TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21, 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, B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Several town residents, mostly from Canton Road, spoke in opposition of the proposed sewer extension. It was said that this project was not in the best interest of the Canton Road residents, that only two households have failed systems, and that most everyone else has maintained their systems and they are working fine. One resident wanted to know what authority the town has to require them to hook up to the sewer, and did this sewer extension have anything to do with the rumor that Walgreens may build a store on the corner of Canton Road and Salmon Brook Street? First Selectman Adams said he would provide the answer to the legal authority question this week. He needs time to gather the information to make sure it is correct, and no, this does not have anything to do with Walgreens. One resident from Archie Lane
wanted to be excluded from the sewer hook up saying he has excellent drainage and does not need the sewer system. There was also concern that the sewer assessment would be a hardship for many families, and could the town find other funding to help them out. First Selectman Adams responded that all avenues of funding have been explored and there are no available funds for the town. State Representative Annie Hornish spoke and stated she could not find available funds, but wanted to request that the town find a creative way to help ease the burden for these people.
Gerry Ledger, who doesn’t live in the affected area, briefly addressed the noise ordinance issue on Canal Road and commented he hoped there could be some resolve in a timely manner.
Gerry Ledger also spoke about the opening ceremony for the bridge that connects parts of the Farmington Valley Bike Trail in East Granby and Granby, which recently took place. The trail now goes from Red Oak Avenue in Farmington to the Massachusetts border, which is about twenty-two miles.
Gerry Ledger hopes the town will take into consideration new legislation that would allow them to require motorists to stop their cars at a red light, and not block traffic by entering the intersection to wait for the light to turn green.
First Selectman Adams recessed the Board of Selectmen meeting to hold a Special Town Meeting for the transfer and acceptance of property between the Town of Granby and South Congregational Church at 8:00 p.m.
First Selectman Adams reconvened the Board of Selectmen meeting at 8:18 p.m.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 8, 2009 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
No unfinished or tabled business was before the Board.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were received.
B. Consideration of Resolution for Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
Granby plans to participate in the annual grant program, which will assist them with the Emergency Management Operating Budget. State guidelines require municipalities to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the individual authorized to enter into contracts for the municipality. If the grant application is approved, an appropriation for the state match will be requested. It is requested that a resolution be adopted authorizing the Town Manager to enter into the MOU.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the following resolution giving Town Manager Smith authorization to enter into contracts for the municipality.
RESOLVED: that the Town Manager, William F. Smith, Jr., be and hereby is authorized to act on behalf of the Town of Granby in executing a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Connecticut, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, for preparation in the Emergency Management Performance Grant program as long as it continues.
C. Consideration of Motion for Holcomb Farm Learning Center Loan
On August 3, 2009, the Board approved a motion for the Holcomb Farm Board of Directors to borrow upon a line of credit for the summer school program. The Directors are requesting the motion be amended by adding the following: and also be available for other state reimbursable academic events.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the amendment to the original motion to allow for funds to be available for other state reimbursable academic events.
D. Consideration of Formal Board Action on Transfer of Town Property and Acceptance of Property with South Congregational Church
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to table this agenda item until the next Selectmen meeting.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. FY 2009-10 Adopted Budget Impact on Granby
Town Manager Smith reported that the town is shy $20,285 of what was originally budgeted. Most of this shortage is non-educational. This shortage comes from the lack of transfer funds that comes from the Mohegan Tribe. He stated he will be keeping an eye on things with hopes of making it up.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
A. Evaluation of Pond House Condition
First Selectman Adams reported that Public Works has brought to his attention the need for the Selectmen to reevaluate the priority of repair work at the Salmon Brook Park Bathhouse. Ned Allen, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Board, reported the extensive repairs that are now needed at the bathhouse. They include a leaking roof, broken toilets, broken light fixtures, cracked cement on the ramps, settled wooded platforms at the bottom of the ramps, lack of an adequate first aid area, and code violations. These are just a few of the issues. James Klase, Director of Public Works, estimates a minimum of $10,000 is needed to fix the problems. This does not include the snack shack.
Selectman King stated the Board is well aware of the problems and some of the repairs needed to be made to preserve what we do have. Town Manager Smith thought it would be more appropriate if there was an itemized analysis before they put this before the Board of Finance. Selectman Kuhnly stated he would like to tour the sight to see first hand just what the situation is like and then would report back to the Board members. He will contact Ned Allen or Kay Woodford to make arrangements to tour the bathhouse.
B. Consideration of Board of Selectmen 2010-11 Budget Assignments
First Selectman Adams feels there is a need to get a grasp on the upcoming budget. There are no more funds available from the state and there is no growth in the grand list. Therefore, he feels making assignments this early will give everyone more time to have a greater understanding of what they are dealing with. The budget assignments are as follows:
Administration – Ronald Desrosiers
Personal and Property Protection – John Adams
Libraries, Rec., and Social Services – Mark Neumann
Public Works and Environment – B. Scott Kuhnly
Capital Budget and Debt Service – Sally King
Revenues – All
Other Funds - All
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, & Mark Neumann
Selectman King reported they are working on the noise issue and looking into all options. First Selectman Adams reported on a state regulation that requires a noise ordinance to first be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. Selectman Desrosiers said he would contact CCM to get a list of towns that have a noise ordinance. Selectman Kuhnly asked if it was their duty to notify the other family, maybe to help resolve this issue or come to a compromise. Town Manager Smith responded by saying this issue has already been brought to the police. The family is aware that a noise issue is not easily enforced. When you pit neighbor to neighbor, that just puts the town in the middle. All complaints will be looked into and reviewed.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, 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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