Selectmen approve capital package including $2.2M high school turf, $575K waste‑to‑energy purchase

At its April 30 special meeting the Simsbury Board of Selectmen approved a multi-item capital improvement resolution listing both bond-funded and reserve-funded projects and authorizing financing steps where applicable.

Deputy First Selectman Steven Antonio presented the resolution, which enumerates major items and funding sources: Highway Pavement Management ($1,800,000 total; $1,311,267 to be financed by bonds or notes, with $245,233 LoCIP grant and $243,500 Town Aid Road grant), roof repairs for Town Hall/Eno Hall/Library ($825,000), and security and fire alarm upgrades ($550,000). Non-bonded items funded from capital reserves include greenway improvements ($150,000), irrigation replacement ($150,000), pool plaster replacement ($170,000) and historic building restoration ($171,000). The resolution also authorizes purchase of equipment including a street sweeper ($345,000) and a wheeled excavator ($235,000).

Sewer-use fund items include $75,000 for aeration system energy improvements, $275,000 for an influent pump and $575,000 appropriated for an on-site waste recovery system described in the resolution as “a PurGen complete on-site waste-to-energy (gasification) system.” School projects listed for bonding include Simsbury High School turf and track resurfacing ($2,200,000), district-wide flooring improvements ($250,000) and district-wide network infrastructure ($350,000). Many of the bond-authorized items delegate authority to issue bonds or notes (not to exceed specified amounts) under Connecticut statutes and designate Pullman & Comley, LLC as bond counsel.

Mr. Antonio moved to approve the resolution and Ms. Yeisley seconded; the board recorded unanimous approval. The resolutions include standard delegations that allow the Town Manager and Treasurer to determine bond terms, issue temporary notes as needed, and take other actions necessary to carry out the projects.

Next steps outlined by the resolution and staff: proceed with bond counsel and financing steps for bond-authorized projects; departments responsible for each project (DPW, Board of Education, Water Pollution Control Authority) will determine project particulars and may reduce or modify project scope as needed.

Notable projects and funding mechanisms - Highway Pavement Management — $1,800,000 (bonds $1,311,267; LoCIP $245,233; Town Aid Road grant $243,500) - Simsbury High School turf & track resurfacing — $2,200,000 (bond authorization) - On-site waste recovery (PurGen gasification) — $575,000 (Sewer Use Fund) - SVAA ambulance replacement — $200,000 (Capital Reserve Fund)

The board approved the full list as presented; the motions record unanimous votes by the members present. Project particulars, procurement and implementation will follow the authorizations in the resolutions.