Board of Selectmen
Monday, September 17, 2018
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectman; Peg O’Donnell, Selectman; Michael Thompson, Selectman.
Also present: members of the WPCC; members of the public; videographers.
1. Call to Order
First Selectwoman Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 8/20/18 Meeting Minutes.
3. WPCC Upgrade Update from Jim Miller
Jim Miller provided a status on the update to the sewage treatment plant. Mr. Miller noted a start date of 11/17 and projected end date of 11/18. The payment schedule was reviewed and the last payment from Veolia to Cal First will be made 7/15/22.
Mr. Miller reported on the power study conducted 10/17 to determine the cause of the 29 voltage upsets in the 30-day testing period. It was determined that the problem was with the battery limits at the treatment plant. Mr. Miller has received quotes to install devices to eliminate voltage distortions. Installation of the devices is not considered critical at this time but should be installed within the next year.
4. Tree Warden: Ash Tree Removal
Julia Pemberton reported that there are three tree wardens now including Jeff Hanson. Random samplings of trees representing 20% of the town were studied and 191 diseased ash trees were identified. A total estimate of 955 dead or dying trees was reported. J. Pemberton clarified that the Town can only remove diseased trees on Town property. The need to establish a procedure to inform residents of diseased trees on their property was noted.
Costs to remove trees average between $500-$600 per tree. J. Pemberton stated that the tree budget will be doubled in the next fiscal year.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to table Items. 5. and 6. pending receipt of new information from Redding Life Care LLC and pending the outcome of a meeting to discuss Eversource scheduled for 9/19/18.
5. Redding Life Care LLC (Meadow Ridge) Tax appeal 2017 grand list
6. Eversource Transmission Projects (2 projects): Discussion and follow up to August 13 community meeting:
-Redding to Wilton Project (1470 line)
-Peaceable substation to Archers Lane substation (1565 line)
5. Appoint Building Official – Shaun Donnelly
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Shaun Donnelly as the Building Official for the next four years.
6. Municipal certificate for Master Equipment Lease Purchase
M. Thompson moved and P. O’Donnell seconded that the Redding Board of Selectmen at a regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen on September 17, 2018 approve and authorize the Finance Director Steve Gniadek to represent the Town of Redding to take action regarding the master equipment lease purchase agreement, #BL01262, dated July 15, 2010 for the schedule properties #7 and #8 dated September 14, 2018, and authorize the executive thereof.
7. Appointment of Emergency Management Director Stephen Schnell
-Doug Hartline as Deputy Emergency Management Director
Julia Pemberton reviewed the role and responsibilities of the Emergency Management Director. P. O’Donnell noted the need to show value to both directors especially since they are not residents of Redding.
Residents are reminded to sign up for CT Alerts and Town of Redding Alerts. Town of Redding Alerts can be accessed via Town website.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Doug Hartline as Deputy Emergency Management Director.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Stephen Schnell as Emergency Management Director.
8. Administrative
a. Pocahontas Road paving request update
b. Roadwork
Julia Pemberton reported that the Planning Commission is awaiting additional responses re: Pocahontas Road.
Scheduled roadwork has not been completed due to rain. J. Pemberton stated that per Jeff Hanson, there will be enough money in the budget next year so a BAN will not be required.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to add Public Comment as Item 9.
9. Public Comment
No comments.
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session to discuss 1. Pending litigations GLDC and 2. Negotiations at 8:05 p.m.
The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. No action was taken.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly