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TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
APRIL 19, 2010
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, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; and Nicholas Moon and Nicholas Ohannessian, Student Liaisons
I. PUBLIC SESSION
A. Presentation of Certificates and Plaques
Prior to the start of tonight’s meeting, the Board of Selectmen held a reception to honor community volunteers and the newly formed Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT).
First Selectman Adams opened tonight’s meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking the many volunteers for their years of service to the town and asking those people being recognized to come forward to accept their plaques.
Rosemarie Weber, who was not present, served on the Commission on Aging. Marty Council, who was not present, served on the Library Board. Victoria Mazzei-Stepanov served on the Conservation Commission for six years. Jason Bogli, who was not present, served on the Agricultural Commission. Eric Lukingbeal served on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for over eight years. Barry Avery, who was not present, served on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for 14 years. Dr. Richard Martindale served on the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission for 30 years. Charles Katan, was an original member of the Inland Wetlands Watercourses Commission and served for 36 years.
Michael Ortengren, Emergency Management Director, was introduced along with Joseph Killen, Trainer Coordinator for the Granby Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT), to recognize those volunteers that have gone through the 20 hours of training to learn to work with first responders in the event of emergency situations and disasters. They are also a volunteer resource that can assist with public safety activities. All volunteers received a Certificate, ID badge, and backpack filled with supplies they may need. Recognized volunteers were, Karen Bledsoe, Edward Darcy, William Fiocchetta, Timothy Goebel, Joseph Killen, Lynn Krauss, Vivian Latella, John Latella, John Lombardi, Michael Lynch, Ronald Perkins, Steven Pestretto, Elizabeth Sundstrom, Kenneth Sundstrom, Maria Tonseth, Lynn Uhl, James Warnke,
Priscilla Warnke, and Laurie Wikiera.
They were all administered a loyalty oath by Michael Ortengren and photos were taken.
State Representative Annie Hornish congratulated the volunteers that were honored tonight for their many years of service to the town and the CERT volunteers that have completed their initial training and will help keep our community safe.
Michael Ortengren introduced Sylvia Dake from the State Homeland Security Department. She was involved with the training of this group and congratulated them on the completion of their training. Ms. Dake stated training is an ongoing process and there will be other opportunities available, as the CERT program evolves. As an example of what they do, she spoke of those volunteers that responded to the Middletown Power Plant Explosion disaster to assist first responders.
Presentations were concluded at 7:55 p.m. and the Board of Selectmen called for a brief recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:00 p.m.
Public session continued with a briefing from Chief Watkins in regard to the “Miracle Ride” that is happening this coming Sunday. It involves 1,500 to 2,000 motorcyclists riding through town about 12:00 noon and ending up at High Meadow Resort, Granby, CT. The route will be along Copper Hill Road in East Granby to Notch Road, to East Street, to Route 189 to High Meadow Resort.
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 April 5, 2010 as presented.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the public hearing of April 5, 2010 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 Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Incy S. Muir (U), 33 Loveland Road, to the Commission on Aging for a two year term. Ms. Muir’s term will expire January 9, 2012.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Helen Decher (R), 120 Higley Road, to the Commission on Aging for a two year term filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Rosemarie Weber. Ms. Decher’s term will expire January 9, 2012.
B. Consideration of Appropriation Request for Criminal Justice Grant
The application for the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) has been approved. The grant is for $30,000, with $7,500 coming from the town initially and being reimbursed when everything is up and running. The grant is for the replacement of the police “Speed Trailer” used for traffic control and another trailer that can be remotely programmed to advise motorists of traffic and emergency conditions. An appropriation from the Board is needed to go forward. Selectman Desrosiers asked if this device takes pictures and Chief Watkins responded no.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to appropriate $30,000 for the JAG grant (Police Grants) for the purchase of a police “Speed Trailer” and a traffic advisory trailer under the Recovery Act Connecticut Justice Assistance Local Pass-Through Grant Program.
C. Consideration of Adjustments and Approval of the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2011
The Board of Finance thanked the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education for all their hard work putting together the budgets within the guidelines. At the April 12th meeting, the Board of Finance voted to forward the 2010-2011 Budget to the Annual Town Meeting as presented. There was one change made by the Board of Finance on March 29th. They added $250,000 of Capital Nonrecurring Expenditures Funds to REVENUES and EXPENDITURES. Selectman Desrosiers questioned where this money is coming from. Town Manager Smith responded that it is the utilization of money realized from debt reduction.
REVENUES |
Property Tax Levy |
$30,193,216 |
Other Property Tax |
565,000 |
Intergovernmental Revenues |
7,043,085 |
Local Revenues and Fund Transfers |
1,034,425 |
Fund Balance Transfers |
1,655,000 |
|
|
Total |
$40,490,726 |
EXPENDITURES |
MUNICIPAL SERVICES |
|
General Government Department |
$8,761,920 |
Board of Selectmen and Board of Education Capital Equipment/ Improvement Allotment |
765,000 |
Capital Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund (CNEF) |
250,000 |
Economic Dev. Funds |
10,000 |
Debt Service |
4,036,212 |
|
|
Municipal Services Total |
$13,823,132 |
EXPENDITURES |
EDUCATION SERVICES |
|
Education Department |
$26,667,594 |
|
|
Total Municipal and Education Services Expenditures |
$40,490,726 |
OTHER FUNDS |
REVENUES |
EXPENDITURES |
Dog Fund |
$15,600 |
$15,600 |
Recreation Events Funds |
$335,000 |
$335,000 |
Sewer Utility Fund |
$147,826 |
$147,826 |
Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund |
$1,154,845 |
$1,154,845 |
Education Quality & Diversity Fund |
$365,060 |
$365,060 |
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the revision presented for the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Budget Operations Report – March 2010
Town Manager Smith reported the biggest concern this year is with revenues for short-term investment earnings. Interest income is not what was anticipated but it is hoped that the shortfall will be made up in other areas. Expenditures are expected to hold the line for the rest of the fiscal year. First Selectman Adams commented that we were fortunate this year in regard to low snow removal costs. Town Manager Smith responded that it was well budgeted as it is every year and that is why we don’t come up with major shortfalls at the end of the year. The small pavilion and rest rooms being built at Ahrens Park are coming along well and the Department of Public Works is well into their spring clean up around town.
B. Availability of “Reverse 911”
“Reverse 911”, or as it is now known “Everbridge Reverse Notification System” is now operational. This system is in place for public safety and emergency services notification. In addition to its emergency program, Everbridge, Inc. also provides a non-emergency component to its reverse notification system. This component is not part of the product purchased by the state but may be purchased separately by municipalities. Granby is not currently looking into this non-emergency component but might consider it at a later date. Town Manager Smith feels the town should get a feel for what the emergency system can do for the town before getting too involved. Let’s get procedures and training in first. Selectman Desrosiers commented that it would become
an intrusion for some people to add on ancillary things like announcements. It seems best to keep it for emergency situations for now.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
A. The Annual Budget Town Meeting will be on April 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Auditorium
This is just a reminder for residents to come to the Annual Budget Town Meeting on April 26, 2010 at 7 p.m. in the High School Auditorium to vote on the proposed 2011 budget. There must be 230 eligible voters checked in at the meeting in order to hold a vote at the Town Meeting. Selectman Desrosiers commented he has not heard any negative feedback on the proposed budget. First Selectman Adams indicated that Granby ranks very favorably with other towns in the state with the way their budget is put together and especially this year by keeping it at a zero increase for expenditures.
First Selectman Adams reported there will be a march at the Capital on April 28th from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. This is to remind the legislature not to do away with the money that is earmarked for municipalities. The more money that is cut will only increase town taxes.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, & Mark Neumann, and Nicholas Moon and Nicholas Ohannessian Student Liaisons)
Selectman Desrosiers reported that nominations for the Community Service Awards are coming in and will be reviewed.
Student Liaisons Nicholas Moon and Nicholas Ohannessian reported that they are on school vacation right now.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Kuhnly, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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