Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting October 16, 2013 - Approved
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 Mary Glassman; Board members, Sean Askham, Shannon Knall, Lisa Heavner, Moira Wertheimer and Nancy Haase. Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Gerry Toner, Ed LaMontagne, Attorney Robert DeCrescenzo and other interested parties.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, said these are shameful times. He said the Commander and Chief of our Armed Forces refuses to spend money to bury these men and women when they come home after serving our country in wars. The Government shut down and the monuments and memorials are closed. He feels this is a dictatorship.
Mr. Kalechman read an article he wrote in the Valley Press, dated October 11th, talking about the elections becoming a popularity contest. The interest and well being of the Town should be priority. He asked that everyone running for election give their positions about taxes, freedom of speech, etc. He feels there should be public audience in the Finance Board meetings.
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said the elections give residents no choice of leaders. She spoke about the Big Y project as she feels that Mary Glassman has a conflict with this issue. There is confusion with the Skating Center road usage. She feels there is lack of leadership with the Board of Selectmen, and all other Boards and Commissions.
Ms. Coe spoke again about wanting a Professional Town Management form of government. She said there is a “rocky future” for the Town of Simsbury. She asked the Board members if they were interested in a Professional Town Management form of government. Ms. Glassman noted that this session is just to listen to the public, and is not used for any dialogue.
Ms. Glassman noted that the Fire Department was dispatched to Town Hall due to fumes from the entry steps that were painted. Some employees left the building, but other employees were still here taking in the fumes. She asked why the solvent wasn’t tested prior to the application so no one got sick.
She asked why three people from the Selectman’s office attended a conference and asked what the cost was to the taxpayers.
Ms. Coe asked when the financial reports of the PAC were going to be completed and feels they take too long. She also feels that the Board of Education expenses should be decreased as the enrollment figures have decreased.
Robert Wise, 3 Vincent Drive, gave the Board members a handout about what he calls “The Mockery of Truth, Honor and Justice” He is still asking for the removal of Attorney DeCrescenzo due to a contract dispute in 2003. He wants his allegations looked into further.
Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue Street talked about land use planning again. She discussed the Charrette and said there were too many opportunities to fill the building on the additional lot. They have now included not only the Charrette property but also other buildings and the one that exists now. We will end up with a four-lane road if everything is done.
Ms. Bednarcyk said she was shocked to see that Mr. Peck is on the Board of Selectmen from the Town of Woodbury and he voted against open space. She read part of an article she found on the computer about developing in Woodbury.
Ms. Bednarcyk said she is having issues with the State after her mother passed away. It’s a very complicated thing that happened and she should have gotten help.
PRESENTATION -
Legislative Update - Senator Kevin Witkos and State Representative John Hampton
Senator Witkos said the Legislature was dominated by the Newtown tragedy. They are now in recess and will be back in session in February 2014. That is why they are communicating with different Towns to see what they are looking for and need help with.
Senator Witkos said the State is projected to end the year with a 4 million dollar surplus. However, the sales tax collections are weaker than projected. The entitlement program is not really affected by the State government. Some general obligation bonds were sold to help with cash flow. They will be getting the OPM and OFA reports on November 25th which will give a picture of what the 2016-17 budgets will look like.
Representative Hampton said he and Senator Witkos worked on some issues including Autism, Panda disorder and other disorders. He said there were also some handicapped parking issues with the State as this is still a challenge. They also addressed fire arms and mental health.
Representative Hampton said this was a tough budget year. He gave the Board some information on the fiscal analysis.
Representative Hampton said they did win the battle with the MDC water issue. Now a State water master plan is needed.
Representative Hampton said he will be hosting a Senior Center update from 1:30 - 3p.m and also a Veteran’s Forum. They are both trying to be open and accessible for everyone.
Ms. Glassman thanked both the Senator and Representative and asked for guidance if the government continues its shutdown, especially with different open grants. She asked about non-educational expenses to encourage towns to communicate with Boards of Education and the new law.
Senator Witkos said they are trying to make sure it is a standardized reporting system. They are not asking for the Town’s to change how they do their accounting, but they want to make sure the small accounts will build up to a bigger account. He will look at this further and get back to the Board.
Community Farms of Simsbury and Gifts of Love Proposed Merger
Mark Nolan said the details have been finalized for the merger between Community Farms of Simsbury and Gifts of Love. There will now be an umbrella organization called Farm Two Family that will operate as the parent organization with the same programs and personnel. He feels the merger with strengthen both organizations. Mr. Nolan introduced the new Board and said their first meeting will be held on November 4th. He thanked everyone for their help in creating this merger. He invited the Board to the Farm for a tour.
Ms. Glassman thanked Mr. Nolan for staying on so long. She will arrange a tour date so the Board and residents can see the Farm. She said the Board will vote to approve this merger at a later date.
Simsbury Senior Job Bank
Ms. Glassman introduced Mary Margaret Girgenti and Dennis Carrithers to explain the Job Bank. Ms. Girgenti said the Senior Job Bank of West Hartford has been revived with a new component being added. This job bank is for people over 50 years old.
Mr. Carrithers said they will be Town coordinators who will match employers with people who are looking for jobs. There are already 300 service providers on the list.
Ms. Girgenti said here will be a $20 fee that the employer looking for an employee will pay, for a background check. Information can be looked up on sjbct.org.
Ms. Knall thanked them for all their hard work and efforts made on this project.
Pancreatic Cancer - Diana Lemcoff
Ms. Glassman introduced Diana Lemcoff, who said pancreatic cancer is the forth deadliest cancer in the U.S. There is no treatment or cure for this type of cancer.
She read the attached proclamation of the Town of Simsbury.
Ms. Lemcoff said the month of November has been designated as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month in the U.S. and world.
Ms. Lemcoff said the Ron’s Run organization raised $250,000 last year. There are a lot of fundraisers organized by Ron’s Run in the future. There is also a Ron’s Rescue Fund which helps families with financial aide. She said they are always looking for volunteers.
Ms. Lemcoff asked everyone to display purple lights which stand for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. She asked for donations from residents and stores. There are also wristbands and other items for sale to help raise money for Pancreatic Cancer.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT - The Hartford Update
Ms. Glassman said there was a special meeting on The Hartford. There is a report on the Town website with information on this issue. There were very good recommendations. There was a meeting with the State, Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to discuss this issue further.
Ms. Glassman said there will be a special meeting with the Land Use Committee to determine the next steps and a draft code will be written. The State is working with the Town and it will probably take about two years for the transition. There will also be a tour of the facilities.
Ms. Glassman thanked VFW Post 1926 for hosting a Veterans Open House at the Simsbury Public Library. This will be held on October 23rd from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Simsbury Public Library. This open house will give veterans an opportunity to meet Sean Kimball in his new role as Veteran’s Service Contact. It will also give Veterans a chance to learn more about organizations that can provide them with the services they may need.
Ms. Glassman said that the Simsbury Public Library is now offering notary services to Town residents. She said the Library has become a real resource for resident and businesses. She thanked the new Library Director, Lisa Karim, for taking the initiative on this project. Residents can call 860-658-7663 x 2200 to make sure that the Notary is available at a particular day and time.
Ms. Glassman said the Simsbury Junior Woman’s Club is responsible for sponsoring a great philanthropic event that will be held on Sunday, December 1st from 5-8 p.m. Residents are invited to “light up the night” by placing luminary candles along driveways and walkways in a non-denominational community celebration of the season. You can purchase a luminary kit from the SJWC by going on their website at www.simsburyjuniors.org and ordering your kit. Proceeds for the sales will benefit the Simsbury Department of Social Services, the SJWC High School Scholarship and other community programs and projects of the SJWC. Ms. Glassman encouraged everyone to be a part of this event.
Ms. Glassman said for the past two years Halloween has been all tricks and no treats, so the Town will be hosting a free Town-wide Halloween celebration on Wednesday, October 30th from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Library. There will be a magic display, storytelling, and other activities also. There will also be a costume parade with each child wearing a costume will receive a coupon for free kid’s scoop of ice cream from J. Foster’s. If there are any questions, residents can call Culture, Parks and Recreation at 860-408-4682 and speak to Gerry.
SELECTMEN ACTION
a) Approve Tax Refunds
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $13,957.31 as reviewed and recommended by the Tax Collector. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Approve Simsbury’s participation in the WWF International’s annual Earth Hour on March 29, 2014
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve Simsbury’s participation in the WWF International’s annual Earth Hour on March 29, 2014 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ms. Knall seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Authorize the First Selectman to sign the Hazard Mitigation Grant documents for a back-up generator for Tariffville School
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion: “RESOLUTION OF LEGISLATIVE BODY
RESOLVED, that Mary A. Glassman, who is the First Selectman of the Town of Simsbury, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name, and on behalf of, the Town of Simsbury a Notice of Grant Award for Tariffville School Emergency Shelter Generator with the State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, and to affix the corporate seal.” Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Accept a financial donation in the amount of $3,000.00 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to be used for the Cheese Day and Bread Day Programs
Ms. Haase made a motion to accept a financial donation in the amount of $3,000.00 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Accept a financial donation in the total amount of $3,266.00 from the Archdiocese of Hartford - Archbishop’s Annual Appeal; $2,133.00 to be used for the Simsbury Food Closet and $1,133.00 for the Keep Simsbury Warm Program
Ms. Knall made a motion to accept a financial donation in the amount of $3,266.00 from the Archdiocese of Hartford - Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Acceptance of Dorset Crossing as a public road and status update of the NU Substation and Dorset Crossing projects
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the acceptance of Dorset Crossing Drive and Casterbridge Crossing as Town Highways, waiving the reading of the resolution. The road and related public improvements meet Town Standards. The date on the 9th WHEREAS, and number 1 under NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED of the Resolution, will be changed to October 14, 2013. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
g) Approve the use of Town property for the purpose of the David Vidal Memorial 5K Road Race on Sunday, October 27, 2013. The request includes the exclusive use of the commuter parking lot along Iron Horse Blvd., as well as Drake Hill Road, Riverside Road (north and south) and East Weatogue Street, pending Performing Arts Center Board approval
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the use of Town property for the purpose of the David Vidal Memorial 5K Road Race on Sunday, October 27, 2013. The request includes the exclusive use of the commuter parking lot along Iron Horse Blvd., as well as Drake Hill Road, Riverside Road (north and south) and East Weatogue Street, pending the Performing Arts Center Board approval. Ms. Knall seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
h) Approval of PAC financials
Ms. Glassman noted that the Performing Arts Center Board needs to review the financials before any action can be made by the Board of Selectmen. Therefore, there was no action taken.
I) Status of negotiations with Hartford Symphony Orchestra and possible action
Ms. Glassman noted that there was nothing to take action on at this time
OTHER BUSINESS
Announcement of a Town-Wide Halloween Event on October 30th
Ms. Glassman reminded everyone of the Halloween Celebration on October 30th from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Library and hopes everyone will attend.
Appointment of Veteran’s Liaison
Ms. Glassman said that the Veteran’s group would like to have a liaison to the Aging &
Disability Commission. No individual has been determined to fill this position at this
time.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Appoint six new students and the School Resource Officer, PFC Todd Kushman, to the Youth Services Advisory Board per the attached memo from the Director of Social Services with an expiration date of June 30, 2014
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the appointment of six new students and the School Resource Officer, PFC Todd Kushman, to the Youth Services Advisory Board as presented in a memo from the Director of Social Services with an expiration date of June 30, 2014. Ms. Knall seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Accept the resignation of William B. Gardner from the Design Review Board effective April 23, 2013
Ms. Knall made a motion to accept the resignation of William B. Gardner from the Design Review Board effective October 16, 2013. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in and the motion passed.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) Regular Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2013 as presented. Ms. Knall seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Special Meeting Minutes October 3, 2013
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of October 3, 2013 as presented. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Ms. Heavner abstaining, 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 said the first Senior Citizen Night will be held on October 24th at 4 p.m. for dinner and 5 p.m. for a girls volleyball game.
Mr. Askham asked about the Big Y project. Ms. Glassman said the Town approved that the Big Y project can go forward. The Town leases the land to the Skating Center they will also have to approve this project. The only other parties involved in this transaction are Mr. Wagner and the Skating Center. The Town is available to help to assist with this transaction if need be. As far as the Town is concerned there are no obstacles that are in the way.
Ms. Haase said she attended an informational event on matters of race. It was very interesting and there was great discussion that gave a great overall message.
ADJOURN
Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 9:02 p.m. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman