Board of Selectmen Special Meeting March 10, 2014-Approved
TOWN OF SIMSBURY- BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 10, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
First Selectmen Mary A. Glassman called the special meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 6:39 pm in the Main Meeting Room at the Town Offices. The following members were also present: Sean Askham, Cheryl Cook, Nancy Haase, Lisa Heavner, and Michael Paine. Other interested parties and residents were in attendance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
First Selectman Glassman led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING
To Discuss 2014 Small Cities Program Application and to Solicit Citizen Input for Renovations to the Virginia Connelly Residence / Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments
First Selectman Glassman opened the public hearing. Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, stated that the Eno Farms property was intended for the people of Simsbury. He urged everyone in the room to contact their elected representative to apprise them of the grant application. He would like to see “triple-A housing” be provided with good lighting, heating, sidewalks, and sewers.
First Selectman Glassman called on Ed LaMontagne and Peter Testa from Wagner Associates. Mr. LaMontagne gave a brief overview of what they are looking to do with the Small Cities grant. They are looking to secure $700,000 to $800,000 to be used for infrastructure improvement including a new roadway involving paving, drainage, the addition of handicapped parking spaces, placing curb cuts on the sidewalks. He would also like to re-do the sidewalks, specifically where there is a four-inch height difference between the sidewalk and the threshold of the apartments. The improvements also include a new roof for Virginia Connelly. Mr. LaMontagne stated that the justification for these two projects comes from a capital needs assessment report done on behest of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority which demonstrated that the roadway is twenty years beyond its useful life. The roof at VCR is also four years beyond its expected life.
Peter Testa from Wagner Associates stated that the town received a grant from the state in 2006 which was used to work on select roof replacement, exhaust fans, ventilation, a new handicap entrance with automatic doors, flooring, laundry facility, and windows. The work was finished on time and within budget. This grant will not produce any program income. First Selectman Glassman thanked Mr. Testa for assisting the town and applying for these funds.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
Seeing no further comments, the Chair entertained a motion to close the public hearing portion of the meeting. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Cook and passed unanimously.
RECOGNITION OF OFFICER TRACY DUNNE AS A FIRST RESPONDER HERO
The Board recognized Officer Tracy Dunne as a First Responder Hero. While off duty playing golf, she witnessed a man experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and used CPR and an AED to save his life before medical professionals arrived. Officer Dunne, along with a Hartford fireman, was honored at a breakfast by the American Red Cross.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, discussed zoning regulation issues with a property at 33 Canal Street.
Robert Kalechman, 971 Hopmeadow Street, attended the budget meeting on the previous Friday. He stated that member of the audience at that meeting requested copies of the figures that were being discussed but were ignored. When financial figures are being discussed he would like to see extra copies be given to the audience. He also stated that the town of Wallingford has its own electric power company that is successful with low rates and high service. He would like to see if Simsbury can do something similar. He rebuked Republicans on the Board for not coming up with their own budget.
Sue Benarcyk, 119 East Weatogue Street, expressed disappointment over companies that have chosen to locate in Avon rather than Simsbury. She also shared the news of the passing of Mrs. Antonio. She feels strongly about land use and will continue to advocate for the right land use.
Wendy Richard, 3 Newbury Court, discussed questions she has regarding the entry/exit on Hoskins Road to a developer’s construction site. She is worried that it is an accident waiting to happen. There were rocks on the road near the entry/exit which punctured one of the tires of her son’s car. She also complained of early morning noise from the construction. She would like to see the entry/exit moved to a location with greater line of visibility. She would also like to file for damages to her son’s tire.
PRESENTATION
- Library Innovation Initiative
Lisa Karim, director of the Simsbury Public Library, presented the library’s progress with the Maker Space Initiative. She has techies and artists from MakeHartford willing to help with the program. The library has a stitching group that is regularly attended. Ms. Karim stated that the library is looking to open a 3-D printing lab by the end of April.
FIRST SELECTMAN'S REPORT
First Selectman Glassman urged citizens to stay involved and information will continue to be posted on the town’s website.
SELECTMEN ACTION
a) Approve submission of the 2014 Small Cities Program Application for Renovations to the Virginia Connelly Residence/Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments.
The Chair entertained a motion to approve submission of the 2014 Small Cities Program Application for Renovations to the Virginia Connelly Residence/Dr. Owen L. Murphy Apartments including approval of the following certified resolution which was read into the record:
WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the Connecticut Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the State of Connecticut, Department of Housing pursuant to Public Law 93 – 3 83, as amended; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 127c, and Part VI of Chapter 130 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Housing is authorized to disburse such Federal monies to local municipalities; and,
WHERAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the Town of Simsbury make application to the State for $800,000 in order to undertake a Small Cities Community Development Program and to execute an Assistance Agreement therefore, should one be offered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Board of Selectman:
- That it is cognizant of the conditions and prerequisites for State Assistance imposed by Part VI of Chapter 130 of The Connecticut General Statutes; and,
- That the filing of an application by the Town of Simsbury in an amount not to exceed $800,000 is hereby approved, and that the First Selectman is hereby authorized and directed to file such Application with the Commissioner of the Department of Housing, to provide such additional information, to execute such other documents as may be required by the Commissioner, to execute an Assistance Agreement with the State of Connecticut for State financial assistance if such an Agreement is offered, to execute any amendments, rescissions, and revisions thereto, to carry out approved activities and to act as the authorized representative of Town of Simsbury.
Selectman Cook made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Heavner and passed unanimously.
b) Discuss and possible action for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget
Budget Workshops have been going well.
c) Approve Tax Refunds
The Chair entertained a motion to approve Tax Refunds in the amount of $8,827.39. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
d) Review and discuss waiver of fees for the Theatre Guild of Simsbury Event at Eno Hall
The Chair entertained a motion to waive fees for the Theatre Guild of Simsbury Event at Eno Hall. Selectman Paine made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
e) Authorize the Board of Finance to create a Special Revenue Fund for Public Works
The Chair entertained a motion to authorize the Board of Finance to create a Special Revenue Fund for Public Works. Selectman Paine made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Heavner and passed unanimously.
f) Simsbury Sidewalk Policy – discussion of next steps
Tom Roy discussed the various types of sidewalk regulations. Homeowners are required to clear off the sidewalk on their properties; however, many neighborhoods only have sidewalks on one side of the road which makes it a little unfair. The Board agreed to review Mr. Roy’s submission and address the issue at a later meeting.
g) Approve 2014 fee schedules for the Simsbury Farms Golf Course and Aquatic Facilities
The Chair entertained a motion to approve 2014 fee schedules for the Simsbury Farms Golf Course and Aquatic Facilities and the Board requested additional information regarding revenues be provided by Mr. Toner, Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
h) Approve Public Gathering Permit Applications
The Chair entertained a motion to approve Public Gathering Permit Applications for the following events: April 6, 2014 – MS Annual Walk; April 27, 2014 – Simsbury Granby Rotary Club – River Run; May 18, 2014 – Try Simsbury Triathlon; and June 1, 2014 – Hartford Marathon Foundation – Iron Horse Half Marathon. Selectman Cook made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
i) Approve Extension of Ground Licenses for Agricultural Properties
The Chair entertained a motion to approve Extension of Ground Licenses for the following Agricultural Property Owners: George Hall, Anthony Napolitano and Rosedale Farms. Selectman Heavner made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Paine and passed unanimously.
j) Approve submission of 2014 STEAP Grant Application for improvements at the Performing Arts Center
The Chair entertained a motion to approve submission of the 2014 STEAP Grant Application for improvements at the Performing Arts Center. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Cook and passed unanimously.
k) Authorization for the First Selectman to execute FY2013 Homeland Security Grant Program Application
No vote needed
l) Approve assignment of Hartford Symphony Orchestra contract to Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc. pursuant to Facilities Operation Agreement.
The Chair entertained a motion to approve assignment of Hartford Symphony Orchestra contract to Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc. pursuant to Facilities Operation Agreement. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
No other business
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
- Appoint Community for Care Committee Members
The Chair entertained a motion to appoint the following Community for Care Committee Members: Candee Brohinsky (D), Cheryl Cook (R) – Board of Selectmen, Woody Eddins (D) – Co-Chair, Karen Gallagher (U), Sarah Gwinn (U) , Lisa Heavner (D) – Board of Selectmen, Co-Chair, Richard Holden (U), David Krayeski – * (contingent upon becoming a registered voter), Ed LaMontagne (R) , Sharon Lawson (R), Marc Lehman (U), Heather Mudano (D), Hannah Reynolds (D), Sally Rieger (D), Becky Rosenthal (D), Tom Steen (U) and Judy Sturgis (R) . Selectman Paine made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Askham and passed unanimously.
b) Appoint Steven Mitchell as a representative to the Central Region Tourism District.
The Chair entertained a motion to appoint Steven Mitchell as a representative to the Central Region Tourism District. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Cook and passed unanimously.
c) Accept the resignation of Nancy Thoma from the Recycling Committee effective March 1, 2014
The Chair entertained a motion to accept the resignation of Nancy Thoma from the Recycling Committee effective March 1, 2014. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
d) Change the resignation date of Denise Alfred from the Historic District Commission to June 1, 2014
The Chair entertained a motion to change the resignation date of Denise Alfeld from the Historic District Commission to June 1, 2014. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Cook and passed unanimously.
e) Appoint Rosemary Fusco to the Recycling Committee for a term to expire on December 7, 2015
The Chair entertained a motion to appoint Rosemary Fusco to the Recycling Committee for a term to expire on December 7, 2015. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Cook and passed unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
a) Regular Meeting of February 24, 2014
The Chair entertained a motion to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 24, 2014. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Paine and passed unanimously.
b) Budget Workshop Special Meeting of February 27, 2014
The Chair entertained a motion to accept the minutes of the Budget Workshop Special Meeting of February 27, 2014. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
c) Budget Workshop Special Meeting of February 28, 2014
The Chair entertained a motion to accept the minutes of the Budget Workshop Special Meeting of February 27, 2014. Selectman Askham made the motion which was seconded by Selectman Haase and passed unanimously.
SELECTMEN LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Personnel – No report
2. Finance – No report
3. Welfare – No report
4. Public Safety – No report
5. Board of Education – No report
ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Ms. Haase made a motion to enter into executive session, with Town Counsel Robert DeCrescenzo and Director of Administrative Services Thomas Cooke present, to discuss a possible action brought the Town of Simsbury in connection with an automobile accident which injured Town employees and damaged Town property. Mr. Askham seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The Board of Selectmen commenced Executive Session at 8:25 pm. At 8:35 pm Mr. Askham excused himself from the meeting citing a potential conflict of interest.
ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:40 pm Ms. Heavner made a motion to adjourn Executive Session. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Ms. Heavner made a motion to authorize Town Counsel to commence legal action against Corrine Nevers and Cay Dickenson in connection with a 2012 motor vehicle accident involving Town employees and Town property. Ms. Haase seconded the motion and it passed unanimously (Mr. Askham had previously recused himself and did not participate in the vote).
ADJOURN
Ms. Heavner made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen and Ms. Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8:41 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman, First Selectman