First Selectman Mary Glassman's Report - February 12, 2014

FIRST SELECTMAN’S REPORT

February 12, 2014

Simsbury Grand List for 2013 Expected to Increase

 Based on information provided by David Gardner, the Town of Simsbury’s Assessor, Simsbury’s grand list for 2013 is expected to grow as much as 0.599% over 2012, from a value of $2.24 billion to $2.25 billion.  The projected increase amounts to more than $13.4 million in increased real estate, property and motor vehicle values.  Projects which contributed to the increase in real estate assessments included the Mill Commons apartments, King’s Ridge Apartments at 144 Hopmeadow Street, the homes on Croft Lane and new construction at Powder Forest.

 Net taxable personal property increased after several years of decline, thanks in part to increases in personal property owned by public utility companies.

 There are additional projects in the pipeline that can be expected to have a positive impact on future grand lists, including the town homes at Mill Pond Crossing, Simsbury Specialty Housing and the completion of CL&P’s substation in the northern part of town.  Other projects underway include Carson Way, East Pointe Apartments and Big Y.

 While the Town of Simsbury continues to look for ways to stimulate local economic growth, these projects demonstrate that developers, potential home owners and businesses alike recognize the Simsbury is a great place to live, play and do business.  I would like to thank David Gardner for his good work with last year’s revaluation and the ongoing corrections and appeals process.

 First Selectman Appoints Joseph Mancini as Director of Finance/Treasurer

I am pleased to announce that I am recommending the appointment of Joseph Mancini as the Town of Simsbury’s Director of Finance/Treasurer.  Joe is currently serving as the Director of Finance for the City of West Haven and has held that position for three years.  During that time he has implemented new purchase order, tax software and human resources software systems that have streamlined the City’s operations and improved efficiencies.  Joe also took steps to streamline the City’s capital and operating budget processes.  He was the first choice of an interview panel consisting of representatives of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Finance, the current Finance Department and a Finance Director from one of our neighboring Towns.  Prior to his service to the City of West Haven, Joe worked for Sikorsky Aircraft for six years in a variety of finance positions, including the position of Finance Manager for the company’s Canada Programs.

 Under the Town’s Charter, Joe’s appointment is subject to approval by both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance.  We only just concluded our negotiations with Joe and he will accordingly be presented to the Board of Selectmen at the next meeting.  I look forward to welcoming Joe as part of our team here in Simsbury.

 Gateway Planning to Present Latest Revision of Draft Code for The Hartford Property on February 18

 Gateway Planning will be back in Simsbury on February 18 at 6 pm in the large program room of the Simsbury Library to present the latest revision of the new draft Code for The Hartford property.  I encourage you to attend, to participate and to ask questions as we move this important project forward.

 After this meeting, Gateway Planning will prepare the final draft and will begin the regulation adoption process. I would like to thank the many people who have participated in this process to date and once again would like to encourage all of you to attend on the 18th.