Board of Selectmen Meeting January 23, 2017

Board of Selectmen Meeting January 23, 2017

Now that the Personnel Sub-Committee will be discussing a timeline and actions leading to choosing a Town Manager, I hope we attract the best person.

It appears that there are several recruiting firms that specialize in attracting Town Managers seeking employment. The recruiting firms in order of preference are: Govhrusa, Waters & Company and Randi Frank Consulting.

A posted listing for a Town Manager in a town similar to Simsbury states:

“The Town Manager reports to a five member Town Council. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in public policy, business, planning or related field. A Master’s degree is highly desirable. Candidates will be expected to have 7-10 years increasingly responsible experience in executive level public management as a CAO or Deputy CAO in a similar community. Candidates must possess a welcoming demeanor and be committed to open communication with the elected officials, staff and community. A record of experience in economic development, budget and finance, long range planning and labor negotiations is important. Starting salary is approximately $115,000 DOQ. Residency is required preferably within 6 months of appointment.”

I would urge that this process begin immediately with a deadline of December 2017.

At the Economic Development Commission on 7:30 AM, January 12, there were more concerned officials than members of the Commission. Since there wasn’t a quorum, they had to adjourn the meeting. Since this has become a lame duck commission with many members resigning their positions, I would suggest that they no longer convene since they have been eliminated from the Charter. First Selectman Lisa Heavner should develop a strategic plan for a newly configured Economic Development Commission as discussed at the Charter Revision Commission.

I recently went to the Library to pick up a book and noticed that the brick walk and sidewalk leading to the entrance of the adult section was crumbling causing a hazard. After entering the library I went to the Reference desk for information and felt the intense heat coming from the ceiling vents. It appears that the heating coil was defective and needed to be replaced. It appears that First Selectman Lisa Heavner requires written bids on all purchases regardless of cost. This is inconsistent with the policy of the town and caused a delay in replacing the heater coil. The excessive heat was pumping out while bids were submitted and reviewed. Eventually the town’s supplier was chosen. What a waste of tax dollars!

While parked at the library I decided to walk down to the Simsbury War Memorial since I had not been there. As I entered the site I noticed that the walkway had granite inserts on the walk that were extremely slippery and dangerous. I called staff and registered my concerns about the liability with slips and falls. I was told that Len Lanza the promoter and developer of the magnificent War Memorial fell twice while entering the site. This project had to be submitted and reviewed by town staff and not one person on our professional staff and elected officials reviewing the plans questioned the liability of placing granite on a walkway. The Memorial was finished in November 2016 and only did my concerns in January 2017 require review of the slippery granite walk. On Thursday January 19, a sign was placed on the entrance. “Caution Slippery When Wet.” Is this the final solution to a dangerous situation?

At the January 9, 2017 Board of Selectmen Meeting, the Public Committee stated that they were looking into 3 places for a permanent home for SCTV. At the present time they occupy 1,600 sq. ft. in Eno Hall. Once they move from Eno Hall the seniors can use that space for their programs and possibly for their luncheons.

One of the plans was incorporating an additional building into the renovations for Henry James Middle School

The second is Scout Hall that is presently being used for recreation programs. The building has 1750 sq. ft. in the main room and 270 sq. ft in an additional room with a total of 2020 sq. ft.

The third and appropriate plan is to move SCTV to the basement of the Library with 2900 sq. ft. of available space and an architectural drawing for the use already developed with an infrastructure in place. The Friends of the Library could maintain their mission in Boy Scout Hall.

SCTV would be a welcome addition to the Library as a Community Center, making this scenario a win win for the Town and the taxpayers.

I recently read an article in the Hartford Courant, Across Connecticut, Powerful Video Tackling Drug Stigma. This video is produced by the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration, “Chasing the Dragon,” showing the impact of the opioid crisis nationwide. I asked SCTV to obtain the video and I was told they will be showing the 45 minute documentary in February.