TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 21, 2006
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, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Norman Council, 142 Simsbury Road, spoke against a recent suggestion to sell a building lot to be created from Holcomb Farm land. Several other residents voiced their opposition to the plan. The 30± in attendance appeared to support the same viewpoint but not all addressed the Board.
Some thought the land should be kept agricultural, others thought the town should raise taxes to support the farm, and all wanted the area to stay just as it is. Several seemed to think the town was moving too fast on the proposal and were not allowing residents a chance to express their opinions and opposition to the plan. They also did not think the plan was consistent with the Plan of Development. All of the residents wanted to be kept informed of any Board action as the process moves forward.
Mary Kate Lowndes, 11 Deerwood Drive, Executive Director, Holcomb Farm Learning Centers, Inc., provided an overview of the condition of the barns noting that only one was up to code and could be used for classes/programs. Memberships, program fees, and grants currently support the farm. Major renovations need to be done to the farm buildings to allow for more programs, resulting in more income for the farm.
In response to questions asking if a public hearing or a town meeting would be held, the Board assured those present that the minimum action taken would be to place this topic on a future Board of Selectmen agenda for discussion. The residents were also encouraged to attend a Holcomb Farm Board of Directors meeting scheduled for March 2, 2006.
The Public Session was closed at 8:15 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 6, 2006 as distributed.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Information or Updates on Building Committees’ Activity
Wells Road School, Kelly Lane School
Town Manager Smith reported there is a problem with the Kelly Lane project involving a builders risk claim, which is causing delays.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were noted.
B. Consideration of Approval of the Holcomb Farm Learning Centers, Inc. Bylaws Amendments Dated March 2004 in Accordance With Bylaws Article II, #2
All amendments to the Bylaws of the Holcomb Farm Learning Centers, Inc. require approval of the Board of Selectmen. The amendments submitted this evening, dated March 2004, appear to have no controversial changes (Summary of Changes: 1. Annual Meeting date, 2. Number and Term of Office, 3. Vacancies, 4. Compensation for Services, and 5. Conflict of Interest Policy).
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the Bylaws Amendments dated March 2004 as identified at tonight’s meeting.
C. Consideration of Older Americans Act Grant Application
KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services, is seeking permission to apply for a grant in the amount of approximately $8,000 from the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. If received, the grant money would be used for funding Senior Van Services, the Computer Buddy Program, and a new initiative, a Grandparent’s Support Group. The grant match requirements would be met through the municipal budget and in-kind services.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board vote unanimously (5-0-0) to approve application for a grant in the amount of $8,000 from the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
D. Consideration of Amendments to Licensing of Vendors, Hawkers, and Peddlers Ordinance
Through various publications and other discussions the town is aware of the need to update the ordinance regarding vendors. The Board of Selectmen was provided with suggested changes and other information as compiled by the Chief of Police. If the Board chooses to move forward with this action, a public hearing will be necessary.
ON A MOTION by Selectmen King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to refer the proposed changes to the Town Attorney for review and set a pubic hearing date for the last meeting in March.
E. 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 2006
Again this year, the Granby Chamber of Commerce requests permission to close most portions of Salmon Brook Park from other activities and use it for their Spring Celebration festivities. They are also seeking a special permit in accordance with Rule #15 of the “Rules and Regulations Applicable to Town Parks”.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the Granby Chamber of Commerce request to hold the Spring Celebration at Salmon Brook Park, therefore closing the park for most other program activities, except practices or games by Little League and Rovers, from Friday, June 9th at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, June 11th at 11:30 a.m. and to wish the Chamber a successful event and sunny, good weather. Also a special permit will be issued.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations Report – January 2006
The Board was provided with copies of the Budget Operations Report dated January 2006. Town Manager Smith provided highlights of additional revenues received in several accounts as shown in red on page two. He also reviewed several expenditure accounts, which are going to be close by the end of the year and may need transfers. Those accounts were Communications and Dispatch, General Maintenance, Equipment Maintenance, and Building Maintenance and Town Grounds.
Town Manager Smith reported on the Board of Finance meeting held Friday, February 17, 2006. The Board of Finance did not appear to be in favor of the resolution passed by the Board of Selectmen at their February 6, 2006 meeting which established the Building Improvement Fund.
First Selectman Adams suggested the resolution be revised at the next Board meeting to indicate it is only for Cossitt Library.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams stated the town is now compliant with National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements. He also reviewed funding available for training in homeland security related activities.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
The Selectmen and Town Manager Smith held a discussion on Governor Rell’s proposal to eliminate automobile taxes.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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