Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting March 24, 2014-Approved
TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 24, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:17 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, Lisa Heavner, and Michael Paine. Gerard Toner and other interested parties were in attendance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Three Scouts from Troop 76 Simsbury led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, reviewed her investigation into the uses of the building at 33 Canal Street as both a medical building and a two-family home in an R-15 zone. She stated that State Representative John Hampton has been using the Simsbury Library as an office and has not been paying for copies.
Ms. Coe stated that Dave Richman, owner of 730 Hopmeadow Street continues to be non-compliant with the building and zoning department for having a wheelchair ramp in front of the building. She asked when this issue will be resolved.
Ms. Coe discussed gathering permits and how they have placed a burden on town staff as all applications are reviewed by the town at no cost to the applicant. She states that other town departments charge fees for their services. Ms. Coe does not think the taxpayers should subsidize organizations doing business with the town. It’s time to “pay for play.”
Ms. Coe is concerned that a medical marijuana factory has been approved in close proximity to an explosives factory. She is concerned that the review process was fast-tracked with little or no oversight, financially benefitting a few at the expense of others.
Ms. Coe stated that the auditing firm BlumShapiro was paid $14,000 to strengthen controls of the Student Activities accounts, Simsbury Farms cash procedures, Performing Arts Center cash procedures, and Building Department management. The firm reported that the Simsbury Farms Golf Course has many employees working the register but no starter to receive players on slow days. She asked why the golf course has complimentary golfers. BlumShapiro also reviewed the Performing Arts and brought out lack of control in all areas of money management.
Ms. Coe states that town records shows that the Simsbury Farms Special Revenue Fund shows a deficit of $234,950 and thinks taxpayers should demand professional management.
Ms. Coe discussed the activity at the Meadowood site. She states that on Hoskins Road there are huge piles of contaminated soil that have been there for months. The roads have sand and rocks on them from the trucks.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, made a comment that the Boy Scouts should continue what they are doing and everyone is proud of them. He rebuked the Republicans for getting into a spat about motions and policy when their focus should be on the Democratic administration. Mr. Kalechman is concerned about what is happening at the Eno property. He believes that Mr. Carpenter committed fraud when he appeared before the zoning board. Mr. Kalechman stated that West Hartford scheduled a hearing to discuss medical marijuana. He wants an investigation or a hearing to find what the intentions are at the medical marijuana facility. He closed by comparing slavery and marijuana use.
Sue Bernacyk, 119 East Weatogue Street, stated that she has been receiving phone calls from residents concerned about the contaminated land at the Meadowood project. She said that she only voted for the project because she was assured that the contamination was going to be dealt with properly. She would like to see an investigation. Ms. Bernacyk thinks the Town Planner should not be catering only to developers.
First Selectman Glassman stated that several residents voiced concerns about environmental issues at the Meadowood project and it was referred to the Planning Commission for a public hearing.
PRESENTATION
Proclamation – Autism Awareness
Ms. Heavner read the following proclamation into the record:
PROCLAMATION
AUTISM AWARENESS
WHEREAS, autism, the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, affecting more than three million people, is an urgent public health crisis that demands a national response; and,
WHEREAS, autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the human brain, and can affect anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and,
WHEREAS, symptoms and characteristics of autism may present themselves in a variety of combinations and can result in significant lifelong impairment of an individual’s ability to learn, develop healthy interactive behaviors, and understand verbal as well as nonverbal communication; and,
WHEREAS, the effort to address autism continues, doctors, therapists, and educators can help persons with autism overcome or adjust to its challenges and provide early, accurate diagnosis and the resulting appropriate education, intervention, and therapy that are vital to future growth and development; and,
WHEREAS, ensuring that persons living with autism have access to the lifelong care and services needed to pursue the full measure of personal happiness and achieve their greatest potential; and,
WHEREAS, The Town of Simsbury is honored to take part in the annual observance of Autism Awareness Month and World Autism Awareness Day in the hope that it will lead to a better understanding of the disorder; and,
THEREFORE, I, Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman do hereby proclaim April 2014 as AUTISM AWARNESS MONTH and April 2, 2014 as WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY in Simsbury to raise public awareness of autism and the myriad of issues surrounding autism, as well as to increase knowledge of the programs that have been and are being developed to support individuals with autism and their families.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have placed my seal and the great seal of the Town of Simsbury.
Dated the 24th day of March, 2014.
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT
First Selectman Glassman announced that residents are invited to participate in the Simsbury Police Department’s reaccreditation process and share feedback.
She also announced the Whitewater Triple Crown Kayaking Competition will be held on the Farmington River on April 12th and 13th. The event is free of charge and a shuttle service will be available.
SELECTMEN ACTION
a) Approve Tax Refunds
Ms. Heavner made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $2,989.38 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Presentation by Board of Education for Capital Plan
First Selectman Glassman said that the Town Charter requires the Board of Selectman to receive and present the Capital Improvement Plan to the taxpayers. A presentation was made by the Board of Education about security projects at Henry James and Squadron Line schools.
c) Discuss and Possible Action on Capital Plan
Ms. Heavner made a motion to add the following new projects to the Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2014-2015 in accordance with Charter Section 803(b):
Multi Use Trail Connections/Master Plan Updates - $212,000
SF Golf Course Improvements - $125,000
Technology Infrastructure - $600,000
Alternative Energy Efficiency Projects - $103,000
Longview SCADA Controls Upgrade - $65,000
Sewer Main Extensions - $156,000
Inline Grinder and Screen Replacement - $260,000
Alternate B – HJMS Interior Hallway Improvements – 1st Floor - $280,000
Squadron Line Main Office Project - $1,050,000
Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the Capital Improvement Program to include the following projects in FY 2014 – 2015:
Ethel Walker Parcel C - $1,150,000
Multi Use Trail Connections/Master Plan Updates - $212,000
SF Golf Course Improvements - $125,000
Bridge Improvements (Design) - $115,000
Highway Pavement Management - $2,500,000
Technology Infrastructure - $600,000
Alternative Energy Efficiency Projects - $103,000
Longview SCADA Controls Upgrade - $65,000
Sewer Main Extensions - $156,000
Inline Grinder and Screen Replacement - $260,000
District Network Infrastructure - $150,000
Alternate A – HJMS Main Office Security Phase 1 - $775,000
Alternate B – HJMS Interior Hallway Improvements – 1st Floor - $280,000
SHS Turf Field/Synthetic Track Maintenance - $250,000
Squadron Line Main Office Project - $1,050,000
Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Refer Capital Plan to Planning Commission per Connecticut General Statutes 8-24
Mr. Askham made a motion to refer Capital Plan to Planning Commission per Connecticut General Statutes 8-24. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Discuss and Possible Action for Fiscal Year 2015 Budget
No motion taken. Board of Selectmen budget will now go to the Board of Finance.
f) Acceptance of donation of $2,400.00 from an anonymous donator through the United Way
Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the donation of $2,400.00 from an anonymous donator through the United Way. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Appoint Hometown Hero Selection Committee (accepting Hometown Hero nominations until April 21, 2014)
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Hometown Hero Selection Committee. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Appoint Ken Picard to the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council for a term to expire on June 30, 2015
Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Ken Picard to the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council for a term to expire on June 30, 2015. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Reappoint Richard Ostop to the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council for a term to expire on June 30, 2015
Mr. Askham made a motion to reappoint Richard Ostop to the Hartford Area Cable Television Advisory Council for a term to expire on June 30, 2015. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Approve the remaining members for appointment to the Economic Development Task Force (EDTF)
Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint the following individuals to the Economic Development Task Force: Carolyn Bligh, EDC (R) Linda Schofield, BOF (D), Robert Kulakowski, Planning Commission (R), Derek Peterson, Zoning Commission (R) and Louis George, Simsbury Chamber of Commerce (R). Rich Correia, who is not a resident of the Town of Simsbury, will function as a liaison to the Task Force. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
a) Press Release – Simsbury Police Department Seeks CALEA Re-Accreditation
First Selectman Glassman reminded everyone that the public is invited to attend a public information session to give comments on the Simsbury Police Department on Monday, March 31st at 4:00 pm in the Main Meeting Room.
b) Discuss Revision to Naming Rights Policy
Mr. Paine discussed possible revisions to the Naming Rights Policy. First Selectman Glassman said that anyone with further suggestions to forward them to Mr. Paine.
c) Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards Program
First Selectman Glassman wanted to let the public know that they have received notice that Aquarion is sponsoring the Environmental Champion Awards Program. The deadline for nominations is May 7th. A special celebration for the winner will be held on June 7th.
d) Requested Background Information for Culture, Parks & Recreation fee schedules
Gerard Toner discussed fee schedules by category and what their impact will be.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) Budget Workshop Special Meeting of March 1, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the minutes of the Budget Workshop Special Meeting of March 1, 2014 with corrections. Ms. Heavner seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Budget Workshop Special Meeting of March 7, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the minutes of the Budget Workshop Special Meeting of March 7, 2014. Mr. Paine seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Budget Workshop Special Meeting of March 10, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the minutes of the Budget Workshop Special Meeting of March 10, 2014. Mr. Paine seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Special Meeting of March 10, 2014
Mr. Heavner made a motion to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting of March 10, 2014 with corrections. Mr. Askham seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.
SELECTMAN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personal – no report
2. Finance – no report
3. Welfare – no report
4. Public Safety – no report
5. Board of Education – no report
ADJOURN
Ms. Heavner made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman