TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 19, 2008
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman John Adams at 7:37 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Sally King, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; and Megan Dowling, Student Liaison
I. PUBLIC SESSION
No public addressed the Board.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 4, 2008.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Comment on Board of Education Appropriation Request
More time is needed to identify their needs.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to move this discussion to the next meeting.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were received.
B. Consideration of Chamber of Commerce Request for Utilization of Salmon Brook Park for “Celebrate Granby” Event
The Chamber of Commerce is requesting permission to close Salmon Brook Park from all other activities on Saturday, June 14th, with no centerfield activities on Friday, June 13th after 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 15th before noon. This will allow the Chamber to hold their event and not conflict with sporting events. Selectman Desrosiers emphasized the importance of following the state laws relating to the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages for this event. Last year’s event was a great success.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to close Salmon Brook Park from all other activities on Saturday, June 14th, with no centerfield activities on Friday, June 13th after 3:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 15th before noon for the Chamber of Commerce “Celebrate Granby” event.
C. Consideration of Lost Acres Fire Department (LAFD) Participation in the Tax Abatement Program
The Lost Acres Fire Department (LAFD) will participate in the Tax Abatement Program available from the Town of Granby, per the Town of Granby Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Personnel Tax Exemption Ordinance, dated January 8, 2004. Their first year of credit will be in FY 2010.
John Horr, Jr., Fire Chief of LAFD, presented for review and approval, the list of criteria for members to become eligible to participate in the program.
1. All eligible firefighters must attend/respond to no less than 25% of all calls for the LAFD during the fiscal year.
2. All eligible firefighters must attend no less then 50% of all LAFD monthly meetings during the fiscal year.
3. All eligible firefighters must attend no less than 70% of all LAFD drills during the fiscal year.
4. All eligible firefighters must attend no less than 50% of all work details and checklists during the fiscal year.
5. All eligible firefighters must be current with the LAFD physical/medical exam requirements.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the Lost Acres Fire Department (LAFD) criteria to meet eligibility requirements to participate in the Tax Abatement Program.
D. Consideration of Increasing Limits for the Town’s Ordinance to Provide Property Tax Relief for Elderly and Totally Disabled.
Town Manager Smith reported that recent State of Connecticut adjustments increased the reimbursement levels for property tax relief for the elderly and totally disabled to the town by 2.3% over last year’s amounts. After reviewing with Assessor, Susan Altieri, it is recommended that the town also raise its levels to enhance the local option presently allowed by the state. All applications must be filed with the Assessor by May 15, 2008 to be eligible for credit in the new fiscal year, which starts on July 1, 2008. To make adjustments to our local benefit schedule we must amend our ordinance. To adopt changes to our ordinance, the Board must hold a public hearing and then pass by motion the amended ordinance.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to hold a public hearing on March 3, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. to increase the limits for the town’s Ordinance to Provide Property Tax Relief for Elderly and Totally Disabled.
E. Consideration of Older Americans Act Grant Application
Town Manager Smith spoke about some of the Senior Service Programs such as Grandparent’s Support Group, Ambassador Program, Computer Buddy Program and the Senior Van Service, and how the town has been funded by the North Central Area Agency on Aging Inc. (NCAAA) for the past nine years. KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services, would like to apply for the grant for fiscal year 2008-09. The approximate amount is $8,000. The Board of Selectmen must approve the grant application prior to submission.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the grant application for the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (NCAAA) for fiscal year 2008-09.
F. Consideration of Senior Citizen Transportation Grant Application
Town Manager Smith talked about Senior Van Services that are currently offered and that paid and volunteer drivers are near capacity. KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services, would like to apply for a grant from the State of Connecticut for Transportation for seniors and disabled transportation services. The grant request for fiscal year 2008-09 will be $26,998. The grant requires a 50% match that will be met by the current budget for Senior Van Services. The grant application is due on April 3, 2008.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the Senior Citizen Grant application for fiscal year 2008-09.
G. Consideration of Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) Grant Funding for FY 2008
Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants are supposed to be for economic development projects. The state is asking for towns to now submit grant applications for 2008. Francis G. Armentano, Director of Community Development, submitted to the Board some projects for consideration. They included sidewalks around the center of town, the relocation of Case Street, and Mill Pond sidewalks and lighting. First Selectman Adams was considering the opposition they might get from residents, along the sidewalk route in the center of town that would be responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their property. He wondered if maybe the town might consider taking on that responsibility. Selectman Desrosiers asked if we really need sidewalks and does the town have the capacity to
maintain them. Traditionally, the property owner would maintain them. Selectman Judice wanted to know just how much sidewalks are in demand. Selectman Desrosiers questioned if the project needed to be identified before they would be awarded the grant. More thought needs to be put into these ideas before a particular project would be decided upon.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to make application for the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) Grant for FY 2008.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations – January 2008
Town Manager Smith reported that building permits are slow this year and most likely won’t make their budget projection. Short Term Investments had a much higher interest return than anticipated. There have been several requests for replacement of damaged mailboxes from snowplows this season. With all the storms we have had this year, the town is hoping to still stay within budget for salt and sand this winter season. Overall, we are in pretty good shape.
B. October 1, 2007 Grand List
The reports that need to be filed with the State of Connecticut in regards to the 2007 Grand List have been filed. The Real Estate totals are $949,133,430, of which 5.3% are commercial and industrial. Motor Vehicles are $79,545,660. Personal Property is $17,366.340. The Grand List total for 2007 is $1,046,045,430.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams wanted to remind residents of the upcoming budget workshops, and that everyone is invited to attend. The workshops are scheduled for March 6th and 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room. The March 6th workshop will cover Administration, Public Works, and Library. The March 13th workshop will cover Personal and Property Protection, Capital Budget and Debt Service, and Revenues and Other Funds. March 10th at 6:00 p.m. will be used if needed.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Mark Neumann, and Megan Dowling, Student Liaison)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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