Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting 04/08/2013-Approved

TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – APRIL 8, 2013

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices.  Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Nancy Haase, Moira Wertheimer, Lisa Heavner, Shannon Knall and Sean Askham.  Others in attendance included: Senator Kevin Witkos, State Representative John Hampton, Robert Hensley, Gerry Toner, Hiram Peck, Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, spoke about Public Act 1060 about gun violence and safety.  He is very concerned that it will be open season for shooting in the cities now that summer is coming.  Mr. Kalechman said he was told that the State Representative from Simsbury was going to vote no on this bill.  People are upset that he didn’t do as he said he would do.  The South Carolina Senator assured him that this bill is going nowhere in the Senate.

Mr. Kalechman said he has been accused of being against children even though he had nothing to do with the shooting in Newtown.  People are saying this bill has nothing to do with the second amendment.  Article 1, Section 15 says you have the right to own a gun to defend yourself.  He feels we are leaning towards a police state. 

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said she was surprised that the Deputy First Selectman needed an opinion from the Town Attorney about Section 411 in the Town Charter.  She should know that the First Selectman should be giving directions to the staff. 

Ms. Coe said she filed an FOI complaint on February 27th asking for all e-mails and other materials sent to and from the Deputy First Selectman to administrative officers of the Town.  To date, she hasn’t received any information.  If she does not receive the information she will have to file a complaint with the FOI Commissioner. 

Ms. Coe showed maps about opening the Town owned Baker property, near the Farmington River, for trails.  These are designated hunting areas and she feels the public would be in danger.

Ms. Coe spoke about a weapon offender register being open to the public.  She asked why gun permits are exempt from the public as she feels the public has a right to know who owns guns.
Ms. Coe spoke again about a Town Manager form of government.  She feels Town issues are out of control with the First Selectman form of government. 

Ms. Coe wants to know what will happen to The Hartford.  She said the Town has no control of the bottom line and many taxes will be lost. 

Ms. Coe said she reviewed the annual report of Squadron Line School and found many issues that need consideration.  They are using very old technology.  Also, the bathrooms, etc. are very old and in poor condition.  She feels improvements should be made.

Ms. Coe said the budget meeting shows that the budget being presented is inconsistent with economic times.  There should be no increase in the budget and she will be voting against it.

Ms. Coe said she saw wires down on Firetown Road.  She is afraid they might be live and feels they need to be looked at.

Don Rieger, 9 Stodmore Road, is still concerned about the Farmington River.  He is concerned about the MDC impact if they export water to UConn.  He feels diverting the water is a dangerous mistake.  He said the Conservation Commission wrote to the MDC, but has had no response to date.  He asked that the Legislature get more involved with this issue.

PRESENTATION

Senator Kevin Witkos and Representative John Hampton to present a Legislative Update

Mr. Hampton thanked the Board for the invitation.  He said he is enjoying the privilege of working for the State.  He said the State budget is not very friendly to municipalities. 

Mr. Hampton said he proposed several bills, including the MDC water bill.  However, the bill did die, but they are still going to work on a moratorium.

Mr. Hampton said he is also working on disaster issues such as nursing homes helping out by taking people in if a disaster strikes.  This issue also died.

Mr. Hampton said he and Mr. Witkos put in Legislation about violating handicapped parking laws.  They also put in legislation about renaming a bridge over the Farmington River - Patan Corridor Memorial Bridge. 

Mr. Hampton said the largest issue to date is the Sandy Hook legislation that passed last week.  He thanked everyone for their hard work on this.  He gave hand-outs that summarize the bill.  It expands the assault weapon ban, requires universal background checks, establishes weapon registries, and creates more programs in mental health.  The bill also goes a long way on school security.  Representative Hampton said this is just a first step and a good model for the nation.

Senator Witkos said even though many bills die in committee they are really never dead until June 5th.  There are many amendments to be looked at.  The State needs to stop spending money.

Senator Witkos spoke about December 14th and the Newtown tragedy.  There was a 60 member task force to discuss school safety, gun violence and mental health.  There were public hearings on all the proposals.  After a lot of discussions the bill was passed.

Senator Witkos spoke about the car tax proposal.  He said no legislator likes this proposal.  Ms. Glassman said there would be a six million dollar loss if passed.  She said the State needs to figure out how to help municipalities.  

Representative Hampton said he and Senator Witkos are here to help with the issue of The Hartford in any way they can.  They will also continue to work on the MDC/UConn water issue.  They would like to come back after the session ends to discuss issues further. 

Autism Awareness

Ms. Knall read the following resolution:

“PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.  It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and;

WHEREAS, 1 in 88 children is diagnosed with autism, 1 in 250 girls and 1 in 54 boys on the Autism spectrum; making boys nearly five times more likely than girls to have Autism and a new case is diagnosed almost every 15 minutes; and

WHEREAS, more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined, the Autism prevalence figures are growing, making Autism the fastest -growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 67 military families will have a child who is diagnosed with autism, and

WHEREAS, autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the United States, costing the nation over $100 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade.  Despite these statistics Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases, likely costing a family $60,000 per year on average; and

WHEREAS, there is no medical detection or cure for autism.

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN, that the Town of Simsbury joins with Autism Speaks in designating the month of April 2013 as Autism Awareness Month to enhance the understanding of Autism and to encourage participation in voluntary activities to support education programs and the funding of research programs to find a cure.  The Town of Simsbury will participate by placing a blue light at Eno Memorial Hall for the month of April.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have placed my seal and the great seal of the Town of Simsbury.  Dated the 1st day of April 2013.  Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman”

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman said the Town and The Hartford are working towards creation of public-private partnership on sale of The Hartford property.  This is designed to ensure that the Town has the opportunity to consider every possible option for the sale and use of the property and that the residents have the opportunity to participate in this process.   The Board is proposing to commission a charrette to identify the best possible use for The Hartford’s extensive property. 

Ms. Glassman said the charrette will be a valuable tool to make this property more marketable to a broader group of potential buyers.  It will help obtain a large input to build a consensus on the best available options.  The Town has budgeted $30,000 for consultant services and The Hartford will contribute the rest of the expense. 

Ms. Glassman said if the Board approves the partnership Town staff can proceed immediately with issuance of requests for proposals to hire professional consultants to oversee the charrette process. 

Mr. Peck said this is a joint study, which is very important.  The property is a little over 172 acres total.  Mr. Peck showed everyone the land on his slides and explained the property.  He said the tax on this real estate is a little over $1million. 

Mr. Peck said The Hartford agreed with the reason to do the study.  He thinks this would significantly increase the value of the property for the Town and The Hartford.  This would also increase the number of potential buyers. 
Mr. Peck noted that the plan would be submitted in September.  He said The Hartford does care about what happens to the Town.

Ms. Glassman said the Board of Finance will hold public hearings on the proposed capital improvement projects and the proposed budgets tomorrow night at the Simsbury High School. She encouraged the public to stay involved in this important process by attending the meetings. 

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approval of a Master Plan Design for The Hartford property

Ms. Heavner recused herself from this discussion.  Mr. Askham made a motion that the Board of Selectmen vote to agree to allow the Town of Simsbury to participate in The Hartford Lands Use Study.  Ms. Wertheimer 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 $604.41, as presented and approved by the Tax Collector.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Action of proposed contract between C-TBC Solar and the International Skating Center for installation of solar panels

Ms. Haase made a motion to direct Town Counsel to prepare the necessary legal paperwork on the solar panel project and submit such paperwork to the Board of Selectmen for approval.  Ms. Heavner seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Approve the recommendation of the Performing Arts Center board to host two concerts promoted by Premier Concerts at the Performing Arts Center.  The proposed concerts would be held on June 22, 2013 featuring Harry Connick Jr., and July 16, 2013 featuring Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the recommendation of the Performing Arts Center board to host two concerts promoted by Premier Concerts at the Performing Arts Center, subject to final approval by Town Counsel of a contract containing negotiated terms and conditions and consent to the concerts by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.  The proposed concerts would be held on June 22 and July 16, 2013.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Approve the following requests to use the Simsbury Meadows and/or area parking lots as recommended by the Performing Arts Center Board at their March 21, 2013 meeting: River Run Road Race, April 28th; Dog Park Fundraiser, May 18th; Farmington Valley Trails in Motion, June 1st; Valley Car Club, July 14th

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the requests to use the Simsbury Meadows and/or area parking lots as recommended by the Performing Arts Center Board at their March 21 meeting:
River Run Road Race - April 28
Dog Park Fundraiser - May 18
Farmington Valley Trails in Motion - June 1
Valley Car Club - July 14
Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Approve the purchase of a Boom mower attachment for the Simsbury Parks Department

Ms. Heavner made a motion to allow the purchase of a Boom Mower attachment for the Simsbury Parks Department after Board of Finance approval.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Accept a conservation easement for the Ellsworth sub-division

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the conservation easement for the Ellsworth sub-division after final review by Town Counsel.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

h) Acceptance of Public Building Committee report on a proposed Senior Center

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the Public Building Committee report on a proposed Senior Center.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

I) Approve the use of the Town Hall parking lot on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Rain date April 28th) for State Representative John Hampton to stage his “Johnnie’s Junk Jamboree”

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the use of the Town Hall parking lot on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (rain date of April 28th) for State Representative John Hampton to stage his Johnnie’s Junk Jamboree.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

j) Approval of advisor for implementation of Defined Contribution Plans and Oversight of Defined Contribution Plan and 457 Plan Funds

Mr. Askham made a motion to authorize the First Selectman to enter into a contract, subject to the approval of Town Counsel, with Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC for their assistance with the design and implementation of defined contribution plans for the Town of Simsbury and the Board of Education and for ongoing services as an investment advisor overseeing defined contribution plan and 457 plan investments.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

k) Approve a resolution to execute and deliver a contract with the Connecticut State Library for $4,000 Historic Documents Preservation Grant

Mr. Askham made the following motion: “Resolved, That Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of this municipality a contract with the Connecticut State Library for an Historic Documents Preservation Grant.   Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Simsbury Hometown Hero deadline April 22nd

Ms. Glassman reminded everyone that the deadline for nominating a Hometown Hero is April 22nd at 4:30 p.m.

b) Congratulations to Simsbury High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team

Ms. Glassman congratulated the Simsbury High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team on their success this season.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Mr. Askham made a motion to amend the agenda to accept two resignations on the Tourism Committee.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignations of Gina Marie Cadorette as a regular member of the Tourism Committee effective February 6, 2013 and the resignation of Terry L. Boulton as a regular member of the Tourism Committee effective March 8, 2013.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

a) Approve the appointment of Oliver B. Dickens to the Housing Authority for a term of five years

Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the appointment of Oliver B. Dickens, Jr. for re-appointment to the Housing Authority for a term of 5 years.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approve the appointment of Angela Campetti to the Tourism Committee

Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the appointment of Angela Campetti to the Tourism Committee.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting Minutes, February 25, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2013 after page 4 correction.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes, February 26, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2013.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  After discussion, Mr. Askham withdrew his motion. 

Mr. Askham made a motion to table the February 26, 2013 Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes.  Ms. Haase seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes, February 28, 2013

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes of February 28, 2013 with corrections.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Regular Meeting Minutes, March 11, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 11, 2013.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Budget Workshop Special Meeting, March 12, 2013
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2013 with corrections.  Ms. Knall seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

f) Budget Workshop Special Meeting, March 14, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes of March 14, 2013 with corrections.  Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

g) Budget Workshop Special Meeting, March 19, 2013

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Budget Workshop Special Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2013.  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 the Public Safety Committee was notified that the State intends to exercise Simsbury in disaster readiness this summer. 

5.  Board of Education -Ms. Heavner said the Technology Committee sent out a press release asking for volunteers for their committee.  There are going to work on the Town website first and then move on to training, GIS, etc.  They will be prioritizing all other issues to be discussed.

Ms. Heavner said the “healthy mouth” presentation, with two dental students from UConn has been rescheduled to May 15th at 2 p.m.  They will discuss hygiene and there will be free handouts for participants.

Ms. Heavner said the Senior Center Art Night will be May 28th with dinner at 5:00 p.m.

Ms. Heavner thanked the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation who discussed the holocaust where names were read.  This was a great event. 

Ms. Haase thanked everyone who helped at the Tariffville Pot Luck.  It was a great event.

Ms. Haase said she was at the Squadron Line fundraiser, which raised $11,500 for their playground.  They are now working on other fundraisers for this project.
Ms. Knall said the Squadron Line fundraiser was very-well organized and a great community effort.

Ms. Knall reminded everyone that the Tourism Volunteer Expo will be held on April 25th from 6-8 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall.   She said all vendor tables are filled.

Ms. Knall said the Women’s Forum will be held on May 4th from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. with the topic about women managing it all.

Ms. Glassman recused herself from the meeting and turned it over to Ms. Heavner.

Ms. Heavner said the Board received copies of the Aquarion Water application to increase fees.  She said more information is needed on the Aquarion issue and there is no action to take right now as there is no actual filed proposal. 

ADJOURN

Ms. Haase made a motion to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.  Mr. Askham seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman