TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
APRIL 5, 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, Sally King, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
First Selectman Adams commented that the agenda sequence should be changed so that agenda item III. C. Sale of Town Land would be discussed at the end of the meeting during closed session.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to discuss item III., C. Sale of Town Land during closed session following the end of the regular Board of Selectmen meeting.
I. PUBLIC SESSION
James Oates, Selectman Emeritus, 330 N. Granby Road, addressed the Board regarding discussions on the proposed blight and nuisance ordinance. He pointed out that this ordinance had been previously discussed and dismissed during his time as a member of the Board of Selectmen. He urged the Board to avoid this ordinance again as it is a subjective item. Mr. Oates also indicated there are legal aspects to this ordinance that need to be reviewed carefully, like how do you measure, how do you enforce, and how do you pay for enforcement of this ordinance. Lastly, he commented that Granby was unique in character and thought it was pretty good. This ordinance may ultimately change the character of Granby.
Jim Glenney, 33 Glen Road, addressed the Board regarding an announcement that Granby First, in conjunction with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection Eastern Bluebird restoration project, is providing free bluebird nesting boxes to Granby residents for placement and monitoring in yards around town. For detailed information on this project, visit the websites of Granby First (www.granbyfirst.com) and the state (http://www.dep.state.ct.us/burnatr/wildlife/pdf/bbird.pdf).
The public session closed at 7:35 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the workshop meeting of March 11, 2004 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 15, 2004 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
Town Manager Smith reported that on the Wells Road School Building project the contract bidding documents are being modified in hopes to have a bid opening later this month or early May. First Selectman Adams indicated that the project had a completion date of fall 2005.
B. Further Discussion on Proposed Blight and Nuisance Ordinance
Selectman King reported on the proposed blight and nuisance ordinance. She indicated a workshop should be scheduled to discuss this in detail. A discussion ensued regarding when a workshop might be scheduled. The workshop was tentatively scheduled for the second Monday in May and if that did not work, the first Monday in June.
C. Sale of Town Land (CLOSED SESSION)
This item will be discussed at the end of the Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
Town Manager Smith indicated Ann Smith could no longer serve on the Intra-town Cooperative Advisory Committee.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to accept the resignation of Ann Smith from the Intra-town Cooperative Advisory Committee.
Selectman Desrosiers introduced Judy A. Goff as a replacement for Ann Smith on the Intra-town Cooperative Advisory Committee. She previously served on the High School Building Committee, the Charter Revision Commission, and is an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Judy A. Goff (D), 6 Douglas Drive, to the Intra-town Cooperative Advisory Committee to fill the vacancy created by Ms. Smith.
First Selectman Adams indicated there was an interested person willing to serve on the Conservation Commission and he hoped to speak with this person before the next Selectmen’s meeting.
B. Consideration of Adoption of Commission on Aging Ordinance
A public hearing was held earlier this evening to receive input on the proposed revisions to the Commission on Aging Ordinance. No public spoke against the proposed ordinance. George Bronsord, Commission on Aging Chairman, spoke in favor of the revisions.
A discussion took place regarding the two additional members to the Commission on Aging. First Selectman Adams commented that if anyone was interested in serving on this Commission, they could contact their respective Town Committee, Commission on Aging, or Town Hall (Town Manager’s office).
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the revised Commission on Aging Ordinance. A legal notice will be published as soon as possible regarding the adoption of this ordinance. It was noted that twenty days after the publication notice, the ordinance would become effective. A copy of the ordinance is attached.
C. Consideration of Call for Public Hearing on Broad Hill Road Bridge Program
Town Manager Smith gave an overview of the Local Bridge program for partial municipal funding from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation for the Broad Hill Road Bridge. The proposed work is similar to the previous request of the Simsbury Road Bridge reconstruction. The public hearing is a requirement by the Department of Transportation. At this hearing, details of the proposed work will be discussed. The bridge road will be open during reconstruction, having one lane at a time closed for work. The abutters will be notified of this public hearing by legal notice and individual letters.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to call for a public hearing regarding the Broad Hill Road Bridge on April 19, 2004 at 7:15 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room.
D. Consideration of Adjustments to the 2005 Board of Selectmen Budget
First Selectman Adams reported that the Board of Finance received the Board of Selectmen’s budget but requested the budget be reduced by $15,000. The Board of Education budget was reduced by $25,000. The requested total reduction was $40,000. This reduction was requested to increase the funding to the elderly and totally disabled homeowners tax relief program.
Town Manager Smith answered questions by the Board regarding this program. He indicated this would be a local option to raise the level that we presently do. Currently, this program serves approximately 100 homeowners. Town Manager Smith suggested if the Board wished to move forward on this request, perhaps a committee could be created to analyze and formulate changes to achieve the request of providing relief to eligible citizens.
Town Manager Smith provided the Board with information outlining line items that will be reduced for a total of $15,000. See table below for reductions.
Line Item Area Reduction Approved $ New $
Administration Contingency $1,000 $21,000 $20,000
Personal and Property Protection Fire Prevention $5,000 $222,300 $217,300
Personal and Property Protection Communications
and Dispatching $2,000 $238,810 $236,810
Personal and Property Protection Police Operations $1,000 $915,403 $914,403
Public Works and Environment Various $6,000 $2,345,556 $2,339,556
In the Public Works and Environment section, various areas include Public Works Administration, General Maintenance, Solid Waste and Recycling, Equipment Maintenance, Planning and Engineering Services, and Building Maintenance and Town Grounds. The Board discussed and agreed with the proposed reductions.
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the adjustment to the 2005 Board of Selectmen Budget as presented above.
E. Consideration of Approval of the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2005
Changes in figures made to the original budget, by request of the Board of Finance, are reflected in the budget being submitted below, and the Selectmen should concur with these changes.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2005 that will be presented at the Public Hearing on April 12, 2004. The Annual Budget consists of:
REVENUES
Property Tax Levy $24,079,571
Other Property Tax 560,000
Intergovernmental Revenues 5,253,570
Local Revenues and Fund Transfers 1,679,150
Fund Balance Transfers 1,042,000
Total $32,614,291
EXPENDITURES
MUNICIPAL SERVICES
General Government Department $7,096,714
Board of Selectmen and Board of Education
Capital Equipment/Improvement Allotment 655,000
Capital Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund (CNEF) 884,816
Economic Dev. Funds 5,000
Debt Service 2,882,303
EDUCATION SERVICES
Education Department 21,090,458
Total $32,614,291
OTHER FUNDS REVENUES EXPENDITURES
Dog Fund 14,300 14,300
Recreation Events Funds 259,000 259,000
Sewer Utility Fund 111,350 111,350
Education Quality & Diversity Fund 95,600 95,600
Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund 690,773 690,773
F. Call for Annual Town Meeting
The call for the Annual Town Meeting was circulated for signatures. The Annual Town Meeting will be held Monday, April 26, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the High School Auditorium. The Public Hearing will be held Monday, April 12, 2004. The location and time are the same.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
No reports.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported that at the last meeting the Board endorsed the feasibility study for the Federal “Wild and Scenic” designation of Salmon Brook. The “Designation” has been endorsed by Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and Congressman John Larson.
First Selectman Adams also indicated that various legislative proposals are being acted upon, which he and Town Manager Smith are watching and participating in when necessary. Some are Municipal Ethics Bill, Reforming the State Revaluation Mandate, and Binding Arbitration Reform.
Other items of interest mentioned were: A Special Legislative Reception to be held on April 13, 2004, sponsored by Capitol Region Partnership and Policy Board for Homeland Security, dealing with equipment and personal wear to handle hazardous material.
He also indicated if anyone was interested in the above items, they should contact First Selectman Adams or the Town Manager’s office.
First Selectman Adams commented that several thank you notes have been received for recognition plaques given out to persons who have retired or terms have expired from town boards, commissions, or committees.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman; Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
Selectman Desrosiers mentioned that each year the Board of Selectmen recognizes volunteers from the community with a Community Service Award presentation. He indicated this process is in the works and there is still time to nominate, through the Drummer, someone who has actively volunteered throughout the year(s) and has enriched the Granby community by their efforts.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting recessed to closed session at 8:09 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
First Selectman Adams called the executive session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 8:15 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Sally King, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a potential sale of town land.
The executive session adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was reconvened at 8:25 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
ORDINANCE
COMMISSION ON AGING
(Supercedes Ordinance Dated February 13, 1980)
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GRANBY, CONNECTICUT:
Section 1. COMMISSION ON AGING
The Town of Granby hereby establishes a Commission on Aging to study the needs of senior citizens, to provide support to the Senior Center staff, and aid in the support of programs and activities of the aging.
Section 2. MEMBERSHIP
Said Commission shall consist of nine members who shall be electors in the Town of Granby, five to be over 60 years of age. Each member shall serve for a term of two years. The seven members serving as the Commission under the ordinance of February 13, 1980, shall continue to serve with the same dates for the termination of their respective terms of appointment. The initial terms of the two additional members to be appointed pursuant to this ordinance shall expire on January 10, 2005. The Board of Selectmen will appoint all members.
Any member missing three consecutive meetings without an acceptable reason may be asked to resign. The Board of Selectmen may remove any member for cause. The Board of Selectmen shall name a replacement. In addition to the nine regular members of the Commission, the Director of Human Services, the First Selectman and the Town Manager, or their representative shall be non-voting ex-officio members of the Commission.
Section 3. COMPENSATION:
Members of the Commission on Aging shall serve without compensation.
Section 4. POWERS AND DUTIES:
A. The Commission on Aging shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Selectmen and staff of the Senior Center and function as ombudsman to the senior population of Granby.
B. The Commission on Aging shall foster understanding, respect, and involvement of older adults in the life of the community.
C. The Commission on Aging shall promote senior citizens equal access to town resources, facilities, and programs.
D. The Commission on Aging shall, from time to time, form sub-committees to assist in the development and promotion of senior programs.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE:
This ordinance, if accepted, will replace the ordinance dated February 13, 1980. This ordinance will be effective 20 days from the date of it’s publication.
Date of Public Hearing: April 5, 2004
Date Adopted: April 5, 2004
Date Published: April 8, 2004
Effective Date: April 28, 2004
| 
