TOWN OF GRANBY
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MINUTES
APRIL 4, 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, Ronald Desrosiers, Sally King, Mark Neumann, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager and Student Liaison Nicholas Moon
I. PUBLIC SESSION
Reverend Dan Schroeder, representing the First Congregational Church of Granby, presented to the Board their idea to show support for our troops by displaying what they call a “Field of Flags” on the front lawn of the church from June 17, 2011 through July 10, 2011. There will be one flag for each American casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan, close to 6,000. The flags are to honor those that have given their lives in the conflicts, and to show support to their families and friends through prayer in the church. There will be a list of all the names of service men for whom the flags represent. Reverend Schroeder is hoping that community groups will come together to help set up the flags as well as take them down.
He thinks this is more than just a church project and would like the support of the town as a town project. First Selectman Adams asked what kind of a crowd would be expected. Reverend Schroeder responded probably a lot of traffic, as has been reported in other towns that have done this. First Selectman Adams said he would attend the dedication and clearly the town would give their support.
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 March 21, 2011 as presented.
III. UNFINISHED OR TABLED BUSINESS
No unfinished or tabled business was before the Board.
IV. BUSINESS
- Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to appoint Anna K. Sogliuzzo (D), 15 Old Orchard Road to the Conservation Commission. Her term will expire January 9, 2012.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to reappoint Susan F. Dwyer (U), 26 Loomis Street, to the Conservation Commission. Her term will expire January 13, 2014.
First Selectman Adams reminded the public there are still several vacancies to be filled: Conservation Commission (2), 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 for Historic Documents Preservation
Town Clerk, Karen Hazen is making application to the Connecticut State Library for Historic Documents Preservation grant funds in the amount of $3,500 to continue the back file conversion of land record indices to match with images that will date back to July 30, 1984. Also the microfilming of old maps will be done. A resolution needs to be passed authorizing the Town Manager to enter into contract with the Connecticut State Library for the Historic Documents Preservation Grant for the eligible amount. An adoption of the following resolution is recommended:
That William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager, is empowered to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Town of Granby a contract with the Connecticut State Library for a Historic Documents Preservation Grant.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That upon approval of the grant an appropriation in the amount of $3,500 is authorized.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the above resolution authorizing the Town Manager to enter into contract with the Connecticut State Library for the Historic Documents Preservation Grant.
- Discussion of Holcomb Farm Bylaws Changes
Eric Lukingbeal, Board of Director of Holcomb Farm, presented to the Selectmen changes to their Bylaws that were approved on March 15, 2011. There are approximately 18 changes that have been made including permitting modification of meetings and other activity to be done electronically. Another is changing the name of Holcomb Farm Learning Center, Inc. to Holcomb Farm, Inc. Article III, Section 9 is amended to return to the majority quorum rule. In February 2009, the Bylaws were amended to reduce the quorum requirement to 33%. It is amended to read a majority of the number of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A copy of the complete amended Bylaws is available in the Town Manager’s office.
Selectman Desrosiers questioned the wording of the amended Bylaw number 1 regarding Article III, Section 3.12 - Committees. It was reviewed by Eric Lukingbeal and determined that the wording was incorrect and needed to be changed.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the amendments to the Holcomb Farm, Inc. Bylaws as presented with the exception of number 1.
- Consideration of Adjustments and Approval of the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12
On March 28th, the Board of Finance voted to reduce the Local Revenues and Fund Transfers of Revenue (use of CNEF) by $120,000. The General Fund Capital expenditure for the Board of Selectmen was reduced by $149,367 bringing the number to $930,000. The Board of Finance was appreciative and thanked the Boards of Selectmen and Education for their hard work putting together the budgets.
Selectman Desrosiers requested the budget reduction impact be clarified. Town Manager Smith responded there is no direct impact with the Capital Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund (CNEF). That is just a set aside reserve amount. On the Capital reduction, there will be some impact with the reduction of $149,367. With these changes the proposed mill rate increase will be no more than 1%.
First Selectman Adams discussed the potential for combining several small capital projects into a bonding issue after the budget process is over.
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adopt the revisions presented for the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12.
- Call for Annual Town Meeting
ON A MOTION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the call for the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, April 25, 2011.
First Selectman Adams reminded the public that the Board of Finance will hold a public hearing regarding the Town Budget for FY 2012 on April 11, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the High School Auditorium. He also reminded everyone that in accordance with the Town Charter, in order to approve the budget at the April 25th Town Meeting, 230 registered voters must be in attendance.
V. TOWN MANAGER REPORTS
No reports.
VI. FIRST SELECTMAN REPORTS (John Adams)
No reports.
VII. SELECTMAN REPORTS (Sally King, Vice Chairman, Ronald Desrosiers, B. Scott Kuhnly, & Mark Neumann, and Nicholas Moon and Sara Eckhardt Student Liaisons)
Selectman King reported that the Department of Environmental Protection is considering a resident Curator to live in the home on Fox Road. The bridge on that road was rated to be fair to poor and that road was deeded to the Department of Environmental Protection a while back. The house in question is located beyond the bridge. It was stated that Fox Road is no longer a public road and the town is not responsible for it.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ON A M0TION by Selectman Desrosiers, seconded by First Selectman Adams, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr.
Town Manager
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