0:00A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the town’s infrastructure needs, particularly the establishment of a municipal water supply over a 5 to 10-year timeline. This initiative, deemed critical for attracting businesses along Route 202, faced obstacles in negotiations with local water districts. The Select Board explored options, including purchasing water from a different district, which would necessitate substantial investment in infrastructure. Challenges included stalled negotiations with District One and concerns about the town’s water sources’ overall availability.

The feasibility of dredging Du Fra Pond was another key topic, with the board awaiting the outcome of a pilot grant application. The project, intended to enhance local open space, is contingent on securing the necessary funding. Meanwhile, updates to open space and recreation areas were identified as priorities, along with the completion of an open space and recreation plan. The board acknowledged the need for a user-friendly town website to better serve residents, despite potential costs to taxpayers.

A related discussion involved the role of the Town Administrator, with particular attention to grant writing responsibilities. The board had not finalized the Administrator’s contract, creating uncertainty about this crucial function. The lack of clarity in grant writing responsibilities highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to securing funding for town projects. Moreover, the Planning Board proposed digitizing files from the mid-1970s to modernize operations and improve information accessibility. This initiative aimed to streamline processes and reduce paper storage, aligning with the town’s broader modernization goals.

Economic development discussions included the potential formation of an Economic Development Committee, seen as a strategy to attract businesses to Granby. The board considered updates to bylaws, with one member estimating that revisions could cost over $10,000 if external assistance was sought. Concerns about the effectiveness of tax incentives, such as tax increment financing agreements and special tax agreements, were raised. Board members expressed skepticism about these measures’ ability to retain businesses, given potential relocations to other communities post-incentive period.

22:37Personnel changes within the town’s administration were another issue. The board announced the resignation of the building commissioner, effective March 9, as he transitions to a state inspector role. This resignation, coupled with impending retirements, highlighted the challenge of succession planning. The board recognized the difficulty in recruiting new talent, particularly given the financial implications of maintaining dual payrolls during transitions. The aging workforce was noted as a growing concern, with competitive salary demands from larger municipalities complicating retention efforts.

43:34Budgetary constraints and departmental challenges were also discussed. The board highlighted unpaid fire department bills, totaling between $5,000 and $6,000, prompting considerations for a special meeting to address these debts. Additionally, a search for a new general ledger accounting package and payroll service was initiated, with a focus on engaging with ADP and a software firm named Datar. Efforts were made to involve school personnel and the Treasurer in the decision-making process to ensure comprehensive input.

22:37The meeting included citizen participation, with expressions of gratitude for retiring town employees. The board briefly touched on wellness calls to homebound seniors, noting that the new outreach person had yet to start this initiative. Ensuring vulnerable seniors are not overlooked was deemed a priority.

1:16:42Routine administrative tasks included approving entertainment licenses for local organizations and discussing permit fee waivers for nonprofit events. The board also affirmed appointments to a fire chief assessment committee and discussed interim arrangements for the Town Administrator position.