TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
MARCH 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, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager and Student Liaisons Nicholas Moon and Christopher Kempf
I. PUBLIC SESSION
- Girl Scouts of America, Connecticut Trails Council, Inc.
First Selectman Adams welcomed the Granby Girl Scout representatives and presented them with a town proclamation honoring Girl Scouts for their skills and the lessons learned from scouting. The week of March 8, 2009 is recognized nationally as “National Girl Scout Week”.
Photos were taken, and a plate of Girl Scout cookies was given to the Selectmen.
No other 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 February 17, 2009 as presented.
- 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 Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve four reappointments. Jason Bogli (R) 198R Salmon Brook Street to the Agriculture Commission for a four-year term (term expires 1/14/13). George Bronsord, (R), 25 Day Street South and Karen Hood, (R), 25 Whitman Drive, to the Commission on Aging for two-year terms (terms expire 1/10/11). Brigid Gunn, (R), 6 Gristmill Lane, to the Park and Recreation Board for a two-year term (term expires 1/10/11).
First Selectman Adams thanked all of them for their service.
- Consideration of Changes to the Bylaws of the Holcomb Farm Learning Centers, Inc.
Eric Lukingbeal, President of Holcomb Farm Learning Center addressed the Board with a request to change the Bylaws of the Holcomb Farm Learning Center. He mentioned that it has been an ongoing problem for the Board to meet the requirements of a quorum at the monthly meetings. Travel, business, and illness are some of the reasons the quorum requirement falls short. To help keep the meetings legal as required, it is requested that thirty-three percent of the number of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Another change to the quorum would be no requirement for the number of Board of Selectmen appointed members be part of the quorum needed. It was discussed among the Selectmen that maybe some of the members may not be fully committed.
The membership terms are three years, staggered, and the meetings are held once a month.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the Bylaw change to “Article III, Section 3.9 Quorum; Adjournment; Voting” to now read:
Thirty-three percent of the number of Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any meeting of the Board of Directors …
- Consideration of Appropriation for Granby’s Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program
Town Manager Smith explained the new method of waste and recycling pick-up. First Selectman Adams asked if the pick-up fee is determined by the size of the container or just for the collection itself. The cost is for the collection. The size of the container for waste is smaller, in hopes more recycling will take place with having a larger recycle container. Selectman Judice questioned the possibility of the town not realizing the $50,000 savings they expect. Director of Public Works, James Klase stated Paines is committed to the established fee. Worse case scenario, if the tonnage does not go down, our cost will not go up. The average calculations show we do not use the full capacity of the 95-gallon container. A second container for waste will be available for purchase if
needed.
Student liaison Christopher Kempf asked what will become of the old 16-gallon recycling containers. James Klase said residents may keep them or return them. Town Manager Smith indicated they could be used for collecting returnable bottles.
It is proposed to extend the agreement with Paines for two years with an option to cancel after one year with a 90 day written notice. Change trash collection containers to 65-gallon and change recycling container to 95-gallon with a bi-weekly pick up for recycling only. Begin education program implementation prior to the start up date of July 1, 2009, and request an appropriation in the amount of $215,000 from the Solid Waste Fund to fund the initial start-up cost for container purchases.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to agree with the Paine’s extension agreement, and approve an appropriation request in the amount of $215,000 from the Solid Waste Fund.
- Budget Presentation 2009-10
Town Manager Smith began with an overview of the 2009-10 budget. Developing the 2009-10 Budget to meet the guideline of 2% was especially difficult. Keeping in mind the unstable economic situation our state and country are dealing with, the Board of Finance had to realize a strong desire to maintain quality services in education, public safety, and health and human services. When the Board of Finance set the guideline of 2%, they had to assure that Granby would maintain a sound financial bond rating from agencies. This goal of setting this guideline was that the mill rate for next year would not increase more than 2% above the current rate of 29.35 mills.
The Plus-One budget, developed in November 2008 indicated the Municipal Operating Budget required a minimum of 3.35% increase next year. Reducing the budget to 2% required reducing the Plus-One Budget by $117,523, which was not an easy task. It allowed for an increase of $173,577 over the current budget.
While the new budget does not improve services, hopefully it will preserve present levels of service. This was accomplished with the cooperation of a dedicated and watchful staff. Public Works is where major savings evolved. Reductions in previously increasing high costs for fuel and electricity, and changes to solid waste and recycling collection have had a dramatic effect in keeping the budget below the 2% guideline. Some reserves for contract settlements are in the proposed budget, however, typical wage and salary increases in the new budget are low. Even with some anticipated grant reductions, our senior, youth and library services are included at current service levels.
The total 2009-10 Municipal Budget (Operations, Capital, and Debt) is at $13,964.856. As mentioned above, it includes reserves for contract wage settlements and meets other contractual obligations, along with the town’s commitment to absorb grant fall-off for ongoing Senior Citizen Services. This budget also fulfills a commitment to achieve a ‘Green Energy’ goal of 20% by 2010.
First Selectman Adams commented that this budget was made possible by the employees’ dedication and commitment to the budget and to the town.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
No reports.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams wanted to remind everyone of the scheduled Budget Workshops, which are March 5th, 9th, 12th, and 16th, if needed, at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room. The March 5th workshop will cover Administration, Public Works and Environment, and Capital Budget and Debt Service. March 9th will cover Capital Budget and Debt Service, if needed, Personal and Property Protection, Libraries, Recreation and Social Services. March 12th will cover Libraries, Recreation and Social Services if needed, and Revenues & Other Funds. March 16th will be used if needed.
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 Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Judice, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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