TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
MARCH 1, 2004
The regular 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
Gerry Ledger, 89 Bushy Hill Road, provided the Board with a publication from America Bikes advocating a movement entitled “Complete the Streets” for safer bicycling and walking. The publication pointed out that many streets where people bicycle or walk are inadequate.
First Selectman Adams stated this subject was also discussed at a CRCOG Transportation Committee meeting he recently attended.
No other public addressed the Board. First Selectman Adams closed the Public Session at 7:33 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the special meeting of February 3, 2004 with one correction. Under First Selectman Reports, paragraph three, last line, place a period after COST and delete the rest of the sentence.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
Building Committee Chairman, John Latella indicated the completion of the Kearns parking lot is on hold until the weather becomes favorable for paving.
Work on the Kelly Lane School project will begin this week with a meeting planned with the architect for Wednesday to review Ed Specs.
A meeting was held on February 24, 2004 with the State of Connecticut for the Wells Road project. The architect was present, along with the site engineer, the Wells Road principal, the Superintendent of Schools, and others. The State reviewer was pleased with the plans as they incorporated everything that is currently a law in Connecticut. There are some minimal corrections to be made and then the State will start their review, which is expected to take about 31 days.
Chairman Latella concluded his report by exhibiting and reviewing the floor plan for the Wells Road project for the benefit of the Board of Selectmen, as well as the viewing audience.
B. Draft of Proposed Blight and Nuisance Ordinance
Some of the Board indicated they had some suggestions for changes in wording in the draft Ordinance. Selectman King will review the recommendations and come back to the Board with changes for their consideration.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to table this agenda item until the next Board meeting.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
Town Manager Smith reported he had received no resignations.
Selectman Neumann moved, seconded by Selectman Judice, to appoint Ralph Eustis (R), 20 Silkey Heights Drive, to the Kelly Lane Building Committee. The appointment was unanimously (5-0-0) approved.
B. Consideration of Older Americans Act Grant Application
Town Manager Smith indicated KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Social Services, wished to apply for a grant from the North Central Area Agency on Aging (NCAAOA) for Fiscal Year 2004-05. It is a local share grant with the grant match requirements met through the municipal budget and in-kind services. The grant request was for $5,800 but the amount approved depends on the availability of funds.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the application for a grant from the NCAAOA for Fiscal Year 2004-05.
C. Discussion of Proposed Revisions to Commission On Aging Ordinance
The Senior Center is currently in the process of developing an application for accreditation. As part of that process, the existing Ordinance has been reviewed. Recommendations to update the Ordinance involve changing the membership from seven to nine members and changing the focus of the Commission to act as a resource to the Board of Selectmen and to staff for program services.
The Board inquired if realizing a quorum at Commission meetings had ever been a problem. Town Manager Smith responded it has never been a problem to his knowledge. There was also discussion on the new focus of the Commission.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to forward the draft Ordinance to the Town Attorney for final review. It will then be placed on an agenda for a public hearing at a later date.
D. Budget Presentation – Fiscal Year 2004-05
Town Manager Smith began by thanking his staff, as well as the Boards of Selectmen and Finance for their assistance and guidelines in developing the budget for Fiscal Year 2004-05. The budget is a vision of the future and the needs of the town. Expected revenues should be realistic, while expenditures should reflect legal demands. The town is fortunate in their approach to the budget using the CPPAC model, the Statement of Commitment, and the five and ten year forecasts.
Town Manager Smith spent the next several minutes highlighting sections of the budget beginning with the Town Manager’s Budget Message. Other areas covered were fund balance, guidelines for 2004-05, the Governor’s budget, bond obligations and debt service, revenue budget, and expenditure budget.
First Selectman Adams reviewed the budget workshop dates, as well as the departments to be covered at each workshop. Workshops are scheduled to begin Thursday, March 4, 2004.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations Report – January 2004
The Board was provided with copies of the Budget Operations Report dated January 2004 prior to tonight’s meeting. Barbarajean Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer, reported for the Town Manager.
The current tax levy collected is at a very good level. It had lagged behind somewhat initially in the fiscal year but has improved since the second installment of tax bills were paid.
Mrs. Scibelli stated shortfalls are expected in accounts #311, #332, and #336 as the State is not funding those accounts as expected. However, an overage is expected in account #326, which will help revenues realize a plus amount of $4,423.
The overtime account for Communications and Dispatch, account 2021, is expected to exceed funding, and will need a transfer. Historically this account exceeds funding almost every year. The budget for Fiscal Year 2004-05 will reflect additional funding.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported on a CRCOG Transportation Committee meeting he attended. The focus of the meeting was on regional projects including the Adriaen’s Landing project.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
First Selectman Adams adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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