Aug. 19, 2024
Present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Frederick Moffa, Margaret Chapple, Town Manager Mike Walsh, Finance Director Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Scott A. Nolan
Town Attorney/ Special Counsel
Two development projects, a solar farm and a battery farm, are being proposed and both projects fall outside of local control, except for a building permit if they are eventually approved. Walsh said that because both projects fall under the State Siting Council, the town desires to hire outside legal counsel with experience with solar projects and the Siting Council to better understand and exercise its rights. Walsh reported that Robert Decrescenzo of Updike, Kelly, and Spellacy can assist with the intricacies of the Siting Council and contract negotiations related to the development and eventual tax agreement should the project move to approval. Decrescenzo comes recommended by the East Windsor First Selectman. East Windsor has a host of solar farms within the town and has Decrescenzo as its counsel.
The board unanimously approved hiring Decrescenzo to assist with legal matters related to the solar and battery farms.
Town of Granby Code of Ethics
Walsh said the proposed Code of Ethics is intended to serve as a guideline for all elected and appointed officials, and employees of the town to maintain integrity, transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. These standards are intended to strengthen the tradition of good government in Granby.
The board unanimously approved and adopted the Code of Ethics.
Editor’s Note: The Code of Ethics is available for review on the town website.
First Selectman Report
When the West Granby Methodist Church property was deeded, a provision specified that if it was no longer being used as a church, it would be transferred to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Fiorentino reported that a group of people is working to incorporate it into Holcomb Farm.
Public Session
Maureen Eberly (Silkey Road) spoke about the Ethics Policy and thanked the board for its work on the code. Eberly inquired whether there is a system in place for ensuring that new employees receive the Code of Ethics. Eberly also inquired about the process of filing a complaint, the appeal process and if this would eventually become part of the town’s charter.
Robert Flanigan, Jr. (Woodcliff Drive) inquired about the number of holding ponds that the Key Capture battery storage park would have and when the board heard that Key Capture was interested in Granby. He also asked whether an attorney should have been hired prior to permits being pulled. Flanigan inquired about the benefit of Key Capturing coming to Granby. He raised concerns about monitoring the facility and said that lithium batteries generate extensive heat and our fire department’s lack of PPE needed to address an emergency at the facility.
Sept. 3, 2024
Present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Frederick Moffa, Margaret Chapple,Town Manager Mike Walsh, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, Student Liaison Ben LaVigne
Acquisition of 87 Simsbury Road and 229 Mountain Road
Connecticut General Statutes require that prior to the acquisition of any town property, the board of selectmen refer the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission to evaluate the proposal for its consistency with the Plan of Conservation and Development and report its findings. Walsh recommended the board refer the acquisition of two properties, 87 Simsbury Road and 229 Mountain Road, to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Walsh noted that the property at 87 Simsbury Road is formerly the location of the West Granby United Methodist Church and when the church closed, the property reverted to the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving (HFPG). The town has been in contact with HFPG to acquire the property to rejoin it with the Holcomb Farm. If approved, it is anticipated the town will work with the Friends of Holcomb Farm and/or the Granby Land Trust regarding the responsibility and maintenance of the property and buildings. It is expected the property will be transferred to the town at no cost.
Walsh said that 229 Mountain Road property is 16.91 acres and is currently vacant except for a radio tower and associated equipment. The town wants to acquire a portion of the property to locate a new emergency telecommunications tower to improve emergency responder and police communications. The town would need to purchase approximately 5.7 acres along with an easement area that would encompass the fall zone for the tower. The easement area would be located on the remaining 11.21 acres that would be retained by the property owner. The purchase price would be $99,750.
The board unanimously approved the recommendation to refer the acquisition of both properties to planning and zoning.
Editor’s note: At the Sept. 10 meeting, the planning and zoning commission approved both acquisitions.
Public Session
Deborah Kulwich (235 Hartland Road) spoke about the missing clock project and that funds had been raised to replace the clock that used to be in the town center. Kulwich said a group of volunteers was ready to purchase and install a clock soon.
Sept. 16, 2024
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Kelly Rome, Frederick Moffa, Margaret Chapple.
Also present: Town Manager Mike Walsh, Town Clerk Scott Nolan, and Student Liaisons Ben LaVigne and Zainab Zafar.
Consideration of Budget Amendment for Early Voting Grant
Nolan said the Office of the Secretary of the State has announced that additional grant money has been made available to municipalities to support the changes in early voting for the November 2024 General Election. Pursuant to Public Act 24-81, the Secretary of the State’s Office will begin distributing grants to municipalities for costs associated with implementing and administering early voting.
The state has awarded the Town of Granby an additional $3,411.10 bringing the total of election grant monies received to $13,911.10 to support additional costs associated with all early voting events for the 2024 November Election.
Animal Shelter ARPA Reallocation Request
Walsh discussed the animal shelter that the Town of Granby operates at 166 Salmon Brook Street. Upon a recent visit, Walsh observed that the shelter is functional, however the facility needs some attention. He recommended that the animal shelter be added to the Phase 2 ARPA list with a $30,000 funding allocation. The board approved.
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