Minutes

Board of Selectmen - Minutes - Jan 12, 2026

Jan 12, 2026

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.

T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 1
CALL TO ORDER1
2
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Main3
Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. Present were: First Selectman Wendy4
Mackstutis; Deputy First Selectman Steve Antonio; Board members Mike Paine, Diana Yeisley,5
Curtis Looney, and Kevin Beal. Others in attendance included Town Manager Marc Nelson,6
Deputy Town Manager Tom Fitzgerald and other interested parties.7
8
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE9
10
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.11
12
PUBLIC AUDIENCE (0:40)13
14
• Participants can address the Board of Selectmen in person at the meeting15
• Email townmanager@ Simsbury-ct.gov by Monday, January 12, 2026, to register to16
address the Board of Selectmen live through Zoom17
• Written comments can be emailed to townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov. Written comments18
will not be read into the record, but forwarded to all Selectmen via email19
20
George Paul, 23 Old Farms Road, spoke about misinformation that was given in the December21
meeting. He also handed out the information to the Board from the Institute of Constitutional22
Authority Protection from Georgetown Law. He went through some points about public23
speaking and how the Board could handle public audience.24
25
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, said she should be home, not here, but she won’t be heard unless she26
is here in person. She spoke about the 250th anniversary and freedom of speech. She feels there27
is no way to communicate with the Board members. She can’t find the agenda on the new28
website She thinks the new website needs work. She also spoke about the sale of public land and29
the advisory housing committee. She said that maybe the public doesn’t want to sell land. She30
asked the Board to listen and hear what the public says.31
32
Susan Masino, 41 Madison Lane, said the Grange has a series of events called “Our America the33
Beautiful 250th Series.” She said there will be concerts, films, speeches, readings, seed34
giveaways, etc. She gave the Board postcards of some events. She also noted that she can’t find35
information on the new website and the calendar doesn’t have all events/meetings listed so it36
does need work as it is not keeping people informed. This has been a consistent problem. She37
also spoke about the Housing Committee and Charter Review. She feels someone from Open38
Space and Conservation should be on the Housing Committee for their expertise.39
40
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, said right after the new Board of Selectmen were sworn in, they41
held a meeting to discuss rules of conduct with the approval of the Town Attorney. They42
discussed who, what, and when people can speak. She also spoke about the Deputy First43
Selectman not following the rules and signage and trailers. She also spoke about the Board44
T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 2
meeting in undisclosed locations to discuss agenda items and ignoring open government. This45
appears to be a “shadow government” without any restrictions on their conduct.46
47
Ms. Coe also spoke about the Town Attorney, who has been with the Town for decades. She48
feels he has ethical violations and should not serve the Town. She also spoke about the49
International Skating Center who was given an exemption with taxes being reduced to $90,000.50
She feels even after sales of property everyone needs to pay their fair share of taxes. Eno Farms51
contract was signed and while the farms is thriving there are no benefits for the low-income52
people there. She also asked everyone to vote no on the referendum for the Simsbury Performing53
Arts Center expansion as taxpayers should not have to pay for it.54
55
Carolyn Stewart, 5 Tolland Circle, Historian of the Abigail Phelps Chapter National Society of56
the Daughters of the American Revolution, spoke about the 250th celebration. She said it was an57
honor to educate the public of the thousands of people who have given of themselves during the58
Revolution so we can have our freedom. She spoke about the six banners in the Granby and59
Simsbury Libraries. She noted that there will be a repeat performance of the reading of the60
Declaration of Independence and other activities for the 250th celebration.61
62
PRESENTATION (26:25)63
64
a) Simsbury Main Street Partnership 2025 Report to the Board of Selectmen65
66
Sarah Nielsen, Executive Director of Simsbury Main Street Partnership, gave a report on their67
work for 2025. She said they have a 3-year MOU with the Town. She said their strategies are to68
retain existing businesses and to recruit new ones. She said their services are free and there are69
no membership dues.70
71
She said the gift card program called Black Friday/Small Business Saturday was great. There72
were 432 gift cards sold, which keeps $25,900 in Town.73
74
Ms. Nielsen spoke about FinderSpaceinSimsbury.com, which gives listings of businesses for sale75
in Town and Simsburyevents.com where all events get listed. She also spoke about engaging76
Simsbury youth, branding, marketing and tourism.77
78
She spoke about working on the Skating Center and the expansion is just phase 1. The hotels,79
etc. are separate entities and not on Town-owned property.80
81
Ms. Nielsen went through the 2026 new initiatives for 2026, like identifying vacant spaces and82
how to change vacancies to tax paying businesses. They are looking at zoning issues, tax83
abatements and working with property owners. They want to utilize AI information for event84
analysis and marketing. She said that Simsbury Main Street and the Town have had 30 years of a85
public-private partnership to get the highest performing programming. They will continue to do86
their hard work to help the Town.87
88
After discussion, no motion was needed.89
T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 3
90
CONSENT AGENDA (1:06:20)91
92
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to move Selectmen Action items a)93
Authorize the Town Manager to Issue Tax Overpayment Refunds and b) Accept a donation from94
Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc., with our thanks; and under Appointments and Resignation95
items a) Acknowledge receipt of Resignation from the Board of Assessment Appeals and Board96
of Ethics and b) Appoint and Reappointments to the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission97
and Historic District Commission to the Consent Agenda. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All98
were in favor and the motion passed.99
100
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT (1:07:35)101
102
Ms. Mackstutis, Fist Selectman, reviewed her First Selectman’s report.103
104
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT (1:13:06)105
106
Mr. Nelson, Town Manager, reviewed his Town Manager’s report.107
108
SELECTMEN LIAISION AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (1:20:17)109
110
Mr. Paine said he went to the EDC meeting and they discussed several issues. They also had111
some concerns about being in the Charter. They will need to get more information on their112
issues.113
114
Ms. Yeisley said Public Safety sent out reminders to get the submissions in for their newsletter115
which will be done this week.116
117
Ms. Yeisley said Aging and Disabilities will hold a Super Thursday event at Eno at 12 p.m. this118
Thursday.119
120
Ms. Yeisley said DEI has several events coming up – “Lets Talk About the Holocaust121
Remembrance” is on January 27th at the Library. They are doing the Human Library again on122
March 28th. They are doing a Veteran’s “Lets Talk” event on January 15th. Juneteenth is123
scheduled for June 20th at the Meadows Performing Arts Center. They are working on a housing124
forum update and teen issues.125
126
Mr. Beal said Inland/Wetlands had a continuation on the Public Hearing on McLean.127
128
He thanked Ms. Mackstutis for adding the 250th Proclamation to the Agenda. He spoke about the129
First Selectman’s comments on the challenges in our Nation and said he doesn’t think it is130
unique at this time.131
132
Ms. Mackstutis noted that the Conservation Hearing is on the 20th.133
134
T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 4
SELECTMEN ACTION135
136
a) Authorize the Town Manager to Issue Tax Overpayment Refunds137
138
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.139
140
b) Accept donation from Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Inc.141
142
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.143
144
c) Schedule a Public Hearing for Proposed Amendments to Town Code, Chapter 141:145
Taxation Related to Exempting Horses and Ponies (1:24:59)146
147
Ms. Mackstutis said this is about a tax code change. This item was voted down in 2024, and she148
was asked to bring it back up. Mr. Nelson said the staff is recommending it be approved to149
ensure fair treatment and horses don’t need to be chased.150
151
Mr. Paine made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to set a Public Hearing regarding proposed152
amendments to Town Code Chapter 141: Taxation, for 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.153
Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.154
155
d) Discussing Recommendations from the Simsbury Housing Policy Advisory Committee156
(SHPAC) relating to development potential in certain Town-owned properties (1:27:27)157
158
Mr. Nelson said this is about considering recommendations from SHPAC for fee waivers and tax159
abatement program guidelines, which are recommended on page 11 of the report, related to the160
sale of property or development of property. It’s not on a specific property. It’s an idea of using161
tax abatements to stimulate the type of development that the boards want to see in Town. Ms.162
Mackstutis spoke about the last program guideline in 2021.163
164
After discussion, Mr. Nelson will create a draft and give it to the Board. Ms. Mackstutis and Mr.165
Beal will go through the draft and do an analysis and then discuss a strategy on how to166
implement it along with the recommendations from SHPAC.167
168
There was no motion at this time.169
170
e) Discussing Request from the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association for a Capital171
Purchase (1:39:03)172
173
Ms. Mackstutis said the SVAA requested $250,000 for a new van. She wanted to look at other174
priorities of the Town before looking at this. She said they had already ordered the ambulance.175
176
Mr. Nelson noted that he is looking for policy guidance, so we are using our resources in the177
most effective way. He said we have a 3-year MOU with SVAA. He said we have been helping178
SVAA with their capital plans. He said he is satisfied with them and the MOU. The new179
T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 5
ambulance is a financial necessity for them. He said SVAA thought they would be more viable180
and in a better economic position towards the end of the MOU, but they are not. This Board181
could pivot to giving capital support instead of operating support. If they take out a loan, it will182
cause further risk to their operating budget. He said any operating support cannot be bonded.183
However, we could pay for it with cash reserves.184
185
There was discussion on increasing our support for SVAA’s capital, which would reduce the186
impact on next year’s budget at the same time. The $160,000 in their operating budget would187
have to be renegotiated. Mr. Nelson noted that SVAA did start their own capital campaign and188
have received donations.189
190
After discussion, it was decided that Mr. Nelson start conversations with SVAA to get more191
information and form different scenarios on this issue. Ms. Mackstutis, Ms. Yeisley and SVAA192
Board can help with these discussions.193
194
f) Issue a Proclamation for America’s 250th Anniversary (2:08:00)195
196
The Board read the following Proclamation:197
198
PROCLAMATION199
200
2026 AS THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES201
202
Whereas, the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the203
formation of the United States of America will occur on July 4, 2026; and204
Whereas, Simsbury, founded in 1670, has contributed proudly and significantly to the history of205
our nation, and our state, for more than 356 years; and206
Whereas. in 2016 the United States Congress established by Joint Resolution the America 250207
Commission to encourage observances of the 250 years of our nation’s existence; and208
Whereas, Governor established Connecticut’s Semiquicentenial Commission with Executive209
Order 22-02 and the Commission has determined its mission and purpose is to develop,210
encourage, and execute an inclusive celebration, commemoration, and observance for the 250th
211
Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through civic, cultural, and historic education212
events and programs; and213
Whereas, the Commission will enhance tourism, economic development, history and civic214
education, historic preservation and outdoor recreation within the State; and215
Whereas, America’s 250 / Connecticut will engage Connecticut residents in all 169216
municipalities through local 250th committees and affiliate organizations through its culminations217
in 2028; and218
Whereas, preserving, studying, and enjoying state history strengthens communities, builds pride219
and forges bonds between Connecticut residents as we work together towards the goal of220
equality and recognition of the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and221
Whereas, it is appropriate that Simsbury engages fully with our past and looks towards a shared222
future that ensures our inalienable rights as guaranteed and protected in the Constitution; and223
T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 6
Whereas, the Simsbury Board of Selectmen thus encourages its residents to engage in programs224
that will commemorate the history of our Town, our State, and our Nation;225
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Wendy Mackstutis, the First Selectman of the226
Town of Simsbury, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen and the people of Simsbury, hereby227
proclaim that Simsbury will embrace the commemorative activities leading up to and through228
July 11, 2026.229
In Witness Thereof, I hereunto place my signature and the great seal of the Town of Simsbury230
on this 12th Day of January, 2026.231
232
Wendy Mackstutis, First Selectman233
Simsbury Board of Selectmen234
Steve Antonio, Deputy235
Kevin Beal236
Curtis Looney237
Diana Yeisley238
Mike Paine239
240
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to issue a Proclamation in honor of the241
United States of America’s 250th Anniversary. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in242
favor and the motion passed.243
244
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS245
246
Ms. Mackstutis noted that on some of the appointments were not fully conveyed to the list of247
names. She received some unaffiliated names to fill some spots, so those will be appointed at the248
meeting on the 26th.249
250
a) Acknowledge Receipt of Resignation from the Board of Assessment Appeals and Board251
of Ethics252
253
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.254
255
b) Appointments and Resignations to eh Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission and256
Historic District Commission257
258
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.259
260
c) Appointments to the Zoning Commission and Planning Commission (2:12:43)261
262
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to appoint Allen Bradford (D) as an263
Alternate Member of the Zoning Commission; Peter Harrison (D) as an Alternate Member of the264
Planning Commission; and Don Colantonio (D) as an Alternate Member of the Planning265
Commission. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. Ms. Mackstutis, Mr. Beal, Mr. Looney, Mr.266
Antonio, and Ms. Yeisley were in favor, with Mr. Paine abstaining. Therefore, the motion267
passed.268
T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 7
269
d) Appointments to the Hometown Heroes Selection Committee (2:15:33)270
271
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to retroactively to December 1, 2025 to272
reappoint Sabrina Teixeira as a Regular Member of the Hometown Heroes Selection Committee273
with a 2-year term ending December 6, 2027; retroactive to December 1, 2025, to appoint Jay274
Willerup as a Regular Member of the Hometown Heroes Selection Committee with a 2-year term275
ending December 6, 2027; to Appoint Amy Sheehan as a Regular Member of the Hometown276
Heroes Selection Committee with a 2-year term ending December 6, 2027; and appoint Jane277
McAlpine as a Regular Member of the Hometown Heroes Selection Committee with a 2-year278
term ending December 6, 2027. Mr. Beal seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion279
passed.280
281
APPROVAL OF MINUTES282
283
a) December 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes (2:16:52)284
285
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes286
of December 15, 2025. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion287
passed.288
289
EXECUTIVE SESSION290
291
Ms. Mackstutis made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to adjourn to Executive Session at292
8:17 p.m. and to include the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, Deputy Town Manager and the293
Town Assessor Francine Beland for a) C.G.S.§1-200(6)(B). The Board of Selectmen, Town294
Manager, Deputy Town Manager for b) Pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200(b)(a). Ms. Yeisley seconded295
the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.296
297
a) Pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200(6)(B) Discussion of Pending Litigation Simsbury Commons298
v. Town of Simsbury (Docket No’s HHB-CV-23-6082306-S, HHB-CV-23-6079578-S,299
HHB-CV-24-6085561-S300
301
Ms. Beland left the Executive Session at 8:38 p.m.302
303
b) Pursuant to C.G.S. §1-200(6)(a)): for the purpose of Discussing a Personnel Matter304
305
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:45306
p.m. Mr. Beal seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.307
308
309
310
311
312
313
T O W N O F S I M S B U R Y – B O A R D O F S E L E C T M E N
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – J A N U A R Y 1 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 8
SELECTMEN ACTION CONTINUED314
315
a) Authorize the Town Attorney to Enter a Settlement Agreement Regarding a Pending316
Tax Appeal of Simsbury Commons v. Town of Simsbury (Docket No’s: HHB-CV=23-317
6082306-S, HHB-CV-23-6079578-S, HHB-CV-24-6085561-S)318
319
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to approve the Joint Stipulation For320
Judgement for Docket Nos. HHB-CV-23-6082306-S; HHB-CV-23-6079578-8: CV-24-6085561321
vs. the Town of Simsbury for the tax appeals on real estate property located at 498 and 530322
Bushy Hill Road as presented and to authorize Town Attorney Robert DeCrescenzo to execute323
the agreement. Mr. Beal seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.324
325
b) Potential Action Related to Executive Session Item B326
327
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective January 12, 2026, to amend the Town of Simsbury Defined328
Contribution 401a plan to allow participants to retain non-vested Town contributions in the event329
of disability or death by adding provision Section 7.05 to the Government Money Purchase Plan.330
Ms. Mackstutis seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.331
332
COMMUNICATIONS333
334
a) Memorandum from Deputy Town Manager, Tom Fitzgerald re: Farmington Valley335
Trail Council Grant Mile Marker Project Grant, dated January 12, 2026 – there was no336
discussion at this time.337
338
b) Memorandum from Town Manager, Marc Nelson re: To Place One Flag and One Sign339
at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, dated January 12, 2026 – there was no discussion at this time.340
341
ADJOURN342
343
The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.344
345
Respectfully submitted,346
347
Kathi Radocchio348
Clerk349
350