2011-Annual Town Report - Granby, MA

CONCLUDING STATEMENT
The school committee is justly proud of the staff and students
and of the contributions they have made to the economic health of
our District. The committee recognizes that, in this era of
accountability and high expectations, many changes need to be
made. The increased emphasis on academic skills needs to be
maintained without diminishing the quality of students’ technical
studies.
On January 3, 2011 Senator Brewer’s office announced that
Governor Patrick had signed Chapter 405 of the Acts of 2010, An
Act Validating Certain Proceedings of the Pathfinder Regional
Vocational-Technical High School District, the provisions of
which admitted the town of Oakham to the District retroactive to
July 1, 2010.
The committee is mindful of the prediction that FY13 fiscal
picture will undoubtedly be the most challenging in recent
memory. Despite this bleak outlook, however, the goal will be to
preserve the quality of education that the students deserve.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael J. Cavanaugh, (Palmer), Chairman
Judith C. Dudek, (Belchertown)
Lorraine F Alves, (Belchertown)
William E. Johnson, (Granby)
Julie Quink, (Hardwick)
Andrew I. Jaffee, (Monson)
Duncan Stewart, (New Braintree)
Lisa M. Stabard, (Oakham)
David Droz, (Palmer)
M. Barbara Ray, (Ware)
Thomas Rugani, (Warren)
Gerald L. Paist, Superintendent-Director
SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Name # Inspection Type
BP 16 Gas Pumps
Breezy Acres 1 Scale
Center Pharmacy 8 Pharmacy
Class Grass 1 Scale
Cumberland Farms 16
50
Gas Pumps
Scanners
Dave’s Natural Garden 2 Scales
Granby Country Grain 1 Scale
Lane Construction 3 Scales
Red Fire Farm 4 Scales
Sapowsky Farm 3 Scales
Waste Management 1 Scale
Total Income $ 1654.00
Respectfully submitted,
Jonathon Frye, Sealer of Weights and Measures
SELECTBOARD
The Selectboard meets throughout the year on the first and third
Monday evening (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday) of each month,
generally at 7:00 P.M., and on other occasions as necessary.
The Board welcomed Louis M. Barry as the new member of the
Board after his election in May. The Board welcomed the
McDuffie School to Town. The campus is located at the old St.
Hyacinth Seminary site. We wish them success and anticipate a
long-term relationship with them. The Board also wishes success
to the Fitness by Tanya located on West State Street.
2011 has been a busy year for the Board. The following are a
few of the issues dealt with by the Board:
Landfill – with the expansion of the landfill no longer being
pursued by Waste Management, the Town had to address to future
handling of municipal solid waste. Waste Management also
informed the Board that the free disposal of municipal solid waste,
negotiated in the 2001 host agreement, had expired. The Town as
of January is now responsible for the disposal of waste at $65.23
per ton. As a result of this change, the Board decided to create a
Municipal Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. Under this fund, the costs
of handling municipal waste will now be user fee based. In
addition to this, the Board instituted a waste reduction program
and established rules and fees for residents who wished to continue
to use the drop-off location. The Board continues to consider
other options in dealing with this issue.
Accounting Services – the Board decided to participate in the
regional accounting services program with the Hampshire Council
of Governments.
CWMP – the Board hired AECOM to conduct a Comprehensive
Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) study. This study is
evaluating the complete Town as to the viability of continuing with
the current individual septic system program, to consider the
implementation of a complete Town-wide sewer system or a
combination of both. This study was a Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) approved program under the
State Revolving Loan program.
CDBG – the Board decided to participate in a joint Community
Development Block Grant program with the towns of Belchertown
and Hatfield. Under this program the Town submitted a project
for the Housing project located at Phin’s Hill to repave the parking
area and add additional parking. The Town also submitted a
project for income-eligible residents to apply for assistance in
home repairs. The joint submittal is currently being reviewed for
possible funding.
Green Community – the Board applied for Green Community
designation with the State Department Of Energy Resources. The
Town developed an energy reduction plan, adopted the stretch
code and established an energy committee. The Town was
successful in receiving this designation in 2011.
Town Offices – the Board addressed the issue of town office
space. The Board established an ad-hoc committee to look at
various options to address this issue.
Morgan Street – the Board supported Waste Management in the
installation of a South Hadley Water District I water line along the
lower part of Morgan Street. There had been issues in the past
with water issues for these homes. This was an excellent solution
to this issue.
South Hadley Fire District II – the Board was approached by
residents in Town regarding the duplication of fire and ambulance
services in their section in Town and having to pay twice for the
same services. The Board held a joint meeting with the affected
residents. The Board has had preliminary discussions with District
officials. The Board is continuing to research various alternatives
in resolving this issue.
On the financial front, the Town has been able to maintain its
current level of services even with the current level in State local
aid. The Board wishes to thank off of the Town employees for all
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