TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
OCTOBER 19, 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, Sally King, B. Scott Kuhnly, Mark Neumann, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager, Nicholas Moon and Nicholas Ohannessian, Student Liaisons
I. PUBLIC SESSION
A. Plaque Presentation and Welcome 2009-2010 Student Liaisons
First Selectman Adams introduced 2008-2009 Student Liaison Christopher Kempf and awarded him a plaque in recognition of a job well done. Nicholas Moon who will be returning as a Student Liaison for 2009-2010, along with newly appointed Student Liaison Nicholas Ohannessian were introduced. First Selectman Adams welcomed them both and explained that they will both have time to report on school events and ask questions at the meetings during the agenda item Selectmen Reports.
First Selectman Adams recognized Department of Public Works employee Kirk Severance for his 25 years of service with the town. He began his career in 1984 as a Maintainer I and has worked his way up the ranks, being appointed Deputy Director of Operations in 2007. He was honored and congratulated by Town Manager Smith, and James Klase, Director of Public Works.
Town resident Rick Arcand of Allen Place addressed the Board with complaints of loud noise, that he is bothered by, that comes from businesses around the center of town. He would like to see the Police have something on the books that they could go by to resolve these kinds of issues when there is a complaint made.
First Selectman Adams called for a ten-minute recess at 7:40 p.m. to enjoy refreshments.
First Selectman Adams reconvened the meeting at 7:50 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 October 5, 2009 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (Board of Selectmen) Public Hearing of October 5, 2009 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
A. Review Pond House Condition
Selectman Kuhnly reported he drove around the Pond House at Salmon Brook Park this past weekend and was able to see roof shingles missing that would definitely lead to water leaking. He did not go inside but was able to assess enough that the pond house roof is definitely in need of repair. First Selectman Adams questioned James Klase, Director of Public Works whether we could go ahead and repair the roof. He said yes and that the cost would probably be between $10,000 and $15,000 to fix it enough to get through the winter. Town Manager Smith stated this repair would be a temporary solution to secure the facility. A master plan for more renovations would have to come at a later date providing they could find the money to do so.
IV. BUSINESS
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were received.
B. Informational Presentation on Search Institute Survey Results
Director of Human Services, KerryAnn Kielbasa gave a presentation on the Search Institute “Survey of Student Resources and Assets” that was administered to over 1,000 Granby students in grades 7-12. In this survey, the 40 developmental assets, indicators of thriving, and risk-taking behaviors were measured and defined as external assets and internal assets. Some external assets are positive developmental experiences that families, schools, community groups, and other youth and family-serving organizations provide young people. Internal assets are positive commitments, skills, and values that form a young person’s inner guidance system. The higher the number of assets a youth possesses, the greater number of thriving indicators they have. The average number of assets reported
by our youth was 20.2. Many of our results exceed national average but we are striving to ensure that all of our youth report 31 or more of the 40 assets. Some goals from the outcome of the survey are to continue partnership with the schools and other community agencies, develop a community wide strategy for developing assets and identify funding sources. They will survey again in five years and at that time they hope to have a 10% to 15% increase in assets to avoid risky behavior. Selectman Kuhnly responded by saying this is great information and how can we get this out to the public. Mrs. Kielbasa responded that there is a Community Forum planned for November 5th.
C. Consideration of Resolution for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
The town would like to complete the sidewalk paths in the center of town. To secure this grant for the sidewalk improvement project, the town has been requested by the state to pass another resolution naming the Town Manager as being authorized to make the application citing the project name. The Department of Public Works will do the job.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the following resolution for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
“BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Manager, Mr. William F. Smith, Jr., is hereby authorized to make, execute, and approve on behalf of the Town of Granby any and all contracts and amendments and to execute and approve on behalf of this municipality other instruments as part of or incident to such contracts and amendments, with respect to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.”
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Information Report on Dirt Bike Use
Town Manager Smith reported his findings on researching other towns that have noise ordinances and also checked with other agencies and staff about the effectiveness of some existing ordinances. It was concluded that while the process of preparing and passing a local ordinance could be relatively simple, it will be difficult to enforce. The ordinance would have to be approved by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Special equipment would be needed to monitor the noise and a properly trained person to operate the equipment. Complaints would need to be monitored from initial documentation to enforcement and for final resolution of the matter. Another option would be for the property owner to bring legal action on their own by contacting an attorney. Also under Granby’s Zoning Regulations, dirt-bike activity is not permitted since it is not deemed an accessory use or a use customarily incidental to residential use (Section 3.1.1.5). Town Manager Smith stated
we can work within our regulations at this time. Selectman Desrosiers asked if we have a record of the number of complaints. Police Chief Watkins responded with how the dispatch keeps record of all calls, and any complaints about noise would be classified just in general, not specific. There was some discussion among the Selectmen and First Selectman Adams stated they need to keep a handle on this issue.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams wanted to make a clarification of a recent news article that was written by State Representative Annie Hornish. He stated the article made it sound as though the town would not apply for a STEAP grant to help with the sewer extension project. In reality, the town could not apply because they already had an open STEAP grant with the Holcomb Farm project. Also the implication that the town should put the project on hold until they could come up with an alternative way of funding would be irresponsible. The lowest bid for this project came in so much lower than expected that it was in the best interest for everyone to go forward at this time.
It was also announced with sadness the passing of Richard Ayer. He was a longtime member of the Lost Acres Fire Department and served as their treasurer for 46 years. The town flag will be flying at half-staff in his honor.
It was reported that there was a water main break last Thursday on Canton Road as a result of digging for the sewer extension. It seems that the information given from the Aquarion Water Company to Call Before You Dig was incorrect so the markings were off, and that resulted in the contractors breaking a water pipe. It was repaired within a few hours. Selectman Neumann added that there would be some detours on Canton Road as the project goes forward. Also it looks as though the sewer lines will be ready for hook up before the snow flies. This is good news for those that have been without water for so long.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, & Mark Neumann, and Christopher Kempf and Nicholas Moon, Student Liaisons)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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