Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting November 25, 2013 - DRAFT
BOARD OF SELECTMEN REGULAR MEETING - NOVEMBER 25, 2013 - DRAFT
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 Moira Wertheimer, Nancy Haase, Lisa Heavner, Shannon Knall and Sean Askham. Others in attendance included Colleen O’Connor, Mickey Lecours-Beck, Sean Kimball, Richard Sawitzke, Mike Paine, Cheryl Cook and other interested parties.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said the next Board will be facing many challenging issues with the budget and many policy issues. She asked that the Board should set a new policy for the selection of a new Deputy First Selectman. The selection should reflect the person most suitable to assume the role of First Selectman if needed. This requires availability and knowledge of the management of the Town.
Ms. Coe does not feel that the approved interim Finance Director is qualified and shouldn’t receive the Finance Directors compensation during his service. She doesn’t feel he has the qualifications for this position as it requires specialized qualifications.
Ms. Coe spoke again about a professional town management form of government and feels the residents should vote on this.
Ms. Coe spoke about the Board of Education concerns about greatly reduced revenues and declining enrollment issues. They highlighted The Hartford leaving the Town and the loss of property taxes. She feels the Board of Education budget should be looked at more clearly.
Ms. Coe spoke about an incident at Simsbury High School and feels more needs to be done about this and feels the Superintendent should be dismissed. She also spoke about bullying and the effect this has on students. This issue should not be pushed under the rug.
Ms. Coe spoke about fees for the paddle courts and feels this policy should be reviewed further.
Robert Kalechman, 781 Hopmeadow Street, welcomed all of the new Board members and said he would miss Ms. Wertheimer and Ms. Knall.
Mr. Kalechman said people have voted for change and the Board should make changes. He said the Deputy First Selectman should be a Republican as people have asked for a change. He also wants this meeting televised.
Mr. Kalechman feels the PAC activities and budget should be looked at further. He said they always want to have activities, but who will pay if they can’t raise their own funds for these activities.
Mr. Kalechman spoke about the EDC sending the chairman to a function at the Bushnell. He feels the EDC budget should also be looked at better as most of their money goes to Main Street.
Sue Bednarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue Road said there is a drainage issue on her road and she hopes this gets taken care of before ice starts to form.
Ms. Bednarcyk said the Board will be changing and she wants to make sure the character and pieces are the same as what the Town survey says. Everyone needs to be on the same page.
PRESENTATION -
Thanksgiving Proclamation
Ms. Knall read the following Proclamation:
“THANKSGIVING
WHEREAS, Almost four centuries ago, the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast in Thanksgiving after suffering through a brutal winter. Since, then, in times of war and in times of peace, Americans have gathered with family and friends and given thanks for all of our blessings; and
WHEREAS, Thanksgiving is also a time to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate. On Thanksgiving, we remember that the true strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of American people; and
WHEREAS, In thankfulness and humility, we acknowledge our dependence on one greater than ourselves. Let our Thanksgiving be revealed and let us reach out with care to those in need of food, shelter and words of hope. By seeking out those who need a lending hand, we touch the lives of our fellow citizens and help make our world a better place; and
WHEREAS, We also honor and salute the selfless sacrifice of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who are defending our lives and liberty at home and abroad with skill, honor and dedication and give thanks for the ties of friendship and respect that bind us together; and
WHEREAS, Let us observe this day with reverence and care. Let us all share the spirit of fellowship and prayer and reinforce the ties of family and community, express heartfelt thanks for our many blessings and reach our in gratitude and friendship to our brothers and sisters across this land who together, comprise our great American family.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN, that the Town of Simsbury joins with all of its residents to give thanks for all of their blessings.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have placed my seal and the great seal of the Town of Simsbury.
Dated the 25th day of November 2013
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman”
Salvation Army Toy Drop
Ms. Glassman noted that the Salvation Army Toy Drop will begin Monday, December 2nd and end on Monday, December 23rd. There are four drop off locations: Town Hall; Fitzgerald’s; Sarah Byrnes; and Antonio’s. She asked that everyone bring a new, unwrapped gift to one of the location boxes. She thanked everyone for the generosity and support.
Bataan Corregidor Memorial Bridge Dedication
Ms. Glassman said Senator Witkos and Representative Hampton are hosting a bridge dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 2p.m. in the Sycamore parking area at the Weatogue Bridge on Routes 10 and 185 in Simsbury. This bridge was designated the “Bataan Corregidor Memorial Bridge” by the State Legislature this past session, in honor of those who served our country in Vietnam. Everyone is welcome to attend.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT
Ms. Glassman thanked departing Board members for their service. She said Ms. Wertheimer is moving on to the Finance Commission and Ms. Knall works very hard on a lot of volunteer efforts. Ms. Glassman said both members asked to donate their gifts, but they were given small gifts anyway. She said she is very proud of all volunteers who take their jobs very seriously and spend so much time on different issues.
Ms. Glassman said she is looking forward to working with new Board members Cheryl Cook and Mike Paine. Their swearing in will be held on December 2nd at 6 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall.
Ms. Haase also thanked Ms. Knall and Ms. Wertheimer for their service. She also gave them little gifts from her party.
Ms. Wertheimer said it was her pleasure to work for the Town. She thanked both current and past Board members and Town staff. She encourage residents to take part and volunteer in the Town as it is a very rewarding experience, even through the highs and lows.
Ms. Knall also thanked everyone and said it was her pleasure also. She welcomed the new Board members.
SELECTMEN ACTION
a) Approve tax refunds
Ms. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $25, 314.78 as requested and approved by the Tax Collector. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Authorize the First Selectman to Request an Extension for the Filing of the FY13 Audit
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to authorize the First Selectman to request an extension for the filing of the FY13 audit. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Approve the draft of the Route 10 Banner Display Policy
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Route 10 Light Post Banner Policy up to section G. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Askham made a motion to allow a one time exception to The Chamber of Commerce for a period of time, not to exceed 12 weeks, commencing January 1, 2014. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Approve the purchase of a new Dial-A-Ride vehicle per the request of the Director of Social Services
Ms. Knall made a motion to approve the purchase of a new Dial-a-Ride vehicle. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Approve the waiver of the standard Eno Memorial Hall use fees and allow the Simsbury Light Opera Company to use Eno Hall for their 10 rehearsals and 4 performances between January and March 2014 and charge a straight custodial fee of $45/hour for their use of the facility
Ms. Haase made a motion to waive the standard Eno Memorial Hall use fees and allow the Simsbury Light Opera Company to use Eno Hall for their 10 rehearsals and 4 performances between January and March 2014 and charge a straight custodial fee of $45/hour for their use of the facility. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Authorize the First Selectman to sign Master Municipal Agreement for the Construction Projects with the State of Connecticut; this is for local projects receiving State DOT funding
Ms. Heavner made a motion to authorize the First Selectman to sign the Master Municipal Agreement for the Construction Projects with the State of Connecticut for local projects receiving State DOT funding. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
OSHA Inspection Update
Ms. Glassman said OSHA has made a visit. She thanked all the staff for their hard work to ensure that there were no big safety violations. There were a few minor violations and an itemized finding will be available. She said Public Works and Parks and Recreation will have to pay fines for their violations.
Ms. Glassman said Tom Roy drafted a Barricade Policy due to the number of requests for barricades to be placed for events. This draft policy is available for review and comments to be taken. This issue will be discussed further at the next meeting.
Ms. Haase made a motion to amend the agenda so that the actual Resolution on the Master Municipal Agreement can be read. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and
the motion passed.
Ms. Haase made a motion “RESOLVED, that Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman, is hereby authorized to sign the Agreement entitled “Master Municipal Agreement for Constructions Projects”.
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN of the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut this 25th day of November 2013.
Clerk: Carolyn D. Keily
Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Appoint Michael Glidden as the Code Enforcement Officer and appoint Howard Beach as the assistant Code Enforcement Officer effective November 25, 2013
Ms. Haase made a motion to appoint Michael Glidden as the Code Enforcement Officer and to appoint Howard Beach as the assistant Code Enforcement Officer effective November 25, 2013. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Appoint Marguerite Rodney to fill the remainder of the term of Kenneth Feder as a regular member of the Historic District Commission with a term ending January 20, 2018
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to appoint Marguerite Rodney to fill the remainder of the term of Kenneth Feder as a regular member of the Historic District Commission with a term ending January 20, 2018. Ms. Knall seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Accept the resignation of Elizabeth Banco from the Tourism Committee effective November 18, 2013
Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Elizabeth Banco from the Tourism Committee effective November 18, 2013 with our thanks. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Accept the resignation of Kevin M. Crimmins from the Economic Development Commission effective November 13, 2013
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Kevin M. Crimmins from the Economic Development Commission effective November 13, 2013 with our thanks. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Accept the resignation of Harvey Goodfriend from the Building Code Board of Appeals effective November 15, 2013
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Harvey Goodfriend from the Building Code Board of Appeals effective November 15, 2013 with our thanks. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
f) Accept the resignation of Harvey Goodfriend from the Police Commission effective November 15, 2013
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Harvey Goodfriend from the Police Commission effective November 15, 2013 with our thanks. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
g) Accept the resignation of Robert Kulakowski as an alternate on the Planning Commission effective December 2, 2013
Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Robert Kulakowski as an alternate on the Planning Commission effective December 2, 2013 with our thanks. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
h) Accept the resignation of Derek B. Peterson as an alternate member of the Zoning Commission effective November 21, 2013
Ms. Haase made a motion to accept the resignation of Derek B. Peterson as an alternate member of the Zoning Commission effective November 21, 2013 with our thanks. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) Public Hearing Minutes November 13, 2013
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve the Public Hearing Minutes of November 13, 2013. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. Four members were in favor, with Mr. Askham and Ms. Heavner abstaining. Therefore, the motion passed.
b) Regular Meeting Minutes November 13, 2013
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 13, 2013. Ms. Wertheimer seconded the motion. Four members were in favor, with Mr. Askham and Ms. Heavner abstaining. Therefore, the motion passed.
SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personnel -
a) Create the temporary part-time position of Engineering Transition Manager and approve the attached job description for the position
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to create a temporary part-time position of Engineering Transition Manager and approve the job description for the position. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Approve compensation equivalent to a yearly salary of $90,000 for Sean Kimball during the period of his service as Interim Finance Director
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to approve compensation equivalent to a yearly salary of $90,000 for Sean Kimball during the period of his service as Interim Finance Director. Ms. Knall seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
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 - no report at this time.
ADJOURN
Ms. Wertheimer made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Ms. Knall seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathi Radocchio
Clerk