TOWN OF GRANBY BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES — JUNE 17, 2019

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The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by First Selectman B. Scott Kuhnly at 7 p.m.

Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Sally King, Mark Neumann, and Edward Ohannessian

Public Session

Granby resident Bill Scheel asked what rules apply to recording any meeting. First Selectman Kuhnly indicated the Town Manager’s office would be a better place to have that question answered.

Minutes

On a motion by Sally King, seconded by Mark Neumann, the board voted 3-0-1 (abstention Ed Ohannessian), to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 3, 2019.

Business

Vacancies: Commission on Aging (1); Conservation Commission (1); Planning and Zoning (1).

Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee Report Presentation

Committee Chairman Martin Schwager gave selectmen a brief overview of background information to forming the committee. Connecticut General Statutes requires the preparation and adoption of a Plan of Conservation and Development at least once every ten years. Granby’s Plan of Conservation and Development was adopted on September 27, 2016, and became effective October 17, 2016. The committee members were appointed September 4, 2018. Members are: Margaret Chapple, Planning and Zoning Commission; Peter Jalbert, Conservation Commission; James Lofink, Granby Selectman; Eric Myers, Planning and Zoning Commission; Martin Schwager, Development Commission, and Virginia Wutka, Granby business owner.

Committee members were to prioritize goals, identify the primary parties necessary in achieving those goals and develop strategies for implementation. The committee met 10 times over a period of six months reviewing goals and tasks outlined in the plan, assigning a lead entity for each task and determining priorities.  Members presented to the selectmen their Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation for their review.

Kuhnly asked how they put everything together and it was indicated that they prioritized, a., b., c., etc. They felt the committee was a good cross section of people to come to priorities. Overall, it was felt the town is on the right track. King indicated the plan is well thought out, organized, and contains a lot of detail. Ohannessian asked if there were any hot issues and how they dealt with them. The response was they asked Director of Community Development Abby Kenyon to provide information to help them work it out.

Kuhnly thanked the committee members for their hard work in putting the report together.

Consideration of Capital Lease Purchase Program for 2018-19

The 2018-19 Town Budget included approval for lease purchase of technology equipment and used school buses as recommended by the Board of Education for small capital purchases.

The municipal capital plan for 2018-19 included the purchase of a large dump truck body, medium duty dump truck, pickup trucks, truck sander upgrades, senior van, mower with rotary cutter and a wash bay system.

The Board of Finance recommends a lease program to spread purchase costs over several years. Simsbury Bank has a favorable rate of no more than 2.8 percent for a 4.5-year lease agreement.

In addition to the small capital lease agreement, the town is asking for approval for a two-year lease program through the Q & D fund for the Board of Education’s one-to-one computing program for the purchase of Chromebooks for students in the amount of $67,500 at a rate of no more than 2.49 percent. Simsbury Bank is recommended for both leases.

On a motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to adopt the resolution below:

Whereas, the Town of Granby has entered or is entering into Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreements (“Promissory Note”) and Loan Agreements in an amount up to $677,000 for 4.5 years and $67,500 for two years with The Simsbury Bank and Trust Company;

Now therefore be it resolved, that these agreements are hereby approved, and that the action of the official of the Town of Granby in signing these agreements on behalf of it be, and is hereby, ratified, confirmed, and approved; and

Be it further resolved, that the Town Manager of the Town of Granby, be, and is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to sign on its behalf the agreements and any addenda, schedules, notes, UCC financing statements, or other instruments issued under the provisions of the agreement, and any other instruments or documents which may be necessary or expedient in connection with agreements upon or in fulfillment of the provisions of the agreements.

Consideration of Proposals for Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program

One application has been received from Foxfield F.A.R.M (For a Recovery Mission). This is to subsidize program costs of the six-week training course offered to U.S. Veterans and First Responders with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

On a motion by King, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the application received at the public hearing and forward for submission to the Department of Revenue Services.

Consideration of Establishing a Town Bridges Building Committee

On a motion by Ohannessian, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the creation of a three-member building committee to be known as the Town Bridges Building Committee.

The Charge:

The committee shall examine the concepts and information pertaining to the proposed bridge projects; interview and recommend for signing by the Town Manager necessary consultant service contracts to complete the project; prepare necessary documents and advertise for the construction of the Moosehorn Road, Simsbury Road, Donahue Road, Griffin Road, and Hungary Road bridges. Upon substantial completion, report to the Board of Selectmen, and other town agencies as necessary, concerning the timetable and progress of the various bridge projects approved on June 4, 2019.

Consideration of Establishing a School Projects Building Committee

On a motion by Neumann, seconded by Ohannessian, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the creation of a five-member building committee known as the School Projects Building Committee.

The Charge: the committee shall examine recent Board of Education concepts and information pertaining to the proposed school projects; interview and recommend for signing by the Town Manager necessary consultant service contracts to complete the school projects; prepare necessary documents and advertise for the construction of the various school projects. Upon substantial completion, report to the Board of Selectmen when the projects may be turned over to the Board of Education for use. Report to the Board of Selectmen and to the Board of Education, and other town agencies as necessary, concerning the timetable and progress of the various school projects approved on June 4, 2019.

Consideration of Establishing a Solar Project Building Committee

On a motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to approve the creation of a five-member building committee known as the Solar Project Building Committee. The charge: the committee shall examine recent Board of Education concepts and information pertaining to the proposed solar project; interview and recommend for signing by the Town Manager necessary consultant service contracts to complete the solar project; prepare necessary documents and advertise for the construction of the Solar Project. Upon substantial completion, report to the Board of Selectmen when the project may be turned over to the Board of Education for use. Report to the Board of Selectmen and to the Board of Education, and other town agencies as necessary, concerning the timetable and progress of the solar project approved on June 4, 2019.

Executive Session

a. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 1-200(6)(D), the Board of Selectmen motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss real estate. Town Manager John D. Ward is invited to attend.

b. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 1-200(6)(D), the Board of Selectmen motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining. Town Manager John D. Ward is invited to attend.

c. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 1-200(6)(D), the Board of Selectmen motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Town Manager John D. Ward is invited to attend.

On a motion by Ohannessian, seconded by Neumann, the Board voted unanimously (4-0-0) to postpone Executive Session a, b., and c. to a later date.

Town Manager Reports 

Budget Operations

Barbarajean Scibelli, administration finance officer, reviewed the budget operations for May 2019. Tax collections are at 102 percent. $337,000 more in tax revenue has been taken in during the budget process. Overall, the revenue picture is very favorable, at $1.7M more than budgeted. Building Inspection, General and Equipment Maintenance, and Infrastructure Maintenance had transfers approved at the last meeting. The rest of the expense accounts look good. At least $75,000 will be turned in at the end of the fiscal year.

Department of Transportation’s Presentation on Tolls

The governor has provided us with a congestion mitigation proposal to rebuild our highway infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion.

First Selectman Reports (B. Scott Kuhnly)

First Selectman Kuhnly reported there is no Koffee with Kuhnly scheduled for this month. The next one will be announced at a later date. He thanked Sera Tickey and James Kuhnly for their participation as Board of Selectmen Student Liaisons this past year.