TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
MAY 2, 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, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
William Regan, 62 Hungary Road, addressed the Board initially seeking clarification on a procedural issue asking when the public could comment on items on the agenda and where he could obtain backup information for agenda items. First Selectman Adams provided this information stating public comment could be made during the public session either the same night the agenda item is discussed by the Board or at any meeting following. Background information is always available through the Town Manager’s office.
Mr. Regan proceeded with comments regarding the development of Ahrens Farm Park. He began with an email he sent to First Selectman Adams with photos of the new porta-potties. Additional comments indicated the Regans and Hungary Road property owners were not being kept up to date on the gate and storage building design as was promised. References to keep the Hungary Road property owners informed were quoted from the minutes of one of the Board of Selectmen meetings in February and references were also noted in other meetings.
Other items brought up were the need for a traffic study, questions about the availability of a report on the meeting held with Kay Woodford, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services; Robert Smith, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Board; First Selectman Adams; and Town Manager Smith and accountability.
Lee Janssen, 60 Hungary Road, and Susan Regan, 62 Hungary Road, addressed the Board and echoed the remarks made by Mr. Regan. Susan Regan stated they would live with what has been done at Ahrens Farm Park but hoped the Board would be more diligent in the future. She stated this project was driven by various user groups, there was no plan, and the town paid too much for the property and received less land. Ms. Janssen stated the Hungary Road property owners want and deserve the respect of the Board as residents of the community and should be kept updated.
First Selectman Adams stated he would like to arrange a meeting with the Regans and Ms. Janssen prior to the next Board of Selectmen meeting. It was tentatively scheduled for 6:45 p.m. on Monday May 16, 2005. At that meeting First Selectman Adams indicated he would like to reach a solution for dissemination of information regarding Ahrens Farm Park.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
No action was taken on the minutes of the April 4, 2005 meeting due to the lack of a quorum of those present on that date.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
John Latella, Chairman of the School Building Committees, was present this evening to provide the Board with an update on the projects.
The Wells Road Elementary School expansion is going well. The last section of the building was poured today. The mechanical part of the project has also been completed. A problem with the existing floor, which had radiant heating, has been resolved. He reviewed another problem with CL&P and the relocation of the hook up from one pole to another. This has cost the project an additional $5,000 - $6,000. In response to a query from the Town Manager, Chairman Latella indicated there was documentation in place showing the error was with CL&P. He will get the records to Town Manager Smith.
Chairman Latella displayed a model of Kelly Lane reviewing the changes and the new sections of the building. Everything has been approved by the State of Connecticut and they are just waiting for the paper work to come through. The project is expected to go out to bid very soon and construction should start around the end of June.
A meeting is scheduled for Friday with Chairman Latella, the architect, the contractor, and the clerk of the works. Town Manager Smith indicated he would like to attend the meeting also. Chairman Latella will call him as soon as he confirms the time.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to appoint L. Squire Bressor (R), 293 Simsbury Road to the Park and Recreation Board filling the position vacated with the resignation of Eric P. Berggren. Mr. Bressor’s term will expire January 9, 2006.
B. Consideration of Call for Town Meeting for Proposed Town Roads
Town Manager Smith stated Tinker Trail and Moose Horn Road have both been recommended for town acceptance. Deeds and approvals are in place for both roads. Selectman King noted there have been many problems connected with Moose Horn Road in the past and asked if they have all been resolved. Town Manager Smith indicated yes, all problems have been resolved.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to call the Town Meeting for Monday, May 16, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. The call was circulated for signatures by the Board.
C. Consideration of Endorsement of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to table this agenda item until the next meeting. First Selectman Adams indicated he would like all of the Selectmen present to vote on the endorsement.
D. Consideration of Transfers to Suspense
Each year the Tax Collector recommends a list of unpaid taxes to be transferred to the Suspense Book to purge the tax rolls. This year the amount is $18,553.46. The taxes remain due and payable if the town is able to find the parties and collect the unpaid taxes.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to transfer $18,553.46 to the Suspense Book.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations Report – March 2005
The Board was provided with copies of the Budget Operations Report dated March 2005. Town Manager Smith stated he had very little to report. He reviewed areas where transfers may be necessary, noted statutory collections by the Town Clerk’s office, and reviewed some of the intergovernmental revenue items. He also noted the town has been approved to receive $26,104.93 from the State of Connecticut for reimbursement costs incurred during the snowstorm of January 22-23, 2005.
B. Notice of Public Hearing for Sewer Use Rates 2005
Town Manager Smith stated no increases in sewer use rates are expected, however, a Public Hearing must be called to set rates for 2005-2006.
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to recess as the Board of Selectmen and convene as the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA).
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman King, the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority voted unanimously (3-0-0) to call for a Public Hearing on Monday, May 16, 2005 at 7:15 p.m. to Consider Setting Sewer Use Rates for 2005-2006.
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to have the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority recess as the GWPCA and reconvene as the Board of Selectmen.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams stated he and Town Manager Smith recently met with Kay Woodford, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, and James Klase, Public Works Superintendent. He stated Ahrens Farm Park has helped, however there is still a tremendous need for additional playing fields. They believe they have found a suitable location for a dog park at Salmon Brook Park in the vicinity of the horse exercise area. They are also holding discussions with Valley Brook Church and South Church about using some of their land for fields on a short-term basis (5-10 years).
The transportation committee of CRCOG has added two items affecting Granby to their project agenda. One project is the stabilization of Higley Brook and the other is replacement of the footbridge over Salmon Brook at the park.
Town Manager Smith reported on the Route 20/Canal Road bridge replacement project stating there will be some closure of each road and some lanes of traffic on Route 20 (East Granby Road) as the project moves forward. An exact plan for the traffic has not been established to date, but is expected soon.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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