PRESENT: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, John D. Ward, Town Manager; and Student Liaison Jillian Thrall
Public Session
Bill Regan, 62 Hungary Road, addressed the board requesting that the public have access to the information packets used during the meetings. He requested that the packets be online before the next scheduled BOS meeting.
Susan Patricelli Regan, 62 Hungary Road, addressed the board with a request to have the budget workshops video-taped on Granby Community Television (GCTV).
Unfinished Or Tabled Business
Report Back on POCD
The Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Committee reviewed all goals and tasks outlined in the plan. A lead entity has been assigned for each task with acknowledgement of partnering entities within the process. Priorities were also discussed and determined for the completion of each task. The work of the committee culminated with the creation of the Granby Plan of Conservation and Development Implementation Plan.
A list of tasks taken directly from the Plan of Conservation and Development document were presented, listing the Board of Selectmen as lead entity for all tasks and partnered with other boards in some instances. Each task was listed with its priority from zero to six years to ongoing. The groupings were environmental, budgeting and taxation, transportation, commercial and industrial development, Granby Center, open space and recreation, agriculture, government services and public facilities. The thought was to continue to the next meeting so the board has time to review the information.
First Selectman Kuhnly asked the board to review the chart and be ready for discussion at the next board meeting.
Consideration of Developments in the area of Municipal Solid Waste
In follow-up to the discussion during the Feb. 3, board meeting, Town Manager Ward made inquiries as to how other towns were handling the removal of their municipal solid waste and recycling. Specifically, inquiries were made to four towns not part of the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) consortium. The 30-year commitment MIRA is looking for is not something the board feels it wants to get into or can even legally do. That would have to be researched. The signing of the non-binding Statement of Interest would be a placeholder for the town if no other alternative is found. New tipping fees are scheduled to be announced Feb. 28. The town has 30 days after the announcement to make the decision to sign with MIRA or opt out.
On a motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to authorize Ward to submit the requested and non-binding Statement of Interest, indicating that the Town of Granby is interested in committing to MIRA. The board also authorizes Ward to issue an RFP for methods of disposing of municipal solid waste.
Resignations and appointments to be considered
No resignations were received. Vacancies: Conservation Commission (1)
On a motion by Neumann, seconded by Ohannessian, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to accept the following reappointments:
Parks and Recreation: Sheri Litchfield (R) and Jennifer Bilodeau (R) for a two-year term through Jan. 10, 2022.
Development Commission: Martin Schwager (R) for a two-year term through Jan. 10, 2022.
Consideration of Recreation and Leisure Services Granby Bluegrass, Brews and BBQ Festival – Closing of the Park and Approval of Alcohol Use During Their Event
On behalf of the Recreation and Leisure Services Department, Director Kristin Vincent is requesting permission to close Salmon Brook Park at certain times to all other activities on Saturday, July 11. Festival structures will be set-up in the multi-purpose field during the day on Friday, July 10, and removed on Sunday, July 12. The entire park will be closed to all activities after 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. Permission is requested for a general overall use of alcohol throughout the day to operate a beer garden area during the festival from 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, in accordance with state law and the Ordinance Authorizing Promulgation of Rules and Regulations of Parks. Vincent is taking necessary steps to ensure that all state laws relating to the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages will be strictly adhered to. The beer garden will be operated by Thomas Hooker Brewery of Bloomfield.
On a motion by King, seconded by Neumann, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the closing of Salmon Brook Park at certain times to all other activities for the Granby Bluegrass, Brews and BBQ Festival on Saturday, July 11, and to approve the general overall use of alcohol throughout the day to be operated in a beer garden area during the festival from 2 to 9 p.m.
Ward indicated he will notify the Police Department, Fire Department, and other safety officials and user groups of this event.
Consideration of Resolutions for Board of Education Grant Application for Granby Memorial Middle School Roof Replacement
The Board of Education is in the process of preparing all the necessary documentation for the grant application to the Commissioner of Administrative Services for the Granby Memorial Middle School Gym Roof Replacement project that was authorized by the Board of Selectmen in May 2019. In order to apply for the grant, the Board of Selectmen has to adopt the Resolution.
On a motion by Neumann, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adopt the Resolutions for Board of Education Grant Application for Granby Memorial Middle School Roof Replacement.
Resolved, that the Town of Granby Board of Selectman authorizes the Granby Board of Education to apply to the Commissioner of Administrative Services and to accept or reject a grant for the GMMS Gym Roof Replacement at the Granby Memorial Middle School.
Resolved, that the School Project Building Committee is hereby established as the building committee with regard to the GMMS Gym Roof Replacement at the Granby Memorial Middle School.
Resolved, that the Town of Granby Board of Selectman hereby authorizes at least the preparation of schematic drawings and outline specifications for the GMMS Gym Roof Replacement at the Granby Memorial Middle School.
Budget Operations
Ward reviewed Budget Operations for January 2020. Collections are at 95 percent and expected to increase monthly. Payment for Education Cost Sharing was received with a balance due in April. Planning and Zoning application permit fees are at 228 percent due to the proposed apartments. Everything is on target.
Ohannessian noted that it has been a while since a report from Holcomb Farm has been received. Ward reported he and Kuhnly are scheduled to meet with HF representatives a week from Friday.
Ohannessian also inquired about the status of Kearns School. There is an entity that has expressed interest. The town attorney is reviewing the RFP and it should be back in 30 days.
Respectfully submitted, John D. Ward, Town Manager