Minutes

Board of Selectmen - Minutes - Apr 20, 2026

Apr 20, 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 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 Wendy Mackstutis;4
Deputy First Selectman Steve Antonio; Board members Kevin Beal; Curtis Looney, Mike Paine5
and Diana Yeisley. Others in attendance included Town Manager Marc Nelson; Deputy Town6
Manager Tom Fitzgerald; Attorney Bob DeCrescenzo; Culture, Parks and Recreation Director7
Tom Tyburski; Management Specialist Franklyn Barrueco; Human Resource Director Eric8
Gomes; Library Director Lisa Miceli; and other interested parties.9
10
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE11
12
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.13
14
PRESENTATIONS15
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a) Simsbury Public Library Board of Trustees 2027-2031 Strategic Plan Update (:45)17
18
Holly McGrath, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees and Co-chair of the Strategic Plan19
Committee and the Library introduced other members at the meeting. She then went through the20
Strategic Plan Process and role of the Library. She said they are very proud of the Library and21
the great job the staff there does. They feel the Library is such a great gift to Simsbury.22
23
She said there were 30,000 items checked out in the Library in March along with an increase in24
digital items being checked out. Ms. McGrath said they also have many meetings, seminars and25
classes of all interests available at the Library. There have also been over 325,000 visits to the26
Library in 2025.27
28
Ms. McGrath said the strategic plan guides the performance and guides the planning for all the29
activities. She said there is a need/desire for mor intergenerational activities. They partner with30
Social Services, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and non-profit organizations on their31
activities. She said the Library is a key social, educational, cultural, and economic driver.32
33
She said the plan process will let them adopt a five-year strategic plan that will guide them for34
the future. Ms. McGrath said the plan involves public surveys, community input and data. She35
said the Director’s Report for April will be discussed at their meeting tonight, which highlight36
their goals for right now. She wants everyone, including the Board, to complete the survey and37
went through those questions. She said the survey ends at the end of May. It will help them to see38
what the community strengths are and what the community concerns are, and what the39
community wants in the future. She said everyone is invited to their last two listening sessions –40
April 28th at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church and May 5th at 3:30 p.m. at the Library. The Board of41
Trustees will adopt their new plan by the end of the year.42
43
44
45
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b) DEI Council Civic Forum Proposal (14:40)46
47
Rick Brush, for DEI member and now active volunteer, said he was here with the Co-chair48
Cheryl Cook and the Vice-chair Marla Madison. He said they would like everyone’s49
participation and engagement on the Simsbury Civic Forum.50
51
Mr. Brush gave some of his background as a non-profit consultant who works with communities52
bringing people together across their differences. He has lived in Simsbury for 24 years and53
wants to make sure Simsbury remains a place where people can come together and work through54
challenges that come about.55
56
He said the Simsbury Civic Forum is a process that would bring people together to share diverse57
prospectives, find common ground, and develop local solutions. They want to work with the58
Board of Selectmen and other departments to develop this forum.59
60
The DEI Council feels this proposal will give Simsbury an opportunity in context of what they61
are seeing around the country in increases of polarization, people having difficulty in coming62
together across differences, and working on our values as a community. There are different pro-63
active approaches to engage these differences in Town.64
65
Mr. Brush said the Forum would engage residents in facilitating respectful conversations and66
overtime finding common ground in solving local problems. This would be an ongoing process,67
which has four goals at this time. He said they are thoughtful about what issues they will be68
discussing. He said there needs to be neutral facilitation and structures along with someone who69
has experience in doing this type of forum.70
71
Mr. Brush said they came across Braver Angels and feel they would be able to create a safe place72
to facilitate this forum. They are a non-partisan, national organization with a good track record73
on this type of structured dialogue at no cost. All of the information will be provided by the DEI74
Council who is proposing this forum to the Board. They do have some topics of discussion and75
would like to formalize this with the Board. After the first few forums they would then come76
back and see what alignments need to be made to move forward.77
78
PUBLIC AUDIENCE (35:35)79
80
• Email townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov by noon on Monday, April 20, 2026 to register to81
address the Board of Selectmen live through Zoom82
• Written comments can be emailed to townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov, not read into the83
records, but forwarded to all Selectmen via email84
85
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, read a quote from Shakespeare. She spoke about the comments86
about her at the March 23rd meeting. She said the pictures she took of a recent fire were from87
across the street and forwarded to the media. She also spoke about “illegal” fireworks at a88
residence back in 2018. She said she received a copy of the Fire Marshal’s report of the fire89
through FOIA and posted it on her social media. Ms. Mackstutis called for a “point of order”, but90
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Ms. Coe continued to speak saying all her activities were legal. Ms. Mackstutis called for “point91
of order” again, but Ms. Coe continued to speak asking that Mr. Antonio resigned immediately.92
She said she asked for a copy of the sign-up sheet for the March 23rd meeting. but it was not93
available, which is in violation of the record retention laws.94
95
Joe Daley, 32 Nimrod Road, a member of the Recycling Committee since 2018, said the Swap96
Shop at the Transfer Station will be open on Saturdays from 9 – 2, April through October,97
weather permitting. This is it’s 25th season. He asked people to think about the Swap Shop when98
cleaning out for any items that they think are still useable. This is all free to Simsbury residents99
and he thinks it is a hidden gem of the Town.100
101
Mr. Daley is also an exofacial member of the Sustainability Committee since 2022, he said they102
have the following events coming up: Basics of EV Ownership at the Library on April 27th from103
7-8 and the 3rd Annual Simsbury Sustainability Fair on May 2nd at the Library from 10-2. He104
extended an invitation to the Board of Selectmen for these events.105
106
Mr. Daley also spoke about Municipal Solid Waste and Single Stream Recycling. He said every107
week residents take out their green trash barrels to the curb and every other week they bring out108
the blue recycle barrels. He said only 10% of the green barrels get burned to create electricity109
while 90% gets shipped out of state. He said after research he was amazed that the Simsbury110
single-stream recycling was going to a state-of-the art sorting facility. He was fortunate enough111
to arrange for a tour of this facility, and he was quite fascinated by it. He said it was an amazing112
experience that others need to see. He saw trucks dump stuff in one end and sorted bales come113
out the other end, and it has restored his faith in single stream recycling. He has set up another114
tour for May 14th in the am and would like to invite the Board of Selectmen and the Department115
of Public Works to join him. It will be a once in a lifetime experience. He hopes to keep116
spreading the word that single-stream recycling is alive and well and Simsbury residents should117
continue to put in the extra effort in sorting their recycling as it does make a difference.118
119
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, spoke about there only being 5 minutes for public audience and that120
the meeting was not recorded or attached to the minutes. She feels there should be a link121
between the Board and public so the public can be heard as their voices are very important.122
123
She also spoke about the proposed solar panels and getting input on this from the people. She124
feels more people should speak at the meetings as she is tired of just having surveys. She also125
feels the Board of Selectmen should set the agenda and then bring them to the Town Manager,126
not the other way around.127
128
Lori Boyko, 15 Oakhurst Road, asked if the Board watched the recording of the meetings. She129
said Ms. Mackstutis didn’t pound the gavel at Ms. Antonio at the March 23rd meeting but used it130
tonight and that isn’t right. Ms. Mackstutis called a “point of order”, but Ms. Boyko kept131
speaking.132
133
She said the Library has a separate committee that is in violation of State statutes on minority134
appointments, and they have been sidelined from the strategic plan. She said none of the135
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committee members were sworn in, there were no republicans, none of them filled out conflict of136
interest forms or received training on FOIA or other laws. After complaints were made, now137
there is one republican on that committee. She said the Board didn’t vote on the plan and that is138
in direct contradiction of our way of governing. She said this is also in total disregard of the139
residents who voted for the Library Board.140
141
Ms. Boyko feels this Town is a circus and is being run like a “sideshow.” She doesn’t feel142
anyone follows the Charter or ordinances. She said now the Board wants to have creepy143
community therapy by some outside monitoring company to tell us how to talk to each other.144
She feels it is time to retire the DEI Council as she feels it is not doing what it was supposed to145
be doing.146
147
CONSENT AGENDA (56:40)148
149
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to move Action Item c) Tax Overpayment150
Requests; items a) Appointments and Resignations to various Boards and Commissions; item b)151
Appointments and Reappointments to the Farmington Valley Health District Board of Directors;152
and c) Resignation from Aging and Disability Commission under Appointments and153
Resignations to the Consent Agenda. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were in favor and154
the motion passed.155
156
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT (57:34)157
158
Ms. Mackstutis, First Selectman, reviewed her First Selectman’s report.159
160
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT (1:01:31)161
162
Mr. Nelson, Town Manager, reviewed his Town Manager’s report.163
164
LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (1:09:55)165
166
Mr. Paine said the Housing Authority had their annual meeting and held their elections.167
168
Ms. Yeisley said the Board of Education is trying to decide where to hold graduation due to the169
construction at Simsbury Meadows. If it cannot be held there, they will hold it at the High170
School. Ms. Yeisley said the DEI Council “human library” was a huge success. Ms. Yeisley said171
Juneteenth program will be on June 20th from 5-9 at Simsbury Meadows. She said the Library172
Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony will be held at the Library on April 23rd at 3 p.m. Ms. Yeisley173
said Community Clean-up will be held this Saturday. She asked all to be safe on the roads. She174
said Aging and Disability will be having a sensory movie on Saturday at the Library from 2-4.175
She said Sweet Social Connections will be an event on May 3rd at the Library. Ms. Yeisley said176
the Social Sparks Club will meet next Thursday at the Apple Barn. You can register through177
Parks and Recreation. Ms. Yeisley said the Senior Communicator is now available. There is a lot178
of useful information in it. She said the next Super Thursday is May 14th from 12 – 1:30. She179
also said the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center season, including the Talcott Mountain180
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Music Festival begins on April 29th at 5 at Metro Bis. Ms. Yeisley said the Youth Services Board181
will be holding a presentation on April 29th at the High School on the Emotional Development of182
College Students.183
184
Ms. Mackstutis noted that the Personnel Sub-Committee is starting the Town Manager’s185
performance review process for the next budget.186
187
Mr. Antonio said the Office Space Vacancy Committee meeting met with the Town Manager,188
State Representative, Main Street, etc. to identify the first 2-3 parcels that could have alternative189
uses. This will help with our grand list. He also thanked all those who attended the grand190
opening of Vitality Orthopedics. Simsbury Yarns grand opening is on Wednesday at 5 p.m. He191
also said that the Simsbury International Skating has a huge grand opening on Apri 30th. He said192
there will be a couple of celebrity figures in attendance. Mr. Antonio said that Simsbury Main193
Street Partnership received their national accreditation. Mr. Antonio thanked Ms. Mackstutis for194
bringing the Children’s Museum offices to Simsbury. He noted that there will be a Career Fair on195
Wednesday at the High School.196
197
Mr. Looney said Culture, Parks and Recreation reviewed the donation that is on their agenda198
tonight from Simsbury Baseball to create a new facility for possible food and a place to sit and199
possible access to the restrooms. The State championships will be here for the next five years.200
Mr. Looney said the season at the farms is starting out strong. There are 12 events listed for the201
summer. He said the flashlight egg hunt on April 2nd went very well. The last day of school fun202
fest will be on June 18th.203
204
Mr. Beal noted that there will be an application for Inland/Wetlands on April 21st.205
206
SELECTMEN ACTION207
208
a) Act on 2026 Charter Revision Commission Final Report, Proposed Charter and209
Charter Amendments210
(1:16:45)211
212
Ms. Mackstutis said the Board reviewed the Charter Revision Commission’s final report and213
then sent back nine items to be revisited by them, including term lengths, EDC, directing staff,214
timely notifications, certain language, etc. Mr. Paine noted that section 801a says the Board of215
Finance is the budget-making authority for the Town of Simsbury. However, the budget making216
authority is actually the Board of Education and the Town Manager. The Board of Finance217
reviews the budget and recommends changes to the Board of Selectmen who then approves the218
budget.219
220
Mr. Barrueco went through what the Charter Revision Commission revisited and what their221
opinions were on these items. He handed out a review of the items the Board sent to the Charter222
Revision Commission and what their responses were.223
224
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Attorney DeCrescenzo went through the legal steps that need to be followed for the new Charter225
voting. He also went through all the language to make sure it was correct.226
After discussion, Mr. Paine made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to reject the227
recommendation of the Charter Revision Commission to remove the EDC from the Charter.228
After discussion, Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. Mr. Beal, Mr. Looney, Ms. Yeisley and Mr.229
Paine were in favor of the motion, with Mr. Antonio and Ms. Mackstutis were against the230
motion. Therefore, the motion passed.231
232
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to approve all of the proposed Charter233
amendments except to reject the proposed Charter amendment relating to Section 601 to234
reconsider EDC. Mr. Beal seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.235
236
Ms. Mackstutis made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to submit the proposed Charter237
amendments for the November 3, 2026, general elections and prior to that the Board will meet to238
propose the wording for the referendum questions. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were239
in favor and the motion passed.240
241
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective April 20, 206, to authorize the notification of the proposed242
Charter to the public within the next 30 days as required. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All243
were in favor and the motion passed.244
245
b) Discuss DEI Council Civic Forum Proposal246
247
There was no discussion or motion made at this time.248
249
c) Authorize the Town Manager to Execute Tax Overpayment Requests250
251
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.252
253
d) Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a License Agreement with Simsbury Little254
League Baseball, Inc. (1:49:21)255
256
Mr. Tyburski said a donor has come to see what else is needed at Field 5 to make it better. The257
State Championships will be held there for the next couple of years. He said what is needed is a258
covered area, grilling section, and possible access to restrooms across the parking lot. These will259
meet the needs of what the State is looking for at host locations. He would be using a MOU260
similar to the one used for the football shed at Weatogue Park. There will be no cost to the261
Town. They build it, pay for it, and take care of the maintenance for it. It will also be ADA262
compliant. The Town will be listed as the owner, but they will pay for everything.263
There is also no liability to the Town and they will give the Town a certificate of insurance.264
265
After discussion, Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to authorize the Town266
Manager to execute the license agreement, with the two changes discussed tonight, with267
Simsbury Little League Baseball, Inc. subject to the Town Attorney’s approval and building268
permits required. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.269
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270
e) Approve Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Unaffiliated Wage Rate Tables Pursuant to Section 7 of271
the Pension Rules and Regulations (1:56:41)272
273
Mr. Nelson said per personnel rules and regulations, they are required to bring a pay scale to the274
Board on an annual basis. This is about resetting and right sizing the minimum and maximum275
pay scales. We are now using the classification system for the first time.276
277
Mr. Gomes said they have to make sure they are building internal equity. This process was done278
with affiliated members and is now being done with unaffiliated members. He said you need to279
create bands or relative tiers based on positions within the municipality. He said the Town280
Manager sits at the top of the tier with any major positions dealing with finance or utilities to281
follow. Police are also always at the top. He said his proposal shows where everyone’s salary282
fits in.283
284
Mr. Gomes said this was general done before based on the general wage increases. Now, they285
have done research, looked at the classification compensation study from a few years ago and286
overall marketing to make sure we fall in line with other communities. He said tonight they are287
presenting the actual ranges. Mr. Gomes said the ranges that are being presented tonight all fall288
within the classifications except the Finance Director/Treasurer and Director of Public289
Works/Town Engineer, which is normal. They both have more responsibilities being dual roles290
than other positions.291
292
After discussion, Mr. Looney made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to approve the Town293
Manager’s proposed unaffiliated wage ranges for fiscal year 2026-2027. Mr. Beal seconded the294
motion. All were in favor with Ms. Mackstutis abstaining. Therefore, the motion passed.295
296
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS297
298
a) Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions – there was no discussion at this time.299
300
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.301
302
b) Appointments and Reappointments to the Farmington Valley Health District Board of303
Directors304
305
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.306
307
c) Acknowledge Receipt of a Resignation from the Aging and Disabilities Commission308
309
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.310
311
APPROVAL OF MINUTES312
313
a) March 23, 2026 Regular Meeting (2:15:53)314
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Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to approve the minutes of the Regular315
Meeting of March 23, 2026, as presented. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. All were in favor and316
the motion passed.317
318
b) April 9, 2026 Special Meeting (2:16:20)319
320
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting321
of April 9, 2026, as presented. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the322
motion passed.323
324
COMMUNICATIONS (2:16:40)325
326
a) Memorandum by Planning and Community Service Director George K. McGregor,327
FICP re: Municipal Land Use Commission Training Report, dated April 7, 2026 – there328
was no discussion at this time.329
330
b) Memorandum by Town Manager, Marc Nelson re: Sustainability Committee331
Administrative Support, dated April 20, 2026 – there was no discussion at this time.332
333
c) Memorandum by Town Manager, Marc Nelson re: Awarded Department of Justice334
Grant from April 24, dated April 20, 2026 – there was no discussion at this time.335
336
EXECUTIVE SESSION (2:17:05)337
338
a) Pursuant to C.G.S §1-200 (6)(A): Discussion of the Town Manager Yearly Performance339
Review Process340
341
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to move to executive session pursuant to342
C.G.S.§-1-200(6)(A): Discussion of the Town Manager’s Yearly Performance Review Process at343
8:16 p.m. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were all in favor and the motion passed.344
345
ADJOURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION.346
347
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective April 202, 2026, to adjourn from executive session at 8:48348
p.m. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.349
350
ADJOURN351
352
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective April 20, 2026, to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 p.m. Mr.353
Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.354
355
Respectfully submitted,356
357
Kathi Radocchio358
Clerk359