Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting April 28, 2014-Approved
TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - APRIL 28, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman: Board members Sean Askham, Cheryl Cook, Nancy Haase and Lisa Heavner. Absent was Michael Paine. Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Sarah Nielsen, Hiram Peck and other interested parties.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All stood as Ethan Meskill, from Boy Scout Troop 175, lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive spoke about the financial crisis in Connecticut that trickles down to Simsbury. There have been several newspaper articles about this crisis. They say Simsbury has the highest mill rate in the State. She said there will be no economic development in Simsbury until they become competitive with the surrounding Towns. Simsbury taxes are too high and people are purchasing homes in surrounding Towns, not Simsbury.
Ms. Coe said Simsbury needs a Town Management form of government. This is the only way money can be spent wisely. The Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund is $200,000 in debt, consultant fees are out of control.
Ms. Coe said that at the last Board meeting, the Simsbury Farms management was condoned for poor management but yet was rewarded complimentary greens fees. This takes time away from better management at the golf course. She wants to know why they are being rewarded for this poor management.
Ms. Coe said the 700 remaining employees from The Hartford are being assigned to the main office in Hartford. The Board has told residents that all is in control for the past two years. However, this seems to be immediate action and she wants to know what other issues the Board has been hiding from residents. Employment affects taxes in the Town.
Ms. Coe said she cannot support the Town budgets as presented as they are presented with unrealistic expectations of grand lists and show manipulation of expenses. She said the only new business is the marijuana factory. She said the Federal government has scheduled marijuana a number one narcotic and therefore it is illegal. She wants to know how Simsbury is going to provide safety for the children in their homes where residents use the medical marijuana. “It is time to put the Jeanie back in the bottle”. Benefits from this factory do not outweigh the costs to society, health risks, or mental illness.
Ms. Coe said that Simsbury was not asked to participate in the Governor’s Task Force on different school systems. Therefore, we do not have a place at the table to discuss how this will affect our students and residents.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, thanked the Board for allowing him to address them. He said there is a rumor that they are going to change the Town Hall schedule on Fridays. He feels this is a bad move as this should run like clock-work and it needs to stay that way. The hours should not be changed at all.
Mr. Kalechman said he has asked about the marijuana zoning hearing many times as he doesn’t feel that meeting wasn’t really a hearing. He has asked about having an investigation on this issue. He said a report was written by a convicted felon who is now in prison. He now has another 33 indictments against him. If this Board doesn’t investigate he will go above this Board.
Mr. Kalechman said there is no medical evidence that marijuana helps any medical conditions. Just look at Colorado as it is a nightmare out there; you don’t know what to eat or drink as it might be laced with marijuana. Simsbury deserves to know what is actually going on with these plants, so please investigate this further.
Mr. Kalechman said there is an election in November and he said the Republicans aren’t doing anything about the change that the people voted for. There should have been an alternative budget from the Republicans. He doesn’t feel the Town is being run properly.
Mr. Kalechman said the Veterans’ monument at Eno Hall can be purchased for $150 at a monument store. Is that how we honor our veterans?
Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue Street, spoke again about land use. She said there is a bad drainage issue on her street that really needs to be taken care of. One of her neighbors is having issues about drainage there also. She said she heard that staff had suggested a lawsuit as she had enough money to get what she wants done and this issue needs to be looked in to.
Ms. Glassman noted that they marijuana factory issue was put on the Board agenda and the Zoning Commission voted on it. The Board of Selectmen doesn’t have any purview to review decisions from the Zoning Commission. There is an appeal process but there were no people who spoke up at the hearing. Mr. Askham noted that the State chose the site, not this Board or the Zoning Commission. Zoning had to allow the use of the site.
PRESENTATION
• Simsbury Gridiron Club - this presentation was tabled at this time as there was no one present from this Club to present their project.
• Main Street Partnership Update on Economic Development Effort
Ms. Glassman said that Simsbury was the first Town in Connecticut to have a Main Street Partnership. There are now over sixty Towns in the Connecticut Main Street Partnership.
Ms. Nielsen talked about Simsbury on a positive note. This is a great community due to volunteers, partnerships and organizations. This Town is a great power place in Connecticut. She noted branding, innovation, history, art and tourism. Simsbury has done every one of these.
Ms. Nielsen gave a slide-show presentation. Simsbury is focused on heritage tourism. It is a great community for pedestrian and bikers. There have been a lot of surveys done in the Town to explore what the residents want. There are music activities for all to enjoy.
Ms. Nielsen said Simsbury was once again mentioned in newspaper/magazine articles for all that is done here. There are multi-faceted strategies that go in to what events are done in Simsbury. There is a more defined brand in Simsbury now.
Ms. Nielsen said that The Department of Labor is doing the Employer Step-up Conference at the Simsbury High School on June 19th from 7-10:30 a.m. Small business will come to see what Simsbury has to offer. There will be an article in the Boston Globe on April 30th. She feels the Town Charrette's have been a great help to accomplish and implement events here.
Ms. Glassman said this is all very exciting. People have picked up pieces from the marketing study and just run with them to help growth.
Ms. Haase made note that at the May 6th meeting there will be speakers on housing and development.
• Veterans Memorial Update
Ms. Glassman said the Board had voted enthusiastically and unanimously on the Veterans Memorial. She thanked the Veterans and had the Committee members at the meeting introduced.
Terry Ann Hahn, of LADAPC Land Planners, who are planning this project, said they have been through a number of different sites and plans for this project. She said the drive going into the Library has now been chosen. They wanted to keep this Memorial on Hopmeadow Street for all to see.
Ms. Hahn said the new design has gone thru the Conservation Commission and Design Review and also Zoning. They are now ready for fund raising and construction. There will be granite pillars, benches, and American flag, inscribed brick pavers, flowers, etc. at this site. Their budget is approximately $150,000 and more information will be put on the website including where to make donations. They are also looking for any free, available dirt, etc. for this project. The website will also give the time frame of this project with construction to hopefully begin in the spring.
Ms. Glassman said the Board is in full support of their efforts and thanked them for their update.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT
Ms. Glassman said the automatic referendum on the budget will be held on Tuesday, May 6th from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Henry James Middle School, 155 Firetown Road. You can get more information on the budget and capital projects from www.simsbury-ct.gov. Ms. Glassman urged all eligible votes to participate in this vote.
Ms. Glassman congratulated the Simsbury Public Library for its wonderful “Innovators’ Fair” this past Saturday. It was a wonderful event which gave the Library an opportunity to showcase its new 3D-Printing Lab made possible by gifts from the Kelly family in memory of Eunice Kelly and for Simsbury Bank in honor of Anthony Bisceglio.
Ms. Glassman thanked the Library Director and her staff, as well as the Friends of Simsbury Library and the Kelly family for their generous donation along with all the other volunteers who made this event possible.
Ms. Glassman asked everyone to join her and the Board as they kick off National Bike Month with a leisurely 5-mile bike ride Thursday, May 1st. The ride will start at 5:00 p.m. at the Town Hall and will be suitable for riders of all skills and ages. If someone would like to ride, but doesn’t have a bike, they can make arrangements to borrow one by contacting Simsbury Free Bike at simsburyfreebike@simsburyfreebike.com. The rain date is Thursday, May 5th. There are many other activities, for Bike Month, on the Town website at www.simsbury-ct.gov or contacting the First Selectman’s office at 860-658-3230.
Ms. Glassman noted that the Board of Selectmen meeting materials are available on-line at www.simbury-ct.gov also. Anyone can also review all of the submissions to the Board, with attachments, by visiting the Town’s website at www.simsbury-ct.gov. She said JoAnn Martin, her Assistant, is spearheading a project to improve technology to make Town governance not only more transparent but truly more accessible as well. She thanked her for her hard work and said she has done a wonderful job.
SELECTMEN ACTION
a) Approve Resolution to submit the Main Street Investment Fund grant application titled Downtown Implementation Plan for Mixed Use
Ms. Haase made the following motion:
Certified Resolution of the Legislative Body
The Legislative Body of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut met on Monday, April 28, 2014 and adopted a resolution by a vote which:
(1) Authorizes submission of the funding application - Downtown Implementation Plan for Mixed Use under the Main Street Investment Fund Program referenced in Section 78 and 79 of the PA 11-1; and
(2) Identifies Mary Glassman, First Selectman, as an individual authorized to sign the Main Street Investment fund application and administer the grant and the project.
Such application is attached to and made part of this record.
Attested to by: _____________ , Town Clerk
Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Approve Tax Refunds
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approved tax refunds in the amount of $7,169.21 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Update on Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget and review and possible action of Planning Commission’s decision
Ms. Glassman said all budget obligations have been met. There was no motion at this time.
d) Review and discuss waiver of $290 fee for the Old Drake Hill Bridge of Flowers “Burgers on the Bridge” event on June 18th (rain date - June 19th)
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve the Old Drake Hill Bridge of Flowers “Burgers on the Bridge” event on June 18th , with a rain date of June 19th. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Endorsement of Solarize CT Program
Ms. Glassman gave everyone some information on this issue. The Board of Selectmen did endorse this program and will send a letter as discussed. There was no motion at this time.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Accept the resignation of Jonathan Laschever (D) as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission effective April 11, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Jonathan Laschever as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission effective April 11, 2014 with our thanks. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Reappoint Woodrow W. Eddins (D) as a regular member of the Housing Authority with an expiration date of April 1, 2019
Ms. Heavner made a motion to reappoint Woodrow W. Eddins as a regular member of the Housing Authority with an expiration date of April 1, 2019. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Appoint Julie Carmelich (D) as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2016
Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Julie Carmelich as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2016. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Appoint Jonathan Laschever (D) as a regular member of the Historic District Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2019
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Jonathan Laschever as a regular member of the Historic District Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2019. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Appoint Mark Scully (D) as a regular member of the Clean Energy Task Force with an expiration date of December 7, 2015
Ms. Heavner made a motion to appoint Mark Scully as a regular member of the Clean Energy Task Force with an expiration date of December 7, 2015. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Accept the resignation of Marc Lubetkin (D) as a regular member of Culture, Parks & Recreation Commission effective April 16, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Marc Lubetkin as a regular member of Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission effective April 16, 2014. Ms. Haase seconded the motion with our thanks. All were in favor and the motion passed.
g) Accept the resignation of Marc Lubetkin (D) as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission effective April 16, 2014
Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Marc Lubetkin as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission effective April 16, 2014 with our thanks. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
h) Accept the resignation of William J. Fiske (R) as a regular member of the Zoning Commission effective April 22, 2014
Ms. Heavner made a motion to accept the resignation of William J. Fiske as a regular member of the Zoning Commission effective April 22, 2014 with our thanks. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
i) Accept the resignation of Diana F. Fiske (R) as a regular member of the Library Board of Trustees effective April 30, 2014
Ms. Heavner made a motion to accept the resignation of Diana F. Fiske as a regular member of the Library Board of Trustees effective April 30, 2014 with our thanks. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business at this time.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) Regular Meeting of April 16, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to table this approval. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personnel
Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Bob DeCrescenzo as the Town Attorney and to continue the interview process on labor negotiations. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
2. Finance - there is no report at this time.
3. Welfare - there is no report at this time.
4. Public Safety - no report at this time.
5. Board of Education - no report at this time.
Ms. Heavner wanted to thank Congresswoman Esty, the DAR, VFW and the Boy Scouts for the ceremony they offered Esty, Vietnam Veteran and Simsbury resident Terrence Keefe to get his service medals from the U.S. Army.
Ms. Heavner said Community for Care had its first meeting, which endorsed the Director of Social Services “A Parent’s Guide for the Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use”. She said this guide will be distributed to schools during the fall open houses. It will provide resources on the adolescent brain, signs and symptoms, behavioral changes, communication suggestions, and legal consequences. She thanked Mickey LeCours-Beck for her work in this project, Martha Hogan, who designed the cover and Cheryl and Ed La Montaigne who are working with Ms. LeCours-Beck on the local resources.
Ms. Heavner said the Committee is also looking into how to survey the community about what issues regarding alcohol, drugs, mental health, they’d like to see addressed further.
ADJOURN
Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman