TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 7, 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, Sally King, B. Scott Kuhnly, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Jim Hall, 7 Intervale Road, reported to the Selectmen an incident that happened to him while driving his vehicle on Hungary Road. He just missed hitting a biker that suddenly swerved into his path and then just rode away. He said the reason the biker swerved into his path was because there were branches sticking out between the guardrails, into the road, obstructing his path. He wanted to bring this situation to the attention of the Selectmen in hopes that the Department of Public Works could trim trees and bushes that protrude into the road. First Selectman Adams thanked Mr. Hall for his comments.
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 July 6, 2010 as presented.
- UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
No unfinished or tabled business was before the Board.
IV. BUSINESS
- Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
Charles Katan has resigned from the Conservation Commission effective August 18, 2010. He has been a member since August 1974 and has made tremendous contributions to the town. He will be greatly missed.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to accept, with regret, the resignation of Charles Katan from the Conservation Commission.
First Selectman Adams reported that there is a vacancy on the Conservation Commission and the Park and Recreation Board. Anyone interested in serving on either board should contact the Town Manager’s office or the Town Committee Chairmen, B. Scott Kuhnly, Republican Chairman or Peggy Chapple, Democratic Chairman.
- Consideration of Resolution for Second Supplemental Agreement on Silver Street Bridge Replacement
The development of project plans and specifications for the Silver Street Bridge replacement will be covered by an 80% contribution from federal money. With this understanding, the town will cover the 20% balance of costs. This project has been ongoing for several years with resolutions and appropriations in place to do the design work. With a second supplemental agreement, the State Department of Transportation requires an updated resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute documents for funding under the Federal Local Bridge Program as it pertains to this second agreement on the Silver Street Bridge replacement. Town Manager Smith stated that with the approval of the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection, it is hoped that this project will go to bid this
year.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, and with a grammar change in the second WHEREAS, changing the phrase “has been necessary” to “have been necessary” by Selectman King and the change being accepted by the Selectmen, they unanimously (5-0-0) approved the following resolution.
WHEREAS, the Town of Granby has made application to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for Engineering fees for the replacement of the Silver Street Bridge (Bridge No. 04517) over the East Branch of Salmon Brook; and
WHEREAS, the Silver Street Bridge replacement (Bridge No. 04517) has been under design and engineering costs for changes have been necessary; and
WHEREAS, Federal monies are available under the federally funded Federal Local Bridge Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, Federal monies will contribute 80% towards the development of project plans and specifications, and with this understanding, the town will cover the balance of costs up to 20%;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Granby authorize Town Manager, William F. Smith, Jr., to execute any and all documents necessary to obtain such funding under the Federal Local Bridge Program.
- Consideration of Resolution Authorizing the Holcomb Farm to Enter Into a Loan Agreement
Holcomb Farm wishes to purchase some farm equipment. Their By-laws require a resolution from the Board of Directors of Holcomb Farm and the town if they enter into a loan agreement. The equipment is needed for its Community Supported Agriculture operation and consists of a tractor, trailer, and other farm items and has a purchase value of $15,300. Selectman Desrosiers questioned where the money would come from to pay this loan. Holcomb Farm Director Jim Lofink explained it would come from Holcomb Farm revenues.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the following resolution authorizing the Holcomb Farm to enter into a Loan Agreement.
WHEREAS, the town concurs with the Holcomb Farm Board of Directors authorizing the Executive Director as its agent to enter into a Bill of Sale for farm equipment at a purchase value of $15,300, and payable in monthly installments;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Granby authorizes the Town Manager, William F. Smith, Jr., to execute any documents pertaining to a loan for farm equipment as approved by the Holcomb Farm Board of Directors in the amount of $15,300 on August 17, 2010.
- Discussion of Real Estate Property (Executive Session)
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reorder agenda item IV. D. to EXECUTIVE SESSION following VII. Selectman Reports.
First Selectman Adams would also like to add agenda item IV. E. Personnel Matters and it would also be reordered to EXECUTIVE SESSION following VII. Selectman Reports.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
Town Manager Smith reported it has been a busy summer even with three canceled Board of Selectmen meetings. We have also been working on the audit. There have been some accounting software glitches as the 2009-2010 fiscal year ended. This is mostly just a learning curve. Everything is being worked through and there are no significant budget issues with the start of the new fiscal year.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
- Update on Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority
First Selectman Adams gave an update on the progress of the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority. Granby has passed a resolution to join this Authority and there are now 22 towns that have also joined, out of 70 that were part of CRRA. They are moving ahead with the process of requests for qualifications and then requests for proposals to determine if this is really going to be a cost-saving venture. The cost is estimated to be $200,000 and it involves having a technical consultant as well as a law firm to give legal advice. Granby’s share of this cost is in the neighborhood of $6,000 to $7,000, which may be available from the Solid Waste account. The Authority is now adopting By-laws, which call for having the number of votes to be based on population. Granby is determined to
have two votes. There is also a provision in the original contract with CRRA that states we have up to 180 days after the bonds are paid off to enter into a subsequent agreement with CRRA. CRRA disagrees with this interpretation. Selectman King asked when the bonds would be paid off and First Selectman Adams responded next year. In any event, First Selectman Adams is hopeful the town will make a decision by the end of the year on this issue.
- Discuss Clean Energy Task Force Proposal
The Conservation Commission has been working as the Clean Energy Task Force for quite some time now. It was understood that by 2010 the town would purchase 20% green energy. They have done this and it has cost $7,000 a year to do so. Another component of the Task Force is that individuals could purchase energy through an alternate vendor. The Conservation Commission will be making a presentation at the September 20, 2010 Board of Selectmen meeting to bring everyone up to date with what they are working on.
- Announcement of Board of Selectmen Student Liaison Program
Each year the Board of Selectmen goes through several steps to initiate the Student Liaison program. It is first announced at the Board of Selectmen meeting. The town makes contact with the High School to obtain submitted names of junior’s and senior’s. Potential students are requested to submit a letter of interest telling how they believe serving as Granby’s student liaison will benefit their career endeavors. The Board of Selectmen will then review the letters and when a decision is made, the student liaison will be notified informing him or her of the appointment. Applications should be in soon as the appointment will be made in early October.
D. The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Stand Down 2010 Event on September 10, 2010
The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs is once again sponsoring “Stand Down 2010” on Friday September 10, 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the State Veterans’ Home in Rocky Hill. This is a day long support services program for needy and homeless veterans. For more information, call the Town Manager’s office at 860- 844-5300.
E. Proclamation – Senior Center Month
September 2010 has been declared Senior Center Month by a proclamation from First Selectman Adams. The Senior Center has again received national accreditation. This is all by the great efforts of Senior Center staff and volunteers.
It was also announced that Evelyn Tuffin, former long time Granby resident and wife of former First Selectman George Tuffin has passed away. They were both very active with the Granby Senior Center. There will be an open house at the Senior Center on Friday, September 10, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to honor Evelyn.
First Selectman Adams reported the town received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for Fiscal Year 2009. This is a testament of hard work by Town Manager Smith and Administration Finance Officer Scibelli. Through their efforts we are able to have clean audits and a good bond rating which gives us lower interest rates.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, and Mark Neumann)
No reports.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to recess the meeting to closed session at 8:07 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION
First Selectman Adams called the executive session of the Board of Selectmen to order at 8:17 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
The Board discussed the potential purchase of a parcel of land that may benefit the town if an acceptable price were obtained. The Board authorized the Town Manager to continue with price negotiations and to report back to the Board price, conditions, and findings.
The Board also discussed a personnel matter and suggested the item be forwarded to the Town Attorney for a response.
The executive session adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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