TOWN OF GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES — MAY 20

Print More

Present: 

B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, James Lofink, Mark C. Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, and Student Liaison Serra Tickey.

Minutes

On a motion by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 6.

On a motion by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman King, the Board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA) public hearing of May 6.

On a motion by Selectman Neumann, seconded by Selectman King, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the special meeting of May 14.

Resignations and Appointments 

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously to accept, with regret, the resignation of Lana Ferguson from the Conservation Commission.

Vacancies: Commission on Aging (1), Conservation Commission (1).

If anyone would like to serve on a board or commission, they should contact Mark Neumann, Republican Town Committee; James Lofink, Democratic Town Committee; or the Town Manager’s Office.

Neighborhood Assistance Act 

Tax Credit Program

The Neighborhood Assistance Act is a state program designed to help non-profits. This is done by providing a tax credit to business firms that make cash investments in qualifying community programs conducted by tax exempt or municipal agencies.

It is the board’s role to review and approve submitted proposals at a scheduled public hearing.

Sandy Yost, director of human services, has been accepting applications, which have a deadline of June 3 by 4 p.m. A public hearing will be scheduled for the Board of Selectmen meeting on June 17.

No action is required tonight. This is for informational purposes only.

Transfers to Suspense

The Tax Collector is recommending $25,787.52 be transferred to suspense to clean off the books for audit purposes. The Collector prepares a list of potentially uncollectible taxes each year. Taxes due on the list remain collectible if the parties can be found. Those who are on the list for motor vehicles will likely not be able to re-register their vehicles in Connecticut.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the transfer of $25,787.52 to be moved to the Suspense Book.

Holcomb Farm Tree Trail

Friends of Holcomb Farm Stewardship co-chair Eric Lukingbeal addressed the board with updates to the Holcomb Farm arboretum or Tree Trail, as it is now called.

Lukingbeal reviewed some background information including the UConn land study at Holcomb Farm and the vision of an arboretum. This fall the Friends of Holcomb Farm propose to plant 10 flowering trees of five species. They would be planted on the edge of the existing agricultural field, extending the line of trees planted in 2018. In each of the next five years, from 2020 to 2024, the proposal is to plant 10-12 trees in designated locations. The Tree Trail would eventually link up with the existing trails in the woods that follow along the mowed paths.

This is no cost to the taxpayer. Volunteers do all the work and funding is entirely by grants. The plan is to allow the Farm to remain a place of scenic beauty and wonderful views. 

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Lofink, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the proposed five-year plan to be implemented with the help of the Town Manager and Public Works Director.

Middle School Roof and
End of Year Deficit

Superintendent Addley reported the negative full-year financial forecast for the Board of Education is $370,817 as of April 30. This negative forecast in the end of year balance can be attributed to unbudgeted expenses in special education tuition and transportation. The Board of Education is requesting an appropriation not to exceed $370,817 to cover the deficit for June 30.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to comment favorably on the additional appropriation of$370,817 and to move forward to the Board of Finance for its consideration.

During a roof inspection at the middle school after it suffered hail damage in the May 15, 2018 storm, it was discovered that the existing internal gutter system was not functioning properly. A new external gutter system is not covered by the insurer and is expected to cost $280,000. In order to comply with the Board of Finance appropriation limit in the charter, an amount of $118,000 is being requested. This amount will allow the project to get started. It was noted that if the bond is approved at the upcoming June 4 referendum, then that money would cover this project and the appropriation would become null and void.

On a motion by Selectman King, seconded by Selectman Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to comment favorably for the additional appropriation of $118,000 for replacement of the gutter system on the Middle School roof and to move forward to the Board of Finance for its consideration.

Town manager reports

Budget Operations – April 

Administration Finance Officer Barbarajean Scibelli reviewed the Budget Operations for April.

Tax collections coming in are excellent. They are more than what was expected at budget time. The last payment for Education Cost Sharing for $2.7M has been received. Town Clerk Fees may barely make the adopted budget of $200,000 depending on mortgage and other activities. Building Permit fee revenues are still high. In expenditures, building inspection will need a transfer for temporary inspector fees of approximately $5,000. Department of PublicWorks may need transfers for general and equipment maintenance and infrastructure maintenance because of winter storms.

First Selectman reports 

First Selectman Kuhnly thanked Student Liaisons Serra Tickey and James Kuhnly for their service.

Selectman reports: 

Selectman Lofink reported the Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee will meet Thursday May 23 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room to review and finalize all tasks within the plan.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara J. Scibelli