Board tables Aquarion paving appropriation; PAC referendum set for Jan. 24

The Simsbury Board of Finance on Jan. 20 voted unanimously to table the Supplemental Appropriation — Aquarion Water Paving Funds until its February meeting, after Chair Lisa Heavner noted the agenda had not been posted to the town website until the day of the meeting.

Town Manager Marc Nelson updated the Board on two capital items. He said "the closing on the property at 2 Farms Village closing is expected on January 22 or January 23, as final lien releases are being coordinated between the parties’ attorneys," and offered to facilitate tours of the building for interested Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen members. He added that the Simsbury Performing Arts Center had submitted donated funds on time and that a referendum on the supplemental appropriation is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24.

Board members sought clarity on the PAC supplemental appropriation amount and scope. Mr. Helfand asked whether the $388,000 figure still stands and whether the $30,000 for fire suppression is included; Mr. Nelson confirmed that the $30,000 is included in the $388,000 total. The Board also reinforced that use of remaining contingency (the final $188,000) would require Board approval if needed.

Why it matters: Tabling the Aquarion paving appropriation postpones formal action and gives the Board time to review materials after staff corrected the agenda-posting oversight. The PAC referendum and the 2 Farms Village closing have schedule-driven consequences for program timing and capital planning.

Votes at the meeting included the unanimous motion to table the Aquarion appropriation (motion by Dr. Shivaswamy; second Mr. Helfand). No final appropriation vote on the PAC supplemental request was recorded at the Jan. 20 meeting; the referendum is scheduled for Jan. 24.

The Board will revisit the tabled appropriation at its February meeting.