TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 3, 2004
The special meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman John Adams at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Paul Doyle, 20 Bradley Brook Drive, addressed the Board to express his concern for property values he felt were being undermined by neighboring properties with multiple unregistered vehicles, trailers, and personal property stored on site. He asked the Board of Selectmen to take this into consideration while they are considering a Blight and Nuisance Ordinance.
Another Bradley Brook Drive resident expressed the same concern and indicated they were considering selling their home. In discussions with a real estate agent, issues were raised regarding the condition of some of the neighboring properties.
Evan Geusic, 29 Canton Road, stated he shared the same concerns as the previous two speakers. He obtained a copy of Farmington’s ordinance for the Board to review. He stated he was told by the Farmington Administrator that you had to be very careful in the wording regarding enforcement. The Administrator would be willing to share his experiences with the Board of Selectmen.
No other public addressed the Board and the Public Session closed at 7:35 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 20, 2004 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the Public Hearing of January 20, 2004 with one correction. Page one, paragraph four, line one, replace “wall” with “bridge”.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the Three Board Meeting of January 26, 2004 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
Town Manager Smith reminded the Board that John Latella, Chairman of the School Building Committees, reported on the progress of the various school building projects at the last Board meeting. Other than holding a discussion to decide if two more members should be added to the Kelly Lane School Building Committee, Mr. Smith stated there were no other details to report at this time.
IV. BUSINESS
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reorder tonight’s agenda to consider the question on the Kelly Lane School Building Committee first. Agenda item F. then became agenda item A.
A. Consideration of Adding Members to Kelly Lane School Building Committee
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to change the Kelly Lane School Building Committee from five members to seven members. Following the suggestion of Chairman Latella, those two new members should be parents, grandparents, or someone involved with the school.
B. Consideration of Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint the following individuals to various boards and commissions as introduced by Selectman Desrosiers.
COMMISSION ON AGING
Theresa V. Dell (U), 64 Buttles Road
Ms. Dell’s appointment will expire January 9, 2006
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Robert J. Daglio (D), 19 Stonewall Drive
Mr. Daglio’s appointment will expire January 9, 2006
TOWN ATTORNEY
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint Donald Holtman as Town Attorney. Attorney Holtman’s appointment will expire January 9, 2006.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Mary Holt, a town resident and teacher at Kelly Lane School, to the Kelly Lane School Building Committee.
C. Consideration of Participation in Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
For the past several years, the town has participated in the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, along with other area towns. This year the collection day is scheduled for September 18, 2004 at the Henry James Memorial School, 155 Firetown Road, Simsbury. Granby’s share for this year is estimated at $6,000-$8,000, therefore an appropriation in the amount of $8,000 is requested. Town Manager Smith also recommended the difference between the cost of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection and the $8,000 appropriation, if any, be applied toward the Electronic Equipment Recycling Program.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appropriate an amount of $8,000 for the 2004 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day and authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract with MDC. The funds will come from the Solid Waste Sanitation Fund with any remaining funds to be utilized for the Electronic Equipment Recycling Program.
In additional discussion, the Board wanted to be sure the event is well advertised and also wanted a list of acceptable and unacceptable items to appear in the Drummer.
D. Discussion on Board of Selectmen 2004-05 Assignments and Workshop Dates
The following dates and assignments were agreed upon:
Administration – First Selectman Adams – March 8, 2004
Personal and Property Protection – Selectman Desrosiers – March 4, 2004
Libraries, Recreation, and Social Services – Selectman Neumann – March 8, 2004
Public Works and Environment – Selectman Judice – March 11, 2004
Capital Budget and Debt Service – Selectman King – March 4, 2004
All meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room. March 15 and 18 have also been reserved to review the budget if more time is needed.
E. Discussion of Blight and Nuisance Ordinance
Town Manager Smith furnished the Board with several model ordinances for their review. Selectman King stated these problems could be controlled either by Zoning Enforcement or by ordinance. She indicated an ordinance would be the best way to go. Board members were in agreement that the South Windsor Ordinance was very good. The Board also decided to stay away from maintenance issues and have the ordinance concentrate on junk cars, abandoned motor vehicles, unregistered vehicles, and some other items. There was some discussion on holding a workshop to review the issue in more depth. Selectman Desrosiers indicated he wanted the Board to be very comfortable with and fully understand any proposed ordinance.
The Board decided to forward the South Windsor Ordinance to the Town Attorney for his review and any input he may offer. There may or may not be a need for a workshop. There will, however, be a public hearing on the proposed ordinance at some point to receive residents’ input.
F. Consideration of Changing the Focus and name of the D.A.R.E. Program
Town Manager Smith provided the Board with a memo outlining the history of the D.A.R.E. Program. The program diminished in the late 1990’s and is no longer in use. There is approximately $15,000 in the D.A.R.E. Fund.
Town Manager Smith and Chief Watkins held discussions and are recommending the remaining fund balance be used to initiate Police Community Education.
The recommendation is to change the title of the D.A.R.E. Fund to a new fund named “Police Community Education Fund.” This action will end the existing fund and create the new one.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the following RESOLUTION:
BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Granby establish a fund known as the “Police Community Education Fund”. Said fund shall be created for police community education programs such as: bicycle safety, health classes, law enforcement clinics, and other police service programs for children and adults. The source of this fund shall be from gifts, grants, contributions from residents, and other donations provided from town residents and others wishing to improve police community education in Granby.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the following RESOLUTION:
BE IT RESOLVED:
That the fund known as “The D.A.R.E. Fund” be dissolved, and the fund balance be transferred to a new fund entitled “Police Community Education Fund”.
G. Request for Funding from Board of Education
Board members were furnished with copies of a letter from Cal Heminway, Chairman of the Granby Board of Education, along with a memo from Superintendent of Schools, Gwen E. Van Dorp. The information received indicated an estimated income of $54,000 in revenues from building use during FY ‘04 rather than the original estimate of $35,000. The Board of Education was requesting an additional $19,000 appropriation which they would use to replace outdated technology.
Rentals received traditionally go to the General Fund and then an appropriation is needed if the Board of Education wishes to use the additional funds. The Board of Selectmen had no problem with the concept; however, they wished to ensure no funds would be dispersed which were not yet paid into the General Fund. This is the recommendation they will pass along to the Board of Finance.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Update On Ahrens Farm Improvements
Town Manager Smith reported a survey has been conducted of the Ahrens property and a needs analysis with users of Salmon Brook Park is in progress. A landscape architect has been engaged and has identified some problems, among which are wetlands issues, grade issues, limitations because of buffer zones, and drainage concerns.
Another meeting was held today with user groups, which proved to be very beneficial. A revised survey will be drafted to incorporate some of the ideas and will show playing fields, parking, the gardens, lacrosse fields, well sites, location of septic (for the future), and perhaps a snack shack. The plan is to keep Little League at Salmon Brook Park and develop ball fields at the Ahren’s property for high school use. Eventually a public hearing will be held to receive input from residents.
Town Manager Smith reported on an award received by the Town of Granby and the Granby Board of Education from CIRMA praising the cooperative efforts of the town and the Board of Education in promoting a proactive approach to managing safety and health issues.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams commented on a letter received from the Director of Social Services thanking town employees for their contributions to the Holiday Sponsorship Program.
First Selectman Adams reported on a CRCOG meeting he attended, along with other newly elected Town Officials.
Town Manager Smith and First Selectman Adams recently attended a Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) meeting. First Selectman Adams reported Town Manager Smith is the newly elected president of COST and further announced there is not too much legislation proposed for small towns.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
Selectman Judice reported on the Intra-town Cooperative Advisory Committee meeting held last week. The Committee will receive a report in the near future on the maintenance of town and school grounds. Also at that meeting there were discussions on the plans for the Ahren’s property.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
First Selectman Adams adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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