Board of Selectmen Special Meeting 05/29/2013 - DRAFT

DRAFT

BOARD OF SELECTMEN - SPECIAL MEETING

MAY 29, 2013

CALL TO ORDER

The Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall.  Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Lisa Heavner, Sean Askham, Shannon Knall, Moira Wertheimer and Nancy Haase.  Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Richard Sawitzke, Tom Roy and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENTATIONS

Hometown Hero Awards Presentation Ceremony:

   Marion & Robert Gilmore
   Max Horton
   Susan Masino
   Sally & Don Reiger
   Jane Stevenson

Ms. Glassman said this was the favorite meeting of the year.  She said special people are honored tonight.  They all work very hard for the Town.  Ms. Glassman said that Hometown Hero Awards have been taking place now for 27 years.  Ms. Glassman introduced the Hometown Hero Committee and said it took the selection committee two days to come up with the final decision.

Ms. Glassman said that Simsbury is a very special place with a special group of people.  She thanked the volunteers who serve on the Board of Selectmen and all Commissions and Committees.  She also thanked the volunteer Ambulance and Fire Departments.  There are just wonderful volunteers in Simsbury and the Town is very grateful for them.

Ms. Heavner introduced Sally and Don Reiger and said both of them have given untold hours of volunteer time for the Town of Simsbury.  They have been crusaders for the Simsbury Land Trust.  Ms. Heavner also noted that they also make terrific maple syrup.   Sally is the Chairperson of the study committee for the Wild & Scenic Designation for the Farmington River and Salmon Brook.  Sally has cheerfully and expertly worked with the National Park Service to educate her committee, and the citizens, and others on the benefits of this designation. 

Ms. Heavner said that Sally and Don have most recently become the leaders of the opposition to the MDC proposal to divert the waters flowing from the Farmington River.  Sally and Don are “Hometown Heroes” for the battles they are fighting and will continue to fight, and for the leadership and countless volunteer hours they are unselfishly giving to this community.  Ms. Heavner said the Town is proud to honor Sally and Don Reiger as “Hometown Heroes.” 
Don said they don’t expect to be thanked for their duties.  They thanked all of the other volunteers in Town for their hard work also.  He also asked for everyone to help with saving the Farmington River.

Mr. Askham introduced Max Horton.  He said he grew up next door to Mr. Horton and he also works for Travelers like Mr. Horton did.

Mr. Askham said that Mr. Horton gives tirelessly of his time in many areas of Town, particularly working with the seniors and providing tax preparation.  This year alone he and his team prepared 162 individual and joint returns serving about 200 clients.  He has also volunteered at the Senior Center offering individualized computer tutoring.  He is also a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer with McLean.  Mr. Horton is a representative of Books-to-Your-Door Committee as well as a member of the YMCA Volunteer in Adult Literacy Program.  Mr. Askham said the Town is proud to honor Mr. Horton as a Simsbury “Hometown Hero” for his dedication and volunteerism.

Mr. Horton thanked everyone for this honor.  He said it takes a dedicated staff and residents to make a great community.

Ms. Haase introduced Marion and Bob Gilmore.  She said that both Marion and Bob have been active as they continue to love and selflessly contribute to the betterment of our community.  As Library volunteers they have delivered books to the homebound for many years.  Together they have been involved at McLean for 30 years, delivering Meals-on-Wheels, coordinating cocktail parties and Marion serves on the Patient-Centered Care Committee and as a visitor to many residents.  Ms. Haase said that both Marion and Bob are active members of First Church, also volunteering at a homeless shelter in Hartford.    Ms. Haase said the Town was proud to honor Marion and Bob Gilmore as Simsbury “Hometown Heroes”.

Bob said it was an honor to be a “Hometown Hero” and he hopes they will be able to continue to serve the community for many more years.

Ms. Wertheimer introduced Jane Stevenson.  She said that Jane exemplifies the best in volunteer work.  Jane has been dedicated to the Town and nonprofit groups in a truly selfless way.  She is a Simsbury Fire Department auxiliary member and has assisted the firefighters in emergency and training activities for 35 years and has served as the host of the Annual McLean Volunteers Lunch at the firehouse.  Jane has served as an important volunteer in the McLean Auxiliary serving first as a volunteer buyer for the Gift Shop and later as president of the Auxiliary where she initiated the Auxiliary Scholarships to benefit employees and their college aged children. 

Ms. Wertheimer said Jane is also very involved in her Church, St. Mary’s, acting as Chairperson for the Sponsors of the St. Mary’s Carnival and as Chairperson for Granny’s Attic which helps raise funds for St. Mary’s.  Ms. Wertheimer said the Town is proud to honor Jane as a Simsbury “Hometown Hero” for her dedication to volunteerism.

Jane thanked everyone for coming.  She said she loves all of her volunteer jobs, but it does take a group of people to get things done.  She thanked everyone that she has worked with for their dedication also.

Ms. Knall introduced Susan Masino.  She said that Susan was a leader in the “Keep the Woods” effort, a grass roots organization that helped raise $3 million in private funding and secured grants to help the town fund, purchase and preserve 425 acres known as the Ethel Walker Woods of Simsbury.  Now the major aquifer for Simsbury’s water is now protected.  Ms. Masino also established a “Safe Routes to School Program” for children within walking distance to schools. 

Ms. Knall said the Grange has been re-established and re-purposed for modern day kids to bring them from their virtual world to the real world thanks to Susan.  Ms. Knall said the Town has benefitted in many ways due to the efforts of Susan Masino and we are proud to present her with the “Hometown Hero” award.

Ms. Masino said she was honored to be here.  She thanked the people she has worked with over the years.  She said she researched Simsbury before moving here 10 years ago and moved here because she thought people here were very caring and dedicated to the Town.  She invited people to the Maple Tree after the ceremony for pizza.  Ms. Masino said she has a petition that everyone could sign about the MDC diverting water to UConn.

Ms. Glassman said the “Hometown Heroes” are very special people who always thank others.  The Town is very blessed to have special people in our community. 

Ms. Glassman noted that Rev. Jonathan Morgan will be leaving First Church; Sue Bullock will be leaving the Library and Rich Sawitzke will be retiring soon.  She said they will all be missed. 

Ms. Glassman invited everyone to join her for a brief celebration.  She said that the “Hometown Heroes” asked her to thank their families for their support and for allowing them to dedicate their time to volunteer for the Town.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said she was concerned about the decision making of the Board.  She wants term limits for elected officials.  She asked, once again, about a Town Manager form of government. 

Ms. Coe said this Board is required to hold public audience by law.  She said there is no interaction during this process.  She feels this discourages people from coming forward with their concerns and complaints. 

Ms. Coe said property values have been devalued by 15%, but taxes are always being increased. She said the taxpayers won’t survive this increase.

Ms. Coe feels the Performing Arts Board is guided by money, not family values.  She feels family values need to be part of decision making for concerts in Town. 

Ms. Coe showed pictures of a tent put up by the Bike Group on Rte. 185.  There was also a sign that said “no sale” or distribution of services.  She said the Bike Group was in violation of State law and is being investigated by the DOT.   She feels the Board needs to address the Bike Group on this issue. 

Ms. Coe spoke about the increase in rents at Eno Farms.  She asked what the Town has done to intervene. 

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, thanked the Board for allowing him to speak.  He feels that Joan Coe is a “Hometown Hero” as she tells everyone the truth about what is going on in Town. 

Mr. Kalechman spoke about the MDC water diversion issue.  He feels there are less than 100 people who say no to this issue and feels if UConn needs water it should be granted.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman said the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and the University of Connecticut are working together to compile an estimate of the population size of black bears in northwest Connecticut.  The bear population has grown and so has the numbers of human-bear conflicts, therefore, this study is critical to the Wildlife Division’s creation of a bear
management program designed to ensure the safety of residents.

Ms. Glassman said the DEEP study relies on small corrals set up in the Town’s open space.  The corrals use a clearly marked strand of barbed wire to collect hair samples from bears moving through the area.  She said we have asked Mike Evans, who will be heading up the project for DEEP and the University of Connecticut, to work with our animal control officer, Mark Rudewicz, who has had his share of contact with the bears and fully supports this project.

Ms. Glassman said Simsbury will participate in a statewide severe weather exercise on June 22nd.   This exercise will be similar to the exercise conducted last year to help municipalities prepare for potential natural disasters.  This year’s exercise will be based on a hypothetical severe ice storm impacting the West/Northwest portion for the State (Region 5).  She thanked all of the personnel, both staff and volunteers who have worked so hard in the recent past to ensure that Simsbury residents are kept safe in emergency situations.
 
SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve the use of Tariffville Park and the Gazebo on the Tariffville Green for three separate kayak races: Tariffville Slalom Race, June 9, 2013; North American Junior Olympics Festival, July 13-19, 2013; 5th Annual Whitewater Triple Crown N.E. Championships, July 20-21, 2013

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the utilization of Tariffville Park and the Gazebo on the Tariffville Green for three separate kayak events planned this summer.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Proposed Senior Center Update and set Public Forum for June 10, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Ms. Haase made a motion to set the Public Forum on the proposed Senior Center for June 10, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Tax Refunds in the amount of $998.06 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Approve release of excess road right of way at 8 Firetown Road to abutters, per the abutters’ request of April 25, 2013

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to release of excess road row to abutters, per the abutters’ request of 4/25/13.  This land was left from the Firetown Road reconstruction in the 1980's.  The Town has no need for this excess row; release to the abutters will enhance their property.  The abutters have also agreed to release a portion of their land on the opposite side of the street in order to establish a uniform street row.  The abutters have prepared the required map and will prepare the deeds for town counsel review.  The net land area is 0.043 acres, with a surplus land value of $180.60, according to the valuation used by the assessor’s office for surplus land.  The Board will refer this proposal to the Planning Commission for CGS 8-24 review.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Recognize the month of June 2013 as Handicapped Parking Awareness Month
Ms. Heavner made a motion to recognize the month of June 2013 as Handicapped Parking Awareness Month.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Accept a donation in the amount of $2,500 from the Simsbury Junior Woman’s Club to the Social Services Department Dial-A-Ride Program

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept a donation in the amount of $2,500 from the Simsbury Junior Woman’s Club to the Social Services Department Dial-A-Ride Program.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Approval of proposed Eagle Scout project involving the clearing and re-landscaping of the area in front of the Simsbury Farms Apple Barn

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the proposed Eagle Scout project of Daniel Gerardi.  The project involves the clearing and re-landscaping of the area in front of the Simsbury Farms Apple Barn.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

h)   Authorize the First Selectman to enter into a contract with Interactive Health, for an employee wellness program, subject to review and approval of the contract terms by Town Counsel

Ms. Haase made a motion to authorize the First Selectman to enter into a contract with Interactive Health, for an employee wellness program, subject to review and approval of the contract terms by Town Counsel.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

i) Approve award of agriculture license agreement for Dewey Farm

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the award of agriculture license agreement for Dewey Farm.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

j) Approve the transfer of $41,000 from the Board of Finance Contingency Reserve Fund to the Library Building Capital account number 332 enabling the replacement of the original air conditioner at the Library and repair parts for the new air conditioner

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the transfer of $41,000 from the Board of Finance Contingency Reserve Fund to the Library Building Capital Account, number 332.  This will enable the replacement of the original air conditioner at the Library and repair parts for the new air conditioner.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  Afer discussion, Ms. Wertheimer withdrew her motion and Ms. Knall withdrew her second.  This item was tabled until further information is received.

k) Revise conditions in the contracts for the three concerts with Premier Concerts (PKM) at the Performing Arts Center

Mr. Askham made a motion to revise conditions in the contracts for the three concerts with Premiere Concerts (PKM) at the Performing Arts Center.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

l) Discussion of proposed contract settlement negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local No. 458

Mr. Askham made a motion to ratify the proposed contract settlement with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local No. 458.   Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Announcement of FEMA approval of application of $100,000 from the 2013 Blizzard

Ms. Glassman announced that the Town will receive $100,000 FEMA reimbursement from the 2013 Blizzard.  She thanked Tom Roy and said he did an excellent job on this application.

b) Public Works Tree Policy

Ms. Glassman said that the Board has received a formal Tree Policy from Tom Roy.  This will be posted on the Town website.

c) Car Tax Phase Out, ending Public Notice Mandate, Common School Year Calendar Proposed - M. O R.E. Commission announces recommendations

Ms. Glassman said the Legislature adjourned   They did fulfill the Nutmeg network which allows the Town to connect to other Towns with no cost to the Towns. 

Ms. Glassman said they are still waiting a final decision on a standard milrate that will be phased in over several years.  She said the complete phase out of car taxes hasn’t passed.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

There are no appointments or resignations at this time.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting May 13, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2013 as presented.  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 - Mr. Askham said there was a Public Safety meeting a few weeks ago and they reaffirmed the public safety policy for concerts.  They will provide an ambulance, for concerts with over 4,000 in attendance, with no cost to the Town.

5.  Board of Education - Ms. Heavner said that at the Board of Education meeting a power-point presentation was given by the Emergency Response Agency on school safety.  The recommendations can be seen on SCTV.  The Agency was very impressed by our Police Department. 

Ms. Heavner said approximately 52 seniors went to the Art Show at the High School.  All had a great time.

Ms. Heavner said the Technology Committee held focus groups.  She said there was a glitch in emailing Ms. Heavner that they found and this will be worked on.

Ms. Knall said she attended the “Healthy Mouth” presentation along with about 15 other people.  This was a very informative presentation given by the UConn Dental School.

Ms. Knall said Aging and Disability will hold their “Picnic in the Park” event on August 24th.  

ADJOURN

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 9:27 p.m.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.  

Respectfully submitted,

Kathi Radocchio
Clerk