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Board of Selectmen - Minutes - Mar 2, 2026

Mar 2, 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.

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CALL TO ORDER1
2
The Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 5:01 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; Finance Director/Treasurer Amy Meriwether; Budget7
Director Melissa Appleby; Public Works Director/Town Engineer Tom Roy; Director Culture,8
Parks and Recreation Tom Tyburski; Police Chief Nicholas Boulter; and other interested parties.9
10
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE11
12
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.13
14
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued from February 23, 2026) (1:00)15
16
2025 CHARTER REVISION COMMISION’S DRAFT REPORT17
18
[For the Purpose of Hearing Comments from the Public Relating to the Charter Revision19
Committee’s Draft Report]20
21
• Written comments can be emailed to townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov, not read into the22
record, but forwarded to all Selectmen via email23
24
Ms. Mackstutis noted that is a continuation of the Public Hearing on the Charter Draft Report25
from February 23, 2026.26
27
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, congratulated the Board of Selectmen and Charter Revision28
Commission on doing a wonderful job on the Charter revisions. She said she attended or listened29
to all of the Charter Revision Commission meetings. She wants everyone to listen to their30
discussions and hear how they arrived at their votes. She said people might not agree with what31
they did, but they did hear from the public.32
33
She said they did explain the roles of the Board of Selectmen and Town management, but she34
still doesn’t think the titles reflect what the public understands. She said the Town Manager is the35
Chief Administrative Officer and the First Selectman and the Board is the Governing Officer.36
She thinks throwing in the title of Chief Executive is confusing. She urged the Board to keep the37
title in Mr. Nelson’s contract but not change the title in the Charter to reflect the change.38
39
Lori Boyko, 15 Oakhurst Road, said she has had some discussions on who has the authority to40
create new Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Sub-Committees and the appointment of41
those members. She said it reads in the Charter like it is an exclusive purview of the Board of42
Selectmen and there is some discrepancy about that. There needs to be more clarity about that.43
44
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She feels the EDC should be moved out of the Charter, but not to get rid of them, but put them45
under discretion of the Board of Selectmen and move them into an ordinance so the Board of46
Selectmen can choose whether to have them or not as needed.47
Ms. Boyko said there are so many meetings that people can’t attend all of them as they run48
simultaneously. She feels it is essential to have full recordings and transcripts of all meetings in49
full detail as the context of what people say matters.50
51
Ellen Gilbert, 126 Hopmeadow Street, said she also attended most of the Charter Revision52
Commission meetings and had the opportunity to speak at them. She feels it would be beneficial53
to put out sandwich boards 3-5 days before a Public Hearing at Town Hall, in front of the Fire54
Department, West Simsbury and Bushy Hill so people can see which Commission is meeting,55
where the meeting is, and when the meeting is. She said sandwich boards are not that expensive56
and thinks it would greatly benefit the Town.57
58
After no further comments or discussion, Ms. Mackstutis noted that when the Public Hearing is59
closed the 15-day window starts to have more discussions and make decisions on the revisions60
and then possibly send it back to the Charter Revision Commission for more possible changes.61
62
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to close the Public Hearing on the 202563
Charter Revision Commission’s Draft Report. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. After some64
discussion on further discussions on the Charter at the March 9th meeting and tentative meeting65
on March 11th, all were in favor of closing the Public Hearing and the motion passed.66
67
PUBLIC AUDIENCE (11:27)68
69
• Participants may address the Board of Selectmen in person at the Special Meeting70
• Written comments can be emailed to townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov, not read into the record,71
bur forwarded to all Selectmen via email72
73
Ms. Mackstutis noted that there is a lot to discuss on the budget tonight, and she doesn’t feel that74
there will be enough time to discuss the Charter after that, so she is looking forward to discussing75
the Charter at the March 9th and 11th meetings.76
77
Ms. Nielsen, Executive Director of Simsbury Main Street Partnership, said she is confused and78
disheartened as it has been referenced that the Town is giving them money. She’d like to clarify79
this money is fee for service. They have written grants of over $800,000 which are national80
grants, and State and local grants. They include commercial tax revenue. They have kept81
existing businesses in Simsbury, grown businesses, which adds to the commercial tax base,82
which needs to be larger. She said they helped renovate Andy’s Plaza and the Riverview and83
helped with many other businesses.84
85
She said their MOU was codifying what they have been doing. It is really a fee for service, and86
they had to accomplish certain things in the MOU. Every Board of Selectmen has approved Main87
Street funding for the last 30 years. They always have detailed work plans and give updates to88
the Board every year. She said she came before the Board in January and outlined what they are89
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doing and the new projects they had and got positive feedback. Now she is hearing that maybe90
someone wasn’t happy and that wasn’t communicated with her. She said there has been talk91
about recusal of a selectmen member, which she doesn’t know about.92
93
Ms. Nielsen said there has been talk about them getting tons of volunteers and they do get94
volunteers and that’s what makes Main Street so successful. She said Main Street does a lot with95
very limited resources and limited budget for property and business owners.96
97
She said she knows that legally the Board can change the MOU but doesn’t feel that that would98
be in good faith. She said she understands if difference between renegotiating and that is fine, but99
this wasn’t a renegotiation. She said they have not had any negative criticism or feedback so this100
is very confusing. She said there was no discussion about the $85,000 given last year. She said101
they have tons of letters from business and property owners who say they wouldn’t be in102
business if it wasn’t’ for Main Street. Ms. Nielsen then quoted from an email she had sent to the103
Board “from the time of our initial investment in this key town center property in 2016 until104
today no other organization has provided such professional and highly valued assistance to us.”105
That is part of a very small email. She also read a letter that she received. She asked that the106
Board fully fund Main Street as it is the right thing to do.107
108
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, said she and Ms. Masino had purchased sandwich boards last year109
and she would donate them to the Board to post notices around Town. It is what the citizens of110
the Town want. She feels if Economic Development is not in the Charter, the Board should fund111
Main Street. She said we need real people that live, work and know the Town and that they can112
attract new people to our Town.113
114
Ms. Nash said Mr. Nelson is a great Town Manager, but he is not the same as Main Street or the115
Board or the public. They are two valuable commodities, and the Town needs the best of both.116
The Board should not discount the people in this Town. She also spoke about having issues with117
the new website. She said we shouldn’t need a special program to learn how to use the website.118
She said to find out what you want to accomplish and what words mean to people. Get119
suggestions and do something about the issues.120
121
Lori Boyko, 15 Oakhurst Road, said there is a difference in outside agency requests, and many122
are charitable donations and not fees for service. She said many charitable causes are very123
worthy, but they should not be funded by taxpayers. She doesn’t think the Board should not124
make decisions on where taxpayers want to put their dollars. She said if we are getting125
something specific from these organizations and paying for that it is a different story.126
127
Ms. Boyko said she does think we should have a Deputy Director/Head of Department at the128
Library as back-up management and plan of succession, which is something we don’t have. She129
said she likes the idea of the business library being ½ time at the Library and ½ time at Town130
Hall as it would be a natural fit. She also feels the Town needs an economic development plan131
with in-house staff members directed by the Town Manager would be good so economic132
development can move towards the future and interface with the plan.133
134
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Ms. Boyko said the Town has been a custom to Main Street being here, but year after year the135
minutes indicated that they were always supposed to be self-funded and to make their way off of136
the Town’s payroll. She feels there is a conflict as funding duties to their board and duties to the137
Town don’t always coalesce. She feels the economic development plan needs to come from the138
Board to the Town Manager and then staff. A lot of what Main Street does for the Town is Sarah139
Nielsen who has done an incredible job, but if she leaves, we don’t have a backup plan for that140
either.141
142
She feels we need to think about getting our arms around an in-house economic development143
plan. Taxes have been cut for the horses and the grand list is not growing. We can’t just keep144
adding while not taking something out.145
146
SELECTMEN ACTION (28.07)147
148
a) Review, discuss and adopt FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan149
(CIP)150
151
Ms. Mackstutis asked that the Board go through the sections of the budget that they didn’t get to152
go through on Saturday. She would then like to look at things that need to be revisited like153
revenues, then look at finalizing capital, and then see where they are. She said the Board needs154
to look at the Town Manager’s general budget, Board of Selectmen; Boards and Commissions;155
Finance; Probate, Elections; Benefits and Insurance: Operating Transfers and Funds.156
157
There were some questions and discussions on Human Resources and special events under the158
Town Manager’s budget as it was larger this year. Ms. Appleby said this would be for the Public159
Safety Committee items. Mr. Nelson said this was to help build HR and add capacity for events160
for Town’s workplace safety as previously discussed. They had hired a consultant and received161
an award from CERMA for their efforts. He noted that the return on this investment is162
significant. It is an organizational increase of $1700 total.163
164
There was also discussion on the GWI, union positions and merit increases contingencies, and165
transfers (page 92). There was also discussion furniture, phone service, labor relations/paralegal,166
anticipated legal fees, fees and subscriptions, the shared position in the Town Manager’s office,167
etc. Some of these items are being right sized, but they can be addressed further or have a168
discussion on reducing some items. Mr. Beal was interested in reducing legal fees to $120,000169
and taking the $5,000 increase away from them.170
171
There was some discussion on the Town Manager’s new office position. Mr. Nelson said this is172
a reallocation of a part-time person, not a new position. They would be splitting the current full-173
time Business Development Coordinator from the Library and deploying half of their time to174
help the Town Manager’s office for economic development to help build an internal capacity175
within the building to do some important work on the economic development front, etc. This176
position would be a zero cost to taxpayers. The employee would receive a step increase.177
178
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Mr. Nelson explained how this position presented itself during the budget process and feels this179
would be part of the economic development the Board is looking for. They are trying to come up180
with a new job description at this time. It is an administrative position that fits within the union181
and does work there. The position would be working with the Board, Economic Development182
and Main Street Partnership. Mr. Nelson said he needs this extra resource to drive this183
development forward. The Board is looking for a specific plan and job description.184
185
After further comments, Mr. Antonio would like to table this discussion so it can be brought up186
with Personnel and the Union to create a job description, and if appropriate, to put out a RFP for187
this job description and not do this because we found cost savings within the organization.188
189
Mr. Nelson said the economic development mission is his responsibility and this Board made190
comments in his review that they are not happy with this mission. However, he can not create191
good economic development without funding for it. The employee would be working with EDC,192
Main Street and the Chamber.193
194
Mr. Beal said he is familiar with the concept, but the process seems to be a challenge with this195
Board as there has not been any discussion on the capacities. They would need anticipated goals196
for this role. He would like to get thoughts and guidance from Personnel on how to utilize this197
role. It would be a challenge for him if we don’t give Mr. Nelson the resource for economic198
development knowing that they just told us we don’t have enough work for the business resource199
Library person and yet kept that role there while funding it. This would send a message of how200
we value the staff, especially when we have alternatives in front of us and a chance for us to get201
resources through them. He is willing to consider this position.202
203
Ms. Miceli said they are not saying they don’t have enough work for this person at the Library,204
but they were asked to find some efficiencies and there will be some things that will be given up205
in services to the community.206
207
After further discussion, Ms. Mackstutis said the Board could go with the concept and keep this208
position full-time at the Library. She said Mr. Nelson needs to bring a plan as to how the209
resources will work together with a job description and proof of how his office can’t do the210
administrative work without these resources and a plan of how the relationship will work with211
Main Street and EDC, etc.212
213
Mr. Nelson said he would like to know if the Board support this concept so they can continue to214
work on the job description, etc. and not waste their time doing so. He spoke about making the215
grand list better and taking incremental steps to right-size some issues by restructuring,216
reorganizing, and possibly cutting, while efficiency seeking.217
218
Finance:219
220
Ms. Meriwether gave a handout to the Board. She said this is legal history from labor relations221
from fy19 to present. She said even without negotiations, we are running high on this account222
compared to the budget over the years. Even if we don’t have negotiations, we have223
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terminations, personnel issues, regulation issues, grievances, arbitrations, etc. that we use an224
attorney for. The $55,000 is still low.225
226
There were some questions about going out to RFP for a new bank. Ms. Meriwether said it is227
time to do it now and she has a list of banks to send RFPs to. There was also some discussion on228
the Clerk fees and the Tax Department where part-time was moved to a full-time position. Ms.229
Meriwether gave the Board a paper on this subject. Clerk fees have increased due to length of230
meeting times. Tax Department had part-time staff went to full-time floater position. They are231
asking to increase the part-time person’s hours from 29 hours to 35 hours a week as there is a232
history of motor vehicle and housing apartments staffing has decreased.233
234
Ms. Meriwether said the Tax Collector works about 6 – 10 hours outside of her normal week to235
complete tasks that only she can do. There are not enough available hours for the Tax Collector236
to work on her delinquencies and the cost classification study. Ms. Meriwether then explained237
the rest of her budget. There was a decrease as ClearGov was not approved. Ms. Meriwether238
noted that the Town is going ok with getting paid back what is owed on motor vehicles. Ms.239
Appleby noted under the Assessor, to add back to the contingency the percentage increase would240
be 3.8% not 6%.241
242
Board of Selectmen – Public Health Agencies/ Boards and Commissions (pg32)243
244
Mr. Nelson said after speaking to Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo, the Town could purchase SVAA245
and then lease it back to them. He would craft a capital lease that would allow for a payback246
over a 5-year term. The risk on the Town’s side is the amount of liability insurance that SVAA247
could have to carry on that. If anyone on the Board has questions on that, he encouraged them to248
call Attorney DeCrescenzo.249
250
There was more discussion on the Main Street Partnership MOU funding of $85,000. Ms.251
Mackstutis wants to make sure that they will be working with Economic Development and the252
Town Manager’s office and that they all reach out to each other to make Mr. Nelson’s plan work.253
254
After discussion, Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to fully fund Main Street255
Partnership at $85,000 as requested, for the remaining and final year of the MOU in existence,256
subject to our financial review. Ms. Mackstutis seconded the motion.257
258
After more discussion, Mr. Beal made a motion to table the previous motion. Ms. Yeisley259
seconded the motion. Mr. Beal, Ms. Mackstutis, Ms. Yeisley and Mr. Paine were in favor. Mr.260
Looney was against and Mr. Antonio abstained. Therefore, the motion passed.261
262
There was some discussion on the Chamber and if they should receive the $5,000 requested. Mr.263
Antonio noted that the Town should be given space at the Spooktacular and be listed as a264
presenting sponsor there.265
266
Ms. Yeisley said that there should be a process for funding moving forward.267
268
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Ms. Yeisley made a motion to recess at 7:19pm. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in269
favor and the motion passed.270
271
The Board resumed at 7:31pm.272
273
Ms. Appleby noted that the big increase in Land Use advertising is because we are required to274
post notices in the Hartford Courant. They used to do “zoned rates”, but they no longer do that275
and they are posted statewide. In 2026 they are going up half of the full rate and in 2027 they are276
going up 75% of the full rate. However, we are on a grandfathered rate at this time.277
278
There was also some discussion on Aging and Disability asks and the relocation of the Probate279
Court. Mr. Nelson noted that Avon has responded about available and they will be meeting with280
them to discuss it further.281
282
The Board asked if we can use reserves of $20,000 for the Probate Court item.283
284
Benefits, Insurance, Transfers and Funds (page 89)285
286
There was some discussion on the Police and Town increases in pensions. There was also some287
discussion on Open Benefits (OPEB). Ms. Meriwether said these figures are calculated by288
Milliman every year. Ms. Meriwether said that the OPEB is new this year – a Board of Finance289
initiative. They are actually going to use the trust fund. This will be an annually required290
contribution for the OPEB fund so it will remain at 100% funding level.291
292
Mr. Paine had a question on the general liability – workman’s compensation that is going up293
$7,000. Ms. Appleby noted that the decrease in workman’s compensation was over several294
years. She said they don’t get the premiums until late spring, so they do a 3% projection. You295
may not see anything changing for about 5 years.296
297
Ms. Mackstutis asked about the $20,000 in-kind payment for the Restaurant at the Farms and298
how that will show up. Ms. Meriwether said it doesn’t show here as it doesn’t affect the bottom299
line.300
301
Ms. Mackstutis also had a question on the transfer of $14,500 from Julia Darling. Ms. Appleby302
said the Board is discussing a request from VNA of $7,000 up to $13,000 and the Meals-on-303
Wheels for $7,500.304
305
There was also some discussion on the Simsbury Housing Authority revenue. Mr. Nelson said306
the agreement was made in 1973 and really needs to be looked into again. His team is going to307
be checking on this agreement and how much we should be supporting the Housing Authority,308
and they should have a proposal for the Board during the summer.309
310
Ms. Yeisley asked about the Southwell Trust transfer $14,430 from the general fund and Ms.311
Meriwether said it was for the food pantry lease and Wednesday lunch program.312
313
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Police314
315
Ms. Caulfield said in the initial budget there was an ask for a dispatcher so they could go from 7316
to 8, which would be a multi-faceted role based on the workload. This would also help keep the317
patrol officers on the road a little more as they wouldn’t have to come back in to relieve a318
dispatcher for meals, breaks, etc.319
320
Chief Boulter said there is 1 dispatcher on the midnight shift, which is adequate. The day shifts321
are 7-3 and 3-11 and there are 1-2 dispatchers depending on the schedule. He said they had322
reached the point where 1 dispatcher could be a challenge. There are 11 crossing guards calling323
in the am and then in the pm as well, along with all other people calling for directions, etc. and324
about an average of 3 medical calls a day, usually about the same time. He said some of the calls325
could take several minutes each, while they are gathering vital information and giving326
instructions, while getting other calls. Having another dispatcher would help significantly.327
328
Mr. Nelson said this is a union request to add this position to help reduce stress, tension and329
overload. The request was very compelling. He also noted that there are 5 vacant positions in the330
Police Department. There was also some discussion on overtime, and morale, and productivity.331
Mr. Nelson said if the Board will fund it for ½ a year they would make up for the cliff. Chief332
Boulter said the position is full time with a salary of $71,000 plus benefits. This needs to be333
discussed further.334
335
Revenues336
337
Mr. Nelson said staff has been struggling about a $500,000 decrease in projected investment338
income. They are also struggling with a 14% increase to health care costs. He said those two339
things are about $800,000. The Police vacancy protects the position while not taxing the340
taxpayers of about $375,000 and the unwinding of CNR goes with another $415,250. Therefore,341
there were 2 crises and 2 solutions. He said they were trying to figure out what else could be342
done on the revenue side and they said the investment income of $500,000 could be changed to343
$475,000 or $480,000 and it could still remain within the range of what the analysis is.344
345
There was also some discussion on the department’s revenues, the increase in building fees and346
the Fire District. They discussed the ECS funding and the Government’s push to fund ECS.347
348
Capital349
350
Ms. Mackstutis said she made the Apple Barn a priority as she feels it could be used as a revenue351
generating area, but it is not in the current year’s budget. Mr. Antonio said he feels the Apple352
Barn could be used for alternative purposes in the future, and it could probably be pushed out to353
2028 until we have a path. There was some discussion on the timeline of the Apple Barn project.354
There would be about 4 months of design work with a 6-9 month renovation.355
356
There was also some discussion on the bonding of neighborhood paths of $380,000 in the current357
year. There are some options of a gravel path and just doing enough to keep the trails safe. Mr.358
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Fitzgerald said next year begins another bonding period. There was discussion on what could be359
bonded now and what could be bonded later.360
361
There was also some discussion on security and fire alarms upgrades. Ms. Appleby said this362
project has been bumped out 3 times now. There was discussion on how to use up the capacity363
the Board has. Mr. Nelson said we should use capital to do the fire alarms now.364
365
After further budget discussion, Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to approve366
$200,000 for SVAA capital project out of reserves with the condition to work on owning it and a367
lease arrangement that minimizes the Town’s risk, subject to the Town Attorney’s approval.368
Further move, to authorize the Town Manager to make arrangements that protect the Town’s369
assets. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.370
371
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, to take a recess. Ms. Mackstutis seconded the motion. All were in372
favor and the motion passed.373
374
There was more discussion on outside services and legal fees. Ms. Meriwether said Interval375
House was decreased $2500; Theatre Guild was decreased $3500; Gifts of Love was decreased376
$6,000; Modern Vintage Opera down $3500; Amplify down $1761; and the Chamber was377
decreased $2500. Also, on the VNA contribution, which was increased $6000, but it is offset378
from Belden Trust, so it would be a net zero. Main Street is a place holder now, but there were379
convincing comments on keeping them at $85,000. She said general legal was decreased by380
$39,000, and there was the increase to labor she hopefully convinced the Board to leave alone.381
The Probate Court will be decreased $20,000, which will be offset with capital reserves, and382
investment income would be increased $20,000. Also, SVAA would be increased from $60,000383
to $140,000 to fund the ambulance and offset with capital reserves.384
385
Ms. Mackstutis made a motion to bring the Main Street item back to the table. Ms. Yeisley386
seconded the motion.387
388
Mr. Beal said he is happy to vote tonight, but there should be a review of their financials in an389
appropriate executive session. He would like to request an agenda item at a future meeting390
where the Board can discuss finances for Simsbury Main Street Partnership. The previous391
motion was to increase Main Street Partnership to get to the $85,000 ($50,000 added) with the392
condition that Mr. Beal made to get information and put on an agenda to get financial393
information. All were in favor and the motion passed.394
395
Ms. Yeisley made a motion to take a 5-minute recess. Ms. Mackstutis seconded the motion. All396
were in favor and the motion n passed.397
398
Ms. Meriwether said before all the changes the tax increase was 2.18%. With all the changes in399
expenses the increase was $117,000. The increase to revenues is $168,000. Therefore, with all400
changes the increase in taxes is 2.15%. She said the mill rate went down with an increase in401
expenditures, which is offset by revenues.402
403
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After some discussion, Mr. Beal made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to approve the Board404
of Selectmen 2026 – 2027 Operating Budget in the amount of $30,628,420, to include the405
following changes from the Town Manager’s Proposed Budget:406
407
($15,500) – Decrease BOS – Community Services Public Agency Support408
$4,239 - Increase Social Services Public Agency Support409
$47,500 – Increase Economic Development Public Agency Support410
($39,000) – Decrease Legal Services Legal Fees411
($20,000) – Decrease Regional Probate Court Public Agency Support412
$140,000 – Increase Emergency Management Public Agency Support – SVAA413
$ 20,000 – Increase Investment Income414
$140,000 – Increase Operating Transfers – Capital Reserves Fund415
$6,000 – Increase to Operating Transfers – Belden and Southwell Trust416
417
Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.418
419
Mr. Looney made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to approve the Water Pollution Control420
2026-2027 Operating Budget in the amount of $5,914,158 (including Avon and Granby CWF421
share). Mr. Antonio seconded them motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.422
423
Mr. Looney made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to approve the Residential Property 2026-424
2027 Operating Budget in the amount of $425,450. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were425
in favor and the motion passed.426
427
Mr. Looney made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to approve the Simsbury Parks and428
Recreation Fund 2026-2027 Operating Budget in the amount of $3,032,788. Mr. Antonio429
seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.430
431
Mr. Looney made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to approve the Debt Service 2026-2027432
Operating Budget in the amount of $$9,064,275. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in433
favor and the motion passed.434
435
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to add the following new projects to the436
Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2027 in accordance with the Charter Section 803(b):437
438
Greenway Improvements $150,000439
Irrigation Replacement – Various Parks & Fields $150,000440
Simsbury Farms Golf Course - Clubhouse Reno and Expansion $ 40,000441
Historic Building Restoration $171,000442
Rental Buildings Exterior Repairs $341,600443
Wheeled Excavator $235,000444
Air Ventilation System (Highway Garage) – Supplemental $ 38,000445
Cold Storage Building $ 95,000446
Intersection and Roadway Safety Improvements $125,000447
Drainage Improvements $150,000448
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
S P E C I A L M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – M A R C H 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 11
Aeration System Energy Improvements $ 75,000449
Influent Pump $275,000450
On-Site Waste Recovery System $575,000451
452
Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.453
454
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to approve the Capital Improvement455
Program to include the following projects in 2026-2027, with a total funding of $9,541,925 for456
2026-2027:457
458
Recommended Funding459
460
SHS Turf & Track Resurfacing $2,200,000461
Bonds462
District Flooring Improvements $ 250,000463
Bonds464
District Network Infrastructure $ 350,000465
Bonds466
Greenway Improvements $ 150,000467
Cash468
Irrigation Replacement – Various Fields & Parks $ 150,000469
Cash470
Simsbury Farms Golf Course – Clubhouse Reno & Expansion $ 40,000471
Cash472
Simsbury Farms Swimming Pool – Plaster Replacement $ 170,000473
Cash474
Maintenance of Neighborhood Paths & Connecting Trails $ 380,000475
Bonds476
Roof Repairs (Town Hall, Eno Hall, & Library) $ 825,000477
Bonds478
Historic Building Restoration $ 171,000479
Cash480
Highway Street Sweeper $ 345,000481
Grants/Cash482
Sidewalk Reconstruction $ 251,325483
Cash484
Highway Pavement Management $1,800,000485
Bonds/Grants486
Rental Buildings Exterior Repairs $ 341,600487
Cash488
Security & Fire Alarm Upgrades $ 550,000489
Bonds490
Wheeler Excavator $ 235,000491
Grants492
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
S P E C I A L M E E T I N G M I N U T E S – M A R C H 2 , 2 0 2 6
P a g e | 12
Air Ventilation System (Highway Garage) – Supplemental $ 38,000493
Grants494
Cold Storage Building $ 95,000495
Cash496
Intersection & Roadway Safety Improvements $ 125,000497
Cash498
Drainage Improvements $ 150,000499
Cash500
Aeration System Energy Improvements $ 75,000501
Sewer Use502
Influent Pump $ 275,000503
Sewer Use504
On-site Waste Recovery System $ 575,000505
Sewer Use506
507
Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.508
509
Mr. Paine made a motion, effective March 2, 2026, to refer the following capital projects to the510
Planning Commission in accordance with CGS Section §8-24:511
512
SHS Turf & Track Resurfacing513
District Flooring Improvements514
District Network Infrastructure515
Greenway Improvements516
Irrigation Replacement – Various Fields & Parks517
Simsbury Farms Golf Course – Clubhouse Reno & Expansion518
Simsbury Farms Swimming Pool – Plaster Replacement519
Maintenance of Neighborhood Paths & Connecting Trails520
Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.521
522
b) Discuss and Possible Action on the 2025 Charter Revision Commission’s Draft Report523
524
There was no action at this time.525
526
ADJOURN527
528
Mr. Antonio made a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting of the Board of Selectmen at 9:50529
p.m. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.530
531
Respectfully submitted,532
533
Kathi Radocchio534
Clerk535
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