TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
APRIL 21, 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, Frank Judice, Sally King, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; and Megan Dowling, Student Liaison
I. PUBLIC SESSION
A. Presentation from the Wild and Scenic Study Committee of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook
Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Committee member, Eric Lukingbeal, introduced Joyce Kennedy to make a presentation on behalf of the Wild and Scenic Study Committee of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook. The Wild and Scenic River Act is celebrating its 40th year since being enacted. The Farmington River is one of five of the most important rivers in the world that is harboring a viable population. It is home to the Dwarf Wedgemussel. In addition, the Farmington River and Salmon Brook are the most stocked with wild salmon. To be considered Wild and Scenic, a river must have at least one outstanding remarkable natural, cultural, or recreational value pursuant to the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. With further study, it is hoped the Lower Farmington River and Salmon
Brook will be considered for this distinction.
Granby resident, Jim Glenny, asked about the construction work being done on Route 20 West. Selectman King responded by saying it is the new parking lot for Salmon Brook Park that is being constructed for overflow parking.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 7, 2008.
First Selectman Adams requested a five minute break to allow people to leave after the Wild and Scenic presentation.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Consideration of Request for Funding from Storage and Vehicle Wash Bay Committee
Storage and Vehicle Wash Bay Committee Chairman, Jim Lofink, reported the committee is looking to hire two consultants to research the needs for the town and school storage facilities and vehicle washing. The request is for $7,500. They are hoping to use the engineer that is already doing studies for the Granby Athletic Field Long Range Advisory Committee. Town Manager Smith stated that it has been determined that they will not be moving the Department of Public Works to another area.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the appropriation in the amount of $7,500 and forward to the Board of Finance for approval.
B. Consideration of Establishment of Fee Structure for Park Violations
Selectman Judice needed clarification of number 19 in the Rules and Regulations Applicable to Town Parks. Town Manager Smith stated it is only for interference with conflicting activities that might cause a problem. The question was satisfied.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the Establishment of Fee Structure for Park Violations.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations were received and no appointments were made.
B. Consideration of Appropriation Request for Solid Waste and Recycling Related Activities
Several programs the town participates in, as part of an ongoing effort to increase recycling and proper disposal of hazardous materials, are in need of funding. They are Household Hazardous Waste Collection with a funding request of $9,500, Electronic Equipment Recycling with a cost of $8,000 expected for the program, and Recycling Education Material with a cost of approximately $1,930. The total amount to be funded is $19,430.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the appropriation of $19,430 for funding of Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Electronic Equipment Recycling, and Recycling Education Material, and that the funding come from the town’s Solid Waste Fund.
C. Consideration of Rails-to-Trails Residential Screening
Now that the project is nearly complete, and following a review of alternatives, Town Manager Smith reported a recommendation that a reimbursement for some screening be offered to residents who abut the new Rails-to-Trails project. This would be provided in accordance with the policy presented by the Town Manager.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to adopt the policy for reimbursement as presented.
Project funding for this reimbursement is in place and expected to be about $15,000. Residents affected will be notified and provided with a copy of the policy.
D. Consideration of Creating a Granby Public Library Expansion Study Committee
The Library Board has previously discussed a long-range plan for library services. As a follow up, the Board of Selectmen may consider establishing a Library Expansion Study Committee. The study committee, after fulfillment of their charge, might then be assigned to become a formal building committee.
Selectman Judice thought it would be advisable for the Board to review all of the study committees that have been established, the financial planning, and how they come together to see if they really fit the town’s future.
BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board of Selectmen hereby create a committee called the “Granby Public Library Expansion Study Committee”. The committee shall consist of five members appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Town Manager and Director of Library Services shall serve as non-voting Ex-Officio members of the committee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Library Expansion Study Committee be given the charge to:
1. Examine the findings made by the subcommittee of the Library Board, including the Long-Range Plan for Library Services 2007-2011 and Library Space Planning Guide Worksheet.
2. Recommend adjustments to the building expansion plan as deemed necessary.
3. Consider the condition of the existing facility and determine the practicality of a new library facility.
4. Report its findings to the Board of Selectmen within six months.
Following a review of findings by the Board of Selectmen, it is expected that the committee would be charged as the Library Building Committee. This committee would:
1. Recommend the cost to engage a project architect or other necessary consultant services to develop preliminary plans and project costs.
2. Provide cost estimates to the Board of Selectmen.
3. Provide oversight of construction activity when project funding has been approved by the town.
Following approval of the charge, the Board should consider the appointment of its membership. A five (5) member committee must have no more than three (3) members from any political party.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the resolution to create a committee called the Granby Public Library Expansion Study Committee.
E. Consideration of Resolution Supporting Fair Housing
Director or Community Development, Fran Armentano, has notified the Board that April is Fair Housing month. Granby received its first Small Cities Funding in 1990 and has been participating ever since. Granby has a firm commitment to fair housing and equal opportunity. It is recommended that the Board of Selectmen re-adopt the following Fair Housing Resolution, Fair Housing Policy Statement, and Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The following resolution is recommended to the Selectmen:
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 homeownership 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 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 the Town Manager of the Town of Granby or his/her designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the victim of illegal discriminatory housing practices in the Town of Granby
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to approve the resolution supporting Fair Housing, Fair Housing Policy Statement, and Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
F. Consideration of Litigation Matter
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (3-0-0) to reorder the agenda, placing item F. to be discussed during closed session.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
No reports.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams wanted to invite all residents to attend the April 28, 2008 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.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, Mark Neumann, and Megan Dowling, Student Liaison)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting recessed to closed session at 8:30 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
First Selectman Adams called the executive session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 8:35 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Frank Judice, Sally King, and William F. Smith, Jr. Town Manager
The purpose of the meeting was to review litigation matters.
First Selectman Adams closed the executive session at 8:48 p.m.
The Board reconvened its regular meeting at 8:49 p.m., but there being no further business, the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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