TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
AUGUST 1, 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, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
No public addressed the Board.
II. PUBLIC SESSION
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to table action on the minutes of the June 20, 2005 meeting.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the minutes of the July 18, 2005 meeting as presented.
Selectman Judice arrived.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
John Latella, Chairman of the School Building Committees, was present to provide the Board with an update on the school projects.
Chairman Latella began with the Wells Road School project stating the architect is now on site two days a week. Existing classrooms have been tiled and the casework is going in now. During the course of some of the renovations associated with the building project, asbestos was found and removal will begin tomorrow. The slab for the interior was poured today and walls are going up in the office area. Currently there is a problem with egress from the building as there needs to be two exits at all times. Chairman Latella is working closely with the Fire Marshal on this issue. The building committee is holding weekly meetings and constantly watching the budget.
The Kelly Lane School project is moving right along. There will be temporary parking at the front of the building and the circular driveway should be finished before school starts although schedules and plans have not been finalized.
Town Manager Smith commended Chairman Latella and his Building Committee for the fine work they are doing noting there are a lot of issues to keep track of.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to appoint Edward E. Ohannessian (R), 4 Towpath Lane, to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education created with the resignation of Thomas A. Schrote. First Selectman Adams furnished background information on Mr. Ohannessian for the benefit of the Board. Mr. Ohannessian’s term will expire November 22, 2005.
B. Town Department Review by Kay Woodford, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services
Kay Woodford distributed handouts to the Board members showing participation for various programs, trips, etc. She stated there continues to be a lot of activity at the park including day camp, concerts, sports, etc.
Her major concern is the staffing level for the department. For several years now she has requested an assistant in the annual budget and has not been successful yet. She currently has a person working part time on an as needed basis, however, that salary comes out of user fees. Ms. Woodford feels strongly it should come from the general budget. She also has a high school student assisting in the summer.
The Park and Recreation Board has not realized a quorum, and therefore, not held a meeting since April or May 2005. She feels they could do a lot more to be visible and assist with events, surveys, etc. She suggested that perhaps the membership number of the Board should be reduced.
Others items covered in her review included information on funds raised for the Dog Park, field space at Salmon Brook Park, removal of some fencing at Salmon Brook Park, an update on Ahrens Park and the fields at Massaco Lane, and the need for replacement of the bathhouse at Salmon Brook Park.
In response to a question from Selectman Judice, Ms. Woodford stated a survey of activities adults might like to see offered has not been done for some time. Selectman Judice observed there are multiple programs for children up through high school and a fairly good selection of activities offered for seniors, however, he thought there was a gap between high school and seniors and almost no activities were offered for that age group. He suggested that perhaps Ms. Woodford could work with the Board of Education to offer some programs that might be of interest to that intermediate age group.
C. Consideration of Committee to Study Salmon Brook Bathhouse Replacement
Town Manager Smith emphasized the serious need to modify or replace the bathhouse, noting it does not meet handicap access code or other code requirements, nor is it an appropriate size to meet recreation demands at the park.
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to direct the Park and Recreation Board to form a study committee to study the bathhouse at Salmon Brook Park and other related facilities. The committee should plan to furnish a preliminary report to the Board of Selectmen at their first meeting in December 2005.
The Board of Selectmen meeting recessed for the scheduled Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:18 p.m.
D. Consideration of Small Town Economic Development Assistance Program (STEAP) Application
In the past the town has been successful in applying for and receiving grants from the State Office of Policy and Management (OPM). These grants have allowed the town to fund many enhancement programs/projects for the town.
Town Manager Smith stated the State of Connecticut has just approved renewed funding of the STEAP grant and he highly recommended the town immediately make an application to OPM.
Items similar to last year’s request are suggested and include Holcomb Farm, sidewalk improvements, and improvements at Salmon Brook Park. The grant request amount will total close to $500,000.
Selectman King recommended trying to focus on the Holcomb Farm and suggested consultation with State Representatives both from this area and the Hartford area to see what package of requests would be most likely to receive funding.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to authorize the Town Manager to submit a request to OPM and to execute other necessary documents regarding grant funding under the STEAP grant program.
E. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance for Local Option of Full Exemption From Local Property Taxation by Qualifying Disabled Veteran
The Board held a Public Hearing on this agenda item earlier this evening to receive public comment.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to table this agenda item until the September 6, 2005 meeting when the full Board will be in attendance.
F. Consideration of Board of Education Request to Establish a Special Fund.
The Board of Selectmen received a letter from Board of Education Chairman James C. Heminway requesting permission for the Board of Education to establish a Board of Education Wage Settlement/Severance Fund. The source of this fund shall be from Board of Education budget surplus and will be used to make contracted severance payments to retired Board of Education employees. The town has had a similar fund in place for some time.
In order to establish the fund, a resolution is needed from the Board of Selectmen. Therefore, ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the establishment of the requested fund as outlined and recommended approval of the resolution as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
There be established a Board of Education Wage Settlement/Severance Fund. Said fund is created to make contracted severance payments to retired Board of Education employees. The sources of this fund shall be from Board of Education budget surplus. Annual notification of revenues into the fund shall be provided to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.
Upon recommendation from the Superintendent of Schools, funds shall be disbursed by the Town Manager in accordance with town policy. Annual notification of expenditures out of the fund shall be provided to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.
Should the fund be dissolved, any remaining balance shall be transferred to the town general fund, or, as may be directed by the Board of Selectmen.
The Board discussed adding a sunset clause to the resolution enabling the Board of Selectmen to review the fund in 2010. This amendment was unanimously (4-0-0) approved ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman King. A sentence calling for the Board of Selectmen’s review in 2010 will be added to the original resolution.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
Town Manager Smith reported he has received notification from Standard and Poor’s that Granby will receive a solid AA bond rating. The town will receive official notification in a few weeks.
The Board commended Town Manager Smith for a job well done.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
No reports
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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