TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
OCTOBER 4, 2004
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Vice Chairman Sally King at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Sally King, Vice Chairman; Frank Judice, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
Vice Chairman King requested a moment of silence in memory of Melissa Galka, a seventeen-year-old Granby resident who died recently as the result of an automobile accident on Silver Street in North Granby.
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Susan Regan, 62 Hungary Road, addressed the Board on behalf of the Hungary Property Owners. Ms. Regan read a prepared statement outlining concerns of the property owners regarding the process used in obtaining the Ahren’s property, lack of communication received from the town regarding development of the property, poor planning on the part of the town, and the importance of being open and forthcoming with all citizens.
A formal request was made for a copy of the appraisal of the Ahrens property and any documents relating to the appraisal and ensuing effect on local property values, a copy of surveys developed relative to sports fields and town wide needs, and inclusion in setting the parameters of park usage, i.e. hours of operation for scheduled events, location and design of any facilities – either permanent or temporary, and any future expansion.
Board members were provided with copies of the multi-page document.
Jim Glenney, 33 Glen Road, inquired as to the status of the additional veterans exemption and also if veterans were notified. Town Manager Smith replied the additional exemption is determined by income eligibility and those currently enrolled meeting the requirements were notified. Also, the American Legion and the VFW disseminated information.
No other public addressed the Board. The public session was closed at 7:40 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted 2-0-1 (abstention Judice) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 20, 2004 as presented. Motion failed.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
Chairman of the Building Committees, John Latella, stated he was happy to report the Kearns Classroom project is closed.
The groundbreaking for the Wells Road School Building project is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on October 5, 2004. Some of the Wells Road School students will participate in the groundbreaking ceremony. A Clerk of the Works has been hired and the Committee is hopeful the septic system will be installed by the end of the month.
The budget and working drawings are being compiled for the Kelly Lane School Building project.
B. Blight and Nuisance Study Committee Request for Extension of Time
Evan Geusic, Chairman of the Blight and Nuisance Study Committee, submitted a request for an extension of time to complete the charge for the Committee.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to grant an extension to the Blight and Nuisance Study Committee from the original 90 days until January 2005.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
There were no resignations or appointments to be considered.
B. Consideration of Resolution for 2004 Homeland Security Grant
The State will provide Granby with funding for administration, equipment, training, etc. for FY 2004 through a cooperative sub-state regional arrangement with the Capitol Regional Council of Governments (CRCOG).
The Division of Homeland Security has asked the town to formalize the relationship by passing a resolution and entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with CRCOG. There are no town funds required.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to adopt the attached resolution.
C. Consideration of Joint Resolution of Support for the Granby Community Forum on the CenterEdge Project Report
Board members were provided with a memo from Town Manager Smith reviewing information about an upcoming Granby Community Forum scheduled for November 22, 2004. The purpose of the forum is to get people involved and informed and to keep information flowing regarding possible changes to avoid undesirable social consequences and building in Connecticut.
Selectman Neumann expressed concern about the methods used by the CenterEdge Coalition but was assured the Board is not under any obligation to endorse any report that may come from the discussions.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice the Board voted 2-1-0 (Selectman Neumann opposing) to adopt the attached Resolution. Motion failed.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
Town Manager Smith reported the transfer station would be open on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, October 6, 2004 through November 24, 2004. The additional hours are to assist residents with their fall clean up. These Wednesday hours are in addition to the regular Saturday hours.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
No reports.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
There was some discussion concerning the Griffin Farms/Schoolhouse Road Subdivision. They are in violation of Connecticut General Statutes Section 8-26c. The town has a cash bond of $20,000 on file, which will be used to complete the required improvements. Selectman Judice expressed concern about the town completing the work thus becoming the “contractor” which might at some time result in liability to the town. Town Manager Smith indicated he would check with the Town Attorney before the town engages in any work.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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