TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 2, 2009
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, Nicholas Moon, and Christopher Kempf, Student Liaisons
I. PUBLIC SESSION
No public addressed the Board.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 5, 2009 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted (3-0-2) (abstention by Selectmen Desrosiers and Judice) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 20, 2009 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
No unfinished or tabled business was before the Board.
IV. BUSINESS
- Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint Richard J. Lydon (D), 7 Boxwood Court, to the Library Board. Mr. Lydon’s term will expire January 9, 2012.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint Kathy D. Ungerleider (D), 12 Strawberry Fields, and Suzanne L. Yucha (D), 32 Buttles Road, to the Park & Recreation Board. Ms. Ungerleider’s and Ms. Yucha’s terms will expire January 10, 2011.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint Don H. Butler (D), 134 Hungary Road, to the Agricultural Commission. Mr. Butler’s term will expire January 14, 2013.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appoint Michelle A. Nedermayer (D), 127 Silkey Road, to the Agricultural Commission filling a vacancy left by Sam Hammer. Ms. Nedermayer’s term will expire January 10, 2011.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint Mary Keating (D), 15 Buttles Road; Neil W. Kraner (D), 19 Glen Road; and Bruce W. Sullivan (D), 21 Kelly Lane, to the Commission on Aging. Their terms will expire January 10, 2011.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint Kenneth O. Kuhl (U), 18 Moosehorn Road, to the Development Commission. Mr. Kuhl’s term will expire January 10, 2011.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Carol Bressor (R), 293 Simsbury Road, to the Library Board. Mrs. Bressor’s term will expire January 9, 2012.
- Consideration of Library Expansion Study Committee Request
Chairman William Kennedy presented an update to the Board regarding what has been accomplished in the last eight months. After reviewing proposals and interviewing firms for design services, it was recommended that Peter Gisolfi Associates be selected to provide schematic plans and other necessary information for identifying cost estimates for an addition to the existing library. The committee is requesting thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) in order to continue with their charge.
First Selectman Adams responded that because of the economic uncertainties now, he would prefer to put this off for maybe a couple of years. The project would have to run through CPPAC and all projects would be prioritized. Expanding the library at a rough cost estimate of $4.5 million right now would not be high on the list of projects to be done. First Selectman Adams agreed to Mr. Kennedy having a conversation with the architect in regards to cost and revisiting this matter in May when our financial situation will be more evident.
- Consideration of Marquis of Granby Request for Utilization of Salmon Brook Park for the Celebration of its 40th Anniversary
Audrey Lambert, Co-Director of the Marquis of Granby, presented their plan to hold their 40th anniversary muster at Salmon Brook Park on the weekend of October 2nd through October 4th, 2009. This will be fully funded and there will be no cost to the town. They are requesting to reserve the park from October 2nd - 4th, closing the park to all other program activities, and to permit the use of alcohol by muster participants in an area closed to the general public. There will be no alcohol sold.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reserve Salmon Brook Park for the Marquis of Granby muster from October 2nd through October 4th, 2009, closing the park to all other program activities and permitting the use of alcohol by muster participants when the park has been closed to the general public.
First Selectman Adams recessed the Board of Selectmen meeting to hold a Special Town Meeting for the discontinuance of Weed Hill Road and a Portion of Broad Hill Road at 7:59 p.m.
First Selectman Adams reconvened the Board of Selectmen meeting at 8:55 p.m.
- Consideration of Resolution and Compliance Statement Supporting Fair Housing
In an effort to reaffirm the town’s commitment to fair housing and equal opportunity, it is recommended that the Board of Selectmen re-adopt the following Fair Housing Resolution and also the Fair Housing Policy Statement and Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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 an illegal discriminatory housing practices in the Town of Granby.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the above Fair Housing Resolution.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Judice, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to also approve the Fair Housing Policy Statement and the Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as presented.
- Consideration of Granby’s Option to Abate Taxes on High Mileage Motor Vehicles and Hybrid Passenger Cars
The Board of Selectmen is unwilling to consider this matter at this time.
- Discussion of Local Government Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Implementing GASB 43 and GASB 45 Guidance Document
The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) sets accounting and reporting requirements for government reporting entities and the town needs to address the requirements. The town has to make a decision on methods to meet a required standard to address the town’s liability for OPEB. It is recommended that Granby adopt a resolution to establish a special trust fund, along with a funding program to meet the standard.
WHEREAS, the Employer has employees rendering valuable services; and
WHEREAS, the Employer has determined that the provision of retiree health benefits for such employees serves the interests of the Employer by enabling it to provide reasonable security regarding such employees’ health needs during retirement, by providing increased flexibility in its personnel management system, and by assisting in the attraction and retention of competent personnel; and
WHEREAS, the Employer has determined that the establishment of the retiree health savings plan (the “Plan”) serves the above objectives;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Employer hereby adopts the Plan in the form of the ICMA Retirement Corporation’s VantageCare RHS Employer Investment Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the assets of the Plan shall be held in trust, with the following entity serving as trustees: Town of Granby Pension Plan - Pension Committee for the exclusive benefit of Plan participants, their survivors and their beneficiaries, and the assets of the Plan shall not be diverted to any other purpose prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities of the Plan. The Employer has executed the Declaration of Trust of the Town of Granby Integral Part Trust in the form of: The model trust made available by the ICMA Retirement Corporation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Manager shall be the coordinator and contact for the Plan and shall receive necessary reports, notices, etc.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the Resolution for Adoption of the Vantagecare Retirement Health Savings Plan.
- Consideration of Authorization to Execute an Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and Town of Granby for the Maintenance of a Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility
As recommended by the state, the following two resolutions need to be adopted by the town now that the Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility is open.
RESOLVED, that William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager, be and is hereby authorized to sign the agreement entitled:
“Agreement between the State of Connecticut and the Town of Granby for the Maintenance of a Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility utilizing Federal Funds under the Enhancement Component of the Surface Transportation Program” and a certification indicating the council adopts as its policy to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under the Connecticut General Statutes.
As stated above, in order to secure funding, a new resolution for Nondiscrimination is required. This is similar to several resolutions under recent legislation. The proper language for the resolution is as follows:
RESOLVED: That the Town of Granby hereby adopts, as its policy, to support the nondiscrimination agreements and warranties required under Connecticut General Statutes § 4a-60(a)(1) and § 4a-60a(a)(1), as amended in State of Connecticut Public Act 07-245 and sections 9(a)(1) and 10(a)(1) of Public Act 07-142.
- Consideration of Board of Selectmen 2009-2010 Budget Assignments and Workshop Dates
The budget workshop assignments and dates were set as follows:
Libraries, Rec. and Social Services – Frank Judice – March 5, 2009
Public Works & Environment – Ron Desrosiers – March 5, 2009
Capital Budget & Debt Service – Mark Neumann - March 5, 2009
Capital Budget & Debt Service - March 9, 2009 if needed
Personal and Property Protection – Sally King - March 9, 2009
Administration – John Adams – March 9, 2009
Administration - March 12, 2009 if needed
Revenues & Other Funds – All Members - March 12, 2009
All workshops will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held in the Town Hall Meeting Room. An additional workshop will be held March 16, 2009 if needed.
I. Consideration of Formal Board Action from Town Meeting on Discontinuance of Weed Hill Road and a Portion of Broad Hill Road
To formally discontinue Weed Hill Road and a portion of Broad Hill Road as voted upon at a Special Town Meeting on February 2, 2009, the Board must provide written authorization. The Selectmen are requested to sign the following Resolution Discontinuing Town Highway.
The Board of Selectmen, acting herein pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §13a-49 do hereby discontinue the following public highways or portion thereof:
Weed Hill Road from its intersection with Broad Hill Road to its terminus in its entirety, approximately 1,373 feet.
A portion of Broad Hill Road, said portion to be at a point where the southern property line of property located at 25 Broad Hill Road meets Broad Hill Road and extending westerly to a point where the southern property line of Cone Mountain Road intersects with Broad Hill Road, a distance of approximately 8,260 feet. With the discontinuance of this portion of Broad Hill Road, the town reserves such rights to the town and to the public as may be reasonably necessary to construct and maintain a bridle path, pedestrian walk or bicycle path as may be reasonably necessary in accordance with Section 13a-141 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the Discontinuance of Weed Hill Road and a portion of Broad Hill Road as voted upon at a Special Town Meeting February 2, 2009, at 8:00 p.m.
J. Consideration of Funding for Town and Board of Education Accounting Software
The total cost of the selected software package is $145,975. The Board of Education has paid $25,000 from this year’s budget. A balance of $120,975 is needed as an appropriation. It was discussed and recommended by Town Manager Smith that a note for 5 years at an interest rate of 3.5% – 4% would be appropriate, in light of the economic situation. No cash would be needed this year, but a separate resolution for the loan will be required.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to send an appropriation request to the Board of Finance for a note in the amount of $120,975 for the accounting software.
K. Consideration of Resolution Honoring Town Engineer Ed Sweeney
In honor of Mr. Sweeney’s 30 years of service, which he has given the town as its Engineer, First Selectman Adams read a resolution.
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the resolution presented honoring retired Town Engineer Ed Sweeney.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
- Budget Operations Report – December 2008
Town Manager Smith reported we are now half way through the fiscal year. Tax receipts have been fairly steady, not much different from last year. These budget operation figures will be the ones that are looked at to help develop next year’s budget. Electric, gas, and snow removal accounts are all being watched very closely. The town is hoping for no more weekend snowstorms as this puts a real burden on that account. The town is anxious to hear what Governor Rell has to say in the State Budget address this week, and how it will affect our town budget.
Town Manager Smith spoke of the restrictions that are now in place for purchasing. For the remainder of this fiscal year, monthly capital expenditure estimates will be developed by the Town Manager for review by the Board of Selectmen. Vacant or new positions contained in next year’s budget will also require review by the Board of Selectmen in consultation with the Town Manager.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams reported there has been an increase in the number of calls to the 211/Information Line for emergency housing, specific to the Granby area, a sign that some Granby residents are having real financial trouble.
First Selectman Adams also spoke of a discussion on a proposed stimulus package that might come from the federal government or the state. Granby has submitted information to the state, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) and Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) in the event that funding becomes available.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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