First Selectman's Report - July 8, 2013

First Selectman's Report - July 8, 2013

Mary A. Glassman - First Selectman

Town of Simsbury Participates in Statewide Emergency Preparedness Drill

On June 20, 2013 the Town of Simsbury opened its Emergency Operations Center in order to participate in a statewide emergency drill – all part of the Town’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its residents in the event of a disaster.  The emergency scenario contemplated a severe ice storm in the West/Northwest corner of Connecticut with minimal impact on Simsbury itself.  The exercise gave the Town’s emergency personnel an opportunity to review emergency response procedures and to explore potential support roles for other communities.  I would like to thank our emergency response team, which includes representatives from Town staff, Board of Education staff, the Fire Department, Simsbury’s Volunteer Ambulance, the Farmington Valley Health District and our Public Safety Committee, for taking the time to participate on June 20th and for everything they have done for the Town of Simsbury during the real events over the past few years.

Picnic in the Park for Simsbury Residents with Disabilities and Their Friends

I am pleased to announce that the Town of Simsbury’s Aging and Disability Commission is sponsoring its “Picnic in the Park” for Simsbury residents with disabilities and their friends on Saturday, August 24, 2013, rain or shine.  The picnic will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road in Simsbury.  Food will be served from 12:15 to 1:15 and there will even be dancing to the music of Under Cover from 11:30 to 2:30.  The event is free and if you are interested in attending please RSVP by August 14 by calling (860) 658-3273.  I would also like to thank the Aging and Disability Commission for providing this wonderful service to Town residents.  

Lisa Karim to Start as New Library Director on July 15

I would like you all to extend a warm welcome to Lisa Karim who starts as our new Library Director this coming Monday, July 15th.  Lisa will be replacing Sue Bullock who has retired after 17 years of exemplary service to the Town and its residents. Lisa was chosen after an extensive search and comes to the Town with 18 years of experience as director of the LaGrange Association Library in Poughkeepsie, New York.  Her goals are to enhance the Library’s existing roster of programs and to continue to offer events that engage the library, its staff and customers with the community. 

Ms. Karim received both her Bachelor’s and her Master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Albany, and received a Public Library Administration certificate from Long Island University.  We are very pleased to welcome her to Simsbury.

Tax Department Issues Tax Bills – On-Line Payment Options are Available

Tax bills for the Town of Simsbury were mailed out to residents and businesses the last week of June.  As of July 5, 2013, over two million dollars have already been collected.  Residents may pay their taxes on-line with a credit card, a debit card or with an electronic check.  Payments may also be made in person at Town Hall or by mail.

Please visit the Tax Department website at www.simsbury-ct.gov/tax-office to pay on-line or for more specific instructions, including fees for paying with credit and debit cards.  It is free to pay with an electronic check. Any questions about taxes can be referred to the Tax Department at (860) 658-3238.

The Tax Collector has asked me to remind residents that:

• Motor vehicle taxes and sewer use bills are due in full by August 1, 2013.  Questions about sewer use bills should be directed to the Water Treatment Plant at (860) 658-3258;

• Residents or businesses who have sold, donated, or otherwise gotten rid of a car should contact the Assessor’s Office at (860)658-3251.

• The first half of Real Estate and Personal Property bills are also due by August 1, 2013.  The second installments on these bills are due by February, 4, 2014.

• Finally, the mill rate for the List of October 1, 2012 is: 38.51 (37.29 for the Town, 1.22 for the Fire District).

Simsbury among Top Ten Booming Connecticut Suburbs in Coldwell Banker Best Places to Live Series

The Town of Simsbury has been identified as one of the top ten “booming Connecticut suburbs” according to the “Top Booming Suburbs in America” survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate.  Part of Coldwell Banker’s Best Places to Live series, the report ranked 1,500 communities across the country based on increased year-over-year levels of employment, unemployment percentages below the norm and other key attributes (including the quality of local schools, access to amenities and community safety).

Coldwell Banker’s report suggests that Simsbury is thriving and well-positioned to participate in the nation’s ongoing economic recovery.  It reaffirms what Town of Simsbury residents already know – that Simsbury is a wonderful place to live and work.  Other communities included Trumbull, Westport, Ridgefield, Newtown, Fairfield, Mansfield, Greenwich, Shelton and Glastonbury.