TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 15, 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 William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
The public session portion of tonight’s meeting began with recognition of Robert Daglio’s volunteer service to the town as member and chairman of the Development Commission over the past twenty years. First Selectman Adams reviewed the strides made by the Development Commission, particularly in the center of town, and more recently in the southern part of the town under Mr. Daglio’s leadership.
First Selectman Adams presented Mr. Daglio with a plaque in honor of his years of service to the Town of Granby. The meeting then recessed for refreshments.
First Selectman Adams reconvened the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
The continuation of the public session began with comments from Susan Regan, 62 Hungary Road. Ms. Regan commented she tried to reach someone in the Park and Recreation Department on November 8 and 9, 2004 and could only get connected with voice mail. She inquired as to the staffing level wondering if the office were only staffed part time.
Ms. Regan continued with a request to have the comments she submitted to the Board of Selectmen at their meeting of October 4, 2004 included as an addendum to the minutes of that meeting. She inquired as to the status of soil testing for the property and renewed her request for appraisal and budget information. First Selectman Adams instructed her to go to the Town Manager’s office for the information she was seeking.
Several other residents addressed the Board, expressing their concerns or voicing their approval of the Ahrens Farm Park. First Selectman Adams informed those present the Park and Recreation Board’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7, 2004. Kay Woodford, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, sent out invitations to all of the current user groups to attend that meeting to review future needs and discuss scheduling. The Board of Selectmen will hold a “Summit Meeting” on January 10, 2005, to receive the information from user groups, as well as comments from the general public.
No other public addressed the Board. The public session was closed at 8:07 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 1, 2004, as presented. The Board instructed the Town Clerk to add Ms. Regan’s prepared statement, submitted at the October 4, 2004 meeting, to the minutes of that meeting.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
No report.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
Town Manager Smith stated he just received the resignation of Pamela Mason, Assistant Principal of Granby Memorial High School, from the Youth Service Bureau Advisory Board.
B. Consideration of Dog Park Proposal
First Selectman Adams started the discussion of the Dog Park Proposal by stating the Board would postpone consideration until after the “Summit Meeting” scheduled for January 10, 2005.
Ms. Delaney, who brought this proposal before the Board initially, summarized information previously presented to the Board for the benefit of residents attending tonight’s meeting.
There were numerous people who addressed the Board, some in favor of the dog park and some opposing the dog park. All cited compelling reasons for their position on the issue.
In conclusion, the Board agreed this was another user group that should be considered once all the facts are in place. The Board noted the limitations of the town to address the liability issues, as well as enforcement and additional pressures on the maintenance staff. First Selectman Adams encouraged Ms. Delaney to work with Town Manager Smith in resolving issues as outlined this evening.
C. Discussion Regarding Facilities and Uses at Salmon Brook Park and Ahrens Farm Park
Discussion again focused on the “Summit Meeting” scheduled for January 10, 2005. Each user group presentation will be limited to ten minutes, and at the end of the presentations, a summary of needs will be formulated.
D. Consideration of Call for Public Hearing on Amendment to the Town of Granby Ordinance on Use and Operation of Parks and Open Space
Town Manager Smith indicated there was no action required on this agenda item this evening.
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, second by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to table this agenda item.
E. Town Department Review – Police Department
Chief of Police, David Watkins, provided the Board with a summary of activities within the department including staffing levels and issues, the need for an additional Sergeant, the Citizens Police Academy, and interaction with other departments.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Discussion Report Regarding Tax Deferral Program for Elderly Homeowners
Town Manager Smith stated this local option was brought to the Board’s attention several months ago. The Board asked Town Manager Smith to investigate the option and report. Mr. Smith stated the town does have an Ordinance in place but it is rarely used. He thought perhaps a summary of the Ordinance should be publicized to make residents more aware of this option. Town Manager Smith will prepare a summary for the Board to consider.
B. Farmington Valley Greenway Trail Agreement
The Board previously approved this agreement and the Town Manager was authorized to execute the necessary documents. A resolution is needed to finalize that process.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adopt the resolution as follows:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED, that William F. Smith, Jr. of the Town of Granby be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town of Granby a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) with the State of Connecticut for financial assistance to complete improvement to a linear trail known as Farmington Valley Greenway Trail, CSAP 2004-68.
IN ADDITION, that William F. Smith, Jr. is hereby authorized to enter into such agreements, contracts and execute all documents necessary to said grant with the State of Connecticut.
BE IT FURTHER KNOWN that William F. Smith, Jr. was appointed Town Manager. His term of office began on September 11, 1978 and will continue indefinitely. As the Town Manager, William F. Smith, Jr. serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Town of Granby, and is duly authorized to enter into agreements and contracts on behalf of the Town of Granby.
Dated at Granby, Connecticut this 15th day of November, 2004.
C. Homeland Security Memo of Understanding
Town Manager Smith provided a brief update stating CRCOG will serve as the Administrator for the funding. Funds will probably be available in January 2005 and may be used for training and equipment but not for staffing.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported on the Intra-Town Cooperative Advisory Committee stating it will be dissolved and a new committee, focusing on technology, will be created. This will be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.
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 King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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