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TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
MARCH 21, 2011
First Selectman John Adams called the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: John Adams, Ronald Desrosiers, Sally King, B. Scott Kuhnly, Mark Neumann, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager; and Nicholas Moon, Student Representative
First Selectman Adams introduced State Senator Kevin D. Witkos, 8th District, who attended this meeting to present an overview of Governor Malloy’s proposed budget and the impact it has on Granby. He distributed a seven-page information report of the budget. It included Budget Deficit Projections, Municipal Aid to Granby, Connecticut General Assembly 2011 Legislative Deadlines, Local Tax Options Proposed, and the closing of the budget gap by the Governor’s proposed solution.
Senator Witkos indicated that the legislature pledged to keep the funding as flat as possible for all municipalities as evidenced in the Municipal Aid to Granby report. He highlighted one of the local tax options as being a sales tax increase to help offset the defunct Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment (MME) funding for FY12. The FY 11 the MME funding represents a 63.6% reimbursement compared to the 80% rate that is currently in the state statute. Senator Witkos commented the Governor is proposing a balanced budget with a lot of shared sacrifices in it.
First Selectman Adams asked whether the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) would be used to help small towns offset the defunct funded Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment program, as it is part of the local revenue sharing in state revenue streams. Senator Witkos indicated it is unlikely.
In response to Town Manager Smith’s question about real estate conveyance tax rate, Senator Witkos indicated that the proposed increase in the conveyance tax rate probably will not pass and this tax option will most likely have a sunset ruling instead of a permanent tax.
II. MINUTES OF PRECEDING MEETING
The Board reviewed the minutes of March 7, 2011 and a motion was made to approve the minutes with further discussion to add a sentence on Page 3, Business Item F., end of the third paragraph.
“Selectman Desrosiers expressed the need for written policy procedures that would include the people authorized to use the system and the conditions in which it would be used. “
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 7, 2011, as amended.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectmen Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the workshop meetings of March 14th and March 15th, 2011 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
No unfinished or tabled business was before the Board.
A. Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations or appointments were received.
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 contact the Town Manager’s office 860-844-5300; B. Scott Kuhnly, Republican Town Committee Chairman; or Margaret Chapple, Democratic Town Committee Chairman.
- Consideration of Resolution and Compliance Statement Supporting Fair Housing
In an effort to reaffirm the town’s commitment to fair housing and equal opportunity, First Selectman Adams endorsed the program, stating this resolution is the same as in past years. It is recommended that the Board of Selectmen re-adopt the Fair Housing Resolution and also the Fair Housing Policy Statement and Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
ON A MOTION by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Desrosiers, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to reaffirm the town’s commitment to fair housing and equal opportunity and also to re-adopt the Fair Housing Resolution, Fair Housing Policy Statement and Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Copies of the documents are available in the Town Manager’s office.
- Consideration of Adoption of Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget and Transmittal to Board of Finance
The Board indicated the adoption of Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget and its transmittal is the same budget as the Town Manager presented to the Board of Selectmen on March 7, 2011 and no changes were made during budget workshops.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget and transmit the same to the Board of Finance as follows:
WHEREAS, the Board of Selectmen is required to present a budget to the Board of Finance for the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Finance has requested that the Board of Selectmen operations portion of the budget guideline be no more than 2.64% above the 2010-2011 budget; and,
WHEREAS, various revenues are included in the budget to offset expenditures including Intergovernmental and Local Revenues; and,
WHEREAS, following a review of the proposed budget by the Board of Selectmen, an operations budget of $8,992,717 or 2.63% increase has been developed to meet the guideline for the new fiscal year,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Selectmen forward a 2011-2012 REVENUE BUDGET to the Board of Finance consisting of the following items:
Property Tax (excl. Current Levy) |
$595,000 |
Intergovernmental Revenues |
6,940,381 |
Local Departmental and Fund Revenues |
2,354,809 |
TOTAL |
$9,890,190 |
That the Board of Selectmen forward a 2011-2012 EXPENDITURE BUDGET to the Board of Finance consisting of the following items:
Administration |
$3,227,186 |
Personal & Property Protection |
2,209,434 |
Public Works & Environment |
2,794,128 |
Libraries, Recreation, & Social Services |
761,969 |
Capital Budget |
1,079,367 |
CNEF Levy |
250,000 |
Economic Development Funds |
10,000 |
Debt Service |
3,440,414 |
TOTAL |
$13,772,498 |
That the Board of Selectmen forward a 2011-2012 OTHER FUNDS BUDGET to the Board of Finance along with the 2012-2021 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM consisting of the following:
Dog Fund |
$14,700 |
Recreation Events |
399,000 |
Sewer Utility Fund |
147,826 |
Capital Equipment/Improvement |
1,409,367 |
Education Quality & Diversity |
366,382 |
2012-2021 Capital Improvement Program |
(detail in Budget document) |
First Selectman Adams indicated the transmittal will be sent to the Board of Finance and after their review, this Board may be asked to relook at the budget, in particular the capital expenditures, for potential decreases to meet a certain goal by the Board of Finance. The Selectmen may have to consider cutting capital expenditures to keep costs down.
- Budget Operations – February 2011
Town Manager Smith indicated tax collection revenues are at 100% and other property tax revenues (Prior Years Taxes, Interest and Liens, Auto Supplement) are expected to come in as in the past. Two areas of concern were noted in revenues as short falls. These were: MFG Machine Equipment and Short Term Investments. On the expenditure side, General Maintenance which handles winter storm activity has $4,900 left in the account. The gas, diesel, and heating fuel accounts are being watched as prices keep going up. Adjustments may be necessary for these accounts. Overall, we are in pretty good shape.
Town Manager Smith reported that the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA) made an equity distribution of $21,426 to the town for its participation in the program.
Town Manager Smith commented on the status of the January 11 through 13th, 2011 snowstorm assistance by the state and federal government. Once all the reviews and approvals are made, Granby may receive, sometime in July 2011, up to 75% of the amount spent, approximately $52,000.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
First Selectman Adams read a thank you note written to the Police and EMT personnel for the response in administering a life-saving procedure to a Granby resident.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, & Mark Neumann)
Selectman Desrosiers stated the Community Service Awards committee is starting to collect nominees for this year. This presentation award ceremony has been well received for the last 14 years. Each year the Board of Selectmen recognizes volunteers from the community with a Community Service Award presentation. He indicated this process is in the works and forms can be picked up at Cossitt Library and the Granby Public Library. Next month, through the Drummer, the selection process will be written up seeking individuals, adults, and teenagers, who have actively volunteered throughout the year(s) and have enriched the Granby community by their efforts.
Nicholas Moon commented that the Drama Club is putting on the play “Music Man” at the high school and asks everyone to come out and support the club this weekend, March 26th.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Kuhnly, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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