The meeting began with citizen participation, during which George Randle from the Granby Firefighters Association invited the board members to a 9/11 memorial dedication scheduled for September 7th. The Town Administrator, Christopher Martin, presented an application for a rental due on September 17th, 2024, for an end-of-summer picnic. Following routine approvals, including departmental reports and maintenance warrants, the board turned its attention to new business.

A contentious discussion arose over a one-day liquor license application for a public music and food event at Deer Creek Farm, set for August 24, 2024. The board noted that the event was advertised as public, contradicting the stipulation that the special permit was only for private events. One board member emphasized that the application did not comply with the building commissioner’s guidelines, which specified that the event was not permitted as a public gathering. Concerns were further raised about the potential violation of bylaws, given that the application did not align with the conditions set forth in the special permit.

Questions were raised about the applicant’s ability to provide proof of purchase for the alcohol and whether the event met the requirements for a public event. The need for receipts and compliance with the authorized list of vendors was underscored as critical for approval. The consensus was that the applicant’s claims lacked sufficient substantiation. Ultimately, a vote was taken on the motion to approve the liquor license, with the majority opposing, leading to its rejection.

In other licensing matters, the board approved a private event at Outlook Farm, restricting alcohol service to specific hours on September 13, 2024. The board mandated that alcohol could only be served between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with the purchase of three kegs of beer from an approved vendor. The Chief of Police had no concerns about the event, and the motion passed without opposition.

The meeting also addressed the transfer of a package store license for Brusso Liquor, permitting the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages not to be consumed on the premises. The license was detailed, including its size, layout, and the number of exits. It is valid until December 31, 2024, and stipulates specific hours for alcohol sales. The motion to approve the license passed without opposition.

Discussion then moved to the approval of the warrant for the 2024 State Primary, with voting scheduled for September 3, 2024, at the Granby Junior Senior High School. The board unanimously approved the necessary paperwork and instructions for the constables to notify the town’s qualified voters.

The board also adopted a volunteer release form for town projects, including a section for volunteers to specify the location and nature of their work. Additionally, the guidelines for the Granby Senior and Veteran Work-off Program for property tax abatements were discussed. Concerns were raised about eligibility clauses that disqualified town employees who worked more than 520 hours in the fiscal year. The board debated the fairness of this clause, especially for employees under the poverty income threshold. There was agreement on the need for annual updates to the program guidelines to adapt to changing income limits and community needs.

Attention then shifted to the chapter regarding K9 control within the town. The board reviewed the current bylaw and a draft prepared by the Bylaw Review Committee from 2021. A motion was made to initiate the process for a bylaw hearing to amend the animal control regulations. The board discussed the necessary timeline for posting the hearing notice and expressed a willingness to include this issue in future agendas.

The board deliberated on a proposal from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for a shared energy manager position. Granby would receive approximately 276 hours of assistance annually from an energy manager at a cost of $45,000 post-grant, aiding in filing Green Community reports and conducting building assessments. The board approved a motion to sign the grant application.

The meeting also featured discussions on the transition of responsibilities from the current Town Administrator, Mr. Martin, who has served for over 20 years. The board considered forming a search committee for a new Town Administrator. There was debate over including a current Select Board member on the committee to facilitate communication.

Finally, updates on infrastructure projects, including the water project along Route 202 and the paving of Five Corners, were reviewed. The board noted substantial costs and the necessity for careful budget planning.