TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
DECEMBER 7, 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, Mark Neumann, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager, Nicholas Moon and Nicholas Ohannessian, Student Liaisons
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted to add three agenda items to the Business Section as D. Elect Board of Selectmen Vice Chairman, E. Adopt Board of Selectmen Meeting Schedule for 2010, and F. Adopt Rules of Procedure for Board of Selectmen Meetings.
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Several town residents spoke to the Selectmen in regard to voting on the teachers contract. The majority of them would like the opportunity to vote for themselves as to whether to adopt the contract or not. They would like it to go to a Town Meeting so all residents can voice their opinion. One resident was in opposition of a Town Meeting. He stated the contract is a good one and the Selectmen should vote on it tonight.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 16, 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
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to appoint Aurelle S. Locke (D), 281 Simsbury Road, to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission to fill a vacancy made by the resignation of Eric Lukingbeal. Ms. Locke’s term will expire January 11, 2010.
B. Consideration of “Agreement Between Granby Education Association and the Granby Board of Education dated July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2012”
Cal Heminway, Chariman of the Board of Education presented the Selectmen a summary of the major changes in the negotiated contract between the Granby Board of Education and the Granby Education Association for the period July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012. As far as Health Benefits are concerned, there are no changes in 2010-2011. In 2011-2012, the premium cost share percentage for the Preferred Provider Plan (PPO) will increase from 17% to 17-1/2%. Co-pays for emergency room visits will increase from $100 to $125 and office visit co-pays will increase from $25 to $30. Salaries will have no wage increase for 2010 - 2011 and no step movement. The wage increase, including steps, is 2.85% in 2011-2012. The step increases will not be effective until midway through the pay year. Mr. Heminway stated these
are the least amount of changes since he has been here. Mr. Wilke, Board of Finance member, indicated to the Board of Selectmen that this is a well-negotiated contract. He commented if this were to go to arbitration, it would be detrimental. The Board should vote on it tonight. It was mentioned that the public’s perception of a no vote at a Town Meeting would mean it would go back to the Board of Education to be redone. That is not so. If the contract were voted down, it would automatically go to arbitration. Selectman King responded that she appreciates the work they have done putting this together, she will support it and would vote for it tonight. But she still thinks we have to establish a trust with the residents and let them speak with their vote. On the other hand, First Selectman Adams believes this has been a public process and they have had the opportunity to go to the Board of Education meetings and he has
pleaded with residents to come here tonight and only four have showed. He feels the Selectmen have been elected to do this and be fiscally responsible. Selectman Neumann agreed this is a good contract but also thinks the residents should have their vote. Selectman Desrosiers has abstained himself from comments and voting on this issue as his wife is a teacher here in town.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted 3-0-1 (Selectman Desrosiers abstained), to approve sending the Agreement Between Granby Education Association and the Granby Board of Education dated July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2012 to a town meeting.
First Selectman Adams announced there will be a special Town Meeting Monday, December 14, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at the Granby Senior Center Community room.
C. Consideration of Funding for Salmon Brook Park Bathhouse and Certain Park Repairs
It has been reported at previous meetings that the Salmon Brook Park Bathhouse roof is leaking and that security at the bathhouse, snack shack, and band shell are in poor condition. Public Works Director James Klase believes that the repairs to these buildings could be done this winter by the Public Works Department at a cost of approximately $10,000. After reviewing the public works capital budget, it was determined that some of the bids for capital equipment came in about $12,000 below the estimate. Therefore, the funds can be made available from this account.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to authorize the amount of $10,000 from the Selectmen’s capital budget for park and building repairs at Salmon Brook Park.
D. Election of Board of Selectmen Vice Chairman
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to reappoint Selectman King as Board of Selectmen Vice Chairman.
E. Adopt Board of Selectmen Meeting Schedule for 2010
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adopt a meeting schedule for 2010. Meetings will be held the first and third Monday of the month with the meeting moving to Tuesday if Monday is a holiday.
F. Adopt Board of Selectmen Rules of Procedure
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adopt the Board of Selectmen Rules of Procedure as presented in previous years.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Staff Report Concerning Proposed Noise Ordinance
Town Manager Smith reported to the Board further review of consideration of the adoption of a noise ordinance. He noted that a decision not to adopt would be a disappointment for some, but with careful consideration and review by staff and Town Attorney, it seems to be the best answer for Granby at this time. It has been determined that our present practice using zoning regulations in place works rather well. The town staff will continue to track complaints and meet with Planning and Zoning to make sure everyone is on the same page with rules and processes.
Selectman King agreed that they need to keep an eye on this and remain flexible to see what works. First Selectman Adams noted that the internal process has been somewhat revised. Selectman Desrosiers stated they should revisit this issue again in about six to nine months.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
A. Call for Three Board Meeting – January 19, 2010 Senior Center Community Room
The Three Board Meeting consists of Board of Selectmen, Board of Education and Board of Finance coming together to review Plus One budgets and other financial impacts for the 2010-11 budget. They will meet January 19, 2010 at the Senior Center Community Room.
B. Announcement on Art Contest for Single Stream Recycling Poster
The Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority (CRRA) committee has suggested an art contest with Single Stream Recycling as the theme for posters. There was a suggestion of $100 and $50 as first and second prizes. The contest would be open to Kelly Lane and Wells Road School students.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, & Mark Neumann, and Nicholas Moon and Nicholas Ohannessian Student Liaisons)
Selectman Neumann reported the Canton Road Sewer Project has been completed for the season.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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