Minutes
Present: Ketcham, Pemberton, Takacs
Also present: 12 members of the public and a representative of the Redding Pilot.
First Selectman Ketcham called the October 21, 2013 meeting to order at 7:35 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2013 meeting as submitted. Pemberton, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the September 23, 2013 meeting as amended. Pemberton, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
Change: page 3, under Administrative Matters, Solarize CT Program, add “solar panels at Redding Elementary School have been installed with a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.”
FINANCIAL REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PLANNING OF MARK TWAIN LIBRARY
Representatives of the Mark Twain Library Association were present to review the finances and planning of the library. President Janis Meehan provided an overall picture of the library and highlighted new services and programs being provided. Treasurer Karen Gifford provided the information on finances and the most recent audit report. She stated that the current fiscal year shows revenue above budget and expenses below budget. The Book Fair was very successful this year primarily due to the extraordinary book donations. They noted the increase in number and quality of programs has increased the number of visitors to the library. Their goal is to continue to offer quality programs and services for all ages of residents.
PARK & RECREATION REQUEST TO TRANSFER STEAP GRANT TO REGION 9
Joe Dolan, chairman of the Board of Finance’s subcommittee on athletic facilities, reported that group is not in agreement with the Park & Recreation Commission’s request to transfer the STEAP grant to the Region 9, Joel Barlow High School, athletic field project. They believe the STEAP grant should remain with the Town of Redding for a turf field at the Redding Community Center. The Barlow field project was approved by the Towns of Redding and Easton, and work is underway on the project. Mr. Dolan noted that there is still a need in Redding for an additional turf field. He stated that a portion of the STEAP grant could be used to rehabilitate a field at John Read Middle School, but the primary focus should be on the conversion of Field 2 at the Redding Community Center from a grass field to a turf field. In addition to providing an increase in field use, the conversion would improve the drainage on the two fields below Field 2. The committee would prefer to move the project forward with the STEAP grant and private fundraising. They believe that, now that the high school project has been approved, private fundraising efforts will be successful. Mr. Dolan intends to consult with Clark Company, the firm doing the work on the high school field, and get a cost estimate for the work on Field 2.
Mrs. Ketcham noted that an extension on the STEAP Grant was requested and approved, with a July 2015 date. Mr. Takacs commented that he fully supports moving the project forward. The Board of Selectmen was in agreement that the STEAP Grant should remain with the Town of Redding, and the project should move forward as originally planned.
PARADE PATH SIGN REQUEST
This item was tabled to the next meeting.
APPOINTMENT
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen appoint Caroline Hunter to the Park & Recreation Commission. Pemberton, Takacs. Approved. Unanimous.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED LEASH ORDINANCE
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the final wording of the proposed Topstone Park Leash Ordinance. The wording of the ordinance was changed slightly, with no substantive change in meaning, to make it easier to comprehend. This item is on the agenda for approval at the Town Meeting on October 30, 2013.
TOWN MEETING NOTIFICATION SURVEY
Mrs. Pemberton reported that 115 people took the online survey regarding method of notification for town meetings. 62 of the respondents said that no additional notification was needed, and 53 responded that more notification was needed. Some of the additional comments asked for email notification, something that is currently available. Mrs. Pemberton will work with Town Clerk to make the “sign-up” for notifications more prominent on the Town’s webpage.
Mr. Takacs suggested that the Town’s voting sandwich boards be used to announce town meetings. Mrs. Ketcham stated that the town has six signs/locations and the wording on the signs could be adapted to provide notice of town meetings.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen approve the use of the sandwich board signs for town meeting notification. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved.Unanimous.
1714-2014 COMMITTEE
Mrs. Ketcham reported that the committee working on the 1714-2014 anniversary has begun working on a celebration of Redding’s history. The committee is made up of members of the Historical Society and the Redding Historians. The goal of the celebration is to educate the public on Redding’s history. The first event will be a display of artifacts at the Mark Twain Library. Plans are underway to incorporate an open house at the Lonetown Museum following the Memorial Day Parade.
PUBLIC COMMENT
James Miller, Middlebrook Pond Road: Mr. Miller was disappointed that only 115 residents responded to the survey. He also commented that a common issue with residents is the condition of the town roads. He suggested that the Board of Selectmen provide the public with a recap of the work that has been accomplished in the past few years. Mrs. Ketcham responded that she intends to issue a report on roadway improvements and plans for the future. The Highway Department has resurfaced/repaired over 50% of the town’s roadways. The Highway Superintendent has completed a study and rating of the condition all the roads in town, along with plans for future repairs and improvements. Mr. Hanson will present that information at the November Board of Selectmen meeting.
Wes Higgins: Mr. Higgins suggested that the report from the Highway Superintendent include information on how Redding stacks up against neighboring towns, in terms of manpower, equipment and budget.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen recess to executive session for a discussion of candidates for the Zoning Enforcement Officer position. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting recessed at 8:38 pm
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 8:58 pm
No further action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary