TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 5, 2007
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman John Adams at 7:35 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Mark Neumann, Frank Judice, Sally King, William F. Smith, Jr. Town Manager; and Megan Dowling, Student Liaison
A brief reception was given in honor of outgoing Student Liaison Knute Gailor and Megan Dowling, who is the new representative. Following introductions from First Selectman John Adams, Selectman Judice, who initiated this program, stated it would be helpful to any student studying Political Science and that it would be a good addition to a college resume.
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Granby resident William Hart spoke on behalf of all Veterans. He would like to see the Town of Granby do more for them in the way of tax exemptions. First Selectman Adams responded that the town is giving what the state statutes allow but would look into it further.
Mike Lengvarsky, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, spoke on the request for the adoption of the resolution regarding 20% Energy by 2010 campaign.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted (3-0-2) (abstentions Selectmen King and Judice) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 15, 2007.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Consideration of Proposed Resolution Presented by the Conservation Commission Regarding 20% Energy by 2010 Campaign.
Selectman Desrosiers read the following resolution presented by the Conservation Commission to promote energy conservation and support the study of the use of clean, renewable energy sources:
WHEREAS, the Town of Granby promotes energy conservation and supports the study of the use of clean, renewable energy sources; and
WHEREAS, electricity generation produces harmful air pollution and emissions from traditional methods that may trigger or contribute to various respiratory illnesses and contribute to global warming; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. energy needs are expected to grow significantly over the next 20 years and clean technologies can be generated and distributed throughout our country; and
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Legislature has mandated the creation of a clean energy option for consumers who are able to sign up for clean energy on their electric bill;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Granby Board of Selectmen, on behalf of the residents of Granby, hereby commits the Town of Granby to the 20% by 2010 campaign where by the year 2010 the town’s municipal facilities will purchase 20% of energy needs from clean energy sources and further that the Town Manager is requested to work with town staff and others to investigate options for meeting that goal and beginning municipal clean energy purchases as soon as possible including the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates, local clean energy installations, and possible state and federal funding opportunities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Manager is requested to implement the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program that provides qualified cities and towns with clean energy systems, free of charge, by meeting certain requirements. The benefits of such programs include a no cost option for the town, reduced electricity demand on the state’s transmission and distribution system, reduced emission of harmful environmental pollutants, and energy independence.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Selectmen encourages residents and businesses to choose the clean energy option on their electricity bill and requests the Conservation Commission to work with town staff, residents, local organizations, businesses, and others to develop and implement a public awareness program on the town’s commitment to 20% by 2010 and to raise awareness of the clean energy option.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the above resolution with the following changes: in the second paragraph, the phrase “traditional methods” was changed to “fossil fuels” and in the fifth paragraph, third line, the phrase “will purchase” was changed to “will have a goal of purchasing”.
There was some public discussion on this new resolution. There was concern that hydropower would cause destruction of woodlands and wildlife. Another thought was that without hydropower we would not be able to meet the 20% goal of clean energy. Fran Armentano stated that this is a great resolution and that it creates demand for new ways of clean energy.
First Selectman Adams recessed to hold a Special Town Meeting at 8:05 p.m. Following the Special Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen recessed for a short period of time before reconvening at 8:20 p.m.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Mark E. Bombard, 74 Loveland Road, to the Tri-town Cable TV Government Access Committee, for a 2-year term.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Lisa Blessis (R), 2 Indian Hill Drive, to the Library Board, to fill a vacancy through January 14, 2008, left by Paul Willis.
B. Consideration of Appropriation Request for the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (Senior and Youth Initiative Grant Program)
This is the second year of a three year grant covering expenses such as staffing, training, and overhead for Senior and Youth Initiative programs. The second year appropriation is for $40,000.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the appropriation of $40,000 and forward to the Board of Finance for their action.
C. Consideration of Resolution Regarding Nondiscrimination Laws in Connection with the Holcomb Farm Renovation Project
New requirements by the state for nondiscrimination make it necessary to approve a resolution supporting this new requirement for the STEAP grant. The following resolution was presented:
RESOLVED: That the Town of Granby hereby adopts, as its policy, to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes § 4a-60(a)(1) and § 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142, as those statutes may be amended from time to time.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the resolution.
D. Consideration of Resolution Regarding Nondiscrimination in Connection with the Replacement of Bridge No. 04517 on Silver Street over the East Branch of Salmon Brook
Because of new legislation regarding nondiscrimination, the State of Connecticut requires that the town adopt the resolution below, as a result of Public Acts 07-142 and 07-245:
RESOLVED: That the Town of Granby hereby adopts, as its policy, to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes § 4a-60(a)(1) and § 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142, as those statutes may be amended from time to time.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the resolution.
E. Consideration of Call for Public Hearing on Silver Street Bridge Program
The Department of Public Works is involved in a federal, state, and local funded bridge program for the replacement of Silver Street Bridge over the East Branch of Salmon Brook. Federal and state requirements require holding a public hearing during the design phase of the project.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the recommendation of a public hearing for November 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room.
F. Consideration of Resolution to Enter Into Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Granby to Install Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption Equipment on Salmon Brook Street at Hartford Avenue
The Town of Granby has been given the opportunity to install pre-emption vehicle emitters on the signal lights located on Salmon Brook Street at Hartford Avenue. The same devices are already located at lights at either end of Bank Street and Salmon Brook Street at East Granby Road. The plan is to have Lost Acres Fire Department vehicles equipped under a state grant program. The cost of $1,030 will be paid by Lost Acres Fire Department and is 20% of the full cost.
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager, 15 North Granby Road, Granby, CT 06035, is authorized to execute Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Granby for Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption System Equipment supplied to the Town of Granby for signal lights located on Salmon Brook Street at Hartford Avenue.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to authorize the signing of the agreement.
Because of new legislation regarding nondiscrimination, the State of Connecticut requires that the town adopt the below resolution as a result of Public Acts 07-142 and 07-245.
RESOLVED: That the Town of Granby hereby adopts, as its policy, to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes § 4a-60(a)(1) and § 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142, as those statutes may be amended from time to time.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the resolution.
G. Consideration of Plus One Budget (2008-09)
According to established guidelines to the budget process, the Plus 1 Budget does not represent all final needs of the town that may be incorporated into the 2008-09 budget. It does not include capital or debt service. Adjustments of less than $5,000 are optional.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the Plus One Budget (2008-09) and forward to the Board of Finance.
H. Consideration of Board of Education Funding Request
The Board of Education approved an appropriation request of $52,550 from the Quality and Diversity Fund for technology purchases. This will help the Board complete the interactive whiteboard project one year earlier than planned.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the appropriation of $52,550 from the Education Quality and Diversity Fund. This request will be forwarded to the Board of Finance for their action.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Consideration of Application for the Regional Performance Incentive Program Project
CRCOG is moving ahead with grant proposals. Granby has submitted two proposals and has been included in several others. They will be submitted to CRCOG’s Policy Board on November 13, 2007.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
A letter was received from the Governor of Connecticut, congratulating the Town of Granby for doing a great job with activities involving the town with the Homeland Security program and making the town compliant.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
Selectman Desrosiers reported that the Rails to Trails project is almost completed. The parking area is still being worked on.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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