Minutes
Present: Ketcham, Pemberton, Takacs
Also present: four members of the public.
First Selectman Ketcham called the February 11, 2013 meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2013 meeting as submitted. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the January 28, 2013 joint meeting with the Board of Finance as submitted. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION OF REDDING FACEBOOK ADMINISTRATION
Barry Robinson, the coordinator of the Redding Technology Center in the Community Center, requested permission to establish a Facebook page for the Technology Center. He explained that this would provide him with a means to better market the availability of classes and services provided by the Technology Center. The current Town of Redding Facebook page is administered by Julia Pemberton and Mary Maday. The page is primarily used for social events and notices, but is also used in times of severe weather conditions or other emergency events. The majority of postings include links to the Town’s website or other websites for specific information. To date there have been no problems or misuse of the page.
The Selectmen discussed the need to establish a written policy and procedure regarding Facebook. It was suggested that Mr. Robinson use the established Facebook page rather than establish a separate one.
This will be an agenda item for further discussion at the next meeting.
DISCUSSION OF 2013-14 BUDGET
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the updated 2013-14 proposed operating budget. Heath insurance is still an open item and further information and options are being explored, including joining with the ER9 self-funded insurance plan. A special meeting on February 25, 2013, prior to the Board of Finance meeting, was set to finalize the budget proposal.
APPOINTMENTS
Motion: move to appoint Jim Bacon as a Planning Commission Alternate. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to appoint Jerry Sarnelli as a Constable with a term to run from 2/11/13 to 11/19/13. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION ON VIDEO NETWORK PROJECT
Mrs. Pemberton reported she is working on what areas or assets of Redding that would be highlighted in a video promotional presentation. She is exploring options for the actual production of the video, including working in conjunction with Joel Barlow High School students. Other volunteers would be welcome to assist with the shooting and editing of the video. She envisions a short video of two minutes with a narration. There could be additional segments with further detail or specifics on areas such as open space, education, recreation, etc. Mrs. Pemberton will have more to report at the next regular meeting.
TOWN MEETING FEBRUARY 13, 2013
Mrs. Ketcham reminded all that there is a Town Meeting scheduled for February 13, 2013 to vote on expenditures for the additional school security initiatives, capital expenditures for the schools, and acceptance of Costa Lane as a Town road. Contingency plans are being developed if the weather conditions pose a problem making attendance at the meeting difficult for town residents.
PUBLIC COMMENT
James Miller, Middlebrook Pond Road: Mr. Miller asked if “affordable health care” was the cause of the higher health care costs. Mrs. Ketcham responded that it certainly has impacted the cost.
Chris Hocker, Picketts Ridge Road: Mr. Hocker, a member of the Region 9 Board of Education, stated that may be potentially beneficial financially to join with the ER9 in the self-insured health care plan.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Takacs, Pemberton. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary