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TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
APRIL 7, 2008
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 Megan Dowling, Student Liaison
I. PUBLIC SESSION
A brief ceremony was held to honor employee Russell French, from the Department of Public Works, for his 20 years of service. Presenting the plaque were First Selectman Adams, along with Town Manager Smith and Kirk Severance, Deputy Director of Operations. Russell French is also a member of the Connecticut Association of Streets and Highways Officials (CASHO) and a volunteer member of the Lost Acres Fire Department.
James Glenny of Glen Road inquired on the status of the proposed crosswalks on Bank Street and Merchants Way. Town Manager Smith stated that the lighting has been done and now that weather is permitting, they can proceed with the sidewalks. The ultimate goal is to make the area more pedestrian friendly.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted 4-0-1 (abstention Selectman Judice) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 17, 2008.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectmen King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the workshop meeting of March 13, 2008.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
No unfinished or tabled business was before the Board.
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 Neil J. Hornish (D), 53 Whitman Drive, to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Hornish’s term will expire January 9, 2012.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Joseph J. Zafian (R), 33 Pendleton Road, to the Park and Recreation Board to fill a vacancy created by Deborah Kulwich. Mr. Zafian’s term will expire January 11, 2010.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint L. Squire Bressor to the Park and Recreation Board. Mr. Bressor’s term will expire January 11, 2010.
B. Presentation of Interim Report by Storage and Vehicle Wash Bay Committee and Consideration of Request for Funding
Chairman Jim Lofink made a presentation to the Board on behalf of the Storage and Vehicle Wash Bay Committee. More research needs to be done to verify the exact cause of the early retirement of school buses, and the potential advantages of washing versus storage on an impervious surface. Presently, only the sides and glass areas are washed on a regular basis, but not the undercarriage. Selectmen Desrosiers and Judice had questions concerning the M & J bus contract and what their bus washing procedures are, and also what other vehicles besides the buses would be using the wash bay. Chairman Lofink stated that the Police Department and Senior Center vehicles would use the wash bay, but the Fire Department would not. The committee found no significant advantages to combine storage needs for
the school and town. The Storage and Vehicle Wash Bay Committee is requesting $7,500 for consulting fees for further research. The Board will consider action on this request at a later date.
C. Consideration of the Farmington River Watershed Conservation Compact Resolution
This resolution acknowledges the town’s interest in working to protect and enhance water resources, as well as supporting and maintaining natural habitat environments while striving to ensure the vitality of the Farmington River Watershed. Other towns that have adopted this resolution include Barkhamsted, Bristol, Colebrook, Harwinton, Simsbury, Canton, Burlington, East Granby, Plainville, and Farmington.
WHEREAS, the Farmington River and its tributaries such as the Pequabuck, Still, Mad, Sandy Brook, and Salmon Brook Rivers are respected and valued by the people who live around them. Federal, state, local, and private agencies and citizens share a common interest in working to preserve the quality of the streams, their surrounding habitats, and the watershed basins that encompass them; and
WHEREAS, the watershed contains a rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats that support a wide array of plant and animal species, including some that are regionally rare. The watershed incorporates 33 towns within Connecticut and Massachusetts stretching across a 609 square mile area and provides 100% of drinking water to over 600,000 people living in Greater Hartford and the Farmington Valley; and
WHEREAS, the Farmington River Watershed receives up to 35 million gallons per day of treated wastewater from nine publicly owned sewage treatment plants; and
WHEREAS, in 1994 a 14-mile segment of the Farmington River received federal Wild and Scenic designation. This was the first river in Connecticut, and one of only six in New England, with such a designation; and
WHEREAS, land and water management practices throughout the 33 watershed communities affect the health of the entire watershed system. Best watershed management practices are necessary and mutually beneficial; and
WHEREAS, the ecological health of the watershed is vital to the economic livelihood and social well-being of those who live and work in our communities; it enhances property values, recreation and educational opportunities, and is integral to sustaining quality of life; and
FURTHERMORE, we understand that:
1. land and water management are the key determinants of the watershed’s health; and
2. a healthy watershed ecosystem is consistent with each municipality’s goals of promoting a healthy community, preserving town character, fostering ecological integrity, and nurturing sustainable economic growth;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Connecticut towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Bloomfield, Bristol, Burlington, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Plainville, Plymouth, Simsbury, Suffield, Torrington, West Hartford, Winchester/Winsted, Windsor, and Windsor Locks enter into this voluntary compact that acknowledges their interest in working cooperatively to accomplish conservation and growth by:
1. Protecting and enhancing the water resources of the watershed, including the quality of the water, the integrity of normal stream and groundwater flows, and the flora and fauna of these aquatic ecosystems.
2. Supporting efforts to link and maintain habitats and natural landscapes throughout the watershed.
3. Working to ensure the long-term environmental health and vitality of the watershed and thereby enhancing the social and economic vitality of the watershed communities.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the above resolution of the Farmington River Watershed Conservation Compact.
D. Consideration of Modification to Schedule of Property Tax Relief for Elderly and
Totally Disabled
The Board of Finance meeting on March 24, 2008 considered and recommended for approval, a modification of the schedule to provide tax relief for elderly and totally disabled homeowners. However, a typographical error was noticed on the schedule for income eligibility for single taxpayers. The list indicated that a 36% benefit would apply for “SINGLE TAXPAYERS” earning $25,000 to $25,800. This 36% benefit would have provided more of a benefit to one with a lesser income by 1%. The 36% should be replaced with 34%.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the modified Schedule of Property Tax Relief for Elderly and Totally Disabled.
E. Consideration of Appropriation Request for State of Connecticut Aging Services
Division Grants
KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services, was notified of one-time only funding for two grants to support senior centers and the activities of the Municipal Agent for the Elderly from senior centers within municipalities. The grant amounts are $5,000 and $3,450 respectively. No matching funds are required and the contract period is from May 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009.
The proposed projects include the creation of a 2½ - 3 minute video featuring the programs and services offered at and by the Town of Granby Senior Center. The video will be choreographed and filmed by professionals and the completed video will be available for viewing on Granby Community Television, at community events, town meetings, and other venues. In addition, the proposal includes the purchase of an LCD projector and equipment cart, and additional funds utilized to host an “Open House” in September 2008.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the appropriation in the amount of $8,450 and to forward to the Board of Finance for their approval.
F. Consideration of Establishment of Fee Structure for Park Violations
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to table this item pending more information and further clarification.
G. Consideration of Adjustments and Approval of the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2009
Town Manager Smith provided the Board of Selectmen with information outlining adjustments made to the Annual Budget for FY 2009. The memo outlined areas in the budget where the reductions would be made and new information reflecting the recommended changes from the one previously approved. The Board of Finance voted to reduce the Fund Balance Transfers Revenue by $158,000. Revenues for the Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund would be $944,000 (reduction of $156,000) from the General Fund, $135,000 (increase of $50,000) – Town Aid Road, $85,000 (increase of $5,000) – LoCIP, $85,000 – Communication Fund, and $75,525 (increase of $75,525) of Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund Balance. The Capital Equipment/Improvement Budget for the Board of Education and the Board of Selectmen was
reduced by $15,000 each. The Board of Education Quality and Diversity Fund budget was submitted at $297,360.
The following information reflects the recommended changes:
REVENUES |
Property Tax Levy |
$29,693,033 |
Other Property Tax |
570,000 |
Intergovernmental Revenues |
7,140,318 |
Local Revenues and Fund Transfers |
812,215 |
Fund Balance Transfers |
1,858,000 |
Total |
$40,073,566 |
|
EXPENDITURES |
MUNICIPAL SERVICES |
|
General Government Department |
$8,678,836 |
Board of Selectmen and Board of Education Capital Equipment/ Improvement Allotment |
944,000 |
Economic Dev. Funds |
12,500 |
Debt Service |
4,188,226 |
|
|
Municipal Services Total |
$13,823,562 |
|
EXPENDITURES |
EDUCATION SERVICES |
|
Education Department |
26,250,004 |
|
|
Total Municipal and Education Services Expenditures |
$40,073,566 |
|
OTHER FUNDS |
REVENUES |
EXPENDITURES |
Dog Fund |
$17,600 |
$17,600 |
Recreation Events Funds |
$363,000 |
$363,000 |
Sewer Utility Fund |
$141,450 |
$141,450 |
Education Quality & Diversity Fund |
$297,360 |
$297,360 |
Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund |
$1,324,525 |
$1,324,525 |
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the revisions presented for the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2009.
H. Consideration of Call for Town Meeting
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the call for the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, April 28, 2008.
First Selectman Adams reminded the public that the Board of Finance will hold a public hearing regarding the Annual Town Budget for FY 2009 on April 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School Auditorium. He also reminded everyone that in accordance with the Town Charter, in order to approve the budget, 230 registered voters must be in attendance at the town meeting.
I. Consideration of Real Estate Matters
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reorder the agenda, placing item I. to be discussed during closed session.
First Selectman Adams invited Cal Heminway, Chairman of the Board of Education, and Ben Perron, Chairman of the Granby Athletic Field Long-Range Advisory Committee to attend.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations
Town Manager Smith reported that town revenues and expenditures are meeting our expectations and we are in good shape at this time. There was $66,000 more revenue collected from property taxes than expected and we also received the March payment of $17,700 from the Pequot Indian Fund. The town will be looking at making fund transfers for the accounts that are expected to be short, which are Snowplowing, Equipment Maintenance, and Engineering Services. A request to the Board of Finance to transfer funds or possibly a request for an appropriation will need to be made.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported receiving a letter from John DeStefano, Jr., Mayor of New Haven, in regards to a dedication of a statue honoring veterans of the Connecticut 29th Colored Regiment C.V. Infantry. This event will take place at Criscuolo Park in New Haven on September 19 and 20, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Mark Neumann, and Megan Dowling, Student Liaison)
Student Liaison Megan Dowling reported students are now receiving their college acceptance letters. She has been accepted to Boston College starting in the fall. She also stated that Granby High School’s prom night is May 16, 2008. Students are also making and selling hemp jewelry and the proceeds are going to support a family in Uganda.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting recessed to closed session at 8:35 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
First Selectman Adams called the executive session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 8:45 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Sally King, Mark Neumann, William F. Smith, Jr. Town Manager, Cal Heminway, and Ben Perron.
The purpose of the meeting was to review real estate matters. Mr. Heminway and Mr. Perron left at 9:12 p.m.
First Selectman Adams closed the executive session at 9:25 p.m.
The Board reconvened its regular meeting at 9:26 p.m., but there being no further business, the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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