Minutes

Board of Selectmen - Minutes - Jul 13, 2026

Jul 13, 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 Wendy4
Mackstutis; Deputy First Selectman Steve Antonio; Board members Mike Paine, Diana Yeisley,5
and Curtis Looney. Others in attendance included: Town Manager Marc Nelson; Deputy Town6
Manager Tom Fitzgerald; Treasurer/Finance Director Amy Meriwether; Budget Director Melissa7
Appleby; Town Engineer/Public Works Director Tom Roy; Library Director Lisa Miceli and8
other interested parties.9
10
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE11
12
Everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.13
14
Ms. Mackstutis noted that Public Audience will be moved up before the Presentation.15
16
PUBLIC HEARING17
18
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TOWN CODE CHAPTER 13:19
ETHICS, CODE OF20
21
For the Purpose of Hearing Comments from the Public regarding the Proposed22
Amendments to23
Simsbury Code Chapter 13: Ethics, Code of24
25
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke about what unethical behavior means. She said the Code26
of Ethics establishes clear standards of conduct for public officials, employees, board members27
and consultants. This ensures transparency and forces community trust. It protects public28
resources. It is a roadmap for judging the conduct or actions of people that defy the rules of the29
law. The Board of Ethics needs to be able to judge their peers and need to be willing to30
reprimand those who are unethical with warnings, demotions, suspensions, or even immediate31
terminations. They must be impartial when judging conflicts.32
33
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, retroactively, to open the Public Hearing on34
the proposed amendments to Town Code Chapter 13: Ethics, Code of. Mr. Looney seconded the35
motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.36
37
Lori Boyko said these are nominal changes to the Board of Ethics Code, which she has addressed38
many times before. She said the people of a governing district can have trust and confidence in39
the public decision making. She said that those who make decisions don’t seem concerned40
whatsoever about possible ethics violations and indeed brush it off as small-town politics. She41
said she has spoken to attorneys at the State Ethics Offices about “big E ethics and small e42
ethics.” She said Big E ethics are related to matters that have been codified in State Statutes or43
local ordinances. Little e ethics are a matter of individual integrity or conflicts of interest that44
have not been codified but remain of paramount importance. Ms. Boyko went through a few45
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cases where the State changed a decision from local Ethics Boards. There should never be a46
question of propriety of the Town’s official acts. She feels we have real issues in Simsbury in47
which conflicts occur much more regularly to the advantage of small groups or individuals than48
ever should. She feels this cannot continue.49
50
51
52
After no further comments, Mr. Looney made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to close the53
Public Hearing on Town Code Chapter 13: Ethics, Code of at 6:07. Mr. Paine seconded the54
motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.55
56
Ms. Mackstutis said there will be more discussion and review from the Town Attorney and, if57
necessary, at the August Board meeting.58
59
PUBLIC AUDIENCE (6:07:23)60
61
• Email townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov by noon on Monday, July 13, 2026, to register to62
address the Board of Selectmen live through Zoom63
• Written comments can be emailed to townmanager@simsbury-ct.gov, not to be read into64
the record, but forwarded to all Selectmen via email65
66
Joan Coe, 26 Whitcomb Drive, spoke again about her no trespassing report to the Simsbury67
Police Department. She feels Mr. Antonio lives in Simsbury with a protective shield of68
government, which is unfairly protecting their own privileges. He has not assumed any69
responsibility for his actions. He destroys anyone who dares to challenge his credibility. She70
said she is asking, through social media, for everyone to boycott Antonio’s Restaurant and Bar71
until he removes his no trespass report against her.72
73
She said she recently questioned a sign at The Simsbury Inn entrance that was not permitted.74
When the compliance officer informed them of this, the sign was removed immediately. Ms.75
Coe said no action was taken when a sign at Antonio’s was notified as illegal. She said the Fire76
Department was called to 133 Holcomb Street on July 4th for a big party and illegal fireworks. A77
report was made, but no arrests were made.78
79
Ms. Coe said on June 10th several school trips went to High Meadow Day Camp in Granby.80
Officer Ball was there to assist with security at the Camp. There was a child who sipped in the81
pool and suffered a medical emergency. Officer Ball performed life-saving measures; however,82
the child was pronounced deceased. Other children who witnessed this also required medical83
assistance. The comfort dog was not with Officer Ball at that time.84
85
Ms. Coe said now that the nation is celebrating the 250th, officials should be required to read the86
Declaration of Independence as a requirement for their public service. It says the government87
derives their legitimate authority entirely from the people they govern.88
89
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Margaret Haldeman, 17 Banks Road, said she strongly supported the deputy library director,90
head of children’s services division position. She said the role focuses on the future at the library91
while protecting the exceptional services already at our library. She feels the library is more than92
a place to borrow books. They collaborate with the Aging and Disability Commission on events,93
and a co-sponsor of other events for the community. She feels the revised job description94
formalizes vital library responsibilities. This person will also serve as acting library director95
when necessary. These duties affect every patron at the library. This role also prioritizes long-96
term planning like pursuing grants, strengthening emergency preparedness, and assisting with97
budgeting, etc.98
99
This position will help with financial stability and operational success. She said this is not a new100
position or expansion of staffing, but it formally recognizes management responsibilities. She101
feels it strengthens organizational continuity and secures successional planning. This update102
make excellent sense. With this update we will always be prepared to step in without103
interruption of vital services. She encouraged the Board to approve this position.104
105
Katie Crawford, 32 Phelps Cross Road, spoke about being in favor of the Deputy Director/Head106
of Children Services job description. She has lived here for 12 years and has also served the107
Town in different capacities. She has worked in the children’s department for almost 5 years and108
has seen exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication. She finds it unusual that with a109
Library this size, we don’t have a deputy director to support the leadership. A deputy director110
position would create more space to allow for the investment and success of the staff and quality111
of service provided to the community. This formalizes the responsibilities that the head of112
children’s services has been completing alongside of their other duties. Stephanie has already113
been very helpful and is very qualified. The position provides crucial operational leadership,114
ensures continuity in the library operations and strengthens support for the director in one of the115
most treasured facilities. The position utilizes existing staff without creating an entirely new116
administrative structure. She asked that the Board support this revision in this position.117
118
Nicole Mohart said she was in support of the revised Library job description. She said she119
literally moved to Simsbury for the Library. She and her family are always at the library. She120
works with a youth organization, and the library has welcomed them as a community partner,121
and they have participated and contributed in their programing. It takes coordination, vision, and122
leadership to build community connections that they now have. She said organizing,123
programming and resources, etc. require a title and structure that reflects the scope of the work.124
This reclassification does exactly that. She said this is not a new hire or budget line and it is125
already funded and approved at the referendum. This sends a message that Simsbury values and126
invests in its people. She urged the Board to approve the reclassification.127
128
Fred Bonini, a former 18-year Simsbury resident, and a 10-year President of the Simsbury Fish129
and Game Club, spoke about the Stoddard Reservoir. He spoke about a very difficult and130
complex conversion of a reservoir to a stream. He spoke on the importance of the reservoir on131
our environment and the protected freshwater clams in that water. He said there are also a132
population of native brook trout. These are critical for us to save in our State. He said it is also a133
habitat for blue herrings, snapping turtles, etc. There are so many beautiful things there in that134
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incredible setting. He would like to suggest that the Town, Fish and Game and Watershed135
Council go to the State for a grant to save the reservoir. He also spoke about the volume of water136
and the sediment there. He really wants the dam repaired. He said it is important for everyone to137
support this project and was appreciative that he could speak.138
139
Norris Christensen, 6 Shinkle Mill Road, said in 1900 there were only 2000 people in Simsbury.140
Ensign Bickford just converted from water power to electric power 5 years before that. Now141
there was electricity and water in Town. Some families came together and created The Village142
Water Company of Simsbury in 1903. The Patterson Reservoir was then constructed. He said he143
went to a meeting on June 4th about the dam. He said they used a “fear factor” by using144
“catastrophic failure” is waiting to happen there. He feels the engineering firm “created the145
result” and it could be taken down, repair it, or it could be replaced. He would like everyone to146
pause any action so further studies can be done.147
148
Nevin Christensen, 44 West Mountain Road, also spoke on the reservoir. He said it used to be an149
old fishing spot but now the back part of the pond is just growing grass. The deepest part is150
about 7ft; just a little brook now. He gave the Board a report from his son Chadum on the151
important things growing there. He said the Fire Department said there was a dry hydrant there,152
that if repaired, could be used again. The silt will fill any holes in the dam. He would also like153
to put a pause on this so more information can be obtained to see if this can be preserved as it is154
such a valuable property. Maybe there could be a park area there or something where everyone155
could enjoy it.156
157
Michelle Rotundo, 4 Adams Road, said she attended the Congressional chat on July 1st on the158
opposition to 8-30g Statute for the large 689-unit Silverman proposal. She noted that this159
proposal was just denied by the Wetlands Commission. She said this may not stop them as they160
could re-apply with another proposal. She is strongly opposed to this development, and she is161
opposed to the 8-30g Statute. She does support affordable housing, but it must be done162
thoughtfully to preserve the qualities Simsbury has. She moved here for the open space, beauty,163
nature, and character of the Town. She feels the 8-30g Statute could allow huge developments in164
our Town and that would be unfathomable to her. Very large developments would put a strain on165
our Town schools, roads, water, sewer, emergency services, and increase traffic, etc. She feels166
this would permanently change the character of Simsbury. She feels this project would move167
Simsbury only modestly towards the 10% affordable housing threshold. We would absorb168
impact while remaining subject to that law. This all needs another look and this Board can be a169
powerful advocate for the Town. She asked that the Board make reform of CT 8-30g law one of170
Simsbury’s legislative priorities. She asked that the Town work with State legislators to pursue171
reforms that recognize towns making real progress towards affordable housing. She asked that172
we advocate for changes that give greater credit for deed restricted affordable housing, recognize173
accessory dwelling units that meet affordability standards, explore ways to count renovated and174
preserved existing apartment communities by reclassifying them as affordable housing, revisit175
how the 10% is calculated, etc. We should also look in to expanding moratorium options for176
communities like ours that demonstrate measurable progress with affordable housing planning177
and development. She also asked that the Board speak frequently about the impacts that the178
developments would have on our infrastructure, municipal resources, etc., and character of our179
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community. We do have an affordable house plan and have adopted projects, and we deserve180
greater local control. She asked that the Board be a strong voice for a balanced approach while181
protecting our Town.182
183
Sara Westhaver, 6 Adams Road, said a 689-unit property would affect the terrible traffic issues184
we already have in our main artery in Town. Latimer would directly be impacted by a big185
housing development as the school is already full. She wonders what the plan is for the children186
who move into this type of development. She gave a brief history of her growing up in this187
Town and what she does today and she loves this Town. She said she attended the 250th parade188
and it was great. She asked the Board to consider what we would loose if we keep adding more189
and more in Town. This is a very quaint and charming Town, and she asked the Board to help190
keep it this way. She feels the Hartford property would be a great sports complex of some kind.191
192
Nord Christensen, 35 West Mountain Road, gave the Board a written report. He spoke about193
Stoddard Dam He has never heard about the removal before from anyone and he doesn’t use a194
computer. There needs to be another place to get information on this issue. He said the pond has195
been a focal part of the community forever. Before electricity his great-grandparents and196
grandparents cut ice there. He said the icehouse is at the bottom of his driveway. He said this197
was a place for kids to fish and sled and learn how not to drown. It is now used by the Fish and198
Game Club for fishing. He said when he spoke to the Engineering Department, they said the199
State DEP wants it torn down or brought up to present day standards. He doesn’t feel that200
everything needs to be brought up to present day standards. It has survived many floods. He201
doesn’t understand how DEP doesn’t consider Crystal Pond in Eastford, where he has property,202
that a downstream threat but thinks our little 6 ft. deep dam is. He would also like this project203
slowed down. He feels the grand list is only going to go down not up and we don’t have the204
money to do this project.205
206
Holly McGrath, 2 Old Barge Road, spoke as the Chairman of the Library Board of Trustees, and207
said the community has already spoken about the value the library provides. She thanked the208
Board for taking action to strengthen the leadership capacity of the library. The value it provides209
is critical for the quality of life for all ages at the library. It looks forward and strengthens the210
preparedness for our future. She has full confidence that this position is the right one for the211
future. She strongly supports the reclassification of the head of children’s to include a deputy of212
duties.213
214
Jennifer Kirkland, 54 Drumlin Road, said she wanted to amplify what others have said about the215
reclassification of a deputy director of children’s services at the library. She asked the Board to216
approve this position. She is on the Aging and Disability Commission and feels the library is a217
valuable partner to all of the committees and commissions. She urged the Board to support this218
position to strengthen the libraries’ future.219
220
Taylor Lyden, 9 Oakhurst Road, said she loves this Town. She said the common thread that221
applies to what everyone has said is how much they all love this Town too. She wanted to speak222
about the Silverman project and whatever the Town might do to reform or amend 8-30g or to at223
least find a way to protect the Town. She wants to be more involved with this issue. She said224
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even though the project was denied tonight it probably won’t be going away. She feels we need225
to find a sustainable way to preserve the integrity of our Town the way it is. We need to fight for226
nature, fields, etc. that can’t fight for themselves. She said affordable housing is affordable227
housing and we should get credit for that no matter when it actually started. She supports228
reforming.229
230
Lori Boyko, 15 Oakhurst Road, said that State Statutes specifically prevent requiring attendees at231
town meetings to sign in. Sign in documents are required, retained documents and are foi-able.232
Something needs to be put on the bulletin board explaining signing in and/or speaking at the233
meetings.234
235
She also noted that the library takes donations that contribute to the activities and resources that236
they have.237
238
She also said that Stoddard Dam is on Town-owned property and the public is not allowed to fish239
there. She said fishing is just for the Fish and Game members, which is quite pricy and people240
still need to pay for a State fishing license. She feels if this is on Town-owned property, people241
should be able to use it without additional costs.242
243
She also said that after some research 8-30g, the State made errors to our estimations from244
reading the land records in terms of what they qualified as affordable housing. She thinks there245
are conversations going on considering reapplying for that moratorium. She said she looked at246
the records and strongly encouraged the Town to look at whether we can get a moratorium247
reapplication as quickly as possible.248
249
Ms. Boyko said member Sandoval from the Board of Ethics is resigning. She wanted to express250
her gratitude to her and said she will be missed. She feels she deeply understood the ethical251
concerns and made a great effort to give a very careful decision. She hopes her replacement will252
be equally dedicated and balanced in their decisions.253
254
Aiden Rhodes, 117 Firetown Road, said he is very passionate about the Stoddard Dam. He255
would love for it to be renovated and share the love for it. He is a high school student and a256
member of the Fish and Game Club. He also is a member of a high school club – Simsbury Big257
Fish and Game Club. He said this club is able to visit and fish there without having to pay. He258
said at the beginning of the school year they will have a go fund me page for the dam. He wants259
everyone to think about this dam and the fish in there so it can be renovated.260
261
PRESENTATION (7:00:38)262
263
a) Capital/Bonding Discussion264
265
Ms. Meriwether said she would go through what capital planning matters and what our current266
capital looks like. She also went through the growing challenges with unfunded capital needs267
and the cost of delaying those needs. She will also go through long-term planning and give some268
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recommendations. She said if we are going to make any changes to how we approach the budget269
this year, now is the time to start, as the budget is right around the corner.270
271
Ms. Meriwether said capital needs keep growing while resources are always limited. There are272
always aging buildings and equipment to deal with. She said long-term planning is always273
needed. She went through our current capital planning and information on where there is room274
for improvement. We need a sustainable roadmap for future budgets.275
276
Ms. Meriwether said the Board needs to hear what the residents want, need, or can live without.277
We also need to know what people are willing to pay/not pay for services. She said our current278
funding source now is mainly bonding and we can do 10 million every two years in bonding.279
She said we need to have a plan to minimize or discontinue bonding. There are a lot of factors280
that go into this amount.281
282
Ms. Meriwether said our capital improvement plan includes capital projects that need to be done283
but cannot be accommodated within the current bonding limits. She said the unfunded account284
limits the ability to effectively plan beyond the current fiscal year. We need to make the five-year285
plan more effective. She went through the unfunded capital needs and said the bonding286
constraints don’t allow for adequate funding for our plan, which leads to having projects287
deferred. This gap will not close without long-term planning and she went through why capital288
planning matters.289
290
She said we need to build a sustainable capital fund strategy to help create predictability. She291
would like to have a rotating schedule rather than what is going to fall apart this year. Ms.292
Meriwether said she would like to have the capital planning shift from reacting to annual budget293
pressures to proactively managing the Town’s long-term infrastructure needs.294
295
Ms. Meriwether went through some benefits in long-term planning, consistent funding practices,296
reducing reliance on reserves, increased focus on maintenance, and a reduced debt burden. She297
went through how delaying projects can cost more due to inflation and cost of the project.298
Deferring maintenance can become a major capital replacement as well. She said emergency299
verses planned replacements could be less cost effective as there is no time to negotiate pricing300
and can cause disruption in services.301
302
Ms. Meriwether went through her long-term, multi-year financial budget modeling scenarios,303
that goes out 15 years, that she does for the Board of Finance. She went through the fiscal year304
2027 CIP bonding limits that we will have for that plan. We have to fit into bonding 10 million305
every two years. She went through how the debt service works with an amortization schedule for306
any debt service issuance. She went through the capital plan graph, which shows different colors307
for different debt service issuances. She also went through the Board of Finance debt service308
policy. Ms. Meriwether said this modeling also shows cash for capital and the use of reserves.309
310
Ms. Meriwether said if we could find a model that works long-term and that can be tweeked311
during the budget cycle, it would be more effective during the budget process, more transparent,312
and a better use of staff resources. This model would be a good way of balancing for debt,313
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reserves, grants, cash for capital, etc. It would ensure that we have sustainable funding314
strategies. This would bring consistent guidance year after year and would give the residents an315
idea of what is coming up so they can prepare for it.316
317
She said the recommendations are to develop a realistic financially sustainable CIP that is a true318
long-term plan document with identifiable fund strategies for all planned projects. We need to319
incorporate the new CIP into the budget modeling tool. We need to establish long-term plan320
scenarios for future budgets, etc. We need to work collaboratively with the Board of Selectmen,321
Board of Education, and Board of Finance, and staff. However, the process starts with the Board322
of Selectmen. They are looking for guidance on how to plan for the future.323
324
After further discussion, there was no motion needed at this time.325
326
CONSENT AGENDA (7:45:26)327
328
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to move items d) Authorize the Town329
Manager to Apply for the Tai Ji Quan Grant Application, item e) Authorize the Town Manager to330
apply for the 2026 Community Energy Boost Grant Application; under Selectmen Action and331
item a) Acknowledge Receipt of Gabriela Sandoval’s resignation from the Board of Ethics; under332
Appointments and Resignations to the consent agenda. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All333
were in favor and the motion passed.334
335
FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT (7:45:54)336
337
Ms. Mackstutis, First Selectman, reviewed her First Selectman’s report.338
339
TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT (7:47:09)340
341
Mr. Nelson, Town Manager, reviewed his Town Manager’s report.342
343
LIAISON AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS (7:49:04)344
345
Mr. Paine said EDC has a meeting tomorrow night. They are hoping to have an application at the346
next meeting. They still have one more opening on that committee.347
348
Ms. Yeisley said the Board of Education has a successful graduation.349
350
She said TechCon gave a presentation at the last meeting on Squadron Line options, and part II351
of the Central School entry is being done during the summer.352
353
She said Juneteenth was a success with over 2,000 people in attendance.354
355
Ms. Yeisley said the library is reviewing their strategic plan survey results and they are not happy356
with the EV parking chargers taking up parking space.357
358
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She said Public Safety said there are multiple safety events happening more often and resources359
that are needed.360
361
She said Farmington Valley Health said they are watching the new measles cases in Connecticut.362
There is a new emergency management plan for all camps in Town.363
364
Ms. Yeisley congratulated Emily Nato, who graduated from the Police Academy. She said365
Officer Ball is on patrol due to vacancies and vacations.366
367
She said SVAA had 19 students in their EMT class. There have been several heat protocols368
issued so far this summer, and we will continue to do so if needed.369
370
Ms. Yeisley said Eversource would like people to contact them if their lights are flickering.371
372
She said Aging and Disability said their disability picnic will be held Saturday the 18th from 2-4373
at First Church. There is also a Super Thursday event on the 30th at noon at the Senior Center.374
375
Ms. Yeisley said SMPAC is open and complete. Tickets are now available. The ribbon cutting376
will be on August 19th from 5-7 p.m. by invi5q5ion only.377
378
Ms. Mackstutis said they did interview people for EDC, and they still have a person to interview379
as they couldn’t make the meeting.380
381
Mr. Antonio noted that there will be more openings in October for EDC. They are actively382
looking for members to join EDC, especially developers and businesspeople, but all who are383
interested should apply.384
385
Mr. Antonio said the 250th was a huge success. Special thanks to John Fox and Kevin Kowalski,386
co-chairs, and everyone else who worked so hard to make it a success.387
388
He said Simsbury Main Street Partnership has a ribbon cutting at Aerial Yoga on August 24th.389
390
The Office Space Committee is working hard to try to be proactive in filling spaces.391
392
Mr. Looney said Zoning approved the 42 units at McLean.393
394
The Police Commission meeting was canceled.395
396
Mr. Looney said Westminster School is having an open house on July 16th from 8:15 – 10 a.m.397
Everyone can come enjoy a breakfast and tour and watch their programs in action.398
399
400
401
402
403
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SELECTMEN ACTION404
405
a) Authorize the Town Manager to Execute an Ambulance Lease Agreement with the406
Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association (7:53:16)407
408
Ms. Mackstutis said this agreement still needs to have final review from the Town Attorney. Mr.409
Nelson noted that there were a few edits after a discussion with SVAA, so he would like the410
Town Attorney, who initially helped with the draft agreement, should give it a final review. She411
said the insurance and invoice questions had been answered. The radio system is not in yet.412
413
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to authorize Marc Nelson, Town Manager,414
to execute a lease agreement for a new ambulance to be leased to the Simsbury Volunteer415
Ambulance Association for a five-year period from the date of placement into service or 175,000416
miles, whichever occurs first.417
418
Further move, to make the approval subject to final review of the Town Attorney.419
420
Ms. Yeisley seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.421
422
b) Revise the Head of Children’s Services Job Description (7:56:18)423
424
Ms. Mackstutis noted that this was approved unanimously by the Personnel Sub-Committee and425
is now before the Board of Selectmen for final approval. This was already approved during the426
budget process.427
428
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to approve the revised Deputy Library429
Director/Head of Children’s Services Job Description. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All430
were in favor and the motion passed.431
432
c) Revise the Business and Career Center Coordinator’s Job Description (7:57:36)433
434
Ms. Mackstutis said this was given to the Personnel Sub-Committee and then sent back for some435
revisions as they wanted to see the roles broken out by function. There were also a few minor436
changes. They went back to the Personnel Sub-Committee and was approved.437
438
Mr. Nelson wanted to thank the union partners and everyone else on this as it was a lot of work.439
440
After some discussion on the liaison clarification, Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective July 13,441
2026, to approve the revised job description, with the change to remove Sustainability, for the442
Business Development Coordinator position. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in443
favor and the motion passed.444
445
446
447
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d) Authorize the Town Manager to Apply for the Tai Ji Quan: Money for Better Balance®448
Grant Application449
450
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.451
452
e) Authorize the Town Manager to Apply for the 2026 Commercial Energy Boost Grant453
Application454
455
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.456
457
f) Discussion on the Greater Hartford Giving Foundation Signage at the Simsbury Public458
Library (8:00:44)459
460
Ms. Yeisley moved to un-table the discussion on the Greater Hartford Giving Foundation461
Signage at the Simsbury Public Library so it can be addressed now. Mr. Antonio seconded the462
motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.463
464
Ms. Yeisley said the sign will not be a permanent fixture to the wall at the library.465
466
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to allow the identification of The Greater467
Hartford Giving Foundation Partnership at the Simsbury Public Library according to the Library468
Board of Trustees policy. Mr. Paine seconded the motion. Mr. Paine, Ms. Yeisley, Ms.469
Mackstutis, and Mr. Antonio voted for, with Mr. Looney voting against. Therefore, the motion470
passed.471
472
g) Discussion on the Board of Selectmen 2025-2027 Goals (8:02:04)473
474
Ms. Mackstutis made a motion to un-table the discussion on the Board of Selectmen 2025-2027475
Goals. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.476
477
Ms. Mackstutis gave the Board a PowerPoint chart that went through the objectives,478
accomplishments, and overall themes which were discussed before. She said the Board needs to479
start looking at items under each theme and then where they need to go to approve this. She said480
it includes items that are completed already. She said we did increase grant revenue and will481
continue to try to get grants. She said there are items that are in progress on their goal list along482
with items that we have not gotten to but might move forward with. She said there we detail483
level items, action or requested items from Selectmen, and charter recommendations in her484
report as well.485
486
She said long-term strategies are needed for municipal facilities and community assets. She said487
they would like to see the old report from about 5-6 years ago on these facilities and assets.488
There should also be some usage agreements and fee schedules that they should look at.489
490
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There was some discussion on projects like the Eno Memorial Hall, the Apple Barn, a 5-year491
CIP, intergenerational community center, virtual community center, population growth, etc. We492
do need a building strategy. We need something realistic and obtainable on our goals.493
494
There was also some discussion on government operations including building usage and495
accessibility. There needs to be consistent policies under ordinances and policies. If wanting to496
monetarize our assets, the process needs to be easier. We need to figure out the best use of Town497
assets. We need to spend money wisely. We do need to start with Eno Memorial Hall.498
499
Ms. Mackstutis said for economic development we need to increase grand list growth, support500
businesses, reduce the pressure on taxpayers, improve coordination among our economic501
partners, support economic activity, etc.502
503
Ms. Mackstutis said we are working on the tax incentive/abatement policy; we approved the504
business development person, etc. There was some discussion on creating an organizational chart505
with the Town Manager’s office, local business owners (Mr. Antonio and Mr. Paine) and EDC to506
create a work group, with measurable goals and outcomes. Mr. Nelson noted that it is the last507
year of the Main Street Partnership’s MOU, so that should be looked at also. This ends as of June508
30, 2027, as well as the SVAA agreement.509
510
Mr. Antonio spoke about some welcome signs being in rough condition in Town and the pillars511
in Tariffville. There have been some creative ideas that have come up on the pillars as DOT said512
they could be dangerous.513
514
Mr. Roy said they are looking at some options for the signs. There was also discussion on what is515
in the Tariffville Plan for signage. There was some discussion on the signs and if they all need to516
be done the same. The Board would like three different options and pricing. There was also517
some discussion on creating new Boards or Commissions and how they would have to be called518
temporary. This will be added to the policy list.519
520
They will not reinstate the Tourism Commission at this time. The vacant office strategy is a goal521
that is ongoing. Under governance, the charter implementation will be started in January 2027.522
The Board is asking staff to give them a list of ordinances that are out of date and need updating.523
They need the same information on policies that are needed or need to be updated. Mr. Nelson524
said they are already working on this. Ms. Mackstutis said updating the policies to appointments525
to commissions and looping in the parties needs to be worked on.526
527
Ms. Mackstutis said we need to schedule an annual land use board meeting for all the land use528
commissions. They should also get more information on the possible arts and cultural529
commission. Also, the list under government operations has all been brought up before.530
531
Mr. Fitzgerald noted that the performance metrics software is in the budget and will be532
implemented this year.533
534
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There was also some discussion on cost savings goals including paving, vehicle maintenance,535
etc. There needs to be a better model for this for Board of Selectmen and Education. Mr. Roy536
said there have been conversations and conversations will continue on cost savings. Mr. Nelson537
said they are working on improving public engagement, transparency, and tracking the number538
of people who are looking at the website for more useful data, YouTube video bookmarking, etc.539
This is all a work in progress. There was some discussion on some of the last goals that were540
discussed. The website and cyber security is done.541
542
After further discussion, no motion was made at this time.543
544
APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS545
546
a) Acknowledge Receipt of Gabriela Sandoval’s Resignation from the Board of Ethics547
548
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.549
550
APPROVAL OF MINUTES551
552
a) June 8, 2026 Regular Meeting (9:19:20)553
554
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2026555
Regular Meeting. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. Mr. Antonio said on page 157 Simsbury556
Celebrates should be the 250th Celebration. All were in favor, with the change, and the motion557
passed.558
559
b) June 15, 2026 Special Meeting (9:20:51)560
561
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to approve the minutes of the June 15, 2026562
Special Meeting. Mr. Antonio seconded the motion. All were in favor and the emotion passed.563
564
c) July 1, 2026 Special Meeting (9:21:05)565
566
Mr. Antonio made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to approve the minutes of the Special567
Meeting of July 1, 2026. Mr. Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion568
passed.569
570
COMMUNICATIONS571
572
a) Simsbury Performing Arts Proposed Plaque – there was no discussion at this time.573
574
b) Memorandum from Town Manager, Marc Nelson re: Administrative Approval of575
Public Gathering Permits, dated July 13, 2026 – there was no discussion at this time.576
577
578
579
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ADJOURN580
581
Ms. Yeisley made a motion, effective July 13, 2026, to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m. Mr.582
Looney seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.583
584
Respectfully submitted,585
586
Kathi Radocchio587
Clerk588