First Selectman's Reports
September 8, 2025
Sep 8, 2025
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
First Selectman’s Report September 8, 2025 Oil Spill Follow-up ongoing For those in the neighborhood impacted by the USA Waste oil spill, Public Works Director Tom Roy has been waifing for the results of the tesfing done due to the spill. Please refer to the Town Manager’s report for the latest informafion. Impacted residents are being kept up to date. Clock Tower Dedicafion Thank you to the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company for restoring the clock tower in front of Town Hall. It has been fully refurbished and now shines again, restored to its original condition. Everyone passing by or visiting us will see it. It stands as a landmark representing our center of government and an iconic symbol of the Town of Simsbury, a smaller-scale version of Heublein Tower. It was a gift to the town to celebrate the fire company’s 50th anniversary in 1994. Chief Bill Rose, Fire Company President Tim Gilbert, and 50th anniversary committee members discussed the gift to the Town of Spruce Creek. With help from the Ensign Bickford Foundation, the clock was purchased and installed in front of Town Hall. Shortly afterward, a brick walkway was added, with many individuals buying engraved bricks. Numerous current and former residents and families are honored there, surrounding the tower. I am honored, just as I know Town Manager Marc Nelson is, to have our names on a brick that recognizes our service to the town. We thank all of you for being such dedicated partners with us and look forward to continuing our work together for our hometown. Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center Next Act Groundbreaking We are excited to announce that the Next Act Expansion Project will break ground later this month. This project is a public-private partnership between the SMPAC, the State of Connecticut, and the Town of Simsbury. All parties worked hard to secure the necessary funding, including a large state grant and town funds, with the PAC raising the remaining amount to move the project forward. This project has been a long time coming, and I’m proud to be part of the team that helped make it happen. Dog Leash and Playing field Ordinance passes (befter known as the Dog Poop Law) At Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, we approved the ordinance regarding dogs on playing fields, playgrounds, and trails. Comments from our public hearing and emails helped shape the final version of this ordinance, making it better for everyone and acceptable for approval by the board. Dogs must be leashed in public recreation areas and are not allowed on active sports fields. The draft ordinance can be found in our agenda from Monday night. A minor change is being made to not restrict the leash length. https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif9751/f/agendas/09-08- 2025_town_of_simsbury_board_of_selectmen_regular_meeting_packet_2.pdf Please pick up after your dog no matter where you are. Simsbury Soccer Club MOU The Board approved the SSC MOU for exclusive use of Curtiss Park. We thank the public for their interest and for speaking to us, sharing both their concerns and their support for the MOU. After three public hearings and input from the BOS and Town Attorney, the MOU was strengthened from its original form. The term was shortened, which was a common concern from both the public and the board. The reference to turf fields was also removed due to uncertainties and safety concerns, especially next to the river and in a floodplain. If the SSC ever proceeds with the turf fields, they will need to return to the BOS to request a separate agreement. We are happy to engage in this public/private partnership. We also want to congratulate the SSC on their 50th anniversary – starting the club in 1975!! Thank you to Ethel Walker’s Head of School Meera Viswanathan I want to thank Meera for attending our meeting and sharing insights into what the students at Ethel Walker have been involved in, as well as how Walker's has partnered with the Town of Simsbury. We plan to explore additional opportunities to better collaborate and share resources with our all-girls private school in the center of Simsbury. Vietnam and Korean Veterans Ceremony On August 18th, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz came to HJMS, where we held a ceremony honoring Simsbury’s Veterans from both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Approximately 55 veterans and their families attended. I want to thank everyone involved and who came out for this event. Personal Note I want to take this personal privilege and share with everyone that our daughter, Leah Mackstutis, has an upcoming wedding to Alex Sanchez, both of New York City. Leah attended Kindergarten at Tootin’ Hills School, completed grades 1-6 at Tariffville Elementary, attended HJMS, and graduated from SHS, class of 2011. She will always consider Simsbury her hometown, and Alex has grown to love our town. We are so happy for them! I’m officially a MOB! (mother of the bride). Of course, I had to include a picture of the happy couple with Mabel. Happy New Year Wishing everyone who celebrates a Happy New Year, as Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday evening. Not sure I’ll have time to make a brisket, but I’ll let you know. Our next meefing will be on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Feel free to reach out. Please give me a call or send me an email if you have something on your mind. I’m also happy to meet during office hours. I have a flexible schedule. Cell - 860-543-3770 Email - wmackstufis@simsbury-ct.gov Wendy