As the town wrapped up fiscal year 2023, we were again reminded that in April, the boards worked to develop a fiscally responsible budget for the upcoming fiscal year that was supported by the taxpayers. With the new budget in place, the board of selectmen is committed to working with the community toward the goals identified in the draft strategic plan and to continue to make positive changes and improvements in the new fiscal year.
Key initiatives for fiscal year 2024 will focus on continued improvement in information technology and communication, increased support of volunteer fire services and ambulance association and an increased investment in road maintenance and improvement programs. Here’s a quick update on some ongoing projects:
DOT Granby Center Major Intersection Improvement Project
Work is expected to continue on the major improvements to the intersection in the center of town through August and the project should be fully completed in early September. Milling and paving the project area is scheduled for early August, with paving on Routes 189, 10/202 expected to take approximately one week to complete. Once the final paving is finished, the signal timings, including at pedestrian crosswalks, will be completed. During August, the contractor will complete the remaining sidewalks, sidewalk ramps and driveways as well as landscaping throughout the project area.
Charter Revision Commission
The Charter Revision Commission concluded its work and filed a draft report with the town clerk at the end of May and presented its recommendations to the board of selectmen in June. A public hearing on the draft report has been set for Monday, July 10, at 7 p.m. in the town hall meeting room to hear public comments on the proposed changes to the charter. The board of selectmen will use the feedback from the hearing to determine the changes to put before the voters in November.
Emergency Communications Project
The town is working on a plan to upgrade the communication system used by our first responders. Scoping for the project is nearly complete, and bids are expected to be solicited this fall.
Town Manager Search
A Request for Proposals was issued in June to find a qualified firm to provide general consulting services to the town for the recruitment of a new town manager. The contract is expected to be awarded in July.
Salmon Brook Park Pedestrian Connector
Survey work was completed in the spring on the grant-funded walking path at Salmon Brook Park and the town engineer will complete the path design over the summer. The five-foot-wide asphalt walking path will provide a loop around the park and will connect to the sidewalk at the park’s entrance on Route 10 and to the McLean Game Refuge trail system located to the west. It is expected the project will be put out to bid in the fall with construction planned in the spring of 2024.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
There are currently several projects underway funded by ARPA. Axon Fleet Cruiser Cameras have been purchased and will be installed in police department vehicles this summer. Municity, an integrated parcel management system, is being implemented in the community development office. Work is underway to install new HVAC systems at Granby Memorial High School and Wells Road School. The first phase of IT improvements in town-owned buildings should be completed in July. New fire inspection software is being installed in the fire marshal’s office.
Granby Center Advisory Committee
The planning and zoning commission recommended, and the board of selectmen approved, the formation of the Granby Center Advisory Committee. The five-member committee will be charged with creating a vision for the center of town by reviewing current regulations, assessing current infrastructure and capacity and gaining input from stakeholders. The committee is expected to start its work later this year.
To receive updates about these projects and other topics of interest, sign up for notifications at granby-ct.gov Click on the yellow “Subscribe” button on the homepage and follow the instructions.