Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting June 9, 2013-Approved

TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - JUNE 9, 2014

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Glassman called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman with Board members Michael Paine, Lisa Heavner, Nancy Haase, Cheryl Cook and Sean Askham. Others in attendance included Joseph Mancini, Finance Director, Colleen O’Connor, Tax Collector, Tom Cooke, Director of Administrative Services and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Glassman introduced Noah Campion, from Boy Scout Troop 175, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Althea Grainey, Tollgate Lane spoke about SCTV. She said SCTV has done a bulk fund-raising mailing in the past, but this year they will be doing an October mailing and a spring mailing. She said donations go towards equipment and programs at the studio and events. There is a small paid staff with everyone else being volunteers. They really do need more volunteers and more money to keep the programs going.

Ms. Glassman thanked SCTV and all of their volunteers for their hard work.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke about a fund-raiser for the Music Department at the High School on May 31, 2014. She said there were balloon banners at the entrance and other places throughout the High School. They were selling mattresses in the cafeteria. She said the Town didn’t approve the signs, just the principal approved them. She said banners are non-compliant with Town regulations. There have been many other issues approved by just the principal and shouldn’t have been approved.

Ms. Coe said there is caution tape across some of the bleachers at the High School due to instability of the bleachers. They have been unstable for years. This issue needs to be reassessed to make sure no one gets hurt.

Ms. Coe said she spoke to the owner of 730 Hopmeadow Street about his zoning violations and the fines he is facing. He refuses to build a permanent handicapped ramp and the tab keeps getting larger. He told her he would never pay the fines.

She spoke again about her allegations at 33 Canal Street and wants to know when her allegations will be addressed.

Ms. Coe wants to know why there is a delay in reporting the financials on the Triathlon.

Ms. Coe said she feels the changed in closing the Town Hall at 1 p.m. on Fridays is a disaster. She said some people were here working, while others were not. She feels this is one of the reasons we need to change to a professional town management form of government.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, said he feels that the Police Department is being held hostage by the Board and the negotiators. He said the agenda mentions the pension, insurance and polices set forth. He said there is an Insurance Committee and Pension Committee who volunteer their time for these issues. He feels they made a mistake as they have to re-figure the pension. He has asked for two more

positions to be placed on the Police Department, but he gets ignored. Their lives are in jeopardy every day and we need to take care of them.

Mr. Kalechman said June marks the 72 year of the Korean War and that veterans need to be recognized. There should be some type of acknowledgment for these brave men and women.

Mr. Kalechman said election time is coming up and he would like Ms. Cook to resign from this Board as she is going to run for the 16th State Representative position. You can’t do justice for both.

Mr. Kalechman spoke about delinquent taxes and wants to know how they are being collected. He wants to know how much money is actually being spent on the collections.

Mr. Kalechman said he was upset about a resident attacking one of the public audience speakers at the Public Hearing. He feels this was very wrong and feels the Board should have stopped it.

Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue Road spoke again about zoning regulations in regard to concerns and changes. She feels that the residents need to have a say in the changes.

Ms. Bednarcyk said there was an agenda item on the re-routing of the road race. She feels there could be a compromise and maybe have just one lane open for traffic instead of shutting down a road.

Ms. Bednarcyk feels the police pensions should be straightened out. She said they put themselves on the line every day and they should be rewarded for a great job.

Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, said she has spoken before and sent letters to the Selectmen about the Senior Center. She feels the parcel of land on Stratton Brook/ Bushy Hill needs to be a priority so that it is not a distraction to other issues. This land needs to be set up for open space only. She said the EDC is looking at all Town-owned properties and how they can be used.

Ms. Nash feels there needs to be a priority in preservation. We need to look at legal documents that need to be drafted on any property that needs to be protected. We need a process in place.

Ms. Nash also said she feels that the seniors need to have their Senior Center located in the center of Town, not outside looking in.

Don Zaylor, 1 West Street, said that the Avon Senior Center was first discussed in 1984 and began construction in 1986. He read part of an article in the Valley Life. It only took them two years! We started this project in 2010 and it is now four years later and we are still in the same place.

Mr. Zaylor said the Board of Selectmen rejected the Stratton Brook/Bushy Hill Road site, even though the Sub-Committee looked at 8-10 other sites. He said the seniors even wanted to be outside of Town and wanted to go to Stratton Hill/Bushy Hill. He felt the Board should stand behind the seniors on what they want.

Mr. Zaylor showed pictures of the Senior Center in Agawam and he showed renditions of what could be done at Stratton Brook/Bushy Hill.

Mr. Zaylor said that there are a lot of accessibility issues, lighting issues, elevator issues, etc. at Eno

Memorial Hall. Work has already been done on this Senior Center issue and now we are starting all over again. He wants the Board to read the entire report again as a lot of the issues have already been addressed. We should really be focusing on what the seniors want. He said he visited six other Senior Center sites and all but one are out of the "center of town".

PRESENTATION

• Online Tax Payments Available

Ms. Glassman introduced Colleen O’Connor, Tax Collector. Ms. O’Connor reminded everyone that taxes are due July1st. You can now pay your taxes on line on www.simsbury-ct.gov/tax. She said you need to put your last name, a space, and then your first name. You need to look under whatever name your car is registered under and whatever name your house deed is under. It is free if you pay with an electronic check. If you choose to pay with a debt or credit card there will be a 2.95% fee.

Ms. O’Connor said you can also register your real estate bills on line as well. You will get an e-mail reminder that taxes are due and also what date you want to schedule your payment. She said the Mass. address on the bill is correct as it is the Simsbury Bank Processing Center address.

Ms. Glassman said they do collect on delinquent taxes including the 18% interest. She said the last day to pay taxes is August 1st at midnight.

Ms. O’Connor also showed everyone the Simsbury Beautification tee shirts. She said volunteers are also needed for this Committee and if anyone is interested, please go on the website.

• "Little Free Library" Available - Built by Noah Campion

Ms. Glassman called on the Library Director, Lisa Karim and Noah Campion from Troop 175. Lisa said the "Core Mission" of the Library is on literacy and community. She said Noah built this "Little Free Library" for his Eagle Scout project. She said this is registered under littlefreelibrary.org.

Lisa said everyone can take a book, swap a book with one of theirs and even submit a little review on the book you read.

Noah said this is his first "Little Free Library" which is just outside the Main Meeting Room. He hopes to build a few more boxes this summer which can be placed around town.

Ms. Glassman said everyone is very excited with this project and thanked Noah for his hard work.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman said the Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be held on June 14th at 68 Town Forest Road, in conjunction with Avon, Canton and Granby. This collection will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and will be open to all residents from all four towns. If you need more information you can visit the website at www.simsbury-ct.gov/public-works-grounds/pages/bulky-waste-recycling or by calling Public Works at 860-658-3222 or Simsbury Landfill at 860-658-9481.

Ms. Glassman asked everyone to join her at the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge on Wednesday, June 18th from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for burgers, hot dogs, live music and more. Proceeds will go to support the bridge. The rain date is June 19th.

Ms. Glassman asked everyone to return to the Bridge on Saturday, June 21st from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the Simsbury Summer Solstice event, the journey of Yoga. There will be vendors, a yoga session, music and children’s events.

Ms. Glassman said there are some vacancies on the Technology Task Force and they are looking for people with IT backgrounds to help continue the good work of this group. If interested, please e-mail Tom Cooke at tcooke@simsbury-ct.gov. They meet monthly and she thanked them all for their contributions to the Town.

Ms. Glassman said the Commissioner of Public Health has held two hearings for public comment on the alteration of boundaries of the public water supply management areas and the priorities for initiation of the Water Utility Coordinating Committee planning process. A third hearing will be held on June 16, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the DOT, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT. To verify the schedule or for more information please call 860-509-7333. Also, written comments can be sent to Justin Milardo, Dept. of Public Health, Drinking Water Section, 410 Capitol Avenue, MS#51WAT, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308 before July 15, 2014.

Ms. Glassman reminded everyone about Lynyrd Skynyrd's concert on June 13th and Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss on June 15th at the Performing Arts Center to start the season off. You can get more information at www.simsburymeadowmusic.com.

Ms. Glassman said the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art celebrates Simsbury Open House Day on June 21st. Residents are invited to attend free of charge from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with proof of residency. For more information about all events call 860-838-4100 or visit www.wadsworthatheneum.org.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $835.09 as recommended and approved by the Tax Collector. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve Fiscal Year 14 Budget Transfers and refer to Board of Finance

Ms. Askham made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 14 Budget Transfers as presented and refer them to the Board of Finance. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve submission of a grant application under the Local Accident Reduction Program for the Realignment of Nod Road

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve submission of a grant application under the Local Accident Reduction Program for the realignment of Nod Road. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Ethel Walker next steps and refer to Board of Finance

There was no action taken on this item.

e) Review request to re-route Road Race Events

Ms. Haase made a motion to refer the Road Race Event issue to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission and ask them to make recommendations. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Appoint Dennis Fallon (D) as a regular member of Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2016

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Dennis Fallon as a regular member of Culture, Parks, and Recreation Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2016. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Accept the resignation of Margery Winters (D) as a regular member of the Open Space Committee effective June 4, 2014

Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Margery Winters as a regular member of the Open Space Committee effective June 4, 2014 with our thanks. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Appoint Donald F. Rieger, Jr. (D) as a regular member of the Open Space Committee with an expiration date of December 7, 2015

Ms. Heavner made a motion to appoint Donald F. Rieger, Jr. as a regular member of the Open Space Committee with an expiration date of December 7, 2015. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Update on The Hartford Land Study

Ms. Heavner recused herself.

Ms. Glassman said there was a great meeting on The Hartford land study. We do have a new code that is ready to go. This will be discussed on June 16th at a Public Hearing with the Zoning Commission. Gateway Planning will be here to discuss issues at that time. They will be helping to find a new tenant for the property and they said the new code should streamline the process.

Ms. Glassman said this Board will further review this issue after the Public Hearing and what the process will be to move forward.

Ms. Heavner rejoined the meeting.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Special Meeting of May 28, 2014

Ms. Cook made a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of May 28, 2014. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Mr. Askham abstaining and therefore the motion passed.

b) Regular Meeting of May 28, 2014

Mr. Paine made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 28, 2014 with corrections. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Mr. Askham abstaining, and therefore, 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.

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

a) Update on status of Police Union Pension and Contract Negotiations

b) Review pending tax litigations with E&A/I&G Commons, LP-HHB-CV-13-6019881-S

Ms. Glassman noted that there would be no action taken on item a) of the Executive session, however, possible action might be taken on item b).

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. for an update on status of Police Union Pension and Contract Negotiations and to review pending litigations with E&A/I&G Commons, LP-HHB-CV-13-6019881-S. The Executive Session is to include Attorney DeCrescenzo, Tom Cooke, David Gardner and Finance Director Joseph Mancini was subsequently added to the meeting. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Executive Session commenced in the First Selectman’s Office at 8:30 p.m. with the Board of Selectmen, Town Counsel Bob DeCrescenzo, Finance Director Joe Mancini and Director of Administrative Services Tom Cooke also present for an update on the status of police contract negotiations. At 8:40 p.m., upon the conclusion of the discussion of contract negotiations, Town Assessor David Gardner joined the meeting for a review of pending tax litigation – E&A/I&G Commons, LP-HHB-CV-13-6019881-S.

ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 9:30 p.m. Ms. Heavner made a motion to come out of Executive Session. Mr. Paine seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

At 9:30 p.m. Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve a proposed settlement and stipulation for judgment, after due consideration of information provided by Town Counsel and Town Staff, in the case of HHB-CV-13-6019881-S E&A/I&G COMMONS, LP v. TOWN OF SIMSBURY based on a proposed compromise valuation of the property in question of $33,500,000. Mr. Askham seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

ADJOURN

Ms. Haase made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:31 p.m. Ms. Cook seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman