Print
Share page with AddThis

First Selectman's Report - February 9, 2015

Posted on: February 11, 2015 - 10:24am

First Selectman’s Report

February 9, 2015

As Storm Abates, Residents are Reminded to Clear Hydrants

We have made it through yet another significant snowfall and I would like to commend our Public Works staff for clearing Simsbury’s roads and our Police department for keeping them safe.  We put parking bans in place during all three storms which made it possible to clear the roads and to keep them open for emergency personnel.  Thank you to Town residents for your help during these storms by complying with these bans.

Now that it has stopped snowing, we are asking for your help in clearing fire hydrants in front of your property so that the fire department may access them during emergencies. With the weather expected to remain extremely cold, residents are invited to take advantage of the Town’s warming shelters at Eno Memorial Hall and the Library during their regular business hours.

Finally, if you have not done so already, please visit the Town’s website at www.simsbury-ct.gov and register for CT Alert and the Town’s Community Alerts by clicking on the “Community Alerts” icon on the front page of the website and following the directions.  This is a way to be sure that you receive critical information during winter storms.

Town Meets with CL&P – Renamed “Eversource” – Concerning Proposed Closure Simsbury Area Work Center 

When we learned that CL&P – which has been renamed “Eversource” – was planning to close its Area Work Center in Simsbury, we contacted Eversource and asked for a meeting concerning the proposed closure.  Earlier today, Town emergency personnel including Chief Ingvertsen, Emergency Operations Manager Kevin Kowalski, Tom Roy, Jeff Shea, Tom Cooke and I met with representatives from Eversource including its Vice President of Electrical Operations.  Kevin Witkos and John Hampton were also in attendance.

Our primary concern is for the safety of the people of Simsbury and Town employees.  Simsbury raised our concern that Eversource’s decision will negatively impact public safety by increasing response times to emergencies.  We requested the following information which Eversource has agreed to provide:

  • Protocols and plans for staging areas for Simsbury for upcoming storms (Eversource will be discussing possible staging locations in Simsbury with Kevin Kowalski);

  • A copy of the Public Utilities Regulatory Report on Eversource’s response times;

  • An impact analysis for time lost to get parts/materials given the move outside of Simsbury;

  • Follow up information on how Eversouce is coordinating with Frontier on response to incidents; and

  • A written commitment from Eversource that it will provide an emergency response time of no more than one half hour for priority one incidents, as well as a protocol for meeting this commitment.

In addition, Eversource will arrange a tour of its dispatch area so that we have a better understanding of their emergency operations.  We have asked them to reconsider the proposed relocation of 69 employees which will also impact Simsbury’s economy.  I would also like to thank Representative Hampton and Senator Witkos, who will be following up with Frontier – which is the renamed telephone company – about arranging a meeting with Simsbury emergency response officials.

Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders Breakfast Features Local Consultant

On Friday, February 6 the Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Leaders Breakfast which gave businesses, residents and Town officials the opportunity to network and learn from two excellent speakers, including Richard Forgay of Business Leadership Mastery, LLC and our very own Peter Winiarski of WIN Enterprises, LLC.  These speakers shared some powerful insights into successful management and both presentations were well received.  This was a wonderful event and I would like to thank Chamber of Commerce President Ron Locandro and Executive Director Lisa Gray for putting it together.

Simsbury Residents Continue to Benefit from CCM Prescription Drug Card Discount Program

Since we started the prescription drug card program in September, 2012 I am pleased to report that 2,146 claims have been processed and residents have saved over $124,900 on drug costs.  The program is specifically designed for underinsured residents and the cards can be picked up here in Town Hall, at Eno Memorial Hall and at most drug stores in the area.  If you are interested in getting a card, please contact the First Selectman’s office at 860-658-3230 and we will help to get you a card.