GRANBY — In the first of two Town Meetings on Monday, residents will vote on a citizens petition for a new Massachusetts state seal, along with capital expenditures for the Veterans Memorial, West Street Building and public safety departments.
Granby typically splits the annual Town Meeting into two dates. The first meeting takes place at the East Meadow Elementary School at 7 p.m. The second part, on June 8, will include the $28.2 million operating budget.
However, a citizens petition to support a new state flag and seal stands out among the capital requests. The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission established in 2024 has sorted through over 1,000 design submissions to find a replacement for the state flag. The current design depicts Commander of Plymouth Colony Myles Standish holding a sword over an Indigenous man’s head, as if preparing to swing.
The petition submitted by Leonard Yakir describes the history and controversy around the Massachusetts state symbols. The resolution requests town and state legislative support for the advisory commission to pick a new design “that may better reflect our aspirations for harmonious and respectful relations between all peoples who now call Massachusetts home.”
The Granby Veterans Memorial Park aims to enhances its recreational offerings with a large pavilion over the foundation of the former garage. The town will fund $40,000 of the $53,000 project, and the rest of the funds will come from the Friends of Granby Veterans. Jason Richards, chair of the Granby Veterans Memorial Committee, said the pavilion would include fans and electricity for concerts, picnics and the annual Christmas tree lighting.
“We’re hoping that it will highlight the town itself, and bring people to the center of town and add to the overall park theme,” Richards said.
As town offices prepare for their new home at West Street Building, Town Meeting voters will contemplate approving $30,000 to move furniture and documents from the Town Hall Annex and Senior Center to West Street. Internet installation in the new building is also on the warrant, which costs $51,300.
New vehicles are the most common capital item on the warrant. The Fire Department is requesting an all-terrain vehicle with a trailer for $76,000 and new radios $60,000. The Highway Department requested a dump truck for $120,000, and a new cruiser for the Police Department costs around $73,000.
Other capital expenditures include new lighting for the Granby Public Library and an emergency generator for the high school.
