TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
AUGUST 2, 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, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and Barbarajean Scibelli, Administration Finance Officer
I. PUBLIC SESSION
James Hall, 7 Intervale Road, Chairman of the Civil War Monument Restoration Program, spoke regarding town mowing in that area. He asked the Board to make sure maintenance personnel discontinue mowing over paving blocks because it is causing damage.
James Donaldson, 97 Bushy Hill Road, furnished background information on both the present veteran exemption and the proposed exemption. He stated he and others attended meetings with State Representative Richard Ferrari and ultimately new legislation was passed to allow towns, to pass an ordinance for an additional exemption. This ordinance, if passed, would have to be entirely funded by the town. In conclusion, Mr. Donaldson, praised Town Manager Smith for his swift action in bringing this matter to the attention of the Board of Selectmen.
John W. Fedora, 2 Arrowwood Court, verbalized his appreciation to the Board of Selectmen for responding to the veterans and considering the new ordinance.
William Hart, 58 Buttles Road, also wished to express his gratitude to Town Manager Smith and the Board of Selectmen for considering an additional veteran exemption.
No other public addressed the Board. The public session closed at 7:44 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted 3-0-1 (abstention Desrosiers) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 19, 2004 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to reorder the agenda to address the local option for Veteran Tax Exemption next. These minutes are printed in chronological order.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
Administration Finance Officer Barbarajean Scibelli reported on the bid openings for the Wells Road School project. The bids came in high but within the range expected by the committee. There were four bids received, and the low bidder was Konover at approximately $9,865,000 with the options the committee is considering.
B. Further Consideration of Small Town Economic Development Assistance Program (STEAP) Application
In June the Board discussed the town making application to the State for a STEAP grant. The final version eliminates sidewalks and paths from the center of town to Salmon Brook Park and elsewhere and enhances the High School track project. More details have been developed and the revised proposal should make for a sound grant. Town Manager Smith recommended the Board endorse the projects for funding and to also contact their state legislative delegates to support the grant application.
Selectman King stated she would like more details on the parking project proposed for Salmon Brook Park. She wants to make sure it does not interfere with the area for horses.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to authorize the Town Manager to make application for the STEAP grant in the amount of $495,000 to finance the projects as outlined in the letter to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM).
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were noted.
B. Consideration of Authorization to Sign Cooperative Agreements with Other Towns and with Imperial Nurseries (River Bend Associates) for the Granby Trail Link as it Relates to the Rails to Trails Project
As discussed at a previous meeting, a process is being followed to keep this project progressing and includes agreements with other towns, a final sign-off of the plan by DOT, an agreement with River Bend Associates, Inc., local funding, and bidding.
To allow for timely action by the Town Manager, ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to authorize the Town Manager to enter into certain non-financial agreements as related to the Rails to Trails project.
C. Consideration of Local Option for Veteran Tax Exemption
In his memo of August 2, 2004, Town Manager Smith furnished information regarding the local option for Veteran Tax Exemption. There are different methods to consider and he cited an example where towns may provide an amount up to $10,000 off of an income qualified veteran’s assessment. The Assessor suggested the flat $10,000 exemption be enacted. The estimated cost to the town is $15,000.
First Selectman Adams stated while he supported enacting the local option on this issue, the town would be responsible for the funding and budget dollars are increasingly tight. He continued that state mandates legislation but does not fund it. In his opinion, this was about as close as they could come without actually mandating the increase for the veterans but allowing the towns to enact the option with no funding.
Selectman Desrosiers acknowledged this is an option, not a mandate and the towns are not required to act. However, he too supports the ordinance but reminded everyone the dollars may not be there for some other need as a result.
In order for the ordinance to become effective by October 1st, the Board must hold a public hearing at the first meeting in September 2004. Therefore, ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to call for a public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance for a local option for Property Tax Exemption for Qualifying Veterans on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at 7:15 p.m.
First Selectman Adams indicated the Board of Selectmen will not hold their August 16, 2004 meeting. Therefore, the September 7, 2004 meeting will be the first opportunity to hold a public hearing.
First Selectman Adams recessed the Board of Selectmen meeting to hold a Special Town Meeting at 8:00 p.m.
The Board of Selectmen meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
D. Discussion on Connecticut Metropatterns (The “CenterEdge Coalition”)
Town Manager Smith provided a detailed memo outlining the purpose of the CenterEdge, which is for all towns to assist in promoting its goals of smart growth. Community Forums will be held to bring its message to Connecticut’s towns and cities. Town Manager Smith also provided a summary of CenterEdge’s “Regional Agenda for Community and Prosperity in Connecticut”.
Discussion began with a query if this group was meant to replace or supplement the Community Conversations. It was thought this was a separate group looking for support in the way of a staff person.
The Board members indicated their support of the efforts of CenterEdge, however, Granby is not able to contribute a staff person to assist their efforts. Town Manager Smith could offer the use of a facility for meetings, etc., and otherwise clarify Granby’s position.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
No reports.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported Town Attorney Holtman advised he has received notice that the Flanigan Freedom of Information complaint has been dismissed. The town did not violate meeting notice requirements.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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