Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting March 23, 2015

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN "SUBJECT TO APPROVAL"
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 23, 2015

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 Lisa Heavner; Board members Michael Paine, Christopher Kelly, Nancy Haase, Cheryl Cook and Sean Askham. Others in attendance included Thomas Cooke, Director of Administrative Services, Joseph Mancini, Finance Director/Treasurer, Ed LaMontagne, Executive Director of the Simsbury Housing Authority, and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Heavner welcomed Boy Scout Troop 76 and invited them to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Ferg Jensen, 3 Fox Den Road, said the Chamber of Commerce’s "Good Morning Simsbury" this Wednesday from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Their After Hours Program will be held on April 23rd at the Popover Cafe’. On May 7th they will be holding a Lunch and Learn Program at Henry James School where business people have lunch with school children.

Mr. Jensen said their Annual Meeting will be held on May 28th at 11:30 with an awards luncheon. He said they will also have their first task force on health and wellness.

Mr. Jensen said the Performing Arts Board is looking for volunteers to help with collecting tickets, parking cars, serving soda, set-up, and take-down, etc. He is asking for everyone to support their events. You can sign-up online and he thanked everyone for their help.

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke again about the Senior Center project and the Professional Town Management form of government. She also asked about who was authorized to use the Town logo and for what purpose. She also spoke about Dyno Noble challenging their tax assessment.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, read a passage from the Old Testament about Moses. He spoke about his rights in collecting signatures on Town property. He also read an article in the Hartford Courant from a Simsbury resident, where she spoke about "oppressive" taxes in Simsbury.

Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue Street, spoke about the issue of a Charter Revision Commission. She feels there are advantages of holding a Charter Revision Commission and on both a Board of Selectmen and Town Manager form of government prospectives. She also spoke about reviewing the Route 10 corridor study as she feels there will be a 4 lane road on Route 10 if the study is built to the maximum.

Sue Mancino, 41 Madison Lane, spoke about taking a bus, with her bike on it, to a Hartford bus stop and then biking to work or for recreation purposes. However, it is very hard to make the bus schedules when you have children in school and there are no buses on the weekends. She has spoken to the DOT and will send the Board further information on this issue.

PRESENTATIONS

Ms. Heavner said there are no presentations at this time.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Heavner announced that the Town of Simsbury and the Simsbury Land Trust have been awarded a 2015 CLCC Excellence in Conservation Organization Award in recognition of the work to preserve the George Hall Farm by the Connecticut Land Conservation Council. She said Don Rieger had made the effort to nominate the Town and she thanked him and his wife for all the conservation work they do for the Town.

Ms. Heavner invited residents to another open house on Monday, March 30th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in her office. She said there are a lot of exciting projects underway and she wants to take this opportunity to discuss issues that are important to the residents with them. She said residents can also contact here by phone at 860-658-3230.

Ms. Heavner said the Police Department and Social Services Department are teaming up to offer residents an opportunity to get rid of documents that might contain confidential information through a shred event. This will be held on Saturday, April 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. There will be a three bag (grocery size) maximum per household. If residents have any questions, they can contact Officer Lauren Devin at 860-658-3131.

Ms. Heavner reminded everyone that the Senior Center is offering tax preparation assistance through the AARP Tax Aide Program. Trained volunteers will prepare and file federal and state tax returns free of charge. This program is open to all residents and will be hosted by the Simsbury Library, 725 Hopmeadow Street, 1st floor program room #2. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 9th between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Please call the Senior Center at 860-658-3273 to schedule an appointment.

Ms. Heavner said the Senior Center and Public Library are collaborating to offer a timely program on financial crimes and identity theft at a "Dine and Discover" event on Monday, April 20th from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling the Senior Center at 860-658-3273 by April 15th.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve submission of 2015 Small Cities Program Application for Renovations to the Virginia Connelly Residence/Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments

Mr. Kelly made the following motion: "WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Housing pursuant to Public Law 93 – 3 83, as amended; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 127c, and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Housing is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and,

WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Simsbury make application to the State for $800,000 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement therefore, should one be offered.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN:

1. That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistance imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of The Connecticut General Statutes; and,

2. That the filing of an application by the Town of Simsbury in an amount not to exceed $800,000 is hereby approved, and that the First Selectman is hereby authorized and directed to file such Application with the Commissioner of the Department of Housing, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions, thereto, to carry out approved activities and to act as the authorized representative of the Town of Simsbury. "

Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $2,010.13 as reviewed and recommended by the Tax Collector. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Accept Donation in the amount of $4,976.40 from Stop & Shop for the Feed-A-Friend Program

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept a donation in the amount of $4,976.40 from Stop & Shop for the Feed-A-Friend Program with our sincere thanks. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Haase made a motion to amend the agenda to approve the corrected tax refund amount of $1,937.15. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Update and Possible Action

Ms. Heavner said this Board has not presented their budget yet and the Board of Finance has made some recommendations and changes to the budget. She thanked Mr. Mancini for his transparency in the budget process. Mr. Mancini went through the recommendations and changes.

A. Ms. Haase made a motion to recommend that the Finance Director move $3,000,000 from the Internal Service Fund to the OPEB Trust. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

B. Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the reduction in the fiscal year 2016 Budget of $147,929 for OPEB Costs. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

C. Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the transfer of $400,000 from the general fund to the Pension Trust. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

D. Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the reduction in the fiscal year 2016 Budget of $17,268 for Pension Costs. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

E. Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the increase in the fiscal year 2016 Budget of $45,000 for Simsbury Farms, bringing the total for that line item to $90,000. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

F. Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the reduction in CNR by $83,550. This amount will be funded by favorability in fiscal year 2015. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

G. Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the reduction in the fiscal year 2016 Budget of $16,710 for the Capital Non-recurring payback from the general fund. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

1. Annual Town Budget for the 2015 – 2016 Fiscal Year:

Mr. Askham made the following motion, "Whereas, on March 9, 2015 the Board of Selectmen approved a Proposed Annual Town Budget in the amount of $19,004,876, and

Whereas, the Board of Finance desires to make the following additional changes to be incorporated into the Board of Selectmen’s Proposed Annual Budget:

Employee Benefits – Major Medical Insurance – Reduce $147,929
Employee Benefits – Police Pensions - Reduce $ 8,289
Employee Benefits – Town Pensions - Reduce $ 8,979
Simsbury Farms – Operating Transfer - Add $ 45,000
Operating Transfer – CNR 2016 - Reduce $ 16,710

NOW, THERFORE, I, Sean Askham, make a motion to approve the Board of Selectmen Proposed 2015-2016 Operating Budget, with the above described adjustments, in the amount of $18,867,969."

Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

2. Capital Non-Recurring Fund Budget for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year:

Mr. Askham made the following motion, "Whereas, on March 9, 2016 the Board of Selectmen approved a Proposed Capital and Non-Recurring Fund Budget for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year in the amount of $499,800; and

Whereas, the Board of Finance desires to make the changes to the budget for the Fund as recommended by the Board of Selectmen’s as follows:

CNR Budget for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 shall be reduced by $83,550 from $499,800 to $416,250.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Askham, make a motion to approve the Capital and Non-Recurring Fund Budget for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year in the amount of $416,250."

Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Senior Center Update and Possible Action

Ms. Heavner said she would have updates on this project presented at every upcoming Board meeting.

Mr. Cooke said the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to identify the Performing Arts Center as the primary site for the Town’s Senior/Community Center on March 9, 2015. Eno Memorial Hall was identified as a potential secondary location if needed and it was also made clear that, at a minimum, renovations at Eno Memorial Hall were necessary for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

Mr. Cooke said the Board also asked that a question for approval of a Senior / Community Center be prepared for referendum (possibly for November 3, 2015). At the request of the Board of Finance, they approved moving forward with a professional survey.

Mr. Cooke said the First Selectmen has established a town staff Senior / Community Center Project Work Group, which will assess the feasibility of the proposed location and develop proposals with significant and regular input from the public, Boards and Commissions and local businesses and organizations. Functions identified for the Work Group included:

Engineering and Project Management; Center Program Development; Environmental Compliance; Zoning Compliance; Coordination with Critical Boards, Commissions and Organizations; Communications; and Survey. There was also a project timeline developed.

Mr. Cooke said the working group has produced a project management timeline and roles have been assigned as identified. The Town staff has met with the Chair of the Building Committee to review the status of the project. Also, Town staff and the Town’s architect met with representatives from the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc. and its architect to start the process or reviewing respective programs and determining potential opportunities and challenges at the site.

Ms. Heavner asked that Tom Roy attend the next Board of Selectmen meeting to discuss this project further.

Mr. Askham made a motion to go out to bid for a design architect for the Performing Arts Center Senior Center / Community Center project, which is to include change considerations at Eno Memorial Hall. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Hometown Hero Committee

Ms. Haase made a motion to amend the agenda to approve the Hometown Hero Committee. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the following members to serve on the 2015 Hometown Hero Committee:

Lisa Heavner, First Selectman
Michael Paine, Selectman
Roger Spear, Member of the Simsbury Historical Society
Tom Horan, a Business Leader
T. J. Donohue, a Former Hometown Hero Recipient
Len Lanza, a Veteran

Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Correspondence regarding Stormwater Sewer Systems House Bill 5709

There was no correspondence at this time.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Ms. Cook made a motion to amend the agenda to approve the appointment of Jackie Battos to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Derek Peterson on the Economic Development Task Force. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the appointment of Jackie Battos to the Economic Development Task Force to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Derek Peterson. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

a) Accept the resignation of Christopher M. Meile (U) as a regular member of the Economic Development Task Force effective February 17, 2015

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Christopher M. Meile as a regular member of the Economic Development Task Force effective February 17, 2015 with our thanks. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Appoint William P. Hantzos (D) to the Recycling Committee with an expiration date of December 7, 2015

Mr. Kelly made a motion to appoint William P. Hantzos to the Recycling Committee with an expiration date of December 7, 2015. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Appoint Richard Cortes (D) as an alternative member to the Building Code of Appeals with an expiration date of January 2, 2016

Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Richard Cortes as an alternate member to the Building Code of Appeals with an expiration date of January 2, 2016. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Appoint Melissa Osborne (D) to the Clean Energy Task Force with an expiration date of December 7, 2015

Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Melissa Osborne to the Clean Energy Task Force with an expiration date of December 7, 2015. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Special Meeting of March 5, 2015

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of March 5, 2015 as amended. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

• Amendment to Page 2, 2nd paragraph, Mr. Cook said it would. (change to "Mr. Cooke said it would.")

b) Special Meeting of March 7, 2015

No action was taken and therefore the minutes were adopted.

c) Regular Meeting of March 9, 2015

No action was taken and therefore the minutes were adopted.

SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Personnel – Possible Action concerning the Town of Simsbury’s Form of Government

Mr. Kelly said that the Personnel Sub-Committee has held two Public Hearings on the possible Form of Government changes.

Ms. Haase made a motion to assign the Personnel Sub-Committee to investigate and make recommendations for a potential call and scope for a Charter Revision Commission. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

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

Ms. Haase made a motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathi Radocchio

Clerk