February 21, 2023
Technology Plan
Town Manager Erica P. Robertson updated members of the Board of Selectmen on the Technology Plan and noted that it is important to keep up with current technology, maintain the technology infrastructure, and ensure that staff has the required hardware and software to be efficient and effective in its work.
Consideration of Budget amendments
The Granby Fire Marshal’s Office has received a grant in the amount of $105 provided by the Connecticut Fair Plan Anti-Arson Committee for the purpose of purchasing equipment. Also, the Granby Animal Control Officer has received a generous $1,000 donation from a Granby resident who asked that the money be used for the well-being of animals in the care of the officer.
Town Managers Report
Robertson reported on the Budget Operations noting that the tax collection is at 94 percent (vs. 95 percent last year). She also reported that the short term investment fund rate continues to be strong and that the expenditures year-to-date are consistent with last year.
First Selectman Report
First Selectman Mark Fiorentino thanked Selectman Margaret Chapple and Selectman Frederick Moffa for attending the Board of Selectmen open house event with him and noted that residents had questions mostly about public safety, affordable housing, and composting. Fiorentino also noted that a resident suggested that the Selectmen offer a “Get to Know Your Town” event to help residents learn how to use the town website.
Public Session
Raymond Harder, 23 Spring Glen Drive, addressed the selectmen about the condition of the road in front of his house and explained that the road has continued to deteriorate and needs to be repaved. Harder explained that chunks of asphalt are being thrown on his lawn when snowplows go by that has lived at the address for 40 years, and the last time the road was resurfaced was about 30 years ago.
March 6, 2023
Apppointments
Selectmen appointed Paul R. Willis (R) to the Library Board for a full three-year term beginning Jan. 9, 2023, and ending Jan. 13, 2026, as recommended by the Republican Town Committee.
Old Business
Amendment for Street Light Repair
Granby Board of Selectmen authorized an appropriation not to exceed $27,000 from the Capital Nonrecurring Expense Fund balance to fund repairs along the Route 10 sidewalks and to install electrical outlets on the poles.
New Business
Holcomb Farm Annual Report
Holcomb Farm Executive Director Jenny Emery presented the Farm’s annual report (see page 27).
Consideration of Friends of Holcomb Farm By-Laws
First Selectman Mark H. Fiorentino stated that a few requests have come in asking to table the conversation of the Friends of Holcomb Farm By-Laws and that some members of the Board of Selectmen would like more time to review them.
Budget Presentation
Town Manager Erica P. Robertson noted that the budget workshops are coming and explained that the current budget being presented is more of a maintenance budget and that there was not much of an increase in services as she would have liked.
Website Upgrade Summary of Changes
Robertson explained that the website revision project is getting closer to its launch date in March and that Civic Plus has completed the migration of the content. Over 20 end users and two systems administrators were trained to update and maintain the new website.
Town Manager’s Report
Robertson reported that the Board of Assessment Appeals has received approximately 40 appeals that due to the recent state-mandated revaluation is a much higher number than usual.
She reported that the Charter Revision Commission has been preparing a draft of the recommended revisions to the Town Charter and it is on track to submit them by the May 20, 2023, deadline. A second public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. to receive citizens input and to solicit feedback regarding the proposed revisions.
Robertson noted the town is looking for a new Library director. A panel was organized to review and meet with viable candidates.
Robertson proposed purchasing Municity Building Permit Software explaining that the town lacks a software package to receive, process and issue permits. All building permits currently must be filled out by applicants in the office or mailed in. The Municity software will reduce manual data entry and tracking, enhance reporting capabilities and increase efficiency for the building department.
To read the entire minutes of the BOS meetings, visit granby-ct.gov and select Agendas and Minutes.