiac arrest.  She first administered CPR and when that failed, she used a defibrillator, which saved his life.

Ms. Glassman thanked Officer Dunne and commended her for her professionalism and presence of mind for saving this man. 

Ms. Glassman said the Board if finally ready to close the books on the October, 2011 storm which left the Town out of power for days.  She thanked Tom Roy, who coordinated submissions to FEMA and FHWA.  His efforts resulted in receipt of the full 75% reimbursement available from FEMA and she was just informed that the Town will also receive an additional $442,366 from the FHWA for expenses that were not covered by FEMA.  This will bring the Town’s total reimbursement to over $3 million.

Ms. Glassman said she is pleased to report that the USA Hockey Junior National Championships for the next two years will be played here in Simsbury at the International Skating Center.  Th matches will be played during the first week in April 2014 and 2015.  She thanked Bob Crawford and everyone who worked with him to win this event.  More details will follow. 

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Authorization to proceed with the creation of a Veteran’s Memorial at the entrance to the Simsbury Library and acceptance of a gift to the Town from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1926 and American Legion Post 84

Mr. Askham made a motion to proceed with the creation of a Veteran’s Memorial at the entrance to the Simsbury Library, which reflects the pride, honor, sacrifice and respect for the service of Simsbury men and women who served in America’s armed forces, with special emphasis on those who gave their lives and acceptance of a gift to the Town from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1926 and American Legion Post 84.    Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Senior Center Public Forum action

This item was tabled for further information to be gathered.

c) Approve Tax Refunds

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $189.17 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Approve the fueling of Town-owned Dial-A-Ride vehicles at the Town’s fueling facilities (Public Works and Water Pollution Control) for exclusive use as transportation for Simsbury residents participating in the Simsbury Dial-A-Ride program, subject to approval by Town Counsel of a contract with the Dial-A-Ride vendor

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the fueling of Town-owned Dial-A-Ride vehicles at the Town’s fueling facilities (Public Works and Water Pollution Control) for exclusive use as transportation for Simsbury residents participating in the Simsbury Dial-A-Ride program, subject to approval by Town Counsel of a contract with the Dial-A-Ride vendor.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Approve the transfer of $41,000 from unexpended FY 12/13 GF Library & Public Works accounts to the Library Facility Maintenance ACC #100-47400 54310.  This will enable the replacement of the original air conditioner, EAHV-1, and install a new DX coil in AHV-1, at the Library

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the transfer of $41,000 from unexpended FY 12/13 GF Library & Public Works accounts to the Library Facility Maintenance ACC, #100-47400 54310.  This will enable the replacement of the original air conditioner, EAHV-1, and install a new DX coil in AHV-1, at the Library.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approve the request of the Chief of Police recommendations to increase the current Police Department Private Duty hourly rate charge from $65 per hour to $75 per hour effective July 1, 2013

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the Chief of Police’s recommendation to increase the current Police Department Private Duty hourly rate charge from $65 per hour to $75 per hour effective July 1, 2013.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Appoint the recommended nominees to the Board of Directors of the non-profit Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc.

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint David Ryan, Gerry Toner, Greg Piecuch, Bob Hensley and Ferg Jansen to a one year term to the Board of Directors of the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc.  He also added Cathy Barnard, Ed Kubasek and Linda Schofield for two year terms to the Board of Directors of the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Approve a transfer of $400,000 for the Board of Finance reserve fund to increase the Fund Balance in the Capital Non-Recurring fund

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve a transfer of $400,000 from the Board of Finance reserve fund to increase the Fund Balance in the Capital Non-Recurring fund.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

I) Discussion of opposition to proposed Aquarion Water Rate Increase

Ms. Wertheimer and Ms. Glassman recused themselves due to a possible conflict of interest.
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the letter drafted by Mr. Cooke, on June 10, 2013, with an addition of a line in the third paragraph.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

There is no other business at this time.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Appointment of EDC Member Alan Raphael to the Hartford Land Use Study Committee

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to appoint Alan Raphael, EDC member, to the Hartford Land Use Study Committee.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor with Ms. Heavner abstaining. 

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Special Meeting May 29, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of May 29, 2013.  Ms. Haase 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 acknowledged the passing of Patty Lou Peters, a great educator who was very well respected and admired

Mr. Askham said the PAC Board would welcome volunteers for the Harry Connick, Jr. and Emily Lou Harris Concerts.  People who are interested can contact the Town, Mr. Askham or Robert Hensley. 

ADJOURN

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathi Radocchio
Clerk