May 20, 2024
PUBLIC HEARING
Present: Mark Fiorentino, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple. Town Manager Mike Walsh, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Director of Human Services Sandy Yost, Finance Director Kimi Cheng.
Regarding approval of proposals for the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program
Kim Becker (149 Loomis Street), vice president of Stony Hill Village, explained that there are 49 residential apartments at Stony Hill Village for senior and disabled community residents. Becker said Connecticut Neighborhood Tax Assistance Act monies would be used to provide energy efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) for the clubhouse.
Heather Tokarz (19 Heather Lane) spoke about the Valley Pre-School Scholarship Program and its request for a grant for the scholarship program to continue to assist lower income families. Tokarz noted that currently only one scholarship is being offered to members of the community.
Jenny Emery (71 Loomis Street), president of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, addressed HVAC improvements at the farmhouse. Emery explained that the historic Holcomb farmhouse is where the farm manager and his family live year-round and the farm crew lives from April through October. Energy-efficient heating and cooling in the almost 300-year-old structure is critical to manage the excessive cost of climate-damaging oil heat. Emery also explained that the funds would be used to winterize the CSA barn and for the fresh access program.
REGULAR MEETING
Holcomb Farm Board presentation
Emery presented the annual report for the Friends of Holcomb Farm and shared a short video elaborating on all of the labor, dedication and time that volunteers put into Holcomb Farm to keep the farm running in such a high and efficient manner. She reviewed revenue and expenditures and shared some of the farm’s hardships and where additional support is needed.
Agricultural Commission presentation
Heather Lombardo, chairman of the Agricultural Commission, explained commission members are proposing a local Right to Farm Ordinance since farming is such a deeply rooted aspect of life in Granby. The commission believes it is vital that Granby has a farm-friendly local government. Lombardo said approximately 31 state municipalities have adopted such local ordinances.
Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit
Yost said the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program is designated to provide funding for municipal and tax-exempt organizations by providing a corporation business tax credit for businesses that make cash contributions to these entities and that businesses can receive a credit of 60 percent of their approved contribution to certain programs or 100 percent in the case of certain energy conservation programs. Three applications were received by Holcomb Farm, three applications by Stony Hill Village and one application from Valley Pre-School.
The board approved the seven program proposals and directed staff to complete the application process on or before July 1.
Public Session
Shirley Murtha (17 Kelly Lane) asked if welcome packets are given to new residents.
June 3, 2024
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Frederick Moffa, Margaret Chapple. Also present: Town Manager Mike Walsh, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, and student liaisons Ben LaVigne and Charles Orluk.
Fiorentino informed members of the community that James Callender Heminway, Jr., had recently passed away. Heminway had been a longtime public servant serving as chairman of the board of education for many years and also active in the Granby Education Foundation. The board observed a moment of silence in his recognition.
Fiorentino recognized Chas Orluk for serving as a student liaison to the board for the past two years.
School Projects Building Committee presentation
Toby Proctor, chairman of the committee, provided an overview of the various projects taking place in the school district. Proctor explained that the committee examines recent BOE concepts and information for proposed school projects and the consultant service contracts to complete projects along with preparing documents and advertising for the construction of the various school projects.
Granby Lions Club presentation
Chairman Tony Capelli said that the Granby Lions Club is the fastest growing club in its district and gave an overview of several of its community service projects. Capelli explained there is a need inside and outside of the local community and some of the projects the Lions have facilitated include food drives, toy drives, maintaining the gazebo on the town green, organizing a blood drive and maintaining flags in the center of town.
Sale/Consumption of Alcohol at Salmon Brook Park during Celebrate the Valley
Sandy Yost, director of human services, said the Granby Parks and Recreation Department has received a request from the Simsbury/Granby Chamber of Commerce to conduct Celebrate the Valley at Salmon Brook Park. The event will take place over three days, Sept. 19–21, and no other organized activities are scheduled in the park for those days. Yost said a formal request has been placed for alcohol sales and consumption at Salmon Brook Park on Sept. 20 between 5 and 9 p.m. and on Sept. 21 between 11 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. The request stated appropriate permitting paperwork and liability insurance from the renter and distributor will be provided. The board approved the request.
Reservation Special Request for Alcohol Permit
Yost said the Granby Parks and Recreation Department has received a request from Christie Alleano to host an event with alcohol consumption in the gathering room at Salmon Brook Park on Sept. 15, 12 to 5 p.m. No other organized activities are scheduled in the park on that day. The board approved the request.
Public Works Contract Approval
Walsh said that the Public Works labor contract (UPSEU Local 424, Unit 49) that covers about 14 members has recently been negotiated. Walsh said the contract length is now five years, and he enumerated multiple changes in the insurance plans. The general wage increase is 3.5 percent in year 1 and 3 percent in years 2–5. The previous contract was set to expire June 30, 2023, and since the initial negotiations were unproductive the state assigned a mediator to assist in the negotiations, which resulted in this agreement. The board unanimously approved the agreement.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Update and (Re)Allocation
Walsh discussed the existing ARPA Phase One projects. He noted that Phase 1 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) list of projects totaled $1,920,168.75 and that the SLFRF grant received, including interest earned, totaling $3,555,568.59. The $1,647,630.15 difference is unallocated and available for Phase 2. He said Granby has until Dec. 31, 2024, to obligate these funds to general government administration, road building and maintenance and infrastructure. The funds cannot be used to directly or indirectly reduce taxes and they cannot be used to pay down debt or fund pension liabilities.
RFP for Granby Center Master Plan
The Granby Center Advisory Committee is charged with considering the Granby Center Study proposed scope, determining how best to address the various study scope items, considering hiring a consultant, determining the initial physical boundaries of the study area and developing a proposed vision for Granby Center through a public engagement process. The committee will prepare recommendations to be presented to the board and/or the planning and zoning commission for adoption. The board approved the issuance of an RFP for the Granby Center Master Plan.
Town Manager’s Report
Walsh has settled the Police and Town Hall labor union contracts, which are awaiting ratification.
The building official issued the last two permits for the Station 280 development.
Walsh is grateful to community members who have volunteered to support an initiative for the library, consisting of adults, teens, parents, board and staff members.
Terri Ziemnicki was honored with the Thomas R. Monahan award for the Coaches Association’s highest award to professional educators from within the CHSCA, CIAC and NHSACA.
June 17, 2024
Present: Mark Fiorentino. Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Frederick Moffa, Margaret Chapple, Town Manager Mike Walsh, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Police Chief Scott Sansom, Director of Human Services Sandy Yost, Public Works Director Kirk Severance, Director of Library Services Amber Wyzik, Superintendent of Schools Cheri Burke.
Development Commission presentation
Marty Schwager, chairman of the Development Commission provided an overview of the commission’s history, function and forecasted advisory role. Schwager updated members on 83 Salmon Brook Street, Granby Center Advisory Committee, Former Kearns School, T-1 Zone Regulations Review and Recommendations, ED Zone Solar Facility, Senior Living/Affordable Housing, and the Plan of Conservation and Development for 2025-2026.
Granby Historical Society Presentation
Bill Ross, president of the Salmon Brook Historical Society discussed the assets on its main campus that include the Rowe and Enders houses, schoolhouse, milk shed, tobacco barn and preservation barn. Volunteers procure, preserve, and celebrate the history of Granby and educate the public on the importance of preserving the town’s heritage and its historic buildings and landmarks. It is a 501(c)(3) organization with a 12-member board and 160 dues-paying members. Events include tours at the Wilcox House, demonstrations by the Connecticut Weaver Guild, two flea markets and the Antique Appraisal fair.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Updates and (Re)allocation
Public input taken on this Item
Walsh updated members on the ARPA Phase 1 projects approved by the board on June 20, 2022, and the approved Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recover Funds (SLFRF) projects that totaled $1,920,168.75. The SLFRF grant received, plus interest earned, totals $3,555,568.59 leaving $1,647,630.15 unallocated and available for Phase 2. Walsh reminded the board that Granby has until December 31, 2024, to obligate these funds for the use of the ARPA grant. Also, Granby falls under a $10 million “Final Rule” whereby the full allocation can be treated as “lost revenue” allowing the town to direct the reallocation to general government, road building maintenance and infrastructure. ARPA funds cannot be used to directly or indirectly reduce taxes and cannot be used to pay down debt or fund pension liabilities.
To begin the reallocation process for the remaining fund, Phase 2 would include the following projects: technology investment focusing on efficiency or replacement of old technology, audio and visual equipment, consultants for various town development projects, public works, parks and recreation, police, and library capital items and improvements and road repaving.
Tony Flanagan, Woodcliff Drive, addressed the board about the FY 2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program and the purchasing of the robotic stair climber, inquiring what the purpose of the robot was, and where it was being housed. Flanagan also inquired about the barricades that would be purchased.
Carolyn Flint, 54 Barn Door Hills Road, Susan Lanigan, 3 Hunters Ridge, and William Smith, 9 Mountain Crest, all expressed support for the walking path at Salmon Brook Park and inquired about the timeline of the path and when we could expect the project to be completed. Smith added that he would like to see all the money allocated spent appropriately.
10-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 25-34) for review and action
Walsh explained the town and board of education Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan indicates the town’s submission totals were $44.4 million and the board of education was $33.5 million for a townwide total of $77.9 million. He reminded the board that when an individual capital line is approved for replacement, the town or BOE needs to carefully assess and update the amount of total funding needed to complete the project. Inflation, supply chain issues, prevailing wage, bonding, insurance costs, professional assistance from architects, engineers, and lawyers raise the final cost compared to the initial estimate. Walsh noted that reengagement of the Capital Program Advisory Committee (CPPAC) will require making necessary appointments to the board. He added that the town and board budgets should segregate leases, debt services, and any other committed funds from the total budget to identify available/non-committed funds to use as an annual appropriation for future borrowing. He explained that by engaging Phoenix Advisors, the Town’s bond and financial advisor, to reverse engineer, using the identified available/non-committed annual appropriations, to prove a recurring borrowing amount to address the deemed priorities on the 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
Holcomb Farm lease extension/solar roof array
Walsh said that the town has been approached by Holcomb Farm, Inc. of Holcomb Farm seeking support for the Friends’ participation in an agreement to allow a solar array to be constructed on the roof of the CSA Barn. The purpose of the solar array is to reduce the cost of electricity purchased from Eversource for use at the farm by half, or $3,000 per year. The solar agreement will be between Holcomb Farm, Inc., and CSW, LLC. CSW LLC would be submitting the CSA Barn roof array as a renewable project in an Eversource auction around August to secure the necessary approvals through Eversource for a non-residential renewable energy solution.
For the transaction to move forward, a change to the Holcomb Farm Inc.’s lease agreement is needed. Because the solar project is predicted to have 20 years access to the roof, the town must first agree to extend the lease in force from October 26, 2037, to December 31, 2045. The board approved this request.
Granby Municipal Employees Assoc. Local, 399, Council 4, AFSCME
Walsh informed members of the board that the Granby Municipal Employees Association, Local 399, Council 4 AFSCME collective bargaining labor agreement, had reached a tentative agreement. It included the length of the contract is five years and the PPO Insurance Plan will no longer be offered, ceasing June 30, 2024. The HDHP Insurance Plan with a 2k/4k deductible will be effective July 1, 2024 and that HDHP premium share will begin at 10 percent annually and increase at 0.5 percent per year through June 30, 2029. Walsh explained that the Town will seed 100 percent of the annual deductible into the respective employee Health Savings Account (HSA) July 1, 2024, then 75 percent for July 1, 2025, then 70 percent for July 1, 2026, then 65 percent for July 1, 2027, and then 50 percent for July 1, 2028. Walsh noted that the general wage increase is 3.0 percent in years 1-4 and 3.5 percent in year 5. The board approved this request.
Consideration of Using Interfund Loans for FY24 Capital Equipment Purchases
Walsh reminded members that on May 2, 2024 the BOS approved equipment lease/purchasing agreements and/or loan agreements with TD Bank for the fiscal year 2023-24 capital equipment purchases. However, with the news of receiving a $2 million grant from OPM for the Emergency Communication Project, staff are requesting the BOS reconsider using inter-fund loans for the FY24 capital equipment purchases to achieve more savings.
Walsh explained that the inter-fund loan is cash borrowed from one fund by another fund and is treated as a balance sheet transaction only. In this case, the Capital Equipment/Improvement Fund and Education Quality and Diversity Fund would borrow cash from the General Fund and that the fund would repay the General Fund the principal and interest yearly until the loans are paid off. Walsh noted that the interest rates for the inter-fund loans are recommended to be set as a 4.5 percent fixed rate.
The board adopted the following resolution to establish two interfund loans. One is from the General Fund to the Capital Equipment/ Improvement Fund in the amount of $426,000 for a 4.5-year term. The second is from the General Fund to the Education Quality and Diversity Fund for a two-year term in the amount of $45,000. Both loans have a fixed interest rate of 4.50 percent. Each year, the two funds will repay the General Fund principal and interest. The board of selectmen will forward this request to the board of finance for approval.
FFY 2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program
Walsh informed members that the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) has requested that Granby enter into an agreement with the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for the purpose of pooling the Department of Homeland Security grant to allow for the purchase of specialized equipment by CRCOG. This may include barricades, stair climbing robots and pole cameras. Walsh said that this equipment will be available for use with Region 3 of the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. CRCOG also used the funding to staff the Capitol Region Emergency Planning Council to fund contractual support for the upgrades of regional plans, to provide reimbursement for individuals from towns in the region who are involved in the regional support functions, provide support to HAZMAT and to organize training and exercises.
This was approved by the board and also resolved that Mike Walsh, as Town Manager of Town of Granby, is authorized and directed to execute and deliver any and all documents on behalf of the Town of Granby and to do and perform all acts and things which he deems to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the terms of such documents.
Consideration of offering electronic Land Record recording (eRecording)
Town Clerk Scott Nolan informed members that electronic recording, also known as eRecording, is the delivery and return of electronic documents using a secure document delivery system to recording documents on the land record. Essentially, eRecording is currently a feature in our Resolution is 3 Cott System. Electronic documents would be managed in the same manner as hard copy within the land recording system. Nolan explained that eRecording is the preferred submission method for some submitters and may also reduce processing time and costs for the Town Clerk’s Office. In some cases, it may also save money on postage.
Nolan explained that like paper document recording, eRecording records are required to be processed by the Town Clerk to ensure compliance with Connecticut General Statutes and indexed correctly. Staff members will have an approval process for eRecording documents prior to their being recorded on the land record. The recording fee is collected by contracted third-party vendors and directly deposited into the town’s account via ACH deposit. At this time, there is no additional cost to the Town for offering eRecording services. The board adopted this resolution to authorize Town Manager Mike Walsh to sign and execute any and all documents and contracts related to eRecording in the Town Clerk’s Office with our vendors Cott Systems Support, Simplifile, CSC and eRecording Partners Network (ePN).
Town Managers Report
Walsh addressed members of the board regarding the various town departments noting that: he has settled the police and town hall employees’ labor contracts; he’s awaiting final redline contract markups, ratification votes for the union membership will be held. The town declined the CT Prime stop loss renewal in favor of Sun Life avoiding $424,000 of higher premiums driven by high medical utilization.
Walsh updated members on the Budget Operations, noting the highlights in revenues that the Police Department’s overtime budget as of May 31, 2024, was $241,937.60 and this line is already $23,937.60 over the adopted budget. It is expected to be approximately $85K over budget by the end of the fiscal year. As of 5/31/2024 the planning and engineering department inquired about an overage of $3,694, which is expected to be approximately $8,500 by the end of the fiscal year. The town engineer has assisted with the grant application for designing the Holcomb Farm crosswalks, worked on the drainage issues, and reviewed the 37 Hartford Avenue application.