Board of Selectmen Meeting June 8, 2020

Board of Selectmen Meeting June 8, 2020

As we are all experiencing protests, violence, social and financial inequality and a Covid-19 Pandemic, the residents of Simsbury have not focused on the issues facing the Town.

Town Manager Maria Capriola has terminated the employment of Robin Newton, an exemplary employee from the Planning Department. A Municipal Prohibited Practices claim against the Town Manager that is still pending. The Town is silent.

Chief Boulter terminated the employment of Sgt. Trombly for “Untruthfulness,” while Chief Boulter never admitted to saying he would hope that two officers would leave although several officers heard the comments. Chief Boulter is convinced that somewhere a tape of his conversation will surface.

Sgt.Trombly’s arbitration hearing will soon be finalized and Sgt. Trombly will get his job back. The Town is silent.

Corey Thomas, Simsbury’s first Black Police Officer came from the New Britain Police Department with a glowing record and lasted only a few weeks before he abruptly resigned from the Simsbury Police Department and returned to New Britain. The Town is silent.

Police Commissioner Jim Fleming resigned from the Commission stating that he believes in the “rule of law,” after the Town Attorney wrote an opinion on the duties of the Town Manager and the Police Commission. Town Manager Maria Capriola has stated that this “Opinion” is not public information. The Town is silent.

Gertrude Adusei’s employment was terminated at the Library for tardiness while she was on Medical Leave. Gertrude Adusei filed a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Gertrude Adusei is black. They are investigating her termination. The Town is silent.

Taryn Schrager an employee of the Recreation Department was terminated. There was a financial settlement with the Town. The Town is silent.

According to the Charter, the Board of Selectmen is the governing body overseeing the Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen is silent.

All these employees of the Town have lost their livelihood, health insurance and benefits. Families are suffering financial loss for no other reason than the Town Manager and the Chief of Police have abused their power. The Town is silent.

Section 502 of the Town Charter describes the Duties of the Town Manager.

Appointment and removal of officers and employees of the Police Department shall be governed by the provisions of Sections 615 and 707 of this Charter.

Section 615 refers to the Open Space Committee not the Police Department, which appears to be an error.

Section 614 refers to the Police Department which is the proper designation but not referenced under the Town Manager’s Duties.

Section 707 references the Police Department, which is correct.

Referencing Section 615, the Open Space Committee, in the Charter appears to be a significant error. If changes are to be made, does the Board of Selectmen require a Charter Revision Commission to rectify the mistake?

Will this require another Town Attorney Opinion, with another exemption?

Town Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo has provided many Opinions over the years that are questionable. Town Attorney DeCrescenzo stated at one time that placing political signs affixed on trees is illegal because in his opinion trees do not have First Amendment Rights and should be removed.

During the Mary Glassman administration, Town Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo gave a financial donation to her campaign while employed as Town Attorney for Simsbury. When questioned that this donation was illegal, I was told that Mary Glassman is his friend and since nobody was complaining it was fine. Is this unethical behavior?

Many of the Opinions from Town Attorney DeCrescenzo were questionable and Town Manager Maria Capriola is shielding the Opinion from the Public on the duties of the Town Manager and Police Commission.

Eventually I will file a complaint with the Freedom of Information Commission to rule on the whether the opinion is exempt.

I asked to review the email Commissioner Mike Long wrote regarding his concerns with the Governor’s Emergency Declaration and the process used to apply the Declaration to enforcement. This was discussed at the Police Commission Meeting on April 22, 2020. I have not received the email.

The Month of May was designated “Mental Health Awareness Month”

Under the restrictions of the Covid-19 restrictions of social distancing, restrictions on gathering, masks, home schooling children, some of which have underlying health issues, working from home, many of the families are stressed beyond comprehension.

The Police Department has had increased calls on Welfare Checks, Family Violence, increased consumption of alcohol and calls for Mobil Crises Center with children out of control.

The crises in Mental Health will continue for many years with most people unequipped to handle these issues within the family unit.

Many of the CREC buildings that have not been fully utilized should be repurposed and used for Mental Health Services.