Board of Selectmen
Monday, November 19, 2018
Town Hall Hearing Room, 7:30 p.m.
MINUTES
Present: Julia Pemberton, First Selectwoman; Peg O’Donnell, Selectwoman; Michael Thompson, Selectman.
Also present: members of the public; reporter; videographers.
- Call to Order
Julia Pemberton called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
- Approval of Minutes
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted to approve the 10/15/18 Meeting Minutes. J. Pemberton abstained.
- Communications Center and Fire Radio Upgrade
Bennett Pardee, Ron Gass and Phyllis Magnussen were present from Redding Fire & EMS Company #1. Submitted materials were reviewed by Mr. Pardee. P. Magnussen stated that the needs of each district were being evaluated by technical working groups within each district. Both short-term and long-term actions are being considered. The goal is for all three fire departments to be on the same system at the same time along with the communications center. Mr. Gass confirmed that Steve Schnell will be part of the upcoming discussions.
Mr. Pardee noted that the pagers currently in use can be repaired but cannot be replaced. Each district is committed to purchasing their own equipment and Mr. Pardee stated that the current estimates are rough and could fluctuate in either direction. Infrastructure costs and Police Department radios and consoles will also need to be considered. Julia Pemberton stated that it is preferable to upgrade the Fire and Police Department equipment at the same time.
Mr. Pardee offered to provide a spare radio to members of BOS to listen to the type of communications with the current equipment. J. Pemberton will consult with Steve Schnell and will attend a Board of Finance meeting re: funds needed from the town for their portion of the design phase of the project (25%).
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to move Agenda Item 6. to Agenda Item 4.
- Revisions to Redding’s Solid Waste Ordinance (statutory)
Jen Heaton-Jones from Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority was present along with Highway Superintendent Jeff Hanson and Peggy Palmer. Ms. Heaton-Jones reviewed Redding’s solid waste numbers and discussed the role of HRRA and their goal of 60% recycling by 2024. Redding is currently at 36%.
Ms. Heaton-Jones discussed the negative results of recycling glass in the current single-stream recycling mode. She suggested a pilot program whereby a separate bin is provided at the transfer station for separate glass recycling. She also suggested promoting the organics program. J. Pemberton stated that the new newsletter will include information about the various programs.
- FY 2019-20 Budget Calendar: Review important dates
Julia Pemberton reviewed upcoming dates for FY 2019-20 workshops and discussions. She noted that the sessions will be recorded this year to encourage resident participation.
- Board of Selectmen Meeting Dates for 2019
No discussion.
- Special Town Meeting to consider and vote upon revisions to the Solid Waste Ordinance.
First Selectwoman Pemberton will review the current Ordinance and submit proposed changes for review after which a Special Town Meeting may be scheduled.
- Appointments
Stuart Green-reappointment to Conservation Commission
Susan Robinson-reappointment to Conservation Commission
Town of Redding Co-Historians –Bruce Nelson & Brent Colley
On the motion of P. O’Donnell and the second of M. Thompson, the Board voted unanimously to re-appoint Stuart Green and Susan Robinson to the Conservation Commission.
On the motion of J. Pemberton and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Bruce Nelson and Brent Colley as co-Historians for the Town of Redding.
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to re-appoint David Lewson to the Board of Ethics.
9. Administrative
a. Eversource maintenance projects
Julia Pemberton reported that residents are upset at the appearance of roads, pads and clearing of trees. She discussed roadway restoration at a meeting with Eversource on 10/31/18.
b. Long Ridge Road realignment project
The Long Ridge realignment project has gone out to bid and the contract is projected to be awarded within the next two weeks. The projected start date is April 2019.
c. Station Road Bridge project
The Station Road Bridge is scheduled for summer 2019.
- Public Comment
Jeanne Wendschuh thanked the Board for scheduling the two bridge projects at the same time.
- Adjournment
On the motion of M. Thompson and the second of P. O’Donnell, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kristi C. Reilly