Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting February 9, 2015

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN "Subject to Approval"
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 9, 2015

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00PM in the Board of Education Conference Room located at 933 Hopmeadow Street. Present were: First Selectman Lisa Heavner and Board members Nancy Haase, Cheryl Cook, Christopher Kelly, Michael Paine and Sean Askham. Also in attendance were Thomas Cooke, Director of Administrative Services, Chief Peter Ingvertsen, Simsbury Police Department, Nicholas Boulter, Captain, Simsbury Police Department, Joseph Mancini, Director of Finance/Treasurer, Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works, Jeff Shea, Town Engineer, Gerry Toner, Director of Culture, Parks and Recreation and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance

STATEMENT BY SIMSBURY POLICE

Chief Ingvertsen read a statement updating the Board of Selectmen on the murder investigation in Simsbury.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Ms. Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, discussed the public audience time at the Board of Selectmen meetings, warming shelters in Town, CL&P (renamed Eversource) closing their Area Work Center building in Simsbury and other items of concern to her.

PRESENTATIONS3

• Metro Hartford Alliance

Mr. Oz Griebel, President and CEO of Metro Hartford Alliance discussed how Simsbury might benefit from mutual efforts of economic development and marketing. He noted that Metro Hartford Alliance serves as the economic development leader for the 39 towns in the Capital Region of governments and also serves as the Chamber of Commerce for the city of Hartford. Mr. Griebel is looking to have municipalities engage their support, both financially and on an intellectual basis, in this organization.

• 2015 Legislative Presentation – Representative John Hampton and Senator Kevin Witkos

Senator Witkos stated that most of the committees have begun their public hearings at the Capitol and that any bills that have been drafted are not ready to go onto the next step yet. He noted that the Governor has to close a $1.5 million budget deficit at the state level and it is not fully known how his budget will affect at the municipal level. Senator Witkos also spoke on the Prevailing Wage in Connecticut and noted that there is a public hearing on February 25, 2015 and asked the Board of Selectmen to send testimony in for the meeting if they are unable to attend.

State Representative John Hampton discussed the deficit and some of the areas this will affect. He spoke on several issues that are happening in the State as well as things he is actively involved in.

FIRST SELECTMEN’S REPORT

Ms. Heavner asked residents to help out in clearing the snow around hydrants in their neighborhoods. She also asked residents to visit the Town’s website to register for the CT Alert and the Town’s Community Alerts. She also reminded residents of the warming centers in Town.

Ms. Heavner discussed the concern of the proposed closure of the CL&P Area Work Center in Simsbury and noted that they did have a meeting with CL&P (renamed to Eversource). She noted that the primary concern is for the safety of the people of Simsbury and Town employees.

Ms. Heavner discussed the Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders breakfast and noted that the speakers shared some powerful insights into successful management. She also discussed the savings to Simsbury residents from the CCM prescription drug card discount program.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $24,236.08. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve Extension of Ground Licenses for various Town owned Agricultural Properties

Mr. Shea discussed the properties to be leased from the Town.

Mr. Askham made a motion to extend the Napolitano five acre lease for a period of one year as proposed. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Cook made a motion to allow the extension of the Barn Door East property of the ground license with the Town of Simsbury to reflect the change of licensing name and assign to Daren P. Hall for one year. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Authorize the First Selectman to sign Master Municipal Agreement for Right-of-Way Projects with the State of Connecticut

Mr. Shea discussed the DOT projects, the steps involved and how long it takes to complete these projects without a Master Agreement.

Ms. Haase made a motion that Lisa Heavner, First Selectman, is hereby authorized to sign the Agreement entitled "Master Municipal Agreement for Right of Way Projects" adopted by the Board of Selectman of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut, this 9th day of February, 2015. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Approve resolution authorizing the First Selectman to enter into an agreement for the Emergency Management Performance Grant

Ms. Haase made a motion resolved, that the Simsbury Board of Selectmen may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and further resolved, that Lisa Heavner, as First Selectman of the Board of Selectmen is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Board of Selectmen and to do and perform all acts and things which he/she deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents. The undersigned further certifies that Lisa Heavner now holds the office of First Selectman and that he/she has held that office since January 3, 2015. In witness whereof: The undersigned has executed this certificate this 9th day of February, 2015. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Approve 2015 fee schedule for Simsbury Farms Golf Course, Aquatic Facilities and Summer Camp Programs

Mr. Gerry Toner discussed the new fee schedules to help reduce the deficit and increase revenue.

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the 2015 fee schedules for Simsbury Farms Golf Course and Aquatic Facilities, as well as the summer camp programs. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approve and sign letter to Attorney General and Consumer Counsel regarding proposed closure of four CL&P Area Work Centers

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve and sign the attached letter to the Attorney General and Consumer Counsel expressing support for their request for a PURA investigation into the proposed closure of four Eversource Area Work Centers. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approve Tentative Agreement between the Town of Simsbury and The International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local No. 458 (IBPO)

Mr. Cooke discussed the agreements between the Town of Simsbury and The International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local No. 458 (IBPO).

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the attached Tentative Agreement between the Town of Simsbury and The International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local No. 458. Ms. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Update on Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Senior Center at 8.3 million

Mr. Mancini reviewed the Town of Simsbury, CT – CIP FY15-20, Financing Strategies – February 2015 Update handout with Board members. Items included: Municipal Bond Rates Continue to Fall, Town’s Debt Service and Debt Capacity, Current CIP & Proposed Plan of Finance, Proposed Plan of Finance & Debt Limit Projection and a Capital Improvement Program Summary spreadsheet.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Aging and Disability Commission

a) Accept the resignation of Diana Yeisley (D) as an alternate member of the Aging & Disability Commission effective January 22, 2015

Ms. Nancy made a motion to accept the resignation of Diana Yeisley (D) as an alternate member of the Aging & Disability Commission effective January 22, 2015. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Appoint Diana Yeisley (D) as a regular member of the Aging & Disability Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2019

Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Diana Yeisley (D) as a regular member of the Aging & Disability Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2019. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Appoint Lorraine Doonan (D) as an alternate member of the Aging & Disability Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2016

Ms. Cook made a motion to appoint Lorraine Doonan (D) as an alternate member of the Aging & Disability Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2016. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Building Code Board of Appeals

a) Accept the resignation of Steven Antonio (D) as an alternate member of the Building Code of Appeals effective January 22, 2015

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Steven Antonio (D) as an alternate member of the Building Code of Appeals effective January 22, 2015. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Appoint Steven Antonio (D) as a regular member of the Building Code of Appeals with an expiration date of January 1, 2019

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Steven Antonio (D) as a regular member of the Building Code of Appeals with an expiration date of January 1, 2019. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Fair Rent Commission

a) Reappoint Maddie Gilkey (R), John Paddock (R), Mary Turner (R), and Judy Schaeffer (D) to the Fair Rent Commission effective November 30, 2011 with an expiration date of November 30, 2015

Mr. Askham made a motion to reappoint Maddie Gilkey (R), John Paddock (R), Mary Turner (R), and Judy Schaeffer (D) to the Fair Rent Commission effective November 30, 2011 with an expiration date of November 30, 2015. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Reappoint Connie Mason (R), Dave Richman (R), and Helen Peterson (D) to the Fair Rent Commission effective November 30, 2013 with an expiration date of November 30, 2017

Mr. Askham made a motion to reappoint Connie Mason (R), Dave Richman (R), and Helen Peterson (D) to the Fair Rent Commission effective November 30, 2013 with an expiration date of November 30, 2017. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Tourism Committee

(a) Accept the resignation of Sarah Ann Schultz (R) as regular member of the Tourism Committee effective January 9, 2015.

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Sarah Ann Schultz (R) as regular member of the Tourism Committee effective January 9, 2015. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

Minutes were not available at the time of the meeting

SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Personnel – Mr. Kelly noted they have identified two tentative dates for the hearings and are continuing to work out the outlines.
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 noted that Open Space met and will be holding a public hearing with a presentation in March.

Ms. Cook noted that the Aging and Disability Commission decided to cancel their meeting on the 17th so that their members can attend the public hearing on the Senior Center.

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Askham made a motion to move into Executive Session. Ms. Cook seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Board of Selectmen moved into Executive Session at 8:45 pm.

a) Public Safety Issue Impacting the Town of Simsbury

In addition to the Board of Selectmen, Director of Administrative Services Thomas Cooke and Eversource representative Kevin Witkos were present. Discussion on the matter concluded at 9:11 pm.

ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn from Executive Session. Mr. Paine seconded the motion and the motion passed. The Board adjourned from Executive Session at 9:20 pm.

ADJOURN

Ms. Askham made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Leslie Brigham