Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting September 8, 2014-Approved
TOWN OF SIMSBURY – BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 8, 2014
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 Sean Askham, Cheryl Cook, Nancy Haase, Lisa Heavner and Michael Paine. Others in attendance included: Tom Cooke, Director of Administrative Services; Joe Mancini, Director of Finance/Treasurer, Gerry Toner, Jerome Shea, Tom Roy, Hiram Peck, and other interested parties.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said at the last Board of Selectmen meeting, a resident was concerned about Memorial Pool. She went and looked at the pool, and feels it is in total disrepair and the pool was slippery. The Health Department did an inspection on August 8th and found that the pool was slippery and mold was present in the showers. Also faucets were not cleaned. Many people use this pool even though it is in disrepair. Many years ago there was discussion about closing Memorial Pool and just using Simsbury Farms to reduce costs. This Board now needs to vote to close this pool as it costs too much to run and is in disrepair, even though Ms. Glassman said she has never heard any complaints.
Ms. Coe said she was concerned that the Town Manager has not been able to finalize the Police Union contract. She said the Police Department is securing car seats for several Police Departments in the area. In order to secure them successfully it takes a lot of pushing and pulling, causing strain on the body. This could cause bodily injury. She wants to know why all Police Departments get certified to install car seats.
Ms. Coe spoke about five residents being evicted from Eno Farms. The Town’s Ground Lease said this property is for low and very low-income residents, as stated in the Eno Trust. She read that 48 units are designated for medium income residents. According to this article, there are 21 units above and low and very low-income levels. She wants to know what is the Town doing about this.
Ms. Coe said the owner of the property on 730 Hopmeadow Street has completed the handicapped ramp to his building. He has received a letter from the Town that he has 210 days of violations of the zoning regulations and must pay $31,000 in fines.
Ms. Coe noted that there has been approximately 183 foreclosures in Town. This is a reflection of the economy and the need for increased social services. She said the Town established a committee for community care to reach out for intervention and addiction. The bad economy causes more arrests in Town. She wants to know if these families are being reached out to for community for care.
Ms. Coe asked that the Board reject the fee schedule for walk-ons at the Paddle Courts during open times. She wants to know why fees are being charged for walk-ons. Tax payers support the maintenance for paddle courts as they do for tennis courts and fields and no fees are imposed for those venues.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, thanked the Board for allowing him to address them. He said the Finance Director gave him the courtesy of giving him the list of what was paid to attorneys last year. It was a lot of money! He feels the Town attorney needs to make a decision to either serve the Town or work for Updike, Kelly and Spellacy. We spend too much money when we hire special attorneys.
Mr. Kalechman said we need streetlights and sidewalks in Town. These lights are outdated and don’t save money. Stop the Charrette’s and we spend too much money on those.
Mr. Kalechman said the police budget had many cuts, no new cars in their budget, no restored police positions. He said we now have a marijuana facility, but nothing for the Police Department. Something needs to be done. He is not proud of this and no one else should be either.
Mr. Kalechman said there is a lot of special treatment going on here. He spoke of the solar panels being put on properties and people were assessed for home improvements. Now these people want tax abatements.
PRESENTATION
• Simsbury Celebrate Committee presents the Town with a "Celebrate Our View" print by Catherine Elliott
Ms. Glassman introduced Janet Calabro and Carol Brown who are making a special presentation on Simsbury Celebrates.
Ms. Calabro said the Committee is thrilled to share the primary fund-raiser for 2014, which is a signed, limited edition print by Catherine Elliott named "Celebrate Our View". This print was framed by Imaged It Framed.
Ms. Calabro said the first print run was sold within three months. The prints are not available but Simsbury Celebrates. She presented a framed edition of the print to the Town of Simsbury in recognition they receive from the Town each year as they plan Simsbury Celebrates. She thanked the Board and Departments for all their support and dedication. She also thanked Catherine Elliott and Rich Wagner for their incredible support and talent and who donated this print.
Ms. Glassman thanked the Committee for this beautiful print and said it would be displayed proudly in the Meeting Room.
Ms. Calabro said donations can be given to the Parks and Recreation Department or by mailing them to P. O. Box 495 Simsbury, CT 06070.
• Generator Project Update
Ms. Cook made a motion to amend the agenda to move up the presentation to the presentation. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Glassman said the Generator Update will be done after the first item of business under action items.
• Geographical Information System (GIS) Status Report
Mr. Shea said various departments have been working diligently over the last six months to try to bring the system into the state of good release. Right now they are "scrubbing" the data to make it more accurate. They are also building other layers that are important for the day to day business of storm drainage issues. They are also developing a sidewalk inventory.
Mr. Shea said they are scanning the record zoning record maps and site plans maps. They are trying to determine what information should be released to the public.
Mr. Shea said they will be asking the public for their feedback also. This will become a useful tool for everyone. They would love to release it on October 1, 2014.
The Board thanked them for all of their hard work.
Ms. Glassman said there is also an update on the Economic Development Commission. She reported that the Finance Director said the building permit revenue is up $149,000. This was not budgeted for.
Mr. Peck said he wrote a memo on September 4th about the building permit receipt records that reflect the significant amount of work approved and currently under construction as part of the land use process.
He noted that the Big Y project final plans are on his desk now. They will probably break ground in September with a store opening in 2015. He said there are about 15 projects that are "live" right now. There is a 30% increase in permit fees from previous years. This has to do a lot with the Zoning and Planning Commission continue to work well together.
Mr. Peck said The Hartford is very interested in participating in the "Quick Tracks Program" that the Town will also be a part of. He is also working on the Weatogue Village District area now.
Mr. Peck said the Zoning and Planning meeting are open to the public. There is a lot of useful information on all projects that are being presented. He discussed the ideas of the PAD’s and how they actually worked.
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT
Ms. Glassman said a study done by Safe Choice Security, which sells home and business security products, found Simsbury to be the 10th safest city in the State of Connecticut. Safe Choice Security consulted the 2012 FBI Crime statistics report to get the inside scoop on the 20 safest cities to live in Connecticut. Their study also recognized Simsbury as one of the best places to live in Connecticut in part because of its "impressively low crime rates."
Ms. Glassman said the Town is fortunate to have Peter Ingvertsen as our Chief of Police and this finding is no surprise to those who work with him on a regular basis. She thanked the Chief and the men and women of our Police Department who help keep Simsbury safe.
She also thanked the Chief who put on a terrific picnic for seniors last Wednesday and that welcomed over 200 senior Simsbury residents.
Ms. Glassman reminded everyone to attend the 45th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival sponsored by the Simsbury Woman’s Club. This will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th, rain or shine, on Iron Horse Boulevard. There are over 100 juried artists and craftspeople who will be present. For more information, please contact the Woman’s Club at SWC.artsandcrafts@yahoo.com.
Mr. Glassman said the Town will join the President and Congress of the Untied States in declaring September 14th through 20th as Constitution Week. September 17th marks the 227th anniversary of the signing of the constitution of the United States. This week provides everyone an opportunity to learn about and reflect on the rights and privileges of citizenship. Ms. Glassman has issued a Proclamation, dated September 8th declaring next week as Constitution Week.
Ms. Glassman said the Town is fortunate to have excellent employees in all of the Town’s departments and there are now some new faces. She welcomed, Carol Freeman, Joanne Moody, Sara Ray and Andrea Torrillo at the Library; Richard Villarreal as a 2nd shift building custodian; Brian Johnson, as the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent; Rachel Blatt, Assistant Town Planner; Trevor Brittell, Patrolman 1; and Eric Gomes, as Benefit Coordinator.
SELECTMEN ACTIONS
a) Approve Tax Refunds
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve tax refunds in the amount of $8,896.02 as reviewed and recommended by the Tax Collector. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Emergency Generator Project
• Authorize a budget transfer of $70,000
• Approve appropriation of $59,213 in grant funds for Tariffville School Generator Project
• Refer the budget transfer and appropriation of grant funds to the Board of Finance
Ms. Glassman said after having 10 days without power last year, there were lessons learned. That was an awful experience. The Town needs enough generators to sustain another bad storm.
Ms. Glassman said the Board of Finance did authorize a pool of money for the emergency generator use. We did go out to RFP, but they were all over budget.
Mr. Shea said spoke about the scope of the project which included installation of an emergency generator for all or a portion of Tariffville Elementary School, the adequacy for the existing 250k emergency generator at the Simsbury High School, and the portable generator at the Town Hall. After accommodating the FEMA grant they were still $70,000 short.
Mr. Shea went through the summary of funding available and the anticipated costs of the various project components.
Mr. Shea offered the following recommendations: Completing the Tariffville Elementary School Generator Project; to complete the Simsbury High School Generator Project to provide sufficient generator capacity; and to complete the installation of the secondary generator infrastructure at the Emergency Operations Center at Town Hall.
It was noted that the High School is opened first for disasters so there needs to be more lasting power there. If more space is needed then Tariffville is opened. The Town Hall needs to be open due to emergencies.
Mr. Askham made a motion to authorize a budget transfer of $70,000, approve appropriation of $59,213 in grant funds for the Tariffville School Generator Project, and to refer the budget transfer and appropriation of grant funds to the Board of Finance. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Approve fee schedule for the Simsbury Farms Ice Skating Rink and Paddle Tennis Courts as recommended by the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee and Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission
Mr. Toner went through the proposed fee schedules for the Simsbury Farms Ice Skating Rink and Paddle Tennis Courts. This was acted upon by a joint meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission and Simsbury Farms Complex Committee.
Mr. Toner said there was a long discussion on how to close the gaps on the revenue funds. He said the rentals rates at the Rink are the biggest source of revenue. The utility and man-power rates are expensive at both facilities.
There was some discussion on comprehensive planning and looking at what other courses and rinks do.
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the fee schedule for the Simsbury Farms Ice Skating Rink and Paddle Tennis Courts as recommended by the Simsbury Farms Complex Committee and Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission at their joint meeting on July 24, 2014. Also, to refer comprehensive fee planning to the Sub-Committee. Ms Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Discussion of and possible action on Open Space Fund and funding needed for open space development and maintenance
Ms. Glassman said this is the same document that was submitted to the Board of Selectmen/Board of Finance at the joint meeting with additional information on an Open Space Policy and how this money is to be used. We need to make sure that we need to make sure we are going to be comfortable with the way the money is used.
Mr. Toner and the Board went through the proposed expenditures of the Open Space Fund.
Ms. Haase made a motion to approve transfer of funds totaling $49,000, for items 1, 3, 4 and 6 of the Open Space Fund proposal. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the transfer of funds, in the amount of $25,000, for item 5. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Ms. Glassman said she would like this issues referred to the Open Space Committee and Board of Finance for further discussion and comments.
There was also some discussion on the sale of property language and other definitions.
e) Authorize the First Selectman to execute a two year agreement with Paint Care, a nonprofit 501 ( c ) (3) organization, for the collection of paints, primers and stains from the Bulky Waste Facility in accordance with the State of Connecticut’s Paint Stewardship Program
Mr. Paine recused himself.
Mr. Roy said this program began in October 2013 for the disposal of unused paints, primers and stains. The staff at the Bulky Waste Facility went through training and will coordinate the pick-up. There is no cost to the Town residents or Town. However, you do need a landfill permit to verify residency. If you don’t have a permit, most paint stores do take the unwanted paints back.
Mrs. Haase made a motion to authorize the First Selectman to execute a two year agreement with Paint Care, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, for the collection of paints, primers, and stains from our Bulky Waste Facility on Wolcott Road in accordance with the State o Connecticut ‘s Paint Stewardship Program. Mr. Askham seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Mr. Paine rejoined the meeting.
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a) Accept the resignation of Pamela J. Lacko ( D ) as a regular member of the Technology Task Force effective August 16, 2014
Ms. Heavner made a motion to accept the resignation of Pamela J. Lacko as a regular member of the Technology Task Force effective August 16, 2014 with our thanks. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
b) Accept the resignation of Peter Kellogg ( U ) as a regular member of the Board of Ethics effective July 31, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to accept the resignation of Peter Kellogg as a regular member of the Board of Ethics effective July 31, 2014 with our thanks. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
c) Appoint Denise Alfeld (D) as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2018
Mr. Askham made a motion to appoint Denise Alfeld as an alternate member of the Historic District Commission with an expiration date of January 1, 2018. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
d) Appoint Alexandra Rice ( D ) as a regular member of the Recycling Committee with an expiration date of December 7, 2015
Ms. Cook made a motion to appoint Alexandra Rice as a regular member of the Recycling Committee with an expiration date of December 7, 2015. Ms. Haase seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
e) Appoint new members to the Technology Task Force as recommended at the September 8, 2014 Technology Task Force Committee meeting
Mr. Paine made a motion to appoint new members to the Technology Task Force as recommended at the September 8, 2014 Technology Task Force Committee meeting. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
a) Economic Development Update
No further report at this time.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) Regular Meeting of August 11, 2014
Mr. Askham made a motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 11, 2014 with two corrections on Page 1. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor, with Mr. Paine abstaining, therefore, the motion passed.
SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personnel -
2. Finance
3. Welfare
4. Public Safety
5. Board of Education – Ms. Heavner said the Senior Citizen Sports nights will begin again soon.
Ms. Heavner said the Center for Applied Technology will be coming next week for a discussion on hardware and software for the GIS. She said the mobile data terminals for the Police Department will be going in next week.
Ms. Heavner said the Community for Care will be meeting on Wednesday night. They do not give residents personal advice and don’t go out as Social Workers or Case Workers. They are just there to let the community what resources are available to them. There are books handed out at the High School and Middle School to inform people about Community for Care.
Ms. Heavner said the Public Safety Police Officers will attend the meeting on Wednesday night from 6-8 pm in the Board of Education Meeting Room. They will review what type of drugs are out there. This will be filmed by SCTV also.
Ms. Cook said the Aging and Disability "Picnic in the Park" was a wonderful event and very well attended. She thanked all the volunteers who attended. The event was much appreciate by all who attended.
Ms. Haase said the Economic Development Task Force will be meeting on September 16, 2014. They are targeting some short and long term goals for each of the three sub-groups. The Economic Development Commission voted to move forward to look at RFP for Town website.
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
a) Discussion of purchase of 1 Old Bridge Road
b) Update on status of Police Union Pension and Contract Negotiations
Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:34 p.m. to discuss purchase of 1 Old Bridge Road and update status of Police Union Pension and Contract Negotiations. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
a) Discussion of purchase of 1 Old Bridge Road
In addition to the Board of Selectmen, Town Engineer Jerome Shea and Director of Administrative Services Thomas Cooke were present. Mr. Shea left the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
b) Update on status of Police Union Pension and Contract Negotiations
In addition to the Board of Selectmen, Director of Administrative Services Thomas Cooke was present.
ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Ms. Heavner made a motion to adjourn from Executive Session at 10:40 p.m.. Ms. Cook seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Possible action
The Board of Selectmen took no action based upon Executive Session.
ADJOURN
Mr. Askham made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:43. Ms. Heavner seconded the motion. All were in favor the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman
First Selectman