TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 7, 2004
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman John Adams at 7:50 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Ned Allen, 18 Harvey Drive, began by stating he is the current president of Little League and was present tonight as an advocate for Ahrens Farm Park. He understood there are some people in Granby who may be opposed to the park. He stated the primary concern for all sports organizations is the safety of the children which could be compromised by sharing fields with other sports because of overcrowding and lack of field space. He stated Ahrens Farm Park is very important and he urged the Board of Selectmen to purchase additional land to set aside for the same purpose.
John Mahoney, 16 Maple Hill Drive, expressed the same thoughts and wished to thank the Ahrens family for making the land available at an affordable price. He also thanked the town for having the foresight to purchase the land for use as a park.
During the course of the Public Session several other residents expressed more or less the same thoughts i.e. lack of field space, growing numbers participating in all sports, and the need to search for additional land to develop fields while again thanking the Ahrens family and the town for the new park.
Douglas Endorf, 27 Strawberry Fields, stated he had recently received a letter from the Town Manager providing information on line striping to be done on Strawberry Fields. He and his wife were not happy to receive this information and inquired why it is necessary to stripe a cul-de-sac road. He further noted the Planning and Zoning Commission had approved a resolution in July to prohibit striping of roads in Granby.
Town Manager Smith responded there were a number of considerations for striping a road. Initially Strawberry Fields was under the length requirement, however when the road was modified and lengthened by the developer, it then met the criteria. The local traffic authority sets the criteria using national, state, and local standards. The resolution passed by the Planning and Zoning Commission was very nice, however they do not have the authority to pass this type of resolution.
Several other homeowners spoke out against the striping process but there were also those who spoke in favor of the process citing safety issues. Chief Watkins explained the safety issues and the criteria used. Ultimately most roads in Granby will be striped either partially or the entire length. Additional discussion covered the cost to the town, miles of roads that may need to be striped, and the need to bring Granby into compliance with state, federal, and local mandates.
No other public addressed the meeting. The Public Session was closed at 8:20 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 regular meeting of August 2, 2004 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
John Latella, Building Committee Chairman, stated the Wells Road School project is underway. The playing field will not be useable for a while, as the septic system will go there. To visit the site while under construction, the contractor requires visitors to wear a hard hat and safety glasses and a badge. The contractor will issue badges. This is being done as a safety measure. The contractor will present the town with a weekly schedule of the work to be done. They are also in the process of selecting a clerk of the works. Chairman Latella will speak at all three sessions of Parent’s Night and explain the process.
Kelly Lane is progressing and Chairman Latella expects to finalize the plans at the next building committee meeting.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were noted.
B. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance for Property Tax Exemption for Qualifying Veterans
A public hearing was held prior to tonight’s meeting to receive comments regarding this proposed Ordinance.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the Ordinance for Property Tax Exemption for Qualifying Veterans as written.
C. Consideration of Application for Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program
Chief David Watkins was present to explain the program to the Board of Selectmen. The state has a grant offering for $4,000 under the Federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program. Chief Watkins would like to take advantage of the grant to upgrade police photography equipment and transition from film to digital imaging. The grant is 100% reimbursable.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to make application to the State Office of Policy and Management for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program and to vote for an appropriation of $4,000 and recommend same to the Board of Finance for action once the grant is awarded.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations Report – July 2004
The Board was provided with copies of the Budget Operations Report dated July 2004. Town Manager Smith stated there were no concerns at this time in either revenues or expenditures, however it is still very early in the year. Tax Collections appear to be somewhat behind last year, however Town Manager Smith stated this was due to the timing of the end of July for payments. At this point everything looks pretty much as expected.
B. Information on Revenue Projections for Fiscal Year 2004-2005
Board members were provided with a memo from Town Manager Smith outlining the results of State Grants for this fiscal year to towns. Additional revenue from the State to Granby amounts to $139,204. There are also additional amounts for the Town Aid Road fund and LoCIP funding was sustained.
C. Discussion of Additional Funding for Silver Street Bridge Repairs
A portion of the town’s bond appropriation was designed to make temporary repairs to the Silver Street Bridge. The amount identified was $18,000. Town Manager Smith reported that when the water flow was diverted for repairs, the bridge was further examined and it was determined that a more serious condition existed. The bridge is also only 17 feet wide and does not meet today’s structure or width standards. Town Manager Smith outlined the work proposed to repair the bridge to meet today’s standards and further identified funding for the additional cost.
Firm proposals were not available for tonight’s meeting but should be available for the next Board of Selectmen meeting.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported the group consisting of town officials, COST, CCM, CABE, CREC, and CRCOG representatives are still meeting regarding excess special education costs, binding arbitration, and prevailing wage. Town Manager Smith recently met with the Governor to discuss the same issues. Town Manager Smith stated there are also discussions going on about consolidating Probate Courts.
First Selectman Adams stated the Employee Health Benefit Fund Advisory Committee held a meeting on September 3, 2004. He stated health insurance premiums came in at less than budgeted however the committee decided to pay the same amount to build up the fund.
First Selectman Adams also reported on an ordinance allowing for tax deferral for elderly households. The town may defer a portion of the taxes due and place a lien upon the property, which is paid off when the property is sold. Board members will be provided with a copy of the ordinance Danbury has in place.
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 Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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