Minutes

Board of Selectmen - Minutes - May 11, 2026

May 11, 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: Mike Paine, Diana Yeisley, Curtis5
Looney, and Kevin Beal. Others in attendance included: Town Manager Marc Nelson; Deputy6
Town Manager Tom Fitzgerald; Chief of Police, Nicholas Boulter; Deputy Chief of Police, Chris7
Davis; Town Engineer/Public Works Director Tom Roy; and other interested parties.8
9
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE10
11
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.12
13
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to add a Police Week Proclamation to the14
agenda under the June Pride Month Proclamation. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in15
favor and the motion passed.16
17
PRESENTATIONS (3:30)18
19
May as Bike Month Proclamation20
21
The Board members read the proclamation for May as Bike month. Ms. Yeisley made a motion,22
effective May 11, 2026, to adopt the Proclamation in honor of Bike Month as presented. Mr.23
Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.24
25
June as Accessibility Awareness Month Proclamation26
27
The Board members read the proclamation for June as Accessibility Month. Ms. Yeisley made a28
motion, effective May 11, 2026, to adopt the Proclamation in honor of Accessibility Awareness29
Month, as presented. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion30
passed.31
32
June as Pride Month Proclamation33
34
The Board members read the proclamation for June as Pride Month. Mr. Beal made a motion,35
effective May 11, 2026, to adopt the Proclamation in honor of Pride Month, as presented. Ms.36
Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.37
38
Ms. Yeisley made a motion to further move to authorize the Pride flag to be raised outside of39
Town Hall for the month of June 2026. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. Mr. Paine, Ms.40
Yeisley, Ms. Mackstutis, Mr. Antonio and Mr. Looney were in favor, with Mr. Beal opposed.41
Therefore, the motion passed.42
43
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Mr. Beal said while he supports the flying of the flag, he feels there needs to be a debate and44
policy on where and when flags should be flying outside of Town Hall.45
Police Week Proclamation46
47
The Board read the Proclamation for Police Week. Mr. Paine made a motion, effective May 11,48
2026, to approve the Police Week Proclamation as presented. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion.49
All were in favor and the motion passed.50
51
PUBLIC AUDIENCE (13:28)52
53
• Email townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov, by noon on May 11, 2026 to register to address54
the Board of Selectmen live through Zoom55
• Written comments can be emailed to townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov, not read into the56
record, but forwarded to all Selectmen via email57
58
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke about being told if you see something you should say59
something, and how she spoke up about zoning violations for signs and banners that she saw that60
are zoning violations. She said the signs and banners have been removed. She said the gavel is61
always used on her when speaking, but when someone else speaks about false allegations of her,62
no gavel is used. She spoke about preferential treatment and “protectionist agenda.” Ms. Coe63
also spoke about a trespass violation against her after the Deputy First Selectman was yelling at64
her in the hallway in Town Hall. She feels a government official should not be a “bully.” She65
asked the Board of Selectmen to vote no confidence in the First Selectman and ask him to resign66
due to his behavior. Ms. Coe said she spoke to the Town Manager and Town Attorney who will67
produce a detailed list and description of all of the Deputy First Selectman’s activities.68
69
Ms. Coe spoke about the Town Manager and Finance Director getting a lot of emails during the70
budget process that require an immediate response from the Board of Finance. She feels these71
emails should be consolidated to reduce the amount of time they all take to respond to the72
requests.73
74
Kris Barnett, 15 Oxford Drive, Charter Revisions Commission Chairman, spoke about the75
anticipated Charter Revision changes that are going to referendum in November. She said public76
audience at Town meetings in Connecticut are to support democracy. It is done so residents can77
share their opinions and ask questions that will help to shape decisions made in Town business.78
Public audience allows direct input on policies and promotes transparency and accountability. It79
allows residents to speak on issues that affect their lives. It also helps officials to gather input on80
the concerns of the community. She said one of the most consistent themes they heard was the81
need for more transparency in local government. She said a lot of the public comments made are82
not in the agendas and not part of public records. She said the Charter Revision Commission83
made sure all public comments were in the minutes and available to everyone. She asked the84
Board to adopt a similar policy to enhance transparency and ensure residents feel their voices85
have been heard, documented and shared. She feels public audience is an opportunity to engage86
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in discussion on concerns of residents. The residents should be informed when they have made a87
difference.88
89
Diana Moody, 7 Elcy Way, spoke about bike month. She said we should always focus on safety.90
She said there are LED lights that should be used and the flashing yellow lights, that are all over91
town, should be used as well. Everyone needs to push the button when trying to cross the street.92
She noted that Ms. Yeisley and herself are going to come up with a safety campaign soon.93
94
Ms. Moody said Farmington Valley Trails Council has an adopt-a-mile campaign to maintain the95
trails. This is for individuals and businesses to join. She said this is also a bicycle friendly96
community. Mitchell Volvo was the first bicycle friendly business in the country to receive a97
gold friendly bicycle friendly business award. She feels bike month helps to highlight the98
importance of the trails with walkability and safe transportation options. The trails encourage99
people to get outside, keep active, and connect to one another. She feels the trails build a better,100
stronger, happier community. We are very happy to have these trails. She also noted there will be101
a ride-to-work day which starts at the commuter parking lot and ends at the old State house. She102
then handed out new trail maps.103
104
Diane Nash, 5 Merrywood, said she is not for or against the right to vote and to speak and be105
heard. She said it is very important to vote. She noted that the budget vote will be held this106
Saturday at Town Hall but feels that is very inconvenient. Ms. Nash said it was very frightening107
that a small number of people opposed the budget. She said it is the resident’s obligation to vote108
as every vote counts. She said the Board of Selectmen budget includes lumped expenses for109
recreation and the library. It is 11% of their budget. She talked about not assessing the horses at110
Ethel Walker anymore. She said residents didn’t know what the cost to the Town would be111
without that assessment. She said when a presentation is made the Town Manager and Selectmen112
should assess the cost of items but also the cost of staff usage. We should pay more attention to113
things we must have and not just want to have. She asked that the Town Manager, Board of114
Selectmen and citizens do their jobs and vote every time there is a vote available.115
116
Ellen Gilbert, 126 Hopmeadow Street, spoke about the accessibility at Eno Memorial Hall. She117
said this building serves senior citizens. She said there are only four handicapped parking spots118
in the lot. Also, the ramp to Eno is not user friendly She would like the handicap issues looked at119
again to see if there is something else that can be done there.120
121
Ms. Gilbert said public audience is for the voice of the people. She had written a letter to Zoning122
Board of Appeals, and she feels her voice should be listened to and addressed in some type of123
conversation.124
125
She also said she likes to walk on the bike trails and wished that there was some way of making126
sure there was a bell on the bikes so people walking would know that they are coming up on127
them as a lot of people don’t yell out that they are coming.128
129
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Ms. Yeisley explained that the funding wasn’t available to complete the regrading of the ramp130
and on the north side of the Eno building, The entire accessibility was then moved to the south131
side as that north side ramp is a hazard due not being graded properly.132
133
CONSENT AGENDA (37:33)134
135
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to move items a) Execute Tax Overpayment136
Refunds, under Selectmen Action; and a) Reappoint Matthew Lidestri to the Technology Task137
Force and b) Resignation from and Appointment to the Sustainability Committee, under138
Appointments and Resignations, to the Consent Agenda. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All139
were in favor and the motion passed.140
141
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT (35:35)142
143
First Selectman, Wendy Mackstutis, reviewed her First Selectman’s report.144
145
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT (40:14)146
147
Town Manager, Marc Nelson, reviewed his Town Manager’s report.148
149
LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (49:06)150
151
Mr. Beal said the Sustainability Fair was very successful and there were animals there for the152
kids.153
154
Mr. Looney said the Police Commission’s budget was approved by the Board of Finance. They155
still have two positions available. They now have a coin with a QR code where you can apply for156
a position. Two officers have been sent out for training for accidents and reconstruction as157
someone left that position. He said the Police Academy will be on May 20th. They will be158
holding a torch run. The Rotary Club donated $1500 to the Junior Police to go to that event in159
western MA.160
161
Mr. Looney said Parks and Recreation had a special meeting to approve a plan to discuss their162
plans for the new restaurant at Simsbury Farms. The plans will now be sent to the Board of163
Selectmen and Board of Finance.164
165
Mr. Antonio said the 250th Anniversary Committee held a meeting, and the events will be starting166
soon. The events will end on July 11th with a parade to finish the celebration. There is still167
availability to enter a float in the parade.168
169
Mr. Antonio said the Office Space Vacancy Committee is moving forward well and they are170
having tours of the properties to see how they want to move forward with this issue. He said171
ISCC had their grand re-opening, and our new Olympic skater was introduced. There are four172
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rinks down there now and it is very impressive. He also mentioned some famous people who173
were born in Simsbury.174
175
Mr. Antonio said the Lions Club will continue to sell flowers in Antonio’s parking lot until176
Memorial Day.177
178
Ms. Yeisley also mentioned a famous person who is now going to Broadway in the Outsiders.179
180
Ms. Yeisley said the Board of Ed is working on hiring for open and retiring positions. They181
announced the new science chair at the High School. She said Mr. Stillman gave a school182
counseling report, which was very interesting. They are also going to be creating a career183
coordinator position at the High School.184
185
Ms. Yeisley said DEI is grateful that things are moving forward for Juneteenth. They are looking186
forward to an exciting event.187
188
Ms. Yeisley said the Library is grateful and exciting for the State money for the teen space189
renovation project.190
191
Ms. Yeisley said the strategic planning survey will close on Memorial Day. She said they192
appreciate the feedback and are asking residents to keep taking the survey and attend the193
listening sessions.194
195
Ms. Yeisley said the Friends of the Library will be accepting book donations for the large book196
sale the Tuesday after Memorial Day.197
198
Ms. Yeisley said the community clean-up was a huge success and it was nice to see the Boards199
and other committee members coming out to help. She also noted that the Simsbury Meadows200
Performing Arts Center fire hydrant is installed.201
202
Ms. Yeisley said Mr. LaMontagne from Aging and Disability wanted to thank the Board for203
recognizing Accessible Parking and Awareness month. They appreciate the support they receive204
every year.205
206
Ms. Yeisley said the SMPAC season was announced as well as the Meadows and Talcott207
Mountain events. It looks like a fantastic season.208
209
Mr. Paine said Housing Authority had a meeting, and they added public audience to their agenda.210
211
He also reminded everyone that the Simsbury Fire District Annual Meeting will be held tonight.212
213
Mr. Beal made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to move item f) Approve a Supplemental214
Appropriation request for the purchase of a Crew Leader Truck, to the first item. Ms. Mackstutis215
seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.216
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217
SELECTMEN ACTION218
219
220
a) Authorize the Town Manager to Execute Tax Overpayment Refunds221
222
This was moved to the Consent Agenda.223
b) Approve a Supplemental Appropriation Request for Purchase of a Crew Leader Truck224
(58:12)225
226
Mr. Roy said they have four crew leaders in the Highway Department who are assigned F350227
trucks for emergencies and snow plowing. They bring these trucks home with them at night in228
case there is an emergency they have to attend to during the night. He said as part of the ongoing229
fleet maintenance process, they replace these trucks at seven years when they are at about230
100,000 miles and still have some trade-in value left to them. These trucks have to be their most231
reliable vehicles. This truck was in this year’s budget but was cut. He said they had some232
surplus equipment and trade-ins among all of their divisions, and they went through government233
auctions to sell them. The total sale came to $67,200. They sold a dial-a-ride bus and that234
money should go back to social services. They also sold WPCA equipment and that money235
should go back to them. This left $63,100 for a truck so there won’t be such a big shortfall in the236
coming years.237
238
After some discussion, Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to approve a239
supplemental appropriation, in the amount of $63,100, for the purchase of a crew one-ton truck240
and associated plow and sander for the Highway Department Division and to recommend this to241
the Board of Finance. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion242
passed.243
244
c) Schedule a Public Hearing for the 2026 Neighborhood Assistance Act Application245
(1:04:45)246
247
Mr. Fitzgerald said this is a yearly program from the DRS. The information for applications was248
posted on the website and only one application was received. The Board now has to schedule a249
public hearing, hold the hearing and then take action at the next Board meeting.250
251
Mr. Beal made a motion effective May 11, 2026 to set a public hearing to receive public252
comment on the proposal submitted by New Horizons, Inc. pursuant to the 2026 CT253
Neighborhood Assistance Act for 6:00 p.m. on Monday June 8, 2026. Ms. Yeisley seconded the254
motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.255
256
d) Authorize the Town Manager to Execute Dial-a-Ride Contract (1:06:07)257
258
Mr. Nelson said he sent the Board memos about this item before the budget process. The259
contract with the incumbent is up on June 30th. They did go out to bid but didn’t get a bid they260
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were satisfied with so they rebid the contract. They received one bid from the current vendor.261
Staff then negotiated further with Martel and now we have a more favorable negotiated262
arrangement for this contract. He also thanked the Belden Trust for increasing their budget to263
help the Town defray costs.264
265
Mr. Nelson said that towns around us, such as Avon, have started to look at performing this266
service in-house. He said he is happy with this deal right now, but if there is no competition in267
the future, we could look at doing this in-house as well.268
269
Mr. Fitzgerald said the town Attorney has reviewed this contract as well. The Board needs to270
approve it so Mr. Nelson can sign it. Mr. Nelson said the Town took on more advanced271
maintenance on this deal than previously in return for reducing the increase for both the regular272
and enhanced services. This also comes under the placeholder that was in the budget.273
274
After some discussion, Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to authorize the275
Town Manager to execute all documents related to the proposed Dial-a-Ride contract with276
Martell Transportation, LLC and to amend the agreement as administratively required or277
necessary. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. After discussion, all were in favor and the motion278
passed.279
280
e) Approve a Public Gathering Permit – Farmington Valley Juneteenth Celebration281
(1:12:13)282
283
Ms. Mackstutis noted that this is a total revisioning from the past event. She said the original284
posting didn’t include a signed copy and certificate of insurance, but it does now.285
286
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to approve the Public Gathering Application287
for the Farmington Valley Juneteenth Celebration and to authorize the issuance of the Public288
Gathering Permit for the event. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were in favor and the289
motion passed.290
291
f) Authorize a Public Gathering Permit – St. Mary’s Church Carnival (1:13:08)292
293
Ms. Mackstutis noted that the original posting didn’t include a signed copy and certificate of294
insurance, but it does now.295
296
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to approve the Public Gathering Application297
for the St. Mary’s Church Carnival and to authorize the issuance of the Public Gathering Permit298
for the event. Mr. Beal seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.299
300
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS301
302
a) Reappoint Matthew Lidestri to the Technology Task Force303
304
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This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.305
306
b) Acknowledge Receipt of Resignation from and Appointment to the Sustainability307
Committee308
309
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.310
311
312
c) Acknowledge Receipt of a Resignation from and Appointment to the Culture, Parks and313
Recreation (1:13:32)314
315
Ms. Mackstutis said Mr. Walczak’s reason for resigning was because he changed parties. She316
doesn’t believe this is required when there is no minority representation. She made sure he317
understood this, but he still wanted to resign.318
319
She also noted that there has been discussion on staff being on Boards and Commissions. Mr.320
Nelson said there is no prohibition, but they could look at creating a policy.321
322
After discussion, Mr. Beal made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, retroactive to April 20, 2026,323
to acknowledge the following resignation: Timothy Walczak (U) as a Regular Member of the324
Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission.325
326
Further move, effective May 11, 2026, to appoint Trevor Brittell (R) as a Regular Member of the327
Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission. Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor328
and the motion passed.329
330
APPROVAL OF MINUTES (1:19:27)331
332
a) April 20, 2026 Regular Meeting333
334
Ms. Mackstutis made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to approve the minutes of the April 20,335
2026 Regular Meeting as presented. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were in favor and336
the motion passed.337
338
b) April 23, 2026 Special Meeting339
340
Ms. Mackstutis made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to approve the minutes of the April 23,341
2026 Special Meeting as presented. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were in favor and the342
motion passed.343
344
c) April 30, 2026 Special Meeting345
346
Ms. Mackstutis made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to approve the minutes of the April 30,347
2026 Special Meeting as presented. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. Mr. Paine, Ms. Yeisley,348
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Mr. Antonio, Mr. Looney and Mr. Beal were in favor, with Ms. Mackstutis abstaining, and,349
therefore, the motion passed.350
351
COMMUNICATIONS352
353
a) Memorandum from Town Manager, Marc Nelson re: Administrative Approval of Public354
Gathering Permit, dated May 11, 2026 – there was no discussion at this time.355
b) Memorandum from Town Manager, Marc Nelson re: NESE Home Energy Assessments356
Campaign, dated May 11, 2026 – there was no discussion at this time.357
ADJOURN358
359
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective May 11, 2026, to adjourn the Regular meeting at 7:20 p.m.360
seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.361
362
Respectfully submitted,363
364
Kathi Radocchio365
Clerk366