Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting May 12, 2014-Approved
TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – MAY 12, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Glassman called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:00PM on Monday, May 12, 2014. The meeting was held in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices located at 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. In attendance was Mary Glassman, First Selectman as well as the following Board of Selectmen members: Lisa Heavner, Nancy Haase, Cheryl Cook, Michael Paine and Sean Askham. Also in attendance were Thomas Cooke, Director of Administrative Services, Hiram Peck, Planning Director, Jeff Shea, Town Engineer, Richard Sawitzke, Engineering Transition Manager, Gerry Toner, Recreation Director and other interested parties.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Ms. Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, voiced her displeasure on the voting outcome and the low percentage of residents who came out to vote. She noted that The Hartford will be leaving Town soon with a financial loss to the Town’s Grand List.
Ms. Coe also noted that Ensign Bickford Industries will be replacing their president, leaving approximately 300 employees in limbo. She also stated that the Big Y has not yet had a contract signed and that Simsbury Commons is appealing their assessment and any reduction will also reduce the Grand List.
Ms. Coe stated that she does not believe anyone should be golfing for free at Simsbury Farms, as they are in a deficit that the Town will be paying for. She questioned the current Solarized CT program, endorsed by the Town and supported by the State of Connecticut, and the single installer chosen by Simsbury. Ms. Coe stated that the Town did not apply for a permit to erect the sign in front of Town Hall and it should be removed. Ms. Coe also noted several other items she thought were not cost effective for the Town of Simsbury.
Ms. Coe was concerned of the bicycles in town not observing the same rules as automobiles. She also stated that she does not understand why employees in the Selectmen’s office do not have a direct phone line for the public to call them directly.
Mr. Ferg Jenson, 3 Fox Den, spoke for SCTV and their many events broadcasted on three stations. He also stated that they are looking for volunteers for the Summer Concerts at the Performing Arts Center and noted that volunteers do not have to pay to attend the concerts. Mr. Jenson also noted that they are looking for local restaurants to vend at the concerts. He noted that the Willie Nelson concert has two 45 minute intermissions and, as agreed with the promoters of the concert, people cannot
bring anything into the concert to drink or eat. Ms. Jenson reminded the Board of the lighting of the 185 Bridge and it has been named in the honor of the troops.
Ms. Haley Latorre, 10 Litchfield Drive, spoke on the 4th annual Memorial Day Wounded Warrior Bake Sale fundraiser. She noted that in the past three years they have raised $7,000. It will be held on Memorial Day in the parking lot of Martocchio Music Shop, 1 Massaco Street from 12:30 to the end of the parade.
Mr. Donald Zaylor, 1 West Street, stated that he served on the sub-committee for the Senior Center. He noted that 100+ hours were spent by many individuals visiting various Senior Centers, looking at plans and attending meetings with architects. Mr. Zaylor was very disappointed that the decision was put on the agenda and has come before the Board of Selectmen without notifying the sub-committee members.
Ms. Linda Johnson, 32 Bantry Road, spoke as a member of Simsbury Celebrates and the efforts to modify the Route 10 light post banner display policy. She noted that the existing brackets on the light posts were donated about ten years ago by the Chamber of Commerce to Simsbury Celebrates. At that time, the brackets were only used by Simsbury Celebrates. Ms. Johnson noted that there are now ten additional light posts and hoped that the brackets would have been installed on these by now. Now that the brackets are being used by other groups, Ms. Johnson believes this would be a good reason to be extended to the ten additional light posts.
Ms. Glassman noted that she believes the policy is to allow the non-profits to use the brackets but not to extend to the additional posts.
Mr. Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, voiced his displeasure on the marijuana facility in Simsbury and that the public was never informed regarding this facility coming to Town. Mr. Kalechman believes that the Town is playing favorites in allowing certain residents to not follow the law when planning events in Simsbury.
Ms. Susan Salina, 33 Alder Road, spoke regarding the high school golf teams being charged at Simsbury Farms. As a parent of a golfer, she wanted the Board to keep in mind that the Town does charge the high school swimmers and hockey players extra money to play. This is due to the fact that they have to rent from Westminster and ISCC. When the golfers are at the Farms, they do pay to exclusively use the rink. The golf course we never take over exclusively. Ms. Salina noted that if additional fees are added for the golfers, it is too late for them to make an adjustment to their budget and they will have to pass any additional fees onto the athletes.
Ms. Susan Bednarcyk, 19 East Weatogue Street, noted that there is an approved request for funding for zoning regulation provisions and she had no idea that this was going to happening. She would like to know what this is going to be paid for with the zoning regulations.
Ms. Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, noted that she was on the Senior Center sub-committee and the recommendation for this center. She stated that she finds fault for the way the meetings were conducted in that there was no public notice regarding these meetings. She noted that there was also very little public audience until the end of the summary phase of the meeting. Ms. Nash believes that if there had been more public participation, the proposal that is before the Board of Selectmen, would look quite different in that only eighteen people voted. She voiced her concern on the site for the new Senior Center because of the wet lands, aquifer and open space on this property.
Ms. Susan Brachwitz, 10 Pinecrest Drive, noted that she just recently became aware of the Bushy Hill/Stratton Brook site being considered for the new Senior Center. She is against this site being considered because it is within the boundaries of the recharge zones/aquifer. She noted several things that could contaminate the aquifer if the center was built on this property.
Mr. Francis Kelly, 1 West Street, who is a member of the Public Building Committee, in charge of the development of the Senior Center, as well as the sub-committee. He believes that if you look at the time and finances that were spent on looking for a location for the new Senior Center, there are a lot of issues and opinions. Mr. Kelly stated that there are many people in Town that support what was given to the Board of Selectmen to make a judgment on.
Ms. Susan Masino, 41 Madison Lane, was very pleased that the final vote has been passed to complete the Ethel Walker Woods purchase. She noted that this has taken over nine years to complete. She stated that there will be a celebration at the Old Well Tavern on May 23rd with a band and BBQ starting at 6:30 and invited everyone to attend. Ms. Masino also noted that she would like to see the Senior Center in the center of Town, especially because it is on the bus line for the seniors.
Ms. Glassman thanked everyone for their comments briefed the public that the Board of Selectmen has to accept the report that was given to them by the Public Building Committee. It is on the Board of Selectmen agenda this evening to accept the report and let the public know what the report says. Ms. Glassman will be asking the Board to set a Public Hearing, at which time the Board will get everyone’s comments.
PRESENTATION
• Results of 2014-2015 Budget referendum and Capital projects vote on May 6, 2014 and mill rate update
Ms. Glassman reviewed the following results of the referendum and noted that there were 1,200 voters who voted in the referendum. This was 1,197 electors and three property owners. This was 7.7% of the voters.
The results were:
• Board of Selectmen Budget: 971/Yes; 218/No
• Board of Education Budget: 903/Yes; 291/No
• Special Funds/Residential Rental Properties/Non-Public Schools: 972/Yes; 212/No
• Open Space Ethel Walker Acquisition Final: 842/Yes; 351/No
• Town Roads $2.5 million: 1,056/Yes; 137/No
• Squadron Line Elementary Improvements: 772/Yes; 413/No
Ms. Glassman thanked the Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and Board of Education for working cooperatively to bring forward the budgets. As a result of the vote, for the first time in memory, the mill rate has decreased from 37.29 mills to 37.14 mills. Residents do pay separately for Fire District and Ms. Glassman hopes that the Fire District will be lowering their mill rate as well.
• Simsbury Gridiron Club
Mr. Daniel Gerardi from the Gridiron Club explained that this is an organization which is a booster club that supports Simsbury football at the High School level as well as the youth club. He noted that this organization has done many things over the years to support the team and the program and scholarships for players. Mr. Gerardi stated that they wanted to have a greater impact on the program in the school and asked what the Gridiron Club could do. They had discussions with the head coach of the football team and others at the high school level. After a year or more of planning, it came to them to add improvements to the weight room at the high school with a conditioning and fitness center. Mr. Gerardi noted that there was a fundraiser in March and the organization wanted to raise $35,000. They have cleared a donation from the Board of Education to the school of about $25,000 to order some equipment for the first phase of the improvements. The second phase, which hopefully will be completed over the summer, will potentially improve the room as a whole with some teaching boards and educational opportunities. Mr. Gerardi also stated that there is one donor who would like to give a substantial contribution and would like to name the room in honor of a relative. He believes that the Board of Education would be involved in the naming rights issue.
Ms. Glassman noted that the organization is still accepting donations and she thanked them for all they are doing.
Mr. Gerardi noted that residents can find them at Simsburygridiron.org for donations and information.
FIRST SELECTMEN’S REPORT
Ms. Glassman stated that the Town would like to honor the Veterans and thanked them for their service. She reminded everyone that there are two Memorial Day parades on May 26th. The first parade will begin in Tariffville at 8:30 a.m. and the second parade will assemble on Owens Brook Boulevard and begin at 1:30 p.m. with a ceremony to follow both parades for the Veterans. She thanked the Simsbury American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars for coordinating the Memorial Day parades.
Ms. Glassman noted that Simsbury has voted to participate in the Solarized CT program. There will be a workshop of May 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Simsbury Library. This is a forum at the Library to explain the program which is voluntary and is part of a Connecticut program. She noted that was a competitive bid process, which a local vendor was selected. More than 125 residents attended the first workshop and the program is off to a good start. The program will conclude on September 23, 2014.
Ms. Glassman reminded everyone that notification has been received by the Town that CL&P will be tree trimming in Simsbury. They will be conducting routine tree trimming around power lines during the Spring and Summer months. This is designed to be sure that there is sufficient distance between the limbs and the electrical wires. Residents will receive a letter form CL&P if they are working in your area, which will describe the proposed tree trimming, at least fifteen days prior to the trimming. Residents may elect to limit the tree trimming or object to the tree trimming if you feel it is not appropriate. For more information, residents may contact the Public Works department.
Ms. Glassman stated that there will be a household hazardous waste collection held on June 14 from 8:00 a.m. noon at Town Forest Road.
Ms. Glassman noted that on Saturday, May 17th at 7:30 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall there is a performance of Shirley Valentine. The Board of Selectmen approved this play and it is a charitable event that will benefit the Sunshine Kids for children with cancer.
Ms. Glassman reminded everyone that May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness month. She thanked the Community for Care committee members Lisa Heavner and Cheryl Cook for highlighting tonight that we are participating in National Mental Awareness Month.
SELECTMEN ACTION
a) Approve Tax Refunds
Ms. Askham made a motion to approve Tax Refunds. Ms. Cooke seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
b) Discuss and possible action on request to modify the Town’s Banner Policy
Ms. Glassman thanked Charity Folk for working with the Town on its policy. This policy was before the Board previously and it only allowed the banners to be put up by Town sponsored events. Town Counsel recommended strongly that the Town not allow non-profits because the Town would be put in a difficult position of monitoring the content.
The Town did work with the Chamber and allowed them to put up the for-profit messages but indicated, at that time based on the Board of Selectmen’s earlier vote, that it would be a one-time only approval. It is before the Board tonight because the Chamber would like to continue to use the banners and adopt the policy to allow non-profits. It was again sent to Town Counsel with the same legal opinion that the Town attorney recommended strongly that we not allow the policy because of the concern of churches and political organizations and that there was no way to regulate content.
Board members discussed the banner policy and reviewed the issues that could arise if the policy was changed. Mr. Jensen noted that the Board of Selectmen did receive a letter from the Chamber which gives a summary and the strict regulations that they feel could be followed going forward. Ms. Glassman noted that when the Board of Selectmen creates a policy, it is created for all times and has to be played even handedly.
c) Approve Request for Funding for Zoning Regulations revision
Ms. Glassman noted that this was an item that was requested as part of the budget process at the direction of the Board of Selectmen. The Board stated that since this is a one-time request and not a particular zoning regulation, they are asking to revise to give up authority to staff to work with the Zoning Commission to look at the regulations and modify and adopt the changes.
Mr. Peck noted that the original regulations were adopted in 1933 and need to be updated so they are consistent and that one section does not conflict with another section. Mr. Peck believes these revisions will take nine to twelve months to complete but, as long as the money is allocated properly before the end of the fiscal year, the Town should be in good shape to get it started and underway this year. Ms. Glassman noted that the public would get notice of these changes and have an opportunity to comment before they are adopted by the Zoning Commission. Mr. Peck stated that there has to be a public hearing for a regulation change and they will be referred to the Planning Commission and the other land use agencies for referral. Ms. Glassman also stated that the Town would go out and hire a consultant to report back to staff and the Commissions.
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the allocation funds for $25,000 for the Comprehensive Zoning Regulations by identifying transfers at the end of the year. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
d) Approve the request of the Aging and Disability Commission to designate the month of June, 2014 as Handicapped Parking Awareness Month
Ed LaMontagne noted that this is the third year for this designation. They are going to be working with the Simsbury Police Department as well as a student liaison that will be making posters that will be spread around Town. Mr. Jennings is the resident commissioner with the legalities of the handicap parking and he will be on SCTV.
Ms. Cook made a motion to endorse the month of June, 2014 as Handicapped Parking Awareness Month. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
e) Discuss revisions to the Naming Rights Policy
Board members discussed the revisions Mr. Paine made to the Naming Rights Policy. Ms. Glassman noted that she would like to see the moratorium lifted, as there are some good projects out there. If the Board of Selectmen wants to refer it to a sub-committee, Ms. Glassman stated she could support that because it would at least give public notice that it has come to the Board of Selectmen first.
Mr. Paine made a motion to accept the revisions to the Name Rights Policy. Ms. Cooke seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
f) Review and possible action on Senior Center Sub Committee’s recommendations
Ms. Glassman noted that the Board of Selectmen received a recommendation from Dick Ostop and it was placed on the agenda.
Mr. Askham made a motion that the Board set a public hearing for the next Board of Selectmen meeting on May 28th to discuss the recommendations of the report and, therefore, give the public ample time to review the report. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Mr. Sawitzke thanked everyone who served on both sub-committees. He noted that the reports give some background information as well as minutes attached to the handouts. Mr. Sawitzke stated that the sub-committee recommended a new facility be constructed and strongly recommended that a professionally prepared questionnaire be done to get a broad based response. One struggle for the sub-committee was getting people to come out to the meeting and present their thoughts.
Ms. Glassman asked Mr. Sawitzke if he could get the following information to the Board of Selectmen by their next meeting: the name of who will doing the questionnaire, where it would go, how much it would cost, who would receive it and who would be responsible for making sure it is objective.
Mr. Peck believes that it would be very cost effective to update the Town’s survey. He believes a telephone survey is very effective.
Mr. Sawitzke noted that he has numerous old reports that were completed on this subject and are available for anyone interested in looking at them. Ms. Glassman suggested putting them in a PDF file for review by residents on line. She will also contact the Board of Finance and ask if they would like to participate in the public hearing on this issue.
g) Review and possible action on Town Hall / Eno Hall Summer Hours Schedule
Ms. Heavner noted that this item was on the agenda twice so that the public would have notice as well as a press release to notify residents. This is only a test and the Board of Selectmen will reevaluate at the end of the summer or the first weekend in September. Ms. Heavner stated they could then make a final decision to see how this goes.
Mr. Askham made a motion for approval of the amended hours as proposed for the trial period to Labor Day, September, 2014. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it was passed 5-0. Ms. Glassman abstained.
h) Accept gifts to the Library in the amount of $7,000 from the Kelly family and $2,500 from Simsbury Bank in honor of Anthony Bisceglio
Ms. Glassman showed the bracelets made by the new 3-D printer in the Library as just one of the new items at the Library.
Ms. Heavner made a motion to accept gifts to the Library in the amount of $7,000 from the Kelly family and $2,500 from Simsbury Bank in honor of Anthony Bisceglio. Mr. Askham seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
i) Accept a gift in the amount of $2,000 from Norman Restaine and the Simsbury Special Olympics Golf Program
Ms. Glassman stated that the Town appreciates the generous donation in keeping this program working. Mr. Wallace is working on a score board, which was approved by the Zoning Commission, and the funds will be used to pay for that as well.
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept a gift in the amount of $2,000 from Norman Restaine and the Simsbury Special Olympics Golf Program. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
j) Approve the recommendations from the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee and Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission for a new Complimentary Greens Fee Policy and Fee Policy for Simsbury High School Golf Teams.
Ms. Glassman noted that the Board of Selectmen did not approve both of these recommendations earlier. She stated that she is comfortable with the current list and does not think that the High School fees are worth the revenue.
No additional action taken on this request.
k) Approve Request from Simsbury Performing Arts Center for the Town of Simsbury to co-sponsor the July 3rd fireworks display with a contribution of the total cost from The Masters School
Ms. Glassman wanted to recognize and thank Mr. Ray Lagan from the Masters School and Mr. Ryan for their generous gift. She noted that the Town has sponsored this in the past as a Town event and has received funding from sponsors. Ms. Glassman stated that now that the Performing Arts Center is no longer a Town entity, it will now require Board of Selectmen approval as a sponsor.
Mr. Lagan stated that the Masters School has been in Town for over 40 years and have enjoyed many of the benefits by being in the community. He noted that it is now their turn to say thank you in a small way back and hopefully it is the beginning of a long term relationship that they can say thank you in additional ways.
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the request from Simsbury Performing Arts Center for the Town of Simsbury to co-sponsor the July 3rd fireworks display with a contribution of the total cost from The Masters School. Ms. Cooke seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Appoint Patty Hyyppa (R) as a regular member to the Historic District Commission effective June 1, 2014 with an expiration date of January 2, 2016
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Patty Hyyppa as a regular member to the Historic District Commission. Ms. Cook seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
a) Update on Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund
Ms. Glassman noted that there is a sub-committee made up of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Culture, Parks and Rec that will be meeting on May 27th to review the recommendations of the special revenue fund. She stated that this year they are working with the Finance Director to get a final expense itemization.
Mr. Toner passed out the Summer Program Guide to Board members. He noted that the memo, that was included in their packet, shows expenses year over year to date. Mr. Toner noted that the biggest expense is the four full-time salary increases that were not funded into the budget and at some point will be resolved. Mr. Toner reviewed other revenues coming in for Simsbury Farms.
Mr. Toner noted that they have over 7,000 families in the data base and they send out frequent e-mails on their programs.
b) Notification of transfer from the Sewer Reserve Fund to the Consultant Account in the amount of $20,600 pending the approval of the WPCA – Informational Purposes Only
Ms. Glassman noted this is for informational purposes only.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) Regular Meeting of April 16, 2014
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approval the Regular Meeting of April 16, 2014 minutes as amended. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it was passed 4-0. Ms. Cook and Mr. Askham abstained.
b) Regular Meeting of April 28, 2014
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approval the Regular Meeting of April 28, 2014 minutes as amended. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it was passed 5-0. Mr. Paine abstained.
SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personnel
Ms. Heavner wanted to thank Town staff for the tour of the Ethel Walker Woods and also Ms. Glassman for organizing it.
Ms. Heavner noted that the Aquarion will be reducing its rates by 5.6% for the next three years because of the IRS settlement.
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
Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn the May 12, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen at 9:51PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Haase and was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman