[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6172213,"mediaKeyId","5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d","parentId",5391165,"title","Simsbury Selectmen table Curtis Park memorandum of understanding after lengthy public hearing","audioSeconds",8311,"startMs",35000,"endMs",8346000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d&start=35&end=8346","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d/thumbnail_35000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6172213/Simsbury-Center/Capitol-County/Connecticut/Simsbury-Selectmen-table-Curtis-Park-memorandum-of-understanding-after-lengthy-public-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172213-1c9fd26a97415495181711c22c5dc3b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149854&Signature=YhK1s9bhbyPfMBe7V-H4g9h~ArRh5yb27-BJyDaLFtvIcuiVWULBUK4~ayktPKM8tIxBbtkSGmQOLIjTAScCXYTPK7ZObmmLXAlYzcVJRRfTe780IIST4cmX9sIPyiytJKYiY-IB7kCTzA54Nvy2Ga7oAcYNhgUQvwD4HSeK7lkFRO2aVJh8AMSXwPdBCUKG2MIDKN-kX0gN3Zp55g0Vhh8Ztaps5cHZgqttf9sZJAoKy~frPcNU~2hxVkDRG5nIXExHuELt6xHMFNmAE3CfdukccMHG5ZdRr4x91evKZ54LzJ0oUSjtJRRIKHSSZehtgCrk1GuyKSNRnGHZhsK-Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Simsbury, CT","date","2025-07-15T19:43:56.403Z","article","The Simsbury Board of Selectmen on July 14 opened a public hearing on a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Simsbury Soccer Club that would grant the nonprofit long‑term preferential use of Curtis Park while enabling the club to raise private funds for field improvements. After roughly two hours of public comment and questions from selectmen, the board voted to table the MOU so staff can complete legal and insurance reviews.

The agreement before the board would give the soccer club priority use of Parcel A at Curtis Park and set terms the club said it needs to fundraise for upgrades. Many parents and club volunteers described the plan as necessary to maintain safe, usable fields and to create a community hub. \"On any given season, you may or may not know that we do play in the fall and in the spring. We have anywhere from 850 to a thousand kids in either season, out there playing soccer,\" said Kristen DuBois, uniform coordinator and longtime volunteer. Club president Ben Berger told the board the nonprofit is a 501(c)(3) and has raised funds toward improvements: \"We're a 501(c)(3) with over a thousand kids playing in [the] soccer program. We represent more than a third of the K‑through‑8 school population in the town of Simsbury.\"

Opponents at the hearing raised environmental and public‑access concerns. Diane Nash, a resident who spoke near the start of the hearing, asked, \"Why are we giving exclusive use? For 8 years, on town owned property in exchange for negative and damaging environmental impact improvements.\" Conservation‑minded speakers, including Sally Reager, the town's appointee to the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee, warned that installing artificial turf in a floodplain could introduce microplastics and PFAS into the river system. Reager said, \"Artificial turf typically contains known carcinogens ... PFAS is linked to immune dysfunction, neurological problems, and cardiovascular disease and cancer,\" and urged caution and additional study.

Board members and staff pressed for detail on insurance, bonding and construction approvals. Selectmen asked that the town attorney complete review of the draft MOU and that staff confirm which land‑use approvals (inland wetlands, planning and zoning and any state permits) will be required before construction could proceed. Town staff also said they are checking insurance and maintenance responsibilities; Parks and Recreation Director Tom Roy noted any new equipment for turf maintenance and annual testing would be the club's responsibility under the draft language.

Before adjourning the public hearing, a motion to table the item was made and approved by voice vote so the selectmen could get legal, insurance and public‑safety input and return with a revised draft. The town manager said the board would continue negotiations with the soccer club and seek a tighter MOU that clarifies responsibilities, reporting, timing and contingencies.

The board did not take a final vote on whether to approve exclusive use, nor did it authorize construction; those issues were repeatedly described by staff as contingent on separate land‑use approvals and further legal review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Simsbury Board of Selectmen on July 14 opened a public hearing on a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Simsbury Soccer Club that would grant the nonprofit long‑term preferential use of Curtis Park while enabling the club to raise private funds for field improvements.","taxTitle","Simsbury Center, Capitol County, Connecticut","taxId",70146,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172199,"Selectmen support Aging and Disability Commission's three‑year age‑friendly action plan",530,5500000,6030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d&start=5500&end=6030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d/thumbnail_5500000.jpg","/articles/6172199/Simsbury-Center/Capitol-County/Connecticut/Selectmen-support-Aging-and-Disability-Commissions-threeyear-agefriendly-action-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172199-86eb081f7c222884bfb39127e4c74d9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149854&Signature=InuWCRLyI5HsVxgUwtIJgXWlIzLfrlKt~a4~6ZhdtnysFJQUHq~KssznvBEGuxR8MX48J-YcebNs5imiMNeF0kBNfHNbzuitUUQBu-0P2yUgk4-v4EpMLADDMtUFXSkG9cBIFhk9GMYAdoCsR2gRJd3S19OqEVyHwFLF-J4AqNFGSRcVSpvb6prCsXT~Qs1Gd08~g4Mm1re5tuWvSMU6g34EEi5ZIVPtQt9JCqLaA5bMX0MrURBDAa7jtJagbY8855VYLxvg2Hiegrr6sjPFmaYlzal3K1Tz9~2N32yaCGw2n5OTTo8Q58-OLKztbsJxdJhtaNRAPqqMcvS2W3gEKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Simsbury Board of Selectmen on July 14 accepted receipt of an age‑friendly community action plan prepared by the Aging and Disability Commission and voted to support the commission’s submission to AARP. The plan lays out a three‑year (2025–2027) set of actions and metrics intended to improve livability for older adults and residents with disabilities.

Subcommittee chair Jan Beatty (age‑friendly subcommittee) presented an overview and said the plan was prepared through resident surveys, focus groups and outreach to local partners. The draft plan identifies goals across domains of livability — housing, transportation, public spaces, and civic participation — and proposes metrics the commission will track. Board members asked clarifying questions about specific items, including language related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and property‑tax measures; commission members said the plan’s proposals are intended as action recommendations and would require separate policy or zoning changes before implementation.

The board unanimously approved a motion to accept the plan’s receipt and support the commission’s finalization of the age‑friendly designation paperwork for AARP. Selectmen emphasized that any items requiring funding or zoning changes would return to the board for separate review during budget or land‑use processes.

Commissioners said the plan will guide outreach, pilot programs and coordination with town departments; they also said community partners reviewed and supplied feedback during the plan’s development. The board asked staff to note which items would need financial approvals and to return with implementation reporting or requests as needed.","The board accepted receipt of a three‑year age‑friendly community action plan prepared by Simsbury’s Aging and Disability Commission and agreed to support the document as it is finalized for submission to AARP.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172204,"Eversource outlines new tiered electric discount program and assistance options for residents",1128,3998000,5126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d&start=3998&end=5126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d/thumbnail_3998000.jpg","/articles/6172204/Simsbury-Center/Capitol-County/Connecticut/Eversource-outlines-new-tiered-electric-discount-program-and-assistance-options-for-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172204-98a4113e9e49425387ea3e9bed01b7c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149854&Signature=NcUaDtfEYQBRjS2cGGruwnCVfKyVt08gUKFjagtpd~0h70zWLqXZo1~5mxQ1BZ3~HuNgqln7Ru1TPOMYd0nIQGzPuCUcfFX~SKingqBSUNkSUbJfg79n8OfPsqRfK0XuYntaCGmjoSVl7yHJfOix7nzbCMog6a-CGboS8NYWo0Y2CV13FZi3Stw8YyScKGi0zaBTDnwlvNeLqIJwIIFS2GFovePqwoo3mZURKWUUdRNVPC8N1fJeX~2iZd~U8S-7TOSr~fr1GIdGNgnG-TYfqmV-uJyVsrUCBOU6CplCGJoAfOeZ5TiM1MoDno9wGK585w49HvtVjRTAlw1Wd3FZfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mark Massaro, community relations and economic development specialist for Eversource, briefed selectmen on recent state and company changes to electric supply rates and a new tiered discount program introduced in 2024 and expanded in 2025. The presentation summarized income‑based discounts, customer assistance resources and energy‑efficiency incentives available to Simsbury residents.

Massaro explained the state‑created electric discount program has been restructured into multiple tiers — ranging from an initial 5 percent discount for households that qualify under federal fuel‑assistance guidelines to higher discounts (up to 50 percent) based on income and benefit status. He said customers who qualify for federal energy assistance should automatically receive the 5 percent discount and that the program includes caps on how many kilowatt hours are discounted each month depending on whether a home uses electric heat.

The Eversource presentation also emphasized that supply charges are a pass‑through and that customers can shop for third‑party supply contracts; the utility encourages attention to contract expiration dates. Massaro highlighted other programs: the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (administered locally through CRT), Operation Fuel for emergency assistance and an energy‑efficiency initiative called Home Energy Solutions that will offer no‑cost audits through Oct. 31. \"On average, an Eversource electric customer is about 700 kilowatt hours a month across the full year,\" Massaro said, and he urged residents eligible for assistance to contact local social‑service agencies or Eversource customer care for enrollment.

Board members asked staff to circulate Eversource materials to social services and the senior center; Massaro said he would leave brochures and follow up with local agencies. There was no formal board action on the item; the briefing served to inform residents and staff about new programs residents can access directly.","An Eversource representative briefed the board on a new tiered electric discount program and other customer assistance options, including income‑based discounts, third‑party supply choices and a free home energy audit program running through Oct. 31.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172208,"Selectmen authorize construction contract for Simsbury performing‑arts bandshell but budget gap remains",1742,5054000,6796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d&start=5054&end=6796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391165-a34ae9b21e3d4628fd2d21f1ffc4ed5d/thumbnail_5054000.jpg","/articles/6172208/Simsbury-Center/Capitol-County/Connecticut/Selectmen-authorize-construction-contract-for-Simsbury-performingarts-bandshell-but-budget-gap-remains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172208-cbd5985a14dcacaa05f8f694ff2173b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149854&Signature=k17pQ2zcaCa95xvIXbxAgGxF8GbWrVXnJdNUQjhEeGeUDfLvIIXOjtzX2aNW882HI17eSKA6uV388brFS4Cy~8YWcBbUjR-uOeoa-bnSj2GC4OECtmg76JT4raB05bdX7roFi7m0Ta7p5HFlba-8SlTUpJteezf6Z5uEuRzJbhWZExfSXBeJfF2pkW1ljILbaaIMzhQSULL84sgLtXZzI95UjlbNVKQXtDXqY9o7HlngNRxhBskwMe8msRcd9BTem5Qf0iCKNUyxS6CLf2vWcJC3J8-vxhhBg8fW2uxQgu8Y0AVe5g1PCiy2zhTLgudbcqDz0rqy1Tuk6r6SEyHgIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Simsbury Board of Selectmen on July 14 approved a motion authorizing the town manager to execute a construction contract with the apparent low bidder for the Performing Arts Center bandshell. The board’s action clears the way for construction to begin, but town staff and project leaders warned there remains a modest funding gap that they plan to close through a combination of the nonprofit’s fundraising and available town resources.

Town Manager Mark (last name not specified in the public record) and public‑works staff presented bid results and a line‑by‑line review of project allowances, contingencies and value‑engineering options. Engineering estimates and the winning bid were closer than is common on municipal projects; after value engineering there was still an identified shortfall of about $128,000 relative to the top‑line referendum figure, largely attributable to newly discovered site issues and required allowances.

\"We could sign the contract tomorrow,\" the town manager said in presenting the report, but he also told the board that staff and SIMPAC were continuing to work to cover the remaining contingency gap without returning to voters. Adam (last name not given), the town engineer who reviewed the bids, described unexpected site items the team discovered after more detailed on‑site work, including unsuitable soils requiring removal and utility relocations that added to the project’s estimated costs. He told the board the project team had identified roughly $109,000 in value‑engineering savings and that SIMPAC had raised roughly $904,000 toward its commitment; together those moves narrowed but did not eliminate the shortfall.

SIMPAC representatives said the group has raised committed funds and expects to continue fundraising. \"We have that amount in hand to meet our commitment to the project,\" SIMPAC leadership said, and added the nonprofit is balancing contributions to both capital costs and a working‑capital fund to support programming. Project presenters stressed that the referendum authorization and state DECD grant remain sufficient to cover the project’s approved budget and that the remaining uncertainty revolves around contingency levels and unpredictable site conditions rather than baseline approvals.

The board voted to authorize the town manager to execute a contract with the designated contractor. Selectmen and the town manager asked staff to continue negotiating practical cost‑sharing steps with SIMPAC and to bring any required supplemental appropriation requests back to the Board of Finance for approval rather than returning to the voters. Town staff also said they would keep the board informed when foundations are completed and unknown site conditions are resolved, a milestone that typically reduces contingency risk.

No final change to the referendum total was proposed or approved during the meeting; any supplemental town funding would follow the town’s normal budget and appropriation process.","The board authorized the town manager to sign a construction contract for the new Performing Arts Center bandshell after bids returned close to engineering estimates. Town staff and the nonprofit SIMPAC reported a remaining contingency shortfall they expect to resolve without returning to voters.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Simsbury Selectmen table Curtis Park memorandum of understanding after lengthy public hearing

Selectmen support Aging and Disability Commission's three‑year age‑friendly action plan

Eversource outlines new tiered electric discount program and assistance options for residents

Selectmen authorize construction contract for Simsbury performing‑arts bandshell but budget gap remains