TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 17, 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, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager and Student Liaison Christopher Kempf
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Several residents from Canton Road addressed the Board of Selectmen with concerns of their septic systems that are failing or close to failure. The problem with that area is a high water table and poor soil. First Selectman Adams commented the town is aware of the problem and is considering a sewer extension along Canton Road. An engineering analysis needs to be done before any kind of a timetable or cost can be discussed. The Selectmen are aware of the concerns and the urgency of the residents; it was stated that the matter would be further discussed during Business Item IV. C.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 2, 2009 with one correction. Under Business Item IV. G, a motion should be added as follows: ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the resolutions for Authorization to Execute an “Agreement Between the State of Connecticut and Town of Granby for the Maintenance of a Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility, and a Nondiscrimination Agreement”.
- UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
No unfinished or tabled business was before the Board.
IV. BUSINESS
- Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were received.
- Discussion and Consideration of Granby’s Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program
Granby’s agreement with Paine’s, Inc. for solid waste and recycling collection will end in June. An agreement for collection would typically be for three years with a possible one or two year extension. Given that we have had success with Paine’s in the past, and that it is being proposed to change the way we collect, as well as possible changes in an agreement with the Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority (CRRA) for disposal of solid waste and recycling, it was suggested by Town Manager Smith to extend our agreement with Paine’s for two years with a 90 day withdrawal clause. It is proposed that starting in July 2009 we continue weekly trash collection with a 65-gallon container at an annual cost of $290,000 with an estimated savings of $21,710. It is also proposed that we
begin a bi-monthly recycling collection using 95-gallon containers at an annual cost of $102,000 for an estimated savings of $29,028. There was discussion amongst the Selectmen as to why we need such a large container for recycling, and Town Manager Smith responded that it would encourage more recycling, and with the new “single-stream” recycling program, all recyclable items would go into the same barrel. The implementation of this new program for Granby will start in July 2009, with an educational program for residents beforehand. The Board of Selectmen concurred with all of these ideas. Town Manager Smith plans to place this into the 2009-10 Proposed Budget and will request approval by the Board at the next meeting.
- Consideration of Sewer Extension Along Canton Road
An area of Canton Road has been noted as having poor soil and septic systems. The Farmington Valley Health District has identified two failing septic systems along Canton Road in the last year, and more are expected to fail in the future. It is likely that some systems cannot be corrected. Therefore, it is being considered to extend the sewer line westerly along Canton Road approximately 2,600 feet. A preliminary cost estimate for construction is $250,000. If ledge, other issues, or delays are encountered, which often occur, the cost could double. It is suggested to have our Town Engineer conduct a preliminary engineering needs analysis to more accurately determine a final cost and establish a timetable for construction. Selectman Neumann inquired whether the other roads in the
area, Burleigh Drive, Douglass Drive, and Archie Lane would be included in the study. Town Manager Smith responded that they would be included to give the town the full scope of the job. A rough estimate of time to do the study and report back is about two months.
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to recess as the Board of Selectmen and convene as the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA) at 8:25 p.m.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appropriate $5,000 from the Sewer Assessment Fund for an engineering analysis of the Canton Road sewer extension.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA) and reconvene as the Board of Selectmen at 8:26 p.m.
- Consideration of Making Application for a Community Development Block Grant
The Town of Granby has participated in the Small Cities Community Development Grant program for over 20 years. Notification has been received stating that another round of funding is being made available. This has been a very successful program. Presently the fund balance is $70,000. The Office of Community Development, which manages this program, would like to make a grant application this year. They must first conduct an outreach program and advertise for those who may qualify for housing assistance loans. The application would be in the amount of $400,000. Selectman Desrosiers asked if this program is running the way it should, and Town Manager Smith responded that it was.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the request of the Office of Community Development for the town to make an application for the 2009 Small Cities Competitive Round of funding.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
- Budget Operations Report – January 2009
Town Manager Smith reported that tax collections for this time of year have been good, about 95%. There has been a lot of snow removal this year, which has meant an increase in the amount of rock salt used. The increase is up about 40% due to rate increase as well as volume used. Less sand is being used statewide and the use of rock salt has taken over as a more environmentally friendly product. Overall, we are doing well with grants and tax collections.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
- Budget Guidelines for FY 2009-2010 Budget
First Selectman Adams reported the Board of Finance is holding to a 2% increase. To maintain services as they are now, it would be a 3.35% increase. The 2% hold will mean cutting programs. Any savings we can come up with would help. The $50,738 savings in the Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program will be a big help. It is not yet known what the town will ultimately receive from the state.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, Frank Judice, & Mark Neumann, and Christopher Kempf and Nicholas Moon, Student Liaisons)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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