Minutes
Filed subject to approval
Present: Pemberton, Karvelis, Thompson
Also present: Doug Hartline, representatives of the Redding Pilot & Danbury News Times, & videographer
First Selectman Pemberton called the June 15, 2015 meeting to order at 7:33 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 18, 2015 as submitted. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 2, 2015 as submitted. Thompson, Karvelis. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION OF 2008 STEAP GRANT FOR IMPROVEMENT TO FIELDS AND ACTION ON EXTENSION
Mrs. Pemberton stated that an application will be made for an extension of the 2008 STEAP Grant for field improvements. Following the defeat of the Turf Field proposal, the Park & Recreation Commission proposed improvements to existing RCC Field #2 that would increase the size of the field to a competition size and improve drainage. Barry Blades (Blades & Goven) consulted with the apparent low bidder for the field conversion project to obtain a rough estimate/budget for the cost of the work needed for a grass field that would increase the size and improve drainage. That estimate, plus the cost of project management and contingency, is $550,000. The Park & Recreation Commission will discuss the matter at their meeting next week (June 22, 2015). ). Mr. Thompson asked whether the requested extension would limit the STEAP grant’s application to existing natural grass field(s) and Ms. Pemberton confirmed that it would.
Mrs. Pemberton is confident that the application for an extension of the STEAP Grant through 2018 will be approved. Of the original grant of $400,000, about $340,000 remains. The extension application requires a Resolution by the Board of Selectmen.
Motion: RESOLVED, that Julia Pemberton, First Selectman of the Town of Redding be and hereby is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town of Redding a Personal Services Agreement Amendment (Grant I.D. #2008-8394) with the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for a $400,000 grant under the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) authority. IN ADDITION, that Julia Pemberton is hereby authorized to enter into such agreements, contracts and execute all documents necessary to said grant with the State of Connecticut. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION OF SESTERCENTENNIAL COMMISSION: 2017
2017 will mark the 250th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Redding. Joe Bonomo, President of the Historical Society, submitted a proposal for the creation of a committee to begin planning for a celebration event. Mrs. Pemberton suggested that the potential membership of the committee be considered, with appointments to be made at the next Board of Selectmen meeting.
DISCUSSION OF TOWN OF REDDING WEBSITE
Mrs. Pemberton presented a preview of the new Town website. She noted that the functionality of the new website has been greatly improved, navigation improved, and the website can be updated in-house.
The final changes are being made and then the website will go “live”. In addition to in-house management of the website, the cost will be reduced. The hosting fee is $50/month, compared with the current website cost management of $4,700/year.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
1. Mark Twain Library STEAP Project: the parking lot enlargement for the Library is moving along nicely. The Library will be closed for a few days for parking lot paving.
2. Utilities Task Force: Mr. Karvelis reported the first meeting of the Task Force was held and the group plans monthly meetings. The next meeting is Thursday at 2 pm and will include a discussion with representatives of Eversource (CL&P). The plan is to explore what can be provided for residents and businesses who are interested in changing to natural gas.
Mr. Karvelis also suggested expanding the scope of the Task Force to include fiber optics.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen expand the scope of the Utilities Task Force to include consideration of the efficacy of utilizing existing fiber optics in the ground that are not currently being used. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
3. Teen Center Subcommittee: Mrs. Pemberton reported that the subcommittee met to discuss process and another meeting is scheduled for next week. The subcommittee membership has suggested additional members, including one teen member. Current members are Joe Dolan, Vanessa Alward, John Board and Linda Mitchell.
4. Umpawaug Schoolhouse conditions assessment: $5,950 was authorized for the assessment of the condition. A bid was received and accepted for a cost of $5,500.
5. Resolution adopting the Town of Redding Hazard Mitigation Plan: Doug Hartline was present and discussed the Hazard Mitigation Plan. FEMA requires each town to have a Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen adopt the Hazard Mitigation Plan as approved by FEMA. Thompson, Karvelis. Approved. Unanimous.
6. Beihn Property status: Pemberton reported the purchase of the Beihn property, 18 Hill Road, is moving forward. The Town of Redding has a $170,000 Grant for the purchase, and the Redding Land Trust is contributing $170,000 and Aquarion is contributing $60,000. When survey documentation is being finalized, a Town Meeting will be scheduled to approve the transfer of funds.
7. Umpawaug Road DEEP property: Planning Commission Report: The request by neighboring property owners for plantings to screen the area, on Umpawaug Road that was devastated by Storm Sandy, was referred to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission did not recommend any action by the Town, but suggested that it is up to the property owners to invest in visual screening buffers on their own property.
8. Area 9 Cable Council appointment: Robert Moran: Moran is the current representative. He noted that the number of viewings of the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance meetings is growing. First Selectmen Pemberton reappointed Mr. Moran as the Area 9 Cable Council representative.
9. Appointments: Commission on Aging:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen reappoint Lea Mintz, Elizabeth Wagner and Jean Whitham to the Commission on Aging for a two year term, July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2017.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to executive session for a discussion of employee compensation. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 pm.
RECONVENE
The meeting was reconvened at 10:03 pm.
Motion: Move that the Board of Selectmen recommend to the Board of Finance a transfer from FY 2015-16 Contingency Account of $88,160 for FY 2015-16 employee compensation. Thompson, Karvelis. Approved. Unanimous.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Move to adjourn the meeting. Thompson, Karvelis. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 10:05 pm.
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary