November 17, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Kelly Rome, Frederick Moffa, Student Liaisons Zainab Zafar and Madeline Ayotte. Also present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, HR Director Krista Shaffer.
Holcomb Farm/United Methodist Church construction plan
John Oates, chair of renovation construction subcommittee of the Friends of Holcomb Farm, discussed the plan to repurpose 87 Simsbury Road, formerly the United Methodist Church, for farm operations. The renovation will convert the sanctuary into a vegetable processing area, the center section into a farm store and CSA distribution space and the classrooms and library into farm operations areas. Exterior changes are limited to improving accessibility and the farm-like appearance. A construction firm has been selected, and work is set to begin once board approval is granted to meet grant deadlines by May 31. Updates on progress will be provided. The board unanimously approved the plans.
Granby Center Associates LP
Assessment Valuation Settlement
The town reviewed a court-recommended settlement regarding the assessed value of 10 Hartford Road, a retail plaza owned by Granby Center Associates. The settlement is recommended as it avoids higher legal costs associated with full litigation. The board voted unanimously to approve the settlement between Granby Center Associates LP and the Town of Granby by reducing the fair market value of the parcel from $2,758,600 to $2,600,000 having an assessed value of 70 percent or $1,820,000 resulting in a decrease to the assessment of $111,020 for the grand list dates beginning on Oct. 1, 2025 and Oct. 1, 2026.
Public Session
Maureen Eberly, 37 Silkey Road, expressed concern about businesses and developers asking for reductions on tax assessments and requested that the board investigate tax relief for elderly residents.
December 1, 2025
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Mark Neumann, Margaret Chapple, Kimberly Becker, Frederick Moffa, Student Liaisons Zainab Zafar and Madeline Ayotte. Also present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Town Clerk Jen Espinal, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, Management Assistant Betsy Mazzota.
FY27 Town Budget
Walsh discussed the Plus One Budget for FY27, indicating that the budget projects a 2.09 percent overall increase, driven largely by employee compensation, police department adjustments and rising costs for waste disposal, utilities and technology. Granby’s financial position remains very strong across key indicators, including fund balance, pension and OPEB funding, bond rating and debt levels. Capital spending remains stable, with one bond tranche retiring and a new issuance likely to replace it. The medical reserve has been rebuilt to healthy levels. Revenue projections remain preliminary, with expected growth from new development once the grand list is finalized in February.
83 Salmon Brook Street—potential sale
Walsh discussed the proposed sale of 83 Salmon Brook Street (formerly Freshies Café). A Purchase and Sale Agreement has been prepared. Approval from the boards of selectmen and finance, and a town meeting are required before finalizing any sale.
The board unanimously approved the sale of 83 Salmon Brook Street in the amount of $245,000 to FNG Enterprices, LLC, referred the matter to the board of finance and if approved, directed that a town meeting be held to seek final approval of the sale of this parcel.
Public Session
Bill Glueck, 18 Barkhamsted Road, speaking as president of the Granby Taxpayers Alliance, thanked officials who participated in the group’s Q & A forums. He raised concerns about the ECS funding formula, emphasizing competitive bids and clear designs for major projects. He asked for clarification on the pump station cost and raised questions about investment strategies for the town pension fund. He concluded by thanking the board for its service.
Robert Flannigan, 24 Woodcliff Drive, raised concerns about the cost of two pump stations. He also noted recent assessment reductions for several commercial properties. He questioned aspects of the board of education budget and the need for outside evaluators. He concluded by pointing out that past surveys showed strong support for preserving Granby’s rural character.
Maureen Eberly, 37 Silkey Road, thanked Sandy Hills, Mike Walsh and Kirk Severance for their work installing a new kiosk at Salmon Brook Park. Eberly asked several questions regarding the ambulance service, including the annual projected cost, how fundraiser proceeds support the ambulance association and the criteria for accessing the association’s funds.
Beth Carroll, 10 Quail Lane, expressed appreciation for the planned early-January meeting. A written request for clear information on the remaining funds from this year’s school budget is forthcoming and Carroll suggested that the remaining balance be updated regularly.
Fiorentino addressed residents’ questions, directing board of education budget inquiries to the BOE itself. He noted that the January open house will cover the overall budget process, and it will be open to public input, however, it will not be a detailed operational budget. Ambulance-related questions will be clarified with the Granby Ambulance Association regarding private funds and endowment access; contributions from East Granby and Hartland were confirmed.
Fiorentino noted that periodic review of the Plan of Conservation and Development, potential survey repetition and provided clarification on the Center Shops assessment appeal and settlement. Finally, Fiorentino concluded by confirming that competitive bids are required for capital projects; pump station costs are pending updated estimates and broader sewer capacity discussions will occur separately.
December 3, 2025
Special Town Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Town Moderator Francis Brady, for qualified electors to vote on the approval of the sale of town-owned property located at 603 Cider Lane to TFHB, LLC for $101,000, as approved by the boards of selectmen and finance.
Brady opened the meeting to questions or statements. No attendees came forward. Brady called for a vote of hands. The vote was unanimously in favor.