Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, James Lofink, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, Town Manager John D. Ward; and Student Liaison James Kuhnly
Public Session
Town resident Anna Sogliuzzo addressed the board with concerns about the two-week period to submit bids to lease the East Street property.
Town resident Susan Regan wanted to know how the East Street property is actually being marketed.
Business
Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
No resignations were received. No appointments were made. Vacancies: Agricultural Commission (1); Commission on Aging (1); Conservation Commission (1); Development Commission (1)
Consideration of Funding Household Hazardous Waste Collection from Solid Waste Fund
Granby has partnered with Simsbury, Avon, Canton, and Farmington for several years to collect household hazardous waste from residents. At this time, it will require funding for the balance of the June 8 collection as well as for the three collections to be held in the 2020 fiscal year. Collection dates are scheduled for November 9 and April and June 2020 (actual dates to be determined) at the Simsbury Department of Public Works, 66 Town Forest Road, Simsbury.
Due to increased hauling costs, $13,000 is requested to cover the collection of hazardous waste through June 2020.
On a Motion by First Selectman Kuhnly, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve funding in the amount of $13,000 from the Solid Waste Fund for Household Hazardous Waste Collection days.
Consideration of Resolution and
Compliance Statement Supporting Fair Housing
Town Manager Ward reported that as a recipient of Small Cities, Community Development Block Grant funding, it is a Connecticut Department of Housing Program requirement that Granby actively evidence its commitment to take specific actions to support the principles and practices of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Granby has been participating in the Small Cities Funding Grant program since 1990. Granby’s office of Community Development will be undertaking a variety of measures to demonstrate its commitment and asks the Board of Selectmen to adopt the Resolution, Statements, and Policies to further demonstrate the town’s overall commitment to Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
To reaffirm the town’s commitment to fair housing and equal opportunity, Town Manager Ward is recommending the Board of Selectmen re-adopt the following Fair Housing Resolution and 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 Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to re-adopt the Fair Housing Resolution, Fair Housing Policy Statement, Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Municipal Grievance Procedure, Affirmative Action Policy Statement, and ADA Notice.
Consideration of Connecticut Dept. of Transportation Grant Application
Town Manager Ward reported Sandy Yost, Director of Human Services, has requested to apply for a grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation for seniors and disabled transportation services. The grant funding, along with municipal dollars, is to employ a full-time senior van driver.
The town operates three senior vans to transport seniors and disabled residents for medical and personal care appointments, grocery shopping, senior center programs, and community activities. The van service provided over 3,868 trips in FY 2017-18 and services continue to be requested especially for medical and personal care appointments.
The grant request for FY 2020-2022 will be $28,641 each year with a 50 percent match that will be met by the budget for Senior Van Services. Grant application is due May 3.
On a Motion by Selectmen King, seconded by Selectman Ohannessian, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the submission of this grant application to the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Consideration of Adoption of Capitol Region Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) received Federal Emergency Management Agency funds through the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to develop a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the region. The purpose of the plan is to help identify disasters likely to affect the region and how to deal with them. Once the resolution to adopt the plan is approved, Granby will have access to FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants.
Resolved by the Board of Selectmen:
The plan is hereby adopted as an official plan of the Town of Granby;
The respective officials identified in the mitigation strategy of the plan are hereby directed to pursue implementation of the recommended actions assigned to them;
Future revisions and plan maintenance required by 44 CFR 201.6 and FEMA are hereby adopted as a part of this resolution for a period of five (5) years from the date of this resolution.
An annual report on the progress of the implementation elements of the plan shall be presented to the Board of Selectmen.
On a Motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Ohannessian, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the above resolution adopting the Capitol Region Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, 2019-2024.
Town Manager Reports
Budget Operations – March 2019
Town Manager Ward reported tax collections at 101 percent. Building permits received are at 420 percent, close to $400,000. The Building Department will be looking for a budget transfer for building inspections.
The 2019 Neighborhood Assistance Act Programs applications are now available to tax exempt organizations. Contact Sandy Yost at the Granby Senior Center.
Bid information to lease farmland at 107 East Street is now available on the website. The Agricultural Commission has been notified as well. Town Manager Ward indicated he is open to suggestions with regard to reaching out to surrounding towns, etc.
Selectman Reports
Selectman Neumann reported the Registrar of Voters were at the High School on April 3 to register eligible students to vote. They registered 80 new voters and 39 of those will be able to vote at the upcoming budget referendum.
A brief discussion came about with regards to the proposed Kearns Community Center. Both Senator’s Kissel and Witkos are cautiously optimistic about this proposed project. The big hurdle is to obtain bonding.
—John D. Ward Town Manager