Minutes
Present: Pemberton, Karvelis, Thompson
Also present: six members of the public, representatives of the Redding Pilot & Danbury News Times, & videographer
First Selectman Pemberton called the August 17, 2015 meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 20, 2015 as submitted. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF PAVEMENT PRESERVATION
Jeff Hanson, Director of Public Works, introduced Dan Patenaude, Sealcoating Inc., who presented information on the importance of preservation of pavement and potential budgetary benefits. The presentation was followed by questions/answers.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF REDDING-EASTON BOYS & GIRLS CLUB REQUEST FOR PROGRAM GRANT SUPPORT
Rich Colangelo, President of the Redding-Easton Boys & Girls Club (REBG), was present to discuss the Club’s request for program grant support. The REBG relies on donations to keep several important programs operating, including the Torch Club, Keystone, Spelling Bee and senior shoveling. Mr. Colangelo noted that of the Club’s $450,000 annual budget, approximately $100,000 is funded by donations. Sources of funds include the annual donation drive, golf tournament and other fundraising activities. The sports programs operated by the Club are self-sustaining.
Mr. Karvelis noted the importance of requesting a similar grant request of funding from the Town of Easton. Mr. Colangelo noted that currently, the participation is 80% from Redding and 20% from Easton, and he does intend to approach the Easton officials after Redding makes a commitment.
Mrs. Pemberton stated that Redding’s current budget includes $10,000 for social services grant allocations. She suggested that the REBG’s request be considered and a decision made at a future meeting.
Barbara Rhymann, a member of the audience, asked for clarification of the process for determining what non-profits organizations would receive funding.
DISCUSSION OF THE CT GREEN BANK C-PACE PROGRAM
Genevieve Sherman of the CT Green Bank C-Page Program outlined the goal and purpose of the program. The goal is to reduce energy consumption in commercial and non-profit buildings by providing financing for energy efficiency upgrades. She detailed how the program works and the role that the Town of Redding would play.
Mrs. Pemberton stated that Temple B’nai Chaim in Georgetown has a solar panel installation project ready to go and would like to take advantage of the CT Green Bank program.
To move the program forward, Mrs. Pemberton would like to discuss the program with the Redding Tax Collector, have Town Counsel review the proposal, speak with representatives of Temple B’nai Chaim, and share and discuss the information with the Board of Finance. A Town Meeting would be required to take action on the program.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION INCENTIVE HOUSING ZONES
Mrs. Pemberton stated that two Incentive Housing Zones have been approved and adopted. A $20,000 grant is available to continue the work that could include land acquisition and consultant fees. Application for the grant includes the establishment of a committee. Toby Welles of the Planning Commission has agreed to serve on the committee in a interim transitional position. Nancy King has also agreed to serve on the committee. Mrs. Pemberton suggested resident Joe Novak as a community representative for the committee.
The charge for the committee was reviewed and discussed.
Motion: Move that the Redding Board of Selectmen to authorize the establishment of an Incentive Housing Committee, to be made up of no more than five members and no fewer than three, for the purpose of predevelopment planning activities related to the implementation of Redding’s Incentive Housing Zones, reporting to the Board of Selectmen on a quarterly basis. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Appointment to the Incentive Housing Zone Committee:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen appoint Toby Welles, Nancy King, and Joe Novak to the Incentive Housing Zone Committee. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
Teen Center Subcommittee appointments:
Mrs. Pemberton asked that this item be tabled.
Appointment to Historic Review Committee:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen appoint Ray D’angelo to the Historic Review Committee. Thompson, Karvelis. Approved. Unanimous.
Discussion of textile recycling boxes at the Recycling Center:
A proposal was presented to provide textile recycling boxes at the Recycling Center. All textile materials, including clothing, linens, stuffed animals, would be collected and sent off for recycling, with the town receiving revenue for the collected items. Board members discussed the proposal and were in agreement that this would be a good alternative for disposal of items.
Discussion of Neglected Cemeteries Grant application:
Mrs. Pemberton reported there is a $2,000 state grant available to help with the maintenance of neglected cemeteries. Robert Paradise, the caretaker of the Town’s oldest cemeteries, described the conditions of the stones in the Barlow, Center, Sport Hill, Lonetown, and Marchant cemeteries. The Barlow stone and Sanford stone in the Barlow Cemetery are in especially bad condition. In addition, several stones have fallen and need to be reset. Mr. Paradise stated that the $2,000 grant would be a good beginning for the important stone preservation.
Motion: move that the Board of Selectmen authorize the First Selectman to apply for the Neglected Cemeteries Grant as discussed. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved Unanimous.
Other items:
Referendum: Mrs. Pemberton reminded all of the Referendum vote on Tuesday for the approval of the Barlow Roof project.
The Umpawaug School building assessment has been completed and work on grant applications has begun. The primary item to be addressed is the damage to the foundation from roadway run off. Some road work will be required to improve the drainage and divert the runoff away from the foundation of the building.
School tax issue with Bethel: The assessment of tax for the school transportation fleet was resolved, with the court deciding for the school district. The taxes paid over the 3-year period, approximately $181,000, will be refunded. About $60,000 will be come back to Redding’s General Fund, the same amount to the Town of Easton and to Region 9.
Regional Drug Crisis Task Force:
Mr. Thompson noted a recent News Times article highlighting an initiative by several nearby town leaders, including Redding’s, to establish a Drug Crisis Task Force, and asked Mrs. Pemberton to describe this important effort.
Mrs. Pemberton stated the unfortunate increase in heroin and opiate addiction over the last few years in Western Connecticut and elsewhere, and discussed the proposed Task Force’s goals of seeking to make awareness of the epidemic, and leverage regional resources to advertise the crisis.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Move to adjourn the meeting. Thompson, Karvelis. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary