TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
AUGUST 4, 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, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
A brief presentation was given by Audrey Lambert, co-director of the Marquis of Granby Ancient Fife & Drum Corp. She explained that this is a youth corps, one of 14 in the nation, with half of them being in Connecticut. The Marquis of Granby is considered to be one of the best corps in the nation. They now consist of 43 members and are scheduled for 31 performances in 2008. They preserve and keep alive ancient military music and tradition from the American Revolutionary era. The Corps is planning a 40th anniversary Muster in Granby in the fall of 2009.
Chris Perkins, President of Granby Ambulance, gave an update of the last six months. They were able to get a third ambulance, which replaced the ambulance that caused a fire in the building. They are in the process of expanding the building, along with doing renovations from the fire damage. They have also upgraded their Flight Car and radio systems from a Basic System to a Paramedic System. Financially they are doing all right, and in September they will be starting a new class for those that want to begin training to become a paramedic. After many years of service, Chris mentioned he would be stepping down as President to let someone else take the position.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted (3-0-1) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 16, 2008 as presented. Selectman Judice abstained from voting.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Salmon Brook Park Facility Building Committee
Mike Fortuna from the firm TLB Architecture, gave an overview of some plans for the park facility buildings. The needs were identified as locker rooms, toilets, ticketing and office area, snack bar, shelter (from storms), and storage. He stated that the town could renovate some of the old buildings in addition to adding new buildings to accommodate our needs. First Selectman Adams asked about drainage for the pavilion. In response to the drainage question, it was stated that roller shades would be used to keep hard, wind driven rain out of the pavilion and a lightening protection system would also be installed. Selectman Desrosiers asked how long this expansion would satisfy our needs. Kay Woodford, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, stated that they now have about 125 to 150
day campers. This new facility could accommodate 200 day campers easily and be adaptable to changes, if needed, in the future. Selectman Judice questioned whether the septic system could accommodate the new facility and it was stated the park is on the town sewer system. Town Manager Smith had concerns about flooding and Mike Fortuna stated the new buildings would be higher up than the old buildings and there shouldn’t be a problem. Once plans are finalized and approved, building could start in the summer of 2009.
B. Consideration of Comment From Planning and Zoning Commission on the Discussion of Broad Hill Road and Weed Hill Road
Town Attorney Donald Holtman reviewed the report from Planning and Zoning in regards to the discontinuance of Broad Hill Road and Weed Hill Road. He is suggesting three alternatives. The first one would be to discontinue the roads. The second would be to establish and maintain the road as a bridle path and the third alternative would be to keep the roads as public highways with the duties to maintain them. After much discussion, the Board concluded they are not ready to take action at this time. It is felt that more discussion needs to take place with McLean, and former property owner Charles Carpenter, who gave his property to McLean and has life use.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to table the discussion until more information is obtained.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to reappoint Incy Muir (U), 33 Loveland Road, to the Commission on Aging. Her term will expire January 11, 2010.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to reappoint Edward Guarco (U), 22 East Street, to the Development Commission. His term will expire January 12, 2009.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to reappoint Edward N. Allen (R), 18 Harvey Drive, to the Park and Recreation Board. His term will expire January 11, 2010.
B. Consideration of Resolution Regarding Capitol Region Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
This plan must be adopted in order to achieve FEMA’s final approval, thereby enabling our community to apply for federal mitigation grants.
Resolution Adopting
Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
WHEREAS, the Town of Granby in collaboration with the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) has developed a Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Granby has established and prioritized goals and strategies for reducing the loss of life and property from natural hazards that affect the region within the Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency / Department of Homeland Security has approved the Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, on condition of local adoption, enabling the town to apply for Hazard Mitigation grant funding;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Granby Board of Selectmen hereby adopts the 2008 Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the above resolution adopting the Capitol Region Pre-Disaster Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
C. Consideration of Appropriation for Senior Citizen CT Department of Transportation Grant
KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services, was awarded a grant from the State of Connecticut for transportation for seniors and disabled persons. The Town of Granby has been awarded funding of $26,998 for FY 2008-09 and $13,499 for FY 2007-08 of unspent funds. The total grant award is $40,497. The grant requires a 50% match that will be met by the current budget for Senior Van Services.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the appropriation request of $40,497 and forward to the Board of Finance for their action.
D. Consideration of Memorandum of Agreement Package and Resolution for FY 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program and FY 2007 Public Safety Interoperable Communications Grant Program
The State Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is requesting First Selectman Adams be authorized to sign an agreement with the Department for funding under the Federal Department of Homeland Security through the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG). The Selectmen want to also include Town Manager Smith as an authorized signer.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the authorizing resolution.
AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
RESOLVED that the Town of Granby may enter into with and deliver to the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security any and all documents which it deems to be necessary or appropriate; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that John E. Adams, as First Selectman of the Town of Granby, is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of Granby and to do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that William F. Smith, Jr., as Town Manager of the Town of Granby, is also authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of Granby and to do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents, including, but not limited to, executing and delivering all agreements and documents contemplated by such documents; and
The undersigned further certifies that John E. Adams now holds the office of First Selectman and that he has held this office since 2003 and that William F. Smith, Jr. now holds the office of Town Manager and that he has held this office since 1978.
E. Consideration of Appropriation and Execution of Acceptance Certification for Section 5310 Grant (Senior Van Vehicle Replacement)
The town has been awarded a grant of $40,000 from the State Department of Transportation for the purchase of a new senior van. A 20% local match is required. Through the efforts of KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services, working with the Granby Community Fund and the Lions Club, the local match has been met with $10,000 in gifts. It is requested the Board of Selectmen authorize the Town Manager to sign the Acceptance Certification for the Section 5310 Grant. The certification will then be forwarded to the state. It is further requested that the Board of Selectmen approve an appropriation in the amount of $50,000 to be brought to the Board of Finance for their approval.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to authorize the Town Manager to execute the Acceptance Certification for the Section 5310 Grant and approve the appropriation request in the amount of $50,000 which will be brought to the Board of Finance for approval.
F. Consideration of Purchase for Board of Education (BOE) and Town Finance Software
The town has the opportunity to join with the BOE to purchase new accounting software and to merge our accounting systems. Although the town is satisfied with their present financial software company, it is a small outfit. The request for proposal selected by the BOE is with the Unifund Company and is called “Budget Sense”. They are a larger and more stable vendor that would better meet the town’s needs. Town Manager Smith stated that being on the same system with the BOE would help eliminate duplication of information and services between the BOE and the town.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve this joint venture with the Board of Education. The Board also would like Town Manager Smith to get together with the BOE to work out the final plans and determine the correct amount needed before bringing this before the Board of Finance in September or October.
G. Consideration of Memorandum of Agreement Renewals with State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)
In the last seven years, the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has collaborated with municipal police departments through Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Police Partnership Program to reduce the sale of tobacco products to minors. State guidelines now require that agencies under the direction of municipalities have a Memorandum of Agreement signed by the individual authorized to enter into contracts for that municipality.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adopt the following resolution.
RESOLVED that William F. Smith Jr., Town Manager, be empowered to execute and deliver in the name of and on behalf of the Town of Granby a Memorandum of Agreement Renewals with the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Police Partnership Program.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
Town Manager Smith reported the purchase of Development Rights for Maplewood Farm, owned by Forrest Davis, is still in the works. This would preserve this property and ensure there would be no development on that property in the future. The town’s portion of the purchase price is $120,000. The Granby Land Trust would give $25,000 towards the purchase leaving a balance of $95,000 for the town. First Selectman Adams asked, if there needs to be a town meeting to get this purchase approved. Town Manager Smith responded that a town meeting is not needed.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
A. Proclamation – Farmington Valley VNA
First Selectman Adams read a proclamation in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the VNA. This proclamation will be given to the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association.
First Selectman Adams reported that the Town of East Granby is upgrading power lines along the area of the old train station crossing over Route 189 and to Route 20 and that if anyone is interested in reading about it, there are books available at the Granby Public Library and Town Manager’s office.
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 Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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