Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting October 15, 2014

TOWN OF SIMSBURY - BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – OCTOBER 15, 2014 

CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Mary Glassman; Board members Michael Paine, Lisa Heavner, Nancy Haase, Cheryl Cook and Sean Askham. Others in attendance included Tom Cooke, Director of Administrative Services; Tom Roy, Director of Public Works, Gerry Toner, Director of Culture, Parks and Recreation, and other interested parties.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said she has the right to come before the Board of Selectmen to express her views and she expects to be treated with respect. She said someone walked in front of her at the last Board meeting, to hand out papers, and he was out of order. He never even apologized to her.

Ms. Coe said there were two agenda items at the last meeting that were about tax abatements. The first one was about an abatement for C-Tech, which would have reduced the grand list. After discussion, the abatement was denied. The second one, for Attorney Ritson’s development, was also denied. This item should not have been on the agenda to begin with.

Ms. Coe said she takes responsibility for her comments and will continue to do so.

Ms. Coe said there have been some increased arrests in Town now that the Methadone Facility has been opened. This will continue to happen as the Board allowed this facility to open.

Ms. Coe showed some pictures of Town Forest Park, which showed abandoned Town owned properties with graffiti on them. She wants to know if there is a master plan for Town owned parks.

Ms. Coe said the First Selectman’s office has expanded staff and expenditures on a continual basis. She said the expenditures were not approved by the taxpayers, but will be taken out of the general fund. She said this is not right. She said there is a vote coming up and residents should think a lot about what is going with the budget.

Amy Salls, the Town Chair of the Democratic Town Committee in Simsbury. She thanked Ms. Coe for her comments.

Ms. Salls said a lot of her colleagues here from United Illuminating Holdings and they will be talking about gas coming to Town. She hopes everyone listens as it is very important information.

Ms. Salls said she received two items in the mail about the upcoming elections - one was positive and one was negative. She asked that the Town look at what is being sent out and that it be positive and accurate before sending it out. We should hold a positive election in Simsbury.

Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, said Mr. Hampton should remove his commercial stating he is helping Veterans. He would like the Chairwoman from the Democratic Party contact the VFW and American Legion. Mr. Hampton has been told to remove his ads, but he hasn’t. Mr. Hampton also seems to be skirting some issues with the elections and residents should really check on issues they are voting on.

Mr. Kalechman said the Police Department is running without a contract and this really needs to be settled as they risk their lives everyday for the residents of Simsbury.

Tom Greenlaw, 221 Bushy Hill Road, Chief Operating Officer of Ethel Walker School, said he became a resident of Simsbury last year when he joined the School. He said Ethel Walker School and the Town have worked very closely, for about eight years, for the preservation of the Ethel Walker Woods. They are all grateful for the Town and groups who have made it possible for the purchase of this great land. He invited everyone to a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Walker Woods, this Sunday, from 1-3 p.m. The trails will be open for walkers, bikers, horse riders, etc. The Middle School students will be painting faces and there will be apple cider and Wildcat granola will also be available. He hopes everyone comes to enjoy the Woods.

Sue Benarcyk, 119 E. Weatogue, said that the Senior Center is contemplating a piece of land in the center of Town that is State owned. She said the Town owns a piece of land on the Medaconic Trail in Tariffville and maybe this could be donated back to the State as a land swap for the Senior Center land. This should really be checked out.

Ms. Bednarcyk spoke about Zoning again. She went to the last Zoning meeting where the Greenberg property was being discussed. She said they picked through the plan of development to the developers liking. She feels the open space in the front should have two soccer fields or some type of recreation fields. Then they could develop without encumbering the scenic vista.

More information is needed on this development and all aspects should be investigated to make sure it is best for the Town and the developers.

Ms. Benarcyk said her neighbor is also a Town Planner and she thinks the Town should tap her for her ideas for our Town. She would be very helpful.

Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, congratulated everyone in Town as everyone works together to make the Town better. She encourages everyone to come to the Ethel Walker ribbon cutting, especially those who were against purchasing the property. This way they could see the actual value of the land.

PRESENTATION

• Connecticut Natural Gas in Simsbury

Ms. Glassman said that CNG/UL were going to make a presentation about the connecting to alternative energy. She introduced Terry Eller, who met with Town officials to explore how we can expand natural gas into Simsbury. Ms. Glassman said the Clean Energy Task Force was present also.

Ms. Eller said this is a beautiful Town. She said there was a meeting at the Apple Barn to discuss information on the expansion. She introduced Chris Eller.

Mr. Eller went through the potential natural gas expansion process and what their company is about. The UIL Holdings Corporation is an electric and gas corporation. He said they have about 280,000 customers throughout the State, with only about 190,000 for just for CNG and SCG. This is a 10 year plan.

Mr. Eller said there are 75% who are on main currently, who have access to natural gas, but not utilizing it.

Mr. Eller said the benefits of natural gas include affordability, convenience, and versatility. He said natural gas is highly regulated, lighter than air and has a strong distinct smell. He also showed some pictures of gas main construction.

Mr. Eller said there are currently 57.3 miles of main in Simsbury, 2,800 locations on the main, with 1,900 CNG customers and 900 prospects to be on main. They are trying to add over 1 mile of main, with an expansion of 33 homes now.

Mr. Eller said they determine feasibility by conducting a survey, looking at how many residents are interested along the route, how much in gas revenues will each house use, and what the cost is to extend the gas main. If there is enough interest, a gas company representative will schedule a site visit with a technical planner to determine the service line routing, etc.

Mr. Eller said there is 0% on bill financing. They also coordinate installations with the Town paving schedules. If anyone is interested or needs more information they can go on the website www.cngcorp.com. He also showed a "gas locator" that people could use to see if they can be connected to the natural gas main.

Ms. Glassman said the charts they showed are very helpful. She noted that the calculations are for heat and hot water only. She also noted that certain streets will never be able to get natural gas.

• Solarize Simsbury – Solar Program Summary

Mr. Roy said the Solarize Simsbury Program ran for the full 20 weeks, and it is now over. However, more people have signed up since the program ended. There were 80 residents who signed contracts for solar installation, representing a total solar production capability of 644 kW. This will be removing 14,050 tons of carbon from the environment, which is equivalent to planting 327,334 trees, driving 28,101,818 less miles and a savings of over 1,433,193 gallons of gasoline based on the current gas prices. He thanked the Clean Energy Task Force for all their hard work.

Ms. Glassman thanked Mr. Roy and the Clean Energy Task Force for their hard work on this project. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to help the environment.

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

Ms. Glassman said the Town is in the final stages of completing the purchase of over 426 acres of beautiful wooded open space from the Ethel Walker School. She encouraged everyone to attend the celebration on Sunday at 230 Bushy Hill Road. She said there will be free parking and trail maps for exploring the trails. She thanked them for hosting this event to celebrate the project and for their efforts throughout the years to make sure that the purchase process moved forward smoothly.

Ms. Glassman reminded everyone that the Town, in conjunction with Avon, Canton, and Granby, will be conducting hazardous waste collection on Saturday, November 1st from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Simsbury Public Works Facility on 66 Town Forest Road. To see a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, just visit the Town website at www.simsbury-ct.gov and look under "Town News". You can also call the Public Works office at 860-658-3222 or the Landfill at 860-658-9481.

Ms. Glassman said that on October 1st the Town e-mailed the first edition of "The Simsbury Scoop" which is designed to keep residents informed about Town services and events. The publication is only two pages, but it contains timely information and should help residents to learn about all of the valuable services provided in Town. If you want to sign up to receive the "Scoop", you can go on-line at www.simsbury-ct.gov and look under Town News and click on "The Simsbury Scoop is Here!". She thanked Stephanie Riefe for her good work on this project.

Ms. Glassman said the Town of Simsbury’s Culture, Parks and Recreation Department along with the Simsbury Public Library will host a Halloween Party at the Library on October 30th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a wide range of activities and treats. She said more details will follow, so mark it on your calendars.

SELECTMEN ACTION

a) Approve Tax Refunds

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $4,426.63 as reviewed and recommended by the Tax Collector. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

b) Approval of Waste Water Treatment Budget authorization

Ms. Glassman noted that the Finance Director, in preparation for the audit has recommended the approval of an increase in the fiscal year 2014 expense budget for the WPCA to accommodate the Clean Water Fund Debt service payments and an increase the revenue budget for the reimbursement of these funds. Therefore, the net impact to the final budget would be zero.

Mr. Paine made a motion to approve an increase in the fiscal year 2014 expense budget for the WPCA to accommodate the Clean Water Fund Debt service payments made relating to Granby and Avon, and increasing the fiscal year 2014 revenue budget to plan for the reimbursement of these funds. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

c) Adopt Resolution for 2014-2019 Capitol Region Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Update

Ms. Glassman said the Planning Commission did adopt this resolution last night after a lengthy process. She said the plan identifies risks associated with potential challenges from flooding, loss of property from winter storms, or from wind. This was an extensive process, which utilized public meetings, community TV, and news media in order to obtain public comment and input.

Ms. Glassman said the plan allows the Town to prioritize infrastructure and services that need improvement to better withstand disasters. It includes maps and goals for the Town to achieve.

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the adoption of resolution for recommendation to Adopt Simsbury Section of CRCOG Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2014-2019. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

d) Adopt Resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding use of Fiscal Year 2014 State Homeland Security Grant Funding

Ms. Glassman said the Town already applied for the funding for emergency preparedness. The only change is that the Town of Simsbury is spelled correctly.

Mr. Paine made the following motion: RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen may enter into, with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mary A. Glassman, as First Selectman of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Board of Selectmen and to do and perform all acts and things which she deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents.

Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

e) Acceptance of Archdiocese of Hartford donations in the amount of $1,133 for the Keep Simsbury Warm Fund and $2,133 for the Simsbury Food Closet

Ms. Heavner made a motion to accept donations from the Archdiocese of Hartford in the amount of $1,133.00 for the Keep Simsbury Warm Fund and $2,133.00 for the Simsbury Food Closet. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman said she would send the Archdiocese a letter of thanks.

f) Acceptance of a donation in the amount of $10,000 from the Simsbury Soccer Club for use towards the paving of the roadway into Curtiss Park

Ms. Glassman said there have been ongoing discussions with the Soccer Club and Mr. Toner on paving the road at Curtiss Park.

Mr. Toner said the total cost would be about $26,000, with $10,000 coming from the Soccer Club and the balance coming from the special revenue fund. He said the costs for maintenance of the road go up every season.

Mr. Askham asked if we have funds in the account. Mr. Toner said yes, and this would then leave the fund with about $14,000 after the paving project. Mr. Askham doesn’t think that is the way the fund was set up.

Mr. Toner said he wants to pave the road now, before the winter season. This is the best time to do it, so time is of the essence. There has never been an issue with the way the revenue funds have been used.

After further discussion, Ms. Heavner made a motion to accept the donation of $10,000 from the Simsbury Soccer Club to contribute toward the paving of the roadway into Curtiss Park. Ms. Glassman seconded the motion. Ms. Cook, Ms. Haase, Ms. Glassman, Ms. Heavner and Mr. Paine were in favor with Mr. Askham opposing; therefore, the motion passed.

Ms. Glassman said she would send a letter of thanks to the Soccer Club for their donation.

Mr. Askham would like a review of how the revenue fund is set up and how all special revenue funds are to be used.

g) Approve Contract: Location Agreement / Permit to Film in the Town of Simsbury

Ms. Glassman said Jacob Maxwell Bitten, a Simsbury resident, wants to film parts of Simsbury.

Mr. Cooke said he is delightful to work with and he is working with staff to do a great job.

Mr. Askham made a motion to approve Contract: Location Agreement / Permit to film in the Town of Simsbury. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

There were no appointments or resignations at this time.

OTHER BUSINESS

a) Update on Blight Properties

Ms. Glassman said the new Zoning Officer has been doing an excellent job. We continue to have difficulty with the properties and it is a painfully slow process. We need to follow the law and can’t go onto a property without permission. There is only so much a Town can do with these properties. However, we have had some success with putting a lien on properties.

Ms. Cook asked if information could be put on the Town website. Ms. Glassman said we can’t really verify the information as we don’t control it. If a neighbor is launching a dispute against their neighbor, they don’t really want everyone to know who is launching the dispute.

Ms. Haase said it might be helpful to put the top ten most asked questions on the website. Ms. Glassman said it may be helpful to put the process for a zoning complaint on-line also and she will have these ideas checked out. This whole process is a very difficult especially as all laws need to be followed.

b) Update on purchase of 1 Old Bridge Road

Ms. Glassman said that she has already been authorized to sign the contract, but we are now waiting for contract changes. She said the owner has changed counsel and there are some new changes they want made.

Ms. Glassman said the Planning Commission tabled this discussion until October 28th. There will also be a public hearing to discuss this issue. The residents need to get out of the flood plain for their safety. If the Planning Commission doesn’t approve this then four of the Board of Selectmen need to approve it for this to be executed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

a) Regular Meeting of September 22, 2014

Ms. Haase made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of September 22, 2014 with changes. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. Ms. Haase, Ms. Cook, Ms. Glassman, Ms. Heavner and Mr. Paine were in favor with Mr. Askham abstaining. Therefore, the motion passed.

SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Personnel - Action on recommendation for Appointment of Employment Law Counsel

Ms. Heavner thanked Mr. Cooke for all of the material he supplied on this issue. She said the Personnel Committee is recommending the hiring of Martha Cullina, LLP as the Town’s Labor and Employment Counsel due to her depth of experience. This Employment Law Counsel can also be used for future laws, as they seem to be getting more complicated.

Ms. Heavner said Mr. Cooke check the references and they all came back very favorable. Also, the costs were reasonable.

Mr. Cooke said the Town has reserved the right to work with them on larger cases also.

Ms. Glassman made a motion to appoint Murtha Cullina LLP as the Town’s Labor and Employment Counsel for the remainder of the Board of Selectmen’s term. Ms. Heavner 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- Ms. Heavner said the Public Safety Committee is got an update on the Ebola situation. They are reaching out to schools, churches, etc. by making sure they have all the CDC information they need.

Ms. Glassman said there is a meeting this Friday to make sure our emergency responders all have the correct CDC information also.

5. Board of Education – Ms. Heavner said the Board of Education met last night and there are no changes in enrollment status and there are no plans to close any schools at this time.

Ms. Haase said the Economic Development Commission Task Force will be meeting on October 21st at 5 p.m. for an update on the tax incentive documents. Ms. Glassman said the documents are not ready as they are still being reviewed by the Town Attorney. She will send the draft document to the Economic Development Task Force and Board of Selectmen for review. The draft will also be on the Town website.

ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION

a) Review of correspondence from Town Counsel on status of Getty Station environmental clean-up

Ms. Glassman said there would be no action in Executive Session. It was just informational.

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to review correspondence from Town Counsel on status of Getty Station environmental clean-up at 9:00 p.m. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

In addition to the Board of Selectmen, Director of Administrative Services Thomas Cooke was present.

ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn from Executive Session. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion and the motion passed. The Board adjourned from Executive Session at 9:24 pm.

ADJOURN

Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathi Radocchio Clerk