TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
JULY 19, 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, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Gerry Ledger, 89 Bushy Hill Road, noted the activity taking place on Route 10 and indicated he did not think work on the trail would begin so quickly. Town Manager Smith indicated this was not part of the trail construction but rather was activity on the part of Imperial Nurseries/River Bend Associates, Inc. They are preparing a “bed” for a gas line to Simsbury. The ground preparation is following the trail path. The trail is in the works but Granby is not engaged as yet. No approval has been received from the State and also no funding. The public input session was held, however, there is no time frame for when the project might begin. A process will have to be followed which will include an agreement with East Granby, sign-off on the final plan by DOT, a formal
agreement with Imperial Nurseries/River Bend Associates, Inc., placement of local money, and going to bid.
Mr. Ledger reminded the Board the Rails to Trails Link Committee is still in place not having been discharged by the Board of Selectmen. He stated there is still interest within the committee to assist with the project in whatever way they could.
Frank Moon, 11 Buttles Road, commented that every house built sends children into the school system and the taxes paid do not come near paying for their education. He inquired if there was some way to work with builders to slow down construction noting that school infrastructure could not keep up with building.
Members of the Board of Selectmen stated the Open Space program was the best way to protect the land, along with purchasing development rights to agricultural parcels but there was really no way to slow down building.
This led to a discussion about the next scheduled Community Conversations which is projected to be held in late fall or mid-winter. The topic will be how not to over burden children with scheduled activities.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the minutes of the July 6, 2004 meeting as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
Chairman of the Building Committees, John Latella, began his update on school projects stating signage for the Kearns project has been installed. They are now trying to schedule a last meeting to accept the project. Paving of the playground area was not completed due to inclement weather, however, it is anticipated to be completed either this week or next.
The Kelly Lane project has gone back to the architects to reduce the square footage. A new draft is due on Monday (7/26/04).
The Wells Road School project went out to bid and the bids were to be opened tomorrow, however, over the weekend the architect received several emails with questions on the project. Chairman Latella indicated it might reduce change orders later if the bid opening is delayed one week. The new bid opening date is Tuesday, July 27, 2004. The committee hopes bids come within 10 percent of the budget and can be negotiated. If the bids come in over the 10 percent, the bid process will have to be done over. Chairman Latella will report on the bid opening at the next meeting.
Chairman Latella displayed a three dimensional model of the Wells Road School project and explained the plan and answered questions for the Board.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were noted.
B. Consideration of Purchase of 93 Old Stagecoach Road
The Board members were provided with a memo from Town Manager Smith outlining the proposed purchase of 93 Old Stagecoach Road adjacent to the former town landfill. The owner, Ms. Case, has agreed to sell her property to the town for $124,900. Her well is contaminated and the town had been supplying water to her house. Because of the potential liability this condition represents and because it will eliminate the cost of water deliveries, Town Manager Smith recommended the Board of Selectmen vote to purchase the property.
Board of Finance and town meeting approval are necessary for this purchase.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to authorize the Town Manager to purchase the property at 93 Old Stagecoach Road for $124,900 from the Solid Waste Fund.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to forward the request to the Board of Finance and call for a Special Town Meeting.
C. Call for Special Town Meeting – Purchase of 93 Old Stagecoach Road
First Selectman Adams MOVED to call a town meeting for Monday, August 2, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room, and approve the resolution as written for the meeting notice. The motion was seconded by Selectman King, and unanimously (4-0-0) approved.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
Town Manager Smith stated he has received several requests for the town to enact an additional veteran exemption. The state allows individual towns to enact an ordinance allowing for up to $10,000 off the assessed value of a house. Town Manager Smith will request an analysis of the impact from the Assessor, noting that it could be fairly significant and there is no provision for reimbursement from the state. Town Manager Smith will report again, once the analysis has been completed.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams stated the Blight and Nuisance Study Committee received their charge earlier this evening. They will meet the first and third Wednesday of each month. No chairman was elected at tonight’s meeting.
Richard T. O’Brien resigned from the Board of Finance effective July 15, 2004 and is relocating to Florida. The Board of Finance held a nice reception to honor Mr. O’Brien’s many years of volunteer service to the Town of Granby having served on several boards and committees.
First Selectman Adams announced another meeting of COST, CCM, CABE, CREC, and CRCOG is scheduled for tomorrow. The meeting will attempt to begin work on their legislative agenda. The top priority will probably be to try to put a stop to unfunded mandates from the state.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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