TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
DECEMBER 1, 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, Sally King, Mark Neumann, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager, and Nicholas Moon, Student Liaison
I. PUBLIC SESSION
No public addressed the Board.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 17, 2008 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
- Discussion on Discontinuance of Weed Hill Road and Make a Portion of Broad Hill Road a Public Trail
Town Manager Smith stated that the Board has received comment from the Planning and Zoning Commission. There is a provision in the General Statutes that allows us to make the road into a bridle trail, which would relieve the town from maintaining a public road and reduce the liability.
Charles Carpenter, a former Broad Hill Road landowner who has access rights to the property, expressed concerns about the change in status of Broad Hill Road. He and his family would like to see it stay as a public road so that everyone who wishes may access the property to enjoy the nature. This was their intention when they donated the property to McLean Game Refuge.
Town Manager Smith explained the town’s intention is to satisfy all parties, as reasonably as possible. The town also needs to follow State Statute that requires a public road be maintained; in today’s economy, the money to maintain this might be better spent elsewhere. First Selectman Adams told Mr. Carpenter he would be notified when we have a town meeting, which would most likely be in February.
IV. BUSINESS
- Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were received.
- Consideration of “Agreement Between the Granby Association of School Administrators and the Board of Education – July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2012”
Board of Education member Matthew Wutka was present this evening to provide the Board of Selectmen with additional information on the agreement and to provide clarification if needed. Mr. Wutka stated this is a three-year contract and reviewed the cost share percentages for the Preferred Provider Plan (PPO) and for the Health Savings Account (HSA). The total wage increase, including any steps, would be 3.4% per year. Other topics reviewed were annuities, salaries for administrators involved with summer school, professional development fund, and an annual doctoral stipend of $1,000 to those who qualify (presently two administrators qualify).
First Selectman Adams stated Board of Finance Chairman Michael Guarco has reviewed the contract and was pleased. Mr. Guarco felt it was the responsibility of the Selectmen to review the contract and decide to either approve it or not. Selectman Desrosiers expressed a concern that residents would want to know how the contract is going to be funded and may have other questions regarding the document. School Superintendent Alan Addley stated the contract is available to the public for review.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted (3-0-1) (abstention Desrosiers) not to reject the contract thereby approving the “Agreement Between the Granby Association of School Administrators and Board of Education – July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2012.
- Consideration of Action to Enter into a Police Mutual Aid Agreement with Granville, MA.
A public hearing was held earlier this evening and no public comment was received.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to enter into a Police Mutual Agreement with Granville, MA.
- Consideration of Action to Enter into an Equipment Sharing Agreement for the Farmington Valley Trail Maintenance
A public hearing was held earlier this evening. No public comment was received but clarification of how the equipment would be used and future maintenance costs were discussed.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to enter into an Equipment Sharing Agreement for the Farmington Valley Trail Maintenance.
- Consideration of Call for a Three Board Meeting
The “Budget Guideline Process” calls for a “Three Board Meeting”, to be held in December. However, this meeting is usually held in January when more information on budgets is available.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to call for a “Three Board Meeting” on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Center Youth Services Community Room.
- Consideration of call for a Special Town Meeting on Reinstatement of a Portion of Fox Road as a Town Road
The Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the issue of the existing home on Fox Road and agreed that this home should remain with its frontage on a public street. Town Manager Smith stated the town will maintain the road this winter.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to call for a Special Town Meeting on January 5, 2009 at 8 p.m. for the consideration of the reinstatement of a portion of Fox Road as a town road.
- Discussion of Capitol Region Council of Government’s (CRCOG) report on Mid-Ct Solid Waste
Granby’s contract with the Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority (CRRA) to dispose of its municipal solid waste and much of its recycling materials will terminate in 2012. CRCOG has asked First Selectman Adams, along with other chief elected officers of Mid-Conn towns, to consider endorsing a proposal for future waste disposal. A discussion ensued stating that there is little confidence in CRRA and that we are overpaying for our services. We need an opportunity to look at other options, as a large group of towns, to find the most cost effective program. There is a need to have a waste management entity that is accountable to the Mid-Conn towns and also has the organizational control to optimize the system to serve the towns’ financial and service needs. This review process should
begin now to provide sufficient lead-time as unforeseen obstacles will certainly come about.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
No reports.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported receiving a pamphlet from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities in regard to a class about Understanding Parliamentary Procedures. For anyone interested, it is January 13, 2009, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Farmington Town Hall, Farmington, CT.
First Selectman Adams also received a request for a lighting ceremony of a menorah for December 21st or 29th. He will follow up at a further date.
A letter from the Connecticut State Building Inspector has been received by Town Manager Smith, stating there were no safety concerns with the Kelly Lane School. The letter is on file in the Town Manager’s office.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann and Christopher Kempf and Nicholas Moon, Student Liaisons)
Student Liaison Nicholas Moon wanted to recognize everyone involved with the Granby Memorial High School Drama Club for their outstanding performance of “Our Town”.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by First Selectman Adams seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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