Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting July 8, 2013 Approved

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – JULY 8, 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, Moira Wertheimer, Shannon Knall, Lisa Heavner.  Absent was Nancy Haase.  Others in attendance included Tom Roy, Robert Hensley, Mary Ann Harris, Ed LaMontagne, Tom Cooke and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ms. Glassman asked that everyone take a moment of silence to recognize former Selectman, Jack Bannan, who passed away.  He was also a teacher and public servant most notably known as the creator of the annual Turkey Trot.

PRESENTATIONS

a)  Aging & Disability Award - Lucy Bowman

Ms. Glassman introduced Ed LaMontagne, Chairman of Aging and Disabilities to present the special Aging and Disability Award.   Mr. LaMontagne introduced some of the Aging and Disability Commission members who were in attendance.

Mr. LaMontagne said the Citizen Service Award has been given out since 2003.  He said the reason for the award was to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond and enhanced the lives of seniors and persons with disabilities who live in Simsbury.  Mr. LaMontagne introduced Cathy Fallon from the award committee.

Ms. Fallon said she was thrilled that Lucy Bowman was going to be the recipient of this award.  Ms. Bowman moved to Simsbury in 1958.  In 1963 Ms. Bowman joined the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and assisted in supporting the firemen and their families.  She became a member of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association and trained as an emergency medical technician.  She has dedicated much of her time in fund-raising and construction of the facility as it is today.  She also raised a family in Town, but still helped many people in need. 

Ms. Bowman was also a part of the Valley Homemakers Service in the late 60's, which helped seniors and disabled persons in their homes.  During the holidays, Ms. Bowman would make baskets of food for the elderly and less fortunate.  Ms. Bowman is still a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and on the
Public Safety Board.  Ms. Bowman was one of the first to open the High School during the October storm. 
  
Ms. Fallon said Pam Lacko submitted the nomination for Ms. Bowman.  Ms. Lacko said she applauded Ms. Bowman who has devoted such unselfish devotion to seniors for over 50 years.  Ms. Fallon seconds Ms. Lacko’s thoughts on that.  Ms. Fallon introduced Ms. Bowman.

Ms. Bowman thanked Ms. Lacko and Ms. Fallon and the entire Committee on Aging.  She also thanked her late husband for bringing her to Simsbury. She enjoyed helping everyone and hopes she can continue to do it for a long time to come.

Ms. Glassman and the Board gave Ms. Bowman flowers and thanked her and Aging and Disabilities Commission for this great award.

b) Performing Arts Center Update

Remaining Concerts: Emmy Lou Harris & Rodney Crowell on July 16th
Peter Frampton on August 7th
Hartford Symphony Sounds of Summer on July 12th, July 19th, and July 26th

Ms. Glassman introduced Bob Hensley who gave the Board a handout.  Mr. Hensley said the breakdown was from the Harry Connick Concert.  He said there were great comments on this concert.  However, there are some issues that need to be done a little better and would be quick fixes.  They will also be looking at some computer programs to help with some of the issues.  He said there were about 4,200 paid tickets at the event.  More volunteers are truly needed for all of these events.  Mr. Hensley said residents can go on ticketmaster. com to look at the posts on the concert. 

Ms. Hensley said there were fireworks at the Harry Connick concert as well as the July 4th concert and everyone loved them.  He asked for everyone to come and enjoy the concerts and asked again for more volunteers.

Ms. Glassman and the Board thanked the Performing Arts Center Board and all volunteers for all their help and devotion.

c) Community Farm of Simsbury award to Maggie Saska

Ms. Glassman introduced Mark Nolan who will make a presentation for another award.  Mr. Nolan introduced Maggie Saska who was recently recognized by NRCS for inspiring women in conservation
in CT.  Ms. Saska, Operations Manager of the Community Farm of Simsbury, has shown exceptional leadership for local hunger relief organizations, as well as different initiatives.  She is a remarkable woman who also trains and supervises master gardeners who grow FoodShare donations. 

Ms. Saska thanked her co-workers also.  She was said this award was also a testament to her co-workers and the Farm. She is happy to reach out and help others.

Mr. Nolan introduced Lori Young who talked about the “Farm to Table Dinners” on July 30th and September 4th.  She has been working on all of the permits for these dinners.

d) Community Farm of Simsbury Update

Mr. Nolan gave an update on the farm programs.  He said the farm is in its’ fourth year now.  They currently have about 700 students who are a part of the farm camp programs.  This is all about farm-based learning.  He said there are many programs throughout the year.

Mr. Nolan said they are certified organic.  They have donated more than 14,000 lbs. of certified organic foods to many organizations.  He thanked the Town for their support and they have made them successful. 

Mr. Nolan said they are working on a merger with Gifts of Love.  They both have had a long standing working relationship.  They are now working on a memo of understanding between the Community Farm and Gifs of Love and will keep the Board informed of their progress.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, sent his condolences to the family and friends of Jack Bannan also. 

Mr. Kalechman went over the State Constitution, which said it is declared that all men have equal rights. 

Mr. Kalechman had some questions about the Community Farms of Simsbury as it was his understanding that this land was left for the poor of Simsbury. 

Mr. Kalechman feels that public audience should be the first item on every agenda and the Board should adhere to the guidelines, Exhibit C.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, feels that Simsbury is at a crossroads as this administration gives a large portion of taxes to lobby groups for re-elections.  She said WFSB reported that the Hartford Services
Group is closing its campus on Hopmeadow Street and relocating to Hartford and Windsor.  There will be big deficits to the grand list.

Ms. Coe said the Board of Education has declining enrollment year after year leaving a shortfall in athletic programs and the revenue stream.  She feels the golf course has lost money year after year.   She said the golf course is giving specials out now, which non-residents are using.  The Simsbury taxpayer always end up paying more.

Ms Coe is upset that the feels were increased for the paddle tennis players, while other programs had no increases in fees.

Ms. Coe wants a full accounting of the Performing Arts Center concerts. 

Ms. Coe spoke again about Eno Farms and asked why the rents have been increased.  Low income families cannot afford these rents, but these were made for them.  There are two vacancies there right now.

Ms. Coe said she filed an FOI on violation of Section 1-231 Executive Session as a result of the June 28th Eno Farms Sub-Committee meeting.

Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue, spoke again about land use planning.  She spoke about The Hartford leaving and Big Y coming in.  She feels the charrette needs to really be looked at and the Town needs to state exactly what they want here.

Diane Nash said most of the Boards and Commissions are made up of volunteers and they do the job to the best of their ability.  She thanked all of them for their services. She feels the Community Farm is the greatest thing to do with the land there as it does help the community.

FIRST SELECTMAN REPORT

Ms. Glassman said the Town participated in an Emergency Preparedness Drill.  This was done to improve the safety of our residents.  She thanked the emergency response team, staff,  Board of Education, Fire Department, Simsbury’s Volunteer Ambulance, Farmington Valley Health District and the Public Safety Committee for taking time to participate in this drill.

Ms. Glassman said the Aging and Disability Commission is sponsoring its “Picnic in the Park” on Saturday, August 24th rain or shine.  It will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church.  Food will be served from 12:15 - 1:15 and there will be dancing from 11:30 - 2:30.  Residents need to RSVP by August 14th by calling 860-658-3273.

Ms. Glassman extended a warm welcome to Lisa Karim, who starts as the new Library Director, this coming Monday, July 15th.  She will be replacing Sue Bullock who has retired after 17 years of service to the Town and its residents.

Ms. Glassman said the tax bills were mailed the last week of June.  As of July 5th, over two million dollars has been collected.  She said residents can pay their taxes on-line at www.simsbury-ct.gov/tax-office,  with a credit card, a debit card, or with an electronic check.  Payments may also be made in person at the Town Hall or by mail.

Ms. Glassman said Simsbury has been identified as one of the top ten “booming Connecticut
suburbs” according to the “Top Booming Suburbs in America” survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate.  This report suggests that Simsbury is thriving and well-positioned to participate in the nation’s ongoing economic recovery.  She also congratulated the other communities that were identified by Coldwell Banker. 

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Set a Public Hearing for Recycling Ordinance changes

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to set a public hearing on August 12, 2013 to consider proposed Amendments to Simsbury Code of Ordinances, Chapter 133, Article II, Storage, Collection and Disposal of Recyclable Materials.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve Tax Refunds

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $2,000.90 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve Year End Intradepartmental and Interdepartmental Transfers

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve both the Intradepartmental and Interdepartmental Year-end transfers as presented by Mary Ann Harris, Director of Finance.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed. 

d) Accept the Senior Center Planning Process Schedule

The Board agreed with the time-frame, as presented by Richard Sawitzke in his letter dated June 28, 2013, for the Senior Center Planning Process.  No motion was made.

e) Approval of $4,000 Probate legal costs for a tax foreclosure at 23 Mountain Road, Simsbury

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve payment of an administrative fee, not to exceed $4,000, out of the legal services account in connection with tax foreclosure of 23 Mountain Road.  The fee will be recoverable as an expense of the tax foreclosure.  Ms. Heavner seconded
the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approve the First Selectman to sign documents for receiving a $691,666 grant reimbursement from the State for Ethel Walker School Parcel B, OSWA-401, Open Space

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion, “RESOLVED, that MARY A. GLASSMAN, FIRST SELECTMAN, of SIMSBURY, be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the TOWN OF SIMSBURY a Grant Agreement and a Conservation and Public Recreation Easement and Agreement under the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to acquire permanent interest in land known as Ethel Walker School Parcel B, OSWA-401 and to manage said land as open space pursuant to Section 7-131d of the Connecticut General Statutes.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approve modifications of Agriculture License Agreement for Dewey Farm for land on east side of Terry’s Plain Road to 3 years, with (2) 1 year extensions, per request of Ryan Family Farm, to which BOS approved License on May 29, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to table this agenda item until further information is obtained.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Approval for Community Farm of Simsbury to hold two Farm to Table Fund-raising Events at the Town Farm on Wolcott Road

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the request of Community Farm of Simsbury to hold two Farm to Table Fund-raising Events at the Town Farm on Wolcott Road.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

I) Accept the receipt of a Police and Youth Grant in the amount of $8,370 which will be used to fund a “Bowling with Badges” youth program

Mr. Askham made a motion to accept receipt of a Police and Youth Grant, in the amount of $8,370, which will be used to fund a “Bowling for Badges” youth program.  Chief Peter N. Ingvertsen will be named as the Town of Simsbury Official who is authorized to accept the Police and Youth Program OPM Grant #11JJ438203, dated May 8, 2013 on behalf of the Town of Simsbury.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

j) Adoption of a Board of Selectmen Naming Policy for municipal assets

No action was taken on this item.

k) Approve changes to the fees for the Simsbury Bulky Waste Facility

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to table this discussion.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting June 10, 2013

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2013 with corrections.  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 - Ms. Heavner congratulated the class of 2013.  She said it was a great ceremony that was a pleasure to attend.

Mr. Askham said all three concerts have been fantastic even though there were a few bumps in the road.  He encouraged everyone to attend all the events at the Performing Arts Center and volunteer for the events. 

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Update on status of Collective Bargaining for the IBPO Pension, AFSCME Contract and Dispatchers Contract

Ms. Glassman said there was no update on the Collective Bargaining for the IBPO Pension, AFSCME Contract and Dispatchers Contract at this time.

Ms. Glassman turned the chair over to Ms. Heavner as she and Ms. Wertheimer recused themselves from the discussion on Aquarion Water.   

Ms. Heavner said there was a Public Hearing being held at Eno Memorial Hall at 6:30 tonight to discuss the Aquarion Water increases, Docket 13-02-20.  She, Mr. Askham and Ms. Knall were in attendance and said they were all against this increase as it would put an undue burden on the residents of Simsbury.

Ms. Heavner said the Board was not notified in advance of this hearing.  The Board did ask to be
notified of the next hearing and of all communications to the residents. 

Ms. Knall said she is also against the increase.  She felt there was a total disconnect in the way this issue is being handled by Aquarion. 

Mr. Askham submitted a letter written by Ms. Haase about the Aquarion issue.  He said the proposed fee keeps going up and up without explanation.  This is not a good way to communicate.  He encourages all residents to communicate their views to PURA.executivesescretary@ct.gov.  Please include the docket number and the deadline for comments. 

Ms. Heavner thanked the residents for taking an interest in this issue.

ADJOURN

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

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman