Board of Selectmen Meeting August 28, 22017

Board of Selectmen Meeting August 28, 2017

On Saturday August 26 and Sunday August 27 I observed the 2 Left Feet Blues Concert that turned the Town upside down with text amendments to the Zoning Regulations for RV’s and Camping was a bust. There was poor attendance and fewer overnight campers than reported. There was an onslaught of concert attendees going to the Maple Tree for refreshments with the band “jamming” into the evening. There were campers at the free parking lot on the other side of Iron Horse Boulevard. Dave Ryan has made commitments that he could not enforce. A cart was placed at the C/D Parking lot for garbage disposal for overnight campers. Is this cart with a sign on the lot with RV overnight parking stating “Throw All Trash Bags In Here,” a sanitary solution to rubbish removal? The Simsbury Performing Arts Center under the direction of Dave Ryan has become a rogue organization that has violated its contract with the Town. the contract should be terminated for breach of contract. The land was purchased with taxpayers dollars for the benefit of the Town. Dave Ryan has alienated all organizations using the property by changing pricing and requirements without any appeal process in place. The residents can no longer enjoy the park and children cannot use the playground when Dave Ryan, President of the SPAC controls its use. First Selectman Lisa Heavner has stated that she cannot control Dave Ryan. Who is managing the Town, First Selectman Lisa Heavner or Dave Ryan?

The Board of Ethics has abdicated its responsibilities by not giving and opinion on the alleged conflicts of interest that might arise from Mike Paine becoming the First Selectmen with no executive duties. Mike Paine is a Republican candidate. Although David Moore recused himself from the discussion as Chairman of the Board of Ethics he is also Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party, therefore he has some “skin in the game.” Why duck your responsibilities?

First Selectman Lisa Heavner has stated on many occasions that the town has many residents volunteering. This is completely disingenuous. There is a circulating file of a few residents playing musical chairs on various boards and commissions.

According to town records on endorsed candidates, the Democratic Party could not nominate a full slate, missing 4 slots. The Republican Party where missing 8 slots. How can First Selectman Lisa Heavner state that Simsbury residents volunteer when both parties cannot fill a full slot of endorsed candidates for various board and commissions?

According to Town records the Millwright Restaurant and C-Tec solar have not paid their taxes.

The Town has a contract with a very reputable company with years of experience in this field for a search for Simsbury’s Town Manager. It is my opinion that the company should use their time and expertise in the selection process and not on focus meetings at various times. The focus should be on getting the right candidate for Simsbury. The candidates should be interviewed with the selection committee and a candidate should be forwarded to the Board of Selectman for approval. The candidate should become a resident of the Town.

Recently the town started Chip Sealing some roads. Chip Sealing leaves cars with rocks hitting the body causing damage and is dangerous riding a bike on the rocks. It is also dangerous to joggers and walkers on the road since the rocks can hit the people. Using Chip Sealing is a cheap way to maintain the roads and has unintended consequences with damage to property and body. Residents of Simsbury expect safe roads. Chip Sealing roads should be eliminated.

I would like to inform you that the International Skating Center of Connecticut in Simsbury is now introducing Curling to the center. Curling is an Olympic sport. There are Curling Clubs throughout Connecticut. If you are not familiar with the sport, you can find it on YouTube. As of now the time slot will be on Friday evening about 9PM. All the lines and targets are down on the Hockey Rink with the ability to have 2 lines of Curling. Curling is a social sport for all ages. If you are interested in joining the Curling activities, please call the ISSC of Simsbury at 860 – 651- 5400 for more information.

According to Town records the Mill Commons LLC was purchased by BW Mill Commons for $20,900,000. Dorset Crossing Apartments LLC was purchased for $36,500,000. It appears that sales of developments have become an ongoing trend. The Town should track this trend on many of the approved developments.

It should be noted that there are 38 active foreclosures in Simsbury. There are many residents who cannot support increases in property taxes.