TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
MARCH 7, 2011
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, B. Scott Kuhnly, Ronald Desrosiers, Sally King, Mark Neumann, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager, and Nicholas Moon, Student Liaison
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Granby resident Ed Voskowsky, of Windmill Drive, addressed the Board with concerns of the communication handling of the recent bomb scare incident that took place at Windsor Federal Bank on Hartford Avenue. His concerns were how nearby tenants were notified of the incident and why he, the owner of the building, was not also notified. Another concern was the procedure for follow-up notifications. His thoughts were that the town should have some sort of reverse 911 program for such emergencies.
The Board responded that they will be addressing the Everbridge Notification System at tonight’s meeting and thanked Mr. Voskowsky for his comments.
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 February 22, 2011 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 King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reappoint the following:
Karen Hood (R), 25 Whitman Drive, to the Commission on Aging. Her term will expire January 14, 2013.
Robert Rome (U), 19 Bushy Hill Road, to the Development Commission. His term will expire January 14, 2013.
First Selectman Adams reminded the public there are still several vacancies to be filled: Conservation Commission (3), Granby Library Board (1), and Tri-Town Cable TV Government Access Committee. If anyone is interested, they should call the Town Manager’s office 860-844-5300, B. Scott Kuhnly, Republican Town Committee Chairman, or Margaret Chapple, Democratic Town Committee Chairman.
B. Consideration of Chamber of Commerce Request for Utilization of Salmon Brook Park for “Celebrate Granby” Event
Kay Woodford, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, addressed the Board requesting permission to close Salmon Brook Park to all other activities and use it for the Chamber of Commerce “Celebrate Granby” event on Saturday, June 11, 2011. This request includes closing just the main field to activities on Friday and Sunday so tents can be set up and removed. Also requested is a special permit for limited use of alcohol, to allow liquor stores to do sample tasting, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. at the event, in accordance with state law and Rule #15 of the “Rules and Regulations Applicable to Town Parks”. Selectman Desrosiers had some concern with the availability of alcohol. Kay Woodford responded that Granby Police Services would be there to help monitor the alcohol.
Town Manager Smith stated Ms. Woodford would have all the necessary permits required. Ms. Woodford stated this is a great event to help showcase our businesses. Come and enjoy the day.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the request to close Salmon Brook Park to all program activities, including practices or games by Little League, Lacrosse, and Rovers, on Saturday, June 11, 2011. It is understood that the main field at the park will be closed to activities on Friday, June 10, 2011 and Sunday, June 12, 2011 for the setup and breakdown of the Chamber of Commerce “Celebrate Granby” event. A special permit for the use of alcohol is also permitted during the event from 12:00 noon until 6 p.m.
C. Consideration of Connecticut Department of Transportation Grant Application
KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services, has requested to apply for a grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation for transportation services for seniors and disabled residents. The town has been applying for and awarded this grant since 2006. This funding along with a 50% match from the town is used to employ a full-time senior van driver. The program is for (60+) and disabled residents for medical and personal care appointments, grocery shopping, senior center programs, trips and events, and community activities. There is a subscription fee of $10 per season, per person. This grant request for FY 2011-2012 will be $26,998, and the application is due April 1, 2011. This has been a very successful program with over 7,300 trips provided in FY 2009-10.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve making the application to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for transportation services for seniors and disabled residents.
D. Consideration of Older Americans Act Grant Application
KerryAnn Kielbasa, Director of Human Services would like to apply for a grant from the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (NCAAA) for FY 2011-12. This grant continues to help fund programs that serve older persons like the “Grandparent’s Support Group” and the “Senior Outreach Program”. The grant is for approximately $4,500 and a match requirement will be met through the 2011-2012 municipal budget and in-kind services.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve making the grant application to the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (NCAAA) for programs that serve older persons.
E. Consideration of Request to Establish an Energy Fund
Granby’s local Energy Task Force leader, Shelley Reuben, has requested to Connecticut Innovations, Inc., administrator of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, a block grant in the amount of $4,000 in two separate installments. There are certain key terms that need to be followed for the block grant. One of them requires a designated restricted account for administration of the grant. A resolution needs to be passed in order to set up such a fund.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Granby establish a fund known as the Energy Fund. Said fund shall be created to assist with administration of energy services and initiatives. The source of this fund shall be from gifts, grants, and other civic contributions.
Funds shall be disbursed, by the Town Manager, in accordance with town policy and Granby’s Energy Task Force requirements.
Any balance remaining in said fund, once the program is complete, shall meet the requirements of grant commitments or, be returned to the town’s General Fund as determined by the Board of Selectmen.
F. Consideration of Activating the Everbridge Notification System for Non-Emergency Activity
After careful review of the Everbridge Notification System (CT Emergency Notification System), Granby agreed to the activation process for the “basic system”. It was recommended the extended service be placed on hold until such time it was determined the town might utilize extended activity.
In reviewing what other towns are doing and what our needs are, it has been decided to go forward with the extended Everbridge System, for call-outs for “non-life threatening issues”.
There was discussion among the Selectmen in regard to the guidelines the town will follow using this system, who will use it, and under what circumstances it should be used. There was some concern about usage. Town Manager Smith responded any use would have to go through his office, and the Police Department. The Board of Selectmen would also be notified. There would be training for designated users before the system is up and running.
Town Manager Smith stated we have the funds for a one-year subscription. It is worth a try. It is hoped to be up and running this spring.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Kuhnly, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve activating the Everbridge Notification System for non-emergency activity.
G. Budget Presentation 2011-12
As required by Charter, Town Manager Smith presented the 2011-2012 Proposed Budget to the Board and proceeded with some highlights.
The Town Operations Proposed Budget has increased $230,797, a change of 2.63%. The Debt Service is now in the down swing and has a decrease of $595,798, a change of -14.8%. Capital Budget (General Fund contribution) has increased $314,367 or 30.7%. The total Proposed Budget for FY 2012 is $13,772,498, a change of -0.4%.
Capital Budget items for the last several years have been deferred to help keep expenditures down. As a result, there is now an increase in cost. Debt Service has hit its peak and will continue to decrease over the next several years. The increase in Town Operations is mostly due to contract obligations and benefit requirements. The reductions that were taken last year have not been restored.
Town Manager Smith stated he is hopeful we can work our way through this and that town residents will accept this budget as presented.
First Selectman Adams added that the town would be loosing $66,000 in funding from the state for the Manufacturers Machinery and Equipment Exemption Program. Also, the state will not be renewing the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant. We will be using a one-time federal grant of $315,000 to offset the Education Budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year. We will need to find a way to make it up next year.
Selectman Kuhnly thanked Town Manager Smith, Finance Officer Barbarajean Scibelli, and the other departments for working hard on this year’s budget.
H. Discussion on Personnel Matters (Item deemed appropriate for Executive Session)
ON A MOTION by First Selectman Adams, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reorder the agenda, placing item IV. H. to be discussed during closed session following Selectmen Reports.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
A. Town Staffing Report
It was reported that the town has a vacancy in the Police Department. There would be considerable overtime and a strain on current staff if it were not filled. Therefore, we would like to fill the position as soon a possible.
Also, Kay Woodford, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services, will be retiring soon. She will continue to help with the Granby Celebrates 225. It is hoped to have this position filled in time for the summer season.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve filling the police officer vacancy and the position of Director of Recreation and Leisure Services.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
No report.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, & 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 to closed session. The meeting was going to recess to closed session but the Board agreed it wasn’t necessary at this time.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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