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September 18, 2023
Present: Mark Fiorentino, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome. Also, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Student Liaison Charles Orluk.
Proclamation
Fiorentino presented a proclamation to Lewis McIntyre in recognition of his service to the Town of Granby. (Please see the related article from the October issue of the Drummer: Article 1, Article 2.)
Bear Resistant Trash Barrels and Transfer Station Dumpsters
Cheng and Severance said that due to the increasing bear population in Granby, residents have difficulty keeping bears out of their trash barrels resulting in many issues including litter, and bears returning regularly as they become accustomed to a food source. The town acquired 104 bear barrels that have been purchased by residents for a one-time fee to cover the cost above what the town pays for a standard trash barrel. Cheng and Severance requested an additional appropriation of $25,964 from the Solid Waste Fund to purchase 75 bear-resistant barrels for re-sale to residents.
The board unanimously approved an additional appropriation of $35,964 from the Solid Waste Sanitation Fund Balance to fund the purchase of 75 bear resistant barrels and a 40-yard roll-off container and forwarded this request to the board of finance to approve.
Search for Town Manager
Fiorentino said that a dedicated email address (GranbyTownManager@govhrusa.com) has been established for residents and qualified stakeholders to send information about the qualifications and characteristics they feel are important for a new town manager so that a profile can be created to advertise the position.
First Selectman Report
Fiorentino requested the board consider adding a standard agenda item for presentations from non-profit organizations or other boards and commissions in the community. This would help the BOS members be better informed and identify areas of concern.
Fiorentino also suggested the board add a second student liaison for continuity and to allow more leadership opportunities for students.
October 2, 2023
Present: Mark Fiorentino, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome. Also, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Student Liaison Charles Orluk.
Proclamation
Fiorentino congratulated the 1973 Granby Field Hockey Team on the 50th anniversary of it representing Granby Memorial High School and winning Connecticut’s first ever state-wide championship. (Please see related article and photo from this month’s issue.)
Town Manager Report
Fiorentino has been the acting town manager since the resignation of previous town manager in April. The Granby Town Charter establishes a limit of 90 consecutive days before an acting town manager must be replaced. The board appointed Finance Director Cheng as acting town manager for the period of Oct. 3 through Oct. 8, after which Fiorentino will resume the duties.
Fiorentino said that as part of the search for a new own manager, focus groups of stakeholders were being scheduled.
Public Session
Virginia Wutka, 130 Lost Acres Road, spoke about the Town Manager search survey and how it was being advertised, the timeline, and how the selection and interview process will go.