Simsbury Board of Selectmen Meeting September 11, 2023

Board of Selectmen Meeting September 11, 2023

Many of the members of theBoard of Selectmen are not running for re-election.

Only two members, First Selectmen Wendy Mackstutis and Heather Goetz are incumbents.

The candidates from both parties should be elected on their ability to have good judgement and vote for issues on the merits of the policy.

They should represent the 25,000 people of the community, not the special interests.

The public should vet the candidates for elected office for any conflicts of interest that they might have, disqualifying them from voting on many policy issues.

The newly elected board should encourage the public to speak at public audience without intimidation. This is the people’s forum not the elected boards.

The Ordinance prohibiting the use of Tobacco, Vaping and Cannabis products on public property states, “The purpose of the policy is to protect the health and safety of all individuals who use public property.”

Cannabis and Alcohol use should be treated equally as a mind-altering substance and should not be allowed on town property.

The Ordinance before the board omits alcohol although alcohol consumption has become an epidemic and affects health and safety.

The charge given to the board to add Cannabis, Vaping and Tobacco can have more additions but this board ignores the issue of alcohol addiction and excessive consumption.

The Board of Selectmen have elected not to address the issue of alcohol prohibition on town land due to their lack of leadership in addressing excessive alcohol consumption in the Simsbury community.

Ignoring the issue of alcohol consumption, the town is condoning the use of alcohol as a recreational activity and sending a message that alcohol consumption on town property is condoned by the elected officials.

At the present time, alcohol can be consumed on the town golf course, all soccer fields, baseball fields, swimming areas, tennis courts, platform tennis courts and all town recreational areas.

The Board of Education Conduct on Policy on School Property, “people cannot consume, possess, distribute, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages.”

This is in conflict with the Town Ordinance and does not have legal standing.

Knowing that alcohol consumption can destroy families and relationships, why should the town allow consumption on town property?

What message is the town conveying to our children that alcohol consumption is part of everyday activities?

The Board of Selectmen will be choosing a Town Manager to manage the the employees of the town with understanding and encouragement.

The person chosen should have communication skills that encourages open government with access to staff, community and businesses.

The formulation of the budgets should start with a zero-based budget and a zero increase in taxes.

The expenditure budgets should reflect the needs of the community, safety and education.

Chief Boulter will be able to retire in 2024 from the Police Department and with a month of being interim Town Manager, it is alleged that Chief Boulter might apply for the Town Manager position in Simsbury.

Chief Boulter has had a no confidence vote from the Officers in the department and has many issues with favoritism, retaliation and creating a hostile work environment.

Chief Boulter should not be selected for the position of Simsbury’s Town Manager.

Recently there was a government TSA truck doing business at 33 Canal Street, a residential area for a lengthly period of time.

The Planning Department should have issued a cease-and desist letter since they violated the zoning regulations, but were allowed to continue.

It appears that zoning enforcement has been ignored with little or no enforcement allowing the North to South corridor of Hopmeadow Street to have a multitude of signs and flags that make Simsbury into a chaotic uncontrolled pathway that does not enhance the character of Simsbury.

Over the years I have been able to speak to staff in the Record Room to review some of the incidents that appear to be unusual.

This review required only minutes of discussion.

However, Chief Boulter has ordered staff in the Record Room to refer me to Lt. Chase as designated by Chief Boulter.

LT. Chase is not available in a timely manner and with my access denied, I have had to request many incidents through the Freedom of Information Act which takes more time than a quick call that could be remedied with the long-term policy of me calling the Records Room and receiving a review of the incident.

A discussion with Chief Boulter might change the policy which is subjective and unnecessary.

Chief Boulter should review the Freedom of Information Act with access to aided reports from the Simsbury Police Officers.

Recently the Hartford Courant had a story, Facility must release records, “because they are not related to patient diagnosis or treatment.”

This policy should be followed by the Simsbury Police Department.