Minutes
Present: Pemberton, Karvelis, Thompson
Also present: four members of the public, representatives of the Redding Pilot & videographers
First Selectman Pemberton called the December 21, 2015 meeting to order at 7:34 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 23, 2015 as submitted. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the meeting of December 14, 2015 as submitted. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON REDDING TRANSFER & RECYCLING STATION: ORGANICS PROGRAM
Jen Iannucci, Director of Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority, presented information about the Organics Program, the recycling of organic material. She noted that the CT DEEP is pushing for more recycling efforts with a goal of reaching 60% by 2024. The Organics Program is currently being used in Newtown and Ridgefield. Ms. Iannucci noted that organics are the largest materials being disposed of and the most costly. The program provides for the recycling of organics, i.e. coffee grounds, filters, tea bags, fruits, nuts, vegetables, dairy products, egg shells, sauces, plate scrappings, flowers, plants, breads, meat, poultry, paper towels & napkins.
The CT DEEP has grant money, up to $20,000, available that could be used to supply the users with handy collection and carry containers. Discussion followed. The Selectmen were in agreement to move forward with the grant application process and with a brief survey of residents regarding their use of the Organics Program.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON TOWN OF REDDING SANITARY CODE
Health Officer, Doug Hartline, proposed the adoption of a Sanitary Code for the Town. The ordinance specifically deals with food establishments, water supply and sewage disposal. Mr. Hartline has reviewed the ordinance with the Water Pollution Control Commission with regard to the Federal FOG (Fats Oils & Grease) regulations. He plans to ask the Planning Commission to review the document at their next meeting. Mrs. Pemberton noted that Tax Collector Moisio is in support of the ordinance.
The Board of Selectmen will review the material at the January meeting, and the next step would be approval of the Ordinance at a town meeting.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON WPCC REQUEST FOR REPLACEMENT OF A SCREENER AT THE TREATMENT FACILITY
Rich Regan, Chairman of the WPCC, explained that the purpose of the screener is to eliminate large objects before the material enters the treatment process. The plant has two screeners, but one is not functioning and needs to be replaced. An estimate of material and installation costs was provided and the WPCC is requesting a sum not to exceed $35,000.
The Selectmen were in agreement that the request should move forward to the Board of Finance for funding.
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen refer the request for replacement of the Screener for the Georgetown Treatment Plant to the Board of Finance, and that they determine how to fund the cost of up to $35,000. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE
Reappointment:
Motion: move that the Redding Board of Selectmen reappoint Hank Bielawa to the Board of Ethics. Karvelis, Thompson. Approved. Unanimous.
OTHER BUSINESS
Tree Trimming: Mrs. Pemberton reported that Eversource has provided a list of roads that had trees trimmed in 2015, and a list of roads scheduled for trimming in 2016. The Town Clerk will have a copy of the lists available in the office.
Historic Cemeteries: Mrs. Pemberton reported that Mr. Paradise has taken care of removing the damaged and fallen headstones. These are currently safely stored until the repair work can be done. The next step is to consider the funding options for the repair work.
Utilities Task Force: Mr. Karvelis reported that representatives of Southern CT Gas discussed the extension of service to the Georgetown area. They stated that there is sufficient capacity to include the Georgetown area and the Georgetown wire mill project when it moves forward. The Task Force is moving forward on a survey of residents regarding access and usage of high speed internet service.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
This was cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Move to adjourn the meeting. Thompson, Karvelis. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm.
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary