TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 22, 2005
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, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
No public addressed the Board.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 2005 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the minutes of the public hearing of February 7, 2005 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
No report.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to reappoint two individuals as follows:
COMMISSION ON AGING
George L. Bronsord, Jr. (U), 26 Day Street South
June E. Ashworth (R), 7 Whytewood Lane
Their appointments will expire January 8, 2007.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to appoint the following:
COMMISSION ON AGING
Pauline H. Johnson (R), 289 Simsbury Road
Ms. Johnson’s term will expire January 8, 2007.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to reappoint the following:
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Edward Guarco (U), 22R East Street
Mr. Guarco’s appointment will expire January 8, 2007.
B. Consideration of Blight and Nuisance Committee Report
The Board members were provided with copies of the report compiled by the Blight and Nuisance Study Committee prior to tonight’s meeting. Evan P. Geusic, Chairman, presented the report.
The report consisted of two sections; the first was a draft of the presentation and the second is an Executive Packet. The Executive Packet included comprehensive information supporting the presentation with more detail.
The presentation included an Executive Summary, the Committee charge, pros and cons (short and long list), other model ordinances, information gathering, documented occurrences, details and recommendations, enforceability, clear lines of definition, motor vehicle ordinance, nuisance ordinance, conclusions, etc.
Mr. Geusic concluded his presentation with the introduction of his Committee members.
The Board of Selectmen discussion covered the need for two ordinances, one for motor vehicles and one for nuisances. They indicated they would like input from staff members and town government, as well as the Committee members. This information would be forwarded to the Town Attorney to draft two ordinances modeled on the Windsor ordinance. The time frame for working on the ordinances was also discussed at length. The one thing the Board must keep in mind is the associated cost of enforcement. That will have a direct impact on the budget if the Board goes forward with two ordinances.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to forward all of the information to the Town Attorney with instructions to write two ordinances for the Town of Granby using wording from the Windsor ordinance. Input from the Committee, town hall staff, and town government should also be given consideration. The Board would like the two draft ordinances back before them no later than the beginning of May.
C. Consideration of Board of Education Appropriation Request
Town Manager Smith provided the Board of Selectmen with a memo dated February 22, 2005 outlining the request for an appropriation of $120,000. He also provided clarification on information within the memo differentiating between the lease and purchase wording.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to comment favorably on the Board of Education request for an appropriation in the amount of $120,000.
D. Consideration of Granby’s Chamber of Commerce Request for the Use of Alcohol for Special Event and Utilization of Salmon Brook Park for Spring Celebration 2005
As in years past, the Chamber of Commerce was seeking permission to hold their Spring Celebration festivities at Salmon Brook Park and also requesting a one-day waiver from the town’s “no-alcohol” policy. The waiver from the no alcohol policy will be for the one day only.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the Chamber of Commerce Spring Celebration at Salmon Brook Park, necessitating closing the park for most other program activities except practices or games by Little League and Rovers, from Friday, June 10, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 11:30 a.m.
E. Consideration of Call for Public Hearing on Proposed Park Ordinance and Proposed Rules and Regulations to Town Parks
Town Manager Smith explained the town’s Ordinance On Use and Operation of Parks and Open Space has been in place since the 1970’s. Recently concern has been expressed because of the enforcement section. Staff members and the Town Attorney have recommended several changes. In particular, Chief Watkins commented on parking and speeding within the park stating no citation could be issued because the town’s ordinance lacked a clear approach to enforcement.
Selectman Desrosiers stated he had no objection to changes and in particular he thought speeding and parking issues were safety concerns in the park. He did feel strongly that the alcohol use policy should remain with approval by the Board.
The Board members should have been provided copies of the proposed ordinance and rules and regulations, however, inadvertently they were not. Town Manager Smith will provide the Board with copies of those documents and the issue will be taken up again at the first meeting in March 2005.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to add agenda item F. Consideration of a Resolution with respect to the Authorization, Issuance and Sale of Not Exceeding $12,000,000 Town of Granby General Obligation Refunding Bonds.
F. Consideration Of A Resolution With Respect To The Authorization, Issuance And Sale Of Not Exceeding $12,000,000 Town Of Granby General Obligation Refunding Bonds
Town Manager Smith stated as much as $500,000 may be saved over the life of the bonds and it will be in the vicinity of $100,000 the first year. The bonding attorney as well as the town’s financial advisor recommended this action. Both the Bank of America and William Blair Company are bidding on the refunding bonds.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to authorize the Town Manager to proceed with the refunding bonds as outlined in the attached resolution.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
Town Manager Smith reported briefly on American Legion activities with ham radio operators to coordinate efforts as part of the Emergency Operations Plan.
Town Manager Smith reported that Bill Vibert is headed to Granville, Ohio where he will present the town with a Proclamation from the Town of Granby.
Scott Haney, local television personality, will be in Granby Thursday, February 24, 2005 and may visit several locations including the Senior Center, Holcomb Farm, Equestride, and the Salmon Brook Historical Society.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reminded the public of the upcoming budget workshop dates; March 10th, 14th, 17th, and possibly the 21st.
First Selectman Adams stated he had recently testified regarding the proposed ethics code, which now has some detailed language. If passed, each municipality would have to adopt an ethics code by January 1, 2007 and set minimum standards, part of which would be disclosure provisions. Most unpaid officials have indicated they will no longer volunteer their time if this requirement is enacted.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Ronald Desrosiers & Mark Neumann)
Selectman Desrosiers inquired about an upcoming conference, possibly National League of Cities (NLC), in Washington, DC. First Selectman Adams will try to get more information and forward it to Selectman Desrosiers.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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