Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting January 27 2014 - Approved

TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - JANUARY 27, 2014

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 Offices.  Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members, Michael Paine, Lisa Heavner, Nancy Haase, Cheryl Cook and Sean Askham.  Others in attendance included Tom Roy, Tom Cooke and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke about the consultant who is reviewing the Selectmen’s office and how she would like a Professional Town Management form of government.  She feels a new manager could guide the Town with professional planning.  She would like the Board to place Town Manager on the agenda for further discussion and vote.

Ms. Coe said the Town did not use the free government finance officers of CT website for a new Finance Director for the Town.  She wanted to know why the oversight.

Ms. Coe said she is pleased that the new Chairman of the Board of Finance will now be Peter Askham.  She said Board of Finance is requesting a minus one decrease in all budgets forwarded to them or a zero increase or plus one increase.  She wants the budget to be transparent and easy to understand.

Ms. Coe said the Town’s website has many deficiencies.  This should all be straightened out.

She would like an explanation on the security of the website.

Ms. Coe said she reviewed the 2011 tax return of the Community Farm of Simsbury and noticed that they valued the equipment and buildings on the property at over $238,000.  They don’t own the buildings and asked if they should be reflected on their tax returns.  She said, on the 2013 comprehensive report, there are several notations where money was appropriated and not used.  She wants to know what happens with the monies in these accounts.

Ms. Coe is concerned about the many increases in employees’ salaries.  The taxpayers can’t afford any more money.  She feels the Board needs to be more careful with increases.  She is also concerned about changes in assessments.

Ms. Coe showed a Hartford Courant article about a FOI request for school systems. She said children are not robots and one size does not fit all.  She feels new initiatives should be evaluated to see if they have positive or negative effects on the teachers and students.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, gave Ms. Cook and Mr. Paine a copy of the US Constitution.

Mr. Kalechman spoke about the marijuana facility actions of the Zoning Board.  He said it looks like the State will be giving Simsbury a license for the facility.  There is a lot involved with this issue and he feels the Board should have discussed this further.

He spoke about the creation of Community for Care Committee.  He made a few inquiries and found out that this is funded by a State grant.  The problem is that no one knows what the total grant money is. State grants are taxpayer’s money and he wants the Board to get further information before voting on this issue.   He said the people on the Committee don’t even know that they are being appointed to the Committee.

Larry Linonis of Simsbury Free Bike said there is only good news.  Simsbury Free Bike started two years ago and has gone from 125 people using trails and facilities to 1200 people.  They have expanded their presence into the school systems by providing 20 bikes for 4th graders to learn how to ride a bike.

Mr. Linonis said that Simsbury Free Bike creates a healthy lifestyle and helps with the Towns economical growth. There is nothing like the assets Simsbury has.

Mr. Linonis said the trails are decaying in certain areas, especially where it is older.  Resurfacing is needed as well as fencing and they do need help in funding these needs. The Trails Council will fund 50% of any improvements to the trail.    He will give a copy of their budget items to Ms. Glassman for further review.

Patty Jacobus, 22 Harvest Hill, member of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee requested that the silver designation (from bronze) be discussed at the next Board meeting.  She will send the Board a recommendation on this issue.

Ms. Glassman introduced the new Town Engineer, Jeff Shea and welcomed him.  She said Mr. Shea had much experience from working with the Town of Canton.

PRESENTATION

a) Creation of Community for Care Committee

Ms. Glassman introduced Pastor Woody Eddins.  She said the initiative for a Community for Care Committee stemmed from a lot of concerns from clergy, Newtown tragedy, etc.  There is no funding for this Committee - it is completely voluntary.  However, grants will be looked in to.

Pastor Woody said it is wonderful to live in a Town like Simsbury as there is so much to offer.

He is concerned about drug use in Town and parents struggling with drug and mental health issues.  People need support and just aren’t sure where to turn.  He spoke to people in Canton and shared concerns and they shared ideas of how to help.  This Committee would offer help to those in needs by sharing resources.  They will apply for state funding after coming up with different programs.  He said this would involve the Police Chief, Youth Services, Director of Social Services, Representatives from educational systems, and concerned parents and possible student at certain times.

Ms. Heavner thanked Pastor Woody and noted that this is not for treatment of abuse, just helping with resources. The Committee will not have discussions with students or parents, just information on where to find help.  Maybe a booklet can be made to help after coordinating different efforts and ideas.

Ms. Cook said she contacted Pastor Woody about these issues and said this Committee would not be restricted to students, but to all residents.  It would give centralized information on all different issues.

Ms. Glassman said they would like feedback from residents and also get some of them involved.  This Committee doesn’t need appointing, just the endorsing of the Committee.

b) Hartford Symphony Talcott Mountain Music Festival Presentation

Justin Ellis from the Hartford Symphony spoke about the 2014 Talcott Mountain series.  He said the series will start on June 27th with Mozart, followed by July 3rd with Celebrate America, July 11th with Broadway Rocks, July18th with The Music of Queen, and ending July 25th with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. There are no rain dates for these concerts as it won’t rain.  He feels the tickets should become available around February 8th.  He gave the Board flyers for the 2014 season.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman said the budget workshops are scheduled. The Department Heads will present their proposed budgets to the Finance Director on January 31st.  She will work with the Department Heads to develop a proposed budget to be presented to the Board of Selectmen on February 27th. The workshops will be held on February 27th at 5:30; February 28th at 5:30; March 1st from 9-5; March 7th at 5:30; March 8th at 9-3; March 10th at 5:30; in the main meeting room and March 11st at 5:30 in the large program room at the Library.  She encouraged the public to attend all workshops.

Ms. Glassman said the Town will be participating in a statewide water strategic planning process.  She said UConn is hosting a conference and workshop intended to help Connecticut policymakers create a process of creating a statewide plan for managing water resources. She is planning on attending the conference on February 3rd at UConn Law School in Hartford.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Update on The Hartford Lane Sale

Ms. Heavner recused herself.  No action was taken on this agenda item.  Ms. Heavner rejoined the meeting.

b) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $4,997.39 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector.  Mr. Paine seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approval of Wetlands Application for Simsbury Community Farms

Mr. Askham made a motion to waive the fee for Wetlands Application for drainage improvements at Simsbury Community Farm and to permit the First Selectman to sign the Wetlands application.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Acceptance of donation of $7,768.80 for Stop & Shop, Feed-A-Friend Program

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the financial donation of $7,768.80 for Stop & Shop, Feed-A-Friend Program.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Action on proposed agreement regarding reciprocal easements between Big Y and ISCC, LLC

Ms. Cook made a motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute the attached agreement regarding reciprocal easements provided the Agreement has first been executed by Big Y Foods, Inc. and World Skate, Inc.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Set Public Hearing for February 12, 2014 for naming of Tom West Center at Simsbury Farms

Ms. Heavner made a motion to set a Public Hearing date for February 12, 2014 to hear public comment on re-naming the main building at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Center Complex to The Thomas S. West Recreation Center.  Ms. Glassman seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approval of Conservation and Drainage Easements for Murphy’s Turn Subdivision

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the Conservation and Drainage Easements for Murphy’s Turn Subdivision.  Mr. Paine seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Approval of Connecticut Urban Forest Council Application

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve an application being submitted to the Connecticut Urban Forest Council for funding under their Small Grants Program.  The grant application would seek funding for the Town to contract with a consulting forester to produce forest management plans for Onion Mountain Park and the Town owned parcel known as Ethel Walker Woods.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

I) Approval of Solarize CT Application

Ms. Cook made a motion to approve to move forward with an application for Solarize CT program.  This program entails group purchasing of rooftop solar across town as part of a town-wide initiative.  Mr. Paine seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Aquarion Rate Increase Opposition Letter Update

Ms. Glassman recused herself.  Ms. Heavner said the Board has been working on this issue for several months now.  The latest information is that they were going to voluntarily re-open the hearing on part of their decision.  However, they did not re-open the hearing but made an amendment to their decision, which is expected on Wednesday.  There were no deadlines posted on their website.

Ms. Heavner asked Mr. Cooke to draft a straight forward letter to Aquarion about the increase and Attorney General’s decision to make increases over time.  This letter would be signed, not only by the Board of Selectmen, but State Senator Witkos, State Representative Hampton, Town Manager of Granby, First Selectman of East Granby and the Simsbury First District President.

Ms. Haase said she hopes this letter will have a positive impact in favor of the Town.  We need to be treated fairly and cannot raise the budget to this extreme.  Changes will allow long range planning for the increase.

Ms. Glassman rejoined the meeting.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Appoint Community for Care Committee

Ms. Haase made a motion to endorse the Community for Care Committee and endorse the nominations presented as well as endorsing a press release for applicants.  Ms. Heavner and Ms. Cook will be Board liaisons for this Committee.   Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Appoint Tourism Committee members

Mr. Askham made a motion to add Diane Phillips, Charmaine Seavy, and Steven Mitchell to the Tourism Committee.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Appoint Francis Kelly as a regular member of the Public Building Committee with an expiration date of January 1, 2018

Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Francis Kelly as a regular member of the Public Building Committee with an expiration date of January 1, 2018.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Appoint Claudia Szerakowski as a regular member of the Clean Energy Task Force with an expiration date of December 7, 2015

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Claudia Szerakowski as a regular member of the Clean Energy Task Force with an expiration date of December 7, 2015.  Ms. Cook seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Appoint Senior Center/Eno Memorial Sub-Committee

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint the Senior Center/Eno Memorial Sub-Committee as presented and for them to come back to the Board with their recommendations.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Appoint Retirement Plan Sub-Committee

            2 members from the Board of Selectmen
            2 members from Board of Finance
            2 members from the Board of Education
            2 members the Insurance Committee

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint the Retirement Plan Sub-Committee for 2014-15 term, to include: Lisa Heavner, Cheryl Cook, Peter Askham, Nicholas Mason, Michael Goman, Mike Wade, Paul F. McAlenney, and Philip M. Schulz.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Confirm appointment of Town Engineer, Jerome Shea

Mr. Askham made a motion to confirm the appointment of Jerome Shea as Town Engineer.  Ms. Cook seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Accept the resignation of William C. Ketchabaw from the Public Safety Sub-Committee effective January 14, 2014

Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of William C. Ketchabaw from the Public Safety Sub-Committee effective January 14, 2014 with our thanks.  Mr. Paine seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting of January 13, 2014

Ms. Cook made a motion to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2014 with changes in Executive Session.  Mr. Askham 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 - Ms. Heavner said Kevin Kowalski recommended that members of the business community and possibly the clergy be added to the Public Safety Committee.  The Board should get clarification of members on this Committee.

Ms. Heavner said the Public Safety Committee will hold their meeting on February 11th from 8-9 a.m. at the Fire Department on Hopmeadow Street.  Registration is required on the Chamber of Commerce website.  This discussion will be on fire inspections and emergency management.

5.  Board of Education - Ms. Heavner said the first Senior Citizen event will be held on February 24th with dinner at 5:30 p.m. with the basketball game beginning at 7 p.m.  Reservations are required through the Senior Center

Ms. Heavner presented correspondence she received from students on The Hartford land issue.  There are suggested uses, etc.

ADJOURN

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman