Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting August 11, 2014-Approved

TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 11, 2014

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, Cheryl Cook, Nancy Haase and Lisa Heavner. Absent was Michael Paine. Others in attendance included: Tom Cooke, Director of Administrative Services, Chief Ingvertsen, Captain Boulter, Joe Mancini, Director of Finance/Treasurer and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said the Board "goes along to get along". She said the elections are not a popularity contest.

Ms. Coe cannot understand why raises were given without taxpayers approval and consultant fees approved without going to bid. She feels the First Selectman’s salary should be reduced as she is only performing 5% of the Town’s business and the rest is done by staff.

Ms. Coe spoke about four residents who were evicted from Eno Farms this week. She said Eno Farms was set up for the poor of Simsbury and the development was mismanaged. She quoted part of the Attorney General’s report and said the Town needs to serve the poor at Eno Farms. She said the Board has dodged the issues there over the years by not addressing them and now the poor are suffering again.

Ms. Coe spoke about the Betty Hudson property, where the Board voted to authorize a deposit on the property, without any plan for use or plan of care for this property. She feels this property needs to be under private ownership.

Ms. Coe spoke about the Town Hall closing at 1 p.m. on Fridays. She is against this policy as management will then be paid for 5 hours without working them. She feels the Town Hall needs to be open all day on Fridays so residents can use it when needed.

Barbara Dolinsky, 56 Library Lane spoke about the Aquarion Water issue. She handed out a report that was done in Higgam Massachussetts with their lawsuit pending. Aquarion Water and this Board need to be accountable to the residents. Aquarion is very resistant to negotiations in Massachussetts.

She noted that Representative John Hampton has requested new legislation to develop a new comprehensive water plan for Connecticut. She encouraged the Board to protect the Town’s resources from greed.

Alisa Blitz spoke about the Simsbury Farms pool and lap swimming. She said residents feel that lap swim needs to be available each day for the full pool at Simsbury Farms as it always was.

Ms. Blitz said it was very difficult for many people to safely swim when there are others sharing the lap lane. She said Memorial Pool is not an equal or acceptable option as the lane line ropes bruise the skin if bumped, the shower is not clean - there is no way to control the water temperature and the floor is

slippery and not clean. She and others feel that Memorial Pool is not useable for serious lap swimmers.

Ms. Blitz said lap swimmers want full mid-day access when the pool is open for adults only. They need their exercise with the pool option and they are requesting that the Board return the full pool to adult lap swim access at Simsbury Farms. She gave the following names of some of the residents who share her concern: Dr. Paul Epstein, Marlene Fein, Sue Paul, Jane Arciero, and Linda Zabor.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, said he found the pool issue a bit odd and doesn’t feel the left hand is talking to the right. There was over one million dollars spent to renovate the pool and there are still issues.

Mr. Kalechman said he also felt the issue of Aquarion Water will only benefit a few residents and not the entire Town. It only benefits the residents who abut the property.

Mr. Kalechman also spoke about the Hudson property purchase. He said the Town is not in the real estate business and the Town should be more interested in the Veterans Memorial to honor all Veterans. There will be 104 names of residents/Veterans on the new memorial at the Simsbury Public Library entrance. There is an ongoing fund-raiser and he encouraged everyone to donate to it at P.O. Box 1101, Simsbury CT 06070.

Bill Blitz said he had his granddaughter at the Memorial Pool. The kiddie pool needs to be looked at as children have been falling and hitting their heads on the first 1-1-1/2 ft of the pool. Something needs to be done.

Ms. Glassman noted that this pool issue is on this agenda and this is the first time she is hearing about problems at Memorial Pool.

PRESENTATION

• Simsbury Police Department received CALEA re-accreditation

Ms. Glassman said this was the highest honor for the Town to receive and she is proud of this Police Department.

Chief Ingvertsen said the first time the Police Department was accredited was 2002. There are only 13 departments in the State that have this accreditation.

Captain Boulter gave a slide presentation of this accreditation and said there are only 400 departments in the United States that have this accreditation. The Town is complaint with 320 mandatory standards and 79 out of 86 elected standards. They received the award on July 30, 2014 at the CALEA Conference.

Ms. Glassman congratulated the Department on this honor. This shows taxpayers that the Town has very high standards for its Police Department and it is a well run department.

Chief Ingvertsen noted that the Junior Police Academy was held last week. There were 24 kids involved and it was a great experience for all. A 12 year old made the slide presentation.

Ms. Glassman thanked the department for their work in this program. She said graduation was on Friday and this was a very positive experience for all.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman thanked everyone for the generous donations to the Town’s Social Services Department as they have been able to add a new 14- passenger vehicle for their Dial-A-Ride Program. This is one of two vehicles owned by the Town. It provides approximately 180 rides per week. She thanked Mickey Lecours-Beck and the staff at Eno Memorial Hall for everything they do in making this program possible.

Ms. Glassman said the Social Services Department is once again providing Back to School assistance to families. Eligible families are required to be receiving assistance from any State or Local social service program. She encouraged everyone to take advantage of this assistance if they are eligible. More information can be obtained by calling the Social Services Department at 860-658-3283.

Ms. Glassman said the East Coast Greenway and the Farmington Valley Trails Council are sponsoring a ride on Saturday, September 13th with Connecticut Tourism to build support for closing the gaps on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and promoting the trail as a venue for bike tourism in CT. The trip will begin at 8 a.m. from the New Haven Green and will end in Southwick, MA about 2 p.m. There is a $20 donation for participants to cover costs. For more information, please contact the First Selectman’s Office at 860-658-3230 or look on the link to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fcht-ride-September-13-2014-new-haven-to-so....

Ms. Glassman said to spread the word about the Aging and Disability Commission’s "Picnic in the Park" for residents with disabilities and their friends on Saturday, August 23rd at St. Catherine of Siena Church. Food will be served from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. and dancing will be continuous from 11:30 - 2:30. This event is free! Please RSVP by Tuesday, August 12th at 860-658-3273.

Ms. Glassman said the Town has been informed by the Connecticut Office of Tourism that Simsbury and the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge have been selected as one of the top 10 CT Still Revolutionary Fan-Favorite Towns and Destinations of 2014. She thanked everyone who voted to support Simsbury.

The Office of Tourism will be taking steps to promote Connecticut’s top 10 towns and will highlight Simsbury and the Flower Bridge in public relations and social media efforts. Each of the top 10 towns and destinations will be receiving placement in the October’s press release, but also will be highlighted on social media channels and on Ctvisit.com throughout the next several weeks.

Ms. Glassman said that Simsbury is being recognized as among the best places for home ownership in Connecticut by Nerdwallet, an organization dedicated to providing people with unbiased information about the best possible values. They have identified Simsbury as one of the top ten places for home ownership in the State.

She said as the announcement states, "no description of Simsbury would be adequate if it didn’t mention the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, whose guests have included the Hartford Symphony, Willie Nelson and Lynyrd Skynyrd. She said recognition like this reinforces that Simsbury is doing the right thing by promoting the Town’s assets. She thanked the residents, who are the best promoters Simsbury could ever have.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve Tax Refunds

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $87,108.01 as approved and recommended by the Tax Collector. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve acceptance of Highway Safety Grant award in the amount of $22,000 and creation of a Special Revenue account for receipt of funds

Ms. Glassman thanked the Chief and staff for applying for this grant. The grant will be used to replace older equipment and for extra enforcement where needed, etc.

Ms. Heavner made a motion to accept receipt of a Highway Safety Grant award in the amount of $22,000 and approved the creation of a special revenue fund that will be used to receive and process the grant funds. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Chief Ingvertsen said they will be purchasing two radar guns to help with enforcement as well, and thanked the Board for their support.

c) Approve acceptance of a $25,000 gift/bequest from the estate of Jewel Gutman

Ms. Heavner made a motion accept a $25,000 gift/bequest from the estate of Jewel Gutman with our thanks. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman said the Town appreciated her thinking of the Town in this way and they will use the money in the way Ms. Gutman would have liked it to be used. Ms. Gutman served the Town for many years and in 1994 she also made a contribution in her husband’s honor.

d) Accept the gift of a bench for use at the Pinchot Sycamore Tree park in memory of Pauline Schwartz

Ms. Cook made a motion to accept the gift of a bench for use at the Pinchot Sycamore Tree Park from Marcia Mulligan, in memory of her mother Pauline Schwartz, who passed away in June of this year with our thanks. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman said the bench was a wonderful tribute and a very generous gift to the Town. It will be much appreciated.

e) Approve Public Gathering Permit Applications

Ms. Cook made a motion to approve the Public Gathering Permit applications for the following:
St. Bernard’s on the Green (Tariffville Green) - August 23, 2014
Trinity Church Fair (September 14, 2014) and Pumpkin Patch (Tariffville Green) October 8 - November 2, 2014 Latimer Lane PTO Road Race and Fun Run - September 14, 2014
Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approve Fiscal Year 2014 Inter-Departmental Budget Transfers

Ms. Glassman thanked Sean Kimball, Joe Mancini, Department Heads and staff in being able to return approximately $80,000 back to the general fund. She said there is a new format being used this year which is much easier to read and understand.

Mr. Mancini addressed some questions on certain line items that the Board members had. Mr. Mancini said the revenues are positive as well and he has already begun the next budget process.

Ms. Askham made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2014 Inter-Departmental Budget Transfers as presented. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approve Fiscal Year 2014 Intra-Departmental Budget Transfers

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2014 Intra-Departmental Budget Transfers as presented. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Authorize agreement with Charles Houlihan, Esq. as Special Counsel for the purchase of Ethel Walker Open Space Parcel C

Ms. Glassman noted that the Town Attorney had a conflict with this item and therefore she would like to retain Charles Houlihan, Esq. as a special counsel for the Parcel C purchase. She said he was previously retained on this issue as well.

Ms. Cook made a motion to authorize entering into an agreement with Charles Houlihan, Esq. As Special Counsel for the legal services associated with the purchase of the Ethel Walker Open Space acquisition of Parcel C with a cap at the rate of or below municipal counsel fee. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

i) Approve request from Simsbury Performing Arts Center for the Town of Simsbury to co-sponsor the SeptemberFest fireworks contingent upon receipt of funds and bond requirement.

Ms. Glassman said the Town has control of where the fireworks can be placed and is also in control of safety measures, but they don’t pay for the actual fireworks. Mr. Cooke noted that this is all within the State statues.

Mr. Askham made motion to approve the request from the Simsbury Performing Arts Center for the Town of Simsbury to co-sponsor the SeptemberFest fireworks contingent upon receipt of funds and bond requirements. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

j) Review and possible action on continuing Town Hall / Eno Hall Summer Hours Schedule

Ms. Glassman said most of the feedback on the summer hours has been positive. She only heard of two concerns about the line dancing program at the Senior Center.

Ms. Haase made a motion to extend offering full services at Town Hall and Eno Memorial Hall on Mondays until 7:00 p.m. and to close Town Hall and Eno Memorial Hall at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Ms. Glassman abstaining, and therefore the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman recused herself and turned the meeting over to Deputy First Selectman Ms. Haase.

k) Review and approve a resolution authorizing a one hundred percent (100%) tax abatement to the International Skating Center as authorized by Connecticut General Statutes Section 12-81(57 c)

Mr. Cooke noted that they would be automatically tax exempt on January 1, 2014 according to the State Statutes. He said the Town is involved as they own the municipal property and C-TEC owns the equipment.

Mr. Askham made a motion to table this issue until further information is received. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman rejoined the meeting.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Accept the resignation of Jacqueline Battos (R) as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals effective July 3, 2014

Ms. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Jacqueline Battos as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals with our thanks. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Appoint Jacqueline Battos (R) as an alternate member of the Zoning Commission with an expiration date of December 7, 2015

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Jacqueline Battos as an alternate member of the Zoning Commission with an expiration date of December 7, 2015. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Accept the resignation of Paul A. Sarkis (U) as a regular member of the Technology Task Force effective July 28, 2014

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Paul A. Sarkis as a regular member of the Technology Task Force effective July 28, 2014 with our thanks. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Accept the resignation of Andy Berling (D) as a regular member of the Technology Task Force effective August 4, 2014

Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Andy Berling as a regular member of the Technology Task Force effective August 4, 2014 with our thanks. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Accept the resignation of Janice Kern (D) as a regular member of the Recycling Committee effective August 6, 2014

Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Janice Kern as a regular member of the Recycling Committee effective August 6, 2014 with our thanks. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Simsbury Farms swimming accommodations for seniors

Ms. Glassman thanked all the seniors who contacted the Board about the swimming issue. She said Gerry Toner was not available tonight for this discussion, but she will meet with him when he returns from vacation.

She did ask Parks and Recreation to re-instate the lap swim time, but they had given this to the exercise class for the purpose of revenues. They said the Board would have to appropriate funds to meet the loss if the exercise class was closed.

The Board would like to see different options that can be used to settle this issue.

Ms. Glassman said this is the first time she heard anything about safety issues at the pool at Memorial and it will be checked out first thing tomorrow. If there are safety issues they will be taken care of.

Ms. Cook asked said the residents should also bring their concerns to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Ms. Glassman noted that when it rains the pool is closed due to budget issues as well. This was a policy decision.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting of July 14, 2014

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of July 14, 2014 with changes on page 4 and 8. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Ms. Haase abstaining, therefore, the motion passed.

b) Special Meeting of July 24, 2014

Ms. Cook made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of July 24, 2014. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor with Ms. Haase and Mr. Askham abstaining, therefore, the motion passed.

Mr. Askham made a motion to reconsider both of the Acceptance of Minutes motions after information was received that minutes can be approved by people not present at the meetings. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of July 14, 2014 with changes of page 4 and 8. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Cook made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of July 24, 2014. Ms. Heavner 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 - no report at this time.

Ms. Heavner said the Technology Committee met to review people who would like to serve on that Committee. They will bring names to the Board at the September meeting.

Ms. Heavner said when the Technology Committee voted on the budget they voted on a consulting fee through the CCAT of $4,800. CCAT goes out to bid and complies with the Town’s bidding process. The Committee felt this was appropriate.

Ms. Heavner thanked the Technology Committee for their hard work. They will be doing strategic planning for the technology infrastructure.

Ms. Heavner also gave an update on the Public Safety Committee. She said they had a meeting and the Town Engineer came. She will give a formal update at the September meeting.

Ms. Heavner said the Fire Department needs 5 ft. clearance in front of properties so they can find the correct area for the hydrant.

Ms. Heavner said Chief Ingvertsen said they began training for NARCAN. They still have issues to overcome like temperature requirements and storage issues.

Ms. Heavner said the Police Department received training for "project lifesaver" to assist people with Alzheimer’s Disease and / or Autism and how to locate them. They are looking to raise $8,000 for this program so they don’t have to ask for payment for users of the program.

Ms. Heavner said they are reviewing the State regulations on training for schools and towns for disasters. We are great in practices, but are still required to do special training. This training will also help with receiving grants and in risk management. This entire package will be reviewed.

Ms. Heavner said Simsbury Public Schools announced renovations to the Simsbury Public High School track and turf fields beginning after 8/13 with an estimated re-opening by 9/21. This project is being done for safety as well as maintenance. The project could not be done over the summer due to the budget process. Also, they did go out to bid, but no-one responded the first time. Both projects cannot be done at the same time either. She appreciates patience of all residents and will keep everyone posted on the progress.

Ms. Heavner said there is a new guide available for victims of crimes. It is available at Town Hall and online. It explains the process for crime victims. It will be very useful and she encouraged victims to use it as a great resource.

Ms. Haase said the Economic Task Force will be meeting on August 18th at 5 p.m. at Town Hall. Updates will be given to the Economic Development Commission on what the Task Force has accomplished. A marketing group will be making a presentation on branding to the EDC on Thursday at 7:30 a.m.

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

a) Discussion and update of Real Estate negotiations

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session and to invite Town Engineer Jerome Shea, Director of Administrative Services Thomas Cooke and Director of Finance/Treasurer Joseph Mancini to attend at 8:58 p.m. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

At 9:05 p.m. Ms. Haase recused herself from Executive Session and left the meeting.

ADJOURN FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION

Possible Action

Ms. Heavner made a motion to adjourn from Executive Session at 9:33 p.m. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

The Board of Selectmen took no action based upon Executive Session.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman