Board of Selectmen Meeting January 28, 2019

Board of Selectmen Meeting January 28, 2019

After decades of issues with the Police Radio System it is time to purchase a “State of the Art” system that will last for decades to come.

At the present time there is static during transmission of activity with noise loud enough to cause hearing impairment of the Officers.

For years the Police Department has hired experts to remedy the radio transmission in areas in Simsbury where there is no transmission that could impact the safety of the Officers and the public.

Dead spots in Town are a public safety issue for our Officers where transmission of activity cannot be transmitted. Is this safety issue being addressed in the new “State of the Art” Radio System?

As a taxpayer, I am concerned with the agenda item (f) Proposed Improvement to Storage Barn at the PAC and Fee Waiver.

The Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a private organization with a sweetheart deal on the use of the Simsbury land. As a private organization they should pay for all fees associated with their development projects. As a taxpayer, I am asking the Board of Selectmen to deny their request for a waiver. The Simsbury Performing Arts Center should be treated as any other applicant developing a project and pay for all fees associated with the projects of a private organization.

Recently the Executive Secretary to the Town Manager had her job terminated. Town Manager Maria Capriola has the ability to reconfigure her staff and terminate her Executive Secretary that remained after the transition from First Selectman to Town Manager.

As a result of the transition from First Selectman to Town Manager, Tom Cooke, the Director of Administrative Services received a severance pay of $35,745, Vacation $10,640, OPEB Refund $3,693,COBRA Coverage $8,537 and Total of $58,624. Why should an “At Will” employee get a severance package due to a staff change?

Jamie Rabbitt, Director of Planning and Community Development had resigned his position after it was noted that many of his reimbursements were inappropriate and denied and received staff complaints alleging discrimination.

After his resignation, it is alleged that Jamie Rabbitt was telling people that he received a sweetheart deal from the Town. I have filed an FOI request asking for Jamie Rabbitt’s resignation package which I was told by Town Manager Maria Caapriola, this was an exaggeration of the agreement. To date, I have not received the material associated with my request.

It appears that there are exit payments to terminated or staff resignations. Has JoAnn Martin, Executive Secretary, received payments after her dismissal?

On November 14 and November 26, 2018 the Board of Selectmen went into Executive Session to discuss an “Annual Performance Review of the Town Manager”. After two lengthy sessions of Executive Sessions, why has the Board of Selectmen neglected to provide their written evaluation to the public?

I have had discussions with Griffin Land, the owners of the land where the solar panels will be placed and have received mixed messages on the sale of the land. It appears that the target for the sale of the property has been extended several months. Since this is a deal between two private businesses, does the Town have any indication that the sale is going forward?

The Board of Selectmen has had much discussion on Vaping, Juuling and Tobacco products used by underage children in epidemic proportions.

Everyone is addressing the delivery of mind-altering drugs without discussing why people are using mind-altering substances that lead to addiction.

The most common addictive substances are found in the home. Pills are prescribed for pain, anxiety and depression that are easily accessible to family members and distributed to others.

Alcohol is present in many homes with parents sharing alcoholic drinks to underage children without considering the affects of their actions.

Alcoholic beverages are not only easily accessible but are usually the first mind-altering substance that is a gateway drug to addiction.

The Town of Simsbury has become an enabler to alcoholic addiction by allowing alcohol on all Town property. The only sign prohibiting alcohol consumption in Town is at the Simsbury High School Fields. Under the sign of Track and Field Use Regulations, #7 states, No Alcoholic beverages allowed on school grounds.

The Town of Granby has developed a policy on the use of Alcohol on Town property that states: § 121-18. “Alcoholic beverages: The use or consumption of alcoholic beverages in Town parks is prohibited, except by special permit, which may be granted by recommendation of the Superintendent of Parks and with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, in connection with a special event upon assurance that all state laws relating to the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages will be strictly complied.”

It is time the Town of Simsbury follow the lead of many Towns in restricting alcoholic beverages on Town Property.