Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting November 13, 2013 - Approved

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:20 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Nancy Haase, Moira Wertheimer and Shannon Knall.  Absent were Lisa Heavner and Sean Askham.  Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Sean Kimball, Richard Sawitzke, David Ryan, Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said the elections are now over and the Republicans have the majority of votes.  She wants the Ethics Board to look into the challenges of newly elected Mike Paine to see what conflicts of interest he has as he has contracts with the Town.

She also spoke again about having a Professional Town Manager for the Town.  She spoke about Sean Kimball becoming the interim Finance Director and the loss of staff in the Selectman’s office.  She spoke about the budget and mil rate of the Town.

Ms. Coe asked that Main Street Partnership be eliminated from the Town’s operating budget.  She also thinks the triathalon is crazy as the Town employees shouldn’t be asked to take on more work load.  She feels the Golf Course lost money year after year and feels this property should be used for something better like parks.  It cost residents too much money to run.  Ms. Coe also spoke of other budget items and feels the budget should be better reviewed so residents don’t have to keep paying for everything. 

Ms. Coe spoke about an incident at the High School.  She doesn’t think there was any accountability for the actions.

Robert Kalechman, told everyone that they are obligated to speak out as it is their citizenship duty. 

Mr. Kalechman said the Veteran’s Day ceremony was a great success and well attended. 

Mr. Kalechman said the citizens spoke up when voting and they said that sewers, sidewalks, street lights, etc. are needed in Town and they don’t want any more studies done.  He also feels that the residents can’t carry Parks and Recreation too much longer. 

Mr. Kalechman also spoke about the budget.  He said he heard a rumor stating there would be a new approach to expenses and they were looking in to bonding instead of increasing taxes.  It’s time to listen to the residents, less spending is needed.

Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue Street, said she still has a drainage issue near her house and she’d like this taken care of before Mr. Sawitzke retires.  This water will be ice in the winter and there will be accidents unless taken care of now.

Ms. Bednarcyk also suggested that public audience be placed on the agenda for every Finance Commission meeting.  She feels a lot of residents have very good ideas to give the Finance Commission.

Chip Houlihan, acting Attorney for Red Stone Pub, commented on the signage for the Pub.  He said the area is very isolated and dark.  A sign is really needed to show exactly where the Pub is.  They started the process of a free standing sign back in June 2012.  They have spent a lot of money and time to try to get this issue taken care of and are now asking that some adjustments be made to recognize this unique situation. 

Ms. Glassman introduced Scott Kuhnly, First Selectman elect of the Town of Granby. 

PRESENTATION

Appreciation Award from the Recycling Committee to Richard Sawitzke

Ms. Glassman introduced Mary Turner of the Recycling Committee and thanked the Committee for all of their hard work.

Ms. Turner thanked Mr. Sawitzke.  She said the Swap Shop was relocated within the Transfer Station three years ago and the exchanges have more than doubled.  It has a friendly, open atmosphere with many people involved. 

Ms. Turner said Mr. Sawitzke has been involved and supportive for the past 15 years and they would like to express their sincere appreciate.  She read and gave Mr. Sawitzke a plaque of dedication to recycling. 

Mr. Sawitzke thanked everyone on their extraordinary effort put forward to increase recycling. 

Ms. Glassman said there will be a retirement recognition ceremony for Mr. Sawitzke on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Old Well Tavern.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT - Swearing in of newly elected officials December 2, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall

Ms. Glassman congratulated all of the newly elected officials.  They will be sworn in on December 2nd at 6 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall.  She thanked everyone who ran as well.  She asked everyone attending to bring a non-perishable food item for distribution by Social Services to those in need. 

Ms. Glassman reminded everyone to put November 30th on their calendar to attend Simsbury Celebrates.  There are a lot of activities at this event with the celebration starting at 4:30 p.m. and concluding with fireworks at 8:15 p.m.  She thanked everyone who helps with this great event and said the Town is very lucky to have such dedicated volunteers.

Ms. Glassman said Simsbury adopted the C-PACE Program one year ago.  This was designed to provide businesses and multi-family building owners with access to the capital they need to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.  She said to date, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority has provided close to $1.4 million in capital for energy efficiency projects in Simsbury.  Businesses interested in learning more can go online to www.c-pace.com.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve the proposed amendment to Simsbury Code of Ordinances, Section 123-7 concerning the correction of blight ordinance violations by the Town

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the proposed amendment to Simsbury Code of Ordinances, Section 123-7 concerning the correction of blight ordinance violations.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve a proposal submitted pursuant to the Town of Simsbury Board of Selectmen Naming Rights Policy to rename Mall Way to Jim Gallagher Way

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the proposal submitted pursuant to the Town of Simsbury Board of Selectmen Naming Rights Policy to rename Mall Way to Jim Gallagher Way.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve Tax Refunds

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $2,234.90 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Appoint Sean Kimball as Interim Finance Director effective December 1, 2013

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to appoint Deputy Director of Administrative Services, Sean Kimball, as Interim Finance Director effective December 1, 2013 after recommendation from the Board of Finance.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Approve the Public Gathering Permit Application for the 2013 Simsbury Celebrates event to be held November 30, 2013

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the Public Gathering Permit Application for the 2013 Simsbury Celebrates event to be held on November 30, 2013.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approval of sale of Pharos Farm to George Hall and the Simsbury Land Trust

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the resolution revising the steps necessary to complete the previously approved Pharos Farms/ George Hall Simsbury Land Trust transactions to satisfy the conditions of the USDA farmland preservation grant to the Simsbury Land Trust that is the principle source of the funding for the transaction.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approval of Community Farm lease, plan of use and farmhouse sublease with Gifts of Love

Ms. Knall made a motion to approve proposed changes to the Town of Simsbury’s Lease to the Community Farm of Simsbury to include its Plan of Use as part of the Lease and the proposed Sub-lease for the Farmhouse.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Action of recommendation of Zoning Commission with respect to refund and fee waiver for Red Stone Pub

Ms. Glassman made a motion to accept the Zoning Commission recommendation, for the Red Stone Pub, in respect to refund and fee waiver.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

Update on Aquarion Water Company rate increase

Ms. Glassman noted that there was no quorum for this, so there would be no executive session at this time.

OTHER BUSINESS

Jack Bannan inducted into the 2013 Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame

Ms. Glassman noted that Jack Bannan was inducted into the 2013 Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, which is a very well deserved honor.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

a) Accept the resignation of Angela Campetti as a regular member of the Insurance Committee effective October 31, 2013

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to accept the resignation of Angela Campetti as a regular member of the Insurance Committee effective October 31, 2013.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting Minutes October 28, 2013

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the Regular Meeting Minutes with corrections.  Ms. Knall 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 - no report at this time

Ms. Haase thanked Mr. Kalechman for his presentation at the Veteran’s Day ceremony.  It was a great event.

ADJOURN

Ms. Knall made a motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman