TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 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
Martha Delaney, 51 Pendleton Road, resident and a member of DOGGS (Dog Owners of Granby Getting Social), was present this evening as an advocate for a Dog Park to be built in Granby. The proposal was brought before the Park and Recreation Board who suggested three possible sites and asked Ms. Delaney to check the sites and determine which might best suit the proposed dog park. The preferred site is next to and behind the current Community Gardens at Ahrens Farm Park.
Ms. Delaney listed the advantages of having such a park, discussed the plans for improvements for the area including fencing, trashcans, etc. She also discussed plans to educate the public to be responsible dog owners.
Board members had several questions as to fiscal assistance expected from the town (none), what type of fencing would be used (black vinyl coated chain link), would the area be totally fenced in (yes), who would police the area (members of DOGGS), the total estimated cost ($15,000 - $20,000) and the expected time frame (sometime next summer).
Selectman Desrosiers stated he would like input from the Park and Recreation Board, as well as the Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, as to how this proposal would fit in with the master plan. Selectman King suggested the Board should also be sensitive to the neighbors in that area and would like all available information copied to the Board and then placed on the agenda for a future meeting.
William Regan, 62 Hungary Road, stated he had attended the October 4, 2004 meeting of the Board and at that time had submitted a formal request for certain documents pertaining to the purchase of Ahrens Farm Park. To date, he has not received any of that information.
First Selectman Adams apologized stating both he and Town Manager Smith have been out of town and only recently were able to meet to discuss matters pertaining to the Board of Selectmen. He encouraged Mr. Regan to come to Town Hall and review the pertinent information he was requesting with the Town Manager and to call First Selectman Adams with any further questions.
Peter Gunn, 6 Gristmill Lane, stated he attended the March, 2003 Special Town Meeting held to consider the purchase of the Ahrens’ parcel of land. He indicated an article in a recent issue of the Drummer seemed to imply both the purchase of the property and the Special Town Meeting did not follow procedure and were secretive and underhanded. He thought the meeting was well attended, the information provided complete, the ensuing discussion lively, and the public vote taken indicated approval by a majority.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted 4-0-1 (abstention Selectman Judice) to approve the minutes of the September 20, 2004 meeting as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted 3-0-2 (abstention First Selectman Adams and Selectman Desrosiers) to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2004 meeting as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted 4-0-1 (abstention Selectman Judice) to approve the minutes of the October 18, 2004 meeting as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
John Latella, Chairman of the School Building Committee, stated the Wells Road School groundbreaking ceremony included the participation of ten Wells Road School students. Work on this project is progressing very rapidly and at this point the project is one week ahead of schedule. Total completion is projected for January 2006.
Chairman Latella stated he was hopeful nothing would have to be done with the Kelly Lane School septic system. The plans will go before the State School Facilities Unit for review in December of this year. The Committee expects to be ready to go out to bid in May of 2005. Completion of this project is projected for the beginning of the 2007 school year.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
First Selectman Adams stated he received four resignations. The first was from Robert Daglio of the Development Commission. The other three were Theresa Dell, L. Squire Bressor, and John Budek all from the Commission on Aging.
Selectman Desrosiers provided background information on Incy S. Muir, a candidate for one of the vacancies on the Commission on Aging.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Incy S. Muir (U), 33 Loveland Road, to the Commission on Aging filling the position vacated with the resignation of Theresa Dell. Ms. Muir’s term will expire January 9, 2006.
B. Report of New Developments for the Silver Street Bridge Repairs
Town Manager Smith reported the State Department of Transportation recently requested a meeting regarding the Silver Street Bridge repairs. At the meeting held on October 14, 2004 the state indicated they might accelerate grant funding for the bridge.
Because of these new developments, Town Manager Smith recommended postponement of the approved $110,000 appropriation for improvements to the Silver Street Bridge east wing wall. He indicated he would like to place the project on delay for six months to see if the project gets accelerated, however, if the delay becomes too lengthy, the town could proceed as previously planned.
C. Consideration of Payment to Attorneys Representing the Town of Granby for the Schlicht Lawsuit
The Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance were previously informed of the cost to defend our claim regarding Town of Granby versus Schlicht (Cooley Road encroachment).
Town Manager Smith explained events that have taken place requiring Granby to pay approximately $21,000 in legal fees. He recommended the town pay a portion now, perhaps $5,000 - $10,000, from Contingency and later request a transfer to make final payment by the end of the year. The Board concurred with the Town Manager’s recommendation.
D. Consideration of Funding an Actuarial Valuation of Retiree Medical Benefits Report
Under the audit rules of the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), the town is required to report valuation of retiree medical benefits. The requirement under Statement #43 and #45 is similar to pension trust reporting requirements. This is a relatively new requirement and the town will have a few years to comply.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appropriate $6,000 from the General Fund to prepare an actuarial report for retiree medical benefits.
Additional discussion covered the requirement (GASB #34) to conduct an inventory of the town’s infrastructure, which has to be in place by the end of 2006. A value will be placed on a square yard basis and a list maintained for depreciation purposes.
E. Consideration of Plus One Budget (2005-2006)
Town Manager Smith stated this is a first cut, or draft, of the Plus One Budget (2005-2006). It is a list of major items known at this time but does not include items under $5,000. The Board is aware of some code enforcement issues and other items which will need to be considered. As a point of interest, there are only two new items on the Plus One Budget, the rest are two or more years old.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to forward the Plus One Budget to the Board of Finance for their consideration.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations Report – September 2004
The Board was provided with copies of the Budget Operations Report dated September 2004. Administration Finance Officer, Barbarajean Scibelli, reported all revenues and collections are on target at this point. Also, there is no obvious problem with any account at this time to indicate a transfer might be needed later in the year.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams stated a recent CRCOG report on the sale of homes shows Granby is now third in this region in median home prices.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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