TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
APRIL 16, 2007
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, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; and Knute Gailor, Student Liaison
First Selectman Adams opened the meeting stating that he would like to observe a moment of silence as a show of respect for those who lost their lives in the shooting today at Virginia Tech.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reorder the agenda to consider VI.-A, Announcements and Proclamations, prior to the Public Session.
First Selectman Adams invited all residents to attend the April 23, 2007 Annual Town Meeting for budget approval. The meeting will be held at the High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. A minimum of 230 eligible voters must be in attendance to enable a vote on the budget that night.
Silver Sunday on April 29, 2007 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Granby Public Library at its present location. All residents are invited.
First Selectman Adams read a proclamation in recognition of Older Americans Month May 2007.
First Selectman Adams read a proclamation in recognition of the 25th Anniversary of The Granby Public Library at its present location. Library Board Chairman Lynn Lochhead and Director of Library Services Joan Fox were present to accept the proclamation.
I. PUBLIC SESSION
No public addressed the Board.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 2, 2007 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
None
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations were received. No appointments were made.
B. Consideration of Adoption of the Granby Agricultural Commission Ordinance
A public hearing was held on the proposed ordinance prior to the start of tonight’s meeting.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the proposed ordinance as presented with an amendment to reflect the Commission will report back to the Board of Selectmen on an annual basis.
Selectman King stated it was not her intention to serve as one of the Commission members but will act as Board of Selectmen liaison to the Commission.
C. Consideration of Resolution Supporting Fair Housing
Selectman Desrosiers read portions of the Fair Housing Resolution to better inform the viewing public and those in attendance as to the purpose of the resolution. Tonight’s anticipated action by the Board is a re-affirmation of a policy that the Town of Granby has long had in place.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to re-endorse the Fair Housing Resolution as presented.
FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION
Whereas, All American citizens are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice, and
Whereas, State and Federal Fair Housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, lawful source of income, sexual orientation, familial status, be given equal access to rental and home ownership opportunities, and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and
Whereas, The Town of Granby is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of their choice.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Granby hereby endorses a Fair Housing Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase, and obtain financing for adequate housing of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager of the Town of Granby, or his designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the Town of Granby.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations Report – March 2007
Town Manager Smith reported tax revenues are coming in slightly above previous years. Other revenues highlighted were #312 Miscellaneous State Revenue (grant payments for bridges and snowstorm reimbursement), #326–Elderly Tax Relief, and #336-MFG Machine Equipment all showing revenues above what was anticipated. Town Clerk fees in excess of the amount budgeted as revenue and Short Term Investment profits will also benefit the fund balance.
In response to a question from the Board, Town Manager Smith stated he is tracking additional costs incurred by the town from the Sunday/Monday Nor’easter. Meadowbrook Nursing Home came very close to being evacuated and there were several road closings (local & state). A large clean up will be required at Salmon Brook Park.
There were some lessons learned from the storm and a meeting is planned for the near future to evaluate emergency plans. Lost Acres Fire Department did an outstanding job assisting the town and its’ residents.
Sand sweeping will start this week or next.
Town Manager Smith provided an update on the Silver Street Bridge stating it is still in the design phase.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reviewed comments made at the budget public hearing held April 9, 2007. There seemed to be a problem with the projector, color, and focus. A member of the audience thought a black and white presentation would make it easier to see. Town Manager Smith will follow up on this and if necessary rent a projector.
A mailing will go out to residents informing them of the time and location of the Annual Town Meeting and a budget summary book will be provided at the meeting. Information on the impact of the proposed increase to the average homeowner will also be provided.
In conclusion First Selectman Adams encouraged residents to come to the Annual Town Meeting (April 23, 2007) and be informed about the budget and the proposed tax increase.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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