Minutes
Present: Pemberton, Karvelis, Thompson
Also present: three members of the public, two representatives of Eversource, and a representative of the Redding Pilot
First Selectman Pemberton called the October 20, 2014 meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 9, 2015 as submitted. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 12, 2015 as submitted. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 22, 2015 as submitted. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 6, 2015 as submitted. Thompson, Pemberton. Approved. 2-0-1. Mr. Karvelis abstained.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON CREATION OF A UTILITIES TASK FORCE
The representatives of Eversource/Yankee Gas provided an update of the plans for future expansion, specifically bringing natural gas availability to the area. Discussion, questions and answers followed.
Mr. Karvelis recommended the creation of a task force to focus on bringing natural gas to the Georgetown area, to learn more, provide documentation, and explore partnering with providers. He suggested a one-year period to do the research on the subject. Mr. Karvelis introduced Don Cullman who has had experience in the energy field, and suggested he be a member of the Task Force.
Motion: move that a Redding Board of Selectmen approve the formation of a Utilities Task Force, specifically to explore the implementation of natural gas service/delivery to the Georgetown area, commencing on April 20, 2015, for a period ending on June 30, 2016, a minimum of three and a maximum of five members with appropriate backgrounds in the area, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, and reporting to the Board of Select men. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to appoint Don Cullman to the Utilities Task Force. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Capital Projects Forum Update: Mrs. Pemberton reviewed the Capital Project Forum which was held to provide information and specifics for the public. These included the RCC Field #2 Turf Field conversion project, $660,000; RCC pavilion project, $47,000, and the Communication Tower additional funding of $123,000. Also included were the Board of Education capital items, HVAC design work at both schools, curbing and paving at both schools, electrical upgrade at RES, security door & pavement work at RES. All of the information is available on the Town website.
May 5th Referendum Ballot: The referendum ballot was reviewed. The ballot will be a full legal size piece of paper, listing all the items to be voted on.
Mrs. Pemberton noted that absentee ballots cannot be mailed to voters. The voter must appear in the Town Clerk’s Office to vote by absentee. Ballots will be available in the Town Clerk office beginning on Thursday, April 23, 2015.
Update on Biehn Property Grant: Mrs. Pemberton reported on the receipt an email agreement from the owner of the property for the contract to sell the property. The Town of Redding has a state grant for $170,000 toward the purchase, the Redding Land Trust is providing $170,000, and Aquarion Water is providing the remaining $60,000. Final paperwork is being completed on the purchase. A Town Meeting will be scheduled to approve the purchase of the property.
Conservation Commission Chair David Pattee described how the acquisition of the property will enhance and connect with the existing trail system through Redding. Two or three miles of new trails will be created to connect the trails.
Legislative Session: Mrs. Pemberton provided a brief update on legislative matters.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary