Simsbury Board of Selectmen Meeting May 23, 2022

Board of Selectmen Meeting May 23, 2022

On May 12, 2022 the Personnel Sub-Committee had a meeting that was posted with the heading, “Watch the Personnel Sub-Committee meeting LIVE on Comcast Channels 96, 1090, Frontier Channel 6071 and LIVE or on demand at www.simsburytv.org.”

This notice was incorrect since the meeting was in-person and was not recorded. The Town Manager’s Office when questioned about the notice stated that it was a mistake and the minutes of the meeting will be available. This mistake had consequences since the public was misled about the in-person meeting. Since the meeting was at 8 AM May 12, 2022, many people could have chosen to view the meeting at home.

With a highly professional staff in the Town Manager’s Office with highly paid employees, someone should have noticed that the information transmitted to the public was incorrect.

The meeting of the Personnel Sub-Committee had an agenda discussing two Grievance Hearings, represented by the CSEA union.

Another item was classification of Union positions for four employees’ jobs.

When questioned if a sound recording was available, I was told that there were no sound recordings of all meetings and this meeting was not recorded.

Melissa Appleby, Deputy Town Manager wrote the minutes of the meeting.

Having Melissa Appleby, certainly not impartial, writing the minutes with oversight from Town Manager Maria Capriola, leads one to believe that the minutes were sanitized to reflect the position of the town. Since there was no sound recording the public could not receive a true rendition of the meeting.

It is alleged the Town threatened they would file a labor charge if the Union did not retract unsubstantiated claim which is substantiated in the union contract…. abuse of power.

To provide transparency, the Town should have sound recordings at all public meetings.

Although there are people who feel they can control speech at Public Audience, I would like to notify them that my speech is just as important as theirs and I will continue using this forum to express my concerns as they can do in a public forum.

Addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling have reached a crisis. Many families are suffering from addicted parents and children. This addiction should not be ignored, nor should anyone discussing mental illness be silenced.

Over the years I have been to many meetings where our elected officials appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, without anyone calling attention to their actions when they are significantly impaired.

There are seven package stores in Simsbury that are striving financially, selling alcoholic beverages.

Food markets all sell beer with supply feeding demand.

Town Manager Maria Capriola and the Board of Selectmen are enabling alcoholism to flourish in town with alcohol consumption allowed on all Town land.

The sale of alcoholic beverages at the Simsbury Meadows Concert Series is used to increase revenue.

According the Rules and Information on the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts concert series website, the general rules state, “No outside food & beverages (vendors are on-site), coolers cameras, pets, drugs, weapons, beach umbrella, banners, tents or other view obstructing items in back packs or any items the Town of Simsbury deems offensive.

The Simsbury Meadows Concert Series is held outside at the Simsbury Meadows, with vendors selling alcoholic beverages, in conflict with the rules.

According to the rules, no outside food and beverages allowed.

The vendors at the Simsbury Meadows concerts are selling alcoholic beverages outside, which appears to be in conflict with the rules.

What is the definition of outside?

The rules state that any items the Town of Simsbury deems offensive is in violation of the rules.

What is the definition of offensive and who will be enforcing people’s behavior?

The elected officials, Town Manager Maria Capriola and Chief Boulter are required to approve all gathering permits from the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts.

Approval of alcohol sales are incorporated into the permits.

They approve these submissions on a regular basis with total disregard for the liability to the town.

Alcohol consumption combined with prescription or over-the -counter drugs can cause significant impairment.

At the April 18, 2022 meeting the Zoning Commission approved the submission of the owner for a Bookshop at 1 Grist Mill Road with the sale of Beer and Wine to increase the revenue stream.

The applicant stated when questioned, “the plan is to feature coffee in the morning and beer and wine at night, no liquor, just beer and wine.” Definition Liquor- Alcoholic drink.

That was an unusual presentation, no liquor, just beer and wine.

It appears in order to increase the revenue stream in businesses, the sale of beer and wine has become the norm.

The Town of Simsbury refuses to acknowledge that alcohol addiction is a number one Mental Health issue.