May 19, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome and Student Liaison Ben LaVigne. Also present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, Management Assistant Betsy Mazzotta, and Town Clerk Jen Espinal.
Holcomb Farm Annual Report
Jenny Emery, president of Friends of Holcomb Farm, presented the Holcomb Farm Annual Report as per its lease agreement with the Town of Granby, including its financial statement, compliance and other information. Emery articulated key points of its mission, and said that the Holcomb Educational Tree Trail has over 100 trees planted and identified.
The Fresh Access Program continues to support various partners. Fundraising events were successful, and pledges together with donations, the reserves were replenished.
Farm Manager Joseph O’Grady spoke of enhancing the SCIL (Sustainable Community Integration Landscape) with a large amount of compost, the grant received due to the floods in 2023, and the Neighborhood Assistance Act that supported upgrades of the green houses. Farming equipment was purchased, and new irrigation was also added.
Farm Store revenue increased, primarily due to the partnership with Julien’s Farm Store. The CSA had a total of 570 members, and a winter CSA with 130 members.
The Holcomb Farm pays rent for the land and use of the CSA barn, and the farmhouse, and Fresh Access food is provided to the Senior Center and Social Services.
Melody Smith, manager of the Holcomb Farm Store, explained that the partnership with other agricultural producers is working well, and the operation draws in revenue and excitement.
Kearns Senior Housing Development
Fiorentino provided an update on the Kearns housing development. The adjacent wetlands and other development constraints present challenges that can impact the cost and scope of work. Fiorentino stressed that the illustrations are estimates only, and depending on the direction the project moves going forward, the financial aspect will change. Next steps are for guidance from the Granby Commission on Aging and the community to present a decision to the board.
Local Community Grant to Benefit Community Services
On behalf of Granby Community Fund and the efforts of Patty Sansone, a grant in the amount of $7,500 is available. $5,000 is to be used for transportation for seniors and the disabled, and $2,500 for Social Services.
Permission to Serve Alcohol at a Town Facility
A graduation send off on July 26 at Salmon Brook Park gathering room submitted an application to serve alcoholic beverages. The board approved the application.
June 2, 2025
Public Hearing
Members Present: Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome. Absent: Mark Fiorentino. Also Present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Town Clerk Jen Espinal
The public hearing was held to consider the adoption of the Neighborhood Assistance Act Program for the Town of Granby.
Jenny Emery (71 Loomis Street, N. Granby) representative from Friends of Holcomb Farm, spoke about its participation in the NAA (Neighborhood Assistance Act Program) grant program, specifically focusing on energy efficiency projects, which offer dollar-for-dollar tax credits to Connecticut businesses that pay corporate business taxes. Two proposals related to energy upgrades as part of the church project were radiant heat installation and heat pump systems. Nonprofits can request up to $150,000 annually, and businesses can receive tax credits up to that amount if matched.
Public Comments
Reinhard Maier (138 Day Street) raised concerns about the liability structure of the proposed renovation projects at the old Methodist Church, initiated by Friends of Holcomb Farm, calling attention to the town’s financial responsibility in the event of overruns, a defined legal relationship and any impact on the town budget.
Robert Flanigan (24 Woodcliff Drive) noted the long-term stewardship of the old church property, acknowledging the existing lease agreement, and suggested that the town maintain control of the property to ensure taxpayer-funded grant money isn’t relinquished.
Maureen Eberly (37 Silkey Road) inquired about solar panels and other green energy options as part of the proposals and provided feedback on radiant heat and heat pumps.
Regular Meeting
Members Present: Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Frederick Moffa, Kelly Rome, Student Liaison Zainab Zafar. Absent: Mark Fiorentino. Also Present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, Town Clerk Jen Espinal.
Holcomb Farm/United Methodist Church Reuse
Holcomb Farm presented an update of the plans for the United Methodist Church property at the last meeting. A draft of the Lease and Use Agreement is underway, ensuring that the farm remains financially independent.
BOE FY25 Operations Surplus
The board of education has a projected operating surplus for FY 2025 as a result of staffing vacancies, lower outplacement tuition and reduced transportation costs. A request was presented asking the board of selectmen to approve the reallocation of the funds from the General Fund to the Capital Equipment Improvement Fund for three priority projects. The transfer is intended to address capital priorities. The board voted unanimously to approve the request not to exceed $650,000.
Neighborhood Assistance Act Project Approvals
The board held a Public Hearing on the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) prior to this regular meeting, in which public comments and proposals were presented. The Board voted unanimously to approve the two proposals for the NAA Tax Credit Program.
603 Cider Lane
The 1.85-acre property, originally set aside as part of the Cider Mill Heights development for potential sand during winter operations, is no longer needed. The board of selectmen sought necessary input from Planning and Zoning. P & Z confirmed that its sale is consistent with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, clearing the way for the town to sell the property.
Public Comments
Robert Flanigan, (24 Woodcliff Drive), raised a question regarding Cider Mill and Salmon Brook Street and the applicable state statute concerning the sale of town-owned property.