August 2, 2021
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, Glenn Ballard, Mark Neumann, Edward Ohannessian and William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
Public Session
Kate Bogli, 198R Salmon Brook Street, Granby spoke in favor of continuing to provide access to Town meetings through Zoom.
Business
Long-Term Recovery Plan Report
Chairman David Watkins presented the final report of the Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC). The LTRC met the three-part charge assigned by the Board of Selectmen: to ascertain the unmet needs of the community and develop methods to recover; to coordinate federal, state and local government resources; and to create mitigation and reasonable risk reduction programs and policies.
The committee identified two areas for potential improvement based on the survey results. The first recommendation is to implement an “opt-in” communication system to provide timely information to residents on non-emergency situations such as road closures and other issues affecting the community. It was also recommended that the system be used regularly so residents become familiar with the communications. Secondly, the LTRC suggested the town obtain an adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment in anticipation of future emergencies.
The board voted (5-0-0) to accept the final report of the Long-Term Recovery Committee and dismiss the committee with thanks.
Consideration of Granby Water Pollution Control Authority (GWPCA) Cost Share for Waste Water Treatment Plant Clean Water Fund (CWF) Project #392C-1
Smith provided the background on the GWPCA agreement with the Town of Simsbury, which requires Granby to pay its share for expansion and improvements to use 9.2 percent of its sewer capacity.
The board voted (5-0-0) to adopt the fee schedule as set forth in the memo for the years 21-22, 22-23 and 23-24 and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve.
Consideration of Wild Flower Garden on Town-Owned Property on Salmon Brook Street
Susan Ranstead, 53 Heather Lane, North Granby provided background on the proposed wild flower garden at 175 Salmon Brook Street. There will be no use of town funds for this project.
The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the use of Town-owned land at 175 Salmon Brook Street to create a wildflower garden.
Consideration of Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grant Budget Amendment
In June 2021, the Town of Granby was awarded the maximum amount allowed of $16,994 under the Institute of Museum and Library Services Grants to States to address specific high priority spending categories. The board voted (4-0-1) to increase the Miscellaneous Revenue and GPL-Misc Improvements line items in Capital Equipment/improvement Fund by $16,994 and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve.
Consideration of Fiscal Year 2020-21 Transfer of Accounts
The Town budgeted personnel increases under Contingency in the Fiscal Year 2020- 2021 Adopted Budget as all union contracts were being negotiated.
The board voted (5-0-0) to authorize the transfer of $89,880 from the Contingency Department to various departments as presented and forwards this request to the Board of Finance.
Consideration of Additional Appropriation from Parks and Recreation Fund for the Purchase of Chairs
The board voted (5-0-0) to authorize an additional appropriation of $10,500 from the Recreation Fund balance to fund the purchase of chairs for Holcomb Farm and forwards this request to the Board of Finance.
Town Manager Report
Budget Operations
Smith reported that both the town and the BOE are in a very good position financially and are expected to return funds to the fund balance at the end of the year.
Smith noted there has been no further progress on the sale of Kearns School; it was decided that Smith would contact the broker to request an update for the board.
August 16, 2021
Present: B. Scott Kuhnly, Glenn Ballard, Sally King, Mark C. Neumann, Edward Ohannessian, William F. Smith, Jr., Town Manager
Public Session
Michael Ware, 45 Hungary Road, expressed his interest in the Affordable Housing mandate and feels there should be a place for that in Granby.
Bill Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road, is interested in the marketing campaign for the Kearns School property. He believes over time, revenue from a private entity would be good for the Town.
Business
Resignations and Appointments to be Considered
The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the following appointments to the Affordable Housing Committee: Patty Sansone, a member of the Commission on Aging; Monica Logan, a member of the Development Commission; and Christine Chinni, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Kearns School Update
Andy DiFatta of Goman + York provided a presentation of Phase I of the Kearns School development.
Goman + York has found a qualified developer that is ready, willing and able to develop a “mixed-use” project that includes both the Kearns School and the land at 137 Salmon Brook Street, referred to as “the triangle”. There is an understanding with the developer that the proposed retail development in the triangle is tied to the development of the school property. It was noted the requirement for zoning changes may link both parcels together so the triangle cannot be developed on its own without the school property being considered.
Developer Mark De Pecol presented his ideas to the board, including the proposed acquisition of 137 Salmon Brook Street (the yellow house). In order to pursue development of both parcels, the school property and the triangle, control over both parcels is needed. In addition, a potential zone change, and approval to market drive-through capabilities for certain retailers and service providers are needed as well.
Neumann thanked Goman + York for bringing in a developer. He was unsure if the town can go forward with the sale of the property or if a Town Meeting is needed. Smith said he will look into this, gather information and put together the steps necessary to proceed.
Consideration of Additional Appropriation from Communications Fund for Purchase of Town Phone System
Smith reported the town’s phone system is currently over 20 years old and has been repaired many times. He further noted breakdowns may well create a system shut-down for days or even weeks.
The board voted (5-0-0) to approve the additional appropriation of $55,000 from the Communications Fund for upgrading the town phone system and forwards this request to the Board of Finance to approve.
Town Manager Reports
Budget Operations – July 2021
Smith reported collections to be normal for this time of year. There are no concerns with expenditures.
Asked if there have been any bear issues lately, the answer was no.
First Selectman Reports
Kuhnly reported the Town of Granby is a member of CIRMA (Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency). For the past 10 years they have given distribution checks to members for loyalty and good results. The town received a member equity distribution check for $31,093.
Respectfully submitted,
William F. Smith, Jr. Town Manager